The Galápagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, lie more than 600 miles off its coast in the Pacific. Because the islands are remote, their plants and animals are unique, including some found nowhere else on Earth, as documented in Charles Darwin’s seminal work “On the Origin of Species.”
The government of Ecuador fiercely protects the Galápagos, including restricting access to its uninhabited islands. A cruise is the best way to travel to the Galápagos Islands because you can island hop and, with the help of local guides, will see the remarkable.
Getting to the Galápagos
A trip to the Galápagos typically begins with a flight to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, on the mainland, followed by a flight to Baltra, the primary airport of the Galápagos. There, you will board your Silversea ship on a journey throughout the islands that will be led by a skilled expedition team.
Nineteen large islands make up the Galapagos, all set within a protected marine reserve, and 97 percent of the Galápagos Islands are a designated national park. The remaining 3 percent is allotted for human settlement.
Floreana, Isabela, San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz islands are inhabited. Day trips to the protected nature reserves on the other islands must be made under the supervision of an official park ranger.
What is the best way to get to the Galápagos?
A ship is the most versatile way to see several Galápagos Islands during a one- or two-week cruise. There are north-central routes as well as a western itinerary; guests can choose to book either passage for a distinctive experience or combine the routes for a two-week, back-to-back sailing.
If you’re wondering how to choose your Galápagos cruise, consider the specific wildlife of the islands on your itinerary; some are better known for sea turtles and sea lion colonies, but only Fernandina and Isabela islands are home to Galápagos penguins.
You’ll see the startling frigate bird and the blue-footed booby, whose mating rituals are peculiar and inventive. Regardless of your destination, the entirety of the Galápagos is teeming with breathtaking wildlife.
Why see the Galápagos?
Nature is a huge draw for many travelers, and in some places, the creatures and plants are so stupendous that we travel thousands of miles to see them in person. In such wildlife-rich destinations as Alaska or Costa Rica, you must do sightings from a distance. In the Galápagos, the animal inhabitants are fearless. The distance visitors must observe is to protect the wildlife. Sea lions, iguanas, birds and other critters are liable to walk right up to you. Do not touch them.
This unbridled nature is not only thrilling but also an education in some of this Earth’s rare natural wonders and the admirable environmental protection.
The same flora and fauna captivated researcher Charles Darwin in 1835 during his time in the Galápagos as part of a larger global voyage and sent ripples through the scientific community for centuries.
You may not make groundbreaking evolutionary discoveries on your voyage, but the naturalists and experts that make up the crew will talk you through every fish or flower you see. Connecting with such pristine nature is not only informative but also emotional.
Exploring the Galápagos
Forged from the fire of volcanic activity over the millennia, this archipelago remains one of the most volcanically active places in the world. It has 13 active volcanoes, so besides the marvel of its wildlife, it’s also a geological marvel.
On your cruise itinerary, you will visit at least a half-dozen of these islands during a week or more. Here are a few examples of ports of call on a Galápagos Islands cruise, including the highlights of each.
Fernandina Island, third largest of the Galápagos chain, is best known as the home of an endangered subspecies of the Galápagos tortoise discovered as recently as 2019. Of course, the island hosts many other creatures by land and sea, including its variety of mangroves.
You can find the marine iguana taking a dip along the shores of Fernandina, and you can spot charming penguin colonies. Fernandina is one of only two larger islands that has never introduced mammals.
Fernandina is the most active and intact of the volcanoes in the Galápagos. Unlike their amphibious brethren, land iguanas like the heat and nest alongside and even within the caldera. Growing in young lava are the lava cactus, endemic to the island and known to survive with hardly any water.
Punta Espinosa is the only visitor landing on the island, offering a short and long walk to spot flightless cormorants or Galápagos hawks, among other surprise guests. At either of two primary dive sites, visitors can submerge themselves into the world of sea turtles, sharks, rays, seahorses and other underwater dwellers.
The land formation of Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos, bears an uncanny resemblance to a seahorse. It’s home to people, too, in such towns as Villamil, where fishing and agriculture have given way to the tourism economy. Visitor sites are spread throughout the island, including the Tortoise Center, offering ample chances to explore.
The presence of human beings is small compared with the whales and dolphins. At least 16 species of whales have been identified near Isabela alone.
Like Fernandina, Isabela has penguins and marine iguanas, perhaps because it also has a lava field and nutrient-rich waters. Visitors will head to Punta Moreno to hike the land, which features coastal lagoons smack in the middle of the lava field. These small bodies of water are a favorite hangout of white-cheeked pintail ducks and even flamingos.
If you are lucky, you might spot the Mangrove Finch, considered one of the rarest birds in the world – fewer than 100 are known to survive – on the northwest coast.
Tourists boats and cruise ship guests just might encounter the fur seal on a visit to James Bay on Santiago Island. It’s also one of the islands Darwin visited during his voyage aboard the Beagle in the 1830s.
After human beings plundered the island, Santiago has spent the past decade focusing on conservation and restoration to native vegetation. Although there was an attempt to colonize Santiago in the early 20th century, it is uninhabited and has eradicated all introduced pigs, goats and donkeys.
You can find glistening Sally Lightfoot crabs skittering around Sullivan Bay, where you also can walk across recent (within the past 150 years or so) lava flows. The ropelike formations of lava borrow the Hawaiian word pahoehoe to describe it. Santiago also offers seven dive sites, and besides fish, fur seals and sea lions, snorkelers and divers might also find stunning underwater rock formations.
The wildlife of the Galápagos
Part of what makes the Galápagos is the protection afforded the plant and animals. The region is known not only for species found nowhere else on Earth but also for their remarkable environment. Whether it’s a giant tortoise lumbering around a conservation park or blue-footed boobies nesting in vertical cliffsides, the many species that cohabitate here do so undisturbed.
The Galápagos’ “location at the confluence of three ocean currents makes it one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world,” UNESCO notes. Along with their extreme isolation, these islands have fostered some unique organisms, including massive cactuses, swimming marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.
Here is a look at some of the Galapagos’ more famously unusual inhabitants, as well as a peek into what makes the islands such an unbelievable ecotourism destination.
1. Marine iguana
The Marine iguana epitomizes the story evolution. It has learned to adapted its breathing so that it can stay underwater in order to feed on saltwater algae. It can hold its breath up to 30 minutes.
2. Giant tortoises
Imagine a lumbering creature that resembles a garden-variety turtle…on steroids. These behemoths can grow to more than 3 feet, and males of the species can weigh as much as half a ton. (Females are generally about half that.) In the wild, they may live a century or longer.
3. Galápagos sea lion
Don’t challenge a Galápagos sea lion to a foot race. Their anatomy is such that they can reach speeds on land that, it’s said, meaning a human being will come in second in a footrace between the two. Likewise, don’t challenge this species to see which of you can hold your breath longer when you’re underwater. Unless you’re an experienced free diver, you’ll probably lose; these animals can clock as much as 10 minutes. Instead, admire them as they loll on the beach, and be thankful that your main meal isn’t, as theirs is, sardines.
4. Galápagos fur seal
The “fur” in their names explains why they were nearly wiped off the face of the Earth. New regulations saved them, but they remain endangered because a warmer ocean affects their source of food as does plastics pollution. They are found mostly in the western islands and when on land, prefer, not surprisingly, the shade.
5. Galápagos penguins
These penguins are munchkins compared with penguins farther south; these penguins weigh 5.5 pounds at most and don’t generally grow more than 20 inches tall. By contrast, Emperor penguins, the largest of the penguin species and found in Antarctica, can weigh as much as 100 pounds and stand 50 inches tall. Most of these northerly penguins live on Isabela and Fernandina islands.
6. Galápagos short-eared owl
The short-eared Galápagos owl is a stealthy creature; they make no noise when they fly, despite a wingspan that may measure more than 3 feet. Like most owls, they are active at night, but this bird isn’t afraid to hunt during the day, especially in the absence of the Galápagos hawk .
7. Blue-footed booby
The name “blue-footed booby” is enough to elicit a smirk, but what if your potential mate evaluated your fitness by your feet? These birds try to sweep female birds off their feet by doing a little dance that displays what apparently is their best quality, the bluer the better. As for the name, early explorers thought these birds weren’t very bright and labeled them “boobs.” Untrue, at least when it comes to hunting; when a fish is spotted, several of the blue-footed birds may dive at a time, it’s said, to confuse the fish.
8. Flightless cormorant
Most cormorants can fly; these do not, so they stick close to Isabela and Fernandina islands. When you see their wings opened, as in Photo 8 above, it’s because they aren’t waterproof as most ocean-adjacent birds tend to be, and they have to dry themselves off. As for their lack of flight? That, too, is evolution, it’s said; they had few enemies and lost the ability to fly.
9. Galápagos hawk
Study the face of the Galápagos hawk and you’ll see it makes no effort to disguise what it is: an apex predator. Its wingspan is 4 feet, its beak is strong and helps it scavenge, and its razor-sharp talons allow it to pick off rodents, snakes and lizards as part of their diet. As strong as they are, their population has dwindled to about 150 nesting pairs.
- Decide the best time to go. It's never a bad time to travel to the Galapagos. ...
- Book your trip early. ...
- Research before you go. ...
- Choose between a cruise or hotel. ...
- Pack light. ...
- Bring comfortable clothes. ...
- Prepare for seasickness. ...
- Respect the wildlife.
November to December is generally a good time to visit the Galápagos Islands; temperatures begin to rise and the calmer seas mean underwater visibility for snorkellers is good.What is the dress code for Silver Origin? ›
What is the dress code on Silver Origin? Casual wear is appropriate for daytime aboard ship or ashore and consists of standard sports outfits as worn at five-star resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities. Evening attire falls into three categories: casual, informal and formal.How many days do you need on the Galapagos cruise? ›
However, if you are planning a trip to Galapagos as your sole destination, then we really recommend choosing an 8 to 15 day itinerary for your cruise. Because of the longer time available, a cruise of this length will typically allow you visit up to three times as many islands and visitor sites as a shorter trip.What you Cannot bring to Galapagos? ›
You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc.Do you need cash in the Galapagos Islands? ›
The Galapagos islands operate mainly on cash, the US dollar being the official currency since 2000. Please note, though, that $100 bills are NOT readily accepted anywhere in the islands.What is the rainiest month in Galapagos? ›
MARCH. March brings in the rainiest season of the Galápagos; an average of two inches of precipitation fall within the month.What month is the warmest water in Galapagos? ›
Water temperature in the Galapagos Islands ranges from 66-76 degrees Fahrenheit (19-24 degrees Celsius). The warmest Galapagos water temperatures occur from December through May. From June through November Galapagos water temperatures are cooler.Which loop is best in Galapagos? ›
Outer Loop Galapagos itineraries, consider your degree of interest in the flora and fauna of the islands visited on each loop. If seeing the Waved Albatross is on your bucket list, choose the Outer Loop with a stop at Espanola, where most of these incredible Galapagos birds reside.Does Silversea have a formal night? ›
There will always be at least one formal night on every Silversea cruise. On formal nights, ladies should wear an evening gown, while men should wear a tuxedo or dark suit with either a tie or bowtie. If you don't wish to dress up on a formal night, several restaurants onboard still accept informal dress.
Silversea. Silversea has send-out washing and dry cleaning available, and self-service launderettes are available on all ships, free of charge.What toiletries does Silversea provide? ›
Silversea takes its pledge to pamper seriously, giving guests a choice of three different bath products including my favorite, Bulgari. Enjoy the shampoo, conditioner, shower and bath gel, body lotion and soap from this high-end purveyor of jewels and fragrances founded more than a century ago in Italy.How much cash should I bring to Galapagos? ›
How much cash you bring is up to you but be mindful of the following: Suggested gratuities and tipping are USD$50 per guest for the guide for one week and USD$150 per guest for the crew. Galapagos National Park Fees per person are $110. Alcoholic beverages in Ecuador are heavily taxed (~$10 per drink on board).Do I need PCR to go to Galapagos? ›
Ecuador also eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements for the Galapagos Islands effective October 20, 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Galapagos Islands.Which island is the best to stay in Galapagos? ›
Santa Cruz is the best island to stay in the Galapagos Islands, it's the most popular when it comes to tourism, it has great hotels such as Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, and you can take a boat trip to other islands from here.Are Ziploc bags allowed in Galapagos? ›
Single-use plastics are NOT allowed into the Galapagos Islands. You need to bring a reusable water bottle!What to combine with a trip to Galapagos? ›
- Ecuadorian Amazon. Most of Ecuador's Oriente region lies in the Amazon basin. ...
- Highlands of Ecuador. You don't have to go far out of Quito to see some of the incredible sights that mainland Ecuador has to offer. ...
- Colombia. ...
- Peru. ...
Insect repellent: The Galapagos doesn't have many mosquitoes or biting insects, but bring a little repellent just in case. If you're traveling onto the Amazon, this is a must.Do cell phones work in the Galapagos? ›
Galapagos cell phone coverage can be spotty. Generally, the populated areas have decent coverage, but the uninhabited islands and open ocean are typically out of range.What is the most popular food in the Galapagos Islands? ›
A thick fish-based soup, Encebollado is perhaps the most popular dish throughout all of the Galapagos Islands. Consisting of boiled cassava (yucca), the freshest albacore tuna, onions, tomato, pepper, and coriander, this delicious soup is filling and delicious any time of day.
Do not leave the trail. Keep your distance – please keep at least two metres away from all animals and NEVER touch them no matter how tame they appear. Don't feed the animals. Buy responsibly – when purchasing souvenirs, do not buy anything made from the flora, fauna or rocks of the Islands.What is the best time of year to snorkel in Galapagos? ›
The Best Time to Snorkel the Galapagos
The dry and cooler season runs from June to November while the wet and warmer season lasts from December through the end of May. If you're planning to snorkel in the Galapagos, the wet season is generally preferred.
Average annual water temperature on the coast in Galapagos Islands is 75°F, by the seasons: in winter 73°F, in spring 72°F, in summer 76°F, in autumn 78°F. Minimum water temperature (68°F) in Galapagos Islands it happens in September, maximum (83°F) in March.Is it cold in the Galapagos Islands? ›
Galapagos Islands Weather
Good Weather for visiting all year round. Galapagos is on the Equator but the weather is not tropical. Temperatures range from 69°-84°F / 21°-30°C.
Galapagos penguins can be seen at Galapagos all year round. Their nesting season lasts from May to December. During these months the Humboldt current arrives from Antartica. This is a cold water current, bringing rich nutrients to Galapagos waters.Can you sunbathe in Galapagos? ›
You can enjoy “playa mansa”, an special zone of the beach that is very good for tanning and sunbathing. It is also a great place for surfing and snorkelling. Garrapatero is a marvelous and exotic beach, with very warm water and a great wildlife.
There's never a bad time to visit the Galápagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September and from mid-December through mid-January.What are 3 things Galapagos Islands are famous for? ›
What are the Galapagos Islands famous for? Giant tortoises on Isabela, marine iguanas on Fernandina, blue-footed boobies nesting on North Seymour, and 17 other land, marine, and avian species not found anywhere else in the world are the major reasons for the Galapagos Islands' fame.Which is better inner loop or outer loop Galapagos? ›
The Inner loop is best for abundant bird life, as it includes North Seymour Island and Punta Pitt on St Cristóbal – the only place in the Galápagos where you can see three species of booby in one place.What is the difference between the inner and outer loop of the Galapagos? ›
The largest notable difference between the inner and outer loops is the likelihood of seeing the red-footed booby on the inner loop, while the outer loop may give you opportunity to view the waved albatross during their breeding season.
Our crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures flawless service from pole to pole, but with us, you never have to think about who should get a tip, how much you should give and when. It's all included! We believe that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more special and stress-free.Are Silversea Cruises stuffy? ›
Silversea's ships aren't stuffy.What is the dress code for the Silversea Galapagos? ›
Dress code: Casual. Casual wear consists of pants, blouses or casual dresses for women; open-neck shirts and slacks for men are appropriate.What is the average age on a Silversea cruise? ›
Guests are mostly couples, sophisticated and affluent with an average age of 55.What plugs are used on Silversea cruises? ›
For your convenience, 110-volt (American current) and 220-volt (European current) outlets are provided in your suite, accommodating small appliances without the use of adapters or electric converters. The Silver Explorer has only 220 volt/60 Hz AC power and accepts Europlug or Type C plugs.What is Silversea cruises known for? ›
The 'jewel in the crown' of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line—acclaimed for both its all-inclusive lifestyle offering and its global destination portfolio.What time is tea on Silversea? ›
Tea is held between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily, with the exception of embarkation day, in various locations across its fleet, including its crystal chandelier-clad Queens Room and intimate Grill lounges for Grills passengers.Is champagne served on Silversea? ›
From exquisite service and cuisine to such niceties as free-flowing Drappier champagne and Ferragamo and Bulgari bath products in the marble cabin bathrooms, the line's six ships offer the best of everything.How much is laundry on Silversea? ›
Silversea. Silversea has send-out washing and dry cleaning available, and self-service launderettes are available on all ships, free of charge. A shirt costs $8 to dry clean, $5 to launder and $4.50 for press only. Passengers in top-category suites receive complimentary laundry service.What 4 things do you need to enter the Galapagos Islands? ›
Visitors must have a current passport valid for more than three months, adequate funds to support themselves and a return ticket. Be sure to bring your C-card or proof of certification.
It is a general practice to tip in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The local currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. So, if coming from the States, bring some smaller $1 and $5 bills along with you for tipping in Ecuador.Do I need any vaccinations to go to the Galapagos? ›
Vaccinations. There is no vaccination requirement for traveling to the highlands, coastal and Galapagos regions of Ecuador. However, when traveling to the Amazon jungle, ask your doctor about vaccines like typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria, and yellow fever.Do you need to wear masks in Ecuador? ›
Whilst masks are no longer mandatory in either indoor or outdoor public spaces, you may be required to wear them by private establishments.Do Americans need visa for Galapagos? ›
Travel Essentials. Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands welcome tourists from every country, and U.S citizens do not require a visa unless they plan to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days.What is the best time year in Galapagos? ›
November to December is generally a good time to visit the Galápagos Islands; temperatures begin to rise and the calmer seas mean underwater visibility for snorkellers is good.How many days are ideal in Galapagos? ›
That's why we always recommend the bare minimum of 5 days to adequately experience the Galapagos and strongly recommend 7 days to get an even greater and more comprehensive sense of the Galapagos' diversity and otherworldly landscapes.Do i need a pcr test to go to Galapagos? ›
International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Galapagos Islands.How safe is it to travel to the Galapagos Islands? ›
Is the Galapagos Safe To Visit? The Galapagos is an extremely safe travel destination. very little crime occurs in the islands and because tourism plays an important role in the economy of the islands and the Galapagos National Park, strict rules are in place when it comes to migrating to the islands.How many days is enough for Galapagos Islands? ›
How many days should I spend in the Galapagos if I want to see every island? Laughter tells that travelers need 14-15 days to see every single island in the archipelago. However, we recommend adding in some free time between snorkeling, hiking, and exploring lava tunnels for two weeks.Is it expensive to visit the Galapagos Islands? ›
Galapagos is not a cheap place to visit (but so worth it). Due to their location, the challenges of sustainable tourism there, and the need to support local development, the Galapagos Islands are more expensive than the mainland of Ecuador. While budget travel is feasible, the trip can still cost you a lot.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
You can obtain it at the airport of Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. Even before checking in with your airline, go to the INGALA/CGREG counter to purchase the Galapagos Transit Card. It costs 20 USD per person and is preferably paid in cash (card payment is available but the system is often out of service).Can Americans drink water in the Galapagos? ›
Is tap water safe to drink on the Galapagos Islands? The tap water on the Galapagos Islands is not safe to drink so only drink bottled water, which is readily available on board cruise boats. It's wise to avoid ice cubes in drinks, and salads, which may have been washed in unhygienic water.What are the biggest problems in Galapagos Islands? ›
Overfishing and illegal industrial fishing are serious threats to the islands' delicate marine ecosystem. They deplete commercial fish, destroy marine environments, and harm local communities whose livelihoods and health depend on fish.How strenuous is a trip to the Galapagos? ›
A visit to the Galápagos is truly the trip of a lifetime, but it can be somewhat strenuous as well. The trails are about a mile to a mile and a half in length; many have uneven lava rock to traverse, others are hard packed dirt, and still others are merely a “walk on the beach”.How much money should I bring to Galapagos? ›
How much money will you need for your trip to Galapagos Islands? You should plan to spend around $138 per day on your vacation in Galapagos Islands, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $33 on meals for one day and $54 on local transportation.Can you walk on the Galapagos Islands? ›
5. Always walk through marked trails 🚶 There's a few places in Galápagos that you can discover on your own and don't need the company of a certified guide. In those places, make sure you never walk out of the marked trails that have been previously defined by Galapagos government for a reason.Can you spend a night in Galapagos? ›
A: The Galapagos has four inhabited islands that each offer hotel options: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays.Is food expensive in Galapagos? ›
While visiting the Galapagos on a budget, the cheapest way to eat out is to order the menu-of-the-day. They cost between $4 and $7 for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; and come with a variety of food. Consider it like a hamburger combo, but healthier, delicious, and more ROI.Is there WIFI in Galapagos Island? ›
There is internet access available on the islands in almost all hotels and cafes. However, speeds range from bearable to painfully slow — and these vary wildly depending on the time of the day.
Current Exchange Rates
The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.


text:
He got no response. Not even a Robo-signed “Thanks for your letter.”
Fulwood wrote a similar letter to Attorney General Eric Holder via Deputy Attorney General James Cole (his point person at Justice) with a similar suggestion, adding, “I look forward to discussing this issue in more depth.”
He wrote another letter Aug. 21 to Cole, amplifying his proposal and adding that he had “reached out to police chiefs around the country” and listed 10 “who have shown a keen interest in a meeting,” including Raymond Kelly in New York, Robert White In Denver, D.C.’s Cathy Lanier and Philadelphia’s Charles Ramsey, Lanier’s predecessor.
Still nothing, though Obama and Holder met two weeks ago with mayors and police chiefs at the White House to discuss relations between black youths and law enforcement.

domain: news


text:
Under pressure from the Tamil Nadu government, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council on Tuesday decided that Sri Lankan cricketers will not participate in the IPL league matches to be held in Chennai.
The Governing Council took the decision hours after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa mounted more pressure on the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government over the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils and told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that no Sri Lankan cricketer will be allowed to play in her state during the upcoming sixth edition of the IPL.
"This is with reference to news reports last week that the government of Sri Lanka has issued a travel advisory that its citizens should exercise caution when travelling to Tamil Nadu," IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Today, the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has written to the Prime Minister of India stating that she will not permit the participation of Sri Lankan players or umpires in matches in Chennai during Pepsi IPL 2013," he said.
"The IPL Governing Council met this afternoon to discuss the issue. The security of all involved in the IPL, whether players, spectators or those working in the stadiums, is of paramount importance to the BCCI. The Governing Council decided that Sri Lankan players will not participate in the Pepsi IPL 2013 League matches in Chennai and will advise the nine franchises accordingly," said Shukla.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, Jayalalithaa said that the state government will permit IPL matches only if the organisers promise that no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff will participate.
"In such a hostile and tense environment, we apprehend that the participation of Sri Lankan players in the IPL tournament, with many games to be played in Chennai, will aggravate an already surcharged atmosphere and further offend the sentiments of the people," Jayalalithaa wrote in her letter to the Prime Minister.
"In view of the popular antipathy and anger in Tamil Nadu against the actions of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of Tamil Nadu is of the view that IPL matches involving Sri Lankan players, umpires and other officials should not be played in Tamil Nadu," the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo said.
Street protests have taken place in Tamil Nadu to denounce the Sri Lankan government for the killings of Tamil civilians in the war against the Tamil Tigers in the island country that ended May 2009.
Eight of the nine IPL franchises have 13 Sri Lankans in their roster. Chennai, home to Super Kings, is scheduled to host 10 IPL matches this season.
Ten Sri Lankan players, barring Chennai Super Kings Akila Dananjaya and Nuwan Kulasekara, will be missing just one match, away encounter in Chennai. Dananjaya and Kulasekara, however, will be missing around eight home matches of Super Kings.
Jeevan Mendis and Mahela Jayawardene will be playing Delhi Daredevils; Sachithra Senanayake plays for Kolkata Knight Riders; Lasith Malinga is with Mumbai Indians; Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews are in Pune Warriors; Rajasthan Royals have Kusal Janith Perera; Royal Challengers have Muttiah Muralitharan and Tillakaratne Dilshan; and Sunrisers Hyderabad have Kumar Sangakkara and Thisara Perera.
Jayawardene will be leading Daredevils while Sangakkara will be in charge of Sunrisers.
The IPL 2013 will commence with an Opening Ceremony on the evening of Apr 2 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The sixth edition of IPL will be played across the country from Apr 3 to May 26.


UNTU concerned over Prasa safety permit after three rail incidents in KZN
Three safety-related rail incidents in KwaZulu-Natal have prompted the United National Transport Union (UNTU) to question how the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) was issued with a safety permit.
"The union would like to warn Prasa and the RSR (Rail Safety Regulator) to seriously look at the safety permit granted for another year, [because] serious incidents are rife. [They will] have blood on their hands," UNTU general secretary Steve Harris said on Friday.
Prasa was issued with a one-year safety permit to operate the country's trains until July 31, 2019.
This follows three life-threatening incidents on train routes.
Before its previous safety permit expired, the RSR warned Prasa in writing in July that it had "serious concerns" about the passenger rail operator's spares procurement action plans, according to Harris.
"The RSR informed Prasa that the unavailability of spares has resulted in poor or non-availability of trains, resulting in less signals being operational with consequential increased manual train authorisations and the associated high risks that come with the process," said Harris.
He said the RSR also criticised the inconsistent spares procurement processes Prasa had followed in different regions.
"UNTU does not believe that Prasa managed to rectify all its problems in August after the RSR was only prepared to grant it a temporary safety operating licence that would have lapsed by midnight tonight, 31 August 2018."
He added: "The RSR itself stated that the progress made by Prasa with the implementation of the special conditions over the past two years is dismal as it relates to critical aspects of its safety management system."
On Tuesday, a mast pole fell on Metrorail train 0734 at Fraser Station just outside Tongaat on the North Coast-Stanger railway line while it was carrying commuters.
"UNTU can only thank God that [none of] the union's train crew members and no commuters were injured. The incident was reported to Prasa's operations management," said Harris.
On the same day, two carriages on Metrorail train 0260 disconnected while emergency brakes were applied. There were tyres that obstructed the railway line.
"The emergency brakes of the one coach were not in a working condition and the emergency brakes of the second coach were weak. The two coaches disconnected while the train was still in motion. The crew managed to stop the coaches after 500 metres," Harris said.
Nobody was injured in the second incident although the crew and the commuters were very traumatised. According to Harris, the incident was also reported to Prasa's operations management.
In another incident on Friday, frustrated commuters at the Umbogintwini Station near Durban allegedly hijacked the South Coast railway line.
"When [the crew] wanted to get into the other side of the train, they were pushed around and verbally abused while commuters prevented them from entering the train to return to Durban. Objects were placed on the railway line to block the train."
He said two unarmed protection officials who escorted the crew were assaulted.
The train crew was apparently forced to continue on the route as the commuters threatened to torch the coaches.
Jaco du Plessis, an independent attorney specialising in civil claims and criminal law, said that Prasa and the Minister of Transport would be liable if any of the train crew or commuters died or were injured.
"The employees and the commuters or their families can sue Prasa for trauma, their injuries, medical expenses, loss of income and potential loss of income."
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text:
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a highly-trained athlete, it’s common to sustain injuries. The most common injuries are ankle injuries, lower back pain sports injury, shoulder pain without injuries, etc. When such injuries in sports happen, it’s hard to figure out what part is really injured or where to get the right treatment for it.
If you’re wondering what cause spots injury, what are their factors, what to do after you hit the court, this article is worth a read. Continue reading to be aware of the most common causes, factors, types of sports injuries, ranging from the least common to the most common ones.
What causes sports injury
There are many causes of sports injury. The chances of injuries increase when you are not properly ready to play sport. The most common causes include the following:
- Improper warming up
- No rest while working out
- Repetitive training on hard surfaces
- No stretching the muscles before playing
- Improper footwear while exercising
Lower back pain in sports injury, shoulder pain without injury, ankle injuries in sports are some of the most common injuries that happen in sports. Risk factors of the injury include flat feet, diabetes, genetic, increased age, bone spurs, obesity, smoking, live disease, thyroid issues, and alcoholism.
Common Sports Injuries
There are different types of sports injuries you can happen to receive if you are a spots person. The most common ones along with their treatment options have been mentioned blow.
Muscle strain, muscle tear, muscle pull or even a muscle tear refers to damage to a muscle or its attached tendons. It happens when your muscles get torn or overstretched. Muscle strain can occur due to overuse, fatigue, or improper use a muscle. While it can affect muscle on any part of your body, lower back, shoulder, hamstring (muscle behind your thighs), neck, are the most common areas. This results into lower back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain in sports. You can treat mild or moderate shoulder pain without injury effectively at home with heat, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear or sprain is one of the most common knee injuries sports persons receive. Athletes who participate in sports like basketball and football are more likely to witness ACL tear. Unfortunately if you have injured your anterior cruciate ligament, you might need to go under a surgery for regaining full function of your knees. But surgery depends on the harshness of your injury and your activity level. If physiotherapy can’t help treat it, then surgery is the last option.
If you are having pain in the bottom of your heel, this may be due to plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick, web like ligament. Its role includes bridging gap between your heel and front of your foot. It also supports the arch of your foot, letting you walk properly. Common symptoms include swollen feet, stiffness, redness, flat feet, heel pain, and sensitivity.
Plantar fasciitis is among the most common orthopedic problems. It generally happens when your plantar fascia ligaments (it acts as shock absorbers) face a lot of wear and tear in your daily lifestyle. When you exert too much pressure on your feet, it can lead to even damage or tear the ligaments. Coming to the treatments available for plantar fasciitis are stretching exercises, physiotherapy, steroid injections and even a surgery.
An ankle sprain is a type of ankle injuries in sports that occurs in the tough bands of tissues – the tissues that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot. The problem of ankle sprain usually happens when you accidentally turn or twist your ankle in an uncooperative way. It can lead to stretching or tearing the ligament that holds your ankle bones and joints together. RICE (rest, ice, compression, and then elevation) is an effective treatment option.
Iliotibial band syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a very painful condition. In it, the connective tissues rub against the thighbones. Distance runners in particular are more prone to be affected by it. This problem occurs when the iliotibial band becomes tight or inflamed. The IT band contains a thick band of connective tissue that runs from outside of your hip to the outside of the knee. It helps strengthen and move the knee joint.
IT band syndrome can happen due to any activity that causes the leg to turn inwards repeatedly. When your IT band does not work properly, you will have problem in running. Your movement becomes turns to be painful. The lower back pain can run from bad to worse and can be severe enough to completely sideline you for weeks or even more. The initial treatments to get rid of ITBS are ice, rest, compression, and elevation, which is known as RICE.
If you or any one in your family, including children, experience any of the sports-related injuries, contact a trusted sport & spine physical therapy center for the treatment or the problem may deteriorate day by day.

domain: medical


.AAR File Extension
- File Type: Android Archive File
- Developer: Google
- Category: Developer Files
- Format: Zip
What is a .AAR file?
.AAR is a Developer Files file of a Zip format created by Google. You can launch .AAR files on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
How to make a .AAR file?
To generate .AAR files, you have to use Google Android Studio or any other program indicated below. Software for Linux, Mac, and Windows can be downloaded from official stores. You can also get .AAR file editor from the software official source. To learn more about .AAR file launcher and its alternatives, visit the program official web site.
How to open .AAR files?
To launch .AAR file on your platform, use .AAR file launcher by Google or another soft listed below. After the installation of the .AAR file opener, you will be able to open all .AAR files.


Authorities have pumped up to rival the Europe dominance for the Partygoers. A manmade island near Ras Al Khaimah has been termed as Dream Island is going to be paradise for the party freaks. There are four islands known as Al Marjan Islands. Dream Island will be designed as complete destination for the party freaks. According to the authorities, it will not feature any residential complex. However, the Island is going to be comprised of Two Mega Clubs, Four dedicated beach clubs, five lavish hotels, and 100 restaurants for the partygoers.
The Dream Island has been designed in such a way that people can come and stay at the island, and enjoy and do whatever they want to do. The project of Dream Island is expected to be completed by 2018. The concept of dedicated Party Island was discussed in the Dubai Property Show held in Kensington’s Olympia in London. As a whole, Al Marjan is expected to attract $4.69 billion investment.
This will be a landmark project especially for the UAE Real Estate Market. The Al Marjan Islands have been identified as $1 Billion development project. UAE is famous for luxury hotels and residential apartments. The four islands which are located near about 27 Km from the Al Khaimah City are spread across 2.7 Million square meters. The coral shaped islands will host multiple luxury and floating hotels, villas, resorts, shopping malls and even sports centers or clubs. The authorities are keen to create a luxury world in between the sea which will be a landmark for the world.
The Dream Island which has been coined as “Mini Ibiza” will be the prime attraction of the people. Almost 20,000 partygoers should be attracted by the 370,000 Island in the sea. The partygoers in the world and in UAE are already excited about it. However, they might need to wait for some more time to step into the heaven for the parties.


text:
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been mostly inept at drafting wide receivers. General manager Trent Baalke and coach Doug Pederson are expected to take a shot at changing the franchise’s fortunes at the position during the NFL draft next weekend. The Jaguars have five of the first 116 picks, with three of those scheduled for the first two nights of the draft.
The Houston Texans won last year’s NFL draft by taking quarterback and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick before trading up to draft defensive end and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. third overall. There will be a lot less excitement in Houston in this year’s draft as the Texans don’t have a first-round pick and won’t select until the 10th pick of the second round with the 42nd overall selection. “We continue to add guys who fit the Texans’ culture,” Ryans said.
For Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, this was a different kind of offseason. Instead of searching for a new starting quarterback or deciphering how free agents might conform to a new coach's offensive philosophy, he remained focused on improving the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
HOUSTON, April 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bio-Path Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: BPTH) (the “Company” or “Bio-Path”), a biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary DNAbilize® antisense RNAi nanoparticle technology to develop a portfolio of targeted nucleic acid cancer drugs, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with certain institutional investors for the issuance and sale of 375,000 shares of its common stock at a purchase price per share of $3.225 in a registered d
AI chip stock Arm Holdings surged more than 152% past a recent buy point. Following that advance, is Arm stock a buy in today's stock market?
Social media platform Reddit soared more than 120% from its IPO price. Following the IPO, is Reddit stock a buy in today's market?
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monumental Financial Planning, formerly, The Cortale Group, is proud to announce its continued support for Calvary Women's Services by returning as a sponsor for the third year of their annual Hope Gala. This important event, taking place on April 25th, 2024, serves as a poignant celebration of the life-changing impact of Calvary's programs in empowering women facing homelessness to rebuild their lives. Monumental Financial Planning has a long-stand
Meta stock is up as the Facebook company launched what Mark Zuckerberg called the most intelligent free AI assistant.
The "Seinfeld" star said the incident happened when her water broke.
The Cincinnati Bengals went into free agency with explosive plays in mind — producing more of them on offense and allowing fewer on defense. Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II have been in the conversation as possible first-round picks for Cincinnati. “We want the traits, and we want the intangibles,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said.
It was clear from the start of this offseason that the Baltimore Ravens were going to lose quite a few players to free agency. The Ravens did sign Derrick Henry to alleviate some concerns at running back, and they kept standout defensive lineman Justin Madubuike with a long-term deal, but some significant contributors to last season's AFC North champions have departed.
The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that's never been to one. The team's franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. Like fans across the league, the Browns will watch as players get picked on Day One again.
There used to be a time — say the vast majority of the franchise's first 92 seasons — when the Pittsburgh Steelers would rely almost exclusively on the NFL draft to address whatever holes they might have on the roster. The Steelers went through a very unSteeler-like March in which they signed Russell Wilson, traded for Justin Fields and gave inside linebacker Patrick Queen the biggest free-agent contract in team history. It shortened Pittsburgh's shopping list when the draft begins April 25.
A film about the life of legendary comedian Chris Farley is reportedly in the works, with Paul Walter Hauser signed on to star in the main role and Josh Gad set to make his directorial debut. The story is being adapted from the New York Times bestseller “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts,” reports Deadline. Written by Farley’s older brother, Tom Farley Jr., “The Chris Farley ...
MINNEAPOLIS, April 18, 2024--Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) has been named by Newsweek as one of "America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2024." The list ranks U.S. companies with the highest overall employee survey scores on topics including willingness to recommend, drivers of satisfaction (e.g., work-life balance, compensation), publicly available key performance indicators (e.g., ratio of women in management) and public reputation.
Kid Cudi has revealed he's engaged to menswear designer Lola Abecassis Sartore, writing on Instagram that she is "everything to me."
The probe, conducted by a bipartisan House committee empowered to devise strategies for the U.S. to counter China, focused on world's largest asset manager BlackRock and index provider MSCI, the report said. BlackRock and MSCI did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Transaction in Own Shares 18 April, 2024 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shell plc (the ‘Company’) announces that on 18 April 2024 it purchased the following number of Shares for cancellation. Aggregated information on Shares purchased according to trading venue: Date of purchaseNumber of Shares purchasedHighest price paid Lowest price paid Volume weighted average price paid per shareVenueCurrency18/04/2024840,350 £28.5450£28.1850£28.3867LSEGBP18/04/2024- £0.0000£0.0000£0.0000Chi-X (CXE)GBP18/04
Pepsi is partnering with celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and is also releasing two limited-edition flavors in lime and peach for summer.
We all know who the superstars are. So here are the players who can work in the margins to provide a postseason edge.

domain: sports


Ammonia-fuelled tanker Joint Development Project partners MISC Berhad, LR, Samsung Heavy Industries and MAN Energy Solutions announced the entry of two new partners the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Yara International ASA (at a recent webinar focused on Ammonia as a Shipping Fuel which was organised by The Getting to Zero Coalition’s Fuels & Technologies workstream. The JDP partners also went on to announce the name of the expanded coalition – The Castor Initiative. Leading fertilizer company Yara will work alongside MISC, LR, SHI and MAN to develop ammonia propulsion ships to support the maritime industry’s drive to decarbonisation. In addition, the consortium will be able to tap into MPA’s experience as a bunkering hub and flag state to gather insights on safety issues and ammonia bunkering procedures, and gain access to research capabilities in Singapore. The addition of MPA and Yara means that the alliance, which was first unveiled in January 2020, now has a complete representation from all areas of the maritime ecosystem. The experience and expertise of each partner will be central to the success of the initiative, from conception to project realisation. This announcement follows a key project milestone in September 2020 when LR awarded Approval in Principle to SHI for its ammonia-fuelled tanker design with the aim of commercialising these developments by 2024.


A cropped cardigan crafted in a soft and luxurious cotton knit, the Coleman is designed with transeasonal layering in mind.
- Deep, ribbed hem and cuffs
- Elevated contrast detailing
- Two way zip
- Material: 100% cotton
Hand wash only. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Iron on low setting. Do not dry clean. Dry flat. Fasten zips before washing.


text:
Background: Sogatella furcifera is an important phloem sap-sucking and plant virus-transmitting migratory insect of rice. Because of its high reproductive potential, dispersal capability and transmission of plant viral diseases, S. furcifera causes considerable damage to rice grain production and has great economical and agricultural impacts. Comprehensive studies into ecological aspects and virus-host interactions of S. furcifera have been limited because of the lack of a well-assembled genome sequence.
Findings: A total of 241.3 Gb of raw reads from the whole genome of S. furcifera were generated by Illumina sequencing using different combinations of mate-pair and paired-end libraries from 17 insert libraries ranging between 180 bp and 40 kbp. The final genome assembly (0.72 Gb), with average N50 contig size of 70.7 kb and scaffold N50 of 1.18 Mb, covers 98.6 % of the estimated genome size of S. furcifera . Genome annotation, assisted by eight different developmental stages (embryos, 1 st -5 th instar nymphs, 5-day-old adults and 10-day-old adults), generated 21 254 protein-coding genes, which captured 99.59 % (247/248) of core CEGMA genes and 91.7 % (2453/2675) of BUSCO genes.
Conclusions: We report the first assembled and annotated whole genome sequence and transcriptome of S. furcifera . The assembled draft genome of S. furcifera will be a valuable resource for ecological and virus-host interaction studies of this pest.
Keywords: Annotation; Assembly; Genomics; Sogatella furcifera genome.
© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

domain: agronomy


The Lenz's Law Kit provides the necessary tools to discover concepts involving Farady's Law, magnetism, and eddy currents in addition to the Lenz's Law. The pipes of differing materials excel at demonstration the magnet braking force in action as the two magnets are simultaneously dropped through each of the aluminum and clear plastic tubes. A dynamometer attaches to suspend the Lenz's Las apparatus so students can quantitatively measure the additional force as the magnet drops through the conductive tube.
Supplied with instructions.
-Lenz's law apparatus


We have a simple project like simple design of of pdf file upload and split the PDF by Page and store as per the split condition
16 freelancers are bidding on average $199 for this job
hello, we are a team of developers designer and testers where we develop websites app as per the requirement . so you can get all under one roof from end to end including maintenance also.
As your project requirement my skill are perfect to do your work .In laravel we can easily handling what is your requirement so let me give an opportunity to work with you


text:
JULY 4TH COMMENTARY OF THE WEEK
Michael interviews Rob Carrick on personal finance. Michaels comments on Greece not being an isolated incident. That the next leg of the debt crisis is now upon us.
(for the entire Money Talks show go to http://www.cknw.com/audio-vault/
JULY 4TH INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK
Michael interviews Rob Carrick about personal finance, business and economics. Carrick has been writing for close to 20 years in the Globe and Mail.
JULY 4TH GOOFY
This weeks Goofy proves that when it comes to organic foods, there is a sucker born every minute
JULY 4TH SHOCKING STAT
This weeks Shocking Stat involves numbers that indicate it is time for investors to get very cautious

domain: economics


text:
Project Type: Concept
Packaging Contents: Snacks
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Paper
Upper Crust – a bakery since 1989 is well known for its delicious bakery products. Upper Crust name itself is inspired from “something which is oven-baked and has a crispy upper layer”. Product “Khari” is one such perfect example. It is nearly same as Puff Pastry. One of the favorite tea time snacks in India, Khari biscuits has its own following.
Upper Crust thought of introducing 5 new flavour to cater to different taste palettes of people. The focus here was to make something that can be easily identified and something which can be easily recognized when on the shelf/ or in the display. Hence, a minimal version of packaging was created with the colors of the ingredients in prime focus.
The minimalism of the packs and an easy user experience. Khari is a snack that is consumed by all classes of people in India including the illiterate. Hence idea was to make something that is classy yet easy to recognize by anyone. This packaging is a proper mix of minimalism and user-friendliness. The colors of the ingredients say it all. One can easily understand the flavor just by seeing its color.

domain: food


Every since Amazon behaved badly Monday morning by firing Colorado-based affiliates, I've been dealing with the fallout. I decided pretty quickly that I was done with an Amazon — as an affiliate as well as a consumer — and immediately started looking for new affiliate programs for my book review blog, wedding blog, and doll repair blog.
My first thought was to apply for the Barnes & Noble affiliate program. Ironically, I joined their program back when I first joined Amazon, but ended up going with the latter because their system was easier to use. The B&N affiliate program is different now — it's part of the Google Affiliate Network, which includes many more affiliate programs than just Barnes & Noble — and I was pleased to find that the new system is just as user-friendly as Amazon's. And personally, I like the overall results much better — I think the larger image of the book cover provides a much cleaner look than Amazon's ad.
I applied for the program Monday afternoon, and by Monday evening had an acceptance. I immediately changed the book links in the sidebars of all my blogs except my wedding blog (that one is still on my to-do list). Yesterday I also applied for a couple of other advertisers in the program, and set up a few other affiliate ads for my blog about feline hepatic lipidosis.
On Tuesday, I got a recommendation to try the Powells.com partner program. I signed up and was able to get started right away. This system is even more user-friendly than the Google Affiliate Network, and I like it considerably better than Amazon's program. I especially like the fact that Powell's buys used books online — they pay the shipping too. You can check out the program by clicking the link in the sidebar, under the ad for the book I'm currently reading.
Yesterday, I changed over a number of my more recent links on my book review blog. I still have a lot to do though, and I expect it to be a few more days before I am done switching over to the new affiliate programs.
The best thing about these two programs is how much easier payment is than Amazon. With Amazon, if you want cash you have to wait until you reach $100 in commissions, which takes a while for someone like me, for whom the income is only supplementary. But it seems like the businesses in the Google Affiliate Network pay after a set number of days — e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days — while Powell's pays at the end of the quarter where you reach $25. Plus, the Google Affiliate Network (which I keep wanting to call GAN!) links up with your Google AdSense account, which is pretty convenient.
My point is that there are many options for former Colorado-based Amazon affiliates. Much better options with more honest companies, if you ask me. Personally, even if Amazon reinstates the Colorado affiliates (which I really think they will, whether or not the Colorado legislature calls their bluff — they can't give up all those referrals!), I could never trust them again after this. But I feel much more secure after signing up for affiliate programs I like, with businesses I respect. If you ask me, Amazon did me a favor!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Alternatives for Colorado-based Amazon affiliates
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text:
As a human being we all have certain characteristics which make us stand out among others. Some people are introvert whereas some people are extrovert. There are some people loves a fight and some who doesn’t. As you have noticed that every individual is different. Here we are trying to categorize such people into a specific animal based on their characteristics. In this animal test, we will tell you which animal you should be born as based on given questions. The questions ask you simple questions based on how you approach different things. Take this animal test and see which animal you should be born as.
Share this awesome quiz on every social media websites you are using.

domain: psychology


text:
February 07, 2014 10:30 ET
QUÉBEC, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 7, 2014) - Canada Economic Development
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced that the firm Aero-Photo (1961) Inc. has been granted financial assistance for the implementation of a strategy to commercialize its geomatic services.
This support has been awarded in the form of a $200,000 repayable financial contribution through Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.
"As this financial support to Aero-Photo (1961) clearly illustrates, our Government is taking effective measures to stimulate job growth and strengthen the competitiveness of the Canadian economy."
Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"We have to continue developing advanced skills in geomatics in order to provide our clients with more effective and innovative geospatial solutions and keep pace with the growing technological demands of the industry."
Christian Lévesque, General Manager, Aero-Photo (1961) Inc.
Keep up with the latest news from Canada Economic Development by visiting www.dec-ced.gc.ca or subscribing to Twitter @CanEconDev.
Media RelationsCanada Economic Development514email@example.comMichele-Jamali PaquetteDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Honourable Denis LebelCanada Economic Development514-496-1282Michele-Jamali.Paquette@miga-maig.gc.ca
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domain: finance


text:
Despite the fact that the Middle East is blessed with a rich geological inheritance of hydrocarbons and mineral resources, it is a water-scarce and arid region that has its share of demographic and socio-economic problems. It is difficult to grow food crops in the Middle East due to scarcity of water supply and limited availability of arable land. The region is highly vulnerable to fluctuations in international commodity markets because of heavy dependence on imported grains and food items.
According to a report issued in 2009 by the World Bank, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, “Arab countries are the largest importers of cereal in the world. Most import at least 50% of the food calories they consume.”
Countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon or Iraq used to be breadbaskets in the recent past but their agricultural sectors have suffered a lot due to government mismanagement, price ceilings, and underinvestment. Infact, all Arab countries are net importers of grains, with small GCC countries like Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman almost completely dependent on imports for grains.
The Middle East nations are encountering price spikes on world food markets. This is due to competition for the same food products (wheat, corn, soybeans, animal protein, etc.) from other areas of the world, especially Asia, where incomes are rising and demand for more and better calories is exploding. Besides threatening the well-being of those already living on meager resources, the price hikes have increased the number of poverty-stricken by millions in less-affluent Middle East nations.
To make matters worse for the food supply problem, world markets have experienced severe disruptions in the past several years from distant storms, floods and droughts — from Russia to Argentina to Australia. These natural phenomena have disrupted the fabric of global market mechanisms that underlies the international food trade. Prices for basic food staples are already at socially dangerous levels, approaching or exceeding their 2008 peaks.
Of all the Middle Eastern countries facing the current food crisis, Yemen is in the worst shape. A United Nations’ World Food Programme report states that seven million of Yemen’s 21 million people are “acutely hungry”, making Yemen the 11th most insecure food country in the world.
Aquifers are being pumped well beyond the rate of recharge, and the deeper fossil aquifers are also being rapidly depleted. As a result, water tables are falling throughout Yemen by some 2 meters per year. With water tables falling, the grain harvest has shrunk by one third over the last 40 years, while demand has continued to rise. As a result, Yemenis now import more than 80 percent of their grain.
In Saudi Arabia there is little farming without irrigation, which depends almost entirely on fossil aquifers. The desalted seawater used by Saudi Arabia to meet the ever-increasing water demand in cities is too costly for irrigation use. Saudi Arabia’s growing food insecurity has led it to buy or lease arable land in different countries, including world’s hungriest nations Ethiopia and Sudan. Infact, the Saudis are planning to produce food for themselves with the land and water resources of other countries to meet rising food demand of its rapidly growing population.
Unfortunately, transferring agricultural land from subsistence farming to export crops has led to even more food shortages. By attempting to ensure their own food security by acquiring foreign farm holdings, affluent nations are creating new food shortages in other parts of the world.
Due to reduced flows of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, Iraq and Syria’s grain harvests have been hit badly. Given the future uncertainty of river water supplies, farmers in both countries are drilling and over-pumping more wells for irrigation. Syria’s grain harvest has fallen by one fifth since peaking at roughly 7 million tons in 2001. In Iraq, the grain harvest has fallen by one fourth since peaking at 4.5 million tons in 2002. Jordan, with 6 million people, is skating on thin ice agriculturally. Forty or so years ago, it was producing over 300,000 tons of grain per year. Today it produces only 60,000 tons and thus must import over 90 percent of its grain.
With fast growing populations and an increasing pressure on water resources, governments must act urgently to prevent the looming food crisis. A recent World Bank report found great inefficiencies in many Arab ports and the ways that Arab countries store grain compared with other large wheat importers, such as the Netherlands and South Korea. Port facilities, slow customs service and inefficient transportation from the ports to the mills all contribute to the worsening food situation. Arab countries are going to be huge importers of food no matter what; therefore they should improve their port and storage facilities and manage import risks.

domain: geography


text:
Notre Dame eyes could be smilin’
The Notre Dame boys swimming team has never finished in the top ten at a state meet.
Now, however, the Irish have their sights set high thanks to qualifying athletes in ten of the 11 swimming events, five of which they own top 12 seed times.
The top 12 times in each event at Friday’s preliminaries advance to Saturday’s finals.
In the 200-yard medley, they own the top qualifying time at 1 minute, 35.02 seconds. The time is over half a second faster than the automatic high school All-American cut time of 1:35.57. ND’s top seed in this event is the school’s second ever, joining Jake Bridenbaugh’s top mark in the 2010 500 free.
They’re also seeded fourth in the 200-yard freestyle, and 12th in the 400-yard freestyle.
Senior Max Spencer is seeded fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke and freshman Jared Schimmelpfenning is sixth in the 500 free.
Senior Jon Querciagrossa is also looking to advance to Saturday, seeded 13th in the 100-yard backstroke.
DIVING DRAGONS: Pekin senior Nick Toel returns to state after missing last season due to academic ineligibility. He finished 20th at the state meet in 2009.
This season, he’s already set a new six-dive school record (276.25) previously held by Austin Standley, and his sectional score of 469.95 was good enough to give him the seventh seed going into prelims.
Junior Shay Standley, Austin’s younger brother, also qualified this season with a score of 401.30. He’s seeded 28th out of 48 divers.
OTHER AREA SWIMMER: For ND, Max Spencer is 34th in the 200-yard IM. Mike Unruh is 32nd in the 50 free. Chris Neaveill and Jared Schimmelpfenning are 25th and 35th respectively in the 100 fly. Tyler Neaveill is 21st in the 50 free and 38th in the 100 free. Jon Querciagrossa is 21st in the 500 free. ... Richwoods is seeded 27th in the 200 medley relay. ... Macomb junior Matt Abercrombie is 14th in the 500 free. ... Pekin junior Jason Hughes is 33rd in the 100 breast.
— Josh Herman


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White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany used a softball question from OAN’s Chanel Rion to attack members of the press for not asking about Michael Flynn and show a series of prepared slides that included questions she wished the media had posed about the Flynn case.
“I ‘d like to switch gears and ask about President Obama,” Rion asked from the side of the White House briefing room. “We had an interesting article from [Breitbart’s] Joel Pollak this morning. I’d like to ask you if the President has considered pardoning President Obama for illegally wiretapping, illegally spying on citizens, and other potential crimes out there.”
“I laid out a series of questions that any serious journalist would want to answer about why people were unmasked,” McEnany responded. ” I wanted to follow up with you guys, did anyone take it upon themselves to pose questions about Michael Flynn and the unmasking of a president Obama spokesperson?”
“So I would like to lay out a series of questions and perhaps write them out in slide format visual learners and will follow up with curiosity,” McEnany said.
The first slide read, “Why did the Obama Admin use opposition research, funded by a political organization and filled with foreign dirt, to spy on members of the Trump campaign?”
Another read, “Why was Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn unmasked by Obama’s Chief of Staff, Joe Biden, Susan Rice, and others?” Other slides asked, “Why was Flynn’s identity leaked — a criminal act — to the press” and “Why did the DOJ learn about the FBI’s interest in Flynn conversations with a Russia Amb. from a conversation with Obama in the Oval Office?”
“This is extraordinary,” McEnany said. “If it were political appointees from the Trump administration I can guarantee you I would have questions in my inbox right now but apparently a Obama spokesperson does not.”
“It is a long weekend and you guys have three days to follow up on those questions,” McEnany told members of the press. “I certainly hope the next time I ask hands go up because a Obama spokesperson should be asked those questions.”
McEnany then abruptly ended the briefing, as reporters shouted after her.
This is not what WH press secretaries are supposed to do. They're liaisons for the press, not campaign managers/oppo research bullies. But here we are. https://t.co/vGtodF3VL3
— Matt Mitovich (@MattMitovich) May 22, 2020


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dunmore1999's Cork, Ireland
16 Reviews |
Bunnyconnellan bar and Restaurant
We visit here about four times a year (usually a group of about 6) and while the food is always good...
8 Oliver Plunkett Street
Great pizzas and pasta. Lighter option pizzas available. Wonderful kids menu. Big airy place and has...
Jacob's on the Mall
30A South Mall
Great food in a gorgeous old bathing house. Was very expensive during the boom and was a treat to vi...
Gourmet Burger Bistro
8 Bridge Street
I went here recently with my two daughters before a visit to the Everyman Theatre and what a disappo...
On The Pigs Back
St. Patrick's Woollen Mills
Great little cafe and gourmet food store in a lovely airy space. Hidden away at the back of St Patri...
The Fish Hatch
Good little take away place serving delicious, large portions of fish and chips. Only problem is the...
8 Pembroke St
Lovely small cafe / resto serving good quality, freshly made salads and pies. Not the usual run of t...
Great little place for a spot of lunch, brunch or afternoon pause. Fresh tasty fare. Enjoyed a prose...
Oysters Restaurant - CLOSED
1 Lapp's Quay
Ate here last week and both my husband and I were delighted with the food, service and value for mon...
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork
Ditchley House, Little Island
Recently attended a Ladies Only Ball at the Radisson Blu hotel. Over 400 ladies present and the hote...


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Bluegrass Omagh is a festival like no other, held at the Ulster American Folk Park and showcasing musicians from throughout the world.
Visit between May 26 and 28 to experience a variety of great tunes, artists and activities that are available all weekend.
From well-known international acts to undiscovered local talent, you’ll fall in love with the music you hear.
Here are some of the amazing artists playing at Bluegrass Omagh this year.
1. Unique festival
Bluegrass Omagh is a festival like no other, held at the Ulster American Folk Park and showcasing musicians from throughout the world. Photo: unsplash
2. Viper Central
With a fiddle, mandolin, guitar and more under their belt, Viper Central are a multi-talented band that is sure to excite audiences at Bluegrass Omagh this year.
Bringing new fire to the bluegrass genre, their roots remain evident in their storytelling songs whilst also incorporating contemporary sounds into their set.
For more information, go to vipercentral.ca Photo: Viper Central via Facebook
3. The Honey Dewdrops
The Honey Dewdrops hail from Maryland, with the American duo consisting of Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish set to visit Omagh this May.
Their 13 years of experience in the industry are shown through their amazing performances and harmonies.
For more information, go to thehoneydewdrops.com Photo: The Honey Dewdrops via Facebook
4. Zoe & Cloyd
Zoe & Cloyd showcase their perfectly written songs through glorious vocals and effortless harmonies on stage.
A range of instruments is brought on stage to elevate their songs, including lead vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein playing a fiddle alongside singing.
For more information, go to zoeandcloyd.com Photo: Zoe & Cloyd via Facebook

domain: artistic


text:
BNA Law Reports are subject specific legal newsletters that deliver legal news via email. They are now published by Bloomberg BNA and are available on the Bloomberg Law platform. You must log in with your Bloomberg Law credentials to access the law reports.
"Times Topic: Law and Legislation" aggregates legal content from the New York Times legal. Log in with your New York Times account may be required for some content.

domain: law


text:
The US-registered Intuit Incorporated has announced it will purchase Sydney-based software start-up Invitco.
Speaking to AccountantsDaily, Brad Paterson, vice president and managing director of Intuit for the Asia-Pacific region, said the acquisition of Invitco, producer of accounts payable solution Invitbox, was based on the start-up's “phenomenal” technology and “impressive” personnel".
“We spoke to a number of accountants and bookkeeping partners in Australia and they were incredibly bullish and supportive of Invitbox, and the team at Invitbox are incredibly impressive, so it just made sense,” he said.
The acquisition is one step in part of a broader push by the international software giant into the Australian marketplace.
“We are committed to building our technology, people and partnerships in the market wherever it makes sense,” said Mr Paterson.
“I can’t commit or comment on what we have in the works, but I can say we are very much open to and exploring a number of different opportunities in the market as they present themselves or as they exist today,” he said.
After hiring the first Australia-based employee just nine months ago, Mr Paterson said he expects Intuit to have 30 Australia-based staff on board by the end of July.
“We are aiming to continue the trajectory of growth of our BDM team in working with partners in the market,” he said.
“We need to build our people to service our customers too. Our vision is to partner with those people, not to sell and then move on. They are partners, not a sales channel,” he added.
Mr Paterson also outlined plans for an aggressive marketing push.
“We have been quite passive to date on the marketing front and that will change dramatically in the next three months or so,” he said.
“You will see a lot more from QuickBooks in the market, talking to both small businesses and accountants and bookkeepers.”
Invitbox will continue to operate independently of Intuit but its products will be more closely integrated with the software giant’s offering.
“It will be business as usual, it will continue to operate independently… it will remain [an] independent business and standalone product, which we will no doubt integrate even more closely into the QuickBooks product and realise the benefits in doing so for our customers,” Mr Paterson said.


19th September 2018: Loved by Children announces that its 6th annual Lovedbychildren awards will be sponsored by The Entertainer, the fastest-growing, family-owned high street toy retailer in the UK. Loved by Children, who have appointed Hello Communications Group to handle all PR activity and event management throughout the awards process, have recently opened the awards for submissions until the 26th October 2018.
Following 5 successful years, Lovedbychildren.com has established itself as a leading brand within the toy, playtime and parenting industry. The parenting hub’s awards have attracted entries from all over the world, with recognition from industry leaders such as Little Tikes, John Adams and VTech. Each year the awards have grown significantly, with the award logos being widely publicised around the globe, on packaging, in stores and online.
Katie Gritt, Social Media, Content and PR Manager at The Entertainer commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Lovedbychildren awards for 2019. Play is at the heart of everything we do here at The Entertainer and who better to award the best toys in the market than children themselves. We look forward to seeing the results!”
The toy categories for this year include Playtime, Creative Play, Bathtime, Travel Toys and the LBC Special Awards including Best Toy Series 2019. The awards will be heavily publicised on Lovedbychildren.com, its sister site Lovedbyparents.com and their rapidly growing social media channels which have a combined following of over 692,000 followers.
“The Lovedbychildren Awards honour those fantastic products and brands that really bring something unique to the children’s market. The support over the last few years has been phenomenal, and we look forward to working alongside our great sponsor The Entertainer this year and celebrating those toys that are truly loved by children,” said Tina Summers, editor at Loved by Children.
“We’re delighted to be working with Tina and the team at Lovedbychildren and to be handling the PR for these unique awards. Testing will take place in November at an award testing day created just for children, with more exciting details to be announced soon!” added Jonathan Rose, Managing Director at Hello Communications Group.
The Lovedbychildren Awards are open for submissions until 26th October 2018. Further information can be found at www.lovedbychildren.com.


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A timeless piece for cooler days, the flattering Noir Knit Dress is a perfect dress for all occasions.
Detailed with tonal rib knit stretch gathered waist, concealed side pockets and an A-line shape.
This is the perfect classic black dress for day or night.
While you're here, have a little look at the rest of our ladies dresses which are both beautiful and diverse.
Stretchy knit fabric
Rib knit gathered waist
Batwing style arm
Fitted wrist detail
Concealed side pockets
Model is wearing a Size Free Size
Main: 75% Rayon 25% Polyester
Gentle Cold Hand Wash Separately With Mild Detergent
Do Not Bleach
Hang Dry In Shade
Do Not Soak
Do Not Wring Or Twist
Medium temperature iron

domain: design


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It’s been awhile, so here is the latest round of My Favorite Things!
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine–Quite possibly my favorite TV of all time, although it took me a long while to get to that point. But now I love it, especially Vic Fontaine and Klingon episodes.
Friends–My favorite comedy. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve watched through that show. We have the whole series on DVD, complete with collectible case, and I can just watch them over and over again. To some extent, it really feels like Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey and Phoebe *are* my friends (don’t worry, I know they’re fictional!).
Babylon 5–Although I don’t enjoy this show as much as I used to, I think it’s one of the best told stories on TV, especially the first four seasons.
Firefly–Is is a western? Is it sci-fi? Does it even matter? I’m just sad that it didn’t even make a full season; it was such a good show.
Mad About You–I loved watching Paul and Jamie, especially in the early seasons. To be honest, I started watching it because I knew my older cousins did, and I wanted to be cool like them, but I soon discovered I liked it on it’s own merit. It would be nice if Warner Brothers (I think that’s right) would decide to put more of the seasons out on DVD.
I Love Lucy–Right up there with Friends as far as best comedy shows, and it has the added bonus of being appropriate viewing for my children. I can’t believe a show that’s been around for as long as I Love Lucy has can still be so relevant and so funny, and yet it is. Groundbreaking, too, so it also gets historical bonus points. And the recent release of the Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour as the last seasons of I Love Lucy almost deserves it’s own spot on the list–who can *not* like Lucy hunting uranium with Fred MacMurray, hanging around Sun Valley with Fernando Lamas, and getting into a snowball fight with Danny Thomas?
The Cosby Show–I haven’t watched it regularly for quite awhile, but it’s another show I can watch with my children, and appreciate both it’s funny and serious moments (occasionally at the same time–remember when they buried Rudy’s goldfish?).
Scrubs–Another great comedy; I love watching the doctors and nurses of Sacred Heart at work. Although I’m a little disappointed that we watched the “finale” this year, only to have it renewed last minute for the fall, I am curious to see where the new direction takes them, and I will be cautiously watching.
E.R.–An obvious love of medical shows, here–sometimes, you don’t want the comedic perspective, and E.R. is great for those times.
Gilmore Girls–I will be the first to say that I hated how the show ended, and I found more to dislike about the characters in the last few seasons, but I still think it was a good, solid show that managed to *not* glamorize teen pregnancy, and showed a strong mother/daughter relationship.
What About Brian–Even though it was only on for a year, I really got hooked. I found the characters to be likable and real, and like Firefly, I wish it had gotten more of a chance to develop itself.
24–Anytime I want to sweat profusely and have heart palpitations, I just have to see what kind of (bad) day Jack Bauer is having.
This Old House–I loved watching Bob Vila as a kid, and I love the new format now.
Back when we had cable, I loved watching…
What Not to Wear–In my top three favorite shows, without a doubt. I loved watching Stacy and Clinton perform makeovers. Yes, the 360 mirror was grueling, and yes, they could be harsh, but the end results were always fantastic. I learned so much about fashion from watching (not that I do a lot with that knowledge being at home with the children all day), and I loved looking at the pretty clothes!
How Do I Look–Another fashion show similar to What Not to Wear, this became a favorite of mine when recovering in the hospital following the births of my third and fourth children.
Christmas Castles–It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen this show, but it used to be on HGTV every year at Christmastime. It showcased famous mansions all over the country, from the Biltmore estate to the Pabst mansion, decked out in their Christmas finery. So beautiful!
House Hunters–I always loved this one on HGTV, and I took special interest in it when we were first considering buying a home. You can learn a lot just by watching other people walk through houses.
My guilty pleasure TV show…
The Golden Girls–I watched the re-runs of this show in college all the time, and I even caught a run-through of the spin-off, Golden Palace, a few years ago. I don’t care how much older than me those ladies were, they were funny!
And, speaking of guilty pleasures, my favorite soap opera…
One Life to Live–I know I shouldn’t watch soap operas, and I usually don’t, but when I do feel the need to be completely mindless, One Life to Live is always the show I turn to. I started watching it on and off right after Turkey was born, and while I have gone for almost two years at a time without watching, eventually, I always come back to see what is happening in Llanview.
And, the jury is still out on…
Castle–I really liked what I saw of it last season, and I’m hoping it really picks up steam in the fall. It has the potential to be great in a Murder She Wrote/Matlock (yes, I like both of those, too) kind of way.

domain: entertainment


text:
Does anyone make a shorter length grip for grip shifters? I like GS for my front D, but never liked the thinner slip on grips...Might have to make my oury's work
Results 1 to 5 of 5
Thread: Lock on for gripshift?
Check out the hottest mountain bike products from these brands!
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Via binfind. Adrian Adonis. A fresh take on sports: I don't think that'll ever change. The only place to satisfy all of your guilty pleasures.
Shelly Martinez was signed by WWE in mid to be a valet for wrestler Kevin Thorn, a failed short-lived character who was previously another failed and short-lived character, Mordecai.
This bullying demeanor carried on in her old age when she would harass and pick on WWE Divas. After the interview, several wrestlers came forward in support of Young. Garvin was a close friend of colleague Pat Patterson, also a homosexual, who was also from his hometown of Montreal.
It was a brave move to make from a man who was holding in this information, unsure of how his colleagues and fans would view it.


Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two decades, it should come as no surprise that plastic water bottles aren't the best of drinking vessels. And yet, if all the water bottles produced in the US are accounted for, each of us is responsible for about 95 plastic disposable water bottles a year, according to statistics from National Geographic (that’s 29 billion water bottles a year). In terms of personal health and environmental impact, disposable water bottles fall at the bottom of the list of go-to drinking ware, far below glass and metal options.
10 Reasons to Ditch the Bottled Water, for Good
- Bottled Water Is More Expensive: Per gallon, bottled water is much more expensive than tap water, reports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Bottled water can cost $2.50 a gallon, which is less than gasoline, but not by much!
- Tap Water May Be as Good: We may have been led to believe that bottled water is the healthiest choice, but 40% of bottled water starts off as… tap water. Depending on your location, your tap water is plenty good-for-you. The EPA's standards for tap water are actually more stringent than the FDA’s guidelines for bottled water. While BPA, a hazardous material used to make plastic bottles, has been regulated, it's possible that a new toxin, BPS, may be used in its place, so picking reusable helps you avoid chemicals.
- Resources Are Trashed: While plastic water bottles are typically recyclable, 88% of water bottles end up in landfills, contributing to our growing stock of permanent trash (including masses of trash in oceans).
- You Need Water to Make Bottles: Contributing to the cycle of waste, in order to produce our nearly 30 billion water bottles each year, the U.S. uses 2.7 million tons of plastic annually. To make that plastic, they use 46 million tons of water, reports the Safe Drinking Water Foundation. Excessive water use has a range of environmental consequences, including contributing to over 30 states anticipating drought in 2013. In fact, only 1% of all the water on Earth is available for human use, reports the EPA.
- Transportation Impacts the Environment: Your tap water flows from a relatively local source through reservoirs and pipes to your faucets. On the other hand, bottled water probably comes from a distant source, meaning valuable resources like gasoline are used up for transportation. Internationally, "nearly a quarter of all bottled water crosses national borders to reach consumers, transported by boat, train, and truck," reported the Earth Policy Institute (EPI).
- Disposal Produces Toxins: To dispose of trashed bottles, waste management facilities use incineration, which produces toxins like chlorine gas and ash laden with heavy metals, the EPI reports.
- Bottles Stick Around: When water bottles are buried underground or in a pile of trash, it takes up to 1,000 years for them to biodegrade. So what you throw out today will be around until May of 3013.
- They Use Oil to Make Bottles: To produce nearly 30 billion water bottles annually, manufacturers use 17 million barrels of crude oil, which is enough to fuel a million cars for an entire year, reports National Geographic.
- Bottled Water Isn’t Federally Certified: Although water is regulated to maintain consumer safety, neither the EPA nor FDA certifies bottled water, which means taste and quality can’t be guaranteed. It won’t hurt you, but it may not be any cleaner than tap water. Industry organizations such as the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and NSF International do offer certifications that you may see on a water bottle, but not all brands have been certified or opt for the label, and none are federally certified.
- Americans Drink Too Much Bottled Water: In the U.S., we consume more bottled water than any other nation, which is a bit ironic considering we have a well-functioning and wide-reaching water system. Still, in 2004 Americans drank 26 billions liters of bottled water, the EPI reports. Which means that it's really, really time to ditch the disposable bottles.
The Bottom Line
While it's tempting to stock up on a flat of bottled water for a party, or even just for your family for a week, make the investment in reusable water bottles that your family can use for years. It may seem like a small contribution, but if everybody used a reusable water bottle, 26 billion water bottles could be saved from landfills annually. If you don't want to carry a water bottle around everywhere, designate one for home, work, the car. In the long run, you'll be saving money over disposable bottles and, while it'll be an adjustment, it will be worth it.
Keep Your Family Safe from Harmful Plastics
Teach Your Kids to Love Water
5 Germy Hot Spots in Your Home


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Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, the Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, has been suspended for two months without pay.
A viral video in early January showed the royal father decorating a popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, with new notes of N1,000 .
The council moved against Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence that contravenes the law of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
However, during the Egba Traditional Council meeting chaired by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on Friday, Oba Sowemimo was suspended.
The meeting in a joint resolution adopted the suspension of the monarch following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee which declared that during the period of his (Sowemimo) suspension, he should not parade himself as a traditional ruler.
It was further gathered that the resolution emphasised that Sowemimo should not be invited or seen at any government or public function as a traditional ruler, and for three months should not receive any payments
The Chairman of a three-member Ethics Committee of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Saka Matemilola, who read the report of the committee, said that the committee came to its decision after examining the viral video in which Sowemimo breached the ethics of a Yoruba traditional institution by defacing Nigeria’s currency.
The committee chairman, who is the Olowu of Owu, said findings revealed that the embattled traditional ruler was seen holding strewn naira as a bead and hanging onto the neck of a musician in public.
The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said Oba’s action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007.
The suspended monarch confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that he was suspended due to the way he spent money on a musician.
“They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician.
“And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months.
“I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision,” he said.
Reacting to the video in a statement signed and directed to the monarch, Director General, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the display was an abuse of the national currency that attracts imprisonment, fines or both


text:
About Red Door Animal Shelter
About Our Shelter...
Red Door Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter committed to helping animals in need. Its primary focus is on the rescue, shelter and adoption of cats, dogs and rabbits—the three most popular pets in the United States.
Red Door provides a cageless environment for its animals, giving them the closest-to-a-home experience that a shelter can provide. While our emphasis is on re-homing the animals through resourceful adoption programs, the shelter does offer permanent residence for those few animals not placed in homes.
Furthermore, Red Door is one of only five no-kill, multi-species shelters in the country that admits rabbits as well as cats and dogs, spays/neuters them and places them up for adoption.
Every year, Red Door rescues and finds homes for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals. Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are funded by private donations and grants from private foundations.
Red Door was founded in 1998, under the name Chicago Community Humane Center. In January 2000, an adoption center was opened on the far north side of Chicago, in the West Ridge/Rogers Park neighborhood. In June 2002, the shelter's name was officially changed to Red Door Animal Shelter to better reflect the vision of the organization. In February 2003, Red Door expanded its adoption center; the address of the new adoption center is 2410 W. Lunt, Chicago.
Come Meet Our Pets...
2410 W. Lunt Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
Adoptions done by appointment only.
Our Adoption Process...
Prior to adoption, all Red Door animals are spayed/neutered, vet-checked and microchipped.
Dogs are tested for heartworms.
Dogs receive distemper, rabies and the bordatella vaccine.
Cats are tested for FIV and FeLV.
Cats receive distemper and rabies vaccines.
Cats and Rabbits are litterbox-trained.
Adoption fee is $100 for rabbits.
Adoption fee is $100 for cats.
Adoption fee is $200 for dogs.
You must be 22 years of age or older to adopt a pet. Current identification must show your correct address and phone number.
You must be employed or have a stable source of income.
You must be able to provide a landlord's name and number or a copy of your current lease, if you rent.
You must provide the name and number of your past or current vet.
How to Adopt
As a potential adopter, you must complete our screening process, which includes an adoption application. Fill out an application here.
We will call you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment with an adoption counselor. Or you can pick up an adoption application at the Red Door Adoption Center, 2410 W. Lunt, Chicago. Adoption counselors strive to find the right home for each animal and the right animal for each home.
All adoptions are done by appointment only. Dogs available for adoption are not located at our shelter address.

domain: pet


text: Downloads: A new file has been added by meatpopsicle: ctf_spacebase_b1a ctf_spacebase_b1a README ------------------------ (ctf_spacebase_b1a) Gametype: CTF Players: 16-32 Author: Carl "meatpopsicle" Kidwell Contributors: n/a E-mail: email@example.com ___________________________________ Map description A Custom textured CTF map for TF2 based in a science fiction setting of a space station or space base if you will. New props are also included. ___________________________________ Revision History (DD/MM/YY) Beta 1a released 9/28/08:- - Fixed texture on spaceship - Fixed several textures for props that werent loading - Adjusted clipping in blue base for some items - Reduced size of blue base by 12% on one axis - Added menu screenshots when entering map ___________________________________ Beta 1 released 9/23/08:- * This is first beta release; change log will proceed from here as subsequent beta's are released. ___________________________________ Known Issues * Skybox looks abnormal if your display resolution doesn't match its aspect ratio, this is particuarly bad on this skybox compared to traditional daytime skyboxes. * Texture map on the spaceship is temp. * Textures are not set up well for HDR lighting - many of the saturation levels display very poorly with HDR on. I will see if I can tweak this however; its recomended to play this map with HDR OFF (video settings > advanced) *The reaction chamber in the engineering room has a temp enclosure and needs some particle effects or other work to complete. This item might be turned into a prop if time permits. ___________________________________ Beta Testing Requests Feedback is welcome in any area but particuarly looking for: 1) Class based feedback. ie Engineers are too OP due to tunnel lenght in area X, etc. 2) General gameplay flow feedback, bottlenecks etc. 3) Power ups feedback (health & ammo kits). 4) Any bug reports are top priority. 5) Perfomance (particuarly poor performance) it ran over 200fps on my machine in all areas, so if theres bad areas I need to know where they are please. ___________________________________ Thanks tf2maps.net community and the Team Fortress 2 Mappers community on Steam.

domain: game