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Possible Governance Transition
Update: The petition has been submitted
Madison Forward submitted the petition to the Madison County Probate Judge on January 4, 2023.
At the work session on Jan. 11, 2023, the mayor, city council members, and the city lawyer discussed next steps in the process.
- January 19: Deadline for Probate Judge to validate petition signatures
- If petition is validated by Probate, Mayor Finley has 10 days to make a proclamation about the
- A special election must take place no later than 90 days and no sooner than 40 days
- The election could possibly take place as early as late February and no later than April 11
Citizen's Debate hosted by I Vote Madison, TBD
Do you think Madison should hire a city manager and change from a mayor-council government to a
The citizens of Madison will decide!
The change to shift how Madison is governed is being led by citizens, and it will ultimately be up to citizens to decide. In order for the change to occur, 900 residents must sign a petition in favor. A special election is then held. The citizens of Madison will determine if the change occurs.
Read our blog posts for overviews,
details, and Q & A's
Visiting city managers answered questions during this city-sponsored, educational community meeting
View the slide presentation that the Governance Transition Committee presented to the mayor and council.
I Vote Madison partnered with Braver Angels and the League of Women Voters of the Tennessee Valley to hold an educational debate for Madison residents.
During this city-sponsored, educational community meeting, Auburn mayor Ron Anders joined Mayor Finley to answer citizen questions about the role of a mayor under a council-manager form of government.
View the slide presentation from the city that accompanied the 2nd Community Meeting (pertaining to the role of mayor under a council-manager form of government).
To provide a different perspective, I Vote Madison invited Dr. David Hill, former Auburn mayoral candidate, to discuss council-manger forms of government and answer questions from citizens.
Rocket City Now, Sept 14, 2022
Al..com, Sept 13, 2022
The Madison Record, July 1, 2022
The Madison Record, June 16, 2022
The Madison Record, June 22, 2022
256 Today, June 27, 2022
I Vote Madison's Role
I Vote Madison is nonpartial on this issue. Our role is to provide objective information. We do advocate that the city be transparent and provide outreach and education to keep residents informed. This is a decision the citizens of Madison must make, and we want them to be informed throughout the process. As always, we want to see voters who are engaged, informed, and empowered.
Madison Forward is a group of citizens in Madison that is advocating for this transition. In June 2022 they became a Political Action Committee (PAC).They are currently collecting signatures, of which 900 are needed, to put this issue on the ballot. Learn more about their efforts in this article by The Madison Record.
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Remington 870 12ga $275 This one is pretty old. Im guessing about 40 years old so you know its well made. No corners were cut in the maufacturing of this beast. Been sitting in a closet for the last 15 years. 28in barrel bead sight wood stock and forend 2 3/4 or 3in shells In good condition except two chips in the wood on the stock. The original owner who has since passed away engraved his dl# right above the serial number.


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China Discovery Tour
Beijing | China
30 Dec 2019 | Mon
Day 03 of 18
Temple of Heaven Beijing
The Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Built in the 15th century, the temple was used by the Chinese emperor to pray for good harvests. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the rich history of this important cultural site.
Today, the temple is still used for religious ceremonies but is also open to the public for exercise and recreation. The temple grounds are beautiful and well-maintained, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
The Temple of Heaven is an awe-inspiring place that is definitely worth a visit. The history and culture are fascinating, and the architecture is simply gorgeous. Plus, it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up some local flavor. So if you find yourself in Beijing, be sure to add the Temple of Heaven to your itinerary.

domain: geography


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Germantown's own community bank.
Community Banks are focused on building relationships with our families, friends, and neighbors. You know - people like you. Building and maintaining a positive face-to-face relationship means you’re more than a printed report. We also consider our Southwestern Ohio economy as well as our experience through knowing you personally.
A community thrives on giving back to one another. The loans we provide for local businesses, agriculture, home buying and personal vehicles have fewer default issues than any national competitor. Our loans are strong so our customers can have the flexibility to receive free checking and savings accounts that can earn bonus rewards for monthly spending qualifications.
Being a Community Bank means we want to keep everything local. We want to make sure you are provided with the best care and support possible, which is why your financial needs are a priority by the same people who live and work here, too - in the Germantown area.
We are thrilled to say that we have been serving our community for more than 150 years. What a privilege! As we evolve into the new meaning of “connected”– having a full battery, strong WiFi and great Facebook following (You can follow us if you’re going there!).
We know to stay relevant with today’s ever-advancing technology is expected (We do, by the way!). Then there’s our successful track record of being trusted by generation after generation because it can only happen with authentic interactions that matter. Staying connected with your community means you’re always plugged into what’s happening in real time, right here.
Over the course of that time, we help you grow even stronger families, homes, and businesses because we do whatever we possibly can to make the most with your money and time.Meet the Team!
About This Website
Seek and ye shall find. That’s our vision with the online interaction we’re having right now. We want you to find what you are looking for quickly and connect with us easily.
We’re aiming to introduce our team, express our values and priorities, plus provide an overview of all the solutions we have for your financial needs. If there are further questions you have, and you want to reach out – then we are ready! We were hoping you would want to meet to finalize plans. That’s the start.
Our Community Support and Charitable Donations
It takes a village to make a community grow and be safe. We are committed to volunteering, giving, supporting and promoting non-profit initiatives designed to protect the strength of the community.
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Being part of a team helps students understand the importance of being responsible and helping others win!
What Makes FNB Germantown the Right Choice for You?
We know your money and your time are valuable to you. We also know your community is important to you! While you can find checking accounts anywhere, you can’t find all financial needs in one place that keeps everything earned locally. You'll have to agree, there’s so much potential!
We are here to cheer on your future endeavors. The more you succeed, the more we succeed. Our team is ready to find what recipe of our solutions will best support you along the way.
The best leaders have a profound sense of ownership in the success of their community. They understand the responsibility for safety, accuracy, and service their customers deserve.
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domain: finance


Tuesday - last edited Tuesday
Hello. Ever since I have had The Sims 4 (over 2 years), it has been incredibly difficult to load the game. When I first got The Sims 4, I had no mods or custom content, and it still did this. Basically, in short, I click play on origin and it comes up with the Sims 4 logo and then after a while a white screen. It then minimises to a tiny screen shown here.There's nothing underneath it and if I click the middle button, it takes me to a white screen that doesn't do anything. I have left it on that screen for hours on end before to see if it would do anything and it does not. I've clicked the white screen repeatedly to see if anything will load (stupid I know but I get angry so.... ). After you maximise it to the white screen, the only way to get the screen off is to shut down my PC and then turn it back on again. The only way to get it off when it's minimised is spam the X button until it tells me that Sims 4 is not responding and then turns off itself. There is no way to avoid this, it's just luck. Every once in a while it loads like a normal sims game, but it usually takes me hours to get to that point. Also, I have checked on DxDiag and it says that there aren't any problems with my PC. I don't think it's to do with Sims because I have used my account on my stepbrother's computer and it has worked perfectly fine, so I don't think there is much anyone from EA can do about it, but seen as though I've been enduring this for over two years now, I thought it would be worth a try. Thank you for your time and please help me out. I spend more time loading up the game than I do playing it.
@PoppySweetKitty1 Try disabling Origin in-game: hover over your username, select Application Settings, then the Origin in-game header, and disable the option at the top.
If that doesn't help, I'd like to see the dxdiag, in case there are any obvious reasons why Sims 4 might not be working. You can attach it to a post.
@PoppySweetKitty1 Yes, I can see the dxdiag. There's nothing clearly wrong in your dxdiag, although your computer's hardware is quite weak for Sims 4. You should still be able to load the game though.
Please try repairing the game in Origin: open your game library, right-click on the Sims 4 icon, and select Repair. Then try to play again; you can open the Task Manager and End Task if the game hangs for more than a couple minutes.
If that doesn't work, please move your entire Sims 4 user data folder out of Documents\Electronic Arts and onto your desktop. When you launch the game, a clean folder will spawn with no content. Don't add anything to this folder yet; just see whether you can start a new save and play for a bit. Let me know either way.


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Nowadays, dealing with allergies at workplace often can be difficult. It’s hard to concentrate with itchy eyes and running nose. AM Retail Services is here to help you to be able to feel better. Check out a few of important tips for dealing with office allergies.
Office allergy triggers include but are not limited to:
Perfume and other scented products
The most effective way to deal with allergies in the office or any other work environment is to reduce as many allergens as possible.
AM Retail Services can get that job done. We provide daily dusting, mopping and vacuuming which consequently will remove many of the allergens that affect workers, thus helping to improve the condition and health of your work environment.

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According to news reports, Friedland faked his death around the same time: Labor Day weekend in 1985. the way he was going to kill himself – by jumping off the Key West, Florida ferry. Then he.
Key West Calendar of Events There is always something fun to do in Key West. This calendar of events is frequently updated.. 2019 – HOLIDAY – Hanukkah in Key West 2019 – Key West is home to one of Florida’s oldest Jewish communities – with Jews settling here when the City was.
Story Continued Below Over the weekend. as key agencies such as the F ederal E mergency M anagement A gency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development deal with shrinking resources. On.
Powwow, beer, celebrity chefs, Highwaymen art, fish fry top this weekend on Treasure Coast mortgage masters group Powwow, beer, celebrity chefs, Highwaymen art, fish fry top this weekend on Treasure Coast Mortgage Masters Group Thank you for joining TRD’s South florida real estate Showcase & Forum. Is it technically feasible to pressurize the Boeing. Look at the tally of words remaining at the top of this page, in the step 1 box.Hello World! A "Hello, World!"program generally is a computer program that outputs or displays the message "Hello, World!". Such a program is very simple in most programming languages, and is often used to illustrate the basic syntax of a programming language. It is often the first program written by people learning to code.Positively looking up in Florida Would Recommend royal united mortgage Without Hestitation – Royal united mortgage llc Royal United Mortgage, LLC is a Texas Foreign Limited-Liability Company (Llc) filed on April 28, 2010. The company’s filing status is listed as In Existence and its File Number is 0801261915. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Business Filings Inc and is located at 701 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701.Head-To-Head Review: Bimini Capital Managment (BMNM) vs. PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) The home equity theft reporter: Florida AG Gets Guilty Plea In Statewide Mortgage Fraud / Home Improvement Scam There are thousands of people searching for second mortgage loans simply because they think it will help free up cash they have tied up within their homes. However, there is a stigma attached to second mortgages and some often believe it means a second mortgage signals there is something wrong with the home owner’s finances.THE SEA MONSTER -RUSSIA’S AK-130 NAVAL ‘CANNON’ COULD KILL A NAVY DESTROYER || WARTHOG 2018 Accounting Software (The Expresswire via COMTEX) — Accounting Software Market driven by top key players such as Oracle (NetSuite), Sage Group Plc., Workday, Inc., zeta software llc, Infor, Inc., Microsoft.May 21st Blue Jays Minor League Recap: Christian Williams, breakout season? – Jays From The Couch 1 day ago · blue jays; Blue Smith; Blues Clues; blur; Bo Greenwell; Bo Jackson;. indians minor league prospects; indians minor leagues;. it is may 11 2017 and the pittsburgh steelers still suck;A deadly shooting rampage at a municipal complex in Virginia Beach has local officials wondering if they need to ramp up security at government buildings here in South Florida. “We’re always.
There are plenty of cool things to do during the hot month of July in South Florida. Keep coming back. The first ever Key West Mermaid Festival will happen over the Fourth of July weekend. Most of.
Things to do in Key West Key West is a small island, but densely populated. There are bars and restaurants, water sports, gardens, museums, tons of tourist shops, night clubs and live music, as well as boat charters, day trips to the Dry Tortugas, snorkeling and sunset cruises.I could go on and on!
The perfect addition to any weekend getaway or day out is a visit to the Key West Aquarium, where you can walk through extensive exhibits and marvel at the native Key West creatures that call the aquarium home. Learn fun facts about sharks and touch a horseshoe crab in the same day during your visit to this fantastic and interactive aquarium!
We’re here to examine the one big thing we’ve learned about each NFL team in the 2018. "I can see the end line now, but I still feel like I have a lot to play for, a lot left to do in my career,
Which cities did the most building in 2017? Mortgage Masters Group In that year, Rome was the Italian city with the highest share of residences purchased with mortgage loans (roughly 35 percent of the total). Milan was ranked second, with 24 percent of its newly bought residences being covered by mortgages. Conversely, in Palermo and Florence only five percent of houses were purchased using a mortgage.ricochet Bert: imprisoned deflater
Explore Weekend Events Key West. Best things to do in Key West in Weekend. Find out Parties, Events to spend time this Weekend in Key West. Information of all parties, music concerts, cultural, arts events happening in Key West this weekend. Get the list of all happening free & paid events this weekend in all over Key West.


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Ashley’s already been to NYC more than once to see J.P. — now he’s going to her hometown! Are these two moving way too fast?
Bachelorette Ashley Hebert sure does have the sweetest fiance in the world. J.P. Rosenbaum is so smitten with Ashley that he will do anything to make her smile. That’s why J.P. has planned a special weekend for the two of them to go Madawaska, Maine — Ashley’s hometown — since they haven’t been there together yet!
A fan asked Ashley on Aug. 10 on Twitter: “@ashhebert So what is your favorite gift that JP has given you since your engagement? Would love an answer. :) Big fan!”
Ashley quickly responded. “@GARealityTVFan A trip to Madawaska, Maine to spend a weekend with my family! :))” she tweeted. “City boy in a small town! Can not wait. :))”
Could a trip to Maine be the couple’s plans for this weekend? Last weekend, Ashley visited J.P. in NYC where he threw a party for her to meet all of his friends. Ashley’s sister, Chrystie Hebert-Corns, even flew down to NYC for the fiesta. But now it sounds like it’s J.P.’s turn to find out what Ashley’s made of.
J.P. and Ashley sure do seem to me moving quickly. BFFs — do you think they’re getting serious too fast?
– Lindsey DiMattina
More Bachelorette Stories
- Ali Fedotowsky Delays Wedding So That Ashley Doesn’t Overshadow It!
- Ashley’s Dad Would Be Honored To Attend Ashley & J.P.’s Wedding!
- Ashley & J.P. Pick Out $10,000 Wedding Bands!

domain: news


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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Have A Question About This Topic?
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.
Learn how you can create a balance between growth and stability with whole life insurance.


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domain: artistic


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I'm a warm-hearted, old-school gentleman explorer with really cool toys. INTJ. Browncoat.
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Adventuring in the Valley
Argentina is gorgeous. Have I said that before? Doesn't it go without saying by now?
You really get to know a set of mountains when you have to hike
them. Fortunately, in the middle of these death marches, I was able to stop and drink in some of the scenery. It took a lot longer than necessary to get to the destination, but at least I arrived with a camera full of photos. That beautiful peak in the distance is Fitz Roy. I was very lucky to see it, because 90% of the time it's covered with clouds.
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Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
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A symposium with artists, curators and archivists discussing the potential roles of artists’ books in contemporary art practice and research. Speakers will consider artists' books as an intermedia art form that can engage with collecting and collections and be presented through current exhibitions, projects, performance and artists’ residences.
Friday 21 April, 2017
The Sheppard Room
Treasures of the Brotherton
Parkinson Building, University of Leeds
Tickets: £6 + booking fee. Speakers and students free. Please book here.
Registration and tea/coffee
Artists’ Books: Future Potentials / Future Legacies
Dr Chris Taylor, Co-Director of PAGES and Senior Lecturer, School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds will consider the role of the institutional collection in exploiting and preserving the artists’ book as primary medium within art practice.
Dora García: These books are alive; they spoke to me!
Zöe Sawyer, Curator, The Tetley, Leeds will highlight the challenges of curating books, reading and performance within the context of an exhibition.
‘Notes for a Performance – Re visioning a Ritual’: Re enacting unknown histories and the gaps between
Louise Adkins (artist and Senior Lecturer, Manchester School of Art; Amanda Burton Scholar: practice-led PhD, School of Fine Art, History of Art & Cultural Studies, University of Leeds) will be discussing her new work for the forthcoming exhibition Made in Translation at the Portico Library, Manchester.
As and from the library: five artists’ books
John McDowall (artist and Co-Director of PAGES; Amanda Burton Scholar: practice-led PhD, School of Fine Art, History of Art & Cultural Studies, University of Leeds) presents book works which embody serendipitous paths of reading from shelf to shelf and book to book, and that may be thought of as libraries in and of themselves.
Round Table, convened by Chris Taylor
In reflecting on the present, how do we utilise the collection in order to reconnect with the past and consider our future?
Panel members: Louise Adkins, Joanne Fitton (Head of Special Collections, Brotherton Library), Rhiannon Lawrence-Francis (Special Collections – Rare Books), John McDowall, Zöe Sawyer and Nigel Walsh (Curator of Contemporary Art, Leeds Art Gallery).
Exhibition and refreshments
Future Legacies: Collections, Collecting and Artists’ Books
Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
This event has been organised with support from the Centre for Practice-led Research in the Arts (CePRA).

domain: library


Only issue I still have is the SM Bus Controller. It doesn't have or need a driver according to Vista, but shows up as Other devices in seven and says not working no driver installed. Tried the action center troubleshooter and it said it was installing the driver, but then stopped one of the intel USB controllers. When I went to device manager the SM bus was still had a warning symbol and so did the USB controller. Rebooted and got the USB controller back, but still a no go on the SM Bus Controller.
Other than that, no probs so far.


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Chicago Family Tours at The Art Institute of Chicago
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Along the way, you and yours will enjoy these activities on our family art tour of The Art Institute of Chicago:


Kentucky's industrial hemp supporters lashed out Thursday against a last-minute amendment to the hemp bill that's been under consideration this year in the General Assembly. State Rep. Rocky Adkins, a Sandy Hook Democrat and the majority floor leader, has proposed an amendment turning the Senate-approve hemp bill into a five year study. It also gives the licensing responsibilities to Kentucky State Police, which argues that legalized hemp would harm law enforcement efforts to target hemp's cousin, marijuana.
Lawmakers continue to work toward a resolution on public employee pensions, arguably the top unresolved issue of the 2013 legislative session. House and Senate leaders have been at an impasse on systematic changes to pension plans for future state and municipal workers, legislators and judges, as well as funding methods to pay for pension contributions expected to cost up to $120 million more in fiscal year 2015.
Joining Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has introduced a bill to allow judges greater flexibility in sentencing federal crimes where a mandatory minimum punishment is considered unnecessary. The bipartisan Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013 will expand the so-called "safety valve", which allows judges to impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum in qualifying drug cases.
A Louisville businessman exploring a Republican primary against U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is setting up meetings with Tea Party groups in Central Kentucky. David Adams, a tea party activist from Central Kentucky, said he's planning to meet with Bevin next week in Lexington with other activists to familiarize themselves with Matt Bevin, the possible Republican Senate candidate and a Louisvillian who runs the Connecticut-based Bevin Brothers Manufacturing.
State leaders are still working to find solutions to the Kentucky's troubled pension system—but he's not promising a deal the time the General Assembly regular session ends next week, Gov. Steve Beshear said on Monday.
After five years of advocacy, supporters of raising Kentucky's dropout age to 18 celebrated Monday as Gov. Steve Beshear signed the bill into law. Flanked by House and Senate lawmakers—as well as First Lady Jane Beshear—the governor officially signed the law in a ceremony in his conference room. The bill would make raising the dropout age voluntarily for school districts until 55 percent of all districts made the change. Then it would become mandatory statewide. The legislation is a compromise reached by lawmakers in the 2013 General Assembly session.
Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul won the presidential straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference, beating several high-profile names among his party's potential 2016 White House contenders. Paul edged out GOP rival and fellow Senator Marco Rubio of Florida in the largely symbolic survey among a crowded field of two dozen candidates. Those Paul bested include former Republican vice presidential nominees Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan.
Taxpayers footed the nearly $1,000 bill for boxed barbecue dinners provided to state senators and their staffs as they worked late into the evening on March 7. It was the first time since April 15, 2008, that taxpayers' dollars were used to feed the Republican-led Senate during a legislative session, according to state records. The Democrat-led House has not bought its members a meal during a legislative session since March 2007.
The smokestack of an aluminum smelting plant, 1973.
Credit Doug Wilson / Environmental Protection Agency
With only two days left in this year's Kentucky General Assembly session, time is running out for supporters of legislation meant to keep two western Kentucky aluminum smelters—which employ about 3,000 people—from closing.
Speaking at the House Budget Committee this week, Kentucky Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth said government should be a partner with business and the Republican-crafted 2014 budget will hurt economic growth. Among the highlights GOP lawmakers have touted are $6.4 trillion in deficit cuts and reducing the corporate tax by 10 percent.
Kentucky’s 17-member panel currently reviewing certain child abuse caseswill remain a permanent part of state accountability and child advocates say the recently-passed law creating the panel adds more transparency and accountability. Last year, Gov. Steve Beshear created the 17-member panel through an executive order to improve the systems overseeing child abuse and neglect. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which is involved in many of these cases, has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers working late Tuesday night.
Credit Rae Hodge/Kentucky Public Radio
Kentucky legislators have returned home for the next 12 days after passing a flurry of bills in the recent days of the 2013 General Assembly session. But many big issues still remain on the table and lawmakers will have two days left—March 25 and 26—to hammer out any remaining issues, including pensions and military voting bills.
Senate President Robert Stivers talks with other legislators.
Credit Rae Hodge/WFPL
FRANKFORT — Two priorities of Kentucky lawmakers will spill over to the so-called veto period of the 2013 legislative sessions after the issues could not be resolved by the end of Tuesday. Legislators were unable to compromise on pension reform and the military electronic voting bill before both legislative chambers adjourned until March 25.
he WEKU Stations and Kentucky Educational Television combined forces to present a special interactive program discussing the issues and accomplishments of the 2013 Kentucky legislative session. KET's Bill Goodman and WEKU's John Hingsbergen co-hosted the hour-long program Tuesday morning March 12.
With no deal and time running out, a special session is becoming more likely for Kentucky lawmakers to reform the underfunded pension programs for state employees, Gov. Steve Beshear said on Tuesday. It's unlikely that the General Assembly will address pension reform before legislators leave Frankfort after Tuesday for a brief period called the veto break, Beshear said.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will be running his first TV ad for re-election in Kentucky this week. McConnell campaign manager Jesse Benton confirmed with WFPL it will be a "positive buy" costing six figures and will begin airing Thursday. Thus far, the GOP leader has been pummeled by attack ads from liberal groups on gun regulations and birth control.
Kentucky lawmakers reached a deal Monday in a conference committee on legislation addressing issues with special taxing districts. The committee adopted a new proposal that would require special districts to present their annual budgets or any new fee increases to their local fiscal court. But the compromise on House Bill 1 does not allow the fiscal court veto or approval powers of the special district's actions, as Senate Republicans had recently suggested.
A bill designed to allow Kentuckians in the military deployed overseas vote electronically has cleared the House, after amendments returned Senate Bill 1 to a full electronic system. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is the main promoter of the bill and urged House lawmakers to return to full electronic provisions after the Senate did not include the electronic return of a ballot.
The Kentucky House approved on Monday legislation that gradually raises the age when students can drop out of school—a compromise reached after past efforts to strike a deal failed. The dropout bill allows local school boards to choose whether to raise the dropout age to 18. After 55 percent of Kentucky's school boards raise the drop out limit, the change in four years becomes mandatory statewide.
Kentucky's legislative leaders have hope they can finish redistricting before the current session ends later this month. New legislative districts were drafted and passed last year to reflect the 2010 Census. A judge threw them out, however, saying lawmakers did not properly divide up the state.
House and Senate leaders met with Gov. Steve Beshear Friday, looking to find common ground on a plan to reform Kentucky’s ailing public pension system and avoid a special session this year. Those involved described the meeting as productive, and talks are expected to continue during the upcoming 10-day veto recess. The two legislative chambers have passed fundamentally different retirement plans for future state and municipal workers, and the House has proposed a dedicated funding stream to pay full pension contributions, something the state has not done in years.


Custom Neck Knife 346
Etched CPM S35VN stainless steel blade featuring a battle worn pattern etch that continues onto the antiqued bronze handles.
Includes Kydex sheath with w/ ball chain & leather loop
If you are interested in making a purchase or have questions please contact us
Steel: CPM S35VN
Cutting edge: 1-5/8”
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text:
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Nohime and Dagger
Last night before going to bed I found a nice article on Nohime and the dagger story on the net. The famous story goes right before Nohime is sent off to marry Nobunaga, she meets with her father Saito Dosan (The Viper of Mino/Mino no Mamushi). Dosan gives her a dagger, telling her if Nobunaga is a fool, use the dagger to kill him. She replies to her father that she will be part of the Oda and might use the dagger to kill him instead. Dosan right away knew Nohime was truly the Viper's daughter. The article continues with the famous meeting between Nobunaga and Dosan at Shotokuji Temple in 1553.
For a good read in English on Nohime, Kicho&Nobunaga by Rumi Komonz is highly recommended.
Nobunaga no tame!


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A vintage treasure brought back to life by Flying Eye Books, Wild and Tame Animals seems to enchant adults just as much as children! Dahlov Ipcar's tale of humans and animals is restored to it's original glory, with page after page of beautifully detailed colour illustrations.
Long, long ago all animals in the world were wild. Some were timid and hid in the woods, and some were ferocious and dangerous.
And so begins a journey of discovery as Dahlov Ipcar presents a wealth of feral and fierce animals trained by our early ancestors to the tame animals we know today.
Dahlov Ipcar is an American illustrator whose love of animals and nature, and in particular jungle animals, has entertained children the world over with her vivid and fanciful illustrations. Flying Eye Books has worked to faithfully restore and reproduce the quality of the original art. Using modern techniques, their restorers have painstakingly picked out the layers of spot colour and remastered each brush stroke while keeping the integrity of the line.
By Dahlov Ipcar
Hardcover, 48 pages
262mm x 211mm
suitable for ages 3 +


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For some 50 years, Minneapolis was the world center of the flour milling industry with some of the largest producing mills the world has ever seen. Fueled by St. Anthony Falls, the only water fall on the Mississippi, and pulling in wheat via the railroads from all over the northern plains, the area was once a loud and dusty place. New technical developments in the last 1800s also meant much more efficient operations. The mills in Minneapolis also put white flour, then thought to be more healthy than the widely available whole wheat flour, into the reach of most Americans who previously could not afford it.
Flour milling has long since moved elsewhere, especially with the advent of electrically driven mills, but the mill district continues to live on with other purposes, including condos, restaurants, the Guthrie Theater, and the Minnesota Historical Society’s Mill City Museum.
Gallery: Minneapolis Mill District


The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Governor Godwin Obaseki for the alleged kidnap of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Tony Aziegbemi, attributing the ‘development to the lack of strong and well-oiled security architecture in the state.’
A statement signed by the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe and made available to Westernpost said the party is shocked by this latest incident of kidnapping, resulting from a weak and ineffective security framework currently prevailing in Edo State.
The statement reads, “The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (.APC) received the news of the kidnap of the State Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Azegbemwin with rude shock and has profoundly condemned same, attributing this ugly development to the lack of strong and well-oiled security architecture in the state.”
According to the APC, the kidnapping is one kidnapping too many for the State and it is a clear warning to Governor Obaseki’s administration that maintaining the State’s security which is the main duty of the state, is not going well.
The APC added that despite the enormous security vote that Governor Obaseki collects every month, the fact that the party chairman of a sitting governor can be abducted is evidence of the state’s extremely weak, underfunded, and unmotivated security apparatus.
“This kidnap is one kidnap too many in the State which signposts an overt reminder and wake-up call to Governor Obaseki-led administration in the state that all is not well, in terms of securing the State which is the primary responsibility of government.
“That the chairman of the party of a sitting governor can be kidnapped, is a testament to the very porous, ill-equipped, ill-motivated security machinery in the state despite the humongous security vote being collected by Governor Obaseki monthly.
The Edo State APC therefore, demands that the kidnappers immediately and unconditionally release the PDP chairman. It also urged the state’s security agencies to do everything possible to guarantee his safe return.
The chairman was reportedly abducted at about 7 pm on Friday as he was about to enter his house shortly after a meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin City.
Media reports indicate that the PDP chairman was kidnapped at the entrance of his house along Country Home Hotel Road, Benin City.
According to reports, as the driver was about to enter the compound, the kidnappers blocked the jeep and took Dr. Tony Aziegbemi away, leaving the driver.


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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued new pollution control requirements for large livestock feedlots. The new regulations would allow farm operators to avoid having to get a permit if they agree to not let their farm animals defecate and put “harmful discharges” into nearby waterways.
The new EPA standard calls for a “zero discharge standard” which basically says farmers, on their own merit will develop elaborate and expensive plans to prevent the runoff of “excessive” environmentally damaging nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous to flow into lakes and streams.
Damaging nutrients like phosphorous and Nitrogen? The EPA has agreed to allow farmers to police themselves to not allow their animals to excrete in a normal fashion and have called for zero tolerance? Really?
Can you see the writing on the wall? Farmers regulating themselves with a zero tolerance police to keep manure out of local waterways? In other words, the EPA should have just gone straight to the stricter standard of just fining them for cattle defecation and runoff into nearby streams. Unless there is a quick miracle digestive device created soon, it want happen. I think we can all agree a cow is going to eat and a cow is going to defecate! Self regulation is essentially another type of “tax” on the farmer. Its a pretty sure sign you are going to pay it if your cow is normal. Self regulation only gives you the opportunity to fail so the EPA can step in and enforce the strict regulations.
Enforcing rediculous and stringent federal EPA regulations with stiff fines on a farmer is a sure fire way to ensure failure of that farmer and possibly loss of his or her livelihood and family treasure, their property.
Environmentalist have long complained that animal feedlots , the large operations where hogs and cattle are fattened for slaughter , pollute waterways because of their huge buildup of manure which is piled up and spread across the land.
My first gripe with this is why are we cow towing (joke intended) to environmentalist about an issue that is occuring on my private property and will likely affect my livelihood and way of making a living because they think that their drinking water may have to much nitrogen or phosphorous? The federal government, especially the EPA should have no say so on what I do on my property.
Environmentalist have also been concerned that these “lax “ rules of self governance through the “zero discharge” rule is letting the farmers get off easy! They think that is lax? Ever try to keep cow excrement from flowing down hill after a rain storm?
Eric Shaefer, a former EPA Enforcement Official says “This regulation allows these industrial meat farms to avoid the Clean Water Act all together by certifying that they have taken voluntary action to avoid discharges. Mr Shaefer, we all know what will happen when that EPA enforcer walks on to that piece of property to make sure you are self regulating. Exactly, they will find phosphorus and nitrogen downstream, gauranteed!
EPA officials estimated that the requirements will prevent the release into the streams , lakes and other waterways of 56 million pounds of phosphorous, 110 million pounds of nitrogen and 2 billion pounds of sediment!
I know farm animals are going to defecate, it is going to rain and that rich combination of nitrogen and phosphorus is going to flow downhill into a waterway! Its a given, it’s going to happen. This new regulation comes on the heels of cows milk, hay and dust being determined a pollutant.
You might as well get a credit line at the local bank and digging that proverbial hole. If you plan to do any farming under the over regulating eye of the EPA, you either pay the fines to play or give up the farm and your property rights. Sounds like we need to tell our elected officials how we feel! Call them and tell them to get the EPA of your backs and off your farms!
Source of information:
Directly from the EPA website:

domain: law


The Bontrager XR Grip Set LENGTH=130 MM;DIAMETER=30 MM Black is available at the following locations.
Collect in Store
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The tread and rubber compound provide secure grip, control and comfort;The tread design optimises grip for moisture management and shock absorption;The simple design maximises durability and minimises weight;30mm diameter;


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This article is all about 4 Wheel Alignment and Emergency Brakes of Ford Classic
The braking system includes four internal expanding service brakes.One on each wheel,and an emergency or parking brake on each rear wheel which is also an expanding brake.
This design is made possible by specially developed two in one brake drums on the rear wheels.
The four wheel service brakes are operated by the foot brake pedal. The emergency brakes are operated by the emergency brake lever and are entirely separate from the four wheel service brakes.
Both sets of brakes are of the mechanically operated design and of simple construction, insuring positive action and highest efficiency at all times.
Adjusting Four Wheel Service Brakes
Make all adjustments with brakes cold.Fully release emergency brake lever.
Raise rear end of car sufficiently to allow wheels to spin free from floor.
Turn adjusting wedge at both rear brakes until the brake drags them back of the wedge two or three notches or just enough to allow the wheels to revolve without drag.
To insure correct equalization.The same person should check the brake pressure by rotating the wheel.
After adjusting rear brakes, adjust the front brakes in the same manner.
Related Articles – Engine Troubles and Causes of Ford Antique Cars
If adjustments are correctly made the brakes should operate as follows :
- Rear brakes should just start to hold when brake pedal is depressed approximately 1 inch.
- Depressing pedal about AI inch farther should tighten but not lock rear brakes and cause front brakes to just start to hold.
- Depressing pedal approximately another 1/2 inch should lock rear wheels and hold the fronts very tightly. With properly adjusted brakes this should not exceed one-half of the total possible pedal movement.
- When brake pedal is applied with full pressure, rear wheels should slide and fronts should make a heavy impression or road print, which condition is obtained just before sliding.
All of the adjustment on the adjusting wedges is used up, it will be necessary to reline the brakes.
When this becomes necessary we suggest you take your car to an authorized Ford dealer. They are provided with special relining equipment.
Related Article – Instructions for Running a Gear of Ford Antique Car Models
Adjusting Emergency Brakes
The emergency brake requires little attention from an adjustment or service standpoint, and with ordinary care will last indefinitely.Only when the band linings become excessively worn,permitting the emergency brake lever to come back to the extreme rearward position, will adjustment be required for wear.
When this occurs adjustment can be easily made as follows
- Fully release emergency brake lever.
- Remove rod that connects emergency brake lever to cross shaft center lever.
- Next replace the rod inserting it through hole in center cross member and connecting the rod to the cross shaft center lever through UPPER hole in lever.
Never adjust for wear by shortening the pull rods.
Related Article – Steel Spoke Wheels and Tires of Ford Antique Cars

domain: design


Unbalanced utilization of vehicles often hampers peak performance of critical public services such as police, ambulance, fire protection, waste management, municipal services and airport ground handling. To offer fast, efficient and on schedule public services, vehicles on the field need to be connected and managed by the IT systems in service centers. Using telematics-based fleet management, service centers can establish a reliable real-time connection to fleets, allowing operators to monitor vehicle conditions and fleet operations, dispatch vehicles and respond to emergency issues. This well-planned solution can also enable service centers to identify any idle or overused resources so that optimizations can be made to the public services.
In-vehicle computers are one of the most important core components in this IT system. NEXCOM's in-vehicle computers integrate WWAN and WLAN communication and real-time satellite positioning to deliver an always-on, always-visible connection. Combined with the ability to further integrate with vehicle sensors such as siren, fuel and door sensors, in-vehicle computers can provide up-to-date status information and location to service centers, allowing operators to identify and respond to events remotely.


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ATTENTION: Museums in Lisbon are due to re-open starting April 5, and theaters, cinemas, and live music venues on April 19. Read more here.
- This event has passed.
ONLINE VICARIOUSNESS | NYT: Around the World at Home | 0,50€-TBD
An event every day that begins at 00:00, repeating until June 30, 2021
Here’s what Sebastian Modak, man behind The New York Times’ Around the World at Home series, says about this virtual vicarious experience:
“While your travel plans may be on hold, you can pretend you’re somewhere new for the night. Around the World at Home invites you to channel the spirit of a new place each week with recommendations on how to explore the culture, all from the comfort of your home.”
For early April, for example, Sebastian shows you How to Pretend You’re in New Orleans Tonight, and the series is updated frequently and indefinitely (although you’ll likely need a subscription to get the… um, full experience).


NERVOUS Mike Rampling can face baked beans for the first time in his life thanks to a hypnotist.
The 20-year-old can finally stand by a spoonful from mum Sam without feeling petrified and bursting into tears. Mike said: "I couldn't bear to be anywhere close to baked beans. Just the thought of them made me break out into a cold sweat.
"I couldn't walk down a supermarket aisle displaying baked beans or sit near anyone eating them." Mike, of Harlow, Essex, developed his phobia at four after being sick on beans at school.
He said: "Only recently, one friend thought it was hilarious and chased me with a can.
"But I was so stressed out and frightened Iwas in floods of tears."
Now, though, after having hypnosis he can at last clear plates of leftover beans in his job as a bar worker. Mike said: "I still can't eat baked beans - but I must be partly cured as I got into a bath of them!"
Mike's story is told in the Trisha Goddard show on Channel Five on Friday.


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19 July 2009
It's Cold - I'm dreaming in Colour
It's a little chilly here and to keep warm I've been dreaming in full colour. Does anyone else do this? Lately I've been dreaming of different colour combinations. As a kid I had this book called 'Toby's Tree' and it had the most fantastic colours. The story revolved around a tree that grew in the middle of the house and through the roof. The tree produced purple fruit. I loved the 70's pinky purple and orange combinations. This illustration is actually going to be turned into a textile collage. I've already sewn the background with balloons in different materials complete with grassy knoll.


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Driving a truck is a dangerous way to earn an income. Traveling long hours on unfamiliar roads, often through adverse weather is not exactly a safe way to make a living.
It should come as no surprise, then, that semi-truck drivers cause an alarming number of wrecks. Due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers, the occupants of other vehicles tend to suffer the worst of the impact. In 2013, 4,000 people died and 95,000 sustained injuries in truck accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Commercial truckers are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, but they still make mistakes. The most common causes of 18-wheeler wrecks include:
- Speeding – drivers often have financial incentive to reach their destinations as fast as possible;
- Poor training – operating a semi-truck is not the same as driving a passenger vehicle, and inexperienced drivers are prone to accidents; and
- Fatigue – driving long hours through the night can cause drowsiness.
If you were injured or lost a family member due to a negligent trucker in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC. An auto accident lawyer in Lafayette will answer your questions, assess the police report and doctors’ records, interview witnesses and help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Damages Might I Be Able to Claim after a Truck Accident?
Nearly 1 in 3 truckers has a serious accident in their career, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vital Signs Report. For every trucker or passenger who dies in those crashes, six occupants of other vehicles lose their lives.
Victims who are lucky enough to survive often face exorbitant medical bills. Many cannot return to work, which puts their families’ financial security in jeopardy.
If you were injured due to a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent truck driver in Louisiana, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical bills, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Who Can I Sue after a Truck Accident?
There are several parties who might be liable for damages after a truck crash. Usually, the defendants in these cases are:
- The trucking company because it failed to train a driver properly or offered illegal incentives to speed or drive for excessive hours;
- The driver who caused the crash;
- The manufacturer of the truck may be liable for damages if a defective part caused the accident;
- The owner of the truck may be liable if he or she was aware that the vehicle was faulty; or
- The company that loaded the truck improperly.
If you were injured by a commercial truck driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC.
A Lafayette injury attorney will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, our legal team has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
to find a Morris Bart office near you.


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A number of foreign investors who have already become the citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis has long exceeded 10,000 amounting to almost a quarter of the total population of the country. Experts predict that in 2018 this figure will increase significantly due to recent changes in the citizenship by investment program.
According to these changes, wealthy people will be able to obtain a new status for only $150,000. This proposal was introduced on April 2, 2018, after the temporary Hurricane Relief Fund has ceased to exist on March 31, 2018.
Saint Kitts and Nevis on the world map
The territory of this state includes two Caribbean islands with the same name, separated by the Narrows channel. The nearest continental city – Miami – is located in 2000 kilometers to the northwest. You can get to this island state by sea (on a cruise liner or on your own yacht with a call at the port of Basseterre or Charlestown) or by air.
There is a direct flight to St. Kitts from Miami. Also, you can get there without connections from Canada and United Kingdom. From London (Gatwick airport) to Basseterre (the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis) there are weekly flights of British Airways commercial aircrafts, which are accommodated by the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. There are also the options with transfer: New York / Paris / Amsterdam-Saint-Martin-Saint Kitts / Nevis.
Getting to St. Kitts from Eastern Europe, from Russia for example, is possible only with a transfer in Cuba, or using one of the above options with a transfer in Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt.
Private flights between the Caribbean islands are carried out by the national air carrier. Regional air taxis take off from two airfields, namely Robert L. Bradshaw and Vance W. Amory (Nevis).
Saint Kitts and Nevis is annually visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists. Notably, from January to July 2017, the country was visited by about 700 000 people. During five years the number of tourists increased by 13.4%.
Saint Kitts is a magnet for sailing enthusiasts
A significant part of those applying for the citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis are inveterate yachtsmen. The passport of this state gives visa-free access to the territorial waters and marinas of many coastal countries. But this is not the only factor the investors are driven by when choosing the citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Not so long ago, a luxurious residential complex opened near the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis with its own marina – Christophe Harbor. The new facility was not ignored by yacht owners and yachting enthusiasts. Some yachtsmen even decided to purchase mooring sites for year-round use.
At the same time, more than 30% of the guests of this complex received St. Kitts passports by investing in the mansion houses of the Windswept Residence Club.
In addition to elite housing, sailing enthusiasts received a number of benefits such as the possibility of building a personal pier (subject to payment for a site in the Harbor Side cluster) and a full range of maintenance services for the yacht.
7 Reasons to apply for citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis
1. The cost of citizenship
Starting from April 2018, you have an opportunity to obtain the citizenship of Saint Kitts for a non-refundable contribution of $150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund. Also, there are two other options such as investing in a real estate item selected from a specific list approved by the government (at least $ 400,000) or donating to the SIDF ($ 250,000). Any of these options are much cheaper than the EU citizenship by investments, the cost of which is estimated at millions of Euros.
Important note! An investor may choose to equally share the investment amount of $400,000 in real estate object with another investor. In this case, each investor will be required to insert at least $200,000 to qualify for citizenship. The investment may be returned in 7 years.
Contribution to Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
|Non-refundable contribution to HRF||$ 150,000||$ 195,000||$ 195,000|
|Due Diligence Fees||$ 7,500||$ 11,500||$ 15,500|
|Passport Fees||$ 547||$ 1,641||$ 2,188|
|TOTAL||$ 158,047||$ 208,141||$ 212,688|
|Non-refundable contribution||$ 158,047||$ 208,141||$ 212,688|
Main applicant + Spouse + 1 child 3 years old
Main applicant + Spouse + 2 children 13 and 19 years old
Investment in approved real estate
|Real estate investment||$ 200,000||$ 200,000||$ 200,000|
|Due Diligence Fees||$ 7,500||$ 11,500||$ 23,500|
|Government Fees||$ 35,000||$ 65,000||$ 95,000|
|Passport Fees||$ 547||$ 2 188||$ 3,282|
|TOTAL||$ 243,047||$ 292 688||$ 321,782|
|Non-refundable contribution||$ 43,047||$ 92,688||$ 121,782|
2. Freedom of travel
You will be able to travel to 120 countries of the world without a need of getting a visa or receiving it on arrival at the airport. The passport of Saint Kitts and Nevis gives visa-free access to all Schengen states (90 days out of 180), as well as to the UK, Singapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
3. High level of trust of foreign banks and companies
The Federation of Saint Kitts is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, whose citizenship program is recognized as a platinum standard due to its long-term of operation (since 1984) and the high level of moral conduct of its participants. As a result, St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders have no problem in opening their accounts in reliable international banks and establishing cooperation with foreign partners.
The Government of Saint Kitts does not disclose any information about its citizens to third parties. The fact that you received the second citizenship and registered your assets using Saint Kitts’ passport will be kept in strict confidence.
5. Tax benefits
Citizens of this country do not pay gift, dividend and inheritance taxes. Also, the government does not impose tax deductions on capital gains, wealth and income from foreign companies. When buying a villa or other property, you will pay a tax amounting to 0-0.5% of the price. When registering a business in the country, you will pay a 25% income tax (instead of 35%, as in Europe) and 10-17% VAT.
6. Long-term visas to the USA and Canada
The passport of St. Kitts opens the way to obtaining long-term visas to the United States and Canada. With these documents at hand, you can forget about visa application procedures for 10 years. In addition, a Canadian visa allows you to stay in the country for up to six months during one visit.
7. Passports for the whole family in 2-4 months without the need to visit the country
You can apply for citizenship for yourself, your spouse and family members who depend on you financially. Applicant’s children less than 30 years of age and parents/grandparents above the age of 55 may also be included in the application.
The island attracts world celebrities
A small island country became known all over the world after it was visited by Princess Diana, who spent her vacation here in 1993 together with her sons Harry and William. The villas on the islands are rented by celebrities – TV presenter Oprah Winfrey, actor Sylvester Stallone, actress Meryl Streep and popular singer Britney Spears. In the spring of 2013, the founder of Telegram messenger and Vkontakte social network Pavel Durov became a citizen of this country, investing $ 250,000 to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation.
Prince Harry visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis in November 2016
Passport statistics in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Apart from Pavel Durov, Saint Kitts’ passports were received by several thousands of wealthy foreign investors such as Roger Ver and Adam Bilzerian. The exact figures were announced by the Prime Minister Timothy Harris. During the period from 2005 to 2015, 10777 people became citizens of this Caribbean state.
The citizenship by investment program has been in operation since 1984; however, it gained its particular popularity only in the last decade. In the meantime, the number of new citizens of the country is increasing literally in geometric progression every year.
In particular, in 2005, 6 applicants were granted a new status, in 2006 their number was 19, in 2007 it was 75, in 2008 – 202, in 2009 – 292. It is worth mentioning that after the abolition of the visa regime for the Schengen countries in 2009, the flow of investors has increased rapidly. In 2010, 664 people acquired the new status, 1092 in 2011, 1758 in 2012, 2044 in 2013, 2329 in 2014, and 2296 in 2015.
Today, the natives of 127 states enjoy the second citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The greatest interest in the citizenship by investment program was shown by the residents of Europe and Asia.
Do not miss the chance to acquire the citizenship of Saint Kitts for $150,000
Cease the moment and start preparing a package of necessary documents to apply to the relevant bodies of St. Kitts and Nevis. Find a certified agent or ask us to do all the necessary preparations for you. If you wish to include in the application your spouse and children, the investment amount will be $195,000 (donation option) and $200,000 (real estate option), plus additional fees.
Interested in more detailed information about Saint Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship by investment program? Contact us!
- We offer free consultations, understanding how important it is for the client to make the only correct decision.
- We work only in the field of investment immigration, integrating gained experience into the investor’s goal.
- We work only with official programs of the European Union and Caribbean countries.
- Before signing the contract, we inform our clients about all additional fees and expenses.
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The governments of Canada and New Brunswick and the municipalities of Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord invest in active transportation and water and wastewater infrastructure
RIVIÈRE-DU-NORD, NB, July 21, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie–Bathurst, the Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, His Worship Denis Losier, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Tracadie and His Worship Joseph Lanteigne, Mayor of the Town of Rivière-du-Nord, announced a joint investment of more than $15.5 million, with more than $7.23 million in federal funding for Rivière-du-Nord, and more than $2.37 million in federal funding for the Regional Municipality of Tracadie, to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in the Acadian Peninsula.
In Rivière-du-Nord, this investment will enable the construction of a new sanitary sewer system and aqueduct system on boulevard des Acadiens and rue du Pont. Work includes the installation of a 4,100-metre sanitary sewer system with two lift stations, an aqueduct system connected to the existing infrastructure with one booster station, and the reinstatement of road infrastructure.
In Tracadie, this investment will enable the renewal of aging sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer mains on Principale Street. Work includes replacing a total of over 200 metres of sanitary sewer and iron pipe water mains with PVC lines and replacing over 100 metres of concrete storm sewers. Additionally, approximately 110 metres of road will be refurbished and a new bike path will be added.
These investments will improve access to drinking water and increase the capacity to manage wastewater.
A federal investment will also enable Tracadie to develop a network of new bike lanes and trails and conduct a study regarding the construction of a new footbridge across the Petit-Tracadie River.
This investment contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting the expansion of networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges by making it safer for active transportation users to commute through the downtown area.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“The Acadian Peninsula is currently undergoing a remarkable renewal thanks to the arrival of new businesses and residents. Through investments like the ones we’re announcing today, our government continues to be there to support its growth and ensure the region’s residents can benefit from a great quality of life.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Investments in modern, efficient water systems in Rivière-du-Nord and Tracadie, as well as new bike paths for the municipality of Tracadie, will greatly improve our local infrastructure. There’s no better time than now to renew and improve the infrastructure of our communities. Thanks to this funding, these 2 municipalities will be able to launch work that will create local jobs.”
Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie–Bathurst
“Investments in this critical infrastructure will benefit residents and support growth in these communities. We are pleased to work with the municipalities of Tracadie and Rivière-du-Nord to help fund these projects.”
The Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“Trails for active transportation and a footbridge over the Petit-Tracadie River will promote healthier lifestyles. These major investments will strategically improve the connectivity of the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne and promote active transportation while strengthening accessibility within our regional municipality. By investing in our municipal infrastructure, the Government of Canada is helping to grow the economy of our regions and, in doing so, is also contributing to building more resilient communities.”
His Worship Denis Losier, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Tracadie
“For the town of Rivière-du-Nord, and more specifically for this sector of Bertrand, this project represents an improvement that will ensure the quality of drinking water and adequate wastewater treatment for the residents concerned, thanks to the support of the various levels of government. For our municipality, in addition to encouraging residential and commercial development, this is a first in terms of water treatment infrastructure.”
His Worship Joseph Lanteigne, Mayor of the Town of Rivière-du-Nord
- The Government of Canada is investing $9,611,943 in these projects and the Government of New Brunswick is investing $4,387,978. The Regional Municipality of Tracadie is contributing $776,693 and the Municipality of Rivière-du-Nord is contributing $803,966.
- The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Green Infrastructure and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as the Active Transportation Fund (ATF).
- The Regional Municipality of Tracadie is receiving $1,935,148 from the Active Transportation Fund and $444,715 from the Green Infrastructure Stream. The Municipality of Rivière-du-Nord is receiving $7,232,080 from the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream.
- The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
- Including today’s announcement, 126 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream have been funded in New Brunswick, with a total federal contribution of more than $422 million and a total provincial contribution of over $256 million.
- The Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream supports projects that increase access to more efficient and reliable energy sources, improve community infrastructure, and improved internet connectivity for rural and northern communities.
- Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- The Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, in support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy.
- Municipal governments, local and regional governments such as service districts, and Indigenous organizations are eligible recipients under the Active Transportation Fund. Provinces, territories, and not-for-profit organizations are also eligible.
- The Active Transportation Fund complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community.
- Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks and to create safe environments for more equitable, healthy, active and sustainable travel options to thrive.
- Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, growing the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, advancing equity amongst vulnerable Canadians, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in safer active transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their communities.
- The Government of Canada is investing $14.9 billion over eight years, starting in 2021, in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in long-term, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.
- Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.
- The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.
- Federal funding is conditional on the signing of funding/contribution agreements.
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Green Infrastructure Stream
Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream
Federal infrastructure investments in New Brunswick
Active Transportation Fund
National Active Transportation Strategy
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THE NEW YORK TIMES | November 12, 2014
Water flows from Irish taps for free, reflecting the abundance that pours from the skies. But the fiscally strapped Irish government is changing this by starting to charge citizens for the water they use, something other European nations already do. An immense backlash has ensued, with recent protests by tens of thousands of demonstrators roiling politics at the highest levels.
“We believe that water is a human right,” said Brendan Ogle, a Dublin organizer for the protest campaign Right2Water. Charging for water, he said, would harm those who could not afford it.
Economists almost universally believe that charging households for the water they use makes sense. After all, citizens pay anyhow, through taxes, to have their water collected, treated, delivered and carried away as wastewater. Charging on the basis of use encourages conservation, which, in this era of climate change, is a good idea even for rainy nations like Ireland, economists say. Dublin occasionally experiences water shortages, though these are largely because of infrastructure problems, not lack of rain.
“When people think water is free, they use much more water than is necessary,” said Asit K. Biswas, an international water expert who founded the Third World Center for Water Management, based in Mexico. As an example, he cited the Gulf nation of Qatar: Locals there, who get water for free, use far more than foreigners, who pay for water.
In many American and European cities, billing is structured so that heavy users — like those with lawns or swimming pools — pay a higher rate, while frugal users pay a lower one.
Unlike most other parts of the European Union, Ireland imposes no household charges for water, and on a per-person basis, the amount of fresh water used for households and businesses is higher than in most other European nations, according to figures compiled by Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics agency. Water use across Ireland is estimated to be about 38 gallons per person per day.
“Ireland has been an outlier, because they have this principle that drinking water is — should be — a free public good,” said Roy Brouwer, who heads the department of environmental economics at the Institute for Environmental Studies at VU University in Amsterdam.
The Irish pay bills for electricity and trash pickup, though when the trash charges, called bin taxes, were introduced more than a decade ago, there were large protests.
Mr. Ogle, of Right2Water, said his group supported paying for water through progressive taxation. The key issue is not, he said, the amount of water that the Irish use, but rather the lack of investment in the nation’s leaky water system.
“If we allow water to be turned into a commodity — and the inevitable privatization — water will be used as a wealth creation measure,” benefiting few and harming many, he said.
The water charges, which took effect last month and will start showing up on bills early next year, were introduced by the Irish government under pressure from the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which made the charges a condition of Ireland’s 2010 bailout in the banking and debt crisis, according to Michael Marsh, a emeritus professor of political science at Trinity College Dublin. So the new system is arriving after a long stretch of hard times.
Dr. Marsh likened the protests to those in Spain, Greece and Italy “in terms of being a reaction to many years of austerity.”
There has been considerable uncertainty about how much the new charges will cost households. Tales of bonuses to employees of Irish Water, a new utility set up to handle the national system, have stirred anger, as has Irish Water’s plan to install meters to measure use.
In remarks last week, Alan Kelly, Ireland’s minister for the environment, community and local government, acknowledged “errors” in the timing and complexity of the water charges, as well as communication about them. He said he understood the public’s “confusion, uncertainty and huge frustration.”
And yet, he said, Ireland’s previous method of managing water — through nearly three dozen local authorities — was inefficient.
During one Dublin water shortage, “investors who were coming to town were not able to take a shower when they went back to their hotel in the evening,” Mr. Kelly said. “Is that the message we want to send out as a country?”
Irish Water will continue to be publicly owned, Mr. Kelly said, and the charges “will be modest, fair and affordable” — in other words, probably less than the $600 to $1,000 per year that rumors have cited.
Currently, charges would amount on average to almost $350 per year for households with two adults and two children, according to Irish Water. Under pressure from the protests, however, the government plans to provide new details on the charges soon.
One difficulty is that Ireland is governed by a coalition that “shows little sign of being able to deal decisively with the issue,” Dr. Marsh said. He anticipates that a resolution may be a relatively low, flat-rate payment for water.
But economists say that kind of payment structure does little to encourage conservation.
Ireland is not alone. People in most parts of the developing world do not pay water charges, according to Dr. Biswas, the water expert, but some do and have found that there are benefits. In Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, the water supply system has greatly improved since household water charges became effective in 1997, said Dr. Biswas, who advised the Cambodian government on the project. Now, the water is clean and works around the clock, with minimal leaks, he said.
Some major European cities, including Berlin, Munich and Hamburg in Germany, and Copenhagen, make profits on their water and wastewater charges and may use the extra money to subsidize other municipal services, Dr. Biswas said.
In Ireland, the show will go on.
This article was published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 12, 2014

domain: economics


The global economy is gradually reaching firmer ground, but this trend is marked by temporary setbacks and massive regional differences. The recovery in the United States lost momentum in the first quarter, when extreme weather conditions hampered economic activity and GDP for Q1 fell to a 0.1% annual rate. This was well below expectations of some 1.3% growth. However, based on strong indicators this spring, we expect a clear rebound in the second quarter. SEB has recently adjusted its full-year 2014 GDP growth forecast downward from 3.3% (set in February) to 2.6%. Japan’s economic reform program faces major challenges when it comes to permanent ending deflation and carrying out structural reforms. The Tankan survey fell in April from a high level in Q1, reflecting greater uncertainty about April’s increase in consumption taxes. In the euro zone, the recession seems to be over and financial worries have gradually eased. Unemployment and government debt have also stabilized, but at worryingly high levels.
Completely as expected, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) upgraded its economic outlook and reduced its stimulative monthly bond purchases by USD 10 billion to USD 45 billion. The central bank thus decided to ignore the weak GDP growth figure from the first quarter. Due to cold weather, the US economy expanded by only an annualized 0.1%, compared with market expectations of 1.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported strong job data in April and unemployment fell to 6%, its lowest since the Lehman Brothers crash in September 2008. Together with a positive outlook from purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector, these labour market figures confirmed the picture of a steady US recovery.
Furthermore, Fed in its latest minutes of its monetary policy meeting made it clear that “the Fed’s first key interest rate hike may come about six months after the end of its bond purchase program (QE3)”. Instead of a 6.5% unemployment threshold, the Fed will look at a broader set of data that may justify a rate hike. We still expect that rates will stay untouched (and low) for a foreseeable future and that an upswing should not be expected before well into 2015. However, the Fed projects that financial markets will gradually turn its focus away from the tapering and start to incorporate money-market rate hikes during 2015.
As such, improved corporate earnings and satisfactory economic indicators is a must to keep up the pace in the US stock market and give valuation support when money rates start heading north.
Europe continues to show positive signs of a recovery. No doubt that the tide has turned in the broader southern European economy. Spain and Italy again show positive growth in GDP, consume and investments. However, most of the European Mediterranean economies are still fragile and heavily debt loaded and we see very few tools to avoid serious set-backs of the global economy. We are moderate optimistic for a European recovery as such, but expect low growth rates due to highly indebted countries in combination with slowish labour markets with few signs of needed reduction in unemployment rates. This is absolutely essential to have consumer confidence and consumer spending back on a positive track.
Despite continued low increases in the euro zone consumer price index (CPI) and falling inflation expectations, the ECB left its key interest rate unchanged as expected. However, in April the ECB reported that it had test-simulated what impact EUR 1 trillion in government bond purchases might have. The markets quickly traded down euro zone yields based on this information. Sentiment indicators for Euro-land have kept improving this spring. Purchasing managers’ indices (PMIs) and the European Commission’s Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) show a consistent picture of the situation. While manufacturing PMI fell a bit early in 2014, it remains well above the growth threshold of 50. Having diverged around the end of 2013 the PMIs in the four biggest countries (Germany, France, Spain and Italy) have converged at around 53 in April. France is lagging behind; the index fell to 51.2 in April. Of the crisis-hit countries, Greece is somewhat below the others but reached above 50 in April.
The Ukraine/Russian conflict continued to create human, economic and political unrest during April and the crisis escalated throughout the month. Ukraine is now on the brink of civil war. Meanwhile tensions between Russia and leading Western countries have worsened. The acute security situation appears likely to last for some time. Russia’s already strained relations with the EU and US have deteriorated radically. During the spring, SEB has adjusted its economic forecasts for the region downward. Ukraine is now entering a deep recession, while the Russian economy will stagnate this year. The political crisis is exacerbating an already weak economic situation largely caused by structural problems. Nearby countries that trade heavily with Russia, such as Finland and the Baltic countries, are clearly affected. Our main global scenario is based on the assumption that a large-scale trade war between Russia and the EU/US can be avoided and that there will be no major disruptions in Russian energy deliveries to Western Europe. The general effects on the world economy will thus be relatively minor. However, economic consequences from this conflict are somewhat out in the blue due to the relative short duration of the conflict this far.
Anyway, underpinnings of the euro zone's nascent recovery are still fragile and there is significant dependence on Russia's natural gas deliveries. As mentioned above, the euro-zone began a broad economic recovery in the second half of 2013 or just earlier this year. The improvement has been clearest in the central region, which has benefited mainly from faster growth in Germany and the stabilization of the euro zone economy and banking system. The recovery is expected to continue at a steady pace and become more broad-based, but the industry, consumers and power plants are in general dependent on a steady stream of Russian gas into Europe. As such, disturbance in deliveries might be a catalyst for slower industrial activity and change in consumer spending pattern due to an (massive) increase in power/gas costs for the broader European market.
Emerging Asia is still growing faster than other parts of the world economy, but the pace of expansion is much slower than before the financial crisis. China’s economic deceleration continued in the first quarter, hampering growth in the rest of the region. Since this deceleration is primarily driven by weaker capital spending, commodity-exporting countries such as Indonesia are affected the most. In recent years, growth has largely been driven by domestic demand that is stimulated by soft monetary policies, rapid credit expansion and strong labour markets, but in many places credit growth is unsustainably fast. In Singapore and Malaysia, lending has already begun to decelerate, but only in 2015 do we expect more widespread monetary policy tightening in the region. Yet slowing domestic demand in some economies will be offset by stronger external demand, mainly from the US. Most indicators point to continued overall gradual recovery in growth in 2014-2015, except that China is expected to keep slowing. China’s economic deceleration late in 2013 continued early in 2014. First quarter GDP growth slowed to 7.4% year-on-year, down from 7.7% in the fourth quarter. Purchasing managers’ indices have been very weak in recent months. The official PMI is slightly above the growth threshold of 50, while Markit’s index, which includes a larger element of small companies, has been below 50 since January. Our conclusion is that China PMI hints of stabilization, though not a turn.
Japan seems to face short-term deceleration due to the recent tax hike. Abenomics – the policy package launched by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2012 – gave the Japanese economy a jolt of energy, followed by a slowdown last autumn once the effects of earlier yen depreciation and fiscal stimulus measures faded. According to the quarterly Tankan survey, companies have downgraded their outlook for capital spending and forward-looking business confidence fell from a high level in the first quarter, reflecting greater uncertainty about April’s increase in consumption tax from 5% to 8%. But the resulting fiscal tightening is being offset by infrastructure investments and corporate tax relief equivalent to 1% of GDP from the October supplementary budget. On the other hand, this means Japan is falling behind schedule in reducing its budget deficits. Japan continues to stand out as a question mark whether it will be a drag or a pull on global economic data for the remaining 2014 and into 2015. Mr Abe and Bank of Japan will have to announce expanded stimulus measures as well as structural reforms to sustainably boost growth. We expect further news in this relation within the coming months.
Overall, our message is that the global economy is on a growth track, but it’s fragile due to different geo-political and economic issues. The political turbulence in Ukraine adds on to a turbulent geo-political situation in many other regions. The European recovery is still in an early phase and changes in sentiment will probably widen credit-spreads and lift interest rates in the most vulnerable Euro-economies. If so, the expectations of a marginal positive growth might turn sour and again hit a negative growth momentum. We find the low interest rate regime as being supportive for the growth expectations. The global economy is highly dependent on fiscal stimulus in major economies and that the world trade is not hurt by conflict related disturbance due to political decisions or from a lack of trust in the future amongst capital spenders and consumers.
By Lars-Henrik Røren, Head of Investment Strategy


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There are somethings in life just make me go hmmm. Well when I first saw a glimpse of this machine a few years ago thanks to our friends over at Bikeexif, I was intrigued. 2 years later, Essense Motocycles has now shown us the finish E-Raw Electric Motorcycle. I know its not for everyone, but with rise of electric powered vehicles, we are excited to see builders taking the risk. This one is just that. Essense Motocycles is showing the world something different with the design and artistic vision in the E-Raw Electric Motorcycle.
Completely designed and built from the ground up, the E-Raw was a huge feat for the crew over at Essense Motocycles. The beautifully fabricated custom trellis frame was completely designed around the batteries that power this machine. The electric motor which is perfectly fitted into the pivot of custom cnc machined swingarm, provides for a clean look.
Onto the performance side of things, Essense didn’t spare any expense. Ohlins front forks and a rear shock are used to help harness the torque of this beast. To help stop, they went with Beringer brakes all around. This includes Beringer calipers, rotors and brake master cylinders. A beautiful set of custom machined triple clamps hold the forks up front. For that classic look, a set of Excel spoke wheels were used.
Ok now on to the best part of the bike that you are probably starring at, the seat. Yes, you are probably thinking way. My question is why not? Made from plywood and shaped using surfboard building techniques, it is definitely different and artistic. Although by just looking at it you are probably saying you can’t sit on that, I bet is more comfortable then you think. If it was my bike, I would probably add some race foam to it just for longer rides, but I think the lines are just beautiful.
We can’t wait to see this thing in person when it is finally released. We have yet to ride an electric motorcycle but have heard they are amazing. Be sure to go checkout their website and following them on social media for more news about this amazing build.
E-Raw Electric Motorcycle by Essense Motocycles: