text:
Man Wins Big with Thrift Store Find!
Posted on February 23, 2015
We recently reported on a thrift store sweater that brought a man $43,000. Another thrift store shopper in Arizona has also hit the jackpot.
Zach Norris of Pheonix, Arizona said he knew when he found a 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, it was a rare find. The Jaeger-LeCoultre company mane fewer that 1,000 of the same watch. He purchased it for $5.99. He would later sell it for $39,000.
Norris reported he had numerous offers on the watch, but after listing it on a collectors’ website, fetched the above total, giving him and his fiance money to plan for the wedding of their dreams. Not to be forgotten, Norris also donated part of the profits to charity.
You can do it too, Norris says. “Research everything. Jsut take your phone in there and if you see something that looks goofy, you haven’t seen it before, Google it. You never know.”
You can find the entire article as well as the television news piece here.
by signing up for our e-newsletter!


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Model T Magnetic Engine - 04/06/97
Recently, KeelyNet was provided with some anecdotal information that
linked John Keely to Henry Ford, Sr.. I have been holding off on posting what
was said because our contact offered to write the story up with as much detail
as he could provide. It is now almost two weeks since the conversation and
nothing has been forthcoming, so from a 'webtime' perspective, it is due.
Please understand this is just another intriguing 'spook story' at this point.
It is not being presented as fact, but as it was told to me and I thought
you'd also like to read about it.
The Model T used a hand-cranked magneto starting system to provide the spark
that exploded the gas to move the pistons. This is how a lawnmower produces
the spark needed to keep its engine running.
The flywheel as I understand it, had very strong magnets embedded in it. The
bell housing that surrounded the flywheel had coils of wire which would
produce a nasty high voltage spark when the flywheel rotated the magnetic
field past the coils. This spark is what ignited the gasoline in the
The magneto type starting system had to be hand cranked to get the motor
running, and the burning gasoline would keep it running once started.
When automobiles were first being developed, there was serious competition
between the various inventors vying to be first to market and in a big
The vested interests did not want automobiles because it would change their
world, requiring them to alter their business stance or adapt to a new world
where competition would run rampant. Competition means hard work to stay even
or get ahead of the pack, so life is easier when everything is crystallized
and fixed. The comfort zones were well established and would be maintained
any way they could.
The first year model Ts built by Ford had a special flywheel and housing that
was said to have been designed by John Worrell Keely and sold to Henry Ford.
Ford bought the design as a form of insurance because of all the harassment
he was getting from vested interests not wanting to see him succeed.
After 20,000 to 30,000 cars went out, Ford was threatened by oil and gas
interests trying to coerce him to shut down production. It was not made clear
who these forces were or why they were trying to put Ford out of business.
After the first year of manufacturing Model Ts, efforts were renewed to shut
Ford down. At this point, Ford then gave THEM an ultimatum, either leave he
and his family alone or he would send every Ford Model T owner a set of cow
magnets which fit in special slots that were cut into the bell housings on the
first year run of cars. This bell housing was cast into the engine block and
not a separate unit as on modern vehicles.
The flywheels were the hand cranked units having Vee magnets. They were
magnetos that when cranked, moved the magnets past a coil to produce a very
high voltage/current to spark the plugs. It produced a vicious spark.
Once the cow magnets were placed in the slots, the hand crank was turned and
the flywheel would spin on its own, generating up to 40 HP and completely self
You had to get the flywheel spinning to a minimum rpm before the magnetic
drive effect would take place.
Ford told his opponents that all Model T owners would then be running their
cars for FREE, not requiring any gasoline or other fuel. And that the
principle would be copied and applied to all machinery.
Once Ford's opposing forces verified the truth of this, they instantly ceased
all attempts at intimidating Ford and his company succeeded beyond their
My contact said there were three fellows who got wind of this story several
years ago. They secured a first-run Model T and found it did indeed have
strange slots on the bell housing. Magnets were inserted and when they
cranked it, the flywheel began to spin on its own.
Based on this initial verifying experiment, they eventually produced a 40hp
version which was self-running, using the same magneto system.
A demonstration was scheduled in a larger city and two of the men drove the
prototype to the demonstration, the third man was ill and could not attend.
The demonstration went off without a hitch and was enthusiastically received.
Plans and contacts were made for duplicating the prototype for further tests
that would be followed by marketing.
As the two men were driving home late that evening with their prototype, their
vehicle was run off the road.
The next day, their vehicle was found overturned, both bodies lying in a ditch
with their throats slit and the prototype was gone.
The third man who had been too ill to attend the demonstration packed up
everything and went into hiding.
Word is, this man is still alive, very paranoid, yet he has not given up on
the principle and has gone even further in his development of the principle.
I found several pages on the web which provide further insight into this
story. One in particular provides information indicating that Ford intended
the Model T to be run on ETHANOL, not gasoline, because it was a renewable
fuel. This could have been the bone of contention with the gas/oil companies.
Check out ETHANOL for
The original vehicle produced in 1903 was the Model A, of which about 1,700
were produced. Check out
MODEL A for first run details.
For a history of the car in question, check out Ford Model T
Various other files relating to Henry Fords life and the history of the Ford
Motor Company can be found at
Ford Bio 1,
Ford Bio 2,
yet another at Ford
and a puzzler called Did You Know?
There was another file that provided some details on the legal battles between
an inventor named Selden, who had patented the concept of the 'horseless
carriage' and thus had a hold on any motorcar. It is located at Ford History.
One final URL that was quite amusing and indicates that electric starters on
early automobiles were not in use until around 1920 is located at Hand Cranking.
Henry Ford Sr. was born July 30th, 1863 and died on April 7th, 1947. Keely
died in 1898. So there is a nearly a 40 year period when they could quite
possibly have known each other.
Ford did make trips to Manhattan and being of an inventive mind would have
heard of Keely, who was written up in many papers and magazines from 1872
until his death in 1898. It is not too much of a stretch to envision Ford
attending one or more of Keely's many public demonstrations (as did Tesla who
I have NO DOUBT copied much of Keely's discoveries using electric current
instead of mechanically produced vibrations, but that is another story soon to
Also note that many prominent businessmen and socialites were Keely sponsors
and supporters which would also have gotten the attention of the young Ford
since he was also trying to establish a business and would take any edge he
You are probably wondering how Keely could have come up with a self-sustaining
magnetic engine design since he worked primarily with acoustics. Quite simple
really, since his motors used acoustic forces to drive them, it follows that
the pattern is the same for any ALTERNATING energy flow, including
Here are two version of his motors, Keely
Motor 1 and Keely Motor 2.
The various claims for PMMs (perpetual motion machines), whether magnetic or
gravity driven, always require a restorative kick to keep it running. This
follows for the current Hamel device where he uses wobbling cones to restore
the rotational force.
A flywheel or weighted arm mounted on a horizontal shaft so that it rotates in
a vertical plane, will fall by the force of 'gravity' and inertia will push it
past the 180 degree point and up to about 270 plus degrees. At that point,
you have to use a 'kicker' to push it past the 360 degree point so that the
rotation will perpetuate.
Just like pushing someone in a swing, if you time your pushes just right, you
can drive them in ever higher arcs and eventually over the 360 mark.
Panasonic manufactures an ultrasonically driven motor that could provide a
template for a permanent magnet version and there is a patent for an
automobile engine which uses vibrating plates.
Years ago, back in the late 60s or early 70s, there was a fellow out in
Lubbock, Texas, who had a model car about 18 inches long. It had a very large
electrically driven tuning fork with linkages attached to the tines of the
Because it was electrically driven, it only used a 9 volt battery and the
inventor claimed you could use a 6 volt lantern battery to run your
automobile. The key was that it used the resonance of the fork to produce
high amplitude mechanical forces. That mechanical drive was diverted to the
wheels of the car. The guy never patented it because he was bought out by a
large oil company.
One other point about the Model T claim is the engine used a weighted
crankshaft, that was why the vehicles would vibrate from side to side due to
the inertial kick of the weight. I am also told that these engines could also
idle at very low rpms, something on the order of 100 or so revolutions per
This story is definitely out there but should be fairly easy to prove. We are
checking into it as much as we can with our limited resources.
Perhaps someone out there has access to a Model A or a Model T and can examine
the bell housings on these vehicles. At this point, I think the weighted
crankshaft would be necessary to the operation of the magnetic engine since it
would provide the restorative force.
If you have any more information about this, please either Email to KeelyNet or mail
hardcopies to KeelyNet
PO BOX 870716
Thanks for your assistance.
New PageCounter - as of April 6th, 1997

domain: history


text:
My First Adventure Sticker Book - English
5 to 8 Years , 32 Pages, Provokes thinking and imagination skills
A perfect sticker book to introduce budding artists to different fun Adventures. The book has cool 100+ colorful illustrated stickers for kids to have fun while learning. Letter and picture stickers help them develop their creativity, motor skills, and reasoning skills. The books of this series are ideal for pre-schoolers.

domain: library


text: Gr 3-6-Each of these titles covers a group of prehistoric creatures, with particular emphasis on one representative dinosaur. Opening with a brief scene in the present tense to introduce the creature and its world, the books then move into straightforward information about the animal and its relatives. In Stegosaurus, for example, only two other stegosaurs (Huayangosaurus and Kentrosaurus) are mentioned within the main narrative. However, full-page, full-color paintings introduce several other related species, along with captions and fact boxes that state where and when the creatures lived, but not necessarily their sizes. The texts are enthusiastic, with enough information to engage readers without overwhelming them. In each book, an appended two-page "family tree" gives a general look at classification. These titles work as effective, simple introductions to prehistoric animal groups.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.


text: Introducing the Men's Tie Scarf by Boyi Neckwear & Weaving Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality neckwear accessories based in China. Made with superior craftsmanship, this tie scarf is a versatile accessory designed to elevate any outfit. Crafted from premium materials, this tie scarf features a classic design that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're heading to a formal event or you simply want to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday attire, this scarf is the perfect choice. As a trusted factory for premium neckwear and accessories, Boyi Neckwear & Weaving Co., Ltd. is committed to delivering quality products that exceed expectations. With their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and style, this men's tie scarf is sure to become a staple in your wardrobe. So, whether you're looking for a new neckwear accessory or you want to add a touch of style to your outfit, the Men's Tie Scarf by Boyi Neckwear & Weaving Co., Ltd. is the perfect choice. Order yours today and experience the best in quality and style.

domain: design


text:
NFIB adds more claims to challenge of notice posting rule
by MBJ Staff
Published: January 16,2012
JACKSON — Ron Aldridge, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said the nation’s leading small-business association is adding new claims to its existing legal challenge to the National Labor Relations Board’s Notice Posting Rule, saying now that President Obama’s Jan. 4 “recess” appointments to the board violated the Constitution.
The complaint argues that the NLRB does not have the authority to enforce the poster rule because the board is operating without a legal quorum because the three appointments last week are not permissible under the law.
“Our members are disappointed and surprised by the President’s move to circumvent the Congressional appointment process by using an executive order to place new members on the NLRB,” Aldridge said.
“Over the past 12 months, the administration has shifted the NLRB from being a neutral arbiter between labor and employers and turned it into a government agency committed to propping up weak unions.”
NFIB’s lawsuit charges that the NLRB’s promulgation of the new rule is an overreach of its statutory authority under the National Labor Relations Act. The rule will impact all employers, including those with no history of NLRA violations. According to NLRB estimates, the rule will impact up to 6 million private-sector businesses around the country, the NFIB said.
The lawsuit asks the court to set aside the rule and declare that the NLRB’s action violates the NLRA.
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Top Posts & Pages
- Brandon man hauls in record 756-pound alligator
- Officials set hunting dates for birds; expands dove season by 20 days
- McDaniel delays decision on whether to appeal dismissal of lawsuit
- FLIPPING OUT — Flipping houses is popular in much of the country, but in Mississippi ...
- Is cotton looking too good? Farmers facing weaker prices
- More than a dozen school districts sue state over funding
- REVVING UP — Motorcars of Jackson is preparing to open its first-ever showroom on I-55
- Bryant issues executive order to establish Delta water task force
- Jackson to get C Spire's high-speed internet

domain: news


text:
Download Free Indie Music
Sometimes the best music are made by independent bands and singers. You can download the best indie music songs from this page for free.
WAPTRICK Indie Music singers and bands here: Fleet Foxes, Belle And Sebastian, The Smiths, Feist, Blonde Redhead, Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, Dent May, Happy Particles, Grizzly Bear, Franz Ferdinand, Travis, Death Cab for Cutie, Hot Chip
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Download the best Indie Music mp3 songs for free. Listen these mp3 songs on your Android, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and the remaining mobile phones.

domain: artistic


text:
My name is Olivia Wells and I came to Lamplighter because I thought it would be fun and a really great learning experience. I am a sophomore and this is my first year in Lamplighter. In Lamplighter I hope to make videos and possibly do some photography. I am on the track team, love to sing, and I love the outdoors. I have been in 8 musicals and was a lead role in 2 of them. I say Y'all a lot and I am a crazy person.
I hope you enjoy all the content I and the Lamplighter team produce!
Olivia Wells, Staff reporter
|Dec 15, 2018|| |
No Baked Cookie Dough Shop Replaces Orange Leaf (Story/Media)


KUALA LUMPUR: Former Perlis Mentri Besar Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh was sworn in as the new Dewan Negara president at its sitting here.
He takes over from Tan Sri Michael Chen whose term as senator ended in April.
Dr Abdul Hamid tendered his resignation as MP for Kangar on Thursday to assume his new post.
During a break on his first day on the job at the lobby of Parliament House, Dr Abdul Hamid recalled being asked 10 days ago if he would accept the post as Dewan Negara president.
He said the Deputy Prime Minister, after sensing the offer had taken him by surprise, gave him a day to think it over.
The next day, he said, he told Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that it would be an honour to assume the post.
“I am grateful and awed for the recognition because I do realise the relative importance the position has become, at this stage of transition in leadership,” he said.
Dr Abdul Hamid has three months to divest his interest in the corporate sector.
These include the chairmanship of public listed Amalgamated Industrial Steel Bhd and of Teknologi Tenaga Perlis Consortium Sdn Bhd.
Although the corporate sector was more financially rewarding than the Dewan Negara presidency, Dr Abdul Hamid said he did not regret the sacrifice.
One of the issues he hoped to tackle was to change the widely held misconception that the Dewan Negara was a mere rubber stamp which he believed was “not healthy for parliamentary democracy and for the nation.”
On his first day on the job, Dr Abdul Hamid said he immediately sensed the difference in the quality of debates in the Dewan Negara.
“There is less interjection and less posturing for political mileage, so substance comes through better,” he said. Penang-born Dr Abdul Hamid was a medical officer from 1975 to 1978.
He became Arau MP in 1982 to 1984 and was Dewan Rakyat deputy president from 1984 to1986 before becoming Perlis Mentri Besar, a post he held for 10 years.
In 1999, he became Kangar MP. Shortly after, he declared that he would not be standing in the next general election.


text:
Solar Parasol® Crimson Mandevilla (man-de-VILL-uh) is a gorgeous tropical perennial evergreen. It’s a member of the Mandevillas household of crops (previously Dipladenia). This woody, climbing, trailing vine hails from Brazil and is known as after Henry Mandeville, a British diplomat to Argentina within the 18th century.
Mandevillas additionally go by the frequent title Brazilian Jasmine. This explicit Mandeville is among the Suntory assortment that go by the commerce title Solar Parasol. These crops have big, very deeply saturated crimson, velvety blooms.
Caring Crimson Mandevilla Care
Dimension And Development
Crimson Mandevillas can develop to a size/peak of roughly 10′ or 15′ ft with a 2-foot unfold on the base. They’ve a average price of progress.
Flowering And Perfume
The flowers of this engaging tropical vine are 5 inches broad, tubular formed, and deep crimson.
The long-lasting blooms seem late within the spring and persist by way of mid-autumn. They transition into berries that aren’t edible or of decorative worth.
The leaves of this Mandeville are darkish inexperienced, shiny and enormous. They develop in nice profusion to create a thick, bushy, lush vine.
Mild And Temperature
These tropical vines are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. They want a minimal of 6 or 8 hours of vibrant daylight day by day.
Whereas they will survive in partial solar, full solar is greatest for plentiful bloom manufacturing.
Watering And Feeding
Preserve the soil barely moist always, however by no means enable it to be soggy. You also needs to take nice care to not let the soil dry out fully.
Be particularly cautious with container crops, which can dry out in a short time.
These crops should not drought tolerant and should die when unwatered throughout sizzling climate.
Test the soil often, and supply deep, gradual watering when the highest couple inches of soil are dry.
Keep away from overhead watering, as this may result in fungal infections of the stems and leaves.
To advertise vigorous progress and bloom, it’s best to present your plant with fertilizer each couple of weeks all through the rising season.
You’ll be able to present half doses of a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer bi-weekly, or apply time-released, granulated fertilizer early within the spring and once more mid-summer.
Soil And Transplanting
Soggy soil and compacted soil will kill Mandevillas. They want mild, ethereal soil that has been well-amended with an ample quantity of natural matter.
Grooming And Upkeep
Prune your Mandevillas often to take care of form and promote bushy progress. Present some assist (e.g., a panorama construction, fence, or trellis) that the vines can climb.
You might must information and connect the vines to the construction to coach them to develop up. In any other case, they are going to choose to ramble over the bottom.
You need to use this tendency to your benefit by planting your Mandevillas in a location that enables them to wander over a slope or retaining wall.
Propagating Solar Parasol Crimson Mandevilla?
Like all Mandevillas, Solar Parasol® might be grown from cuttings; nonetheless, doing so is strictly prohibited by the Plant Patent Act.
Mandevillas are inclined to undergo from fungal ailments, akin to:
- Botrytis Blight
- Fusarium Rot
These are often attributable to extreme moisture (e.g., overwatering or heavy rainfall) and chilly temperatures.
Signs embrace the next:
- Yellowing leaves
- Brown and tan lesions
- Spots on the leaves
- Leaf drop
- General failure to thrive
Forestall these issues by avoiding overhead watering and overwatering and offering mild, well-draining soil.
In case your Mandevillas contract a fungal an infection, prune away affected foliage utilizing very sharp, sterile shears.
Deal with the plant with broad-spectrum fungicide (e.g., Propiconazole, triadimefon, or Myclobutanil).
Defend the plant from extreme rainfall, and keep away from overwatering. Till the soil across the plant, amend it with contemporary, mild natural matter to assist enhance drainage and air circulation to the crops’ roots.
Is The Plant Thought of Poisonous Or Toxic To Individuals, Children, Or Pets?
Mandevillas, basically, are toxic if they’re ingested. As well as, their leaves comprise a milky sap that may irritate the pores and skin.
Solar Parasol Mandevilla is an interspecific hybrid, and like its relations, many elements of it are poisonous to individuals and animals.
So plant your Mandevillas in an space shielded from meddling by curious youngsters and pets.
Is The Plant Thought of Invasive?
Mandevillas, basically, should not thought-about invasive. They don’t have adventurous roots and don’t self-seed enthusiastically.
Instructed Makes use of For Solar Parasol Mandevillas
Crimson Mandevillas are a superb alternative for a pollinator backyard and delightful addition to a tropical backyard or a cottage backyard because it’s deer resistant.
These beautiful crops add drama to a poolside setting and may do effectively in giant containers or hanging baskets.
Skilled to climb a fence or trellis, Solar Parasol® Crimson Mandevilla can add privateness to your yard, porch, or patio.

domain: agronomy


text:
These are stories Report on Business is following Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013.
Rosenberg on real estate
Like many other economists, David Rosenberg wonders today what happened to a housing bust some observers had predicted.
"As if to purposely defy the Canadian economy, banking and loonie bears, home resale activity rose 2.8 per cent sequentially in August and over 11 per cent on a year-over-year basis," the chief economist at Gluskin Sheff + Associates said in a research note today.
He was referring to August sales numbers released yesterday by the Canadian Real Estate Association, which, as The Globe and Mail's Tara Perkins reports, showed a rebound from a government-induced slump a year earlier.
That's when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tightened mortgage rules to cool down the market and head off a bubble.
Now, homebuyers appear to be rushing to beat higher mortgage rates, boosting home sales across the country.
"The national sales/listing ratio moved up to 54.6 from 51 in July, reflecting a tighter balance to the housing market, and, as such, prices rose 8.1 per cent on a year-over-year basis, the fastest pace in over two years," Mr. Rosenberg said.
"So much for the housing bust."
Mr. Rosenberg is not alone.
Chief economist Douglas Porter of BMO Nesbitt Burns, for example, noted that house prices keep "quietly churning" forward, though last month's national average was skewed by the country's most expensive cities.
"Suffice it to say that next to no one predicted a big mid-year bounce in home sales at the start of 2013, when calls for Canadian housing market calamity were all the rage," he said after yesterday's numbers were released.
"Contrary to the Greek chorus of woe, sales are now above their 10-year average in seasonally adjusted terms," he added.
"And, the year-ago comparisons will remain quite easy for the next eight months, so settle in for a spell of potentially solid year-over-year figures even if sales do simmer down notably in coming months."
Most economists don't fear a burst bubble.
Diana Petramala of Toronto-Dominion bank noted that sales remain 11 per cent below the 2009 peak, and that increases in longer-term mortgage rates will probably "keep housing demand in check."
- Tara Perkins: CREA hikes forecast after jump in home prices
- Tara Perkins: Mortgage fears drive up Canadian home sales
- Canada's housing market among most 'bubbly' in world, Economist finds
- One-quarter of Canadian families spend more than they should on housing
- Characteristics of condo dwellers: Younger, older and not as wealthy
- Sean Silcoff in ROB Insight (for subscribers): If rising rates don't cool housing, Flaherty may have to
- David Parkinson in Economy Lab: Immigration boosting housing sector: report
- Tara Perkins: Regulator eyes tighter mortgage rules
- Canadian homes among most overvalued in OECD ranking
- OECD chief on Canadian housing: It’s not a bubble (just way overvalued)
Moody's warns B.C.
Moody's Investors Service today urged British Columbia to stand firm on its "resolve and discipline" where the finances of Canada's westernmost province are concerned.
In its annual report on the province, which it rates triple-A with a negative outlook, the U.S. agency said the province has "sufficient flexibility" to absorb the latest increases in its debt juggling act.
"Due to the significant debt reduction achieved by the province over the last decade, the province faced the recent downturn with improved fiscal flexibility and has been able to absorb the recorded and anticipated increases in debt burden," Moody's said in its report.
"With cash financing requirements expected over the next three years, the province's debt burden is expected to increase moderately to roughly 98 per cent of revenues in 2015-16."
British Columbia's deficit was $1.1-billion for the 2012-2013 fiscal year as sagging natural gas prices and production hit revenues.
But the province still pledges to balance the books in the 2013-14 fiscal year, with a small surplus of $154-million, followed by a jump to $446-million a year later.
"British Columbia has a strong track record of meeting budget targets and will need to maintain this resolve and discipline to ensure that deficits arising from the recent economic downturn remain temporary and do not impair the province's finances on a permanent basis," said Jennifer Wong, the lead Moody's analyst on the province.
Separately, in a new forecast today, Royal Bank of Canada projected economic growth would slow in British Columbia this year to 1.5 per cent., rebounding in 2014 to 2.7 per cent.
Barrick shares in spotlight
Shares of Barrick Gold Corp. rose slightly today amid reports that investors are ramping up the pressure for change.
These shareholders, based in Europe, plan to write the gold giant's board, seeking to speed up the transfer of power from co-chairman Peter Munk, according to The Wall Street Journal.
As The Globe and Mail's Jacqueline Nelson reports, investors have been unhappy with Barrick, leading to a dispute earlier this year over the large compensation to co-chairman John Thornton.
At the same time, a U.S. activist hedge fund has also contacted U.S. shareholders in a campaign to change the Barrick board.
- Jacqueline Nelson: Investors turn up the heat on Barrick for boardroom change
- Jacqueline Nelson in Streetwise (for subscribers): Hedge fund launches new broadside at Barrick
- Jacquie McNish: Barrick plans board changes after ‘huge wake-up call’ from investors
Microsoft hikes dividend
Microsoft Corp. today hiked its quarterly dividend by a nickel to 28 cents (U.S.) a share.
The software giant also announced a share buyback program of up to $40-billion, similar to the repurchase scheme that was set to expire at the end of this month.
Keystone lobbying worth millions
The Keystone XL oil pipeline may show no signs of going anywhere at this point, but the lobbying effort behind it has become an industry of its own.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg, there are now lobbyists for more 54 interested groups. Almost $16-million (U.S.) was pumped into advertising in the 2012 election, and more than $1-million has been put into TV advertising so far this year.
Tom Steyer, the founder of the Farallon hedge fund, is committing $1-million on his own to a campaign launched the Sunday before last to oppose TransCanada Corp.'s controversial project, which would carry Alberta oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Those in favour of the pipeline, such as U.S. producers, are also spending big time.
This battle will mark its fifth anniversary on Thursday, based on when TransCanada first applied for U.S. approval.
Since then, Keystone has become a battleground for environmentalists and others. The administration has already TransCanada once, forcing the Canadian giant to reroute the proposed pipeline and ask again for approval.
President Barack Obama has yet to decide.
According to Bloomberg, the lobbyists are putting their efforts on a "small group" of officials at the U.S. State Department.
"It's the equivalent of old banking legislation that sent some lobbyists' kids to private school for 10 years, and then to college for four more," Burdett Loomis, a University of Kansas political science professor, told the news agency. "It was the 'Lobbyist Support Act.'"
- Jeffrey Jones and Kelly Cryderman: As Keystone battle drags on, oil patch takes aim at alternatives
- Bloomberg: Keystone's lobbying slugfest compared to big banking bill
- Who is Tom Steyer and why is he saying those terrible things about Keystone?
- Paul Koring and Kelly Cryderman: 'Fort McMurray is a wasteland': Neil Young slams oil patch, Keystone plans
- Helpless: What the Neil Young uproar says about our oil sands sensitivity
- Neil Young on oil sands: 'Fort McMurray looks like Hiroshima'
- Neil and the Damage Done (and other twisted lyrics for Albertans angry at Neil Young)
- Video: Neil Young says Fort McMurray looks like 'Hiroshima'
- Paul Koring: How Keystone XL is driving a 'much-needed' U.S. climate-change debate
Asian and European stocks slipped today, settling down after yesterday's rally and in advance of the Federal Reserve's key policy announcement yesterday. North American stocks, though, were up in early trading.
Yesterday, global stocks rose after Larry Summers pulled out of the race to succeed Ben Bernanke as chairman of the U.S. central bank, leaving vice-chair Janet Yellen as the front-runner.
Today, however, it's the Fed decision that looms large, with expectations its policy makers will unveil plans to begin pulling back on their massive bond-buying program known as quantitative easing, or QE.
"Dealers are beginning to lock in profits from yesterday's rally, with speculation of a $10-billion tapering in the Fed's bond-buying scheme," said market analyst David Madden of IG in London, referring to the rumoured reduction in the $85-billion-a-month program.
"The only way dealers will be surprised is if the trim is more or less than $10-billion. Investors are reacting well to the rumour that Janet Yellen will take over from Ben Bernanke in the new year, as Ms. Yellen is more likely to keep the QE tap flowing."
Asian and European stocks fell, while North American exchanges rose.
"Investors are tweaking their positions in what is being called the 'autumn of QE' caution as markets are preparing for the Federal Reserve's decision on whether to begin tapering its asset-purchase program," said sales trader Ankit Kapur of CMC Markets in London, referring to the central bank's policy-setting group, the Federal Open Market Committee.
"After months of anticipation and speculation the Federal Open Market Committee must decide tomorrow whether to begin to wind down their quantitative easing. The anticipation is a $10-billion to $15-billion reduction in the $85-billion-a-month program. Some analysts are also predicting the Fed will seek to strengthen its forward guidance to stabilise the markets."
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Canada's factories rebounded in July as sales climbed 1.7 per cent.
And, as Statistics Canada noted today, the gains were fairly broad-based as 15 of the 21 industries measured posted better numbers.
Sales rose 2.1 per cent among durable goods manufacturers, and 1.2 per cent among those on the other side of the ledger, such as petroleum and coal.
The federal agency's "miscellaneous" category was also interesting as sales powered ahead almost 24 per cent, primarily because of jewellery and silverware.
Ontario turned in the best performance among the provinces, with manufacturing shipments climbing 3.2 per cent to mark the highest showing since June, 2012.
"The rebound in the volume of manufacturing sales in July is encouraging and suggests that, while not significantly related to flooding in Alberta, weakness in June was nonetheless temporary," said economist Nathan Janzen of Royal Bank of Canada.
"While challenges for the sector remain, we expect that stronger growth externally, particularly in the United States, will support stronger manufacturing activity over the second half of this year and into 2014."
Over all, inventories increased by 0.4 per cent, the inventory-to-sales ratio dipped to 1.4 from 1.41 in June, and unfilled orders rose by 0.4 per cent.
"Note that overall manufacturing sales remain slightly below year-ago levels (-0.1 per cent year-over-year), inventories have risen to record levels and the inventory-to-sales ratio is on the high side of normal," said senior economist Robert Kavcic of BMO Nesbitt Burns.
"Suffice it to say that the sector would certainly welcome a sustained pickup in growth south of the border."
Keeping up with the Kardashians
As nicknames go, this one's a little spicier than "Maple."
British analyst Timothy Ash has dubbed Armenia's new offering the "Kardashian bond," a dollar-denominated issue for which there was a roadshow last week.
(Debt denominated in Canadian dollars but issued by foreign institutions are known as Maple bonds, while Yankee bonds are U.S.-dollar notes sold by foreign institutions south of the border.)
Mr. Ash used his nickname in a research note last week, and then again today when pointing out that "it's gone a bit quiet on the Kardashian new bond issue front after last week's roadshow … Perhaps they are mulling over investor feedback."
(This is not to suggest that markets should expect a "Snooki bond" from New Jersey.)
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Airports have long been at the forefront of technology, especially security technology in this day and age. High energy prices have also driven airports to seek out strategies for greater energy efficiency through lighting and HVAC – the foundation of the smart building movement. However, few airports have brought all their connected systems together in a way that we could be confident to call a truly smart airport.
The reality is that an airport is a very different prospect to other smart buildings, and it is likely for this reason that deployment of integrated smart systems have been relatively slow. In many ways an airport is more like a city than a building, with a broad variety of activities and a nature fairly independent of its surrounding environment.
Top Strategic Opportunities for Airports in 2021
After nearly a year spent in the shadow of a pandemic, the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine has finally begun. As airports gradually begin to see travelers return to the sky, passenger safety and confidence will continue to be a top priority in 2021 and beyond.


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tag: The Next Wave
February 3, 2021
Throughout 2021, The Next Wave, ITHAKA’s convening of partners from the academic, scholarly communications, and museum communities, will center on the subject of equity. The event series kicks off on February 3, 2021 with Democratizing Access to Education, a webinar featuring a conversation between Ithaka S+R Managing Director Catharine Bond Hill and Shai Reshef, president of the University of the People, the first non-profit, American-accredited, tuition-free online university Register now to attend this free webinar.
December 13, 2016
Since taking part in ITHAKA’s The Next Wave 2016 a few weeks ago, I have been reflecting on what I heard and what it means for the libraries and publishers we work with every day. As higher education changes to meet the needs of 21st century students, libraries and publishers must also adapt. Here are just a few of the big takeaways from my perspective. We need to align behind student success. The student is no longer the 18-22-year…
December 2, 2015
Last month ITHAKA hosted The Next Wave conference. We brought together people from both inside and outside the academy to discuss issues important to the future of education. Our broad theme was data, value, and privacy. As is always the case with ITHAKA meetings, we spent as much time projecting technology’s impact on the future as we did reflecting on how it is affecting us today. In this post I will share a few of the highlights and thought-provoking…


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Chapman students were encouraged to take part in formulating a response about the continuous postings of Patriot Front stickers on campus in a community forum, held by Dean of Students Jerry Price, in the Cross-Cultural Center Oct. 8.
Patriot Front, a white supremacist group, began posting stickers on campus Aug. 26 with the first wave of stickers plastered on La Frontera posters. However, Price told students 75 to 80 percent of stickers are placed in random locations such as trash cans and lamp posts.
Throughout the forum, Price addressed student concerns about the multiple reappearances of Patriot Front stickers on campus. The most recent sticker was found on a concrete post near a water pipe by Memorial Hall Oct. 7.
“(The administration) doesn’t feel like there is merit in sending out a new statement every time a sticker is posted because it is essentially the same stickers from the same group,” Price said. “But I wanted students to be aware that it is still happening, so students don’t feel like (the administration) wasn’t aware of it or ignoring the situation.”
The administration is not “naive that these (stickers) could be from a Chapman student sympathetic to these organizations,” due to the random locations of the stickers, Price said.
Price encouraged students to contact Civic Engagement about formulating a group response to Patriot Front. However, students at the forum questioned if speaking out would threaten their safety.
“Even if specific groups were to speak out, their names are still listed underneath the club,” said Jacky Dang, the Student Government Association (SGA) Diversity Chair. “Of course students want to speak out, but they are putting themselves at risk. Students aren’t just speaking out against something small, (they) are dealing with a significant white supremacist group on campus.”
Price reiterated the administration would never encourage students to do something that would threaten their safety. He suggested students place an anonymous advertisement in The Panther or an anonymous message.
Dang discussed how the administration should take priority in the students’ safety.
“At the end of the day the students are paying the tuition, attending this university and maintaining the retention rates, so making sure they are safe on campus is a viable point to bring up,” Dang said. “I want to feel like the administration has my best interest at heart and that’s why a lot of people want more transparency.”
Since the posting of Patriot Front stickers, Gabriella Corsino, a junior political science and psychology double major, has not attended a Queer and Trans People of Color Collective (QTPOCC) meeting because she has felt unsafe. Corsino said the posting of the Patriot Front stickers has affected her learning on campus.
“I don’t feel safe walking on campus at night going to a QTPOCC club meeting and I want to. If we saw this issue as big of a threat as it is to learning, we would take police enforcement more seriously,” Corsino said.
Although Price stated “it bothered (him) greatly that students might restrict their activity on campus because of fear for the people putting these up,” placing posters on campus is not a crime. However, police presence on campus may discourage people from posting more stickers on campus.
The Patriot Front stickers appeared on other college campuses across the country, such as Grand Canyon University (GCU), Arizona State University (ASU) and the College of Charleston.
An earlier version of this article named Jacky Dang as Jackie Palacios, the former Diversity Chair. This has been corrected.

domain: sociology


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A much tighter game than expected, the USA Women won their Rugby World Cup Sevens opener 12-7 over Brazil.
The USA is favored to win Pool C, with Spain posing the biggest challenge in round three, so it did come as a surprise to see such a small point differential in the first round. The last time the USA saw Brazil (mid-May at the Amsterdam 7s), the Eagles beat the South Americans soundly, 24-0. But the stakes are higher here in Moscow, and that can elevate - or stymie - a team's game.
The Eagles got out to great start and within three minutes, the USA had piled on 12 points. Vix Folayan was at the center of it all. She’s been ignored by the IRB as a “Player to Watch,” but she is clearly a star in today’s game – not only devastatingly fast, but so strong in contact, and has the ability to create something out of nothing. She scored the first try 45 seconds in, then broke through the defense minutes later to set up Christy Ringgenberg for the second score. Kimber Rozier converted Ringgenberg’s try, and the USA was up 12-0 after three minutes.
Deven Owsiany nearly gave the USA another five points, almost getting around the corner, but she was pushed into touch. Five meter off their tryline, Brazil took the subsequent lineout and kicked to touch to end the half.
The USA was in a nice position come second half. The team got certain players with less experience – Ryan Carlyle, Emilie Bydwell – onto the field, and momentum was on their side. But Brazil wasn’t ready to lie down just yet. Some scrappy play marked the beginning of the second half, and a minute-and-a-half in, Beatriz Muhlbauer dove over the line for the try. Thais Rocha nailed the two-pointer, and suddenly it was a 12-7 game.
Brazil kept their collective foot on the gas, and Paula Ishibashi nearly crossed the line for the tying points if it wasn’t for the fantastic coverage of captain Vanesha McGee. That tackle saved the USA in the long run, as the Eagles held on for the rest of the half and close win.
Although there is no video footage available just yet, as the IRB and RWC 7s are not live streaming the first two rounds of the women’s competition, one assumes that today’s outcome was a combination of Brazil stepping up their game and the USA not playing to their full potential over 14 minutes. But a win's a win.
The other Pool C game took a similar route. Spain raced out to 14 points on two tries from Elisabet Martinez, as the heavy favorites looked to dominate newcomer Fiji. But then the Fijians joined the fight and put Suliana Batirau away for two tries to tie it up at 14-all.
With two tight games kicking off Pool C, point differential could come into play down the road, when the top two teams are moved into the Cup quarterfinals.
The USA will play Fiji in round two at 5:24 a.m. ET, and then play Spain in their final pool play game at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Tries: Folayan, Ringgenberg


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Year in Review – How Accurate Were Our 2018 Predictions?
At the start of each year, the Real Property Management organization makes a series of predictions about the economic outlook for investment property owners. These predictions can help landlords and those looking to invest in the single-family rental home market make informed decisions, not to mention improve the performance of existing and future investment properties. For 2018, we forecast a real estate market characterized by steady growth and higher interest rates. So now as 2018 draws to a close, how accurate were we? Let’s take a moment to review what happened in the single-family rental home market this year and test the accuracy of our predictions.
Prediction #1 – Rental property investors will find it increasingly difficult to find high cash flow rentals to purchase in the coming year. Reality – As expected, housing prices continued to rise through 2018, with Zillow reporting a strong 7.7% 1-year gain for the year, resulting in higher home prices in many markets. This may be in part due to the housing supply decrease last year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, new construction fell below expected numbers for 2018, down roughly 6% from this time last year. Yet at the same time, the percentage of people buying houses continued to steadily increase, reaching 64.4% in the third quarter of 2018. And CoreLogic reports a serious delinquency rate of 1.5 percent for the end of 2018, which is back in line with the average rate before the 2008 economic downturn.
Prediction #2 – It will be more expensive to finance new rental property purchases as mortgage rates rise in response to increases in the prime rate. Reality – Mortgage rates did indeed continue to rise in 2018, driven by four rate increases from the Federal Reserve this past year. According to Bankrate, rates for an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate after beginning 2018 just under 4% ended the year at 4.75%, after spending most of October in the 5% range.
Prediction #3 – Rents for three-bedroom, single family residences will continue to increase, but at a much slower rate. Reality – As predicted, rents across the country have continued a slow but steady upward climb. Many landlords across the industry have had success raising the rent on renewals by up to 4%, depending on the market, and Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC reports a rent change for single borrower, single-family rental securitizations of 3.8% for October.
Prediction #4 – It should still be relatively easy for landlords with single family residences to fill vacancies. Reality –After a few months of increases early in the year, the average vacancy rate has leveled out at 4.8% for the end of 2018. Industry experts cite uncertainty about the economy and the new tax plan, as well as limited new construction and higher mortgage rates, discouraging some people from buying and keeping the vacancy rate steady.
Prediction #5 - Rent increases for vacancies and renewals will be similar. Reality – The market shift we identified last year, which noted a new professionalization of real estate investors in the single-family rental market and more disciplined, market-driven rent rates, had a clear impact on rent increases in 2018. According to Morningstar, rent increases for vacant-to-occupied properties had increased in 2018 by 1.7% at last count, going a long way toward closing the gap between vacancy and renewal increase rates.
Bonus prediction – Last year, we offered one additional prediction about a shift in the type of investors getting involved in a growing, evolving single-family rental home market. We predicted that in the years ahead investors in single-family rentals will become more sophisticated and instead of simply collecting the monthly rent to cover their mortgage, will become more attuned to aspects such as cash-on-cash returns, depreciation, appreciation, and total return on equity. Reality – We continue to see increasing numbers of investors, both large and small, taking notice of the robust rental market and higher quality of property management services. As investors (and not homeowners), they are slowly changing the market by applying their business acumen to the more do-it-yourself style of landlords past. Investors of all types are entering the single-family rental market at a rate of 544 per day, signaling more and more sophisticated competition for qualified residents, services, and, ultimately, more competitive rental rates. For 2017, our predictions were close to 90% accurate – a tough number to beat. But in 2018 we came just as close, as almost every prediction we made turned out to be consistent with current market conditions - and a few trends still playing themselves out. Ready for the Real Property Management predictions for 2019? Watch for them to come in January.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
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Of all the things I read online over the holidays, this victim's guide to Glenn Beck's The Christmas Sweater massively (un)popular super simulcast event stands out.
My wife knew little of Glenn Beck before this show. She left the theater genuinely terrified.
The first commenter
at IMDB offers what is perhaps the most awesomely underwhelming recommendation I have ever seen:
This man has a very dark soul and it is all on the screen - paranoia, death, fear, weirdness. I don't know who they expect to see this film (not really a film). It comes from a kid's point of view, but it is way to dark for kids. It is way to juvenile for any adult I know. I guess if you like last part of Old Yeller, you might like this.
Ouch. Seriously, read the True/Slant piece
if you haven't. Beck's tour de farce
sounds like it might give even The Star Wars Holiday Special
a run for its money.

domain: entertainment


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Marilyn Hartman, 66, has been stopped by cops numerous times at airports across America, trying to sneak onto flights without a ticket. The so-called "serial stowaway" has reportedly hitched rides to LA, Jacksonville, Florida, and earlier this month, London, which got her banned from both of her local airports last Thursday, Chicago's Midway and O'Hare International.
But it looks like Hartman just couldn't stay away. According to the Chicago Tribune, she was arrested on Sunday at O'Hare's Terminal 3 trying to hop on yet another flight just days after a judge ordered her to steer clear of the travel hub. She's currently being held without bond and charged with criminal trespassing and violating the terms of her bail.
According to the Tribune, Hartman claimed back in 2015 that she's boarded at least eight flights without a ticket. That year she was arrested at LAX after allegedly sneaking past a TSA agent in San Jose, California, and weaseling her way onto a Southwest flight. Prosecutors say she managed to get past British Airways ticket staff and a Customs and Border Patrol officer earlier this month and onto a flight to London for free in an empty seat that would have cost $2,400.
"She said: 'I’m an old white lady. Nobody stops me,'" Cara Smith, a policy adviser for the Cook County Sheriff's Office told the Chicago Sun Times. "She is in great need of mental health services and support," she added.
According to the New York Times, the 66-year-old has a history of mental health issues and has spent time in homeless shelters and mental health facilities. On Sunday, she appeared before another judge who ordered her to stay in jail until her next hearing, scheduled for Wednesday.
For its part, the TSA says it's "working closely" with "law enforcement and airline partners" to figure out just how Hartman keeps sneaking past agents and onto airplanes unnoticed. Though it's really not that surprising, given how bad the agency is at detecting potential threats.
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Related: The First Solar Powered Flight Across the Atlantic
This article originally appeared on VICE US.


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A strange way of making friends.
Three months of travel summarized in one video for our YouTube subscribers.
The new staging ground.
How to show the story without pissing everyone off.
The Vagabond Journey vlog has surpassed a couple of milestones.
Even still I sometimes don’t set up days of content collecting properly. This is how I usually do it — and should always do it.
VLOG_15 is about flying to South Korea.
A blog or vlog is a personal story, and just about all such stories contain other people. Inevitably, all bloggers and vloggers are going to find themselves entrenched in this conundrum.
Where I’ve appeared in other media sources this month.
A music video from the Assasi project.
Thoughts during a long layover at the Bermuda Triangle of airports.
Coming back home.
Astoria is cool — but hopefully not too cool.
Same time, same place, same result.
Gearing up for another Sunday.
Where to invest this month?
An odd little cultural phenomenon.

domain: hobby


You have searched for "chow kon yeow"
Showing 1-7 of 7
Observers of Penang's modern history cannot help but notice that the island always has a knack for bravely forging its future, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Meet the young new politicos from Malaysia's Democratic Action Party, in the running as Pakatan Harapan candidates for the 2018 General Election. Among them, the granddaughter of feminist and freedom fighter, the late Shamsiah Fakeh.
Two islands targeted for reclamation in the south of Penang offer space desperately needed for a medical tourism hub.
Island residents cry foul over ad hoc projects in their neighbourhood.
The first public townhall on the Penang Transport Master Plan saw members of the public voicing their opinions and expectations on the ambitious project.
With population growth and the trend of people moving further away from the city centre, the light rail transit (LRT) becomes a practical option.


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A man is on a perfect date when all of a sudden... ... ...
|It was a gorgeous, beautiful evening under the clear lit sky. The stars were twinkling, winking at you with every glance. There we were, alone, under the cherry tree that Jesus of Azkabar grew through his miracles. Every tree around our area was the same boring pine tree that even Bigfoot would be embarrassed of. There was nothing appealing about our town; let alone our landscape. All we had were pine trees, sage, and long overgrown garden weeds. But there we were, dancing in the full moonlight under the miracle cherry tree.|
I never knew how beautiful she was until I stared heavenly into her pale blue eyes. Her perfume was soft, warm, and eerie. It reminded me of Halloween where people dressed as witches wander the neighborhoods leaving behind a trail of warm lingering coconut scent. The dress she wore was like Cinderella’s; at least that’s how she looked and presented herself. She was even missing one glass shoe.
“I never want this night to end,” I whispered romantically into her ear. My head rested comfortably on her left shoulder with my eyes closed.
“Me either…Wait!” She exclaimed before pushing me to the ground barbarically.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“What time is it?!”
“I need to get home now! Where’s my horse and carriage?!”
“Your…horse? And…carriage?” I asked in utter confusion.
Three seconds later, a cartoon horse and carriage appeared out of nowhere. And just like that, she was gone; disappeared upon the now cloudy moonless night. The stars were also nowhere in sight. It was as if they had flown south for the winter.
I looked up to reassure myself that what I thought was a wonderful date with a bored schizophrenic housewife turned out to be just another acid trip. I checked the time on my watch. It was midnight. I heard loud moaning coming from the pine trees to my left. I observed in that direction briefly before letting out a deep sigh, ‘Bigfoot is mating again, I’d better get home.’

domain: literature


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There are several reasons a truck driver can refuse a load. Usually, it is because the load is too heavy. In this case, the driver may be worried about his employment or career prospects. Moreover, he might even refuse to transport a load if he is not willing to make extra money. However, a refusal is not an automatic dismissal from a driver’s job.
According to the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, a truck driver has the right to refuse a load. When he feels the load is unsafe, he can report it to the trucking company. This will help the trucking company make adjustments and avoid penalties. It is illegal for a truck driver to be forced to haul a load that is too heavy for him. Therefore, he must state the reason for his refusal.
Under the STAA, a commercial driver may refuse a load for personal reasons. The reason for the refusal must be such that it will not be safe for the driver to operate a commercial vehicle on a highway. He cannot speculate unreasonably about road conditions. However, he may refuse a load due to health concerns. If he has an injury or illness, he can refuse a load to keep himself and his crew safe.
Can a Trucking Company Force Dispatch?
A forced dispatch is when a trucking company makes a decision to send a truck to an area without the consent of the driver. This can be an unjustified method that creates problems for both the driver and the shipper. In fact, forced dispatch is against the law. According to the FMCSA, a trucking company cannot dispatch a driver without his consent, and if this practice is detected, the company may be fined up to $16,000. In addition, a trucker who refuses a load may file a complaint with the National Consumer Complaints Database. The driver must state his reasons and explain why he has refused the load.
Forced dispatching is not uncommon. It is a practice practiced by many big trucking companies. Drivers who refuse a load may be left waiting days or weeks to receive another load. Sometimes, these companies will even suspend or fire a driver because they refuse to take a load. Additionally, forced dispatching can push drivers to break hours of service rules.
Who is Responsible For the Load on a Truck?
Who is responsible for loading the cargo on a truck? This question is particularly important if you have suffered serious injuries due to an accident involving a truck. A trucking company or independent driver may be liable if the cargo is not properly secured. Additionally, if you were to load your own cargo, you may be responsible for its damage. In such a case, you should discuss your case with a trucking lawyer as soon as possible.
First, you should know the law on load shifts. Shifting cargo is one of the leading causes of heavy truck accidents. Not only can this damage your truck, but it can endanger other drivers on the road. This can lead to heavy injuries, or even death. Fortunately, you can prevent cargo shifts by ensuring that your truck is properly loaded and secured. Secondly, you should be familiar with the FMCSA’s rules on securement systems for large trucks.
Can a Owner Operator Be Forced Dispatch?
Dispatching a load to a driver who cannot make it is illegal. Drivers who feel forced into a load may have a strong reaction to it. Forced dispatch is another common complaint among truckers. It occurs when the trucking company forces a driver to accept a load, even though the driver doesn’t want it. Forced dispatch is especially common among truckers who have very specific requirements for their loads. Forced dispatch is often a sign of a poor dispatching process, and can result in a fine of $16,000 or more.
The reasons why truck drivers may refuse a load vary, but they all have one thing in common: protecting themselves. While there are legal reasons for refusing a load, some drivers refuse to haul a load for personal reasons. A good reason would be a mechanical issue. Another reason would be illness or exhaustion. Another legitimate reason for refusal is a load that violates HOS rules.
Can You Go Off Duty While Loading?
While driving for a commercial trucking company, you must be aware of federal regulations concerning hours-of-service rules. A driver must log hours spent loading and unloading cargo. This includes time spent watching loading and unloading processes. Only after disconnecting from the trailer can a driver go off duty. Therefore, it is very important to keep track of all of your driving time while on duty.
What is Driver Coercion?
What is driver coercion? – FMCSA prohibits companies from coercing drivers to perform tasks for them. The rules are related to hours-of-service, drug and alcohol testing, and transporting hazardous materials. Driver coercion can be defined as a form of pressure or threats that cause the driver to perform an activity for which he or she was not qualified or authorized to do so. In some cases, coercion may take the form of an ELD or other electronic device.
This practice can cause problems if a truck driver is inspected by an enforcement officer. While a clear annotation on the log may be sufficient to explain the issue to most officers, the situation can lead to serious problems if the driver is pulled over by law. Despite this, the FMCSA should do more to encourage drivers to report coercion incidents, as well as publicize their information. In addition, the owner-operator independent driver association, or OIDA, and the National Consumer Complaint Database both contain information on coercion complaints.
What Does No Forced Dispatch Mean in Trucking?
What Does No Forced Dispatch Mean for Truckers? Forced dispatch is common in company-owned fleets but is growing increasingly common among owner-operators. If you are an owner-operator, the contract between you and your carrier may require you to accept any load that is dispatched to you. This is known as “forced dispatch” and is often a source of conflict for drivers.
When things go wrong with a load, you must call dispatch and tell them where you are. If you get sidetracked, you must call the dispatch unit immediately and let them know. This means you can’t simply pull the truck and go home. You must wait for company policy or to take time off. Luckily, there are plenty of companies out there that don’t force you to deliver a load.
In the US, commercial trucking is regulated by the FMCSA. Forced dispatch occurs when a dispatcher assigns a load, customer, and delivery time to you without your agreement. Oftentimes, this can result in serious consequences for drivers. GAWR stands for gross axle weight rating and gross combination weight refers to the total weight of the loaded vehicle. Governors regulate speed to prevent dangerous conditions and improve fuel efficiency.
Are Truck Drivers Responsible For Their Cargo?
Are truck drivers responsible for their cargo? That is a question that many people ask themselves. When it comes to moving dangerous materials from point A to point B, the answer is definitely yes. Truck drivers must ensure that their cargo is properly secured and is not at risk of shifting during transit. Regardless of how carefully they secure their cargo, improper loading can cause a truck to roll over and cause traffic chaos, especially during rush hour.
In addition to being responsible for your cargo, truck drivers are required to log all of their hours of service, including downtime. Drivers of hazardous materials are paid more, but there are certain risks associated with them. Drivers should take the time to learn about the cargo they carry and understand how to respond to emergencies. In addition, truck drivers are responsible for knowing when to call for help and what to do if they encounter a spill.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks

domain: law


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Map West Coast South Island Nz
West Coast Region Map, South Island, New Zealand | New Zealand West Coast map, New Zealand NZ..
West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand Map, Beautiful road Air Mails of New Zealand: The ‘West Coast’ of South Island.
West Coast New Zealand Accommodation & Travel Bookings TranzAlpine Lookup by Map New Zealand’s South Island BackRoadsWest.com.
The West Coast of the South Island – New Zealand | Astrolabe Sailing Map of South Island, New Zealand, showing locations of the three .
Dry start to spring on West Coast | WeatherWatch.co.nz Map of Fiordland on the south west coast of the South Island, New .

domain: geography


text:
The goal of Mortal Kombat is to knock out your opponent by inflicting enough damage using punches, kicks, throws, and special moves.
“Characters in the game can sport different fighting styles (such as brawler or kung-fu) and personalize their character with outfits to give them different appearances. In addition to the different appearances, players can create their own character by choosing from a multitude of parts that “work in tandem with your fighting style.”
The newer games have introduced new characters for players to choose from in addition to previous ones. Players can customize their characters with different fighting styles among other things in order to play whichever style they want at any given time during a fight. As technology continues to change over time so too do the graphics available on newer devices that are able render more realistic animations. However, at its core, you still have an objective-based game requiring skillful timing and execution when throwing punches or kicks.
The Original Mortal Kombat Game
Mortal Kombat is an iconic series that originally debuted in 1992. The original Mortal Kombat game is a fighting game in which the player controls one of seven characters and engages in one-on-one fights with other characters. The object is to deplete the opponent’s health and avoid having the player’s own health deplete. The hyper-realistic graphics for the time and over-the-top blood drew swathes of attention, controversy, and a lot of fans, flooding into the arcades in the early ’90s.
“The goal of Mortal Kombat is to knock out your opponent by inflicting enough damage using punches, kicks, throws, and special moves.”
The game uses a timer that lasts 99 seconds and is displayed at the bottom of the screen at all times. If a fighter loses all of their health, then the player will faint, ending the fight.
A sequence of combo attacks are executed by pressing one or more buttons in specific orders after connecting with an initial attack. The titular “fatality” move is performed at the end of each winning round by executing a sequence of controller actions immediately following the round’s conclusion.
How The Games Have Evolved Over Time, Including Graphics and Gameplay
There have been many changes to the Mortal Kombat games, including graphics and gameplay. Not to mention the multitude of new characters totaling 77 over the course of almost 3 decades.
Graphics for this game have been updated to be more realistic. The models within the game are rendered using photogrammetry so they move and look more fluidly. Improvements have also been made to collision detection and facial animations. In addition, they allow players to customize their characters with different fighting styles, appearances, and customizations.
The New Mortal Kombat 11 Game
Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighting game being released in 2019 by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The gameplay for this game is similar to previous Mortal Kombat games but introduces new features such as character customization, story mode, and more precise controls.
Characters in the game can sport different fighting styles (such as brawler or kung-fu) and personalize their character with outfits to give them different appearances. In addition to the different appearances, players can create their own character by choosing from a multitude of parts that “work in tandem with your fighting style.
How to Unlock Characters in Mortal Kombat 11 Nintendo Switch
Frost is a relatively new character to the Mortal Kombat series. Simply clear stage four of the story mode and you can fight as the feisty frosty femme fatale. For more cheats and tricks for the Nintendo Switch version, head to Magic Game World for the latest tips.
Why This Video Game Series has Been so Successful for Decades
The Mortal Kombat series has evolved over time, but the basics of its gameplay remains true. Each game has introduced new features, characters, and graphics as technology is improved over time.
So what’s made the Mortal Kombat series so successful? Perhaps it’s how well-designed each game is or even just nostalgia playing into fans’ mindsets when they see these iconic faces again on screen after all these years… we’ll never know! Whatever it may be, there are many reasons why people are loving this classic arcade fighter all over again!


“We put our necks out there to invest ourselves emotionally, physically, monetarily into everything that surrounds us because we wanna make it beautiful, and then the second it actually becomes beautiful is the second that people want to turn it into something else."
They poison our Facebook and Twitter feeds, struggling to channel their emotions and be heard. But while they’re willing to piss into the bottomless rhetorical ocean that is social media, they’re not willing to pull the singular lever that has measurable impact. Imagine the nerve.
"One of the best things we have done as a school system in recent years is go to what we call a weighted student formula, which gives weight to young people who have vulnerable circumstances in their life, whether it’s poverty, whether it’s disability, it could be autism."


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all of the turkey and Thanksgiving Day madness, welcome home and join friends
and family on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at M
Bar & Lounge's Home for the
Holiday's, Burger & Wine Duo. Enjoy live music and catch up on
conversations over a burger and half bottle of red wine for USD 19.
This thick juicy cut of beef is stacked with thyme roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and aged Cabot Cheddar; served with shallot-boursin aioli on a toasted brioche bun with a side of crispy French fries and fresh mixed greens. Home for the Holiday's, Burger & Wine Duo is available from 6 pm - 12 am.

domain: food


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Break the Curse: The Crimson Gems
Great puzzle/adventure game!
This is not a HOG, so don't look for HOS, there aren't any! But it's a great puzzle game! There are 2 game modes.
- The graphics are crisp, with wonderful colors.
- The story is very interesting, there are not many dialogs.
- The puzzles go from easy to really challenging! Most of them are unique.
- There is a journal but no map. I missed it, since there is a lot of walking.
- The hint system is good, telling you what to do next.
The game has a good length; for me, without skipping, it was about 4 hours.
All in all, a nice, interesting game!
April 2, 2013
I confine my review to the puzzles aspect; all other features are well covered by existing reviews.
Puzzles: finally, a game with creative graphics that's full of them and has a variety of levels of difficulty; some even requiring repeated attempts and a considerable number of moves to accomplish.
Highly recommend on this point.
January 30, 2013
And a puzzle version of a hidden object game.
For a standard adventure, this is worth it.
February 15, 2013
My Kind of Game
This is a game I would highly recommend to anyone who plays HO games for the puzzles, not the HO scenes. I played the demo and saw no HOs at all, but lots of creative, innovative puzzles hard enough for a good challenge, but not so hard you give up and skip them. I like to try to figure out the objective of the puzzle without clicking on the directions if I can, and because of the creativity of these puzzles, that's a welcome additional challenge. I am definitely buying this one. More like this, Big Fish, please!
January 11, 2013
Fun Puzzle Adventure Game
If you love puzzles you will love this game. There is one puzzle after another, there is not much for hidden object
lovers but there is plenty for the puzzler to engage in:
secret locks, water fountains, portrait puzzles, you name it.
There are hours of fun here, in this visually beautiful game,
with a soothing soundtrack and nice voiceovers.
December 29, 2013
Lots of puzzles
Very different from the standard Big Fish game, lots of various puzzles, some can be quite a challenge. Nice change if your looking for something a little different.
January 6, 2013
MY FELLOW FISHIES YOU ARE BLIND!!!! I LOVED IT!!! GOT IT AS A EXTRA FOR 99CENTS WOULD HAVE PAYED THE 7BUCKS AMAZING COLOR GREAT STORY FOR ONCE I WAS GLAD NOT TO HAVE TO FIND HUNDREDS OF OBJECTS!!! THIS IS THESE GUYS BEST BY FAR!!! I USED THE HINT BUTTON ALOT!!! DIDNT CARE PUZZELS WERE HARD ALL GENUSLY CREATED WELL DONE!!!
September 8, 2013
"My Compliments to the Chef"
I've played many puzzle games but "Break The Curse: The Crimson Gems" has my admiration and praise for its puzzles. A hearty WELL DONE to the designers and artists that created this one
May 2, 2013
Not a HOS game.
A little easy, but I like the story and the games and puzzles are fun!! Im glad to see a game that isnt instant on junk piles for HOS
March 8, 2013
this is gem, everyone! definitely 5 stars for me.
I love everything in this game. ah..no hos!
if you like puzzles than pick this! you will never regret it.
anyway good job developer, thank you! I hope there will be another game from this series.
October 4, 2013

domain: game


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Oct. 17, 2005
Three Morningside College students have been invited to participate in Iowa International Fellows, a leadership training program sponsored by the Iowa Council for International Understanding (ICIU) and The Stanley Foundation. The program consists of four weekend sessions in which students meet to discuss a variety of issues and gain insight into how Iowa’s government, education, business, and politics plays into the global environment.
The students include Rachel Bellairs of Clarinda, Iowa; Hitomi Nozawa of Shizuoka, Japan; and Yuriko Seki of Niigata, Japan.
The first session of Iowa International Fellows, “Global Poverty,” will be held Oct. 21-22, in Des Moines, Iowa. The session begins with a Friday evening public forum titled “Poverty: What Can You Do Now?” that will explore how race and class factors perpetuate poverty and what can be done to help change the cycle.
On Saturday, the students will join nearly 80 international college students from 39 countries as they participate in the national Make a Difference Day. The students will participate in service activities in the Des Moines community. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make a Difference Day is America’s biggest day of volunteering. In 2004, three million people volunteered their efforts to accomplish thousands of projects in hundreds of towns.
After completing the service project, the students will attend a panel discussion aimed at using leadership to meet human service needs in the community. The panel will include members of the West Des Moines Human Services Department and the West Des Moines City Council.
Each year, Iowa International Fellows involves more than 50 selected international and U.S. students from Iowa's colleges and universities. Program activities include seminars with community leaders, field trips to cultural and historical sites, and social activities that provide opportunities to develop lasting international friendships.
Click here for more information about Morningside's International Students Association.


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The Taggiasco Polla is a premium filtered extra virgin olive oil obtained from the first cold press of Taggiasca olive, a typical cultivar from Imperia, - Riviera di Ponente, Liguria (Italy).
The small fruit has an oval shape, a darkish-violet color, and soft skin. The Taggiasca olive tree has a vertical development and could reach 10 meters of height, ideal for the terraced groves perched on the hills overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
The Taggiasco EVO has a delicate taste, with an artichoke after-taste, sweet, digestible, and low acidity (max 0.3%).
It's ideal to satisfy the most demanding palates where oil is an integral and fundamental part of the food, with just the right amount of taste not to interfere with other flavors.


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A R600-million desalination plant is on the cards for the Bluff, in Durban, to provide a water source for the drought-stricken country, reports the Southlands Sun.
A deal was struck between eThekwini Municipality and Japanese organisation, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation for funding to be provided for the plant, which will be built at the Bluff water treatment works.
Conveniently situated along the coastline within the protected headland, the water works have ease of access to the sea, making it an ideal location.
An environmental impact assessment is already under way for the project, and should the go-ahead be given, the build is expected to take three years. The plant will use nonconventional desalination technology, making it more environmentally-friendly and using less energy.
Desalination uses reserve osmosis – a process whereby salt and minerals are removed from water, making it safe for consumption and practical for agricultural and industrial purposes. Many countries have built desalination plants in times of drought to improve access to a secure water source.
ALSO READ: Dog stolen by teen boys returned to owner
In areas where freshwater is scarce, the ocean is a viable and large water source. Desalination also decreases reliance on freshwater sources, preserving them and reducing the risk of water shortages during a drought.
However, desalination is a costly enterprise, both during construction of the plant and when in operation and requires a lot of energy to produce potable water. The byproduct, brine, produced during the process of desalination also has potentially harmful consequences on the environment.
Historian and former Ward 66 councillor Duncan Du Bois has some concerns about the project.
“Although there is nothing untoward in a project to test the feasibility of a desalination plant, committing to desalination as a means of addressing water supply ought to be questioned.
“An article in the Mercury on March 6, 2014, noted that desalinated water would cost double that of the Umgeni Water tariff. Also of note is the large amount of electricity required for such a plant. Although the proposed demonstration model is predicted to use 30% less energy than conventional desalination plants, the phrasing of that claim does not mean that water thus produced will be cheaper than Umgeni Water,” Du Bois said.
He cited a desalination plant in Brisbane that was sidelined because supply of water from natural sources was sufficient. “But to keep that plant idle costs Brisbane’s ratepayers $15 million a year and has resulted in a 13% increase in the city’s water price.” (Brisbane Courier Mail, March 3, 2015).
“With plans to build a dam on the Mkomazi River, which would boost Durban’s water supply substantially, and bearing in mind the liability of Brisbane’s desalination plant, Durban should be very cautious about committing to desalination as a means of sustaining water supply. It should also be appreciated that droughts are not continuous but are part of our historically proven weather cycle.”
ALSO READ: Explosion in Secunda leaves one injured
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance opposes the construction of a desalination plant. The organisation also fought against plans for plants in Ilovu and Tongaat, citing the consequences on local communities and the environment. SDCEA also believes lack of maintenance has led to the current dire water situation.
“Desalinisation is bad for the residents, marine life and the ocean.
“Yes, we need water, and this can be done through a number of ways, such as the maintenance of leaking water infrastructure, including removing the silt that is overflowing in our dams due to the lack of a proper plan. Instead, this has been allowed to increase, and when it rains, the water goes over the dam walls instead of filling up because of the silt. We hear stories of workers operating the dam sluices being careless by deliberately leaving sluice gates open, allowing the dams to be emptied. We don’t need desalination but need proper management of our water resources,” said SDCEA coordinator Desmond D’Sa.
– Caxton News Service


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- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Southern Data Storage collaborates with ExaGrid
- Staff Tampa Bay Business Journal
Tampa-based Southern Data Storage, a firm specializing in data storage, backup and disaster recovery, announced a partnership with ExaGrid Systems Inc., a firm that focuses on scalable and cost-effective “disk-to-disk (or D2D) backup with data deduplication.”
Deduplication is a technique used in technology to compress large amounts of data by eliminating duplicating copies of repeating data.
In a statement, Mark Hall, president of Southern Data Storage, expressed his enthusiasm to work with ExaGrid. The new partnership will add an eighth market-leading company to the Southern Data Storage line card, the statement said.
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Bread Ahead Rye Sourdough— Justin Gellatly, Matthew Jones, and Louise Gellatly —
Soft or Crusty Rolls— James Morton —
Gail's Bakery Seeded Buttermilk and Treacle Loaf— Roy Levy —
Zainab's Nanima, Mum and Aunt's East African Mandazi— Zainab Juma - The Happy Foodie team —
Garlic and Herb Tear-and-Share Bread— Stork —
Nadiya Hussain's Spotted Dick Bread with Homemade Butter— Nadiya Hussain —
Caramel Soda Bread Tear and Share— Nadiya Hussain —
Brioche French Toast— Caroline Craig & Sophie Missing —
Cinnamon and Raspberry Whirl Wreath— Lizzie Kamenetzky —
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Rustle up a taste of summer with some of our favourite lighter, curry recipes from Shelina Permalloo, Meera Sodha, Mary Berry and BBC Good Food. Perfect for easy, summer entertaining, these top 5 recipes are sure to go down a treat.


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Story | Jun 7, 2013 | 11:05 PM
A collection of news and information related to Advanced Training published by this site and its partners.
Top Advanced Training Articles see all
Displaying items 1-5
Story | Apr 22, 2013 | 11:39 AMGov. Rick Scott this morning signed a sweeping education bill that should make it easier for some students to earn high school diplomas.
Story | Apr 7, 2013 | 4:21 PM
High school students could select a diploma track that would allow them to skip some now required math and science courses under a bill the Senate could vote on Wednesday. The bill (SB 1076) aims to beef up career education and boost enrollment in...
Story | Mar 19, 2012 | 4:34 PM
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Story | Nov 7, 2011 | 4:37 PM
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# Grating coupler
Grating couplers are important optical devices used for coupling light between an optical fiber and a planar waveguide or other photonic structures. They consist of a periodic structure of ridges or grooves etched into a thin film on a substrate, which diffracts light at a specific angle and wavelength. Grating couplers offer advantages over other coupling techniques, such as low loss, high efficiency, and the ability to integrate with other photonic components on a chip. They are widely used in applications such as optical communications, sensing, and biomedical imaging. The design and optimization of grating couplers are important areas of research in the field of integrated photonics. In this example, we model a 3D grating coupler in a Silicon on Insulator (SOI) platform.
To view the full example in Python, please click here (opens new window).


This week (commencing Monday the 26th of March) is World Autism Awareness Week. The purpose of the week is to help raise the overall awareness surrounding autism, so that more people can gain a greater understanding of autism.
Information on Autism
Over 1% of the total UK population are on the autistic spectrum, which means autism has a daily effect on 2.8 million people’s lives, when including families. People living with autism or that can be affected by autism are at a greater risk of developing mental health issues through feeling isolated.
The National Autistic Society (who are fundraising from World Autism Awareness Week) have released some statistics on children that are on the autism spectrum:
34% of children on the autism spectrum say that the worst thing about being at school is being picked on.
63% of children on the autism spectrum are not in the kind of school their parents believe would best support them.
17% of autistic children have been suspended from school, 48% of these had been suspended three or more times and 4% had been expelled from one or more schools.
These alarming stats show that there is a need not only for more awareness or autism, but to support those that are on the spectrum, especially more vulnerable young children.
How Yoga can help children with Autism
Yoga is a physical activity that is not only non-competitive, but is also all-inclusive – meaning children can develop at their own pace and not feel ‘pressured’ to win or progress quickly. By combining simple yoga postures with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, a foundation can be built for autistic children to help grow and thrive.
This combination of breathing and relaxation allows children to focus their mind and the movements of their body, improving their mobility, memory and communication skills. Research Autism also believe that yoga can be a useful way to help autistic children improve their behaviour and social skills, as they begin to imitate others.
The work YogaBugs are doing


Less than a month after Phnom Penh Tollway began collecting money from commuters using the factory-lined Veng Sreng Boulevard in outer Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Monday that the government would buy out the private firm and, as a New Year’s gift to citizens, stop collecting tolls.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony on Koh Pich island, Mr. Hun Sen said that Tollway’s 30-year contract to manage the road, which it spent $10.5 million constructing, was null and void as of midnight Sunday, and urged factories to use money saved on transportation to raise wages—or at least throw a party for workers.
“It is a sudden decision but I think it is the right decision,” the prime minister said, adding that he had spoken with Phnom Penh governor Pa Socheatvong and Finance Minister Aun Porn Moniroth, who would facilitate the changeover.
“I told [them] to take it back and [we] are willing to pay the builder but the money collecting must stop at midnight [on Sunday],” he said.
The 6.5-km-long industrial boulevard has been widened to 28 meters and was repaved recently to ease the way for lorries that cart garments and footwear out of the hundreds of factories along the road, as well as the hundreds of flatbed trucks that deliver tens of thousands of workers to their posts each day. On December 1, Tollway began to collect tariffs, which were set at between $0.25 and $2.50 depending on the vehicle.
In his speech on Monday, Mr. Hun Sen said that factory managers would now have excess cash that should be used to increase wages or throw a party for staff on Labor Day, which usually sees thousands of workers—in Phnom Penh and at rallies around the world on May 1—gather to call for better working conditions.
“The factories that benefit from this shall save the money to improve livelihoods for their garment workers, or at least save this money to hold a party annually on May 1,” he said.
The prime minister said in a post on his Facebook page on Monday that the decision to take over Tollway’s contract followed complaints from people living along Veng Sreng.
“It is a New Year’s gift to compatriots,” he wrote.
Mr. Hun Sen gave no indication of how much Tollway would be compensated for its lost contract. Tollway could not be reached for comment.
City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche confirmed that the municipality had received the order from the prime minister’s office. He said City Hall would soon create an ad hoc committee composed of representatives from the Finance Ministry, Tollway, and other related institutions “to review the contract so we can evaluate how much we need to pay the company.”
Mr. Hun Sen also said in his speech that he had consulted with the finance minister about the toll booth on National Road 4, which is controlled by former Transportation Ministry Secretary of State Ing Bun Haow and had also angered local residents. However, he said it would be “impossible” to bring it back under state control.


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Gather the harvest by creating chains of three or more adjacent fruits and vegetables of the same kind. Gummyfruit, rainleaf, bumbleberry, and honeytwig are found here.
This is a Matching-style minigame.
|Primary: Collect 3 bundles of Honeytwig! (Bonus: Bundles of Stainberry and Spiralmint)
|Secondary: Collect 5 bundles of Bumbleberry! (Bonus: Bundles of Stainberry and Spiralmint)
|Bonus: Match a chain of 12 tiles!
|Bonus: Score 80,000 points!
|Elite: Unlock 20 locked tiles!
In addition to the standard tiles found in all Harvesting minigames, each Farm has some tiles for produce found at that location. Some of these fruits and vegetables can only be found at specific farms.
Left-click on a plant and drag the cursor through vertical or horizontal connecting plants of the same type until you create a chain of at least 3 plants, then release the mouse to "harvest" them. Plants directly above will settle down. If this results in a blocker tile reaching the bottom row, that tile will be removed, too.
This game has no special tiles, though you still get Blockers and Power Ups. There are four bushels on the bottom of the screen and 4 types of plant. Each farm has a different list of plants that are available at that farm. Fill the bushels to make bundles.
When you start, you have 2:15 on the clock, so it is important to quickly spot the chains. Harvesting adds small amounts of time. The longer the chain you harvest, the more time that is added to the clock.