text:
| Sep 23, 2014
| 5:05 PM
The team of extortionists marched into the owner’s office at a Chicago granite company looking to collect on a $500,000 debt.
One of them, a beefy former union bodyguard named George Brown, did the talking. Another, plumbing contractor Vito Iozzo,...
| Sep 11, 2014
| 2:11 PM
The government and defense rested Thursday in the trial of William White, the Virginia neo-Nazi accused of threatening local law enforcers after the raid of an Osceola County white supremacist compound in 2012.
White, 37, of Roanoke, Va., faces...
| Apr 30, 2014
| 11:26 AM
The Palatine man charged with killing 14-year-old runaway Amber Creek in 1997 pleaded not guilty to intentional homicide in a Wisconsin courtroom this morning, according to online court records.
James Eaton, 36, could face a mandatory life sentence if...
| Jun 2, 2014
| 3:11 PM
Authorities are seeking a man and a woman after two west suburban robberies this morning at a bank and a credit union.
In the first robbery, Aurora police say a woman with facial tattoos entered the TCF Bank located inside a Jewel food store at 1952 W....
| Sep 12, 2014
| 3:15 PM
Alexander Wachs makes his living playing video games for the enjoyment of a vast online audience, and a few weeks ago, he was guiding an avatar through the zombie-infested wasteland of "DayZ" when loud thumps interrupted his adventure.
"Hold on, guys,...
| Jul 9, 2014
| 8:02 PM
A man suspected of robbing an Oak Lawn bank last month is believed to have robbed bank in Aurora this morning, authorities said.
The man is believed to have robbed a TCF Bank branch, 1952 W. Galena Boulevard in Aurora, about 11:40 a.m., according to...
| Aug 11, 2014
| 1:42 PM
A teller at a Bolingbrook bank was shot in the arm during a robbery this morning, one of three bank robberies in the area, according to officials.
The woman was shot around noon after an armed robber entered the First Midwest Bank branch at 450 N....
| Oct 7, 2014
| 1:14 PM
The Insane Clown Posse, a hardcore hip hop duo famous for their clown make-up and avid fanbase, visits the City Beautiful tonight when they headline ShockFest at Firestone Live in downtown Orlando.
The group's style of hip hop is known as horrorcore, a...
| Sep 25, 2014
| 7:44 AM
A recently released FBI report has confirmed that mass shootings in America are on the rise, more than doubling in the past seven years.
Between 2000 and 2013 there were 160 active shooter situations that resulted in 486 deaths and 557 inuries. For...
| Jul 25, 2014
| 4:44 PM
Fruitland Park's deputy chief of police, who left the city during a scandal over the Ku Klux Klan, is demanding his unpaid job as chief of the volunteer fire department back.
A letter from an attorney on behalf of David Borst warned that Fruitland...
| Jul 31, 2014
| 11:33 AM
Prosecutors in Lake County have tossed three pending criminal cases because of an FBI report linking two former Fruitland Park police officers to the Ku Klux Klan.
All three cases – two misdemeanor batteries and a felony traffic case –...

domain: law


text:
French actor Gérard Depardieu is suspected of rape. Justice in France started an investigation into him in December last year, reports a source of justice to press agency AFP. The actor hasn‘t been arrested.
It’s about suspicions that have been in the publicity before. In 2018, Depardieu was accused of rape by a 22-year-old actress.
That would have happened in one of his homes in Paris, after they met during a master class that the actor gave. The French justice investigated the case, but eventually concluded that there was too little evidence. Why a new investigation has now begun is not clear.
Depardieu is considered the figurehead of French cinema. He played in some 170 films and won numerous prizes. In 1991 he received a Golden Globe for his role in Green Card and in the same year a César for his share in Cyrano de Bergerac. In addition, Depardieu is also known for his roles as Obelix in the Asterix and Obelix filming.

domain: news


text:
Coal India share price touched 52-week high of Rs 226.10 in the early trade on August 11, after the world's largest coal miner reported record numbers for the quarter ended June 2022. A global energy crunch has propped up prices of coal the world over, which in turn has helped its first quarter numbers.
Coal India on August 10 reported consolidated net profit at Rs 8,834.22 crore for the quarter ended June, up 178.31 percent compared to Rs 3,174.15 crore in the same quarter last year.
Revenue from operations came in at Rs 35,092.17 crore, rising 38.79 percent from Rs 25,282.75 crore in the year-ago quarter.
The company said raw coal production was at 159.75 million tonnes during the quarter, up from 123.98 million tonnes in the comparable quarter.
Offtake of raw coal was at 177.49 million tonnes, compared to 160.44 million tonnes in the year ago quarter.
Top brokerages are bullish on the company's shares after the June quarter earnings.
Brokerage and investment group CLSA has maintained Buy rating on COal India, and raised the target price to Rs 250 from Rs 205 per share.
Q1FY23 was above estimates on better realisations with focus on wage negotiations, a CLSA note said. It added that the EBITDA for first quarter was meaningfully above estimates, driven by better realisation.
The company commands a highest-ever premium of 200 per cent to Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs), while wage negotiation & FSA price hikes were key to outperformance.
CLSA expect e-auction realisations to soften in H2FY23, however returns from diversification into newer businesses will be closely watched, CNBC-TV18 quoted citing the report.
Foreign broking house Jefferies has kept a Hold rating on the stock with a target at Rs 175 per share.
The cash EBITDA was up 2 percent QoQ & 45 percent above our estimate, said Jefferies.
The Q1FY23 dispatch volumes fell a slight 1 per cent QoQ, but blended ASP rose 10 per cent QoQ, reported CNBC-TV18.
Coal India posted back to back strong set of earnings for 1QFY23 on back of strong realisations in FSA (despite reduced volumes to non-power sector) and e-auction. Reported EBITDA grew 153%/35% YoY/QoQ to Rs 12,250 crore, ahead of our/consensus estimates (CE) of Rs 8,140 cr/Rs 8,250 cr.
The company displayed strong offtake and FSA realisations over last one year. Delay in increase of FSA prices (85% total volumes) were more than offset by better coal grade management (resulting in higher FSA realisations) and strong e-auction realisations in wake of robust global prices.
We increase our FY23e/FY24e EBITDA estimates of COAL by 18%/12% on account of higher FSA and E-auction realisations. Maintain Accumulate rating with revised Target Price of Rs 255 (earlier Rs 220) based on EV/EBITDA of 2.5x FY24e.
At 09:45 hrs, Coal India shares were quoting at around Rs 222, up nearly a per cent on BSE.Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

domain: economics


text:
Investors are accumulating new assets, while countries in Africa, Central America, and South America are ramping up their use of the technology.
In the wake of a rise in U.S. stock prices, Bitcoin (BTC) surged back over $40,000 on Thursday, as new evidence surfaced of investor accumulation and growing acceptance by countries from Africa to Central and South America.
At the time of this writing, the most valuable cryptocurrency on the market had gained 3.2% in the previous 24 hours and was trading at $40,206.
Cryptocurrency prices are holding up despite many encouraging developments, according to Quantum Economics market analyst Jason Deane.
This month, the Central African Republic became the second country in the world to legalise the use of bitcoins.
The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) has declared that it plans to award virtual asset service companies with licences. The licence is open to both Cuban and non-Cuban persons and organisations.
A crypto-regulation measure was enacted by the Panamanian Legislative Assembly recently. Latin America’s creativity and technological capital, Congressman Gabriel Silva said, will benefit from this.
On the same day, the country of Brazil also enacted legislation governing cryptocurrency. Business Today said that the law intends to create a regulatory framework for the country’s cryptocurrency business.
As whale holdings hit their greatest level since September of last year, Marcus Sotiriou, an analyst at the UK-based digital-asset broker GlobalBlock, wrote: “Bitcoin continues to seem bullish from an on-chain standpoint.” A big surge in price occurred in November as a result of whale (large) ownership increasing rapidly in September.
Retail is purchasing bitcoins according to IntoTheBlock, an analytical company of blockchain technology. A whopping 2.08 million bitcoins are now in the possession of addresses with fewer than 10 bitcoins.
According to IntoTheBlock, there has been a 2 percent increase in the balance of addresses holding 0.001-0.01 BTC and 0.01-0.1 BTC during the last 30 days.
RSI divergence on the daily time frame has once again verified positive divergence on Bitcoin’s technical chart, according to Sotitiou. In addition, he claims that retail bitcoin investors are now in a period of accumulation.
The price of Ether (ETH) has risen by 4% in the last 24 hours to $2,968. Stocks in the United States rises on Thursday. Nasdaq and S&P 500 were both up 2.6% and 2.3% respectively.

domain: geography


text:
PM Chinh receives WB Director General, US business leaders
Meeting with the WB leader, PM Chinh proposed that Vietnam and the WB focus their cooperation on energy transition and digital transformation; giant transport infrastructure projects such as expressways and coastal roads; projects coping with climate changes in the Mekong Delta and central regions; poverty reduction; and improving healthcare capacity.
He said Vietnam will soon work with the WB in the country to implement specific projects and Vietnam will support the WB to implement pilot policies to ensure the most efficiency of loans. The PM also suggested the two sides continue to simplify procedures and prevent corruption in the implementation of projects.
Stressing the viewpoint of multilateral cooperation to deal with challenges, he said Vietnam needs to balance between the huge energy demand for development and sustainable development requirements.
Agreeing with the PM on the fields of cooperation, he affirmed that the WB attaches great importance to supporting Vietnam in the process of becoming an upper-middle-income country and reaching higher steps in the production value.
The Government leader spoke highly of the cooperation and support from Boeing and voiced his support for the company’s plan to expand facilities in Vietnam to supply fuels and seek cooperation opportunities in technology.
He proposed the company to open maintenance centres in Vietnam, have long-term cooperation policies as well as provide specific preferential policies to help Vietnamese businesses overcome this difficult time, and make important contribution to promoting the cooperation between Vietnam and the US.
Later the same day, PM Chinh received leaders of the Asia Group, Blackstone, GenX and AES, who expressed their interest in energy transition projects in Vietnam and in investing to support Vietnam realise its COP26 goals in coping with climate change.
The PM applauded their energy transition proposals and briefed them on a number of issues relating to Vietnam’s energy development orientations and electricity planning. He asked them to focus research and investment on wind power, solar power and tidal energy which are energy sources of huge potential in Vietnam.
Ample room for growth in US-Vietnam trade relations: PM
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in Washington D.C on May 11 (local time), during his trip to the US.
PM Chinh stressed the visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong seven years ago to the US has laid a solid foundation for the bilateral ties, and he appreciated the US’ policy of supporting a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam.
The Vietnamese Government leader thanked the support of the US Department of Commerce in general and the Secretary in particular in promoting trade between Vietnam and the US in recent times as well as in promptly handling arising issues without disrupting bilateral trade.
He highly regarded the remarkable developments in the economic-trade relations between the two countries, which has increased from 400 million USD in total value in 1995 to reach 112 billion USD in 2021 despite many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that there is still ample room for growth in trade and commerce between Vietnam and the US.
PM Chinh expressed his wish that the two countries’ trade relations continue to develop in a harmonious and sustainable manner, and that more focus will be centred on diversifying supply chains, digital transformation in commerce and investment, and promoting science and technology.
He said Vietnam is committed to continuing to create a fair and transparent business environment, based on the principles of market economy, fairness, harmonised benefits and shared risks, so that US enterprises and investors can be assured when expanding their business activities in Vietnam.
He noted that Vietnam is still a developing economy after decades of war and it needs cooperation from developed countries, including the US, in green finance, technology, human resources. The country is currently prioritising projects with new, clean technology, high added value, digital transformation value, or ones that help link with the global production and supply chains.
For her part, Gina Raimonda said she was impressed by Vienam’s development strides, especially in the 27 years since the normalisation of ties in 1995.
She also highly valued the country’s economic development vision and plan, especially in the areas of digital economy, green economy, and diversification of supply chains. She stated that the US wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam as the country seeks to carry out its commitment towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
The US official said she was pleased with the progress in relations between the two countries, especially in the field of economy and trade.
Gina congratulated Vietnam on the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic, affirming that the US will continue to support the nation’s post-pandemic recovery, and expressed her pleasure to see that more and more Vietnamese businesses are interested in investing in the US.
On the occasion, PM Chinh and the US Commerce Secretary witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between the two countries’ agencies and businesses in many fields such as energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, digital technology, climate change response and those that help Vietnam achieve its commitments made at UN COP26.


text:
Andalucia - The Eid Collection
Joy oh Joy - The Eid Collection
This year we have travelled from coast to city to country taking inspirations along the way. From the breathtaking splendour of Andalucia to the Bosphorus shores of Istanbul, from the mosaic encrusted mosques of Casablanca to the renowed textile mills of South Asia. We've covered it all!
After many months of designing this years Eid Card ranges, we finally launched 'Andalucia'and 'Joy oh Joy' last month. With the grace of Allah, both ranges have become an instant hit with our retailers and we have now almost completely sold out! Each collection consists of 9 designs, bringing the total to 18 new Eid Card designs for 2014.

domain: artistic


text:
Take aim at unresolved first and second draw PPP loan issues
During the early rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act of 2020, lenders were able to make and approve PPP loans without prior Small Business Administration (SBA) review.
After the loan was issued, the SBA would then apply an automated screening tool which used public information and applied eligibility and fraud detection rules to identify noncompliance with eligibility requirements, fraud or abuse, or other anomalies indicating noncompliance. This screening resulted in the issuance of hold codes on certain 2020 first draw PPP loans, requiring more information from the lender and applicant before using an approval number.
Things changed starting in 2021 when the SBA began conducting compliance checks on the front-end (before the issuance of an SBA loan number) for first and second draw loans using a modified automated screening tool and information from the Treasury’s Do Not Pay Lists. If an issue is identified, the tool generates a compliance check error message, which in most cases will identify the same error as the hold codes from the 2020 first draw PPP loan.
So, what are the consequences of unresolved issues? Per the SBA’s Jan. 14, 2021, Interim Final Ruling (IFR) Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw Loans, if a first draw PPP loan has an unresolved issue, which may be due to hold codes or compliance check error messages, the SBA will notify the lender and no SBA loan number will be issued until the original loan request issue(s) are resolved.
Take note that an unresolved issue does not prohibit a borrower from receiving a second draw loan, but it may affect the timing of a second draw funding to a borrower with economic need, if not resolved in a timely manner.
For example, if a second draw borrowers’ application is submitted by a lender and the borrower has hold code(s) from its 2020 first draw loan, then the application will automatically move to research status and the platform will provide the lender an opportunity to resolve the outstanding issue.
Similarly, if a borrowers’ application for a first or second draw loan submitted by a lender receives a compliance check error message, the application will also automatically move to research status and the platform will provide the lender an opportunity to resolve the outstanding issue. Once the issue(s) is resolved, loan requests will automatically move to the next stage of the process and should not require re-entry by the lender.
The SBA Procedural Notice 5000 20092 provides two tables to help identify additional support to resolve hold codes and compliance check error messages. Table 1 lists errors that can be resolved by the lender whereas table 2 list codes that require the SBA’s review. The SBA also has controls in place to identify duplicate loan requests. Duplicate loans may be triggered if the tax ID is already in use on an application or if an applicant applies for more than one first or second draw loan.
Some borrower applications may have hold codes that trigger one of two messages: “Internal SBA Hold – Details Not Publicly Available” or “Internal SBA Hold that cannot be cleared at this time – Details Not Publicly Available.” Lenders can reach out to the SBA through the platform to address “Internal SBA Hold – Details Not Publicly Available” messages. However, lenders are unable to resolve “Internal SBA Hold that cannot be cleared at this time – Details Not Publicly Available,” which may need to be addressed by the SBA.
The imperative for borrowers is to move quickly to identify any additional documents requested and supply them to their lender, who in turn will forward the information to the SBA.
For more information on PPP loan issues in Massachusetts, contact Matthew Rambaran at firstname.lastname@example.org or 267-419-1145.


text:
FarmVille: Celebrate Groundhog Day with a real Groundhog!
Again, this Groundhog is purely decorative - it can't be harvested from. However, it does hold onto the premium price of the real animals that released in the game, as you'll be able to purchase the Groundhog for 18 Farm Cash. You'll receive 1800 experience points for purchasing the Groundhog, which will only be available in the game for 13 days.
It's unknown right now whether or not Zynga will release other Groundhog Day themed items, but if not, make sure to grab this little fella to have something to remember the holiday by (that is, if you care).
Will you purchase the Groundhog in FarmVille? Would you if it were available for coins instead? Let us know in the comments.

domain: entertainment


text:
Baseball and softball round-upPublished 1:47pm Tuesday, February 25, 2014
By Bart Moss
For the FCT
Tharptown 8, Red Bay 7
The Tharptown Wildcats topped the Red Bay Tigers in the first intra-county matchup of the young baseball season by a score of 9-8.
Tharptown scored first with a one-run first inning but the Red Bay Tigers countered quickly with a three-run first inning and a two-run second inning to take an early 5-1 lead.
A big five-run fifth inning allowed the Wildcats to retake the lead 6-5.
Red Bay scored three runs in the sixth inning to regain the lead 8-6. Tharptown tied the game with a two-run seventh inning and sent the game into extra innings.
Tharptown scored the winning run in the top of the eighth inning.
John Staggs was the winning pitcher for the Wildcats. He pitched the last six innings of the game allowing seven hits, giving up three runs and striking out two.
Kelby Hallmark went 2-4 with two runs batted in. Riley Nolen and Shawn Hines had two hits and one RBI each. Tristen Smith knocked in three runners on one hit. Allen Bohannon added a hit and an RBI. Staggs also added a hit for the Wildcats.
Troy Borden led the Tigers with a three-hit game including a two-run home run and four runs batted in. Nick Thorn also had three hits in the game. Jade Pound, Austin Milam, and Josh Wilson each had two hits. Fred Nethery and Kolby Bragwell had one hit apiece.
Mars Hill 15, Tharptown 8
The Tharptown Wildcat baseball team opened the season with a 15-8 loss to Mars Hill last week.
The Wildcats led 2-0 after the first inning. The Panthers responded with four runs in the third inning and three runs in the fourth inning to take a 7-2 lead.
Tharptown scored one run in the fifth inning and had a five run sixth inning. Mars Hill was able to match the Wildcats scoring five runs in the fifth and closing out the game with a three-run sixth inning.
“We’ve got a lot of things we’ve got to work out,” said Tharptown coach Griffin Harris.
“Mars Hill is one the top baseball programs in north Alabama year in and year out. I thought we did okay. We just need to keep improving.”
Riley Nolen went 3-4, Kelby Hallmark and John Stages each went 2-4. Alan Bohannon, Shawn Hines, Max Nolen and Allen Gaston had one hit each.
Bohannon started the game on the mound for the Wildcats. Others taking to the hill were John Staggs, Tristen Smith, Shawn Hines and Heath Hatton.
Sheffield 6, Red Bay 1
The Red Bay Tigers opened the season with a 6-1 loss to the Sheffield Bulldogs last week.
Landen Burgett started the game on the mound for the Tigers. He pitched four innings and gave up two hits and two runs.
Troy Borden went 1-3 with a triple and a run scored. Colby Knoblock went 2-3.
“We played a pretty good opening game against a very good baseball team,” said Red Bay coach Richard Maggerise.
“We saw their ace pitcher today who has already signed with UAB. He’s throws the ball in the mid-80s. I’m glad our guys battled throughout the game.”
Russellville 11, Tharptown 7
The Russellville Lady Golden Tigers participated in the Bulldog Classic last weekend. They defeated Tharptown 11-7. They lost to Colbert County 10-1, Ardmore 6-4, and Hatton 5-3.
Some of the highlights from the tournament for the Golden Tigers:
Kalli Beth Daniel had two hits and two runs batted in; Kayla Cochran had three hits and an RBI; Sydney Burcham had four hits and two RBIs; Rachel Hunter had five hits, five RBIs including a 3-run home run; Lily Holt had seven hits and two RBIs; Ally Willis had two hits; Megan Brockway had a 2-run double; and Lexie Lamon added a hit. Rachel Hunter was the pitcher of record for Russellville.
“We were our own worst enemy. I believe we can correct the negatives,” said Russellville coach John Smith.
“We have got to make the routine plays. I was pleased with our pitching and our work ethic. It wasn’t the start we wanted but we can build on it.”

domain: game


text:
MSU Extension fills vacancies
Montana State University Extension has recently filled three vacancies in agricultural specialist positions.
Megan Van Emon, a beef specialist and assistant professor in MSU Extension and the College of Agriculture’s Animal and Range Sciences Department, works with beef programs on campus and at the USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City. Van Emon interacts with constituents throughout Montana and serves as a resource for beef producers and Extension agents. Van Emon can be reached at (406) 874-8286, or firstname.lastname@example.org.
Emily Glunk, a forage specialist and assistant professor in Extension and the Animal and Range Sciences Department, provides education to Extension agents and Montana’s forage producers and users on the topics of forage-animal-soil interactions and relationships; livestock and equine grazing issues; promoting awareness of best forage-management practices; small-acreage land management; and identifying and addressing questions, issues and opportunities regarding forage-based issues. Glunk can be reached at (406) 994-5688, or email@example.com.
Kate Fuller, an economics specialist and assistant professor in Extension and the College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, conducts research on agricultural pests and diseases, as well as agricultural research and development. Fuller is currently working on developing research and Extension programs, while working on projects relating to the Agriculture Act of 2014, as well as farm and ranch record keeping, valuation of disease-resistant varieties and disease screening programs. This fall she is involved in a 28-community education series on the farm bill. Fuller can be reached at (406) 994-5603, or firstname.lastname@example.org.
–Montana State University Extension
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers like you make the Tri-State Livestock News’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, relevant coverage of the livestock industry.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator Trusted User

domain: agronomy


text:
The boy held an index finger to his lips.
Sarah nodded curtly; they all wanted to escape detection by the men in the clearing, who were clearly flummoxed as to which direction their quarry had taken. The bigger of the two, a fiery redhead with close-trimmed beard and moustache, removed a radio phone from the breast pocket of his jacket. From her perch, Sarah interpreted a pantomime: he tried to use the phone, failed, and cursed the device. The second man had curly black hair and a deep brown complexion. He yawned, unwrapped a snack, and dropped the plastic package where he stood. In the tree, the blonde boy make a strangled sound of disgust.
Without warning, the man with the phone shouted.
“RUMPUS! Here, Rumpus! Come here, boy!”
Sarah’s reaction was swift. Staying low, she reached into the bucket and grasped Rumpus firmly by the scruff of his neck. The dog whined softly, and the man bellowed again, his baritone echoing.
The little dog shook, but Sarah gripped hard, and Rumpus stayed quiet. At last the giant men gave up and retreated, re-entering the forest where they had emerged. The occupants of the tree lay quiet for several minutes. Sarah, still holding Rumpus, finally broke the silence.
“Dig in my pack for a package of dried meat,” she whispered. Curiosity about the boy would have to wait; she had to make sure Rumpus wouldn’t bark, and give them away. Levvy rummaged, and passed Sarah a shred of jerky from a waxed paper bundle. Sarah gave Rumpus the treat, lifted him out of the bucket, and released him.
“You’re a very good dog,” murmured Sarah.
“Why do you waste food?”
The boy had descended quietly from branches to platform. His sudden appearance startled Sarah. He taller than either girl, and thin without being skinny. Every part of him was freckled. Even his ears, sticking out from shoulder-length bright yellow hair, were spattered with freckles. His unusual clothing seemed to be made of animal skins, and was secured with ties and belts instead of zippers or snaps. Several lightweight white pouches hung from his belt. Wooden knife handles protruded from long pockets sewn into his pants, and his feet were sheathed in leather moccasins. Sarah’s eye was drawn to a gold hexagonal talisman, hanging from a length of hemp string tied around his neck.
“It’s not waste. It’s training,” Sarah answered. The boy was odd-looking, but handsome too, with a kind sparkle in his blue eyes. “Now he’ll be more likely to be quiet when I hold him, because he’ll remember this treat.”
“Who are you?” Levvy asked abruptly.
“My name is Quinn Braxt,” said the boy, “and where I come from, we don’t share our provisions with animals. Animals can look after themselves.”
“Really,” Levvy pursed her lips. “So where, exactly, are you from?”
“Not here,” Quinn said shiftily.
“I’m Levvy Dwight, and this is Sarah Spellings. If you’re not from here, why are you in this forest—were you caught in the storm last night?”
“I live outside. Storms don’t catch me anywhere. I can always find shelter.”
“You don’t have a home?” Sarah stared at Quinn. “You’re just living in the woods?”
“I’m at home in nature.”
“I’ve heard of people like you,” said Levvy. “What do you eat? Do you break into homes and steal food?”
In a smooth motion Quinn leapt, and landed directly in front of Levvy, his pale eyes flashing with anger. “How dare you?” he hissed, lean muscles tense with hostility.
Levvy backed away, as far as the tree platform would allow.
Sarah raised her palms, gesturing for calm. “She didn’t mean to insult you. It was an innocent question. There are people around here who break into homes and steal food. So back off—uh, what did you say your name was?”
Slowly and reluctantly, the strange boy relaxed. He stepped away from Levvy, but remained wary and suspicious. “It’s Quinn,” he said. “First name Quinn, last name Braxt, and we do not steal. I was told stealing is common here. Where I’m from, stealing is one of the greatest dishonours possible. Thieves cannot see the abundance surrounding them. There’s no need to steal—all around us, the earth provides.” He lifted his chin proudly.
“Okay, sorry,” said Levvy earnestly.
Sarah’s stomach rumbled a protest. “Speaking of food, I’m hungry. Might as well eat what we brought. Once those big guys have cleared off, we can go home…”
Her voice trailed off. Home was gone, washed over a cliff and smashed in a ravine. Sarah pictured Sammy’s small dirt-smudged face, and her father’s kind eyes, wrinkled at the corners. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself.
“The gardens are probably ruined,” said Levvy sadly. “Last time a severe storm struck in spring everything washed away, and we had to start again from seed.”
“How will we cross the ravine?” Sarah asked, her brow creasing. “I got across last night, but the water looks way higher and faster today. I don’t know how those two—”
“I can’t think when I’m hungry,” Levvy interrupted. She opened her backpack, and held out a paper bag of dried tomatoes and crispbread.
“Blessings,” said Sarah and Quinn in unison.
A corner of Quinn’s mouth jerked in amusement, and he winked at Sarah. Flustered, she took a bite of crispbread. Wherever Quinn was from, it couldn’t be far away, because they shared the custom of saying blessings before a meal. They ate in silence, glancing warily at the clearing between bites. Rumpus whimpered, and sniffed the edges of the platform.
“Your animal is uneasy,” said Quinn.
“I guess we can’t stay up here forever,” said Sarah. Wary of causing further offence, she asked Quinn what she thought was a polite question. “Did you build this platform—is this where you live?”
For a moment, Quinn looked shocked, and then a grin spread across his face, and he silent-laughed, holding his sides and convulsing until his face was red. Levvy and Sarah exchanged a confused glance.
Still chuckling, Quinn gradually regained composure. “No, I don’t live in the open on a simple plank,” he said. “I have built a temporary shelter nearby, and you two are welcome as my guests.”
Sarah was about to accept when Levvy cut in.
“Thanks, but we have to get back to Wailsmouth Street. The storm separated us from our families, and they’ll be wondering where we are.”
With a rush of guilt, Sarah pictured her father and Sammy, buried in mud at the bottom of the ravine. Reliving the memory of her house sailing over the cliff, she broke out in a nervous sweat. What was she thinking? She had to go home, or where home used to be.
“But then again, I didn’t like the look of those men,” said Levvy, carefully folding up the empty paper bag. “So maybe we should hang out here for awhile. If we go back now, we’re going to run into them. Better missing and free, than missing and caught by those gorillas.”
What should they do? Sarah hated being apart from her family, but her guts were telling her to stay hidden in the trees. Gazing around the forest, a little flame of rebellion burned in her belly. The forest at last—what harm could there be in exploring, before heading back to responsibilities? She shouldered her backpack, put Rumpus in the bucket, and lowered him to the ground. He scampered gratefully in circles while she and Levvy used ropes to climb down. Quinn, agile as a monkey, balanced on the trunk and simply ran down the tree.
“Impressive,” said Levvy.
Ignoring the compliment, Quinn pointed west. “My shelter’s this way.”
“Just a minute,” said Sarah.
The plant in the bucket looked wilted and worse for wear. Why had she uprooted it? Sarah lifted the strawberry plant gently, and felt tingling in her palms. Stems straightened, and became green and turgid. Delicate white flowers folded in on themselves. To her dismay, Sarah’s hands buzzed with radiant energy, and flowers became tight little bundles then swelled into perfect, heart-shaped strawberries. Levvy and Quinn, deep in conversation, didn’t hear Sarah’s gasp of disbelief; the plant was thick with plump strawberries, ripened to a deep, juicy crimson. Hiding her astonishment she bent over, and placed the plant in the scuff where she’d torn it from the earth. She spread roots carefully and tamped soil, tenderly fixing the plant in place, then deftly harvested the berries.
“Hey,” Sarah said, trying to sound nonchalant, “look what I found.” She held out cupped hands, her fingers grimy and red juice staining her palms.
“Blessings,” Levvy chirped. Helping herself to three fat berries, she popped them in her mouth with relish.
“It’s too early for strawberries,” said Quinn, frowning. “They only just flowered this week.”
“Well these ones are ready. Obviously,” said Sarah haughtily. “Do you want some? One of the best sources of vitamin C around here, and a crucial crop, my father says.”
Quinn looked from Sarah to the berries, and back again.
“Go on,” Sarah urged.
“Blessings,” Quinn muttered, taking his share.
Sarah ate the remaining berries, her heart pounding. They were delicious. Juice trickled from a corner of her mouth, and she wiped it away self-consciously. Quinn’s forehead was still furrowed with suspicion, but he turned, and beckoned for them to follow. As they walked, Levvy sketched a rough map, mumbling to herself about pace length and compass points.
Sarah’s mind reeled. The strawberry plant should have been suffering from its rough treatment. How had it gone from flowering to fruiting in seconds? Why had her hands felt so hot and strange as the plant matured? And the biggest mystery—why had she uprooted the plant in the first place? Their situation had been dire, hunted by Mister Nickel’s burly friends, hiding a stolen dog. Harvesting a plant had been a foolish waste of time—so why on earth had she done it?
A quarter hour passed. Walking among stately trees, Sarah found she couldn’t dwell on the magical strawberry plant. Firs soared; their tops seemed to skewer the sky. Dark swamps of yellow skunk cabbage burped rich, organic smells. She heard rustling in the undergrowth, and glimpsed rodents, snakes, and birds. For years Sarah had been confined to her house and the neighbourhood’s shabby streets. Before her mother’s death there had been trips and holidays; she had fond, fuzzy memories of sand pressing pleasantly between her toes, and the lap of waves on a shore. A spirit of adventure woke in her blood, and pulsed through her body. They came to a bright grove and Quinn halted, raising a hand for silence. Framing his mouth with his hands, he produced a haunting bird call. When a few moments passed without a response, he lowered his hands, and appeared satisfied.
“It’s safe,” said Quinn. “Go ahead up.”
Sarah and Levvy looked around at broad cedars, prickly Douglas firs, and pale green Western hemlocks. No ropes dangled invitingly, and Sarah couldn’t see a platform.
“Sorry—go up where?” Levvy asked, scratching her toque.
Quinn seemed puzzled. Then his jaw dropped, and his eyes widened.”How could I completely forget?” he exclaimed. “I apologize. Naturally, you can’t see the ladder. Wait here for a few minutes. I won’t be long—there’s something I need to retrieve.”
He darted behind a tree, and disappeared.
“Great,” Levvy said, “he’s gone. Good thing I was charting out the territory. Don’t worry Sarah, I can get us back to the ravine.”
“Looking for someone?”
Rumpus barked sharply, and fell into a low growl. Sarah and Levvy turned around slowly to see who had spoken. Standing in the hollowed-out shell of a cedar tree was a short, bearded man. A mass of tangled hair mingled with a wild, messy beard and moustache. Bits of cedar, burrs, and twigs clung to his shabby clothes. A pair of bent glasses sat on the bridge of his bumpy, misshapen nose. He held two baskets, one in each hand, full to their brims with mushrooms. He was rotund; his stomach jutted as if a pillow were stuffed under his burlap tunic.
Sarah gaped, speechless.
“Hmm. Well then, perhaps you are looking for me,” said the man cheerfully. He placed his baskets on the ground and ambled toward them, one grubby hand outstretched.
“Spex Gribble,” he said. “Enchanted, my dears.”

domain: literature


text:
Wednesday’s shot is of the moon rising prettily over the shoulder of a freshly snow-coated DoubletopMountain, just south of Crested Butte. We saw clouds and light snow filtering down throughout the day, Tuesday. This morning we’re under clear skies with mostly calm conditions and temps once again in the brisk range on the Gunnison Country. Gunnison has the low this morning, showing fifteen below zero, Taylor Park is at six below, SchofieldPass is at four below, CB South is at thirteen below and the top of Gold Link is at one degree above zero. When the sun hits this morning, temps will recover quickly, and head for a forecasted high in the mid twenties by this afternoon. It’s going to be a beautiful day out there!
Following up on yesterday’s post about the new uphill route at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, there’s a group ski planned for Saturday . . . here’s the press release:
Join Us For A Day Time Group Skin to Ten Peaks!
Come check out the new day time uphill route at Crested Butte Mountain Resort!
Meet Ethan Mueller and Nick Herrin for a group skin to Ten Peaks at 9 a.m. this Saturday, March 2. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be available at Ten Peaks for all participants. Please RSVP by replying to this e-mail by 5 PM on Thursday, February 28 if you plan on making it! We hope to see you there!
Whether you’re going to be on the mountain lovin’ it, or in Houston, wishing you were on the mountain, have a super-duper day out there and we’ll see you tomorrow.
toll free 1-888-712-7999 for great vacation packa ges.


FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
NEW ELEVATION CERTIFICATE FORM MUST BE USED EFFECTIVE JULY 7, 2023
The Town of Ocean City, MD prepared the attached plan in response to Maryland HB 1350/1472 which requires each coastal community that experiences nuisance flooding (typically one foot deep) to develop a plan to address the problem. The Nuisance Flood Plan highlights management actions already taken by the Town to address this portion of the community’s flood risk, and establishes thresholds for future actions. Collecting best practices from other coastal communities and local flood data over the next 5 years will identify changing environmental conditions and inform decisions regarding private and public mitigation actions.
KNOW YOUR FLOOD HAZARD
All property in Ocean City is at some level of risk and subject to flooding from the ocean, coastal bays & heavy rainfall. FEMA recently completed a Coastal RiskMAP study resulting in the adoption of new Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These maps establish new base flood elevations which are used to estimate flood risk, and to guide development activity.
Along the ocean front, the coastal BFE is established as 10 to 14 feet above mean sea level. Along the bayside, the BFE is established as 4 to 6 feet above mean sea level. Generally along either side of Coastal Highway certain properties are no longer mapped in the Special Flood Hazard Area (100 year floodplain) resulting in approximately 4,838 structures located in the X zone or lower flood risk area.
The Town of Ocean City website includes a map viewer that allows a quick search of the adopted flood risk map information. For more detailed information, property owners can request their property’s flood hazard designation by contacting the Department of Planning & Community Development, 410-289-8855.
INSURE YOUR PROPERTY
Ocean City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program making federally backed flood insurance available to all property owners & renters. Additional discounts are also available through CRS (Community Rating System) program participation. Keep in mind that standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover losses due to flooding. Flood insurance is required in many cases, such as when property is purchased with a federally backed mortgage. Property owners can insure buildings & contents against flood damage & renters can insure possessions. Condominiums should carry a flood insurance policy on the structure itself.
Beginning July 2015, FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) are effective for the Town of Ocean City. As a result of the revised flood maps, new flood zones and new flood rates will apply to flood insurance policies. While many Ocean City properties will experience insurance premium relief, it’s important to remember that OC is a barrier island, subject to severe storms and flooding. Although your lender bank may no longer require you to have flood insurance, based on FEMA’s FIRM map changes, approximately 30% of all flooding in the U.S. occurs in moderate to low risk flood zones. Further, studies show many properties without flood insurance typically are not rebuilt after a flood disaster. For more details about your flood insurance policy and whether you are rated under the new FIRM map, please contact your insurance provider and/or an experienced insurance professional that is well versed in flood insurance.
Flood Insurance is recommended for all properties. If your property is now located in the X zone, consider a Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policy. The NFIP’s Preferred Risk Policy, or PRP, offers low-cost flood insurance to owners & tenants of eligible residential & non-residential buildings located in moderate- to low-risk areas. See the website https://www.floodsmart.gov/ for more information on flooding and insurance.
PREPARE AND PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety before a flood:
- Safeguard your possessions
- Prepare your property for the storm
- Develop a family emergency plan
For more information visit the Floodsmart.gov website
Flood Warning System: Ocean City has developed a flood warning system as part of our Comprehensive Operations Plan. Since flooding here is caused by storms & hurricanes, the warning system is based on storm severity & location. To stay informed in advance of a storm, sign up for E-News alerts on the Town website.
Did you know that current weather conditions, tides and real time water conditions are available on the Beach Patrol webpage?
PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES
There are many ways to protect property from flood damage. Make sure your new building is constructed to meet or exceed code requirements. These include requirements for elevation of building, foundations, venting, etc. There are also ways to retrofit existing buildings to increase protection.
- ELEVATION: Raising structure to bring it above floodwater level.
- FLOOD VENTS: Install and maintain proper flood vents at the correct elevation above the surrounding grade.
- CLOSURES: Involve techniques for protecting gaps left open for daily convenience, such as walks, doors, driveways.
- SEALANTS: Can be applied to walls & floors to keep water from penetrating.
- UTILITY PROTECTION: Flooding sometimes causes costly damage to utility systems. By elevating utilities or shielding them, flooding can be avoided. Moving utilities to less flood-prone locations can also minimize damage.
- LEARN MORE: Review flood protection information located in the Ocean City Library.
Floodplain Development Permit Requirements:
Ocean City Code requires a building permit be obtained for nearly all construction, structural repair work, and placement of accessory structures. The Floodplain Ordinance regulates all development in Ocean City including areas within the Special Flood Hazard Area mapped on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The city reviews plans to be sure buildings are constructed to withstand flooding. Permits are also required before any land development (grading, filling, etc.) occurs in the floodplain to ensure activities do not increase flooding potential on or around property.
Part of the permit process involves preparation of elevation certificates, which provide a record of the structure’s lowest floor elevation to predicted flood levels. Elevation certificates records are maintained by Ocean City for review by insurance agents, property owners & other interested persons. Obtain information & permits from Department of Planning & Community Development at City Hall 410.289.8855, James Metzgar, Floodplain Administrator ([email protected] ). Illegal floodplain activity can also be reported here. Learn about the Substantial Improvement rules by contacting the P/CD Office.
PROTECT NATURAL FLOODPLAINS AND STORM DRAINS
Floodplains in their natural state provide many beneficial functions. Primary undeveloped flood plain areas in Ocean City are beaches, dunes, and the bayside marshes. These natural areas perform the first line of defense against flood damage from the ocean and storm flooding. Taking care of dunes by not walking on them & maintaining vegetation is essential to retaining their flood protection function. Bayside, wetlands & other open spaces act as sponges, storing floodwaters before they reach upland areas. These natural areas are protected by Federal, State & Local regulations.
Drainage System Maintenance: It is important our drainage system be kept clear of obstructions & debris. The Town’s littering ordinance prohibits throwing trash onto any public property, including storm drains & sewers. To report violations & clogged drainage ways, call 410-524-7716. Report any dumping of wastes you witness to the Environmental Engineer by calling 410-289-8825. Learn more at: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/environmental-programs/
STAY INFORMED AND BE PREPARED
The Department of Planning & Community Development and the City Engineer can assist with questions about flood protection & flood insurance, including historical flooding information so you can relate flood potential to your property; site visits to advise appropriate flood protection techniques; review retrofitting plans; locate property on flood insurance rate maps to determine flood zones & research elevation certificates for existing buildings to determine height above floodwaters. For more information, call 410-289-8855 or fill out the contact information at the bottom of the Town webpage.
Elevation Certificates (Ocean City, MD) (Google Docs – Once on page you can search by holding down Ctrl key and F)
Maryland Flood Insurance Rate Maps (select “Flood Risk Application” on the right)


text:
The Old Ian
It is incredibly hard for me to remember everything about my childhood, but what does stand out is that my father walked out on my mother when I was just 9 years old. He was to leave me a legacy that I was unable to break for another 40 years – he taught me to gamble.
Gambling became a way of life for me, and as a direct consequence of that, I began to commit crimes to feed my addiction. This lifestyle led to me spending over 18 years in the Criminal Justice System.
My life became a continuous cycle of Gambling, Alcohol and Crime – each one feeding off the other. The times that I spent in prison offered a brief respite from this lifestyle, although my mind remained in complete turmoil.
In 2008, shortly after leaving prison, a lady placed a wooden cross in my hand and in that very moment I felt a indescribable sense of comfort and peace – which I came to understand was the presence of God filling my heart. I gave my life to Jesus at the side of my bed on the 31st March 2010 at 20.45pm and on the 30th May I was baptised at the Vineyard Church.
Although my life was completely changed – gambling still continued to be a struggle for me, and on two occasions between 2011-2012, I fell to the temptation of gambling, leaving me with a significant debt .
It was at a conference in London during 2012 that the Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to me, and called me to “Step into the breach by helping people find freedom from gambling addiction”… I was completely shocked “Why me?”
It has now been over 4 years since that happened, I have not gambled again, and I have also completely paid off the bank loans.
Throughout all this time, I believe the Lord always provided a way out for me, not only through the support of those around me and his inner strength, but also an excess of overtime at work when I needed it most.
Purchase Ian’s book from amazon
An update from Pam (Ian’s wife)
Up until his death in 2017 Ian campaigned tirelessly to change the laws around gambling and never gambled again himself. He would have been delighted at the recent decision by the government to reduce the maximum stake on FOBTs from £100 to £2.
Just weeks before he passed away Ian was delighted to be reunited with his father and brother after 40 years. He was also reunited with his sister who travelled all the way from Australia.


text:
Ayla EarringsRegular price $79.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Paying tribute to the revered hoop designs, the Ayla Earrings refers to the halo of light around the moon. It takes on the classic structure and glams it all up with intricately placed Cubic Zirconia stones throughout its anatomy. Featuring a hinged-back enclosure for continuity when worn, these glimmering hoops shine like a halo that will undoubtedly be hard to miss.
- Cubic Zirconia
- 18k Gold Plated
- Hinged-back closure
- Drop: 1.2"
- Width: 1"
- Hypoallergenic & non-tarnish
Style Tips: The Ayla Earrings are eye-catchers independently but to achieve an overall sophisticated look, best to style with our lovely Antonette Necklace or a single band of glam with our Irene Bracelet.

domain: design


Michelin Long Beach Preview
Michelin Long Beach Preview
Michelin teams and techs ready for quick learning at Long Beach
New Teams, Cars, and Tires, Make Technical Collaboration a Priority for Short Race
There will be new teams, new cars and new tires in play as Michelin makes its street circuit debut as the Official Tire of IMSA at the 2019 BUBBA burger Sports Car Grand Prix (Saturday, April 13, 5 p.m. EDT, NBCSN), part of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach event weekend.
First and Firsts
“This will be the first street race for us with the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi teams, some of whom are also racing their current cars here for the first time. Long Beach will also be the first street race for our GTLM teams with their current range of tires,” said Ken Payne, technical director, motorsport, Michelin North America.
The first two races of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, are the two longest races of the IMSA season. Both are preceded by many miles of testing and provide time to gather and digest data, consider changes and then adapt throughout the race.
That is a much different scenario than 100-minutes on the streets of Long Beach.
“While we have run a quarter of a million miles on-track with the IMSA teams through our six ‘On Track Opportunity’ days in 2018 and the first two races of 2019, the first lap of Friday practice will literally be the first mile of our shared experience here on the streets of Long Beach,” Payne said.
Michelin will embed a race tire engineer or motorsport tire specialist with each of the 11 IMSA DPi or GTLM class teams (19 cars) entered in the BUBBA burger Sports Car Grand Prix at Long Beach, the third stop of the 2019 WeatherTech Championship season.
“With limited track time and major changes in the track grip levels from early Friday morning practice to qualifying late that afternoon and then a mid-afternoon race start on Saturday, the experience of our technical team can be helpful,” Payne said.
“We won’t have Long Beach specific performance data on the current tires until practice begins, but we have been working with the four GTLM factory partner teams (BMW Team RLL, Corvette Racing, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing and Porsche GT Team) for many years and have a lot of shared experience, including races here at Long Beach.”
Each of the four GTLM manufacturers (BMW, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford, and Porsche) has Soft, Medium and Hard compound MICHELIN® tires especially designed for its chassis.
The DPi entries will all use the Michelin IMSA Medium tire developed last fall and used exclusively in the first two events.
A Moving Target
The Michelin teams will have limited track time and expect major changes in the track grip levels from early Friday morning practice to qualifying late that afternoon and then a Saturday mid-afternoon race start at 2:05 p.m. PDT.
“We are the first cars on the track, so we will be the world’s most expensive street sweepers for the first 20 or 30 minutes of the first practice session on Friday morning, but that changes with each successive track session,” Payne said.
“The temptation for new teams and engineers is to start chasing the track rather than anticipating where it will likely end up. That is where the experience of our technical team can be especially helpful.
“Street circuits are all about grip and with both classes very tightly bunched, working together with the teams to gain that last bit of tire performance can be the key to success.”


Analysis of the UNCITRAL model: Creation of UNCITRAL
Prior to 1947, the trade was governed by laws of customs and usages. In the year 1947, a need was felt to codify the laws and this led to an organisation been established, GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). GATT was signed on the 30th of October, 1947 by 23 countries. GATT is a legal agreement aimed at minimising the barriers to international trade by eliminating or reducing quotas, tariffs, and subsidies while preserving significant regulations.
GATT had three main objectives primarily.
Free Trade – There shall be no barriers to trade.
Fair Trade – There shall be no discrimination in the trade market.
Predictable Trade – The trade rules should be such that they are similar all around the world and thus, predictable.
GATT was a good initiative for governing the trade around the world, but it focused solely on Tariff. This affected the trade of the developing and under developed countries. Thus, rose a feeling of dissent in those countries towards these organisations. Thereby, as a result in 1957 for the first time the United Nations faced a threat of demise. To deal with this lack of trust of the under developed and developing countries, the United Nations declared 1961 – 1970 as the United Nations Development Decade to pacify the cry of developing and under developed countries.
As part of the initiative to gain the trust of the developing and underdeveloped countries, the United Nations also gave a bunch of concessions named as G.S.P. (Generalised System of Preferences). The United Nations through the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) was planning for the development of under developed and developing countries, but the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) acted as an impediment in the development.
Thus, in 1964 a new organisation came to be established, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). The establishment of UNCTAD was a further step in gaining the trust of the countries that were losing trust in the United Nations. The UNCTAD met once every four years and the only role assigned to it was to take initiatives. UNCTAD could not draft any resolutions by themselves, instead for drafting they had to forward their initiatives to the International Law Commission that was already overburdened with drafting of the initiatives of various other forums of the United Nations.
Thus, the International Law Commission could not draft matters speedily.
This lack of power and also undue delay in resolutions of the UNCTAD, a need was felt for a forum that was free from these issues persisting in the UNCTAD.
Therefore, just two years after the establishment of UNCTAD, UNCITRAL (United Nation Commission on International Trade Laws).
Thus, in 1966 UNCITRAL was established with the objective of harmonisation and unification of international trade laws.
UNCITRAL’s structure is designed to segregate its work at three levels:
- The first level is the Commission itself, which has a mechanism of annual plenary sessions.
- The second level comprises intergovernmental working groups, which undertake the development of the topics on UNCITRAL’s work programme.
- The third level is referred to as the Secretariat, which assists the Commission and its working groups in the preparation and execution of their responsibilities.
The Commission comprises of a chairperson, three vice-chairpersons and a rapporteur. A majority of its work is carried out at the annual plenary sessions. The duties of the Commission include:
- finalisation and adoption of draft texts referred to the Commission by the working groups;
- consideration of progress reports of the working groups on their respective projects;
- selection of topics for future work or further research;
- reporting on technical cooperation and assistance activities and coordination of work with other international organizations;
- monitoring of developments in the CLOUT system and the status and promotion of UNCITRAL legal texts;
- consideration of General Assembly resolutions on the work of UNCITRAL;
- and other administrative matters.
The substantive preliminary work on the subjects of the Commission’s work programme is generally assigned to working groups, which usually hold one or two sessions in a year and report on the progress of their work to the Commission. The membership of the working groups comprises of all member States of UNCITRAL. After the assignment of a subject, a working group is allowed to work on its substantive tasks without interference from the Commission. However, the Working Groups may ask for advice and counsel from the Commission when required, such as clarification of the Working Group’s mandate on a particular topic or approval of the policy settings of a particular text.
At each working group session, member State delegations elect a chairperson and rapporteur from among the member State delegations. The secretariat of each working group consists of staff members of the UNCITRAL Secretariat. The secretariat of each working group is tasked with the preparation of working papers for working group meetings, provision of administrative services to that working group and reporting on working group sessions.
The Secretariat is tasked with assisting the Commission’s functioning. To achieve the same, it undertakes a several responsibilities, such as:
- preparation of studies, reports and draft texts on topics that are being considered for possible future inclusion in the work programme;
- legal research;
- drafting and revision of working papers and legislative texts on topics already included in the work programme;
- reporting on Commission and working group meetings; and
- providing a range of administrative services to UNCITRAL and its working groups.
In preparation of its work, the Secretariat may enlist the assistance of external experts from distinct legal systems, conduct ad-hoc consultations with individuals or convene meetings of groups of experts in a particular field, as and when required. The experts may be academics, practising lawyers, judges, bankers, arbitrators and members of various international, regional and professional organizations.
The mandate given by the UN General Assembly to UNCITRAL, as the “core legal body within the United Nations system in the field of international trade law”, was to accelerate and regulate the progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade by engaging in the following activities:
- Co-ordinating the work of organizations active in this field and encouraging co-operation among them;
- Promoting wider participation in existing international conventions and wider acceptance of existing model and uniform laws;
- Preparing or promoting the adoption of new international conventions, model laws and uniform laws and promoting the codification and wider acceptance of international trade terms, provisions, customs and practices, in collaboration, where appropriate, with the organizations operating in this field;
- Promoting ways and means of ensuring a uniform interpretation and application of international conventions and uniform laws in the field of the law of international trade;
- Collecting and disseminating information on national legislation and modern legal developments, including case law, in the field of the law of international trade;
- Establishing and maintaining a close collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development;
- Maintaining liaison with other United Nations organs and specialized agencies concerned with international trade;
- Taking any other action, it may deem useful to fulfil its functions.
Through the salient areas of commercial law. its mandate covers include dispute resolution, international contract practices, transport, insolvency, electronic commerce, international payments, secured transactions, procurement and sale of goods. UNCITRAL aims to formulate modern, fair, and harmonized rules on such commercial transactions. Its work includes conventions, model laws, and rules which are acceptable worldwide; legal and legislative guides, and practical recommendations; updated information on case law and enactments of uniform commercial law; technical assistance in law reform projects; and regional and national seminars on uniform commercial law.
Part of UNCITRAL’s mandate is also to coordinate the work of other bodies active in international trade, both within and outside of the UN, to enhance cooperation, consistency, and efficiencies and avoid duplication.
Role of UNCITRAL
UNCITRAL operates from the premise that international trade has global benefits to its participants. With increasing economic interdependence globally, UNCITRAL seeks to help expand and facilitate global trade through the progressive harmonization and modernization of the law of international trade.
UNCITRAL contributes to the promotion of the rule of law in commercial relations and in international trade, as well as to the establishment of the rule of law in a broader sense on a national and international level. Its activities also connect public and private law. For these reasons, the normative reforms resulting from its activities have an impact on the economic and commercial development of States.
It is involved in promoting the unification & harmonization of the law of international trade and assisting in domestic law reform (legislative work), strengthening uniform application & interpretation of the instruments adopted (technical assistance), coordinating the work of other similar organizations (cooperation with UN and not UN bodies /organisations).
The UNCITRAL contribution in the harmonization and unification of international trade law has been revolutionary. The UNCITRAL Model Laws in the areas of arbitration, mediation, cross-border insolvency, e-commerce, public procurement, etc., have served as the basic foundation of the national statutes of various legal regimes. Moreover, conventions such as the New York Convention, Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, and the Singapore Convention have had an overwhelmingly positive response from the international community, and the international trade law regime has become a prime example of international cooperation.


text:
We let you guys know yesterday that Neil Patrick was spotted hanging out in Montreal. To be specific, he was seen dining at the famous Park Restaurant in Westmount.
Chef Antonio Park shared a photo of himself with the How I Met Your Mother Star at the restaurant and welcomed him to "the best city in the world, Montreal."
The star is in town filming a movie called Spinning Gold, that will also star Samuel L. Jackson. But clearly, he's got some time to enjoy all the sights and sounds the city has to offer... considering he was spotted out on the town again last night.
This time, NPH made an appearance at Montreal Completement Cirque... and it looks like he's a fan.
The photo below was shared by NPH to his Instagram stories. The timing of this movie shoot coincided perfectly with Montreal's circus festival, meaning the cast is in for a treat when it comes to post-work entertainment.
The photo above is the one shared by Chef Antonio Park at his Westmount restaurant Park, which regularly ranks on the list of Canada's Best Restaurants.
Harris also shared a couple short videos of the circus performance on his Instagram Stories, appreciating the artistry of the Montreal Completement Cirque performers.
According to the Journal de Montreal, the performance he was watching on July 9th took place in the Quartier Latin. It looks like he first took in the show on rue Saint-Denis and then moved on to the show at the Jardins Gamelin.
Clearly, based on his excitement above, NPH is going to be doing his fair share of enjoying the circus shows being offered for free around the city while he's filming.
Which means you should definitely keep your eyes peeled for him if you're taking in a show or two while Montreal Completement Cirque is going on.
To learn more about the free shows going on around Montreal for this year's circus festival, head to our article here for more details.


text:
Graphics by El Sexto
The New York Times is not in favor or against the American embargo of the Cuban government. The New York Times is simply in favor of what in every circumstance is most convenient to the Castro regime.
So it was that the New York Times just published this recycled editorial where they ask for an end to the embargo for the 1959th time, even going beyond American law (they are like frogs in the Fidelista fable, demanding of the White Heron that governs at coups of presidential resolution.
So, in addition, the New York Times in a second act to its distracting editorial, opened its plural debate pages to the one thousand and 959 Cubanologists: and so dissolved all the attention to not speak of what is most important now (and has been for two years), Olympianically omitting the presence in the United States of the witness to a double State murder on the part of the Raul and Fidel regime.
In effect, Angel Carromero is in American territory. However, the last reference on the New York Times to this criminal case of the Castro regime was from last year. The complaint of the Payá-Acevedo family, the complicity of the Spanish judiciary and executive with this announced assassination, the violations and mockery of those uniformed in olive-green on the little Island of the Infamous: none of this is Newyorktimesable. They love only the embargo because they know it works like an engine of little lies. Continue reading
14ymedio, Rebeca Monzó, Havana | October 14, 2014 — The high cost and the limited selection of basic produce forces us to trek from one farmer’s market to another in search of the most essential ingredients for our kitchens.
These days the prices for vegetables as basic as onions, garlic and peppers, indispensable in the kitchen, are so unbelievable that you would think they were threaded in 18 carat gold. The hard-currency stores have stocked various imported spices of good quality that generally are somewhat more economical.
So here I will list some of them, along with their uses and applications:
Garlic Powder. Well known by all for its use – however, being a concentrated product, it must be used carefully, with a concomitant reduction in the amount of salt used in the same recipe. Very appropriate for soups, and meat and fish sauces. A little goes a long way. Continue reading
It comes to my attention that in recent months the World Bank has reported that, according to their evaluation, Cuba has one of the best public education systems in the world, with acceptable teacher pay, and the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has said something similar about the public health system.
What’s more, CNN has placed Cuba among the ten countries with the highest level of public hygiene. With the majority of my years having been lived in Cuba, and having suffered and continuing to suffer from one system or another, it seems to me like a bad joke. Continue reading
Writing here has given me the opportunity to be invited to collaborate on other sites. Little by little I will be adding my new sites to places like Diario de Cuba, or the magazine Voices. For now I will be on the BBC and 14ymedio. I will not leave my Bad Handwriting though I have abandoned it lately…
6 October 2014
The egos and grandstanding are projecting an uncertain outlook within the peaceful opposition in Cuba. It’s like a symphony orchestra without a conductor, where musicians play their own tunes.
It’s not for lack of political programs that Cuban activists cede space. They are overflowing with ideas, projects and platforms aimed at democratic change. Some are more consistent than others.
And although all platforms and political parties are entitled to have their doctrines and programs, the reality in Cuba has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of dissident theses.
Born deformed as a matter of genesis. They have no popular support. There are ever fewer reports about them in the Florida media, the Spanish press and the BBC. Continue reading
By Jeovany Jimenez Vega
The Ebola outbreak on the world epidemiological scene will obviously involve a huge challenge for every country that is reached by the current epidemic, already registered as the greatest in history and that in recent days has reached about 9000 confirmed cases — although experts say that figure is an undercount. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that the epidemic is not being confronted will all the political rigor that the moment demands on the part of the international community and also warned that if the situation is not brought under control in time, by 2015 it predicts an incidence of about a million and a half cases.
It is easy to conclude that arriving at this state of things the danger would only grow exponentially. We are confronting an extremely contagious illness of non-vectoral transmission, that can be spread person to person through the most subtle contact with any bodily fluid of an infected person — and that may be transmitted sexually to boot, given that the virus is isolated in semen until 90 days after recovery. Continue reading
I’m going to start gathering my posts from other sites here, because I’m writing very little these days and have half-abandoned my blog. In addition to this concert, I attended the one by Fito Paez and enjoyed it even more than this one. However, Fito came (to Cuba) two years ago, while Pancho had stopped singing for the public for a while. Here, then, is this chronicle published in 14ymedio.
From 8:00 in the evening on Saturday, the traffic jams at the corner of 1st and 10th in Miramar were a sure sign that a major event was in the works at the Karl Marx theater. Well-known artists such as Carlos Varela and Edesio Alejandro could be spotted in the crowed.
Shortly after 9:00 pm the hall was packed, and an agile, tall and slim Pancho Céspedes made an entrance sporting his new image. Having been away for 24 years from performing for his fans, he was quite nervous. He said so various times, plus it was obvious. However, that nervousness could not ruin the more than two hours of conversation, smiles, tears and – above all else – the songs shared with a public that welcomed him back with affection, sang along with him, and were all the while focused on making him feel comfortable. Pancho had come home. Continue reading
The man looks like himself. That’s why, I don’t hit it off with hate. It’s true, I was born and raised surrounded by men who love to speechify and believe themselves owners of the absolute truth, so much that they imposed it by force with total impunity.
Maybe that’s why some days ago was I surprised myself thinking that separating myself from that government group to which I am genetically tied, more than anything, was due to a strange defect or capacity that I have for accepting criticism and enjoying those insults that for some are attacks and for me, charming primitivism. Continue reading
Presentation of “Back Channel to Cuba” at UNEAC (14Ymedio)
The Villena room was too small for the audience, which endured sweltering heat during the two hours of the presentation of the book “Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana.”
The free event, at the headquarters of the Cuban Artists and Writers Union (UNEAC), had raised such high expectations in the academic world and in public opinion that almost two hundred people gathered his Monday at 4:00 in the afternoon to meet the authors of a book that has been presented outside of Cuba as “revelatory.”
Researchers Peter Kornbluh and William LeoGrande had to face being accosted by the press before entering the room where they were awaited by figures as diverse as Ministry of the Interior agent Fernando González – imprisoned in the United States for 15 years – and the Cuban-American businessman Max Lesnick. Continue reading
For Saul prison is like his second home. He celebrated his 63rd birthday behind bars, fabricating cement and gravel blocks for a Cuban state enterprise called Provari, which makes everything from bricks, tiles and mattresses to insecticides and sells them for hard currency.
Saul knows the island’s penitentiary map like few do. Since 19 years of age he has been held in the main prisons: La Cabana, Chafarinas in Guantanamo, Boniato in Santiago de Cuba and the jails built by Fidel Castro like the Combinado del Este in Havana, Aguica in Matanzas and Canaleta in Ciego de Avila.
“In all, since I was a prisoner for the first time in 1970 because of the Vagrancy Law. I have worked cutting cane, in construction, making tourism furniture or insecticides with hardly any physical protection,” comments Saul, who has been a free man since April. Continue reading
This small video — with English subtitles — is a tribute to Cuban architect Mario Coyula by Eusebio Leal, Havana City Historian. The film was made by Miguel Coyula, the well-known Cuban filmmaker, and Mario’s son.
For the Spanish speakers among you, and others who can enjoy the photos, following is an extract of Mario Coyula’s presentation at the last conference he attended.
Venezuelan Lilian Tintori, wife of Leopoldo Lopez, in Prague
14ymedio, Yoani Sanchez, Prague, 13 October 2014 – We met a year ago in beautiful Prague at Forum 2000, with human rights activists from all over the world. Unlike that October, we are now missing Leopoldo Lopez. The Venezuelan politician and activist has been imprisoned since early this year, accused of various crimes that have all the hallmarks of a political montage.
Amid the celebrations for the quarter century of the Velvet Revolution in the Czech Republic, Lilian Tintori speaks with 14ymedio about repression in Venezuela.
Question. Which led to Leopoldo López being imprisoned?
Response. My husband Leopoldo Lopez is in prison for saying what all of Venezuela wanted to hear. The majority of Venezuelans want change. In January he raised his voice and started a peaceful campaign in the streets for constitutional change in Venezuela. By the second month of the protests there were so many people in the streets that they ambushed him and put out an order to arrest him for murder. Something that has nothing to do with Leopoldo, who is a progressive leader who has fought for freedoms, for democracy. He was the mayor of Chacao twice and won international awards for the transparency of his administration. Continue reading


Does my Audi have a Cambelt or chain?
All 2019 Audi A4 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.
When did Audi fix timing chain issue?
Volkswagen and Audi owners and leasers can get reimbursed for specific repairs made on certain vehicles between 2008 and 2014.
How do I know if my timing chain is bad on my Audi?
Common signs of a faulty timing chain include engine misfires, metal shavings found in the oil, and rattling sounds from the engine while idling….
- Engine misfires or runs poorly.
- Metal shavings found in the oil.
- Engine won’t start or fails.
- Check Engine Light is on.
- Engine rattles while idling.
Who makes VW timing chains?
The Aftermarket specialist’s latest portfolio enhancement is a new timing chain KIT under the INA brand for vehicles of the VW Group (VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda) with 1.4l TSI engines.
Do Audis have timing chains or timing belts?
Audi and Volkswagen originally made use of timing chains and moved to an external timing belt through the 80s, 90s and most of the 2000s (now returning to chain drive systems). On average, timing belts should be replaced every 80,000 miles or every 5 years.
When should VW timing chain be replaced?
Most Volkswagen timing chains are made to last at least 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, there are multiple lawsuits for owners of the 2-liter EA888 engine because the timing chains in them seem to break much sooner. Additionally, there may be issues with Volkswagen vehicles made between 2008 and 2014.
What’s the gasket on a TFSI cam chain?
Just putting this in here incase the forum it is on gets pulled for some reason. 1. Cam Cover Gasket [color=red]06F 103 483 D [/color] 2. Tensioner [color=red] 06F 109 217 A [/color]
Can you remove locking pin from TFSI cam chain?
IF YOU DO, YOU WILL CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE THEN DO NOT CONTINUE UNTIL YOU CAN GET A SECOND OPINION ON THIS [/color] Once the new chain is on it should look something like this. You can now remove the locking pin from the tensioner.
When to service cam chain tensioner on VW Golf 2.0T?
Parts you need to service the cam chain tensioner on your 2.0T FSI For vehicles with FSI engines only ON SALE! SAVE 15% ON SALE! SAVE 10% Includes chains,tensioners, rails, gasket sealant and all necessary hardware For vehicles with production date from 09/16/2008 through 05/15/2009 only ON SALE!
What kind of spark plug do I need for a cam chain?
Youll need a long 16mm spark plug socket. Its a good idea to cover the cam area just to stop any dirt getting into that area. Now, the locking tool is a bit sh*t and there will be some play as it doesnt fit tightly between the cams.


Each week our friends at Backerjack provide an update on a hot crowdfunded tech gadget. This week we profile the Vufine, which has exceeded its funding goal by more than 50 percent.
Although Google Glass (and its successor) have attracted the most attention in the growing wearable display market, it’s clearly not a product for every consumer due to factors including its high price.
Vufine is a much cheaper alternative to Google Glass that works in conjunction with any device capable of outputting a 720p HDMI signal. It presents not augmented reality but rather any digital video output. The clip-on microdisplay attaches to one side of a standard pair of eyeglasses via a magnetic docking station that allows it to be adjusted for the user’s comfort. Vufine can be plugged into mobile devices to act as either a second monitor to view movies and other video content or to display information including GPS directions, emails and text messages. Wearers can also use it as a viewfinder for cameras, or to see everything that their drones are seeing in flight. Vufine costs $149 and ships in November. Its maker has set a Kickstarter goal of raising $50,000 by July 22.
In addition to its affordable pricing, other features that should make it attractive to consumers looking for a wearable display device include the fact that it is not reliant on any one operating system. It also shouldn’t raise the same sort of privacy concerns as Google Glass because Vufine doesn’t have a built-in camera. Drawbacks, for now anyway, include the fact that Vufine is only attachable to the right side of a user’s glasses, making it more comfortable for right eye-dominant individuals to use.
The device also can only run for 90 minutes of continuous use at this time without attaching it to an external battery. Also, although Vufine can be attached to most glasses, it may not attach to irregularly shaped frames. Of course, products such as those from Vusix and Sony have provided personal viewing experiences for some time, but Vufine may allow one to balance what they’re watching with what’s happening in the real world.
VentureBeat's mission is to be a digital town square for technical decision-makers to gain knowledge about transformative enterprise technology and transact. Discover our Briefings.


text:
Private Tour from Salzburg to Vienna via Hallstatt
On this full-day excursion, you’ll drive from Salzburg to Vienna while taking in the scenery of the Salzkammergut. The trip’s high point is the picturesque village of Hallstatt. Hallstatt, with its 7000-year history, is regarded as one of the most gorgeous lakeside towns in the world. Shining lakes and mountain peaks can be seen in Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut.
The travel from Hallstatt to Vienna continues via Bad Ischl and Gmunden. This 8-hour full-day trip concludes straight at your Vienna hotel.
Prepare to be picked up at 09:00 and board your deluxe tour vehicle.
Fuschl Castle is a short drive from Salzburg. Photograph Fuschl Castle with the emerald green Lake Fuschl in the background, then proceed to St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang for your next photo opportunity.
The next remarkable towns are St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang located at Lake Wolfgang. Take a photo of St. Wolfgang from a magnificent vantage point. Continue the drive through the Salzkammergut Lake Region via Bad Ischl to Hallstatt.
Your private guide will point out the must-sees of Hallstatt to you once you arrive there, which is the highlight of this full-day tour. These attractions include a lovely photo spot in Hallstatt, Charnel House (Bone House), the Hallstatt Museum, the Hallstatt Waterfall “Waldbachstrub,” Hallstatt’s neighborhood, and more.
You will have 2 1/2 hours to explore the gorgeous village of Hallstatt as well as to have lunch in one of the great lakeside restaurants (at your own expense).
Your private trip will come to an end with drop-off at your Vienna City hotel.
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the tour’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.


Rating is available when the video has been rented.
This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.
Published on Nov 9, 2012
Happy Friday! In addition to this week's avalanche of GTA V news, we've also got a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online MMO, a live streaming partnership between Activision and YouTube, and an official reprimand for the Navy SEALS involved in the development of MOH: Warfighter. In other news, Silicon Knights finally lost its long-standing legal battle with Epic Games and will now have to turn tricks on the street corner for lunch money.