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Reports of FTX Group’s demise has been inescapable since news first broke of potential insolvency and misuse of customer funds. This blog post provides some background on the situation as well as some thoughts on what is likely to come next. Please see our blog post here on the enforcement storm that is
Jason Weinstein conducts internal investigations and represents companies and individuals in high-profile criminal matters. With 15 years of experience in senior positions at the US Department of Justice (DOJ), he helps corporations and boards successfully navigate challenging government enforcement matters and defends individuals in criminal investigations and prosecutions. He is recognized across the United States as an authority on legal and regulatory issues involving digital currencies and blockchain technology. Jason serves as co-chair of Steptoe's White-Collar and Securities Enforcement and the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency practices. Read Jason's full bio.
The Storm Is Here
With the collapse of FTX and Alameda so close on the heels of Celsius, one thing is clear – the regulatory and enforcement storm so many anticipated coming to crypto is now here. Unfortunately, regardless of what the facts surrounding FTX and Alameda ultimately turn out to be, incidents like this serve to reinforce the…
OFAC and FinCEN Announce Enforcement Actions Against Bittrex
On October 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced enforcement actions against Bittrex, Inc. (Bittrex), a privately-owned digital asset trading platform based in Bellevue, Washington, for apparent violations of anti-money laundering (AML) laws and of multiple sanctions programs. A settlement of over $24 million was announced by OFAC and a $29 million fine was announced by FinCEN. FinCEN will credit payment of the OFAC settlement amount toward Bittrex’s potential liability with FinCEN, meaning Bittrex will pay just over $29 million in total. Joint enforcement action between OFAC and FinCEN is uncommon—the settlements mark the first instance of parallel enforcement actions by OFAC and FinCEN in the digital asset sector.
The parallel settlements provide insight into certain sanctions and AML risks in the digital asset sector and illustrate how OFAC and FinCEN rules intersect and overlap in part: for example, that OFAC violations can trigger suspicious activity report filing obligations.…
Continue Reading OFAC and FinCEN Announce Enforcement Actions Against Bittrex
DFS’s First Enforcement Action Against a Blockchain Company: Lessons Learned
On August 1, Robinhood Crypto, LLC (RHC) entered a consent order with the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) requiring RHC to pay a $30 million fine for violating (1) New York’s virtual currency regulatory regime known as the BitLicense, (2) a Supervisory Agreement entered with DFS as a condition of its BitLicense, (3) anti-money laundering (AML) requirements applicable to money transmitters, and (4) other requirements related to transaction monitoring, filtering, and cybersecurity. The consent order, which is DFS’s first enforcement action under the BitLicense regime or against a digital currency business, offers several important takeaways for blockchain companies operating or seeking to operate in the state, including (1) the importance of scaling up compliance processes commensurate with business growth, (2) the risks of relying on compliance programs of affiliated entities, (3) the importance of well-developed reporting lines in compliance programs, and (4) the consequences of filing “improper” certifications under DFS’s transaction monitoring and cybersecurity rules.
Continue Reading DFS’s First Enforcement Action Against a Blockchain Company: Lessons Learned
OFAC Designates Tornado Cash in First Action Against a Decentralized Platform
On August 8, 2022, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the imposition of sanctions on the decentralized digital asset mixer Tornado Cash. The action marks the first time OFAC has targeted an on-chain decentralized protocol. To date, OFAC has not issued any guidance specific to decentralized finance (DeFi) as part of its broader sanctions guidance for the “virtual currency” industry, but the Tornado Cash action lays down an important marker and makes clear that OFAC will target projects or protocols engaged in illicit activity regardless of their centralized or decentralized status. (Our prior blog post on OFAC’s general virtual currency guidance is available here).
According to OFAC, Tornado Cash was “used to launder more than $7 billion worth of virtual currency since its creation in 2019,” including over $455 million stolen by the Lazarus Group, a North Korean-backed hacking group that was previously targeted by OFAC sanctions. In announcing the action, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson explained, “Despite public assurances otherwise, Tornado Cash has repeatedly failed to impose effective controls designed to stop it from laundering funds for malicious cyber actors on a regular basis and without basic measures to address its risks.”…
Continue Reading OFAC Designates Tornado Cash in First Action Against a Decentralized Platform
SEC’s Insider Trading Complaint Places the Entire DeFi and Crypto Industry in a Bind
On July 21, 2022, the SEC filed insider trading charges in federal court against a former Coinbase product manager and two others for trading ahead of multiple announcements that certain crypto assets would be made available for trading on the platform. The SEC alleged that the defendants traded ahead of listing announcements for at…
FDIC and OCC Join President’s Working Group on Financial Markets in Calling for New Stablecoin Legislation, Oversight
On November 1, 2021, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets (PWG), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a joint report that, among other things, calls on Congress to adopt legislation to enable federal oversight of stablecoin issuers, custodial wallet providers that hold stablecoins,…
FinCEN Invites Comments on Proposed Amendments to Funds Recordkeeping and Transfer Rules
On October 23, 2020, the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Federal Reserve Board published a joint notice of proposed rulemaking inviting comments on proposed modifications to regulations implementing the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). First, the agencies propose to lower the monetary threshold contained in the so-called “recordkeeping rule” and “travel rule” pursuant to which financial institutions are required to collect and retain information on certain funds transfers and transmittals of funds and provide such information to other financial institutions in the payment chain. Second, the proposed rule would amend the definition of “money,” as used in those rules, to clarify that it includes convertible virtual currency (CVC) and digital assets with legal tender status.
Under the current version of the recordkeeping rule, banks and nonbank financial institutions are required to collect and retain information that relates to funds transfers and transmittals of funds of $3,000 or more. The travel rule then requires banks and nonbank financial institutions to send collected information on funds transfers and transmittals of funds to other banks or nonbank financial institutions participating in the transfer or transmittal. The purpose of retaining an information trail in this manner is to help prevent money laundering and other financial crimes.…
Continue Reading FinCEN Invites Comments on Proposed Amendments to Funds Recordkeeping and Transfer Rules
TurnKey Token Gets to Fly: SEC Issues First No-Action Letter for Token Sale
On April 3, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provided important guidance for token issuers. The SEC Division of Corporation Finance issued a No-Action Letter dated April 3 regarding TurnKey Jet, Inc. (the “TurnKey No-Action Letter”) in which the SEC staff confirmed that it would take no action against Turnkey Jet, Inc. (TKJ) for selling tokens without registration. This guidance is most relevant to token issuers who are focused on commercial utility and record-keeping benefits in a centrally controlled network and are willing to minimize or eliminate the profit elements of the token. The TurnKey No-Action Letter, taken together with the Framework for “Investment Contract” Analysis of Digital Assets (“Framework”) issued by the SEC’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology on the same date, offers guidance for structuring the elements of a private, permissioned, centralized blockchain token and network. …
Continue Reading TurnKey Token Gets to Fly: SEC Issues First No-Action Letter for Token Sale
SEC Smooths Out Digital Assets Turbulence With Further Guidance
Long awaited guidance from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on application of the Howey test to digital assets came on April 3 in the form of a Framework for “Investment Contract” Analysis of Digital Assets (“Framework”) and a No-Action Letter regarding TurnKey Jet, Inc. (the “TurnKey No-Action Letter”). These two documents are best understood as part of a trilogy with the June 2018 Hinman speech.
The Framework offers the clearest indication yet of the SEC staff’s thinking on the Howey test, with the TurnKey No-Action Letter and the Hinman speech providing examples of where a digital asset fails to meet a necessary element of the test. For purposes of clarity, it helps to think of the Howey test as having four elements: (1) an investment of money (2) in a common enterprise (3) with a reasonable expectation of profits (4) derived from the efforts of others.
The first two prongs are essentially throwaways inasmuch as the Framework devotes only three sentences to them in total. SEC staff note that these prongs are “typically satisfied” in evaluating digital assets. On the other hand, the Framework pays significant attention to the third and fourth elements.
Continue Reading SEC Smooths Out Digital Assets Turbulence With Further Guidance

domain: finance


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Both the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons enter Sunday’s contest looking to get back in the win column.
The Vikings (7-3) look to get back in the win column after a tough loss to Green Bay last week while the Falcons (6-4) have lost four of their last five games. FOX has coverage of this game starting at 1:00 pm ET from the Georgia Dome.
The Odds: The game between the Vikings and Falcons is listed as a pick-em. The over/under for this game is 46 total points.

domain: news


text: Family farm Bruna Petrovic with a successful tradition of many years has located its native olive groves in Kastelir, Istria. The primary activity of this family farm is olive growing, ie the production of top-quality, multi-award-winning extra virgin olive oil. Their oil La Vel won the gold medal for quality at the 16th international event "Liquid Green Gold of Istria" in Tara. Olives are picked by hand, grown and processed traditionally using modern technologies, their production is certified organic (without the addition of any pesticides), and oil cold pressed. OPG Bruna Petrovic is also included in the world-famous guide Flos Ole.i You can buy and taste their olive oils and products in specialized stores, on the farm and in direct agreement with the OPG.

domain: agronomy


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[Boston, MA] : WGBH Boston Video, 2006
1 videodisc (ca. 135 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in ISBN/ISSN:
1593755333, 9781593755331, 1593755333 :, Language:
Title from container
Originally released in 1995
"Includes two Uncle Matty specials!"--Container
Host: Matthew Margolis
When good dogs do bad things, they aren't necessarily problem dogs, but dogs with problems. So forget the rolled-up newspaper--Woof! A Guide To Dog Training features simple and loving training methods and advice that can help you turn your troublemaker into a happy and obedient dog
DVD, region 1, full screen (4x3) presentation; Dolby Digital, NTSC
English dialogue; closed-captioned
Woof! a guide to dog training -- Woof! Woof!, Uncle Matty's guide to dog training
Related Searches: Dogs -- TrainingDogs -- Behavior therapyFeature filmsInstructional filmsVideo recordings for the hearing impairedInstructional -- FeatureDVD-Video discsDVDAdded--20080718 advd
Additional Credits: Margolis, MatthewDonnelly, LaurieWGBH Video (Firm)
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domain: library


Former NFL star Tiki Barber’s fiancee Traci Lynn Johnson recently bared all in a photo shoot for popular men’s magazine “Maxim,” and talked about her relationship with Barber during this behind-the-scenes video (below).
Traci on their first date:
“We went to McDonald’s. I was starving and about to flip into [expletive] mode, so we stopped there. It was a match made in Happy Meals.”
Traci on her favorite sport:
“I love basketball. Tiki knows Carmelo Anthony is my favorite New York athlete. We sat with him at an event, and Tiki told him, “She will leave me for you in a heartbeat.” I was so embarrassed.”
Check out the full video interview below:


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Small library staff/volunteer schedule application
So over the holiday weekend I decided to set up a small application to manage the schedule at my (previous) library. I had been thinking about it and tinkering with it for a while but I finally got it into production.
Feel free to have a look about at a mirror of it at http://kafeneionsocrates.com/l the username is admin and the password is 1234.
I'm taking this install down eventually so feel free to muck about and create users and modify things.
I'd appreciate and criticism or suggestions.

domain: hobby


27 Nov 2017
Howard League publishes ethnicity analysis of child arrests following the Lammy Review
Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) children accounted for 60 per cent of all child arrests by the Metropolitan Police last year, analysis by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveals today (Monday 27 November).
The Metropolitan Police made more than 20,000 child arrests in 2016, of which more than 12,000 were of BAME children – the highest proportion recorded by any police force in England and Wales.
Across England and Wales, police forces made fewer than 88,000 arrests of children in total last year, down from almost 250,000 in 2010. BAME children accounted for 26 per cent of all child arrests.
The Howard League, which has led a successful campaign to reduce child arrests, has analysed its figures following the findings of the Lammy Review, an independent review of the treatment of, and outcomes for, BAME individuals in the criminal justice system.
The Lammy Review, chaired by David Lammy MP, called for a principle of ‘explain or reform’ to apply to every institution in the criminal justice system: “If agencies cannot provide an evidence-based explanation for apparent disparities between ethnic groups then reforms should be introduced to address those disparities.”
Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The Howard League is proud to have played a key role in reducing child arrests across England and Wales. Working together with the police, we have ensured that tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future and not be dragged into a downward spiral of crime and custody.
“There is still more work to do, however, and the disproportionate number of BAME children being brought into the system is of great concern. It raises serious questions about decision-making throughout the criminal justice journey – from the police’s decision to arrest, to the remand and sentencing decisions of the youth courts.
“The Lammy Review has called on police forces and other criminal justice agencies to either explain disparities or reform. Our analysis of child arrests data is intended to assist this discussion.”
The Howard League’s figures, compiled from data supplied by police in response to Freedom of Information requests, show that the Metropolitan (60 per cent), Bedfordshire (42 per cent) and West Midlands (41 per cent) forces recorded the highest proportions of BAME child arrests in 2016.
The lowest proportions were recorded by the Cumbria (2 per cent), Durham (2 per cent), Cleveland (3 per cent), Norfolk (3 per cent) and Northumbria (4 per cent) forces.
The first recommendation of the Lammy Review is that a more consistent approach to recording data on ethnicity should be agreed across the criminal justice system. The Howard League’s research found that such an approach is required – as recording practices varied between police forces, often significantly.
Two police forces – Norfolk and Suffolk – failed to record ethnicity in more than half of the arrests that they made in 2016. Thames Valley Police did not provide ethnicity figures at all, while Derbyshire Police was only able to give data for a seven-month period. Lancashire Police changed its recording system midway through the year.
BAME populations vary in size from police force area to police force area, and a lack of population data specifically in relation to boys and girls aged 10 to 17 makes it difficult to assess whether forces are making a disproportionately high number of BAME child arrests.
A guide comes in the form of a table on the Home Office’s crime-mapping website, www.police.uk, which lists, for each police force area, the proportion of the total population that is BAME. Although this information relates to people of all ages, it provides at least an indication of the police areas where most BAME children are likely to live.
The figures raise some questions for police forces and politicians to consider, in light of the Lammy Review’s call for criminal justice agencies to ‘explain or reform’ – particularly in areas where the proportion of BAME child arrests is significantly higher than the BAME proportion of the total population.
The Metropolitan Police recorded a 60 per cent BAME child arrest rate while policing an area with a 40 per cent BAME population.
BAME children accounted for 42 per cent of child arrests in Bedfordshire, a policing area where only 23 per cent of the total population is BAME.
In the West Midlands, where 30 per cent of the total population is BAME, police recorded a BAME child arrest rate of 41 per cent.
Earlier this year, the Howard League published a briefing, Child arrests in England and Wales 2016, which showed how reducing the number of children entering the system had stemmed the flow of children into custody.
The briefing stated that the positive trend across police forces had been led at a national level, most notably by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which has prioritised improvements in the policing of children.
However, while the number of children in prison has fallen, the proportion of BAME children in custody has risen, raising questions for the Crown Prosecution Service and the youth courts.
In a report published earlier this week, HM Inspectorate of Prisons drew attention to the disproportionate number of BAME children in custody.
The report, Children in Custody 2016-17, revealed that almost half of children in jails were BAME.
The Howard League regularly meets and corresponds with police forces and shares examples of good practice in local areas.
Keeping children out of the criminal justice system helps prevent crime. Academic research has shown that the more contact a child has with the system, the more entrenched they are likely to become, which increases reoffending rates.
Notes to editors
- The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
- The Howard League for Penal Reform made freedom of information requests for data from all police services in England and Wales.
- Child arrests in England and Wales 2016 can be read on the Howard League website.
- The Howard League counted arrests recorded by police under the following categories as BAME: ‘Asian Bangladeshi’; ‘Asian Indian’; ‘Asian Pakistani’; ‘Asian – Any Other Background’; ‘Asian’; ‘Arabic or North African’; ‘Black African/African’; ‘Black/Black British’; ‘Black Caribbean’; ‘Black – Any Other Background’; ‘Mixed – White and Asian’; ‘Mixed – White and Black African’; ‘Mixed – White and Black Caribbean’; ‘Mixed – Any Other Background’; ‘Other – Chinese’; ‘Other – Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian’; ‘Middle Eastern’; ‘Other – Any Other Ethnic Group’; ‘Dark European’; ‘Romany Gypsy’; and ‘Traveller/Irish Traveller’.
- The Howard League counted arrests recorded by police under the following categories as non-BAME: ‘Welsh’; ‘White British/British’; ‘White – Northern European’; ‘White – Southern European’; ‘White European’; ‘White – Any Other Background’; and ‘English’.
- The Howard League counted arrests recorded by police under the following categories as ‘Other’: ‘N3 (did not understand what was required)’; ‘Not recorded’; ‘Unknown’; ‘Not stated’; ‘Not specified’; and ‘Refused’.
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report, Children in Custody 2016-17: An analysis of 12-18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions, can be read on the inspectorate’s website.
- Child arrest data from each police service in England and Wales is shown in the table below:
|Police force||Number of BAME child arrests||Number of non-BAME child arrests||Number of ‘Other’ child arrests||Total number of child arrests||% of BAME child arrests||% of non-BAME child arrests||% of ‘Other’ child arrests||BAME proportion of total police force area population1|
|Avon and Somerset||295||1,216||22||1,533||19%||79%||1%||7%|
|British Transport Police||27||82||21||130||21%||63%||16%||14%|
|City of London||13||30||8||51||25%||59%||16%||21%|
|Devon and Cornwall||52||846||96||994||5%||85%||10%||3%|
1BAME population figures are taken from the Home Office’s crime mapping website. The relevant table can be found here. (Accessed on 22 November 2017.)
2Due to a change in its custody system, Derbyshire Police was only able to provide data for the period from 21 June 2016 to 31 December 2016. The force stated that the total number of child arrests made during this period was 797. However, the arrest figures supplied, broken down by ethnicity, actually total 801.
3Lancashire Police introduced a new custody system in June 2016, leading to a change in the way that ethnicity data was recorded. Child arrests up to 8 June 2016 were recorded under the following categories: ‘White – British’; ‘Asian – Pakistani’; ‘White – Any other White ethnic background’; ‘Mixed – White and Black Caribbean’; ‘Not stated’; ‘Black – Caribbean’; ‘Mixed – White and Black African’; ‘White – Irish’; ‘Mixed – White and Asian’; ‘Black – African’; ‘Mixed – Any other Mixed ethnic background’; ‘Asian – Any other Asian ethnic background’; ‘Asian – Bangladeshi’; ‘Black – Any other Black ethnic background’; ‘Asian – Indian’; and ‘Any other ethnic group’. Child arrests after 8 June 2016 were recorded under the following categories: ‘Asian’; ‘Black’; ‘White – Northern European’; ‘White – Southern European’; ‘Middle Eastern’; ‘Chinese/Japanese/SE Asian’; and ‘Not specified’.
4Thames Valley Police did not provide ethnicity figures.
Campaigns and Communications Manager
The Howard League for Penal Reform
Tel: +44 (0)20 7241 7880
Mobile: +44 (0)7714 604955
ISDN line available on 020 7923 4196 – uses a G722 system
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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An NYPD officer shot in the Bronx was released from Jacobi Medical Center Thursday morning.
As CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reports, it was an emotional morning for 31-year-old Officer Daniel Vargas. His family and fellow officers lined the hospital doors and cheered as he left the hospital just two days after he was shot.READ MORE: NYPD Officer Jason Rivera Fatally Shot, Officer Wilbert Mora Critically Injured Responding To Harlem Domestic Dispute
Vargas is still recovering from a bullet to his back. Police say the bullet struck him two inches below his bulletproof vest.
WEB EXTRA: Read The Complaint (.pdf)
According to police, Vargas and his partner stopped 24-year-old Ajani Jones near Lafayette Avenue near White Plains Road just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night. Within seconds, an officer fired one shot at the suspect, who fired at least four time, one bullet hitting Vargas.
“[He was] shot by a criminal carrying an illegal gun, and amazingly and thankfully, our officer is expected to make a full recovery,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Wednesday.
READ MORE: 'The Loss Of A Hero': New York Mourns Death Of 22-Year-Old NYPD Officer Jason Rivera
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) January 27, 2021
“They’re out here risking their own lives for us to protect, and some idiot comes out and shoots him? That’s uncalled for,” Soundview resident Wanda Lugo said.
Jones was not hurt. He was remanded in court. He faces several charges, including attempted murder. He has a previous criminal record in New York City and New Jersey.
Vargas is part of the gun violence suppression division of the NYPD, which works to get guns off the street. He’s been on the force for almost seven years, and comes from a family of police officers.MORE NEWS: Lashawn McNeil, Suspect In Deadly Harlem Police Shooting, Was On Probation, Had 5 Prior Arrests
More From CBS New York:


Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has been meeting with Cruise Industry Executives in the US from May 5th to 8th. He’s held several meetings with Cruise Industry officials in Miami, Florida.
As Saint Lucia and the region prepare for the reopening of the Cruise Sector, anticipated in July of this year, Prime Minister Chastanet, who co- chairs the Committee for the Caribbean and the Americas, has been playing a lead role in CARICOM on this issue.
The Prime Minister’s discussions with cruise lines will also center on the development of Saint Lucia’s southern cruise port.
In the Prime Minister’s absence, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, Ezechiel Joseph, served as Acting Prime Minister.


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Charles is a distinguished, upscale cowboy boot. Dark leather quarters feature handmade cording and signature stitch patterns while the sleek vamp boasts exotic belly caiman. Leather sole. Handmade in Mexico. Lucchese's black cherry finish originated more than 50 years ago. Often imitated, but no one can match nor reproduce the original depth and richness.
Available in D and selected EE width.
BLACK CHERRY CAIMAN BELLY

domain: design


There's a lot of talk about sustainable mobility nowadays, often in relation to a more environmentally friendly use of cars, or to its reduction in favor of other means of transportation. Trains, for instance. As conventional wisdom has it, travelling by train is a "green" option. Not everyone agrees: some say that, under certain conditions, a car ride could actually be more sustainable in comparison.
But what if trains, aside from transporting passengers, could also boost the recycling and disposal of scrap tires, and produce electricity while they're moving? That would settle the controversy, and legitimize the train as the ultimate eco-friendly option. Well, that's exactly what will happen if a startup called Greenrail, founded by three young Italian entrepreneurs, has its way.
What Greenrail has developed - and patented - is a new kind of sleeper (the track substructure to which the rails are attached, also called "tie"), which combines the advantages of the current solutions, with a more respectful attitude towards the environment and lower maintenance costs.
"Today, prestressed concrete, is the most commonly used material for ties, having gradually replaced wood," Greenrail's CEO Giovanni De Lisi tells me.
"In Europe alone, concrete sleepers make for 85% of all the 380.000.000 installed ties; their solid structure and weight guarantees a better stability of the line, which in turn allows train operators to build railway lines suitable for the transit of larger loads at greater speed," he says.
These advantages, however, come at a cost. The rigid nature of concrete and the weight of sleepers, in combination with the weight and speed of trains, causes the pulverization and crashing of the ballast (the gravel or broken stone laid in the railroad bed), changing the alignment of the line.
Continuous monitoring of the lines,and frequent maintenance are therefore needed, with all that this implies in terms of costs and effort: to give you and idea of the scale of the problem, every year 40 million of sleepers are replaced in Europe, 70 million worldwide.
On the market there also plastic and composite ties - which would solve these kind of problems, as they are more flexible and balanced - but they are too light to ensure the stability of the track when the trains pass at high speed.


text:
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The Spin Jig come equipped with a premium VMC® hook made from high carbon steel with a forged shank and a needle point. The jig has an exaggerated belly keel and premium ball bearing swivel that maximizes swim-and-spin actions.
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Faced with fast growth of the organic market, leading Dutch impact investor DOB Equity has invested in Ten Sense Africa to capitalize on growing global demand for organic and fair-trade-certified macadamia nuts.
DOB Equity said the investment will allow Ten Senses Africa – an organic and fair-trade certified macadamia producer, processor and trader – to expand its processing capacity to trade larger volumes at higher margins, launch new products and grow its sales across Europe and the US.
Ten Senses sources nuts from more than 3,000 farmers mostly located on Kenya’s coast, while operating processing facilities in Nairobi. It will diversify its product base including with more nuts and dried fruit, using existing sourcing infrastructure and markets.
Outlining three key market trends in the nuts industry, DOB Equity explained that global demand for tree nuts is at an all-time high, for a global supply value of $40 billion. Annual growth is 10 percent on the back of perceived health benefits associated with eating nuts, income growth in developing countries – China and India are increasingly consuming nuts – and the development of new food products that feature nuts such as almond milk, snack bars and cereals. Out of the dozen major tree nuts, five make up over 90 percent of total global production: almonds (30 percent), walnuts (21 percent), cashews (19 percent), pistachios (14 percent) and hazelnuts (12 percent), added DOB Equity.
Secondly, the industry is seeing higher demand for traceability and thirdly there is increased demand for nuts of African origin, specifically from the US market, DOB Equity claimed.
“As one of the largest certified organic producers in Kenya, Ten senses is well positioned to benefit from these trends”, Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of DOB Equity said.
Equally, DOB Equity was attracted by the social and environmental impact on the sector. “Macadamia processing is zero-waste, its shells are used as fuel, the cracked nuts are being sold and those rejected are being used for high-value macadamia oil,” Saskia van der Mast, investment manager of DOB Equity, added.
The fast growth of the organic sector was also highlighted in a report published last week by Valoral Advisors on impact investing in the global food and agricultural investment space. “According to Statista, the 2016 global sales of organic foods reached $90 billion. This industry is expected to continue growing in the near future as consumers are increasingly buying organic because they believe it is better for their health and also for the environment,” the report stated.

domain: food


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After 21 years with ACU, Lance Fleming informed the department he would be leaving his position. He was the associate director of athletics for media relations and the main media contact for football and men’s basketball.
Now, he’ll be working as the director of communications for Abilene Independent School District.
Fleming said it can certainly be challenging to reflect on a job that’s become a routine.
“It’s hard to put 21 years into perspective,” Fleming said. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had, and I hope the one I’m going to is even better. Its been 21 years of great memories and friendships and relationships that I’ve been able to build.”
A native of Abilene, Fleming is an ACU alum having graduated in 1992. Fleming received a B.A. in mass communication from ACU and was a copy editor, sports writer and news writer for both the Abilene Reporter-News and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
In his time at his position, Fleming said there’s several memorable moments he could point out in his time here.
“The most memorable would have to be the last two weeks of this basketball season,” Fleming said. “I don’t know if anything we’ve done before will top that.”
Both the men and women’s basketball teams in March clinched their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Div. I tournament. Fleming traveled to Jacksonville to cover the men in their game against Kentucky.
Fleming’s process of getting hired to AISD was somewhat poetic, as he discovered he was offered the job at an interesting time.
“This job that I’m going to go work for came about early to mid-February,” Fleming said. “The day we played Kentucky, I was walking into the arena and I was offered the job. It was pretty cool for that to be the last thing to cover at ACU.”
Despite leaving ACU, he never thought he’d be in this situation: however, time changes everything.
“I never thought I would leave here,” Fleming said. “I thought I would retire here. My wife and I made a decision a long time ago that we wanted to raise our family here, but it came to a point where I needed to spend more time with my them.”
He and his wife, Jill, are the co-founders of the P4X Foundation, which honors the life of their son, Rex, who died in November 2012 at the age of 10 after a two-year battle with brain cancer.
The P4X Foundation’s goals are to affect the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families in a positive way, and become a beacon of hope to people in and around our community.
He and Jill, have been married 21 years and have two other children: a daughter, Ashley 13, and a son, Ryan 7.
Fleming is expected to leave his position in July, but the search for a new director of media relation will soon begin.


Kubota 03 Series Diesel Engine
Whether you’re loading shipping containers or milling timber, the Kubota 03 Series (3 or 4 cylinders) provides exceptional reliability, durability and powerful performance that you can rely on. Featuring a wide range of vertical, water-cooled, 4-cycle diesel engines, available in capacities of 25.5HP to 39.9HP at 2800RPM.
Proven Reliability and New Technology
The latest technology and strong performance – two things customers expect from Kubota engines. We continue to provide both by seeking excellence in three key areas: emission compliance, new studies in fully electronic controlled engines, and flexibility in products and services to customers worldwide.
Meeting rigid emission regulations can be a challenge for any company. At Kubota, our 03 Series engines have been designed to comply with the most stringent regulations: The EPA Tier 4 and the EU Stage III A. In addition, innovative emission solutions, such as an aftertreatment device, have also been integrated into the 03 Series engines.
Clean and Quiet Power
The Common Fail System has made it possible to optimize combustion and create a more durable quiet, and improved fuel-economy engine. By meticulously screening and controlling the exhaust gas aftertreatment components, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), we offer a cleaner high-performance engine.
When working with customers in different countries and with different engine needs, flexibility is a must. Since Kubota 03 Series engines have evolved step-by-step to meet every EPA Tier, we provide the appropriate emission regulation certified engine to any customers worldwide. Added to that, we have designed aftertreatment device with minimum package impact for easy installation.
The Kubota 03 Series is the best solution for your company’s global marketing strategy. We continuously strive to meet your needs with the experience and expertise you expect and deserve.
Kubota 03 Series
|Engíne Model||Gross Intermittent||Maximum Speed||Cylinders||Combustion / Instake System||Emission Regulation||Aftertreatment|
|kW / HP||rpm|
|D1803-CR-E4B||28.0 / 37.5||2700||3||DI Naturally Aspirated||Tier 4 Stage IIIA||DPF+DOC|
|D1803-CR-TE4B||37.0 / 49.6||2700||3||DI / Turbocharged||Tier 4 Stage IIIB||DPF+DOC|
|D1803-CR-TIE4B||37.0 / 49.6||2700||3||DI / Turbocharged||Tier 4 Stage IIIB||DOC|
|V2403-CR-E4B||37.4 / 50.2||2700||4||DI Naturally Aspirated||Tier 4 Stage IIIB||DPF+DOC|
|V2403-CR-TE4B||48.6 / 65.1||2700||4||DI / Turbocharged||Tier 4 Stage IIIB||DPF+DOC|
|V2403-CR-TIE4B||48.6 / 65.1||2700||4||DI / Turbocharged||Tier 4 Stage IIIB||DOC|


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K9s For Warriors is pleased to say the primary source of dogs for our service dog training program is rescue animals. We obtain dogs from shelters, rescue organizations, private donors and area breeders.
When a dog is first brought to our attention, we learn as much as we can over the phone: vitals, history, sociability with people and other animals, etc. Then, one of our K9 Trainers will evaluate the dog in person for a hands-on assessment of the dog’s personality, sociability, obedience knowledge, food or treat motivation, and train-ability. Dogs showing any signs of aggression or severe anxiety are immediately declined. In addition, all potential K9 candidates are subject to a 96-hour, in-house evaluation. Should the dog be deemed unfit for our program, the donor would retain ownership.
Below are the physical requirements for a dog to enter our program:
- Between 8 weeks and 3 years of age
- Minimum weight of 50lbs
- Minimum height of 24" at the shoulder
- Spayed/neutered (if not a puppy)
- Heartworm negative
Please keep in mind that K9s For Warriors cannot accept the following breeds due to insurance liability:
- Doberman Pinchers
- Pit Bulls
- Chow Chows
- Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Cane Corsos
We will consider mixes of these breeds so long as their commonly negative traits are not predominant. Although we must turn away these breeds for our mission, we fully support and encourage the rescue and adoption of all homeless animals!
K9s For Warriors is located in Ponte Vedra, Florida and has limited transport ability. If the dog you wish to donate is located outside of the state of Florida we may not be able to accept the dog. However, our team is happy to discuss transport options.

domain: pet


text:
How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Scientific Name: Scutigerella immaculata
(Reviewed 6/08, updated 6/08)
In this Guideline:
Garden symphylans are slender and white, they have 10 to 12 pairs of legs and a pair of antennae. They run rapidly when exposed to light. They occur mainly in moist soils with good structure and a high organic matter content and are often associated with debris from a previous crop that is not completely decomposed. They retreat to deeper soil levels during fallow periods and return to the root zone after crops are planted. They damage the same area every season so infestations spread slowly.
Garden symphylans damage plants by feeding on roots, thus retarding plant growth. They are usually only a problem in fields that were not fumigated, or if the fumigation was ineffective.
Soil fumigation for pathogen and weed seed control will kill symphylans. In nonfumigated fields and fields with large amounts of crop residue from a previous crop, continuous flooding for 3 weeks in the summer helps reduce infestations and discing in a crop of sorghum has been reported to reduce infestations in other crops. In organic fields, however, the best strategy is to avoid fields that have populations of symphylans in the soil.
Research from other areas of the country indicates that symphylans can be detected with bait trapping. Either carrots or potatoes can be used as the bait. Cut the bait in half longitudinally and scratch the cut surface just before placing it in a shallow hole on the soil to ensure that the surface is moist. (Be sure that when the hole is created, the soil pores/spaces aren't sealed close. Symphylans use these spaces to travel to the bait.) Cover the bait with a pot. Use at least a dozen bait traps in the field. After 2 to 5 days, examine the cut surface and the soil upon which it was resting for evidence of symphylans. If they are detected, consider a treatment. Because the recommended treatment is best applied before transplanting, bait traps for symphylans a few weeks before transplanting.
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines:
Insects and Mites
Acknowledgment for contributions to the Insects and Mites:


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27 ft round pool deck plan, Deck Plans, Deck . - Virginia Decking
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DPReview Digital Photography. Football Video Games. Writer: Ganapathi Rao Kommanapalli. Simulate football matches with your favourite teams and players with the newly-introduced International Challenge Mode. Edit Did You Know? External Sites. Download for Windows. Edit page. Audible Download Audio Books.
For many years, the football computer game Pro Evolution Soccer has played second fiddle to EA Note to self: don't read the comments.
Video: Pes 2015 opiniones donald highlights pes 2015 demo preview pc
There was one moment during my time with it that I knew that old PES sparkle was back, and it wasn't a sumptuous strike or a slick piece of.
Game review: Pro Evolution Soccer – Fifa rival is more realistic than ever, Don't expect stellar battery life with the Blade 15, though it is vastly improved .
Yes No Report this.
Pros: the settings of the game. Emma Clark December 3 AM.
You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Animations are slicker and the game has a very rounded feel which seems smoother than FIFA. User Ratings.
Iphone auto off timer
|You should check out the challenge-based Training section of the demo to get hands-on coaching on the new controls within PES Rate This. See how different players Official Sites. Photos Add Image Add an image Do you have any images for this title?
CONS Off-the-ball controls are very fiddly.
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domain: game


Program To Connect Jobs With People In Recovery Launches With 250 Active Participants (And Counting)
State leaders — including Gov. Jim Justice — gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the Putnam County Career and Technical Center to unveil a new initiative that combines free substance abuse treatment with free job training.
The so-called Jobs and Hope program brings together state departments dealing with addiction and workforce issues to tackle barriers faced by those recovering from substance disorder as they look for employment.
West Virginia faces both high levels of unemployment and high levels of substance use-related deaths.
In 2017, West Virginia had a rate of nearly 49.6 fatal overdoses per 100,000 people, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That’s more than three times the national rate that year of 14.6 deaths.
The state also has consistently held the lowest workforce participation rate in the country. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports West Virginia was hovering around 55 percent in August.
Since July, Jobs and Hope has hired 12 transition agents to assist all 55 counties. The agents are tasked with helping participants overcome barriers keeping them from meaningful employment. Obstacles can include a lack of reliable transportation, childcare needs, health concerns, revoked driver’s licenses and unfinished education.
Deb Harris, the program’s lead transition agent said she hopes the program will help reduce another barrier people in recovery often face — stigma.
“Statewide, we’ve done a better job of offering treatment resources and recovery home resources to individuals that need treatment,” Harris said. “The problem is when they’re done with treatment, they have little to no options for career employment or training.”
So far, Harris says the program has received approximately 380 referrals. About 250 people have already met with transition agents to develop short-term and long-term work-related goals.
“I think giving individuals the tools they need to overcome things is really empowering,” Harris said. “It really makes all the things they’ve gone to an asset to them, [and it makes them] more employable.”
Harris says she hopes to see 12 to 14 more agents hired in January. The program receives referrals from recovery partners, workforce offices, the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and self referrals.
According to the Governor's Office, the West Virginia Legislature in 2019 agreed to provide nearly $30 million toward the program’s first year. The funding is used to support transition agents, participating career and technical centers and other state-run locations offering job training, like the West Virginia National Guard.
When lawmakers passed legislation supporting the initiative, it was still associated with the name "Jim’s Dream," a reference to Justice’s goals outlined in his 2019 State of the State address.
“If you're the governor, or if you’re an elected official, you can’t use your name on stuff,” Justice said Tuesday. “It started out as ‘Jim’s Dream,’ and I guess it evolved to Jobs and Hope because you couldn’t put my name on it. But I want to tell you this — it is a dream. It’s a dream that somebody had to have.”
Other attendees at the unveiling event on Tuesday included both Democratic and Republican members of the Legislature whose support helped create Jobs and Hope, leaders of the state departments of Education, Workforce Development and Health and Human Resources, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer with the West Virginia National Guard and students of the Putnam County Career and Technical Center.
To learn more about the Jobs and Hope initiative and to find a local transition agent, information is available at jobsandhope.wv.gov.
Emily Allen is a Report for America corps member.


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Petitioners' counsel Qurban Mallano said that his clients had not received the court notice over the incidents of dog bite in their constituencies.
Omar Saeed Shaikh and his accomplices should be punished over the abduction and murder of Daniel Pearl, they demanded.
The top court acquitted Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the principal accused in the murder case
Federal and Sindh governments on Thursday agreed to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its verdict in the Daniel Pearl murder case.
Three petitions have been separately filed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, his wife Cerina Isa and Pakistan Bar Council in the Supreme Court (SC).
The PBC will file review petition over the apex court's decision to send the issue of the properties of wife and children of Justice Faez Isa to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Vice Chairman PBC Abid Saqi said.
"Evidence were not properly reviewed before announcement of judgment", the plea reads.
The federal government has sought formation of a larger bench by the apex court and in-camera hearing.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan Swati on Monday hinted that the federal government may file a review petition with the apex court against its verdict in a case pertaining to the extension of Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.


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After a decade of ups and downs, dance troupe Aurora marches front and center – Chicago Tribune
When Martin Luna-Espinoza arrived in downtown Aurora on Sunday morning to set up for the city’s Pride Parade, he was surprised — perhaps more shocked — to learn that his dance troupe kicked off the show.
Because the kids he started Simply Destinee with ten years ago have now graduated, the majority of the dancers are new, he told me, and were more than a little excited. to secure such first place in the prestigious – and this year, controversial – parade.
“I told them, don’t get used to it,” Luna-Espinoza recalls, looking back on the many obstacles this group has faced over the years, including the time he and now-husband partner Jose Espinoza had to sleep in their van to keep the studio doors open.
“Sometimes,” he reminded the young marchers, “you’ll have to be backwards in these parades.”
But even if Simply Destinee isn’t always front and center in the public eye, there’s no doubt that the band’s feet are firmly planted in the Aurora community. Not only did his dance troupe get to kick off the Pride Parade, Jose and Martin Luna-Espinoza were honored by the City of Aurora in the first ever Pride Flag Raising Ceremony for their commitment to helping marginalized children emerge from the shadows and find their place.
I first met Martin Luna-Espinoza, a former JCPenney photographer, in October 2013 with a 16-year-old East Aurora High School student named Oscar, who had just been discharged hours earlier from the hospital after was severely beaten by the police. were investigating a hate crime.
The teenager, his face shattered, swollen and bruised, had no place to go but the studio of Simply Destinee which, created in memory of Luna-Espinoza’s teenage niece who had committed suicide, had become a safe haven for children struggling with bullying and depression. .
I remember many tears during this interview, not just from this physically and emotionally damaged gay teenager, but also from Luna-Espinoza, who despite abandoning his apartment and sleeping in his van in order to be able to afford space on Highland Avenue, didn’t have the money for that month’s rent at the facility.
He knew his dream of helping so many injured young people was in jeopardy.
But one thing Luna-Espinoza has in addition to a lot of passion and compassion is tenacity. After that first column aired, the band was able to move to a much bigger and better studio on the second floor of the Leland Tower in downtown Aurora, where the kids spent a lot of their time and sweat renovating. of this historical space.
Then, eight months after celebrating this new home with a big Thanksgiving feast, Luna-Espinoza hit a new low: while burying his beloved mother, Simply Destinee had two days to find another site. , because the new owner of the building needed this second floor for other purposes.
Because the group had become better known, largely through partnerships with other youth groups and community leaders who recognized the importance of this work, Simply Destinee was able to relocate again, this time to a more small part of the old Keystone building. .
Yet as Simply Destinee’s numbers and profile continued to grow — he even auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” — it became increasingly difficult to keep up with the costs.
In 2015, with over 100 children and a waiting list, community leaders continued to offer their support to the dance troupe, whether through contributions, networking or fundraising efforts. There has even been talk of merging with more established nonprofits. But Luna-Espinoza, along with co-founder Liza Oliva, Destinee’s mother, were convinced that any merger would “lose that personal touch” that the group prided itself on offering children.
Simply Destinee really turned out to be special.
Rena Church, retired executive director of the Aurora Public Art Commission, calls it “one of the best nonprofits in the community” because its leaders are “really genuine,” she said. . Moreover, not only are they “about as open and honest as possible” because there are no egos or hidden agendas, “they want to learn to work together” with others, which is not That’s not always the case in the nonprofit world. .
“Martin and Jose make it so easy to love them,” she said, adding that a lot of what they’ve been able to accomplish has been because “they did it from their own pocket”.
And so, Simply Destinee Youth Center and Dance Team – now its full title and located on the lower level of the Legal Arts Building at 122 W. Downer Place, continued its march, keeping the doors open and expanding after-school programs – currently in 14 schools – that combine social/emotional learning with dance.
By the way, the band does more than just get the kids moving to the beat of the music. Simply Destinee also offers cooking classes, sewing, car maintenance and ways to earn extra money on the side, which has become especially important during COVID and as the economy has slowed because “a lot of our families,” Luna-Espinoza noted, “struggles to earn that extra dollar.
Although the pandemic has reduced the number of members, the number is starting to climb again, he says, adding that, more than ever, he and other advisers are concerned about “lack of motivation” in children who “seem s ‘being disinterested in things’ since the pandemic.
On the positive side, Luna-Espinoza noted, the fallout from the pandemic has helped reduce the stigma around mental health because, as people find themselves dealing with more of these issues within their own families, they become more vulnerable. are increasingly involved in education and awareness.
Similarly, he continued, the gay community has also made huge strides, certainly compared to his experiences as a teenager when he felt he was leading a secret life until he took a course. sponsored by the church who “really helped me” with his identity.
For example, Luna-Espinoza quickly ticked off how all schools now have gay/straight alliances, more and more LGBTQ restaurants are becoming mainstream, and there are even local drag queen shows “attracting young, old, straight and gays who a few years ago you would have had to go to Chicago to see.
He credits a small but determined group of local Pride leaders with their efforts to move that community towards a “different feel to the conversation”.
According to Luna-Espinoza, the Simply Destinee roller coaster is reminiscent of the Aurora’s Pride movement, which suffered a backlash this year after the city pulled its float from the parade in response to the Pride committee asking police officers not to not wear a uniform when marching in the parade. .
The event was briefly canceled due to lack of security until triple overtime pay was offered to the cops. Which, according to Luna-Espinoza, made Sunday’s event all the “bigger and better” as fans knew how close it was to not happening.
“There’s more joy,” he said, referring to both Simply Destinee and the parade, “when you take steps back but keep moving forward.”


text:
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.
Flehite museum in Amersfoort, Netherlands by Bolidt
February 6th, 2014 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Bolidt
The Flehite Museum, although modest in floor area, treats its visitors to magnificent historical and contemporary works of art. In Amersfoort, Flehite is a big name, but despite this fame, the museum remains true to its setting: everything it presents through its permanent displays and changing exhibitions is dedicated to the (art) history of Amersfoort. A city, which is celebrating its 750th anniversary this year! Opposite the museum building is the Mannenzaal (Men’s Ward), the only remains of a late medieval hospital in the Netherlands, where the sick and elderly were cared for. It now is a prominent part of the Flehite where changing special exhibitions can be visited.
The architectural firm Jonkman Klinkhamer could hardly wait to start working on the extensive renovation of the Amersfoort museum in 2008 and 2009. Not wanting to throw out the baby with the bathwater, the architects preserved much of the original architecture. The real architectural art was in combining this with modern technology. For one of the exceptional ideas to achieve this, Jonkman Klinkhamer could bring a recent memorable, very positive experience to the task.
During the extension of the ‘Melkweg’, one of the leading pop venues in the Netherlands, the architectural firm managed to realize an unusual floor design. Although, strictly speaking, it was Bolidt that managed to realize this by somewhat going against the ‘nature’ of museum flooring. Jonkman Klinkhamer were so pleasantly surprised by the remarkable result that they enthusiastically and with full conviction called in Bolidt once more to create such flooring at the Flehite museum.
The secret lies in applying the industrial Bolidtop® 500, which is rarely if ever used for aesthetic flooring applications in museums. The Bolidtop® 525 is a popular flooring system for this purpose. But Jonkman Klinkhamer prefers the special dark, high-gloss Bolidtop® 500 finish, which naturally develops a playful, dynamic scratch pattern. It looks like anthracite-coloured natural stone; its high gloss gradually dulls somewhat from the edges towards the centre.
A perfect fit for the Flehite museum. The overall result is breathtaking. An additional advantage is that the museum is much quieter and more comfortable now. The former wooden floor produced disturbing noise, but with the new Bolidt floor, this problem has been completely eliminated.

domain: artistic


Bobcat Trail 3
A capable mountain bike with trail geometry build for exploration
Mainland UK shipping is FREE on bike orders over £500, bikes are prebuilt but need to be inspected before shipping we aim to ship orders upgraded to Express delivery if placed before 12:00 that someday, we typically ship orders using Standard delivery within two buisness days.
Sadly, we're no longer able to ship bikes to remote UK regions – orders placed in these regions will be cancelled as we cannot fulfil them.
Please see our Shipping Policy for further information.
Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc
Bobcat Trail 3 Description
The Marin Bobcat Trail 3 is a capable mountain bike with modern trail geometry build for exploring singletrack trail systems. Best-in-class frames and solid, serviceable spec make the Bobcat Trail a solid choice for the recreational rider looking to step up to modern geo and step deeper into mountain biking, and for the experienced rider in search of an update that doesn’t break the bank.
Series 2 Aluminum Frame
The Bobcat Trail has a Series 2 6061 butted and hydroformed aluminium frame with a 120mm travel suspension fork and 27.5” or 29” wheels depending on size and preference.
29” or 27.5” Wheels
The Bobcat Trail has a growing wheel size strategy for the best fit and performance with the choice of 27.5” or 29” platforms on the size Medium, 27.5” wheels on sizes XS and S, and 29” wheels on sizes L, XL, and XXL.
All Bobcat Trail models feature Marin Trail geometry, featuring a long-ish reach, low standover, slack head tube, and steep seat tube angles, giving riders confidence and predictable handling to have a blast on the trail.
Fastback Seatstay Design
Fastback seat stays add vertical compliance without sacrificing power transfer, and feature rack mounts for extended trail adventures.
Frame: Series 2 6061 Aluminum
Fork: SR Suntour XCM HLO, 120mm
Rims: Marin Aluminum Double Wall
Hubs: Forged Alloy
Tyres: MTB, 27.5/29 x 2.25/35”
Shifters: microSHIFT TS39 Thumb-Tap
Front Mech: Shimano Altus
Rear Mech: Shimano Altus
Cassette: SunRace, 11-34T
Chainset: Alloy Crank, 36/22T
Brakes: Series 2 6061 Aluminum
Pedals: Nylon Pedals
Saddle: Marin MTB
Stem: Marin Alloy
Seatpost: Marin Alloy
Bars: Marin 31.8 Riser
Note: Specifications correct at time of entry, but are subject to change without notice.
Marin Size Guide
|Frame Size||Rider Height|
|XS||146 - 157 cm||4'10" - 5'2"|
|Small||157 - 165 cm||5'2" - 5'5"|
|Medium (27.5)||165 - 173 cm||5'5" - 5'8"|
|Medium (29)||168 - 175 cm||5'6" - 5'9"|
|Large||175 - 183 cm||5'9" - 6'0"|
|XL||183 - 191 cm||6'0" - 6'3"|


text:
A woman from Cambridge has been left devastated as her hopes of becoming a mother appear further and further away.
Robyne Toseland, 36, of Cambridge longs for a child but a fatal blood clot when she was just 23 has caused problems for the would-be mum.
It's now been 13 years since Robyne was in hospital and her family were told to "prepare for the worst" and the impacts are still felt today.
The 36-year-old has had multiple blood clots over the years leaving scarring on her lungs.
She and her husband Carl, 37, a police station custody officer, have been given the crushing news that this scaring means pregnancy could kill Robyne.
The pair's dreams of a big family has unravelled as Robyn said: “I always assumed I would get married then have kids, but it’s very unlikely that me and Carl will be able to have a baby now.
“The high pressure in my lungs caused by the clots makes pregnancy very dangerous for me, which is absolutely devastating.”
But her first blood clot remains the most shocking, as it was so serious, she was left in intensive care, fighting for her life.
She said: “My husband and mum were told to prepare for the worst. They didn’t think I was going to make it.
“I was put on blood-thinning medication and was covered in heart monitors. It was a very surreal experience.”
Luckily, the treatment worked and Robyne’s blood clot was broken down into scar tissue. Two weeks later, she was allowed to return home.
She said: “They still weren’t sure of the cause, but at the time doctors thought it could be due to the contraceptive pill I was taking.
“When I left hospital, they warned me that it would take a long time to recover, but nothing could prepare me for the reality of that.”
She added: “I imagined it would be a couple of months, but my recovery has taken over my whole life ever since.”
Despite returning home, the effects of the blood clot continue to have an impact on Robyne’s health.
She said: “It left scarring on my lungs and I still struggle with the breathlessness.”
She added: “I’ve had multiple blood clots on my lungs since. It’s become a part of my life that I have had no choice but to accept.
“In 2011, I had a retroperitoneal haemorrhage – an accumulation of blood in the retroperitoneal space at the back of the abdomen.
“I lost six pints of blood into my abdomen, which medics think was because of the blood-thinning medication.”
She added: “After multiple blood transfusions, I was taken off those meds because they decided the risks outweighed the benefits.”
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Since then, Robyne has been hospitalised repeatedly due to health problems, the most recent time being in March 2021, when she had pneumonia.
She said: “It has started to affect my whole body. It even stopped my bowel from working properly, as the blood compressed on the nerves, so I now have a stoma bag to collect my waste.”
She added: “The issue is that as soon as I get an infection, my lungs cannot cope.
“When I was younger, doctors had considered that the contraceptive pill might be a cause factor, but I haven’t taken that for years, so it has now been ruled out.
“I was unclear on what the cause of my chronic blood clots was for years but now doctors think it could be down to antiphospholipid syndrome, which is an immune system disorder.”
Not only have the clots damaged Robyne’s health, but they have had a negative impact on many other aspects of her life – leaving her unable to work or have children.
She said: “I would love to be a mum, but doctors have told me that I would likely die if I fell pregnant, which is just devastating to hear.
“There is too much pressure in my lungs, as a result of the clots, and they say it’s likely they would fail under the strain of pregnancy.”
She added: “There are alternative options, but I’m not eligible to adopt due to my health and surrogacy is very difficult.
“I’m holding out hope that one day the doctors might change their minds on how risky it is for me to get pregnant, but until then, I’ve just become an aunt to a beautiful little nephew, which is lovely.”
Now, Robyne hopes that by speaking out, she will raise awareness of blood clots and the fact they can strike at any age.
She said: “This is part of my life now and I know a lot of people are going through similar experiences, but I don’t think there is enough awareness among the general public of just how serious blood clots are.
“I’m really passionate about raising awareness because I just don’t want people to go through anything similar.
“I’m grateful that I’m still alive, but the blood clots really have destroyed my life in a lot of ways. I don’t want other people to suffer a similar fate.”
Consultant Venous Surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic, Professor Mark Whiteley, warned that blood clots can affect anyone.
He said: “When a blood clot is formed in the body, it is to prevent you from bleeding too much, however, sometimes a blood clot can form in an artery or a vein with no obvious cause.
“Blood clots can affect anyone at any age, but there are certain risk factors – such as surgery and hospitalisation, pregnancy, family history and certain types of cancer treatments.”
“If the diagnosis is delayed or left untreated, the clot can cause scar tissue or break off and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart or brain, which can prove fatal.”
Thrombosis remains a major cause of death in the UK, yet many people have little or no understanding of the causes and effects of thrombosis, and how it can be prevented.
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Georgia has become a popular destination for filmmakers, including those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With its diverse landscapes and attractive tax incentives, Georgia has served as the backdrop for several Marvel movies. Let’s take a closer look at which Marvel movies have been filmed in Georgia:
The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers, the movie that brought together Earth’s mightiest heroes, was partially filmed in Georgia. The iconic Battle of New York scenes were shot in downtown Cleveland, which was transformed into the bustling streets of Manhattan.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
In Captain America: Civil War, tensions rise within the Avengers team, leading to an epic showdown. The film extensively utilized Atlanta as a stand-in for various locations across the globe. Many action-packed sequences were filmed in Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther, the groundbreaking film that introduced us to Wakanda and King T’Challa, had significant portions filmed in Georgia. Pinewood Studios Atlanta played a crucial role in bringing this vibrant and technologically advanced nation to life.
Ant-Man and Ant-Man and The Wasp
Ant-Man (2015) and its sequel Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) showcased the adventures of Scott Lang as he shrinks down to become Ant-Man. Both films extensively used various locations around Atlanta, including Peachtree Street and the former Georgia Archives Building.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier, one of Marvel’s most critically acclaimed movies, also had scenes filmed in Georgia. The film made use of Atlanta’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Washington Street, doubling as downtown Washington D.C.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.
2 took moviegoers on another thrilling adventure with Star-Lord and his misfit crew. The film utilized Pinewood Studios Atlanta to bring to life various intergalactic worlds and spaceships.
Georgia has undoubtedly become a significant filming location for Marvel movies. Its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities have provided the perfect backdrop for these superhero stories to come alive. With its attractive tax incentives, we can expect many more Marvel adventures to be filmed in Georgia in the future.
So, keep an eye out for those familiar Georgia settings next time you watch your favorite Marvel movies!


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Los Altos’ State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria owner Lars Smith is perfecting his recipes before he jets off to Parma, Italy, to compete in the World Pizza Championship, according to his father, Jim.
After winning first place at the United States Pizza Team’s competition in Cleveland in November, Smith qualified to compete alongside 18 other members of the U.S. team for the world title in Parma. The event is scheduled Thursday through April 11.
According to a press release from the U.S. Pizza Team, a number of veterans of the competition in the “Food Valley of Italy” will bring their skills, as well as rookies like Smith. This year’s team is one of the largest the U.S. has fielded.
The U.S. Pizza Team competes in various “trials” across the country in advance of the World Pizza Championship. The trials, the team’s press release stated, are designed to mimic the Italian event to prepare competitors in events such as Pizza Classica, Pizza in the Pan, Pizza on the Peel, Gluten-Free, Neapolitan and 50 other categories.
Other competitors traveling to Italy who hail from California include Ali Haider of 786° in Sun Valley, Constantino and Peter Anezinos of Zorba’s Pizza in Millbrae, Leah Scurto of Pizza Leah in Healdsburg, Michael Stevens of Palo Mesa Pizza in Arroyo Grande and Michael Athanasopoulos of The Lamb & The Wolf in Rockville.
For more information on the World Pizza Championship and to follow the U.S. team, visit uspizzateam.com.

domain: geography


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I have never really been a fan of Rosie O nor have I particularly liked Donald Trump... however he fascinates me and he does say/do some good things and you gotta hand it to him.... he makes shitloads of mooolah!
I was heartbroken when I heard that she was joining The View. I didn't think she was the right mix for the show and then when all the crap went down with Star Jones... and Barbara choosing Rosie over Star... well then I really got to paying attention. Not because I like them... but because I wanted to see the fur fly when the time came. The whole time Rosie has been on the show, she has caused problems with the cute little blonde and then last week I saw a blip where she peeved Barbara off over some comments concerning Barbara's lifestyle and luxury apartment. Now, she's tackling Donald.
Who does she think she is? She thinks that she is over and above everyone... and to even think she can tango with him is assinine. I hope he chews her up and spits her out. I watched the video on CNN this morning and heard it all over the radio... the slams that each of them were making. He made some good points. She was out of line to say what she said on the show about any bankrupcy and about his appearance.. and to attack him personally was uncalled for very unprofessional.
Did she really expect him not to come back at her personally? Her show was a flop and she isnt a pretty person at all. Inside or out. Anyone who would attack like she does (and not just him) isn't a nice person...
He can be very cutting also. I've watched many many many of The Apprentice, but he is by far more professional than she ever dreamed of!

domain: entertainment


You’re the man!I would climb under there and look/feel around. It's purely a mechanical linkage. If I remember correctly, it's just a rod that connects to the shift lever, then it goes back, over the top of the transfer case, where it connects to to an arm on the transfer case. There should be a bit of rotational slop. If there isn't, something's seized.
Here's the story, can't shift to 4low....have pulled on that lever with everything I've got. Freed the shifter by removing the 4 bolts that attache it to the transmission housing. Was able to determine that the arm pivots and the pin on the front portion of the linkage right under the shifter...forum.ih8mud.com
That's going to be fun...
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Mumbai, April 14, 2020: The founders of TFAC (Theatre for a Cause), Vandana Munjal, Radhika Bharatram and Ritu Rae Chandra with social good at the heart of everything it does, steps up yet again to supplement the efforts of the Government, NGOs, Corporates and individuals alike in ensuring that the daily wage earners with Theatre for a Cause (TFAC). People who have lost their livelihood due to the lockdown are served food; while at the same time, spread hope and positivity.
Music has a universal appeal. In keeping with this belief, TFAC has started a campaign, titled ‘SING FOR A CAUSE’ on social media platforms, namely Facebook and Instagram asking individuals to record a 30-second video singing any ABBA (a world-famous pop group in the 1970s) song. For every clip that the TFAC team received till April 14, 2020, they gifted a meal to 20 people. For this purpose, TFAC has collaborated with two NGOs in the city, The Blind Relief Association, Delhi, which has been serving the visually impaired since 1944 and Uday Foundation that works with the urban poor through various outreach programs. The campus kitchen at The Blind Relief Association, Delhi, is being used to hygienically cook the meals and the responsibility of distributing the food has been shouldered by the team of Uday Foundation.
The campaign has received tremendous response. In one week since the start of the campaign, TFAC team has received songs from more than one hundred people of various nationalities, from across five continents, all speaking the common language of music and love. TFAC aims to gift 4000 meals to the homeless affected by Delhi’s lockdown through this campaign. The founders of TFAC, Vandana Munjal, Radhika Bharatram and Ritu Rae Chandra said, “The amazing outpouring of support from around the world has not only humbled us but has also encouraged us to do much more. Music, Dance and Theatre, as we firmly believe transcend borders and can be a beacon for hope and positivity especially in troubled times like these!”
Witness the power of music.

domain: sociology


Northamptonshire head coach David Ripley has admitted that he is glad Trent Copeland is getting the rewards his bowling deserves.
The Australian, who signed on a short-term deal in the off-season, took his second five-wicket haul of the game at Canterbury as Kent were condemned to a seven-wicket defeat inside three days.
It was the visitors’ third win on the bounce - they have already enjoyed more victories than during the whole 2012 campaign - and it keeps them on top of the second division standings.
And it was Copeland, adding 5-42 to his 5-71 from the first innings to complete match figures of 10-113, who dominated proceedings, much to Ripley’s delight.
He said: “All along he’s provided undoubted quality and it was a travesty that he was taking his wickets at a quite high cost before this game.
“He’s created pressure for others and the number of overs he bowls has been great for the side and it was good that he finally got something to show for it.”
The only black mark, if it can be described as that given the results, is the lack of form being shown by a few of the top six.
Stephen Peters aside, they have delivered a solitary half-century in the four games - Alex Wakely’s 88 at Bristol last week - but Ripley isn’t worried.
He continued: “It is April in England and if we’re bowling sides out for 200 then you’ve got to expect that our lads will also get nicked off.
“It doesn’t happen that everyone is quickly out of the blocks and I’m sure they’ll start to contribute when we need them to.”


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The Sleaford Business Improvement District will cease to exist by October and will now start winding up its operations. From then its night-time patrols will cease and CCTV cameras it pays for may no longer operate. The head of the BID, Emma Batty is disappointed traders voted to get rid of it.
Sleaford could lose some of its nightly security patrols and some CCTV cameras after businesses voted to get rid of the town's Business Improvement District. The BID failed to get support to carry on with its work for a further five years.

domain: economics


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Send a greeting depicting an original cat painting.
About the artist
Sylvia Gerrard was born in Essex, England. She studied graphics and fabric design at Camberwell Art School in London before taking up painting. Besides creating charming artworks, she is skilled at sewing and embroidery and enjoys gardening. She shares a great love for reading and opera with her Scottish-born husband who is a retired librarian.
Since 1970, Sylvia’s work has appeared in numerous art exhibitions in England and Europe as well as in the United States. The paint Sylvia uses is gouache, an opaque watercolor.
The painting of Prue, the cat in the basket, was one of a series devoted to cats which was reproduced in the 1980s on greeting cards in England. Sylvia’s painting of Spot (below) captures the likeness of a well-loved American cat owned by a relative of the owner of Cat’s in the Kitchen. Spot’s pose became the inspiration for the store logo (see our logo merchandise).


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Sept 9, 2007
Author: Gabriele Steindl
A lot is being written these days about Brazil: this mind-blowing country with lovely people, incredible nature, and perfect conditions for kitesurfing. Most articles, however, cover northeast Brazil only, namely the state of Ceará and sometimes a bit further south to the state of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba.
Having visited and kited the spots along the northeast coast for the past three years, I decided to check out some new kite-grounds and head down south to the island of Florianópolis, the capital of the state Santa Catarina. With an area the size of Maine and a population similar to that of Norway, the state of Santa Catarina is a land with distinct esthetics: mountain ranges contrast with the coastline, punctuated with beaches, bays and inlets and dozens of islands. In terms of architecture, cities such as Blumenau and Joinville have retained the same typical building style from the time the first immigrants colonized the state, contrasting with the capital, Florianópolis, a young-and-modern paradise.
Florianópolis, with an estimated population of 360,000, is considered Brazilian’s “best capital for living” as violence and poverty levels are reduced. Blonde children with blue eyes and a strong regional accent make you wonder, Am I really in Brazil? Florianópolis also has 42 beaches around the island each diverse, an international airport, different hotel chains, and plenty of restaurants and bars. Three bridges link the island to mainland Brazil—the locals refer to it as “the continent.” In spite of the modern development, Florianópolis kept its old traditions and habits and fascinates by its variety of nature and entertainment possibilities. Floripa, as the city is known locally, is widely recognized as the surf capital or the “Hawaii of Brazil” and renowned for year-round consistent swell, diversity of breaks and crystal-clear water catering to all surf abilities. Santa Catarina is also host to the annual and only WCT Surfing World Cup stop in Brazil.
The different faces of the island are impressive: northern beach resorts Jurerê, Daniela, Canasvieiras, Brava and Ingleses are touristic and get very busy during the summer. Eastern beaches like Joaquina, Mole and Moçambique, are among the best surfing beaches and popular with young people. Beaches heading south include Campeche, Armação and Morro das Pedras, which are all very beautiful with a rustic charm and awesome waves. Isolated and unspoiled beaches, like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados are at the southern end of the island and can only be reached by trail. The Conceição lagoon is a famous natural attraction, and the centrepiece of the island—sports, cuisine and entertainment are first class. Peri lagoon is quieter and great for nature walks.
Cultural highlights are the maritime forts, Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim and São José da Ponta Grossa, archeological sites and Azorean villages, which are windows into the vibrant culture and history of this European island people. The city centre is pleasant and can be explored by foot.
Home of windsurf world champion Kauli Seadi, Florianópolis is the perfect place for any sport involving wind and water. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that kitesurfing is growing at a fast pace with constant winds from all quadrants and water around. The island offers a diversity of conditions from shallow lagoons to waves of all sizes, or you might want to test your endurance by going around the island. A number of kite schools have established themselves around Floripa and you can find everything you need in terms of equipment and instruction on the island.
It’s a year-round kitesurfing destination, however, don’t expect anything like the wind statistics from up north (April-December almost 100 per cent), assume an average of three-to-four days of wind per week. Brazilian spring occurs September-December and is the best time to come, with stronger wind (usually kites 7–12 m2) and more reliable in terms of wind probability. Winter brings big swell often related to strong south wind (perfect for most wave spots), requiring you to fly kites 9-16 m2. In autumn (our winter) the wind is weaker and blowing from the north-northeast, ideal for kites 9-16 m2. The winter (our summer) is Floripa’s weakest wind time of the year, and when you’ll require 12-16 m2 kites. Despite these seasonal guidelines, the predominating wind directions are north-northeast and south-southeast and are moderate-to-strong in nature. Therefore, bring all your kites as climatic conditions are unpredictable and can vary.
Climate and water temperature
Florianópolis has a subtropical climate with rainfall well distributed throughout the year. Summer (our winter) has the highest rainfall and quick showers as well as thunderstorms, all of which are common at the end of hot days.
Cold fronts coming from the southern Atlantic and Antarctica bring rain to the region. These can be followed by days of strong southern winds, which clear the sky and the sea but can cause the temperature to drop. Therefore, bring a rain jacket, long trousers and a warmer jumper.
Contrary to the popular kitesurfing states up north (like Ceará, Paraiba, etc.), the water in the south of Brazil is way cooler and you will need a wetsuit. It’s amazing how fast the temperature can change from one day to the next, depending on swell, wind direction and time of year. Some days you’ll freeze your ass off in a shorty, the next the same shorty will be more than sufficient. So bring all you’ve got plus Lycra and boardshorts for the lagoon.
Getting around Florianópolis
Having a car is of big advantage for getting around the island. Renting a motorbike and having all your gear mounted somehow is another option. There’s also a decent bus network around the island however, there are no bus stops at the best kitesurfing spots. Hitchhiking is safe and a common way of getting around Floripa.
Florianópolis is served by Hercílio Luz International Airport for both domestic and international flights. All major Brazilian airlines fly there with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as the main hubs.
The prices can vary according to the time period and promotions. GOL Airlines operate flights similar to companies like Easy Jet in Europe and Northwest in the U.S., offering cut-price airfares. Other major airlines like TAM and Varig also operate flights to Florianópolis.
Favoured by Mother Nature, Florianópolis is considered an outdoor gymnasium for extreme sports. Sand dunes, lagoons, waterfalls, hills—the options of outdoor activities are endless.
The nightlife in Floripa is amazing. You’ll find everything on the island from small bars and kiosks along beaches to vibrant samba clubs while others can choose to sip Caipirinhas at a low-key reggae bar. The main concentration of night clubs, bars and restaurants are in the city centre and Conceição lagoon. During the summer, the northern area offers a wide choice of nightlife venues. Live gigs are big in Floripa with international stars performing year round. During my stay, I had the pleasure of enjoying one of my greatest all-time favourites: Ben Harper, live!
In regards to accommodation, Floripa has it all: camping, bed and breakfasts, mid-range hotels, pure luxury houses and apartments to rent... you’ll find a huge selection around the island.
Lagoa da Conceição
The Lagoa da Conceição, a picturesque lagoon in the middle-easterly side of the island, is the main kitespot of Floripa. With 55 kilometres of clear waters, it’s a perfect kitesurf playground. The lagoon offers decent conditions regardless of the wind direction however, the wind is more consistent when coming from the north rather than the south.
Launching can be tricky as a number of launching spots are restricted due to the landscape and inaccessible private properties. The few spots that kiters are allowed to launch from are tiny and can get crowded, therefore launching from the water is common habit. Once you have your kite in air, you’re allowed to sail anywhere in the lagoon. The lagoon boasts several sandbanks, surrounded by waist-deep waters, perfect for beginners and practising tricks. Due to the difficult launch on land, most schooling is done from boats.
The “hotshot surf beach” of the island, Praia Mole is the place to be. I’ve never seen as many beautiful, sexy, bodies (girls and boys) on one single beach. The beach itself is stunning with lots of bars, live bands and great waves, which require east or southeast swell.
Kitesurfing is good with wind from the northeast and southeast, which enters side-shore. Unfortunately, due to the crowds on the beach, kiting Praia Mole is only an option when the sky is overcast or in the low tourist season as launching and landing is impossible on busy days.
Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore
Praia da Galheta
You can get to Praia da Galheta by an easy trail close to the rocks on the left side of Praia Mole. The beach is a preserved state beach and even more beautiful than Mole with way less people. The waves are consistent and hollow with both lefts and rights. Don’t be surprise if you see some people naked at Galheta beach, it’s a nudist zone, however an optional one, so don’t worry, you don’t have to take your clothes off to stroll or kite here.
Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore
Praia do Campeche
This is a beach with perfect waves; depending upon swell direction, hollow lefts and rights along a 3.5-kilometre stretch of pure beauty: super-fine white sand with a view of the gorgeous island Ilha do Campeche, approximately two kilometres out. Big swells from the south and southeast enter perfectly, especially during cold fronts with waves reaching up to three metres in height. Ideal beach for down winders with lots of places to launch and land.
Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore
Located on the northwest side of Florianópolis, Daniela beach has no waves. However, it offers excellent conditions with winds from the north-northeast and south that enter perfectly.
Wind: north-northeast or south entering side-onshore
The largest beach on the island. This is a 14-kilometre stretch, preserved with no buildings or commodities, provides a quiet, uncrowded place with powerful, tubular waves, both lefts and rights. The motto on Moçambique beach: Choose your spot and kite by yourself. The swell is east and southeast.
Wind: northeast or south entering side-offshore and side-onshore
Jurere / Canasvieras / Cachoeira
Beaches on the north-westerly side of the island. No waves. However, perfect kiting with wind from the northeast.
Wind: north-northeast entering side-onshore
Brava / Santhino / Ingleses
Alternative beaches that are rarely kitesurfed. Northeast and southeast wind enter nicely, allowing for good waves that require swell from the east. The waves are strong as Tom Carrol, a surfing legend and the first surfing millionaire after signing a contract with Quiksilver in 1989, broke a few boards rocking the waves here.
Wind: northeast and southeast winds entering side-onshore
Açores / Pantano do Sul
Fishing communities situated on the south side of the island, Praia Açores and Pantano do Sul are uncrowded and directly hit by cold fronts from the south ensuring strong and constant winds.
Wind: south entering side-onshore
Out of town
There is kitesurfing about 100 kilometres south of Florianópolis in the most beautiful countryside, rich in flora and fauna, with some of the best waves in Brazil. The main spot is Ibiraquera, close to the city of Garopaba, which is perfect for kiting with different conditions: glassy, clean and shallow-watered lagoon to nice shore break waves with side-shore wind. It’s a dream for kiting. The best swell is east and southeast and works best with wind from the northeast. When the waves kick in, there are many surfers in the water, however, the long, sandy beach is safe and offers enough space for everyone. You can get here either by bus from Floripa (they’re in good condition, cheap and secure) or rent a car. Either one it a good option. When coming to Florianópolis, a day or multi-day trip to Ibiraquera should be on your agenda.