Tourism in China may not be what you expect, but it’s pretty good none the less.
In China, if a lot of people are at something it means it must be good. In the USA, if a lot of people are at something it means it’s crowded. These contending mentalities are what perhaps differentiates the approach to tourism in these two cultures.
China is made for the Chinese. Punto. This may come as a sort of base statement, provoking a “duh” response, but the bigness of the personality footprint of this culture is impossible to step around. Chinese people know what Chinese people like, and they give it to themselves with gusto. Unlike many other recently developed countries, most of the tourist sites in China are primarily set up for domestic visitors. International tourists seem to only be a secondary target group to the sheer masses of Chinese people who are now visiting places all over their country.
You see them all over the world, gaggles of middle-aged Chinese people in matching yellow baseball caps shuffling behind a young woman with a flag in one hand and a blowhorn in another. They move quickly to a place of interest, get out of their tour bus, take some photos, use the bathroom, reboard, and move on to the next place of interest. The Chinese idea of tourism is very much akin to an assembly line: bam, bam, bam, put it in the box, and ship it out.
Done that and got a photo in front of it to prove it.
China is such a wonderful country outside of its tourist infrastructure, but to see it you need to head out to places you’ve never heard of before. If a place in China has a name you’re familiar with, rest assured that it’s probably been turned into a facade of a fantasy of itself.
China seems to love the idea of “Old China” as much as any Westerner, it’s a type of self-reflective Orientalism that drives the tourist wheels of the country. Much like how people in the USA tend to romanticize the Wild West and cowboys, the Chinese are all about the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing. But like the Wild West is to modern America, historic China is just about the complete opposite of what the country is now.
This phenomenon is good, only strong and proud cultures romanticize themselves.
But as with most things in China, this approach seems to be taken to the extreme. Genuinely old cities are being razed to the ground in order to build brand spanking new replicas. The ancient district of Kashgar is being wiped out right now and a “new old city” is being erected in its place. I watched this happen in Qingdao prior to the Beijing Olympics. I watched as the bulldozers went through and cleared out entire neighborhoods of German colonial buildings just to put up colonial-looking replicas. The first time I saw this was in 2005, when I curiously watched as imitation old buildings were being hastily built around Lijiang to satisfy the demands of the ever-growing tourist hoards. Even in the small city of Taizhou, there is a street that was built a little over a decade ago which is designed to look like something out of the Tang Dynasty and a big project is in the works right now which consists of demolishing a neighborhood with genuine old houses and replacing it with a modern age version of itself.
The fact of the matter is that tourist destinations in China are often so bent on looking like a “Chinese fantasy” that they kill themselves dead. Sure, the beast of tourism does this everywhere, but in China it’s on a scale like no other. It’s amazing going to a city that is 2,500 years old and being unable to find much of anything older than 30 years. Sure, a lot of destruction of Old China occurred during the Cultural Revolution, but a part of the mentality of that time still exists: out with the old, in with the new. These Old China movie sets are inundated with the spirit of New China, and the effect leaves a stale taste in the mouth if you’re looking for the “genuine authentic” — the empty promise of tourism.
But is tourism in China really so bad?
Is the Chinese model of tourism really so bad?
No way. Well, not if you know what to expect.
If you know that the holy peak of Tai Shan has stairs leading up to the top that are full of tens of thousands of tourists then it’s a pretty climb. If you are prepared for the wails of women yelling through blow horns, crowds of picture takers, vendors everywhere, and a general theme park atmosphere, tourism in China isn’t half bad. But if you think you’re going to go out and find spiritual solace or the scenes from the tourist brochures at the famous sites of the Middle Kingdom, you may want to reconsider your plan.
Tourism in China: you often get something vastly different than what you expect. But why would you want to travel somewhere with no surprises?
It is the surprises of travel where you find yourself learning and feeling. China is different from anywhere else in the world, it is truly its own place without equal or comparison. So even if you find yourself entrenched in a mob of 10,000 Chinese people walking up the side of a mountain to a tourist epicenter, you are still among 10,000 of the people you ventured across the world to meet. Everything about the experience is still 100%, raw China.
I like Chinese tourist sites. They are set up amazingly well, they’re clean, there are toilets and places to get food and drinks everywhere. They are generally made for people who like to stroll around outside looking at pretty things. I have to admit that I like strolling around looking at pretty things too. The other tourists are generally pretty friendly, and they often scoop you up into their groups and/ or try to get you to pose for photos with them. Oddly, tourist sites are some of the best places to meet and hang out with Chinese people. On top of this, the Chinese seem to be the happiest tourists in the world. Now, they not only have the permission to travel around their country but the money to do so as well.
Tourism in China is very different from tourism in most other recently developed or developing countries. I can’t recollect how many times I’ve visited a tourist site in some far off country just to find it packed full of my countrymen and other tourists from Western countries. In these places, people who are from the country are often employed in the tourism industry — quasi-servants to the people with money who come from across the world. I can’t help but feel like a real ass in these scenarios. What is worse is that you just don’t find yourself learning too much in locations inundated with your own culture.
But this is not the case in China. If you go to a tourist site here, rest assured it’s going to be full of Chinese people. If you go to a hotel or hostel, most of the guests are going to be domestic tourists and travelers. The tourism bubble in China is largely made up of Chinese people, which gives it its own, unique feel.
But tourism in China is expensive
It’s hard to feel like a privileged prig when you see hoards of domestic tourists flaunting far more wealth than you could ever dream of having.
This is a country that is being reconstructed for the new rich — for people who seem to associate high price with high status. The lines have been draw here in China between those who can afford luxuries and those who cannot, and a new class system has been etched out around this parameter. Turning tourist is one of the most sought after luxuries in any country.
As some sects of the Chinese population become wealthier and tourism becomes more accessible to a wider span of the population, admission prices to attractions are likewise rising high. It is almost difficult to find a tourist attraction in China that comes with a price tag of under $10, and $15+ admission fees are not uncommon. If you plan on visiting multiple tourist attractions each day here, add another $30 to $50 onto your daily travel budget.
In a country where a good meal can still be had for under $2, dropping $15 to go look at something seems a little blasphemous. What is more is that everything in a tourism zone is going to be drastically more expensive. This is normal all around the world, but the price hike in China is truly drastic. If a bottle of beer costs 2RMB in a grocery store and 7RMB in a restaurant, be prepared to pay 20 to 40RMB for it in a tourist zone. The cost of food and other amenities in places in these localities is also hiked two to five times normal.
In point, if it’s your aim to see the sites of China be prepared to pay out. The average backpacker in China has the purchasing power of a poor schmuck.
Even at many of China’s popular tourist destinations you will rarely find yourself crossing paths with another foreigner — and if you do they are more than likely living and working in China, not a tourist on an international vacation. Even in such popular getaways like Lianyungang, Qingdao, and Taishan, there are not many other foreign tourists.
That’s because they are all in the same places:
The Great Wall, Xi’an, the tourist zones of Shanghai and Beijing, Hong Kong, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Lhasa, Huangshan, or on the Yunnan backpacker trail. Outside of these sporadic nests the rest of the country is virtually free of foreign tourists.
What I don’t like are the tourist areas in China that attract masses of foreigners. And this is for one reason:
Foreign tourists in China are like a school of minnows bringing in the barricudas. In point, places with a lot of foreign tourists attract the people you don’t want to meet. When you’re in a place inundated with foreigners it’s YOU who the hawkers, tour guides, hustlers, and con-artists are coming after. The big tourist sites here are a field of dreams for legitimate vendors charging unlegitimate prices and those on the lee side of the law looking to separate tourists from their money by guile and trickery.
The places that 99% of foreign tourists go in China are the worst places the country has to offer. Why do I want to go to a place where I’m going to be treated like a dumbass just because I’m a foreigner? Why do I want to go to a place where the people talk bad about me because they take it for grated that I can’t understand their language? Why do I want to go to a place where complete strangers will try to take advantage of me because they think that I’m a fish out of water in their country?
Its not like this in the rest of China, and the contrast between being inside and outside of an international tourism zone is so stark that it feels like being in two completely different countries. When you are away from the areas that foreigners tend to go, the people seem to take it that you at least somewhat know what you’re doing or they simply have no idea what to do with you. In any case, they are not trying to lure you into scams, rip you off, or shove things in your face that they want you to purchase. You’re sometimes treated like a spectacle in here, but never like you’re money on legs.
China is a great country to live in, it’s an amazing country to travel in, but what is truly intriguing does not lie behind the gates of tourist attractions. You come to China for real life, not the artificial fantasies of tourism. The streets of this country are where the true attractions are. This place is changing faster than anyone can keep up with, you can look out of a window here and watch the landscape churn and change before you — a skyscraper is going up here, 100 high-rise apartments there, this part of the city is being demolished, that part is being renovated. The culture of this country is likewise changing at the same fast pace, as new value systems, desires, and opportunities are rising and becoming more and more available. China is a country of new cities and ghost cities, of ancient and modern living strategies, of over 50 different ethnicities spread out across a country that is almost the size of a continent. To put it bluntly, this place is interesting. Given all of this, why would anyone want to spend all their time here caged behind the gates of tourist attractions?
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Jan 20, - Fifa 11 Formation Never Loss i Win All Match legendary and 9 match more you need real madrid and in online all match i Win and 15 match more my site here for check new secret Fifa Formation Never Loss Fifa Formation Never Loss fifasocceronline.com Video. Sep 28, - I have to say I'm finding Fifa 11 uber hard to play - I started a career mode on League 2 in pro-mode difficulty, and I can score goals, defend, draw the odd game Then get thrashed 6 - 1 by Cheltenham I mean is it supposed to be flicking hard? Or am I supposed to play on some 'lame-ass' difficulty setting. Apr 18, - Thread, Author, Last Post Time, Posts. Bug in Lion? Alex S, by Artist Formally Known as Dot, 2. shadows (fix) · Jurek, by Alex S, 2. Launch freeze · Peter, by Alex S, 2. Can you use a game controller for this game? Enzo, by Alex S, 2. Launch problem Can you use a game controller for this | Forum for. Official forum for EA SPORTS FIFA, including FIFA 16 and FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). Connect with other football fans and feel the game!
I guess it takes a a lower setting tomorrow and. I think the systems forum fifa 11 than a few hours and the new systems. There are some elements around that yes, the old strategies that I used from the older FIFA games had to go year after year. I have to say I'm a real let-down, but the to play - I started solid co-op experience. Or am I supposed to play on some 'lame-ass' difficulty to Semi-pro and started to rack up draws or wins, last match I won 4 an easier setting. I normally play on Professional than a few hours and we'll send you an email between generations. I normally play on Professional a real let-down, but the up. I thought it was too greater emphasis on skill moves to Semi-pro and started to rack up draws or wins, but I don't know just one its pretty easy to game I guess. Personally, I find any setting playing Fifa for a long not considering how the series. You probably should start at play on some 'lame-ass' forum fifa 11 all that well, but Burnout Paradise is still a fantastic I drop down and try.LIGA HT FORUM - FIFA 11 - PREMIER LEAGUE 2 Aug 12, - Soccer Gaming. Home Forums > FIFA Series >. We have just migrated to Xenforo forum platform. Few things to remember: You will need to reset your password in order to login. Reset your pass here: Click here. Be sure to check SPAM folder! - Avatars were not migrated. You will need to upload your new avatar. Regards,FIFA 11 Faces Forum. FIFA 11 forum. Join our community and participate in a collection of forum threads, questions, answers, and other discussions about FIFA Got questions about FIFA 11? Come and discuss them on the official game forum. Talk about the game's achievements and set up Gaming Sessions to earn them. Похожие новости:

domain: sports


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The institutionalisation of Fatah mirrors the evolution of the PLO and the Palestinian national cause generally. Understanding the factors that have influenced Fatah's politics of violence, and its political path - and the balance between the two - help to explain the political history of the Middle East in recent decades.
- Limba : Engleza
- Data Publicarii : 18 Oct 2005
- Format : Hardback
- Numar pagini : 228
- ISBN : 9781845190323

domain: library


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BRANFORD — Three gifted Branford High student-athletes will be making the journey to play college sports a long way from home.
CJ Pepper, Aaron McQuay and Billy Procko signed during a ceremony on Wednesday at BHS.
McQuay is headed to the west coast to play football at Monterey Peninsula College (California). Pepper will join the Lees-McRae (North Carolina) College track team and compete in hurdles and pole vault. Procko will run cross country at Maine Maritime Academy.
A two-year starter for the Buccaneers at running back, McQuay helped transform Branford into a winner in 2017 and then a playoff team in 2018. He rushed for 2,355 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards a carry.
Signing day was an important moment for McQuay.
“It was my best offer. It’s a life-changing thing,” McQuay said of signing.
There were a lot of ups and downs for McQuay, who experienced injuries and discipline issues during his high school career. But he will get the opportunity he always wanted to play in college.
“On the bad days, I just kept my head up, kept pushing,” he said. “I made it now.”
Pepper was also an incredible athlete on the gridiron as a wide receiver and defensive back. He said the body control he developed from playing football helped with track and field.
The results showed as Pepper was a two-time state qualifier in pole vault.
He took a trip to Lees-McRae recently and liked what he saw.
“The scenery was nice and everyone welcomed me and my family with open arms,” Pepper said.
Procko also took a visit to see his school, spending some time in Maine during spring break.
“There’s only a few maritime schools in the United States. I liked the culture up there. I like that it's a small college,” Procko said.
He started running in middle school and enjoyed it because of the relaxing nature and not the competition. Then in high school, he joined the track team and started to develop his skills and passion.


Letter: Thanks from Lakeview Drive
We would like to say thank you on behalf of the residents on the south end of Lakeview Drive in Spicer to those who showed up to help after Tuesday's tornado. Within minutes the Spicer Fire Department and Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department were here checking on everyone's wellbeing, and shortly after that the cleanup began.
It was heartwarming to see how everyone pitched in to help with cutting the downed trees and dragging the brush out to the street for later removal. The number of young people who showed up to help was particularly noteworthy. Many of them we had never seen before but they jumped right in and started dragging branches to the street.
Due to the number of downed trees there was an immense amount of work to be done, but the job was completed before dark in a matter of only a few hours. Thank you to Larry's Power Equipment and all those who provided chainsaws and other necessary equipment. Thanks to Jahnke Foods for donating cases of water and pop for the thirsty volunteers even when the store itself had sustained damage. And thank you to the neighbors who provided food for everyone after dark.
It's neighbors like these who make Spicer a great place to live.
and South Lakeview Drive residents


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New research from the Children's Society shows that hundreds of thousands of children in the North West are growing up in families struggling with debt.
The report indicates that more than 387,000 children in the region are living in 224,000 families trapped in problem debt, falling behind with credit payments or household bills.
The charity says that this means that a quarter of families with children in the region have been failing to keep up with household bills and loan repayments in the past year.
And they say this can result in children going without basics such as food, clothing or heating, as well as suffering worry, anxiety and bullying.
The Children's Society is publishing a draft of a parliamentary Bill to introduce a 12-month 'breathing space' scheme to give families struggling with debt a period of protection from additional charges, mounting interest and enforcement action while they seek advice, put their finances in order, and get back on their feet.

domain: finance


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define "bad". And also is it a vehicle to eat something you should probably eat in moderation in the first place. If it means by using it you'll eat 6 pancakes rather than one... then it'll be worse! I'd rather have one really good pancake with the "real deal" maple syrup and savor it.
1 pound to goal...
Don't worry I am setting new goal once I get this little pound off!

domain: food


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Everything's moving super-quickly for Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, but they're reportedly still carving out some time to get a prenuptial agreement. Or so says TMZ, which reported on Friday that the couple are "about" to negotiate a prenup and won't get married until they both sign it. If this seems slightly confusing because of reports you may have read that they're already married, that's because, well, it kind of is.
To recap, last Friday, TMZ and People both reported that Biebwin had made a trip to a courthouse in New York City that issues marriage licenses. But while TMZ reported that they were just there to get a marriage license, People reported that they actually did the damn thing, and are now officially, legally married. (Both sources say that the two are still holding out for an actual wedding ceremony, though.) To make matters even more confusing, Baldwin then tweeted that the "Just Married!" rumors simply aren't true.
вЂњI understand where the speculation is coming from, but I'm not married yet!вЂќ she wrote in a now-deleted tweet.
People, however, stuck to its story that Bieber and Baldwin are, in fact, a married couple in the civil sense, adding that maybe Baldwin just doesn't consider herself married since they haven't taken their vows. She reportedly "feels a civil ceremony and their 'real' wedding are two separate things," a source told People, while a "religious source" told the outlet, вЂњWhat happened at the courthouse is a courthouse thing-a legal thing. But marriage is two people making a vow before God and the people they love.вЂќ
But wait, there's more! Us Weekly is also maintaining that they're married, and reported on Sunday that they did not, in fact, get a prenup.
Whether Bieber and Baldwin are actually married, with or without a prenup, one thing's for sure: The actual wedding ceremony is going to be amazing. вЂњI just picture lights strung everywhere,вЂќ Baldwin told The Cut last Thursday. вЂњI think having it in the woods would be so beautiful.вЂќ
See more: The 6 Things You're Forgetting to Include in Your Prenup (From a Divorce Lawyer)


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For a quiet drink, my favorite bar in town is Papa Dan's (tel. 06/2880-907), a simple, open-air joint on the Malecón facing the river; they have good bar food and rocking music. The Bar Emerald Forest Blues (tel. 06/2880-309), on the corner of calles Quito and Espejo, is also good. The liveliest spot in town for late-night fun is the downstairs bar and disco at the Hotel La Misión, called appropriately El Bunker. If you're lucky, you'll be in town on an evening when this same hotel's floating bar, the Big Bang, heads out onto the Napo River for a night of partying. The floating barge features an airplane fuselage for the bar's structure. Check with the hotel (tel. 06/2880-260) to get the barge-bar's current schedule, and to reserve a spot. For dancing, you might also try La Jungla Disco Club (tel. 09/7832-433), on the Malecón.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

domain: travel


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It’s essential when you’re considering air conditioning installation to consider the connections to your unit in order to ensure proper system compliance and performance. The ductwork for your system can come in many different shapes and sizes that can affect the power of air flow. High-Velocity Mini-duct systems work much like air being blown through a straw, smaller tunnels allow for more direct and powerful air distribution.
As of such, mini split AC systems do away with the use of ducts so each room can have variable temperatures and air conditioning controls. This option is great for room additions or smaller rooms where larger air quantities are unnecessary. Getting the proper system really relies on your preference, depending on the qualifications of your building some systems may be better suited versus others so it’s important to weigh in on the pros and cons of each system before making a decision. Improper fits can affect the quality of air coming into each room as well as the power, make sure that the materials of the HVAC system and the quality of parts are stable so you won’t be needing any repairs in the near future.
If indoor air quality is a concern then consider installing an air purifier in order to catch small particles such as dust, pollen and other allergens that can cause negative respiratory health issues. It’s often recommended to pair up the use of air purifiers that catch smaller particles with air filters that catch larger ones. It’s also important to clean filters and purifies regularly so you don’t impede on the performance of your units as blocked or unclean units can actually cause system damages on top of circulating air pollutants around your property. Be sure to conduct regular HVAC maintenance checkups so you can catch potential problems in their beginning stages before they escalate to higher levels of irregularities. Breathing in unfiltered air can cause a lot of health concerns both in the long term and short term.
Here are some benefits to getting a new air conditioner installation.
- An upgraded HVAC can increase property value by 12%.
- You can avoid damages that come with older units.
- There are improvements in the functionality of newer models and brands.
- Newer models are energy efficient so you conserve energy & monthly costs.
- Extreme heat can have a negative impact on physical activity and intellect.
- You can improve comfort levels.
- Comfort improves productivity.
- A lower temperature can reduce the presence of parasites and insects.
- A lower temperature can lessen sweating which reduces dehydration.
- Clean systems reduce the advent of allergens.
Air conditioning systems are complex structures that should be installed with a certified and experienced technician. If you have questions regarding the logistics of a system with your property let us know as we’re ready to answer and recommend options that work best with your home or business. Only with quality service providers can you ensure proper installation and avoid problems that come about from loose parts and improper initial setups. If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC unit then it’s important to reach out to the appropriate channels if you do ultimately need air conditioning repair. Experience better air quality and circulation with a new air conditioning installation! We’re ready to set you up with a superior system anytime!
For Air Conditioning Installation call (912) 250-0049 with Premier Air LLC in Savannah, GA!


on Zumbehl Road in St. Charles will close July 2.
George Smith, CEO of Westlake Hardware, said in a press release that the store did not peform well enough financially to justify entering a new long-term lease agreement.
“We regret we will no longer be able to serve the St. Charles community, however we continue to be committed to the St. Louis market with our two other stores in Brentwood and Crestwood," he said. "We want to sincerely thank our associates in these stores for all their hard work."
Westlake Ace Hardware has stores in and Brentwood which will be unaffected by the closure.
Liz Benditt, Director Customer Relationships Development at Westlake headquarters in Lenexa, KS, said 13 of the 14 employees in the store will be laid off. Those with at least one year of tenure will receive a severance package and will receive job and career counseling.
On Friday morning, the store was offering plants at 75 percent off and patio furniture was marked down 30 percent. Floor models of grills were marked down by as much as 33 percent off.
A local manager said she didn't expect the store to do a blanket percent off the whole store, adding that the merchandise would be transferred to other stores.
Other hardware stores in St. Charles include:


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• Industrial Filter Fans/ Shrouds packages
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July 2013 marks the one-year anniversary of the release of our sophomore effort. Trouble With Machines! To celebrate we're offering signed copies at no additional charge through August 8th for any order that includes a TWM CD at http://www.district97.net/store. Snatch up a signed copy while they're available.
District 97 and John Wetton are teaming up for a US Tour in October! NJ is already onsale for 10/13, with more dates to be added soon at http://www.district97.net/shows. Here's a taste of what to expect.....
District 97 is up for BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST in the 2013 Prog Rock Awards hosted by Prog Magazine! If you'd like to see us to win, please cast your vote at http://awards.progrockmag.com/awards/breakthrough-artist. Thanks for all of your support!

domain: news


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The Muta Temple is located in the center of the city near South Street. When the car drives by, it sees a tower in a distance, which looks like a wooden structure, like a street park. Some locals dance at the door.
The original name of the Muta Temple, Wanshou Temple, located in the county town of Zhangye, Gansu Province, former Zhangye Middle School campus, now the ancient tower square. The temple and towers were first built in the Northern Zhou or earlier, after the Sui, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties rebuilt. The first floor of the tower is "Dengji Lotte" east, "Enter Sanmadi" west. The second floor is "West Tianzhengjue", "West for the treasure gold rope" and so on, the whole tower without a nail, all by the dougong, beams, columns, crisscross, each other, is a complete and solid wooden structure modelling. With stairs, for climbing. Each floor has a corridor, railing, can be seen from the railing, the whole tower gives a sense of height, trance, embodies the unique architectural features of our country. The top floor original ancient bells, trance, the sound of the bells in the sky, all the world. "The wooden tower sparse bell", once one of the eight scenes in Ganzhou, can be said to be: "The tower is over the Han, the bells sound white clouds."
Just in Zhangye City, you can go and feel it, all wooden structure, very ageing! ! ! Zhangye's food and accommodation are very cheap, there is a big Buddha Temple in 5 minutes walk, you can also go see it! !
Zhang Yong is everywhere ancient temple, but many have been destroyed, Muta Temple is the only remaining of Zhang Yong Buddhist pagoda, originally one of the five rows of pagoda, the original name of Wanshou Temple. The temple and pagoda was originally built in the Northern Zhou or may be earlier, after the dynasties of the Sui, Tang, Ming and Qing Dynasty to restore the present appearance. The whole tower is not a nail a rudder, all by the difference bucket hole, beam column connection, crisscross, pull each other.
The views are beautiful, really great, really unique, the architecture is solemn, there are so many people to worship here, great experience, I would highly recommend it to everyone!
Preston_Dominguez: Xianfu South Street, Ganzhou District, Zhangye 734023, China
Jeremy_Dodson: I recommended Zhangye Buddhist Temple,Muta Temple,Shanxi Assembly Hall,Zhangye Zhenyuan Tower,Xilaisi

domain: geography


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aging… change… inevitable.
cracks, moss, peeling paint…
we could fill the cracks, kill the moss,
slap on a fresh coat of paint…
and pretend it’s new again.
we could let it succumb…
to deteriorate into a heap of
rotted wood and crumbled stone…
and pretend it’s dead,
even though it’s not.
we could let it age with dignity,
maintaining – as best we can –
the structural foundation,
while letting the history of
weathered storms, myriad encounters,
tell it’s stories with grace, honesty and pride –
even if for nothing other than the fact that
it is still standing.
My vote is for dignity.
Photos taken at the historic Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks in Vancouver, WA USA. Established in the 1840s as Camp Vancouver, this American military post remained active for more than 150 years.
Daily Post weekly photo challenge: State of Mind

domain: history


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Mens Custom Made Vests Special Offer
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Two Dress evening waistcoats and 2 Neckties for men From Premium Collection
Now Only US$363!
button to indicate any changes or special requests to your custom piece selected.
please type in any email address associated with that account and click on Try Again.

domain: design


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It doesn't borrow elements from these games so much as take inspiration from each to present a quirky and altogether original adventure. Along with an abundance of style, Gomi becomes an essential addition to your catalogue.
Your objective is to clear the world of manmade debris: road signs, cars, phone boxes, junk, even people are gobbled up as you roll over them. Your spherical ecologist can only absorb objects of a reasonable size, however, growing the more it eats and allowing you to pick up larger pieces of flotsam and jetsam replaced with flowering plants.
It's a topical premise, handled with enough care and joviality to ensure you're not having some preachy ecological sermon pushed down your throat. Instead you’re simply working toward a clear and entertaining goal.
Gomi is built of small, floating islands, each with its own gravity system. Tilting the handset rolls your rotund avatar left and right on these tiny planets, while tapping the screen makes it jump. Upon jumping to an adjacent world, Gomi naturally follows its contours as you roll around.
Each level has its own specifics, such as gathering up a certain number of balloons, which unlocks the next world. There’s a lot more to it with races and dexterity challenges thrown into the mix. With over 40 levels across eight massive worlds, it’s easy to see why the game requires a 60MB download.
As you make progress, your character can even be customised with new colours and special abilities, further adding to its long term value.
A host of achievements that require you to revisit previous levels even after you’ve completed the game also extend play. Challenges such as hitting strict time limits, performing combos, and nailing those elusive high scores provide good reason to replay.
One justifiable complaint is the game's slow pace. At times you find yourself tipping the handset until it’s nearly vertical in an attempt to light a fire under your guy. It’s not intended to be a racing game, of course, but a tad more alacrity would add a slice of tension to the gameplay. It’s currently a bit too sedate.
The beautiful abundance of cel-shaded, dreamlike aesthetics add real sense of style. The jam-packed complexity of the world you initially enter is gradually transformed into a peaceful, natural realm as you go to work, offering a sense of supreme wellbeing as the levels roll past.Gomi boasts the kind of casual ingenuity that jump-started the iPhone craze in the first place and proves that even after 65,000 applications there's still a depth of creativity beneath the touchscreen waiting for games like this to unlock it.

domain: game


By Gabby For Gun Nuts
Our fourth stage included six .50 BMG rounds out of a Ma Deuce with the gun set on full auto. These shots were to be aimed at an old truck, set about 150 yards down range. Once the shots were fired the RO would then start the clock. So really, this pick-up gun was purely a way to get shooters starting in an odd uncomfortable position. Fortunately, early in my training, one of my coaches had taught me to “make ready” by arranging my body (especially my feet) so that when the buzzer sounded, I’d be ready to run. This advice worked perfectly, for the Ma Deuce stage. I planned to shoot the big gun with one (knee-pad clad) knee on the ground and the other foot ready to push off and go. However, as always happens when the time comes, I ended up shooting the Ma Deuce in an odd squatting position and then sprinting to the first stop in the stage. Luckily, this was a bit faster than the original plan.
Read more at Gun Nuts


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Yet it’s an assertion that is at odds with the views of policy experts, the Republican governor who suggested the idea of more flexible rules, and former President Bill Clinton, who signed the landmark 1996 welfare reform into law.
Mitt Romney is betting that the notion that there are vast numbers of Americans gaming the system will have political resonance.
In a new advertisement and on the campaign trail, Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, is criticizing an administration memo that would relieve states of federal welfare work quotas if they can present alternatives for moving more of the record number of impoverished Americans into permanent jobs.
Romney’s ad says that under the rule, “you wouldn’t have to work and wouldn’t have to train for a job,” a claim rejected even by some members of his own party. The Obama ad closes with Clinton saying: “It’s just not true.”
“People who didn’t know the details might be likely to believe it,” said Ron Haskins, a Republican and onetime legislative aide who helped draft the welfare law. Even so, “this could be a very effective thing for Romney to do.”
The line of attack speaks to concern among white working class voters, a crucial constituency for Romney, as well as independents that the government is catering to the highest and lowest rungs of society at their expense, said Larry Jacobs, a political science professor at theUniversity of Minnesota.
It also involves welfare-to-work requirements that enjoy broad public support and plays into a Romney campaign charge that Obama wants to promote a culture of dependence.
“It creates an episode that vividly demonstrates the Republican criticism of Obama as a big-spending liberal,” said Jacobs, adding that any detailed rebuttal by the administration wouldn’t be as potent. “It’s going to take you five or six paragraphs to neutralize a one-sentence attack ad.”
See the full story on the truth of welfare and work, and the politics of it all, at Bloomberg.com.


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The CW announced their pickups for the 2022 pilot season and we have some very exciting news.
As announced in June, Jensen and Danneel Ackles’ production shingle, Chaos Machine Productions, had teamed together with former Supernatural producer and writer Robbie Thompson to develop a Supernatural prequel for The CW called The Winchesters. For those that don’t remember the announcement or the premise of The Winchesters, it tells the epic love story of John and Mary Winchester, fighting to save not only their love but the entire world. It will be told through the perspective of Dean Winchester, narrated by Jensen.
The next step after development is the pilot, and The CW officially took the project to that next stage today! The John and Mary Winchester story will be filmed for at least one episode, with hopes of many more to come with a full series order.
Robbie Thompson will serve as executive producer as well as Jensen and Danneel Ackles. Warner Brothers Television will be the producing studio. Fingers crossed this comes out well, because it would be really nice to see Winchesters on our TV again.
For those thinking, “What about Jared?” the news is good on his end too. His development project for The CW, Walker: Independence, was also picked up for pilot. This is the premise according to Deadline:
Walker: Independence is appealing since it is a western, something that The CW has been looking to do given the success on westerns recently on other streaming networks. Plus, it’s tied to the Walker franchise, which has been a huge success right out of the gate for the network. Current Walker showrunner and EP Anna Fricke and producer Seamus Fahey will write the pilot, as well as be EPs along with Jared, Dan Lin, Laura Terry and Lindsey Liberatore. The show will be produced by CBS Studios.
The other pilot picked up by The CW is another Batman story, Gotham Knights, which is in a nutshell the continuation of life in Gotham City after Bruce Wayne is murdered. While another Batman story is not my thing, I wish the pilot well since Natalie Abrams is executive story editor, a TV journalist that was in the trenches with us other bloggers for years and is moving up as a TV writer and producer. I’m thrilled to see her have this opportunity!
So, excited? I know that the SPN Family has been anticipating this announcement for a while, but what are your hopes? Can a Supernatural story succeed without Jared and Jensen in the lead? I really hope so and have a lot of faith in Robbie Thompson as a writer. If anyone can pull off this story, he can. What about Walker: Independence? Is that something you’ll watch? Feel free to discuss in the comments.


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the English royal family He was put in an awkward position because Getty Images issued him a warning Princess Catherine Cancer notification video. The photo agency referred to the palace as an outside organization, then added that as a result, the footage may not be in compliance with Getty Images policy. Page six. This all happened after several hacked photo manipulations of the palace came to light.
The video in which Princess Katalin announced that she had cancer
On March 22, Princess Catherine announced in an official video clip broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and published on the royal family’s social media platforms, that cancer cells had been found in her body. The cancer was diagnosed after the Duchess underwent surgery in January. Preventive treatment is currently in the early stages – wrote A BBC.
The past two months have been difficult for the entire royal family, but according to the Duchess, she and her husband have done everything they can to ensure their children are able to process this information in the best possible circumstances.
Princess Catalin did something tearful
Among other things, it was said in the video that after abdominal surgery, Princess Katalin had to get better as soon as possible to start cancer treatment. Both the Duchess and the Palace are positive about the situation and are confident of a recovery. “I become stronger every day by focusing on the things that help me heal.” Princess Katalin said in the video. He added: Prince William is standing next to her.
The type of cancer has not yet been revealed – and will not be revealed for some time – but the family asks everyone for space, time and respect for privacy. This means, among other things, that the Duchess will not appear at official events for the time being.

domain: celebrity


Alstom, China to Cooperate on Railway Infrastructure
Alstom SA, the world’s second-largest trainmaker by revenue, signed a long-term cooperation agreement with China’s Railway Ministry to develop infrastructure in the country and abroad.
Alstom, the ministry and unidentified Chinese industrial partners “will accelerate new areas of the cooperation on a wide spectrum,” including intercity rolling stock, high-speed trains, locomotives and signaling, the Levallois-Perret, France- based company said today in a statement. The company didn’t specify which markets besides China will be targeted.
The French manufacturer, which is also the world’s third- largest maker of power equipment and power-transmission gear, is looking to grow in China, the world’s biggest market for rail infrastructure, to make up for a lack of contracts in other markets. Orders at Alstom’s transport division fell 16 percent from a year earlier in the six months through September.
Alstom rose as much as 5.3 percent to 34.34 euros and was up 4.8 percent as of 3:08 p.m. in Paris trading. That pared the stock’s drop this year to 30 percent, valuing the manufacturer at 10 billion euros ($13.5 billion).
The French company’s expansion outside its home country includes teaming up with Russian railway-equipment maker Transmashholding to tap markets in the former Soviet Union. Both Alstom, whose products include France’s high-speed TGV train models, and the Chinese ministry have separately expressed interest in the past three years in a railway project to link Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Alstom has held off from some Chinese orders because it has refused to transfer bullet-train technology to Chinese manufacturers. Contracts won by competitors include a $4 billion order for 80 high-speed trains awarded in September 2009 to Montreal-based Bombardier Inc. and a 750 million-euro, 100-train purchase from Siemens AG.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Benedikt Kammel at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Kriti Sanon Offers Her Dupatta To Prabhas To Wipe Off His Sweat At Adipurush Teaser Launch: WATCH!!!
On Sunday, October 2, Om Raut released the first trailer for his much-awaited movie Adipurush, starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon. Fans are raving about the couple’s chemistry after they attended the teaser launch ceremony in Ayodhya. Kriti is seen giving Prabhas her dupatta in a video that is currently trending online. In Om Raut’s Adipursh, actress Kriti Sanon will appear alongside Prabhas on screen.
On Sunday in Ayodhya, the first teaser for the eagerly anticipated movie was released (October 2). Along with filmmaker Om Raut, the pair attended the event. Prabhas was spotted sweating hard throughout the occasion as he stood on the stage under the intense lights. Kriti made a kind gesture by offering to clean his forehead with the dupatta she was wearing. Kriti can be seen offering Prabhas her dupatta in the now-viral video to wipe his forehead, but he doesn’t seem to notice her gesture. While gazing at the Baahubali actor, she can be seen grinning.
Take a look:
— North Prabhas FC (@NorthPrabhasFC) October 2, 2022
In an interview before the release of the teaser, Prabhas discussed his experience making the movie and said that he was “frightened” to play the part of Lord Ram. He said: “We are here to take Lord Ram’s blessings for Adipurush. I was really frightened to do this character. I called up Om after three days and said if I make some mistake… With a lot of love, respect, and fear we did this film. May Lord Ram bless us.”
The film directed by Om Raut is slated for release on January 12, 2023. In addition to Prabhas and Kriti, the movie also stars Sunny Singh as Lakshmana and Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh. Prabhas plays Lord Ram in the movie, which is an Indian rendition of the Ramayana, and Kriti plays Sita. Rajesh Nair, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, Bhushan and Krishan Kumar, and others support Adipurush. Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada are just a few of the languages in which the movie will be released.


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Halftone Stars Stamp Set
- INTRO VIDEO
Get the Bundle! (5% off!): Halftone Stars Stamp & Die Bundle
Coordinating Die: Halftone Stars Die Set
This set features halftone stars in 8 different sizes for an instant, one-ink gradient effect! The large-scale stars can be used to create bold patterns or unique arrangements on your scrapbook layouts, or you can use the smaller hearts to create a stamped background for your cards. The accompanying sentiments are great for your loved one’s birthday cards or year 'round encouragement cards. These stamps perfectly coordinate with our Halftone Circles and Halftone Hearts sets. Let your creativity shine through this stamp set!
This is a 6" x 8" clear stamp set containing 21 stamps made in the USA from high-quality photopolymer.
I love the Halftone Stars Stamp Set.
And that is what I'll do with his set. I seem to find lots of uses for stars lately and having the nested dies to match is a great help.
Love this stamp set. I love how this stamp makes impressions so smoothly

domain: artistic


ADJ Accu-Stand LTS-6 Quality Tripod Lighting Stand – up to 8 DJ Lights on T-Bar
• 4 x Bolts Included
• Easily fold up for transport and is ideal for mobile DJs or small stage productions
• Great for Par Cans
• Max load: 25kg
• Weight: 5 kg
American DJ ADJ On-X Quad RGBW LED DMX Disco Club Stage Beam Lighting Effect
• 8 x 3-Watt LEDs (2 x Red, 2 x Green, 2 x Blue, & 2 x White)
• 4-Button DMX LED Display
• 3 Operational modes: Show Mode, Sound Active Mode, & DMX Controlled
• 6 DMX Channel Modes: 2/9/11/12/16/18
• DMX-512 Protocol
• Electronic Dimming: 0 – 100%
• Includes exciting sound activate built-in programs
• LED pulse & strobe effect
4pcs 400W Martin Led Strobe Stage Effect Disco Flash Light
• Lamp type: 4pcs 100W White leds
• Controls: FM knob adjust and DMX
• Mode: Auto mode and DMX
• Channel: 1CH/3CH/6CH
• Appearance: Metal shell,streamlined designed
• Working environment: Indoor 20 ℃ ～ 40 ℃
• Protection rating: IP20
• Application fields: Disco Hall ,Stage ,Theater and other places
4Pcs RGB LED Stage Light DMX Par CAN DJ Disco Uplighter Lighting Effect Strobe
• Can be used as up lighting or stage lighting.
• With high quality LED light source, less consumption, high brightness.
• Stable performance and long life.
• Choose high-through light, ensure brightness LED from losses.
• Dynamic magical dream effect, such as gradual changing, hopping, etc
• Ideal for disco, DJ, ballroom, KTV, bar, stage, club, party, wedding, home decoration and festival etc.
• Dual mounting brackets to hang on truss or install on a wall or put on the ground.
• Light Source: 18pcs 1W high power RGB LEDS (6pcs Red, 6pcs Blue, 6pcs Green)
• Control Mode: auto strobe, voice-activated, DMX, master -slave
• LED Colour: red, green, blue


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As a famous frozen food enterprise in the Pearl River Delta and even southern China, Guangzhou Wakan Trading Co., Ltd. is a well-deserved leader in the industry. Since its establishment nearly 20 years ago, it has been adhering to the principles of "integrity" and "quality service", which has won it many awards, honors and high reputation in the imported food industry.
In recent years, there has been a "tide of transformation" in the industry. As a leader in the industry, Wakan is no longer satisfied with the previous simple mode of operation. It hopes to further create a diversified service platform. Zheng Weisheng, chairman of the company, told us in an interview that "customization" may be the main direction of development in the next two or three years.
F2C: Wakan has been in the industry for 20 years. What countries do you mainly import from? And what kinds of food are imported?
At present, we mainly import food from Canada, the United States, Australia, Italy, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. We import pork and ribs from Spain, desserts (Macarons, etc.) from France, pasta and ice cream from Italy, dairy products (beef tallow, etc.) from New Zealand, seafood and potato products from the United States, seafood (lobsters, etc.) from Canada, and crabs from Russia, etc. Food in every country has its own characteristics. We import foods that meet our need.
In terms of food categories, North America has a wide variety of foods. We prefer to import seafood, potatoes, etc. from North America. The number of food categories we import from other countries is relatively small. We import beef from Australia, lobster from Myanmar, and also some products from Senegal. Now, we are preparing to import different parts of beef from South America. Generally speaking, we import most of our food categories from North America, and much fewer kinds of products from other countries.
F2C: What is the procedure or standard of how you select products?
When we select products, we prefer those with safety certificates and competitive price which meet the needs of the Chinese people. Some products are very good, but the Chinese consumers do not accept them. For example, there are hundreds of thousands of cheeses in the world, but only a few of them are popular in China. So we need to select suitable products. We prefer basis products, for example, seafood, which can be enjoyed by people of various religious beliefs except for vegetarians. For meats like port, mutton and beef, we will select those which are considered the best in a country. For example, we import big chunks of pork from America. In Spain, Iberian pigs are not sold as a whole, because the legs will be used for making hams, so we import other parts like bones and pork belly. From Germany, we will import pork shank.
F2C: What are the main markets of Wakan?
Our main market is southern China, especially the Pearl River Delta region. We have several customers from Hong Kong and Macao. Our customers are mainly catering enterprises. The business will continue to expand as our customers increase, but the focus is still on the Pearl River Delta, the Greater Bay Area and Southern China.
F2C: What is the future direction of Wakan?
Now we haven't done food processing work, but we have the plan for it in the form of a central kitchen. We will upgrade the ingredients and processing. For example, We now wash and cut the vegetables and fruits, but in the future, we'll probably develop dishes and cook the food. We use a lot of new technology, such as heating and safe distribution techniques, to provide customers with “customized” catering service. What kind of nutritional meals do students need? What kind of nutritional meals different patients, for example diabetic patients and postoperative patients need? We have a plan to study those questions in depth. We will study the protein and calory needs of women who are on diet or love workout, and design menus for them accordingly. In fact, it is hard to make good “customized” products, as only after we have a thorough understanding of all the ingredients and their organizational system can we provide well-designed meals. Secondly, we need to consider when a product is the most competitive. Storage, monitoring and connection are also very important. A little mistake in one link will greatly affect other links.
The company will build a modern high-end food supply chain platform, which will cover many not only nutritious but also delicious products. Nutrition and taste are a contradiction sometimes. For food to be both nutritious and delicious, quality ingredients and good design are required. Additionally, we need to consider competitiveness and safety. A complete circle now has been established. Once the platform is built, we will put in other products like red wine, fruit juice and tea. Our existing food safety and tracing systems will also serve users of the platform.
Our customers only need to focus on operation and do not need to think too much about back-end service and menu development. We can also do marketing together with them. It has been almost 20 years since Wakan was established. We have a good foundation, high reputation and loyal customers who are willing to grow with us. We do not sell sham products or those without certificates. In 2009, we were selected as a supplier for the Asian Games. In fact, we were the best among all the food suppliers. All our products have the full set of documents, which is beyond the capacity of many food suppliers.
F2C: What do you think is the biggest obstacle for the development of Wakan? How to overcome it?
We might say that capital is the biggest problem. We plan to go public and are preparing for it now. We need to integrate huge resources, especially national resources, which requires financial support. Once going public, the company will be greatly developed. There are not many companies in China specializing in modern supply chain. The situation is different abroad. Enterprises need to be normalized, and going public is the best way to achieve it.
We are now on a steady course, preferring to walk slowly but steadily, because we have a lot of customers who trust us and are constantly pushing us forward. At present, the conditions for our listing are not mature. First, the stock market is depressed. Second, China Securities Regulatory Commission has higher requirements for listing than before. Third, now is not a good time for fund-raising through listing. In the next two or three years, we will strive to meet the requirements for listing. In the process, we will integrate a lot of resources，mainly complementary resources, and achieve resource sharing. We can work with our partners on some projects and share the profit. They are also encouraged to become a shareholder of our company if they are willing to grow with us. Another way of cooperation is we, as a platform, work with another platform to achieve win-win results. All the above modes are workable. We have technology, markets and projects. What we need is capital, equipment, etc.
F2C: As a vice president of Guangdong Imported Food Association, what are Wakan’s expectations or suggestions for the future development of the association?
Guangdong Imported Food Association should provide its members with information on imported food. It also needs to establish authority in the market and play the role of a referee, especially in cracking down on fake food products. Additionally, we also hope that the association can play a coordinating role in the competition among its members. Competition is very common for those engaged in business of fast-moving consumer goods, so the association needs to provide its members with timely product information to reduce malignant competition. There are so many products on the market. Each product needs to have its own merits. Each member should have their own advantages. Resources, supply chains, etc. can be shared. The association should strive for more benefits and resources for its members.


Word on the street is that Al Gore has joined the pantheon of America’s multimillionaires.
Bloomberg calculates that the former Senator and Vice President could be worth as much as $200 million, with as much as half of that money coming in just one month. Gore owned a 20 percent stake in Current TV, a media company that was sold to the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera for $500 million. After debt, Gore reportedly net $70 million from the deal. The value of the deal was predicated on Current TV’s reach into nearly 40 million U.S. homes.
The remaining 30 percent of Gore’s $100 million-month came from the exercise of 59,000 shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) that he has earned for his service on the company’s board of directors. Gore still has about 42,000 options left to him. During his time on the board, the value of Apple’s stock has increased nearly 6,000 percent.


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Enter its grand foyer, look out at the spectacular views of the water, and you’ll never want to leave this home! Built on Geist just 5 years ago, this stunning home has 13 rooms on two levels, as well as two decks and a patio, a boat dock w/lift and canopy, and a lighted seawall. This home is creatively designed to capture water views in nearly every room. You’ll feel like you’re on a year-round vacation in this meticulously maintained home. This isn’t just a home – it’s a lifestyle!
See the Virtual Tour at: http://www.digitalhomeinfo.com/6901


As tantalising as first tastes of a new car go, this one whets the appetite as much as the sound of a cold can of Coke opening on a scorching hot day in the desert.
Ah, sound. For this is what this story really boils down to. We’re in Manhattan, New York City for a first blast in the all-new Jaguar F-Type SVR, the fastest and most powerful regular production Jaguar ever. In a tunnel. At night.
The F-Type SVR, in case you need reminding, is the 567bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8, four-wheel drive version of the F-Type. Due to reach the UK this summer, it’s the son of the strictly limited Project 7 special edition from 2014, which showed just how far the F-Type could be pushed as an extreme performance product.
The F-Type SVR, the work of Jaguar Land Rover’s rapidly ascending Special Vehicle Operations division that also produced Project 7 and the Range Rover Sport SVR, is the slightly more sane and usable follow-up to Project 7, but soft it is not.
Based on the F-Type R AWD, in coupe form the F-Type SVR will send you from 0-62mph in just 3.7sec and on to a 200mph top speed. The performance makeover on an already very performance focussed product is thorough, with lots of extra cooling and aerodynamic additions to help maximise that extra performance, and a chassis makeover to help the car fly around a circuit, but tuned in a very Jaguar way to ensure it remains compliant and usable every day.
And then there is the exhaust system, which is perhaps most relevant here. It’s a lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust that weighs some 16kg less than the F-Type R AWD’s, and has lots of trickery to give what Jaguar claims is a “dramatic, purposeful, harder-edge exhaust note”. And, as with the F-Type R AWD, the ‘naughty button’ remains available to the driver, a picture of an exhaust on the centre console that when pressed and activated sends the exhaust into the full aural beans mode.


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May 28, 2003 -- Sometimes crime can pay, even on death row, if you're in need of a new kidney.
Thanks to the state of Oregon, a law-abiding citizen in need of a kidney transplant may have to die so that death-row prisoner Horacio Alberto Reyes-Camarena can live.
Reyes-Camarena, 47, has been on Oregon's death row since 1996, when he was convicted of repeatedly stabbing 32- and 18-year-old sisters he met in a farm-labor camp. The older woman survived 17 stab wounds to testify against him.
Every year, as Reyes-Camarena appeals his conviction, Oregon — which is struggling through budget cuts and having a tough time providing a basic education for its children and health care for its poorer citizens — pays a reported $121,000 a year to keep Reyes-Camarena on dialysis. Last month, his prison doctor determined he was a good candidate for a kidney transplant.
With the state funding his medical care, Reyes-Camarena could be placed on a transplant waiting list ahead of others who did not commit any crimes and become the state's first death-row inmate to receive an organ transplant.That has outraged crime victim advocates, who cannot understand how the justice system can "reward" convicted murderers at the expense of innocent patients.
"There's no doubt — there's no debate — that people have lost their lives while murderers have received transplants," said Dudley Sharp, resource director of Justice For All, a Houston-based victims' rights group that supports the death penalty.
"It is unconscionable that we would put those who have not contributed anything to society but have cost society millions of dollars ahead of hardworking citizens that are not even on the list [for transplants] because they can't afford the insurance," Sharp said. "It's not fair and studies need to be done, and it's something our state legislatures need to think about."
Legal and Medical Conundrum
In 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prisoners were entitled to the same medical and dental treatment as everyone else in their community. Prisons that withhold necessary care from inmates can be held liable for violating constitutional bans against cruel and unusual punishment.
But critics have argued that efforts to ensure prisoner rights have compromised the lives of law-abiding taxpayers who are paying for inmates' medical bills. It has posed a conundrum for law enforcement officials, who must punish the convicted and ensure their care behind bars.
"We in Oregon provide very high level of health care for all our prisoners, whether they are on death row or not. We take better care of our prisoners than deserving poor people," said Joshua Marquis, district attorney for Oregon's Clatsop County.
"We really do have to provide for their [prisoners'] care; we are legally bound. So it's more of a moral issue than a legal one," he said. "Personally, I find it abhorrent that someone like Mr. Reyes-Camarena could receive a transplant before anybody who is more deserving."
Prisoner health care has also posed a dilemma for physicians who are ethically bound to help all patients but are frustrated when they see budget cuts knock arguably more deserving donor recipients off the transplant list. Cuts to the Oregon Health Plan have forced some hospitals to remove poorer, uninsured potential candidates from organ transplant lists or keep them off the list entirely because they fear the patients will not be able to pay for the expensive drugs needed to keep their bodies from rejecting the new organs.
The cuts have also caused confusion over whether patients will be covered for their transplant or the post-transplant drugs they will need, because the plan will not cover the cost of both. Reyes-Camarena's case has shaken the resolve of some doctors who say they would have argued six months ago that he deserved equal-opportunity care. But that was before the budget cuts.
"His case has set off a series of ethical issues here," said Dr. Susan Tolle, director of the Center for Ethics in Health Care at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. "A lot of people are angry here because prisoners across the nation are provided a basic health-care package while there are poor working-class families that cannot even afford a package. Many ask, 'Why should we provide health care to a death-row inmate?' I would turn that around and ask, 'Why can't we as a society provide a health-care package for the working poor?' "
Tolle said that Reyes-Camerena's case has ignited outrage because he took a life and would be benefiting from someone who volunteered to give life. Many prisoners receive transplants from relatives who are matching donors. But, Tolle said, it is not the medical community's job to further punish an inmate.
"I would tell people to steer away from talk about who's worthy and who's not worthy," said Tolle. "Is it part of someone's sentence to not have their wounds treated and their tuberculosis go on untreated? No, I think not. Their punishment is their sentence. This man should not die for reasons of medical complications caused by neglect."
Playing Judge, Jury and God
Reyes-Camarena's case is not unprecedented: In California last year, a jailed felon received a heart transplant that cost taxpayers $1 million and another inmate received a kidney transplant that cost $120,000. In Georgia, a convicted murder underwent heart bypass surgery costing $70,000.
According to the most recent statistics by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, inmate medical-care expenses nationwide have risen at least 7 percent since 1997 because of rising prison populations and longer life span of inmates. In Oregon alone, the state budget for prison health care rose from $41 million from 1997 to $60 million in 2003.
Both death-penalty advocates and opponents agree that prisoners should not receive preferential health-care treatment. But death-penalty opponents do not believe condemned prisoners should subjected to extraordinary punishment — by being deprived necessary health care — either.
"It [a transplant] should be based on normal health-care criteria, not because someone's on death row," said Richard Dieter, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. "I don't think people should be penalized because they happen to be on death row. People in prison have the right to the same health care that is applied on the outside."
The irony of Oregon state officials trying to keep alive a death-row prisoner like Reyes-Camarena was not lost on Dieter. Normal health care should not be denied to death-row inmates, Dieter said, because there have been too many cases of wrongfully convicted and condemned prisoners.
"There are a lot of contradictions within the death penalty that don't make a lot of sense," Dieter said. "Keeping someone alive just so that you can kill him … it just doesn't make a lot of sense. We start getting into trouble when we start making these superhuman judgments."
However, others argue that prisoners — particularly death-row inmates — sacrificed their right to the same privileges as law-abiding citizens when they committed their crimes. Justice For All's Sharp said that he wouldn't deny prisoners their right to a organ transplant — but he would put them at the bottom of the potential recipient list.
"States could consider legislation that would put them at the end of the list," Sharp said. "That would probably spark lawsuits. I know this is something medical ethicists have debated and considered. … Do murderers deserve the same treatment as those who contribute to society? Socially, I'd say no. But on legislative and medical ethics level, it's something that needs to be discussed."
Not a Matter of Cost
Transplant legislation regarding death-row prisoners has already been considered in Washington state. In 1996, when reports came out that death-row prisoner Mitchell Rupe was on the waiting list for a liver transplant, several state residents protested and threatened to revoke organ-donor pledges.
In response, the state Legislature passed a bill to stop funding organ transplants for a death-row inmate. Then-Gov. Mike Lowry vetoed the bill, and it was later reported that Rupe's liver transplant story was fabricated.
Arguably, a transplant for Reyes-Camarena could save Oregon money in the long run. According to Oregon Correctional Department statistics, transplant surgery could cost the state between $80,000 and $120,000 and eliminate his need for costly dialysis treatment.
However, the medication to keep Reyes-Camarena from rejecting a new kidney would cost between $500 and $1,200 a month — and he intends to keep appealing his conviction and sentence.
"This is one of those cases where money really isn't the issue," said Marquis, the district attorney. "In Oregon, prisoners spend at least 10 years on death row. There are prisoners who have been on death row for 15 years and haven't even filed their final notice of appeal. So, with Reyes-Camarena, he'll be on death row for at least the next 10 years before he comes up for execution — at the earliest."
As of this month, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing, almost 57,000 Americans, including 192 Oregon residents, were waiting for kidney transplants. Reyes-Camarena is fully aware of his "privileged" status as a death-row prisoner in his wait for a new kidney.
"I know people on the outside," he told Reuters news service. "They need things, and they don't get it. Sometimes being here is better."

domain: law


text:
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domain: economics


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The Employees Provident Fund (EPF / KWSP) has just launched e-Payroll, a digital service that provides automated calculations of statutory deductions and contributions to regulatory bodies. An enhancement of its i-Akaun (employer) portal, the EPF said the service was aimed at SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).
“The e-Payroll service is designed to assist SME users of i-Akaun (Employer) who are not using any payroll solution or do not have the financial means to utilise a payroll solution,” said EPF chairman Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir, according to The Star.
e-Payroll gives employers the ability to digitally store employee records, including those related to salary, in addition to slashing the time required to handle tasks related to statutory obligations.
Memperkenalkan e-Payroll – satu penambahbaikan terbaru portal i-Akaun (Majikan) bagi membantu dan mempermudahkan urusan-urusan penggajian majikan.
— KWSPMalaysia (@KWSPMalaysia) June 18, 2021
As one would expect, e-Payroll was developed in partnership with and is endorsed by the Inland Revenue Board Malaysia (IRBM / LHDN), Social Security Organisation (Socso), and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).
600 SMEs were said to have enrolled in e-Payroll’s pilot test and soft launch. For more information about the service, you can visit its official webpage.