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Jaffna Teaching Hospital (Project)
The ordinary Tamil people do not hate the majority Sinhala Buddhists. But it is an artificial hatred that has been created by the Tamil politicians, Tamil business community, the Tamil journalists and the Tamil intelligentsia.
It is they the Tamil journalists, politicians, and the Tamil intelligentsia who should come forward to bring the communities together, and persuade the Tamil people that it is only by accepting the Sinhala majority as compatriots, and working together with them that their problems could be solved.
It is not an aggressive dialogue with the Sinhala majority that will make it possible to end whatever ethnic problems there is between the communities. It is only through peaceful dialogue , tolerance and compromise, that all the Communities in Sri Lanka could find solutions to their “ethnic” problems.
But what is prevailing is the contrary, every Tamil person who has become a sort of a spokes man for the Tamils, moving with the Sinhala people start by calling the Sinhala, chauvinists and supremacists, and criticises them and all their actions. All websites run by the Tamils such as the Sri Lanka Guardian, Transcurrent are not in favour of a friendly coexistence of the Sinhala Buddhists and the Tamils. They continue to campaign for a Tamil Eelam separated from the Sinhala majority.
Pakiasothy Saravanamuth stated in a recent dialoguer that he would ask the President if he were to meet him to work for peace , reconciliation and unity. But reconciliation and unity are possible only if the Tamils accept the Sinhala as their compatriots without harping on their majority status, and show their willingness to work together.
But how could it be possible if educated Tamil people like Narapalasingham wants to rewrite the History of Sri Lanka to prove the existence of an ancient Tamil homeland ? These are the fear mongers, the dark angels of doom that have become barriers for reconciliation and unity. It is the likes of them that keep the Sinhala and the Tamil people apart. Why cannot they emulate great people-like Ghandiji, of the past who were prepared to sacrifice their lives to promote unity among the people, the communities. ?
Anandasangaree in his old age should come forward to speak to his people for the much needed communal unity, without disowning their compatriots the Sinhala just because of their numerical majority. It is working together without having complexes that we could build our country from being a developing country, to a developed country.
It is time that Douglas Devananda too speak out for the people as a whole without identifying himself as a Tamil- the leader of the EPDF. The President Mahinda Rajapakse made a start by stating clear and loud that there is no majority or a minority in this country but Sri Lankans who are either bad or good.
Coming back to Feizal Samath’s article of the Inter Press Service, he quotes Arul who had been invited by the IPS to discuss the future of the high school children, “……..
Most of them want to go abroad for studies and live there permanently. "There is no future here. We will always be second-class citizens," said Arul. “
Perhaps Arul thinks that by going abroad he could be a first class citizen somewhere. Of course he assumes that the expatriates, who spend a lot of money when they come to Sri Lanka, and “fight” for a Tamil Eelam from abroad are already first class citizens in the respective countries where they live. They never tell the truth that even with qualifications they will never be, even second class citizens in those countries as long as their skin is black.
Arul probably does not know that the expatriate Tamils want to keep the ethnic problem going in Sri Lanka, so that they can continue to stay in those countries as political refugees. They are not any happier in those countries except that they have no responsibilities, and could educate their children to be people without roots any where. Arul’s problem is that in his mind he has made himself a second class citizen in his own motherland.
The Sri Lanka Tamils unfortunately carry with them the stigma of terrorism, with the expatriate Tamils back in foreign countries keeping terrorism alive, and TNA in Sri Lanka advocating self determination and a Tamil Eelam. Arul if he gets to a Western country, the police of that country will open a file for him from the day he lands in that country. He will like all Tamils, be under constant surveillance to see that he is not a terrorist sympathiser.
The Norwegian Police recently arrested seven Sri Lanka Tamils as terrorist activists. In France too there are arrests of Tamils and their identity checked . The Sri Lanka Tamils are treated with suspicion in foreign countries.
The following is a quote from a report that appeared in “hinduonnet.com”… IN the first week of April, the French law-enforcement authorities conducted a series of well-planned and coordinated actions against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Fourteen Tamils of Sri Lankan origin, suspected of being linked to the organisation, were produced at a special counter-terrorism tribunal in Paris and placed in judicial custody under a preventive detention order on April 5. A special four-member panel of examining magistrates filed preliminary charges and ordered that they be held in detention for 120 days pending further investigation.”
Things are not as bad as this in Sri Lanka. So when the “disappointed” Tamil youths would like to migrate to countries abroad, they should keep the above matters in mind. The Tamil youth in the North and East are not aware of these.
That is because no one, not even the IPS of Feizal Samath tells these youngsters, that there is no better place anywhere else in the world other than where they were born. They have to give time for development to come to Sri Lanka and there is a formidable future for the people of Sri Lanka, provided every one is prepared to work with that future in mind.
Even if Arul has no sympathies with the LTTE, once he is abroad, he will be in the clutches of the terrorist sympathising expatriates. Hinduonnet.com in its report mentions, that “One young Tamil who told a TV interviewer that he was forced into giving money to the LTTE had to go into hiding after that as the Tigers began gunning for him. There is a Tamil restaurant that dissident Tamils often frequent. Its owner, a Tamil film producer, was assaulted twice for letting anti - LTTE people patronise his establishment.”
Development has to come to North by way of tourism, infrastructure development, and industrialisation. It need not be repeated that there has to be a preparative stage of development when nothing positive would materialise. The Tamils in the North have lived for thirty years in utter misery and it is not understood why this impatience now. It appears they have short memories. Even before the hotels are being built, they turn out to be extra religious and look for loop holes not to appreciate the development work undertaken by the government, but to blame it.
Feizal Samath’s article shows the difficulties the government has to face in its attempt to develop the country to give the people a better living conditions in the future. The article states , “ Few Tamils from Jaffna were invited to the event ( laying of a foundation for a Hotel complex) and all the speeches were delivered in English even if the majority of the 700,000 people speak only Tamil. Furthermore, local residents questioned the location of the hotel as it is close to a sacred Hindu temple, visited by millions of Tamils every year.
"How can you sell alcohol or meat in a sacred location?" asked Arudpragasam Sivathamby, a taxi driver. Outside the same temple premises, dozens of Sinhala traders are doing business, in some cases displacing the Tamil merchants, causing resentment among the minority ethnic group.
"This is causing a huge problem," said Tamil parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran. ”
In the South there are more Tamils who have set up their commercial enterprises in certain areas , than the Sinhala. But the Sinhala people do not complain. Therefore , how could it be a different if dozens of Sinhala traders are doing business in Jaffna. Is this a minority ethnic problem or a problem the Tamils in Jaffna are trying to create?
The crux of the problem is in the last paragraph of Feizal Samath’s article, which reads, “Tamils are hoping for a greater role in power sharing. However, Dr. S. I. Keethaponcalan, a political scientist from the University of Colombo, said that is not a priority for the government at the moment. "The government won a commanding majority at the recent parliamentary polls, and trying to appease the Tamils is not the biggest priority at the moment," he declared. “
It is people like Dr.Keethaponchalam, who have to step in to pacify the people in Jaffna and ask them to be patient and allow the government to proceed with development projects which are in fact meant for the ordinary Tamil people. Power sharing is a big word and it is for the rich and the powerful, which will not help the ordinary people. This goes to show that the educated well to do Tamils are seizing the opportunity to benefit from the situation for their own self aggrandisement, to lord over the less educated and the illiterate.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
The President and the UPFA won the respective elections each with an overwhelming majority- The Tamils have to refresh their thinking.
When the UPFA won the general elections with an overwhelming majority, the UNP and the JVP were looking for fig leaves to hide their political nudity. They claimed a smaller voter turn out as a refusal of the people to endorse a victory for the government, and that was the reason for their failure to obtain a respectable voter acceptance.
In order to upgrade their importance as popular political parties when they have actually been dumped by the voters into the political wilderness, both UNP and JVP play all the tricks they could muster to downplay the importance of the popular vote for the President Mahinda Rajapakse and the UPFA.
The fall in the voter turn out has several reasons and it cannot be taken as a peoples refusal to accept the party that mustered a majority of the votes cast as the winner. The lower voter turn out at elections is not a phenomenon unique to Sri Lanka, and in no way could the parties that have received a smaller number of votes claim that the sympathy of the absentee voters was in their favour.
It has been reported by political analysts that “……..Voter turnout in European elections 2004 has followed the downward trend experienced since 1979. Participation was the highest in the first European election year with 63 per cent but has decreased since, generally by 2-3 per cent. The greatest drop in voter turnout of seven per cent took place between 1994 and 1999, when voter turnout decreased from 56.8 to 49.8 per cent”
If the voting is democratic and free the less voter turn out does not reflect on the final out come of the election.
The lesser voter turn out has also been explained by what is called the , “….. voter fatigue , which can lower turnout. If there are many elections in close succession, voter turnout will decrease as the public tires of participating. In low-turnout Switzerland, the average voter is invited to go to the polls an average of seven times a year; the United States has frequent elections, with two votes per year on average, if one includes all levels of government as well as primaries. Holding multiple elections at the same time can increase turnout; however, presenting voters with massive multipage ballots, as occurs in some parts of the United States, can reduce turnouts.” (Wikipedia)
France had been hit by the phenomenon of lesser voter turn out on many significant elections and the analysts continue their search for the real cause of these abstentions. “On the evening of 21 April 2002, the country faced up two phenomena which still occupy the media and political life today: the presence of the Extreme Right candidate at the second ballot and the record abstention level for this type of election. Of France’s 39,350,086 registered voters, only 28,721,939 voted at this ballot. Abstention rose to over 27% in an election which has traditionally been the French population’s favourite and which has consequently shown the strongest levels of mobilisation during the Fifth Republic. If this result was quite spectacular it was not an exception or a “storm in a blue sky” : abstention to any level of voting is increasing in France since the mid eighties. Another sign of it can be seen if we look to the European Parliament elections : in 1999, less than half of the registered electorate turned out, more precisely the abstention rose to 53% !”
Despite these disparities in the voting and non voting electors, the outcome of all elections had been accepted according to the majority of those who had voted without disputing the end result. That is the way with democracy whether the elections were in the West or elsewhere in the world.
I was Present in Sri Lanka during the Presidential Election and the Parliamentary elections campaign. I witnessed the enthusiasm of the villagers, and the crowds that braved the tiring heat and staying on until the turn up of the President Mahinda Rajapakse or an announcement that he would arrive late, or read out a message from him. People wanted Mahinda Rajapakse to win and that was the message that they sent with their presence at his meetings. It was far from being present through curiosity as it was at the meetings of Sarath Fonseka. It was the same enthusiasm and the desire of those young and old villagers out in numbers . Those are the people that mattered.
Even in those villages there were those who campaigned for Sarath Fonseka and discretely distributed pamphlets. The villagers accepted them, and after a glance crumpled and through them away as discretely as they were received. For the villagers and a greater part of the Sinhala Buddhist voting population the only favourite Presidential candidate was Mahinda Rajapakse. They were not going to be fooled by a Sarath Fonseka a war hero or not. They were going to caste their die with Mahinda Rajapakse for better or for the worse. They are however assured that it would be for the better, because Mahinda Rajapakse’s deeds so far spoke a lot in favour of him.
Mahinda Rajapakse has given the ordinary and the “not so ordinary” people a new hope. Hope of unity, peace, and for better days to come for themselves and the generations after. A hope of a peaceful coexistence with the Tamil people salvaged from the misery and suffering, under a ruthless group of terrorists, who took away their children from the “cradle” to make living bombs of them, and trained them to become cannon fodder in an all out war against the Sinhala. They –the terrorists were seeking these “ sacrificial lambs “ to save their own miserable skins, presenting themselves as the protectors of the Hindu Gods and the Catholic Church.
These Tamils saved from 30 years of such miserable existence, ungrateful as they are forgetting the misery from which they were saved by Mahinda Rajapakse and the Sinhala Buddhist Soldiers, still caste their votes for the living shadow of the terrorists the TNA- still kept alive by their lapdogs -the expatriate servitors, their bards the Kumar Davids, Pakiasothys, Jehan Pereras, Philip Rajans, LynnOkerszies, Sri Lanka Guardian, Transcurrent, and the rest.
Coming back to the vote turn out, the lesser number of voters have several reasons as far as the Sri Lanka Parliamentary Elections of the 8 th April,2010 is concerned . Having voted for the Presidential elections it was more or less a foregone conclusion that the UPFA will secure a comfortable victory, and that made the voters lethargic. Whether they vote or not the UPFA will win was the general thinking. They were probably not so concerned with a two third majority as what was essential for them was a victory for the Government. Furthermore there were many who were annoyed with the clamour for preferential votes. If not for the competition for preferential votes the Government would have easily secured a two third majority.
Who cared for the preferential votes, except those who were all out to prove who is more popular than the other ? What was necessary was to strengthen the hand of the President who proved himself skilful in keeping the Western Governments, all out to take revenge from the government of Sri Lanka for eliminating the terrorists, at bay.
No body asks the question why the International community- with Milliband , Kouchner, and Hillary Clington at the helm, were all out to teach a lesson to the government of Sri Lanka for the elimination of terrorism ?
The reason is, that for the first time the International Community finds itself faced with a Leader of a developing country who dares stand up to them and say NO, what ever be the consequences. The President Mahinda Rajapakse is the only leader who had asked Foreign Ministers of two powerful Western Nations to keep away from meddling into the affairs of his country. He could say that because he did not depend on the West to protect his country and his people. He had played his cards well as a leader of a sovereign state cultivating diplomatic relations with other Nations.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa could depend on many nation for the defence of his righteous actions.
We saw it happening when the head strong High Commissioner of UNHRC Navi Pillai spear headed the revolt of the Western Countries against Sri Lanka who sought to condemn us for violation of human rights immediately after the Government Forces of Sri Lanka eliminated terrorism .
To their utter grief the following countries stood by us: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Uruguay, Zambia, thwarting the attempts of the West to take revenge from Sri Lanka, and isolating it from the largess of the West.
These 29 countries that stood by us at the United Nations Human Rights Council respect the President Mahinda Rajapakse as a perfect leader of a Developing Nation, and for the first time the Western Nations who try to bully the developing countries find that they are themselves isolated. That is the reason why the West is out to teach us a lesson by most undemocratic actions such as the withholding of GSP+ trade concessions by the European Union, on the flimsy ground of a non existent violation of human rights. In doing so the EU itself is violating the human rights of a developing nation which does its best to keep a section of its poor people employed depending on those trade concessions.
These are more important issues that should concern our politicians of the opposition instead of defending an Army Commander who brought shame to our country after having taken a heroic part in the defence of our country and eliminating a group of dastardly ruthless terrorists. The people have forgotten him for his heroism. It is now the people in Colombo- the rich Muslims, the jetset, the business community that solicit him.
The Tamils whether they are of the intelligentsia or not, have not done the correct thing by voting for the TNA. They should be conscious of the numerical majority of the Sinhala and instead of playing the minority card to claim a separate Eelam, they should at least now come to terms with the reality of their situation and work with the Sinhala, perhaps on the same political platform for the progress and development of the Country and build a united nation of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people without seeking communal segregation. It is time that we dump Sampanthans, Narapalasinghama, Kumara Davids, Pakiasothies overboard and stand together as a United Nation of Sri Lankans.
The Tamils should understand, that the Sinhala Buddhists could on their own, if the cooperation of Tamils is not forthcoming, develop this country and prepare it for all its occupants be they Tamils, Muslims, Malays and the rest to live happily sharing its prosperity. Sri Lank from Kankasenturai to Dondra belongs to all and the new era after terrorism should begin by dispersing the communities where ever they wish to live.
As much as there are Tamils in the South there should be as much Sinhala in the North and the East. The High Security Zones in the North and East should be strengthened and the Sri Lanka Army should be present every where so that never again will there be a tendency for terrorism to arise whether in the North, East or the South.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Wise King Solomon’s judgement to split the baby, and the Tamil peoples’ patriotism- if they have any.
No other President in any Country in the World is loved so much by the people as the President of Sri Lanka
The Tamils in Australia have announced a weekend referendum in support of the Vaddukodai Resolution which is for a separate Eelam State in Sri Lanka. Do these Tamils hold an allegiance to the land in which they were born ?
Certainly not if they have, they will make the end of terrorism to help Sri Lanka, and their Tamil compatriots who suffered for nearly thirty years under ruthless terrorism. The cause that led to that suffering of the Tamils living in Sri Lanka was the idiosyncrasy of a mad man a terrorist to separate a part of Sri Lanka for an Eelam State. These Tamils in Australia is trying to perpetrate the hallucination of that mad man.
These reminded me of the Biblical story in which the wise King Solomon made a strange judgment to see who was really the mother of a disputed baby.
Two women were fighting over a baby. One said the child was hers and begged the other woman to give it back. The other woman claimed that the baby was hers and refused to give the baby. To settle the right of ownership of the baby the two women went to the wise king Solomon.
Then the wise King Solomon having heard the two women asked the woman who had the baby to keep it on the table . Then the king proposed that the baby should be split into two and the women share the parts. One woman agreed with the king’s decision, while the other wailed out not to split the baby, and that she was willing the other woman keep it, despite the fact that the baby was hers. The King thus knew the real mother of the baby, and handed it over to the wailing woman who was willing to give the baby rather than having it split before her eyes.
This Biblical story, could be applied to the case of Sri Lanka where the Tamils ask that the motherland be divided and give a part of it to them to set up a Tamil Eelam, and the Sinhala Buddhists, though not wishing to accede, are willing to share their motherland with all Communities without splitting it to please the less than 13 percent of Tamil minority who show no patriotic love to Sri Lanka.
Do the Tamils claiming separation really love “a motherland” ? Is not their call for separation motivated by a strong desire to deprive the Sinhala of their birth right which they have preserved unto this date making sacrifices of their brave children ? What sacrifice have the Tamils made to keep this land intact from conquerors or terrorists ?
What love have the Tamils of th diaspora living in their cosy comfort or Robert O’Blake who careless whether Sri Lanka is split into two or three ?
There are now the Tamil National Interest being publicised by the Sri Lanka Guardian. They want to even change the history books of Sri Lanka to claim a fictitious interest in the country. What we want in Sri Lanka whether they be Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim are people who genuinely promote unity and selfless integration with the inhabitants and love the motherland as their own.
It is not setting up an All Party Conference for devolution of Power to the Tamils that will solve the national problem. It is accepting the ground situation and changing Tamil attitude to be one with the majority and work together for the progressive development of Sri Lanka hand in hand with its inhabitants alone, that will solve what ever ethnic problem they claim we have.
What after all is patriotism ? Patriotism is not only the love for the country in which one was born, but also accepting with respect its natural, human and cultural environment , whether it is racially mixed, religiously divided or politically corrupted.
To be a patriot it should not be a necessary requirement that each community claims a right to its own language, religion or culture. Be it D.B.S.Jeryaraj, Douglas Devananda, Pakiasoth Saravanamuttu, Kumar David or Ananda Sangaree, if they were to claim a patriotic affection to this country in which they were born, they should encourage the members of their communities to integrate into the existing social fabric without making selfish demands to identify one community differently from the other.
That is how communities have evolved in the Western Countries, if we were to take America of Robert O Blake for an example. It is not the monopoly of the rich countries to evolve as a Nation without devolution of political power to minority communities, insisting as in France that those of the minority communities seeking citizenship should learn the language and adhere to cultural norms of the country.
From the time the Colonialists made their way into our countries, they messed up our societies, introducing their religion bringing along with them their missionaries, introducing their way of life, and forcing their language. Today divided and separated it is still the Catholic Church that plays a role to keep the people separated, and the foreign NGOs that sow the seeds of hatred., while the Tamil intelligentsia perpetuate separation making monsters of the majority Sinhala that make much of the sacrifice to keep them well and happy, whether they live in Colombo or the North or East..
It was the Secret Police of India RAW that took over the Tamil youth and trained them as terrorists and let them loose in the country creating an artificial hatred towards the Sinhala by getting 13 Sinhala Policemen Killed in the north. This resulted in the unfortunate 1983 racial riots. That was how Indian RAW planned the beginning of terrorism through a handful of selected Tamil youth, creating in the minds of the Tamils that the Sinhala are their enemies.
Douglas Devanandas, Wickramabahus, indoctrinated through Marxism and selfish Tamil Politicians seeking their personal aggrandisement among the poor Tamil people are the sentinels of communal dissidence and social mayhem. How can they ever claim patriotism to mother Lanka.
If the Government giving into pressure from the inadequately informed International Community who lord over the developing countries, seek to find solutions to please the Tamil politicians, it will only be treating the symptoms of the so called ethnic problem. The cause of the problem is in the minds of the Tamil people. Unless they understand the problem and try to come to terms with the Sinhala majority the ethnic problem will continue to the detriment of both the Tamils and the country at large. It may not then possible to completely uproot terrorist tendencies arising from within the Tamil people, in the future. Because hatred breeds hatred, and in that environment there would be no place for peaceful coexistence.
Where do the interest of the Tamil people lie. Is it in their own personal well being or being a part of a nation to see the progress and development of that motherland. The Tamils of Tamilnadu are no patriotic Indians. So are the Tamils of Malaysia, Sri Lanka , Australia, Canada or UK if they seek a separate Eelam in Sri Lanka, they have no patriotic allegiance to any country. It is time the Tamil people accept to be the patriots of the country in which they were born. That would be the only way to end suffering as aliens living in a foreign country hoping one day, to divide the motherland of their ancestors to have a separate Eelam.
We cannot split the baby in the face of real love, and so it is with Sri Lanka. This country is not to be split to please O’Blake and his expatriate cohorts, or please the Tamil politicians and elitists to enhance their personal ego as Tamils.
Therefore, there is much to be done by the Tamil media, Tamil Bloggers, and Websites such as the Sri Lanka Guardian, Trance Current etc. to sponsor unity among the people without creating dissention and separation. Peace and happiness lie in unity and in love for one another.
Sinhala Budhhists have no sense of vengeance. They always extended their hand of friendship to all communities. It is the Sinhala who call for Communal Unity while the Tamils refuse the extended hands of friendship of the Sinhala and stand aloof, seeking separation from unity , seeking hatred from friendship.
Please wake up Tamils to unite, and build our motherland Sri Lanka to be a great Nation second to none.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Robert O’Blake - bereft of intelligent thinking, and the Western Media in an all out effort to cause a fear psychosis against a Rajapakse Dynasty, j
Jeremy Page for the Times on Line, Charles Haviland for the BBC, Bryson Hull for the Reuters, Lydia Polgreen for the New York Times, among other “ enlightened” anti Sri Lanka foreign media stalwarts have come out in force to raise a fear psychosis around the creation of a Rajapakse family dynasty. The Rajapakses for them are a greater menace to Sri Lankan Democracy than the late Prabhakaran the hero they “worshipped” , for some unknown reason.
The ordinary Sri Lankans who matter, other than those who have been brain washed by the political enemies of Sri Lanka, and do not suspect the manipulations of the West against developing countries, thank the “stars” for having given them at last a different dynasty who they can trust to usher in happiness and prosperity after having for the first time after 30 years saved the country from the menace of terrorism.
Robert O Blake the former USA Ambassador to Sri Lanka turned into an Assistant Secretary of State has come out to support his pro terrorists Tamil expatriates in America, repeating his same old harangue “……..I think it is important for the administration of President Rajapaksa to reach out to the Tamils… It is important that they feel that they are going to be able to live a future of hope and of opportunity, that the internally displaced people that are now in camps… be allowed to go back to their homes.”
It has to be said even though it is unpalatable, that this man Blake is the most unintelligent of diplomats and a hopeless Assistant Secretary to make statements without understanding the damage he may cause to a people of another country who think differently than him.
What Sri Lanka or as a matter of fact, any progressive multi racial country needs to day is to forget the age old communal differences to be united together into being a Nation. If Blake cannot think of a successful unity of communities that finally allowed a Black man to become the President of a White Majority State, he is really “dumb”.
If Blake had told the American Presidents to reach out to the American Blacks to give them a separate identity , and as he had continued to pontificate to the Government of Sri Lanka, that the solution to the ethnic problem in America is a political settlement for a separate Black State (an Eelam), Barrack Obama would never have been the President of America.
Therefore if Blake could shut his mouth, that speaks before he thinks, he may understand by beginning to exercise his brain cells, that the ethnic problem between the Sinhala and the Tamil Speaking Communities in Sri Lanka should be settled not by separating the Tamil Speaking people in Sri Lanka into a Eelam Ghetto, but by bringing them into the Sinhala Majority Environment to make them a part and parcel of the Majority. That would eliminate the Sinhala Tamil Difference to make them partners of a great nation, and one day raise an “Obama” from among them.
That the West be they the supposedly intelligent Politicians, or wealth seeking media operators will never understand. Because they speak to please some groups for their own personal gain, and do not take time to think that people of another culture, will not think and take decisions like them who are of another culture. But that is how they work to earn a living, and those matters beyond their petty interests are no concern of theirs.
That unfortunately is how they are being informed by local people like Kumar Davids, Jehan Pereras, Pakiasothy Saravanamuttus and others who are invited to Embassy Parties and cocktails to rub shoulders with the high and mighty, and while warming their whiskies, talk of the plight of the poor Tamil people whose political rights have been denied to them by an egoistic, selfish Sinhala majority.
These creators of the ethnic problem in the “simple” minds of the International Community on the one hand, and among the poor Tamil people on the other hand are aiming to build their own position according to their, caste, class and professional standing to lord over the “poor Tamil” population if things go the way they want. They do not think beyond their own immediate gain, to have long term views of building a Sri Lankan Nation where every one can have a say in its progress and development.
Just before the General Elections of the 8 th April, I had no doubt about the UPFA victory, but the greatest event of importance that took place then was the break up of the TNA and the three of its members joining the UPFA, seeking at last to bring about a viable unity among the Sinhala and the Tamils. I was hoping with all my heart that the Tamil people in the North and the East will understand the importance of the situation and vote for the candidates of the UPFA.
But alas ! Tamils of the Kankasenturai, Kayts, Point Pedro, Chavakachcheri, Vaddukoddai, Udupiddy, Manipe , Kopay and Jaffna did not see, the light at the end of the tunnel for the end of Sinhala Tamil ethnic rivalry, to build new bonds of unity.
But yet there is still hope if the Old Sampanthan and TNA could understand the reality of the action of the Thangeswari Kadirgamar, S. Krishore , and Sathasivam Kanagaratnam in contesting under the UPFA ticket, and put their weight along with them to strengthen the hand of the President Mahinda Rajapakse, who is finally the hope for the National Unity.

domain: sociology


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Homeowners along Moncrief Road have learned that there is a proposed townhouse development on the several acres of land at 1916 and 2020 Moncrief Road. A notice of rezoning has been placed on the property by the City and a public hearing has been set for February 9th at the regular meeting of the Gardendale Planning and Zoning Commission.
The developer, JN Investments, is no stranger to developing in Gardendale and working with Gardendale’s Mayor, City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission members on development.
You can read about JN Investment’s previous Gardendale project HERE.
Social media has been very active with the news and with concerns from residents along Moncrief Road who were already preparing to deal with the heightened activity and traffic from the soon to open and new Bill Noble Park.
A Facebook group has been started called Moncrief Road Residents and Friends for discussion and action on the proposed rezoning.
It wasn’t difficult to see it all coming, it’s the “economic development engine” that is named Bill Noble Park. When you commit the city to a 30 plus million-dollar bond issue for a new park facility, taking sign up money from local youth baseball and softball teams doesn’t pay the note.
That’s why an out of state professional management company was brought in immediately to manage the facility and hire its staff and run it. The City needs a mass of folks flooding in to play tournaments and they need to hit the ground running once the park officially opens in March.
How does Gardendale take advantage of that influx of people and generate cash? Hotels, short-term rentals, shopping centers, gas stations, banks and more…all around Bill Noble Park.
See my earlier Editorial breaking down the numbers HERE.
What about the proposed townhouses on Moncrief Road? Just the beginning. Savvy landowners and investors have already begun positioning for the massive development of North Gardendale, around Bill Noble Park, that is to come. It will also be felt in Morris and Kimberly and Mount Olive.
February 9th is shaping up to be an important first look at the showdown between those who want massive growth and the Gardendale residents that want to preserve the charm of the current North Gardendale area.
I wrote an Editorial titled Say Goodbye to North Gardendale that discussed where the area is going.
My prediction is that homes will begin being sold to developers sooner rather than later in and around North Gardendale and Bill Noble Park – at a premium to developers and investors. Those folks will move further down the road to Morris or Kimberly.
Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
February 9, 2023 at 6pm
Gardendale City Hall
You can see the names of all members of the Planning & Zoning Commission HERE.


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|Saints alive! Author KD Miller, shortlisted |
for the Writers' Trust Fiction Prize.
We're delighted to report that at 10:18 this morning, the Writers’ Trust announced that K.D. Miller’s All Saints was shortlisted for its $25,000 annual fiction prize. All Saints was the only short fiction collection to be honoured.
Of the book the jury writes: “From the first page of All Saints, readers know they’re in the hands of a true writer. With language both rich and restrained, images both precise and evocative, Miller entices us into the lives of people who all share a connection to an Anglican church being slowly deserted. Thanks to the subtle and intricate structure of the collection, the individual stories knit into a whole, achieving the effect of a novel, offering portraits of individuals and their tenuous community that claim a permanent place in our minds, and leaving us grateful for K.D. Miller’s artistry.”
Nor, as Thirsty readers will know, are the members of the Writers’ Trust jury—Neil Bissoondath, Helen Humphreys and George Murray—the only ones to note the grace of Miller’s artistry. Maclean’s, in a review whose inch-high headline exclaimed “Hallelujah! A Canadian Classic is Born,” observed that “Miller’s genius, like that of Alice Munro, is wringing suspense—and poignancy—from the quotidian ... Plots and characters link in haunting and astounding ways.” In a starred review, Quill & Quire calls All Saints “the work of a writer with a confident voice and a clear vision.” Publishers Weekly observes that Miller “has an ease of style that produces elegant turns of phrase.” And the National Post, who excitedly asserts that Miller is “firing on all cylinders,” praises stories “tightly interwoven, their connections subtle and teasing.”
The other titles other shortlisted titles are Pastoral (Andre Alexis, Coach House Books), The Confabulist (Steven Galloway, Knopf Canada), Girl Runner (Carrie Snyder, House of Anansi), and All My Puny Sorrows (Miriam Toews, Knopf Canada). The winner will receive $25,000, while each shortlisted author will receive $2,500. The winner will be revealed in Toronto on November 4th at the Writers’ Trust event in Glenn Gould Studio. Congratulations to KD and all the other nominees!

domain: artistic


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Thermage® is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour your skin in a single treatment with no surgery, no injections, and little to no downtime. Thermage® is the pioneer of radiofrequency skin tightening and contouring.
The board-certified physicians at Central Dermatology Center oversee the cosmetic services at The Skin Care and Laser Center of Central Dermatology. Request an appointment to discover how we can help you retain a youthful appearance. Or call (919) 493-3194 to schedule an appointment.

domain: health


Spanish private-held engineering and construction firm Grupo Isolux Corsán S.A. operates in four business lines: concessions, construction, engineering and industrial services, and renewable power. The company has a presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, while in Latin America it has offices in Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela. In Bolivia, the company is building the second section of the Oruro-La Paz dual carriageway. In 2014, it signed a contract to build a hydropower plant in La Paz department. That same year, the firm was awarded a contract for the construction of 42 km of transmission lines in Mexico, in Nuevo León state. Isolux Corsán has built more than 5,000 km of transmission lines in Mexico, where it manages two highways concession, Saltillo-Monterrey and Perote-Xalapa Banderilla. The company operates the Salto Andersen hydro facility in Argentina, where it is also part of the consortium in charge of the 637MW Chihuido I project. In Brazil, it won the right to build and operate the 500kV, 527km-Tucuruí-Xingu-Jurupari transmission line and the 500/230kV Xingu and Jurupari substations in Pará state in 2008.


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When I was in US during my International Assignment in the late 90s, I took great interest on a bridge across Highway 78, a highway between Allentown PA and New York City. That was not the usual traffic bridge but a bridge for the animals, so that the animals can cross the highway safely. There are many tree-hugging environmentalist in the US.
Today, we have a similar bridge here in Singapore. As the country progress economically, the animal voices grow louder! The government build this multi-million dollar ECO Link with the animals in mind. Besides, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Diary Farm Nature, the residents of Hillion Residences also get to enjoy this, one and only, ECO Link in the country.
Did you know that The Eco-Link @ BKE is the first ecological bridge in Southeast Asia? There are 3,000 native plants on the bridge.

domain: geography


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For the first time ever comes a collection of the best Sonic comics to feature Sonic’s rivals in a trade paperback edition. The third in a series of Best of Sonic graphic novels, The Best of Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Rivals helps celebrate 20 years of the beloved videogame character’s comic book adventures. Previous editions of this series were first released as a hardcover, followed by a trade paperback six months later. This edition is a trade paperback original with no hardcover. As such, demand for this trade will be much higher than previous trades in this series. After twenty years of comics, specials and mini-series, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG has told hundreds of stories. Through the laughs and thrills, the action and adventure, the highs and lows, some stories stand out among the rest. Sonic the Hedgehog can leave Eggman in the dust, but his rivals give our hero a run for his money! From his fiercest competitors to his deadliest enemies, this collection will keep the blue blur on his toes!
Had it been released, this volume would have been the first Best of Sonic the Hedgehog volume to be released directly to softcover.

domain: hobby


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Mar. 2020: FotoFest 2020 Biennial Opening Night
The FotoFest 2020 Biennial
held it's opening night on March 7th at the Silver Street Studios in Houston, TX. Although many of the planned events for the following months were postponed, canceled, or adapted for remote participation due to the pandemic, the opening night celebration had a great turnout. This year's biennial, African Cosmologies: Photography, Time, and the Other
, examines the complex relationships between contemporary life in Africa, the African diaspora, and global histories of colonialism, photography, and rights and representation.
Photos documenting the night are from the Fotofest Instagram account


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- By David BoscoDavid Bosco is an associate professor at Indiana University's School of Global and International Studies. He is the author of books on the U.N. Security Council and the International Criminal Court, and is at work on a new book about governance of the oceans.
The World Bank’s representative to Libya–who’s been working from Tunisia since late February–is warning that a prolonged conflict could lead to radicalization. Via Reuters:
If this civil war goes on, it would be a new Somalia, which I don’t say lightly," said Marouane Abassi, World Bank country manager for Libya…"In three months we could be dealing with extremists. That’s why time is very important in this conflict, before we face problems in managing it."

domain: news


Location: New York
Posted: 2015-04-14 18:37
I use WinSCP primarily on a tablet so it would be great to to have a more touch friendly interface. A way to select files using checkboxes like Windows 7/8 explorer and/or even just an option for bigger toolbar buttons would help. Right now it can be a fine line between opening a saved directory and deleting a file! Thanks.
Location: Prague, Czechia
Thanks for your feedback.
We are already working on larger toolbars.
We will consider the checkboxes.
You can post new topics in this forum
And it's free!


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What is the sticky floor syndrome? Well, we know there is a glass ceiling, a gender pay gap and less women leaders in business but did you know that in some cases, we are our own worst enemy?
The Sticky Floor Syndrome is a recently coined phrase for the ways that women in business self sabotage their own career advancement.
Whether from fear of success or self-doubt, we find ourselves stuck to the floor of the position we are in rather than striving to break through to the next opportunity.
Only setting goals we know how to reach.
“Don’t be stopped from setting a goal because you don’t know how to get there,” Wendy Capland, CEO of Vision Quest Consulting and author of the bestseller Your Next Bold Move for Women says. “No one does when they set a goal where they’re stretching themselves.”
Years ago, she adds, she found herself declaring during a workshop that she wanted to have her own television show. “As soon as I said it, I thought, ‘I have no idea how to do that. That was a stupid goal.'” But a woman in the audience came up to Capland afterward, told her she was being interviewed by a cable show next week, and invited her to come along and observe. Capland decided this was a good way to get her feet wet. “You can head toward a big goal one baby step at a time,” she explains. In fact, it may be better that way–you’ll avoid setting off your own fight-or-flight response.
“If you set goals you know you can achieve you’re not going to grow.”
Elizabeth shares with the reader what she learned about setting bigger goals:
When you have a goal that is both out-of-reach and within comprehension, your mind will go into innovation mode and find new ways for you to think, talk and act, and all of the sudden those goals won’t seem that far off.
Bottom line: do not set goals that you are certain you can achieve. Set goals that challenge you and work hard to meet them. You’ll never achieve greatness if you stay in a space of setting goals that you are guaranteed to meet.
With that thinking in mind, how can setting bigger goals help you overcome the sticky floor syndrome? As part of your goal setting, cultivate a mindset of success:
Have a Mindset for Success Succeeding as an entrepreneur demands a mindset of determination, focus and perseverance. No one else is going to build the life you envision for yourself. What does your “If I could do anything” life look like? Think BIG – What inspires you? What excites you? Don’t let fears of “not good enough, not smart enough, not wealthy enough, etc. stop you. Believe me – everyone has doubts. Move past your concerns! Make your vision become a reality by being clear about what you want.
The clearer your ultimate goal, the less sticky floor syndrome will be holding you in place. Being aware of the situation is the first step forward. Recognize that you may be holding yourself back from advancement and then work to overcome!

domain: psychology


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South African singer-songwriter and talented artist, NOGWAJOMHLOPHE, showcases his musical prowess with the release of his latest single titled "DEAR MTANAMI". This enchanting song is a testament to NOGWAJOMHLOPHE's growth and creativity as an artist, solidifying his position as one of the most promising musicians in the industry.
Following a string of successful releases, NOGWAJOMHLOPHE continues to captivate listeners with his unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. "DEAR MTANAMI" serves as a powerful addition to his discography, showcasing his ability to create music that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
Adding to the allure of this impressive record is the vocal contribution from talented superstar, MDUMAZI. Their collaboration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the song, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
As you listen to "DEAR MTANAMI", you'll be transported into a world of raw emotions and introspection. The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics will leave a lasting impact, making it a song that you'll want to replay over and over again.
Don't miss out on NOGWAJOMHLOPHE's latest masterpiece. Listen, download, and share your thoughts below; let the music speak for itself.
What do you think about this song?
Drop Your Comment
Be the first to comment on this post


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97/100 pictures of Morgana le Fay
I don’t know which way I’m going
I don’t know which way I’ve come
I’m home!!! The mum and the baby are perfect. He’s the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen! He’s very quiet and has huge eyes! Baby Alex is acting like a good big brother with his 2 years old, caressing him and protecting him. He’s fascinated. So, everything went well.
But I’m exhausted, so I’m going to have lunch and sleep a little bit and then I’ll be back. There’s a lot of things to catch up.
See you later!
Katie McGrath has been cast as a series regular in NBC’s 10-episode drama about the iconic vampire Dracula (portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), TVLine has learned.
McGrath will play Lucy Westenra, Aristocratic London’s sexy, social butterfly who has a penchant for gossip, flirting and all things glamorous. A best friend to Dracula’s muse, Mina Murray (Arrow’s Jessica De Gouw), Lucy gradually becomes entwined in a web of lies, lust and temptation that challenges the boundaries of their relationship.
The series, based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name, finds Dracula preparing to unleash hell on the Victorian society responsible for ruining his life. But he’s thrown when he falls for a woman who’s a dead ringer for his beloved, long-deceased wife.
NBC has yet to set a premiere date for Dracula.

domain: entertainment


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How to Promote Gut Health
If you suffer from digestive issues, understanding how to improve digestive health is vital. This article provides tips on how to eat a balanced diet and avoid monosaccharides in hidden sources. Avoid sugar, processed foods as well as NSAIDs. Consume a variety of whole foods rich in polyphenols and away from medications such as aspirin. It is essential to keep a healthy digestive tract.
Diversify your diet
One of the simplest ways to improve the health of your gut microbiome is to diversify your diet. While the typical western diet is lacking in diversity owing to the abundance of processed foods sugar, as well as fat and sugar, a varied diet can support the growth of beneficial bacteria. Make sure you are eating whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains to diversify your diet. Include these foods in your meals and snacks.
American food is loaded with processed foods, sugar and high-fat dairy products. These foods can cause our guts to work harder, which can cause toxic by-products to accumulate. In addition, diets that are high in refined and processed carbs can trigger inflammation and decrease in the diversity of the microbiome. A varied diet can support proper digestion and improve overall health. You can improve your gut health by incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your meals every day.
Beware of monosaccharides that are hidden sources of
It is possible to make dietary changes to minimize hidden sources of monosaccharides, and improve your gut health. Focus on eating fermented vegetables or beef that is not processed, as well as fiber-rich vegetables. Certain foods can actually harm the beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut. You can improve your gut health by avoiding foods that can cause symptoms, such as sugar and gluten. Probiotic supplements are another option. Probiotic supplements can aid in the development of beneficial bacteria. Stress over time can harm the beneficial bacteria that reside in your gut.
Research has demonstrated that a diet high in omega-3 fat acids and fiber can help reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory bacteria in the gut. Gut health is also improved by flavonoids. Flavonoids are plentiful in foods that belong to the cabbage family as well as vegetable broths and other vegetables. These are essential to support gut health and healthy bacteria. You should also drink plenty of water, stay clear of alcohol, and limit your intake of processed food.
Eat foods rich in polyphenols
Polyphenols are an antioxidant found in a wide range of plants. They help to protect the body from illness and have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. Polyphenols are especially high in vibrant fruits and vegetables. A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits is healthier for people with less risk of developing certain illnesses. Include more organic foods like vegetables, fruits, and stay clear of foods that have been processed or contain added chemicals.
The most extensive group of polyphenols that contains flavonoids. They include quercetin, which is well-known and anthocyanin. Both black and green teas are rich in polyphenols. Some of these are known to possess anti-cancer properties. If you’re trying to figure out how you can get enough polyphenols in your diet, here are a few of them.
Although NSAIDs are often prescribed to alleviate pain, they can have detrimental effects on the gut. Inflammation may cause ulcers, bleeding and other signs. They may cause long-term problems related to the gut like leaky gut syndrome, IBS and Crohn’s disease. To promote gut health and avoid adverse negative effects, it is recommended to stay away from NSAIDs.
Antibiotics are a powerful treatment for serious bacterial infections. However they are frequently misused or overused. Antibiotics should only ever be prescribed by your physician and should not be used as a self-treatment. Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) disrupt the normal bacterial balance in the gut. It is essential to stay clear of NSAIDs to maintain gut health.
Drink fermentable fiber
One of the best ways to improve your health is by eating more fiber. It is easy to do and there are a variety of fiber sources to choose from, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and VINA sodas. All of these foods are essential to an enlightened gut microbiome. Fiber is important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
Recent advancements in microbiome research have led to an increasing number of probiotics and prebiotic components that can boost your gut health. Prebiotic fermentation can improve the immune system, boost blood cholesterol levels, and continues to be being studied. While the precise role of these substances is yet to be determined There are numerous benefits. One study revealed that fermentable fibers can help improve the control of glycemic levels, while other studies failed to show any effect.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico discovered that regular exercise is beneficial for the stomach’s health. Exercise can promote healthy growth of bacteria which is essential for our overall health. This can, in turn, improve our moods and psychological well-being. It is also a key component in neurogenesis, which facilitates the creation of new neural connections in our brains. You should choose a kind of exercise that is beneficial to gut health.
The effects of exercise on gut microbiome were discovered in a research study that followed two previously inactive males and women for six months. Specifically, both groups showed improvements in gut bacteria composition as well as higher levels of physiologically relevant metabolites. Furthermore, both aerobic exercise and voluntary wheel running have resulted in an increase in the amount of bacteria in the gut. However, while these results appear promising, they need to be confirmed by more studies.

domain: food


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Published on by James
Chomp down into some rewarding and regal citrusy goodness with Fruity Kings – one of the best mobile casinos on the market.This...
Published on by Adam
For many people around the world, 2016 has been a year to forget. The same can be said for William Hill who have endured a battering over the past 12 months, with failed takeovers, high-profile recruitment struggles, and in-house squabbling broadcast in the mainstream media. This bookmaker was once the leading star in the online gambling industry, commanding huge player numbers and dominating profits – can they get it back?
After seemingly having a solid financial plan in place for the year 2016, it was all unravelling by March with the declaration that there could be a substantial decline in full-year profits. Changing regulations have been a problem for many online casinos, no doubt, but William Hill have seemingly overstepped their goals for this year – and it has backfired massively.
Many long-term executives who served at William Hill for years have been released. The board is, subsequently, going through a huge transition – while CEO, James Henderson, has also been removed. All of this activity creates uncertainty, especially when their recruitment policy hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
Despite the “unanimous” decision to remove Mr Henderson from his position, William Hill’s board have found it difficult to narrow down a shortlist of replacements so far – with reports suggesting that many are even rejecting the opportunity. Despite being 6-months into the search, chairman Gareth Davies has said that the group are yet to offer the job to anyone.
However, disagreements with their largest shareholder, Parvus Asset Management, occurred after a “risk, debt and hope” proposal with Rank Group and 888 was rejected in favour of a deal with Canada’s Amaya. Parvus took exception to this and pulled out of the backing, leaving any merger or takeover plans in tatters.
With so many problems overshadowing William Hill moving forward, it’s difficult to see where a way forward lies. Clearly a new CEO needs to be in charge soon, despite the company’s insistence that interim Philip Bowcock is progressing towards targets, but this is proving difficult due to the many reported snubs they have received.
Furthermore, with computer hackings and a general decline in popularity, one of the UK’s most famous bookmakers is in murky waters for the first time in a long time. Will 2017 bring much needed changes and experience to William Hill? We’re about to find out.


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Michael Donohoe Farm,
Need accommodation for the Show? Below you will find an extensive list of Discover Ireland approved accommodation in the Athlone area:
Rockfield House is a luxury detached house beautifully set in the countryside and located in the middle of the country thus making it an ideal location for day trips and exploring other parts of Ireland. The house sleeps 6 people and is equipped with 2 Double Bedrooms and 1 Twin Room, Bathroom/Shower, 2 Sitting Rooms, Central Heating, Double Glazed, Open Fires, Satellite Dish, TV’s, Washer and separate Dryer. Fully equipped large Kitchen/Dining Room comes with Fridge, Aga, Dining Table for 6 Covers, Complimentary Wi-Fi and Broadband. Car Parking for a number of cars and large landscaped Garden.
Spacious bungalow on N62. Convenient to Clonmacnoise Ancient Monastic settlement. Only one and a half hours from Dublin airport and one and a half hours to Galway
Recommended guide to Ireland and Dillard + Cousin guides. Modern bright spacious dormer style residence.
Modern bungalow in peaceful rural setting. Rooms en suite, private car park. Located 10 minutes drive to or from Athlone and 15 minutes drive to or from Ballinasloe.
Modern dormer style bungalow within walking distance of the town. Golf Club, Fishing And Deer Park.
Sample the hospitality and welcome of Four Seasons in the heart of Ireland. Athlone, close to the majestic waters of the River Shannon and Lough Ree, anglers and water sports enthusiast …
Inny Bay Bed and Breakfast has a superb location on Lough Ree’s shore. Ideal stop over between East and West coast. A warm welcome awaits you here.
Experience rural tranquillity at St Ruth’s – a restful farmhouse combining yesterday’s charm with today’s comforts.
Large detached house on old Dublin road. Two rooms en suite plus one with outside private shower room.
69 Bedroom Hotel on small shopping Mall on the outskirts of Athlone.
Uniquely situated directly on the shores of Lough Ree, offering magnificent panoramic views of the lake with its own harbour. One of two homes each with private entrance.
Standing on the west edge of Athlone Town tucked away in its own oasis, The Athlone Springs Hotel is ideally located, being just off the main Dublin to Galway road and only minutes from the River Shannon.
Enjoy the tranquillity of our family country home on the edge of Athlone. All modern facilities. 5 mins drive to excellent restaurants, swimming pool, bowling, cinema and shopping centre.
Ballycreggan is a Georgian Country House, set in peaceful surroundings on a working beef farm. Situated 6km from Athlone town. An ideal base for touring Athlone Castle, Clonmacnoise.
Beautiful modern dormer. Convenient to traditional pubs, shops, award winning restaurants, golf and fishing. Relaxing residence beside the picturesque village of Glasson. Ideal touring base.
Large bungalow set on the 1-acre site fifty metres off the main Dublin Road in a cul-de-sac less than one kilometre from the centre of town.
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone is centrally located overlooking the River Shannon with magnificent views of the marina, the historical cathedral and Athlone Castle. Within walking distance of train and bus station.
Located in the quaint village of Roses, Glasson Stone Lodge has been constructed with en suite rooms and exquisite interior design. We will make your stay relaxing, welcoming and most …
Old world bar and bed and breakfast. Ideal location for golfing, fishing and touring the Shannon region. All rooms are ensuite with TV.
On private grounds. Just off N6 or R362. Convenient to Town and swimming pool. Beside Pitch & Putt.
Bungalow; open plan living/ kitchen/ dining with electric flame fire, 3 bedrooms, 1 double, 1 twin, 1 single, 1 ensuite bathroom with shower, 1 bathroom, sun deck.
Dormer Bungalow situated on 1/2 acre site on Cavan Road, (N55). Beautiful gardens. Restaurants, pubs, lakes, golf on Clonmacnoise nearby. Customer service award winner
The Prince of Wales Hotel is situated in the centre of Athlone in the heart of Ireland.
Coosan Cottage is a Failte Ireland approved Bed & Breakfast in Athlone. Within a taxi ride of Athlone town with spacious car parking facilities on site. We invite you to come and experience the difference of the eco friendly and energy efficient accommodation coupled with luxurious interiors and traditional designs.
Situated on 2 acres beside Lough Ree and Athlone. Near golf course. 1 mile from Hodson Bay Hotel. Cruisers for hire on Lough Ree and River Shannon
Luxurious quiet house on Lough Ree, 1.5 km off the N55 in Ballykeeran. Fishing, golfing and restaurants locally. Tea and coffee, television and hairdryer facilities available.
Two storey red brick house. All rooms ensuite with TV. Large guest lounge. Tea and coffee making facilities. Private car parking. Landscaped lawns and telephone. Breakfast menu. Clock…
Welcome to Sheraton Athlone Hotel Located in the Midlands of Ireland the distinctive 12 storey glazed tower of Sheraton Athlone four star Hotel has given Athlone an eye catching new la …
Wineport Lodge is stunningly located on the edge of Ireland’s peaceful Inland Waterways. Housed in modern cedar clad structure, it is the perfect place to dine and stay, in the heart o …
Modernised country cottage set in a peaceful rural area. Nearby is the River Shannon, Athlone Castle, Clonmacnoise, Clara Bog and Birr Castle. Accommodation: Three bedrooms one en-suit.
Each of the two apartments consists of one single room and one twin room, a bathroom and a living area including the kitchen and dining area.
Uniquely situated directly on the shores of Lough Ree, offering magnificent panoramic views of the lake and with its own harbour. One of two homes, each with private entrance.


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Mid-July: time for summer vegetables
Today's blog is all about:
- summer vegetables
- suckers and side shoots
- planning a visit to Silvia's Planty Garden
A tip for those last two: harvest your cucumbers and zucchinis when they're young. They taste best when they're still small. Also, large fruits slow down your plant's continued growth.
Now you have two good reasons to harvest sooner than later.
You can find more tips about summer vegetables in July here.
Watch out for suckers in the vegetable garden
Well, kind of, actually. The suckers in your vegetable garden drain energy from your summer vegetables. I'm talking about those extra side branches and side shoots on tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. Those are suckers.
How do you recognize them and how do you get rid of them?
About pests and their enemies
I recommend letting nature step in. It's better for your garden and more effective in the long run.
The Planty Library has some helpful tips for keeping pests out of your garden in the first place. And what to do if those don't do the trick.
Read more about how to manage garden pests here.
Open day at Silvia's
Ummm... Honestly? I'm just too lazy for that.
But this year you can visit a beautiful Planty Garden in the Netherlands. Not at my place but at Silvia's - one of our resellers. You know, she's the one with the beautiful photos.
You can visit Silvia next weekend and see how her garden's growing.
So, that's it for today
At the beginning of August, we'll start up again, mostly working on the new app. It's looking great so far.
We'll also sow an empty garden box. Just to prove that it's definitely possible to sow in August and still is worth doing. But if you follow the app, you already know that.
By the way: Here's the box we sowed on July 1. Not bad, huh?

domain: agronomy


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Tag Archives: Stephen Mather Wilderness
By Michael Lanza
The imminent end of summer always feels a little melancholy. After all, it marks the close of the prime season for getting into the mountains. But it also signals the beginning of a time of year when many mountain ranges become less crowded just as they’re hitting a sweet zone in terms of temperatures, the lack of bugs, and fall foliage color. Autumn also stands out as an ideal season for many canyon hikes, with moderate temperatures and even some stunning color.
From Yosemite to the North Cascades (lead photo, above), Grand Canyon to Grand Teton, the Great Smokies to the Olympics, and more, here are 10 of my favorite backpacking trips that are best served up in fall.
Continue reading →
By Michael Lanza
“Lots of bears at Grizzly Creek.”
Those words that a backcountry ranger spoke to me over the phone just yesterday echo through our heads now, as my friend Todd Arndt and I descend switchbacks from misleadingly named, 6,500-foot Easy Pass into the densely forested valley of Fisher Creek in Washington’s North Cascades National Park. Fog swirls around the jagged peaks nearly a vertical mile above us. Battleship-gray skies threaten a common meteorological occurrence in these mountains—rain—although we’ve seen only sprinkles and wind so far. We’re hiking downhill past ripe huckleberry bushes toward a thicket of slide alder and chest-high brush that the trail passes through—ideal bear habitat.
“That’s where they’ll be,” I say to Todd. Without taking his eyes off that tangle of alder and tall brush, Todd just says, “Yup.” Continue reading →


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Belgian tanker owner Euronav witnessed a drop in its fourth quarter of 2017 net profit as the freight market remained under pressure.
The company delivered a net profit of USD 19.2 million, for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, down from a net profit of USD 50.3 million seen in the same period a year earlier.
The company’s average daily time charter equivalent rates (TCE) for very large crude carriers was at USD 35,399 in the quarter, down from USD 43,833 from a year earlier, while average Suezmax rate reached USD 21,417, declining from USD 24,662 seen in the fourth quarter of 2016.
“Whilst freight rates improved sequentially over the third quarter, the typical seasonal rate pattern for the fourth quarter was not observed. Excess tonnage in key markets combined with a short-term change to OPEC export trading patterns kept the freight market under pressure,” Paddy Rodgers, CEO of Euronav, said.
“Euronav retains both now and going forward substantial balance sheet capacity and fixed income visibility to navigate through such periods and remains confident on the medium-term trends for the crude tanker market,” Rodgers added.
During the quarter, the company sold three of its vessels, generating USD 36.5 million capital gains. Two were sold in November, namely the 298,330 dwt VLCC Artois and the 146,652 dwt Suezmax Cap Georges, while the third, the VLCC Flandre, was disposed of in December.
Other events during the fourth quarter included a stock-for-stock merger agreement between Euronav and Gener8 Maritime, following which Gener8 would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Euronav. The merger will create an independent large crude tanker operator with 75 crude tankers, of which 44 VLCCs and 28 Suezmax crude tankers representing over 18 million dwt in the aggregate.
“Work on the transaction is proceeding as planned and we look forward to updating investors with the filing of a proxy statement/prospectus in February,” Euronav said.

domain: finance


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Great RV, owners were very easy to work with.A++
Extremely well appointed RV, drives like a dream and very comfortable to sleep in. The owner has done an exceptional job maintaining this vehicle and is most accommodating!
Robb & Ellie host a lovely, comfortable, & very well-maintained vehicle. Robb was wonderfully communicative before, during, & after our experience. His pre-rental walk-through was thorough. A couple of questions we had during our drive were answered promptly & effectively. We rented the vehicle in order to take a three-state tour through the sourthwest; unlimited mileage was especially attractive--we knew before leaving their driveway exactly what we would pay. It was a pleasure to work with them, we were quite happy with the vehicle, & we look forward to renting again from Robb & Ellie.
Spacious RV with great layout! Shem was easy to work with and responded quickly to any questions.
For the rental price, this little trailer was perfect. Just a large bed, a sink with a pump faucet and a two-burner stove. It pulled very well.
Great experience, extremely easy communication, we had one question during the trip and got an answer in seconds. The RV is comfortable, we were 6 people with 4 kids and it was the right size. Pick up and drop off were arranged at the airport, super convenient for us. We had a great time, worries free.
Renting with Chad was a wonderful experience. He was extremely communicative and a overall great human who wanted us to have the best experience possible. Picking up the Van was a breeze as the location was close to the airport. Leaving Salt Lake was extremely easy as major freeways are minutes away. The Van was fully equipped for a two week plus trip into the wilderness of Utah. The Van was spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. We would HIGHLY recommend renting from Chad and we hope to rent with again next year!
This was a fantastic experience. The RV was just exactly what we needed for our family of 5.
Awesome experience. Wendy is great, and this RV is awesome. I want to buy one after this experience!
AWESOME!!! Travelling the beautiful parks of Utah in this new 2017 Coachmen Mirada is a dream. I've rented motorhomes from commercial dealers for many years. Once I'm out on the road, I have always discovered broken parts like toilets, retractable stairs, TVs, awnings, light switches, headlights...etc. This RV is kept in perfect shape by Kayla and her husband. All of the features work perfectly and the Mirada rides like a dream. Pick-up and Drop-off was flexible and convenient. Kayla did everything she could to accommodate our schedule. The layout of this RV is perfect for a large group, family, or even just a couple. The retractable overhead cab, the bunk beds (each with their own TV/DVD combo that runs on the RV battery w/o the generator), the queen bed, the half bath in the middle and the full bath with oversized shower in the rear are perfectly designed. We loved the storage space in the cabinets inside and all the storage space underneath as well. If you are planning a trip to Zions, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Moab, Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, Yellowstone or just about anywhere, this is an awesome RV at a great price. You will create awesome memories and really enjoy the outdoors.
Very responsive!!! Very reliable! We went a ton of miles, had it rented for 12 days, and had NO mechanical problems. Owners were very helpful, responded quickly, assisted with getting the RV picked-up, amazing price for what we got, and overall, the memories made were more than worth it! There definitely was tons of storage, room, and just a great RV and people to work with!
Ryan was great to rent from. Very chill and low key and willing to take the time to explain everything about the trailer. He really bent over backwards to get me set up with everything I needed to be safe and have a great trip.
Had an absolutely wonderful trip with this trailer and Patrick was very helpful and wanted to make sure that we also had a good time. The trailer and the rental process worked flawlessly and because of that I couldn't recommend renting "The Happy Camper" from Patrick more!
We had a very enjoyable time with this RV. The owners were very good at communicating with us, responded quickly to our inquiries, and were flexible with pick up/drop off times. We got exactly what we were told we were getting - no surprises! We will definitely rent this RV again!
This is a nice RV that fit our family of 5 comfortably. We were surprised at the amount of storage space - more than we really needed. Bedding was comfortable, the trailer was efficient in its use of battery power and gas, and it was easy for us first time RVers to tow and set up. Chris was good to explain everything and patiently answer our questions. We would rent this RV again!
Great people great little trailer that was quick to set up and easy to tow with great features. Stove, fridge, heater, radio, sink, bbq. A lot in this package that made camping a breeze.
Excellent experience working with Brian. The vehicle work perfectly, the orientation was vital and online communication was efficient.
Bruce made our first RV rental experience so smooth and wonderful. He took care of everything. We just had to bring our clothes, our food and ourselves. He had everything else covered. We will definitely try to rent from him again.
Renting through Ronda couldn't have been easier! She picked us up at our hotel near the airport and dropped us back off on the day of our departure. Ronda is such a sweet person and we really enjoyed our experience. We would definitely rent through her again.
This was a great rv for our trip. Comfortably fit our family of six. Herb and Kim were great to work with. Would rent again from them.
Brian was so great to rent from. He made the whole process easy and fun as we talked about VAN life. We have recommended him to many people and hope to rent this again!
Our family had an excellent trip to southern Utah and an excellent experience with this RV. Devin was accommodating and easy to work with. The RV was in good condition and performed well. It was the perfect size for our family of 8.
The trailer is very nice and in fantastic shape. It is heavy for a SUV to pull anywhere far.
This was an excellent rental from every aspect. Matt provided everything needed to make this easy from a friendly and flexible pick-up and drop off to a clean and fully functioning RV. Also the use of the generator and lots of amenities/accessories (camp chairs, tables, paper plates/forks/cups, towels, etc.) made this rental an excellent value.
The RV was in great shape. Nick did a nice job and the overall experience was top notch
Rick was a pleasure to work with, and made renting our first trailer an easy and fun process. His trailer exceeded our expectations.
We had a wonderful time! Ron was very informative and very accommodating. This was our first time renting an RV and we look forward to renting again from Ron for our next family adventure.
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domain: travel


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Description(Reference number: 79514)
This softly hued home takes root between London’s museums and Hyde Park's stretch of greenery. In the sitting room, Queen Anne sofas complement the other classic furnishings and delicate artworks – from still-life paintings to abstract seascapes – enliven neutral walls. Choose between the kitchen’s wooden breakfast bar and the roof terrace’s shaded table for your morning coffee, then venture out to explore the boutique shops and renowned cafés of South Kensington.Flower power
Your hosts divide their time between their homes in London and Dartmoor. When in the city, they like to make the most of its diverse cultural offerings – from grand concerts at the Albert Hall to the latest shows at the National Theatre.
From potted orchids to painted flowers, this home’s decor is nature-inspired. In the kitchen, hand-turned crockery tops the stone countertops, and the contemporary dining table seats six. Both bedrooms are soothing in pastel tones: the lilac master has a neat desk and double doors onto the terrace, and the stylish double has its own collection of artworks. But be sure to dedicate some time to the bathroom – with its decadent walk-in shower, deep bathtub, twin sinks and polished slate-grey tiles, it might this home’s greatest flourish.


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Contracts Keyed to Blum
Pennsy Supply, Inc. v. American Ash Recycling Corp.
Citation:2006 Pa. Super. 54, 895 A.2d 595 (2006)
The Northern York County School District entered into a construction contract for the Project with Lobar, a general contractor. Lobar subcontracted the paving of driveways and a parking lot to Appellant. The contract between Lobar and the District included Project Specifications for paving work that required Lobar, through its subcontractor, to use certain base aggregates. The Project Specifications permitted the substitution of the aggregates with an alternate material known as AggRite. Additionally, the Specifications included a “notice to bidders” of the availability of Aggrite at no cost from Appellee, an AggRite supplier. Lastly, the Specifications also had a letter to the Project architect from Appellee confirming the availability of AggRite.
Appellant contacted Appellee and told them that it would need 11,000 lbs of AggRite. Appellant picked up the AggRite and used it for the paving work. However, after completing the paving work in Dec. 2001, the pavement developed extensive cracking in Feb. 2002. The District notified Lobar, who in turn told Appellant to fix the defections. Appellant performed the work at no cost to the District. The scope and cost of the remedial work included the removal and disposal of the AggRite, which the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection classifies as a hazardous waster material. Appellant requested Appellee to arrange for the removal and disposal of the AggRite, but Appellee refused to do so.
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Rule of Law:Identifies the Legal Principle the Court used in deciding the case.
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domain: library


Gen-Probe has been awarded US Patent No. 7,930,106, "Quantitative method employing adjustment of pre-defined master calibration curves."
James Carrick is named as inventor on the patent.
Describes methods and kits for preparing and adjusting pre-defined master calibration curves of the type used for quantifying analyte polynucleotides by real-time nucleic acid amplification. In particular, the patent discloses methods of preparing one or more master calibration curves on one instrument, and then using those curves on a different instrument.


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Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, is getting to know the royal family!
With just two days to go until the royal wedding at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England, a source tells ET that Doria met Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, on Wednesday over tea at the Clarence House.
"Ms. Ragland felt incredibly welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed it," the source says, adding that Meghan and her fiancé, Prince Harry, were also in attendance.
ET has learned that Doria met Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George and Princess Charlotte on Thursday, and will meet Prince Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle on Friday.
The meeting with Prince Charles and Camilla came one day before Meghan released a statement revealing that her father, Thomas Markle would no longer be coming to England to watch her say "I do" due to health issues.
"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding," Meghan announced. "I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health."
"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support," she continued. "Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."
Thomas, who lives in Mexico, told TMZ on Wednesday that he was alert and out of heart surgery he underwent earlier that morning after suffering a heart attack over a week ago.
The father of the bride originally backed out of the wedding earlier this week after he was accused of staging photos for the paparazzi. He reportedly changed his mind and was hoping to attend the church service at St. George's Chapel after all, pending approval by his doctor.
Thomas was originally intended to walk his daughter down the aisle, but now that he is no longer able to do so, many are speculating that Meghan's mother will do the honors.

domain: celebrity


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The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Arlington is 1 in 27. Based on FBI crime data, Arlington is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Arlington has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.
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Arlington is a city in Texas with a population of 388,225. Arlington is in Tarrant County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Arlington offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.
How old is Arlington? The 1969 consolidation sealed Arlington’s fate as part of Jacksonville rather than a community apart. "To me, Arlington is the most historical neighborhood in Jacksonville." Vestiges of the old Arlington still remain, and in 1993 Old Arlington, Inc., a historic preservation organization was formed.
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