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Compact 9 Story Apartments
Updated: 27th Aug 2010 at 12:20 AM - change screenshot, remove objects, add link, edit text
My Compact 9 Story Apartments looks best when placed as a pair, as for example at 174 and 178 Savannah Lane, Twinbrook (two 20x30 lots next to each other).
It was possible to fit some modest landscaping even on this 20x30 lot even when restricted to 2 tiles wide on the sides and rear, and 4 tiles wide on the front. The architecture was given a more unique look by adding a golden brown facade around the garage door which really helped. I replaced the glass fences on the balconies with a more prominent fence so as to show up better (and to avoid the annoying aqua repainting effect when seen from a distance). I added a third balcony for better symmetry. There are thousands of medium density apartment buildings here in Sydney and this would fit right in. Here is a panorama shot which shows the rooftop grill area. Add some rugs and a statue and have a party.
Being a conventional tall building I wanted an internal 8 car parking lot (tested with 4 cars) and the natural place for that was the first floor, along with an indoor swimming pool. Due to the phantom nature of the building (using the CFE cheat) the 2nd through 5th floors only exist as a shell, but the illusion is quite striking. As a result, however, it was not possible to add internal walls on the first floor. The workable solution I found was to build white brick fence between the car park and the pool area and public toilet as shown in the screen shots (and the phantom fully working 1st to 6th floor bridging stairs are also seen).
Skipping the 2nd through 5th fake floors, which you will have to imagine exist (it's a fantasy game after all), one arrives at the modest 6th and 7th floor 2 bedroom apartments which are completely unfurnished to avoid sims routing issues (see accompanying screen shots). In principle you could furnish these yourself and replace the entry doors to the 3 real apartments in the building with a "Multi Owners Door" (do a search here in downloads) in order to keep sims families separate. I will leave that to you as I have not experimented with those doors yet as they are of a higher patch level than I am currently using.
The 8th floor is the four bedroom part of the fully furnished two floor penthouse, with bathroom and separate family room area with a chess set. A security door separates the stairwell so that only the penthouse can access the roof top barbecue area and the telescope. It is very convenient by the way to have all the sims sleeping on the same floor. See the screen shots for a pic of the 8th floor.
Lastly, the 9th floor is the main living/working area with a luxury open plan kitchen, dining area, living room/study, laundry and a 2nd bathroom. To break up the slightly boring open floor plan I have added decorative columns with four in-wall 15 inch speakers to complete the 7.1 sound system as shown in these shots!
Included are two computers, wall mounted HD TV with hi-fi stereo right below it, guitar, and two painting stands. Included on the first floor are 3.5 bicycles with stands and a Vorn pickup truck. Decorated by 9 sims paintings before I evicted the dissapointed sims when I sold the building at the 50k+ depreciated price shown below.
The building was also tested on the 20x30 lot at 451 Riverview Rd in the Riverview world, which is right near the river and just a short bicycle ride from the town centre.
174 or 178 Savannah Lane, Twinbrook; or 451 Riverview Rd, Riverview (these bare lots cost 1,200).
Buy mode cost: 201,692 simoleans furnished.
Buy mode cost: 149,877 simoleans unfurnished.
It costs 1,500 simoleans more at the beach property at 9 Sun Song Ave, Sunset Valley (bare lot costs 2,700), which was a good spot for views of the ocean.
Built with the updates that load with the 2010 S3/WA/HEL/AMB discs, namely 1.12.70/2.0.86/3.0.38/4.0.87 so it should work for people still delaying updating for various reasons. No Custom Content was used.
Lot Size: 2x3
Lot Price: 201,692
Thanks to patul for his tutorial on phantom tall buildings.
Thanks to the makers of gimp.
Title: Compact 9 Story Apartments
Description: by Alan_of_Dale. Compact 20x30 Lot 9 story apartments with an 8 car parking lot and indoor pool on the 1st floor. The 2nd thru 5th floors are faux floors. Floors 6 and 7 are two bedroom unfurnished. Floors 8 and 9 comprise a 4 bedroom furnished penthouse. Roof top has grill area.
|High-End Loft Stuff|
| Compact 9 Story Apartments
Size: 3.93 MB · Downloads: 960 · 27th Aug 2010
|3.93 MB||960||27th Aug 2010|
- - File was updated after upload was posted
1. Click the file listed on the Files tab to download the file to your computer.
2. Extract the zip, rar, or 7z file.
2. Select the .sims3pack file you got from extracting.
3. Cut and paste it into your Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Downloads folder. If you do not have this folder yet, it is recommended that you open the game and then close it again so that this folder will be automatically created. Then you can place the .sims3pack into your Downloads folder.
5. Load the game's Launcher, and click on the Downloads tab. Select the house icon, find the lot in the list, and tick the box next to it. Then press the Install button below the list.
6. Wait for the installer to load, and it will install the lot to the game. You will get a message letting you know when it's done.
7. Run the game, and find your lot in Edit Town, in the premade lots bin.
Extracting from RAR, ZIP, or 7z: You will need a special program for this. For Windows, we recommend 7-Zip and for Mac OSX, we recommend Keka. Both are free and safe to use.
Need more help?
If you need more info, see Game Help:Installing TS3 Packswiki for a full, detailed step-by-step guide!
Uploading Policy: No re-uploading of my work as your own. I retain intellectual rights to my own work, but grant license to use and include as detailed in the Inclusion Policy above.


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A Resolve poll found one-in-four 16 to 24-year-old Australians had thought about suicide over the past two years and 15 per cent had attempted self-harm.
Mr Berriman said the federal government’s lack of accountability on mental health and a suicide reduction target would determine whether preventive strategies were working.
“I come from a business background where you have KPIs, but with mental health my view is there is very little accountability,” he said.
He pointed to Scotland, where in 2002 the government set a target to reduce the suicide rate by 20 per cent over a decade to 2013. It achieved an overall 19 per cent reduction.
“A target is the first pillar of saying mental health needs a change, it needs accountability: 3139 lives is way too many.”
But Health Minister Greg Hunt said every single life lost to suicide was one too many.
“Our government recognizes the devastating impact it has on individuals, families and communities, and is committed to working towards zero suicides,” they said.
“Zero is the only acceptable target as it recognizes the value of each and every life.”
Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Nieves Murray said the Peak body did not support targets as they distracted from the real issue.
“We need action, not accounting. It’s time to implement the reforms we know save lives not to go back to the drawing board on a figure, ”Ms Murray said.
“There is a risk that targets may simplify a very complex issue such as suicide prevention.”
But Mr Berriman got a target of zero was an “unrealistic motherhood statement” to a zero road toll.
“Towards zero is where the government goes because they want to avoid accountability,” they said.
“What the government is doing isn’t working – over the last decade the suicide rate has gone up. The government continues to publish report after report, and there’s no accountability, and there’s no implementation plan. “
Beyond Blue would not comment on a target, but chief executive Georgie Harman welcomed Mental Health Australia’s “rallying cry for Stronger accountability and transparency”.
A Lifeline spokesperson said: “Our vision is of an Australia free of suicide, and we remain committed to working towards zero suicides.”
Alongside a suicide prevention target, Mental Health Australia is calling for key actions to drive suicide numbers down.
- Campaigns to tackle the stigma around mental health and suicide
- Target high risk groups including Indigenous, LGBTQI + and culturally diverse people
- Develop a men’s suicide prevention strategy
- Address urgent mental health workforce gaps
- Make suicide prevention training as common as CPR or first-aid
- Increase telehealth and youth on-line support
- Leaders with lived experience to develop and deliver services
Mr Hunt said the government had funded several key initiatives in suicide prevention, including funding universal aftercare for people discharged after self-harm or a suicide attempt.
He said that in 2020 there was a 5.4 per cent reduction in Suicides compared to 2019. However, over the previous 10 years the suicide death rate had increased by 15.2 per cent.
Mr Berriman got telling his story would take a personal toll, but he believed it was critical to the challenge of the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
“The amount of people who have told me about personal experiences but are too ashamed or fearful to talk about it to anyone else is astounding,” he said.
“I thought: ‘Well if I am the chair of Mental Health Australia and I can’t be Authentic and tell my story, how do I expect anyone else to be honest’?”
He celebrated his father’s 75th birthday a couple of months ago, is about to announce a venture capital fund and is back doing the things he loves.
“I have a lot of Joy in my life, where back then I didn’t. I’m one of the Lucky ones that got a second chance at it.
“What I’m trying to instil is that there’s a better life on the other side if you get through it, so stay with us.”
Support is available from Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue is 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline is 13 11 14.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

domain: sociology


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Steel Pulse - Positive, Righteous Reggae
Steel Pulse has always been one of my favorite roots reggae bands from outside of Jamaica. I've tried to see the touring band anytime they grace us here in California with their music, most recently in San Diego. It’s always a playful, party jam – their upbeat production and melodies keep the crowd grooving while their righteous conscious messages come through loud and clear. It’s invigorating and a challenge to stay off your dancing feet!
Without question one of the best reggae acts to come out of England, Steel Pulse was originally formed in 1975 at Handsworth Wood Boys School in the ghetto area of Birmingham, England, by schoolmates David “Dread” Hinds (the primary songwriter, lead singer and guitarist), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie “Stepper” McQueen (bass). Coming from West Indian immigrant families, the guys had little experience but great vibes ran in their blood and they definitely had something to say! It was McQueen who suggested naming the band after a popular racehorse at the time.
Rastafarian and protest-minded, they had a hard time getting gigs because their message was thought of as “subversive”, but the band appealed to U.K. punks whose movement was gaining momentum at the time. Steel Pulse opened for punk and new wave bands like Generation X, the Clash, the Police, the Stranglers and XTC on Rock Against Racism bills, establishing themselves in the club scene and building an audience. By now, the band had expanded to include Selwyn “Bumbo” Brown (keyboards), Steve “Grizzly” Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals).
Their debut singles Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku and Nyah Love were done for small labels but their opening performances for Burning Spear ultimately brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the Ku Klux Klan single, their attack on racism. And, in 1978, Steel Pulse released Handsworth Revolution, which was the pinnacle of British reggae, and the title song became their signature tune. One of Bob Marley's favorite bands, Steel Pulse became one of reggae's most successful bands in the late '70s and early '80s.
Artistic differences and ongoing grievances caused moves from Island to Elektra, resulting in the release of Tribute to the Martyrs and True Democracy, and then to MCA. Some of Steel Pulse’s most powerful anthems came out during this period, like Macka Splaff, Prodigal Son, Sound System, Soldiers, Rally Round and Not King James Version, a powerful indictment on the omission of black people from certain versions of the Bible. 1982's True Democracy became their first LP to break onto the US charts, making both the pop and R&B listings.
As the '80s wore on, smooth synthesizers and elements of dance and R&B gradually crept into their sound, even as their subject matter stayed on the militant side. By this time, Riley, Gabbidon and McQueen had departed, being replaced by guitarist Carlton Bryan and bassist Alvin Ewen. Their cross-over style appealed to reggae purists and a wider international audience, resulting in a Grammy award for Babylon the Bandit in 1986 and nominations in 1991 for Victims and in 1992 for Rastafari Central. Founding member Fonso Martin had now left the band, reducing Steel Pulse to a core trio of Hinds, Nisbett, and Brown. Their backing band still featured Ewen and was also anchored by guitarist Clifford "Moonie" Pusey, keyboardist Sidney Mills, and drummer/percussionist Conrad Kelly.
While making concessions to contemporary music trends in dancehall and hip-hop, Steel Pulse returned to their serious rootsy sound and conscious messages. In 1993, at the request of the Clinton Administration, Steel Pulse became the first reggae band ever to perform during a U.S. President’s inaugural celebration at the White House in Washington DC. They also became the first reggae band to appear on television’s The Tonight Show. And 1997's Rage and Fury earned yet another Grammy nomination.
Their inventive blend of straight reggae with tinges of salsa, African and calypso along with their message of hope and activism and their pleas for social reform made them a success with music lovers worldwide, especially in Europe and the USA, where they continue to tour today. Steel Pulse has headlined many of the world’s foremost reggae festivals and over the years they have performed live with the likes of Bob Marley & the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Sting, INXS, Santana, Robert Palmer, Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan.
Currently, Steel Pulse tours with a 9-piece ensemble that usually includes long standing musicians Hinds on lead vocals, guitar and harmonica, Pusey on lead guitar, Brown on vocals and keyboards, Mills on vocal and keyboards, Amlak Tafari on bass, , and Wayne “C Sharp” Clarke on drums and percussion. Some of the band members remain committed to their Rastafarian beliefs. Backing up their views, Steel Pulse filed a class-action lawsuit against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, charging that drivers discriminated against blacks and particularly Rastafarians.
In 2010, they released a single "Hold On 4 Haiti" and 100% of the proceeds go to Haiti, to solar electrify health clinics through the Solar Electric Light Fund and Partners In Health. The song is available for download exclusively at holdon4haiti.org.
SteelPulse’s flow is relaxed and their lyrics are righteous. May they continue to share with us their commitment to fighting social injustice and promoting positive messages through their music for many years to come!

domain: entertainment


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Periodic Reporting for period 3 - INCLUDE (Indigenous Communities, Land Use and Tropical Deforestation)
Reporting period: 2019-04-01 to 2020-09-30
Encompassing over six million hectares of forest, the Chaco Salteño belongs to the Great American Chaco, the second-largest tropical forest on the American continent after the Amazon. The Chaco Salteño also exhibits one of the fastest deforestation rates in the world: between 1970 and 2015, an area of forest about the size of two football pitches was cut down every minute, on average.
The region is home to considerable ethnic and cultural diversity, including criollos (small-scale livestock farmers of European descent) and indigenous peoples.
The research project examines five main themes, as discussed below.
Theme 1: The governance structure behind the land use policies in the province of Salta.
Ten years after the introduction of a new forest law, the project examines the governance structures that were created to implement sustainable forest management. The main project objective here is: a) to identify the relevant networks of stakeholders from state agencies, civil society, the private sector, universities, NGOs, and forest communities and b) to determine how the different stakeholders who make up the collaborative governance system influence policy implementation, forest management, and land use change.
Theme 2: Sustainable land management practices among small-scale livestock farmers in the province of Salta.
The introduction of genetically modified soybean varieties in the 1990s and high international prices for commodities like maize, soya, rice, and wheat led to expansion of agriculture in the province of Salta. On one hand this resulted in vast deforestation, to the detriment of displaced indigenous communities. On the other hand, marginal land areas, formally owned by absentee landowners, suddenly gained in value. As a result, small-scale livestock farmers (criollos), who lived in these areas for many years without any formal title, have been increasingly displaced. Land conflicts have increased – as has land degradation.
In this context, the project investigates: a) whether and how different agricultural practices help to reduce conflicts between criollos and other forest users, such as indigenous communities; b) how formal land tenure impacts the introduction of specific land/forest management practices designed to reduce land/forest degradation and improve economic viability; c) what major obstacles prevent smallholders from obtaining land titles.
Theme 3: Characterizing organizational structures, practices and attitudes of large-scale livestock farmers
Over the past 20 years the expansion of soybeans and other row-crops, in order to supply international commodity markets, has been the main driver for the expansion of the agricultural frontier and deforestation in the region of Salta. However, the expansion of this area has slowed down and has approached its natural limit. Currently, new pressures for deforestation and land use cover change in the region are coming from the expansion of pastures for the production of livestock, for both internal and external markets. To this day a detailed analysis of this sector in the region of Salta is lacking. The project objectives in this respect are: a) to identify the organizational structure of the main livestock business in the region; b) to characterize the network of operators (e.g. suppliers, merchants, financial institutions, investors) working with the livestock businesses; c) to describe the main origin of capital which is funding the operations (e.g. family wealth, external investors etc.); d) to understand the main attitudes of the livestock operators, the type of obligations they have (e.g. fiduciary obligations towards the owners, corporate social responsibility etc.), particularly with respect to the issue of deforestation, indigenous peoples conditions, development and land tenure insecurity among small-scale farmers.
Theme 4: Deforestation narratives from the indigenous people’s perspectives
Indigenous communities, whose identities are rooted in “traditional” uses of forest flora and fauna, are faced with finding other sources of livelihood. Lacking alternatives, they are often forced to sell their labour in activities involving deforestation. This places them in conflict with local environmental laws – and ultimately their own identity. These predicaments add to tensions within the community. In this context, the project examines: a) the complex ways in which local indigenous peoples are caught up in larger socio-economic processes (especially agricultural expansion) and b) how dominant ideologies and ideas interact with those of indigenous forest inhabitants, especially concerning the relationship of people to the land, and how these in turn influence land and forest use.
Theme 5: Actors perspectives on deforestation and Environmental Justice
Besides the three themes described above, the project has benefitted from the collaboration with an independently funded researcher, who has been looking at the problem of deforestation in the region of Salta from an Environmental Justice (EJ) perspective. In this respect, the main objectives are: a) to characterize the problematic in the region of Salta along the lines of the three categories of EJ (namely, distributional justice, procedural justice and recognition issues); b) to represent the perspectives of the various actors (namely, large-scale producers, small-scale producers, indigenous peoples, governmental actors, civil society and non-government organizations), within the EJ framework; c) to evaluate different scenarios for the future of the region, based on the views expressed by the relevant actors.
A more intense fieldwork phase took place in the second year of the project, which resulted in a number of important achievements in terms of understanding of the context and the problem at hand. From the institutional point of view, a number of important policy fora, relevant to the implementation and the reform of the forest law in Salta, were studied through mixed methods. In practice, these methods included both using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to study the core beliefs of the various institutional actors and their relationships, and qualitative research methods to obtain an understanding of the actors’ discourses and policy orientation. The various actors participating to the policy fora include provincial and federal government organizations, large-scale and small-scale producers’ organizations, non-government organizations and international organizations. The preliminary results indicate that there are clearly three distinct groups of actors with three distinct belief systems, while the participation to the policy fora allows establishing connections across belief system, with a number of government agencies playing the role of broker. These results were presented at a number of international conferences in 2018 and 2019 (Inguaggiato et al., 2018, 2019a, 2019b, 2019c).
A second important aspect that has been studied during the second year of the project pertains to the identification of sustainable land management practices (SLMPs) among small-scale farmers and the drivers and barriers to their adoption. The increasing pressures on land, due mainly to the expansion of the production of agricultural commodities, has on one hand increased the number of conflicts among small-scale producers, large-scale producers and indigenous communities. On the other hand, easing these conflicts requires the adoption of better production methods on the side of small-scale farmers. Such practices include the implantation of various forms of pasture within the forests, the fencing of pasture fields, the sale of young veal calves and so on. Besides financial constraints, tenure insecurity (i.e. the fact that the majority of small-scale farmers occupy land without owning it) and the existence of conflicts are an important challenge. During the fieldwork, a number of important SLMPs were identified, jointly with experts from government agencies. Subsequently, 550 small-scale farmers were surveyed in order to ascertain the main drivers and barrier to the adoption of such practices. Semi-structured interviews were also carried with some of the respondents to get a better understanding of the survey data. The preliminary results indicate that land tenure security and land size play a role in driving adoption of SLMPs. The results were presented to a number of international conferences in 2018 and 2019 (see Tschopp et al., 2018, 2019). Future work will focus on the role played by length of land occupancy (a better indicator than land tenure security) and the characteristic of the network associated with the management of common pastures.
A third important aspect studied during the second year of the project looks at the perceptions of deforestation of the various stakeholders (namely small-scale producers, large-scale producers, indigenous peoples, government and NGOs) by applying the framework of Environmental Justice. Q-methodology has been deployed to carry out this part of the study. The preliminary results indicate that there are three main core perceptions among the various stakeholders, which have been labelled as “development”, “family agriculture” and “subsistence”. The three perspectives, reflecting the interests of various stakeholders, also show that a convergence of views between large-scale producers and government agencies exists. The results have been presented to a number of international conferences (see Zepharovich et al., 2018c) and are currently being reviewed for publication in scientific journals.
Finally, a part of the fieldwork has concentrated in building rapport with the indigenous communities in order to be able to understand their views on deforestation. A number of preliminary presentations have been given to various international conferences (see Schaumberg et al., 2018a, 2018b, 2019).
The second most important result relates to the identification and systematic description of various SLMPs which could be adopted by small-scale farmers and reduce the intensity of the and conflicts in the region. Moreover, a preliminary analysis illustrates the importance of land tenure issues in stimulating the adoption of such practices.
The third most important result pertains to the characterization of the perceptions of the various actors in the region with respect to deforestation and the loss of natural habitat. The preliminary results show the existence of three distinct perspectives, which reflect different dimensions of environmental justice and can only partially be reconciled. Navigating these different perspectives will be necessary in order to conserve the remaining forest and attenuate the existing land conflicts in the region.
A number of additional results are expected until the end of the project. They include: a) the description of the narratives and perceptions of Indigenous Peoples in the region; b) the study of the organizational structures associated with the large-scale livestock producers, including an analysis of their attitudes towards deforestation; c) a detailed study of the network structures associated to the successful implementation of conservation projects in the region; d) the evaluation of different future forest policy scenarios, based on the views expressed by the relevant actors.

domain: geography


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How to Plan a Tibet Tour on a Budget?
- by Rita
- Last Updated: 2022-09-15
Tibet is the highest plateau in the world. There are too many myths and legends about this magical land, which attract tourists to explore it every year. Whether you are looking for a short Lhasa trip, an Everest Base Camp tour, a longer pilgrimage tour to Mt.Kailash, or an overland tour to Kathmandu, how to plan a cheap Tibet tour is very important for tourists on a tight budget. Besides, Tibet travel costs are generally higher than in other places in China due to its remoteness. There are eight ways to save costs for your Tibet trip.
Have a Join-in Small Group Tour
International tourists can't travel independently in Tibet. So you have to hire a tour guide accompanying you all the way and the tour guide cost can't be cut. In addition, Tibet is very vast, most of the famous tourist attractions in different destinations are far away from each other. Outside of Lhasa, you can't take public transportation but hire a private vehicle to go to the place, thus, there's another big expense. In view of this situation, many Tibet travel agencies have opened Tibet small group tours for budget travelers, especially solo travelers. Compared with a private travel price, joining a Tibet travel group can save at least 25% because you can share tour guide fee, car and driver fee, single room supplement, and the cost of food with other travelers in the group. For example, if you're a single traveler, from Lhasa to Mount Everest base camp, the standard Tibet travel cost for solo travelers is usually between 2000 USD and 3000 USD (excluding airfare or train tickets). But if you join in a group tour, you can reduce about 1000 USD/person including entrance fee, tour guides fee, transportation fee in Tibet, and hotel single supplement fee.
Unlike other large groups with rigid programs and too many people, Tibet small group tours collect 12 people at most in a group. At Great Tibet Tour, we usually recruit 3 to 5 people in a group to ensure smooth communication between tourists and guides. Therefore, you can save money and there're many more flexibilities. Furthermore, the advantages of a small group are to meet new friends from all over the world and share your emotional moments.
Book Your Tibet Tour in Advance
Book your tour in advance and enjoy early bird deals to save. Most travel agencies will launch various preferential tour packages and booking discounts from 3% to 15% from time to time.
In addition, if you book in advance or book as a group (3 people or more), you can get a further discount.
Take a Train to Tibet Instead of Flying to Tibet
Taking a plane is a quick way to Tibet if you have a very short time schedule to Tibet. But if you have enough time, it's a cheap way to take a Tibet train from big cities in China such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, and Xi'an. Besides, taking a train from Xining to Tibet is the shortest and the cheapest. By the way, the Qinghai-Tibet railway is worth experiencing once as it's the highest railway in the world and you will see amazing plateau scenery along the way, which you can't see anywhere else. The Tibet train tickets can save 1/3 or half of the airline fare according to the train berth class. If you choose a hard-sleeper instead of a soft-sleeper, you can further reduce the cost. The hard-sleepers are not so bad as you imagine. The biggest difference is that there're 6 berths without a door in a hard-sleeper cabin but 4 berths with a door in a hard-sleeper cabin.
What’s more, the Tibet train provides travelers with better opportunities to adapt to high altitude. The train is equipped with 2 sets of oxygen supply systems, one is a diffuse supply, the oxygen content in the carriage is adjusted by air conditioning. When the train is at high altitude, the cabin provides extra oxygen to prevent altitude sickness. In emergency cases, every passenger also has a private oxygen supply, and there's a doctor on every train.
Travel in The Off-season
Traveling to Tibet in winter can save a lot of expenses because air tickets and hotel expenses will be much cheaper in the low season. In addition, every winter in Tibet, there is a free admission policy for scenic spots, such as Potala Palace, Norbulingka Park, Everest National Nature Reserve, Lulang Forest, etc.
The winter in Lhasa is far less cold than imagined, because it's the Sunshine City, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine throughout the year. The temperature in the warm sun can be as high as 15 degrees in winter. Not only Lhasa, but a large part of Tibet is actually very warm in winter, such as Shigatse, Lhoka, and Nyingchi. The sky of Tibet is much blue in winter, and the snow-capped mountains are clearer and whiter.
Think about it, in the warm sunshine of Lhasa in winter, strolling around the temples, looking at the snow-capped mountains, having a cup of butter tea and a bowl of tsampa, what a pleasant thing!
Save Expense on Accommodation
Staying away from the busy streets can lower the accommodation cost because the fee of both luxury hotels and economy hotels located in the city center is definitely more expensive. Lhasa city is not big, and it will not have a big impact on hanging out.
Choosing a youth hostel or a family inn is also a pretty good choice. The price is even cheaper, about USD10 for a bed. In addition, you can make more friends. Ask your travel agency to recommend some cost-effective guesthouses.
Arrange Your Own Food in Tibet
You can arrange your own food in Tibet. In general, Tibet's food price is higher than in mainland China. Most food and stuff are transported by land or by air from the mainland, so the prices are more expensive, and the cost of living here is higher. The daily cost of lunch and dinner is about 20 USD/ person. But if you can accept very simple food, which may only cost about 10 USD/ person/day.
Take Public Transport in Lhasa
Taking public transport in Lhasa city can save your budget on transportation. According to regulations, international tourists can travel by bus or taxi in Lhasa city under the escort of a tour guide. The bus is all one yuan, and it is suggested to ask about the bus route and prepare for change first. A taxi is 10 yuan for 3kms, which is enough for most tourist attractions. The general charge is 5-10 yuan for rickshaws, and it is usually determined by your travel distance. There would be bicycles in the inns where you stay, and you can also ride bicycles around Lhasa. You’d better familiarize yourself with the roads before the ride.
Be Smart with Shopping
It will make sense to shop around and bargain for saving expenses. Barkhor Street is a very popular place for tourists to choose souvenirs. When you encounter something you like, it is not recommended to buy it right away. There are many things of the same kind. Shopping around to get an ideal price can help lower your cost.
Mount Lhotse is located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, at 8,516m. Lhotse means the "south peak" in Tibetan because it is 3 km south of Mount Everest.
Travel to Tibet Alone
Traveling solo around Tibet is perfectly safe. Below are details to ascertain that no misfortune will come to you if you take a solo trip to Tibet.
Top 10 Meditation Retreats in Tibet
Meditation can allow us to fully release stress, find inner peace and explore the potentials of the mind. While traveling in Tibet can allow us to see different scenery and find freedom and relaxation during the journey. If you combine meditation and Tibet travel, it will be an amazing journey of a lifetime!
How to Get to Everest Base Camp?
An ultimate guide about how to get to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and Tibet seperately. Learn about the EBC trekking route, transportation means, travel durations, and more details.
There's strong ultraviolet radiation, cold climate, thin air, as well as amazing alpine flowers, which show the beauty of nature with shapes and colors.
Tibet and Nepal
Both Tibet and Nepal are situated high up in the Himalayas. Tibet is on the northern side of the Himalayas, while Nepal is on the southern side.
Top 6 Rivers Rising From Tibetan Plateau
Top six rivers rising from Tibet are Yarlung Zangbo(Brahmaputra) River, Yangtze(Jinsha) River, Yellow River, Lancang(Mekong) River, Nu(Salween) River, and Shiquan He(Indus) River.
Wild Animals in Tibet
In Tibet, you can only see wild animals from a distance. What do the beautiful elves on the plateau look like? Let's take a look at the top animals in Tibet.
15 Little-known Mount Kailash Facts & Mysteries
Little-known mysteries and facts about Mount Kailash might amaze you. It's a holy place of many sects including Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Travel From Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp
How to travel to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu? If you are going to EBC in Nepal, you are recommended to fly to Lukla then trek to EBC. If you are going to EBC in Tibet, you can fly to Lhasa then drive to EBC or drive to EBC from Kathmandu directly.
Recommended Tour Packages
Email response within 0.5~24 hours.

domain: travel


The Rivals are a five piece band from Hertfordshire providing live music and entertainment of all genres.
As well as performing regularly in the local pub and club circuits, we love to take bookings for private parties. As well as providing a couple of hours of live music, we can also play your favourite dance tunes through our PA whilst the band take a break - even your own playlists from your phone! So you don't need to hire a DJ as well!
Broadly speaking, we can perform in most places in Hertfordshire / Enfield / West Essex.
The combination of excellent musicianship plus a wide mix of music ensures a great party or event every time.
Use our contact page to get in touch.
Elaine joined the band as vocalist in January 2019. She has a wealth of experience both in bands and theatre.
Having a female vocalist for the first time has enabled the band to extend its set list into places we've never dared go before!
Creating a foundation for the band along with rock solid timing is just one of Pat's roles in The Rivals. Her energetic drumming kicks the band's sound out at the audience while at the same time providing a flexible base for the rest of the rhythm section to build upon.
Pat's main stage kit is a Pearl BLX with Ziljdan Avensis Cymbals.
JJ has gigged for a variety of covers bands over the past 15 years and can play Mustang Sally backwards at double speed now.
If you catch him with his anorak on, feel free to mention the history of classic jukeboxes.
Fender Jazz / Fender Precision bass, through an Ashdown MAG C410T-300 (stadium gigs) or Hartke Kickback 15 (pubs).
Imran joined the band in 2019 to make us a five piece for the first time. He's a multi instrumentalist and has brought new dimensions to the band with his fab guitars and keyboard playing.


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The multi-national Eurofighter Typhoon has been described as the aerodynamic apotheosis of lessons learned from the twin engine “teen series” fighters that began with the F-14 and F-15, continued with the emergence of the F/A-18 Hornet, and extended through to the most recent F/A-18 Super Hornet variants. Aerodynamically, it’s a half generation ahead of all of these examples, and planned evolutions will place the Eurofighter near or beyond parity in electronic systems and weapons.
The 1998 production agreement among its 4 member countries involved 620 aircraft, built with progressively improved capabilities over 3 contract “tranches”. By the end of Tranche 2, however, welfare state programs and debt burdens had made it difficult to afford the 236 fighters remaining in the 4-nation Eurofighter agreement. A 2009 compromise was found in the EUR 9 billion “Tranche 3A” buy, and the program has renewed its efforts to secure serious export sales. Their success will affect the platform’s production line in the near term, and its modernization plans beyond that.
Latest updates[?]: The United Kingdom has received its ninth and final Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime multimission aircraft (MMA), with ZP809 arriving at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lossiemouth in Scotland on January 11. This brings a two-year delivery run that began with the arrival of ZP801 Pride of Moray in February 2020 to an end. Since then, ZP802 City of Elgin, ZP803 Terence Bulloch DSO DFC, ZP804 Spirit of Reykjavik, ZP805 Fulmar, ZP806 Guernsey's Reply, ZP807 William Barker VC, and ZP808 have all been received.
Maritime surveillance and patrol is becoming more and more important, but the USA’s P-3 Orion turboprop fleet is falling apart. The P-7 Long Range Air ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) Capable Aircraft program to create an improved P-3 began in 1988, but cost overruns, slow progress, and interest in opening the competition to commercial designs led to the P-7’s cancellation for default in 1990. The successor MMA program was begun in March 2000, and Boeing beat Lockheed’s “Orion 21” with a P-8 design based on their ubiquitous 737 passenger jet. US Navy squadrons finally began taking P-8A Poseidon deliveries in 2012, but the long delays haven’t done their existing P-3 fleet any favors.
Filling the P-3 Orion’s shoes is no easy task. What missions will the new P-8A Poseidon face? What do we know about the platform, the project team, and ongoing developments? Will the P-3’s wide global adoption give its successor a comparable level of export opportunities? Australia and India have already signed on, but has the larger market shifted in the interim?
Latest updates[?]: The Qatar Air Force took delivery of the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) recently, manufacturer Leonardo has announced. The first TTH version helicopter for land-based tasks was delivered on 11 December, in line with contractual commitments, and will be followed in the coming months by the first NFH, dedicated to naval operations, after qualifications. Deliveries will continue until 2025.
NH90: TTH & NFH
The NH90 emerged from a requirement that created a NATO helicopter development and procurement agency in 1992 and, at almost the same time, established NH Industries (62.5% EADS Eurocopter, 32.5% AgustaWestland, and 5% Stork Fokker) to build the hardware. The NATO Frigate Helicopter was originally developed to fit between light naval helicopters like AW’s Lynx or Eurocopter’s Panther, and medium-heavy naval helicopters like the European EH101. A quick look at the NFH design showed definite possibilities as a troop transport helicopter, however, and soon the NH90 project had branched into 2 versions, with more to follow.
The nearest equivalent would be Sikorsky’s popular H-60Seahawk/ Black Hawk family, but the NH90 includes a set of innovative features that give it some distinguishing selling points. Its combination of corrosion-proofing, lower maintenance, greater troop or load capacity, and the flexibility offered by that rear ramp have made the NH90 a popular global competitor.
As many business people discover the hard way, however, success can be almost as dangerous as failure. NH Industries has had great difficulty ramping up production fast enough to meet promised deliveries, which has left several buyers upset. Certification and acceptance have also been slow, with very few NH90s in service over a decade after the first contracts were signed. Booked orders have actually been sliding backward over the last year, and currently stand at around 500 machines, on behalf of 14 nations.
DID’s FOCUS articles cover major weapons acquisition programs – and no program is more important to the USAF than its aerial tanker fleet renewal. In January 2007, the big question was whether there would be a competition for the USA’s KC-X proposal, covering 175 production aircraft and 4 test platforms. The total cost is now estimated at $52 billion, but America’s aerial tanker fleet demands new planes to replace its KC-135s, whose most recent new delivery was in 1965. Otherwise, unpredictable age or fatigue issues, like the ones that grounded its F-15A-D fighters in 2008, could ground its aerial tankers – and with them, a substantial slice of the USA’s total airpower.
KC-Y and KC-Z buys are supposed to follow in subsequent decades, in order to replace 530 (195 active; ANG 251; Reserve 84) active tankers, as well as the USAF’s 59 heavy KC-10 tankers that were delivered from 1979-1987. Then again, fiscal and demographic realities may mean that the 179 plane KC-X buy is “it” for the USAF. Either way, the KC-X stakes were huge for all concerned.
In the end, it was Team Boeing’s KC-767 NexGen/ KC-46A (767 derivative) vs. EADS North America’s KC-45A (Airbus KC-30/A330-200 derivative), both within the Pentagon and in the halls of Congress. The financial and employment stakes guaranteed a huge political fight no matter which side won. After Airbus won in 2008, that fight ended up sinking and restarting the entire program. Three years later, Boeing won the recompete. Now, they have to deliver their KC-46A.
Latest updates[?]: Sikorsky won a $30.7 million contract modification by the US Navy, which increases the scope to procure 681 spare parts for the CH-53K low-rate initial production configuration aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a large cargo helicopter designed to replace the Marine Corps fleet of CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters to help move Marines and their equipment from ships offshore onto attack beaches. The CH-53K is a general redesign of the CH-53E. Work will take place in Connecticut, France, Washington, Canada, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Georgia. Estimated completion date will be in December 2026.
The U.S. Marines have a problem. They rely on their CH-53E Super Stallion medium-heavy lift helicopters to move troops, vehicles, and supplies off of their ships. But the helicopters are wearing out. Fast. The pace demanded by the Global War on Terror is relentless, and usage rates are 3 times normal. Attrition is taking its toll. Over the past few years, CH-53s have been recalled from “boneyard” storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ, in order to maintain fleet numbers in the face of recent losses and forced retirements. Now, there are no flyable spares left.
Enter the Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) program, now known as the CH-53K. It aims to offer notable performance improvements over the CH-53E, in a similar airframe. The question is whether its service entry delay to 2018-2019 will come too late to offset a serious decline in Marine aviation.
Latest updates[?]: Airbus revealed for the first time the upgrade of the Tiger Mk III upgrade it plans to roll out to France, Germany, and Spain. France is expected to finalize a deal for up to 180 H160M helicopters for its army, navy and air force by the end of the year. Beyond that, Airbus expects to sell as many as 400 helicopters through 2030, according to Matthieu Louvot, executive vice president of Airbus Helicopters programs.
Tiger HAP & HAC
Eurocopter’s Tiger had always had a very odd setup in that it came in two seemingly incomplete versions (HAP scout and HAC/UHT anti-tank), whose respective deficiencies severely limited multi-role flexibility and hence exports. The new Tiger HAD (Helicoptere Appui Destruction) variant fixes those deficiencies, and looks set to become the default version for new-build EC665 Tiger exports.
The HAD project began in December 2005, as the EU’s OCCAR organization for armament cooperation signed a formal contract in Bonn, Germany and set out initial procurement numbers for Spain. This was followed by the French DGA’s announcing the restructuring of its own 80-helicopter order, and each customer has made its own choices as the new variant has gone from concept to initial delivery.
Latest updates[?]: South Korea is sending a KC-330 aerial refueling tanker to Australia today to bring back 27,000 liters of urea solution. The solution is needed by the country’s diesel vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. The plane is expected to depart at 5p.m. Korean time from Gimhae International Airport.
South Korea is moving to buy 4 long-range aerial refueling tankers with secondary transport capabilities, with a budget of WON 2 billion (about $1.8 billion). That capability isn’t a huge priority on the Korean peninsula itself, but it’s very useful for international operations. It’s useful as a way of projecting regional power, as territorial disputes flare with China.
As Asian economies grow and militaries modernize, these factors have made long-range aerial refueling a growing regional priority. China, India, Pakistan and China deploy the Russian IL-78. Japan fields 4 Boeing KC-767As, and may raise that to 8 under recent plans. Similar American KC-46As will join them in the region after 2017. Elsewhere in the region, Australia (5) and Singapore (4) picked Airbus Defense & Space’s larger A330 MRTT instead, and India looks set to buy 6 at some point. What will the ROKAF do?
Latest updates[?]: Australia has been given clearance by the US State Department to purchase 12 MH-60R naval helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in Transmittal No 21-61 that the Foreign Military Sales package is worth up to $985 million.
MH-60Rs fire Hellfire
Australia’s AIR 9000, Phase 8 project aimed to buy 24 modern naval helicopters to 16 existing S-70B-2 Seahawks, along with the disastrous A$1.1 billion, 11-helicopter SH-2G “Super Seasprite” acquisition attempt. With a total sales and support value of over A$ 3 billion, it was a highly coveted award.
The finalists were familiar, and both had roots in Australia. Sikorsky’s MH-60R is a modernized descendant of the RAN’s existing S-70B anti-submarine helicopters, and Australia’s army operates the S-70A utility helicopter. On the other hand, a multi-billion dollar 2006 order made the European NH90-TTH (“MRH-90”) the Army’s future helicopter, and some MRH-90s will even serve as Navy utility helicopters. NHI/Eurocopter’s NH90-NFH naval variant builds on that base. So why did the MH-60R make Australia its 1st export win?
Latest updates[?]: Lockheed Martin won an $80 million contract modification to exercise options for littoral combat ship class design services and integrated data and product model environment support. According to the Defense Department, The US Navy plans to build a fleet of 33 literal combat ocean going warships that are also capable of operating in shallow coastal waters. Work will take place in New Jersey, Washington DC and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.
Trimaran LCS Design
(click to enlarge)
Exploit simplicity, numbers, the pace of technology development in electronics and robotics, and fast reconfiguration. That was the US Navy’s idea for the low-end backbone of its future surface combatant fleet. Inspired by successful experiments like Denmark’s Standard Flex ships, the US Navy’s $35+ billion “Littoral Combat Ship” program was intended to create a new generation of affordable surface combatants that could operate in dangerous shallow and near-shore environments, while remaining affordable and capable throughout their lifetimes.
It hasn’t worked that way. In practice, the Navy hasn’t been able to reconcile what they wanted with the capabilities needed to perform primary naval missions, or with what could be delivered for the sums available. The LCS program has changed its fundamental acquisition plan 4 times since 2005, and canceled contracts with both competing teams during this period, without escaping any of its fundamental issues. Now, the program looks set to end early. This public-access FOCUS article offer a wealth of research material, alongside looks at the LCS program’s designs, industry teams procurement plans, military controversies, budgets and contracts.
DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. This is DID’s FOCUS Article regarding the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program, covering the program and its objectives, the winning bid team and industrial arrangements, and contracts.
The US Army’s LUH program will finish as a 325 helicopter acquisition program that will be worth about $2.3 billion when all is said and done. It aimed to replace existing UH-1 Hueys and OH-58 Kiowa utility variants in non-combat roles, freeing up larger and more expensive UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for front-line duty. In June 2006, a variant of Eurocopter’s EC145 beat AgustaWestland’s AB139, Bell-Textron’s 412EP Twin Huey, and MD Helicopters’ 902 Explorer NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) design. The win marked EADS’ 1st serious military win in the American market, and their “UH-145” became the “UH-72A Lakota” at an official December 2006 naming ceremony.
Eurocopter has continued to field new mission kits and deliver helicopters from its Mississippi production line, while trying to build on their LUH breakthrough. A training helicopter win will keep the line going for a couple more years…

domain: news


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The “Biggest Party in the South,” the Pepsi Rock the South Driven By Mitch Smith Chevrolet Festival, is set to return to Cullman, Alabama in 2017 on Friday, June 2 nd and Saturday, June 3rd. After teasing an all-star line-up across the festival’s social media platforms earlier this week, Rock the South today confirms country star Luke Bryan will make his first appearance at the festival and will serve as festival headliner. Bryan joins previously announced festival headliner Sam Hunt. Additional festival performers include Brett Eldredge, Dustin Lynch, Maren Morris, and Chris Janson, as well as breakout artists Riley Green, High Valley, Cody Jinks, Muscadine Bloodline and Dee Jay Silver.
Starting January 23rd at 8 A.M. CT, a limited selection of specially-priced tickets will be available in a two-day Super Fan Pre-Sale, with tickets available for General Admission ($69) Platinum ($109) and VIP ($229) levels for two-day festival passes. Following the Super Fan Pre-Sale, Early Bird Tickets will be available beginning January 25th until March 19th, with General Admission ($79) Platinum ($129) and VIP ($249) levels for two-day festival passes. To purchase tickets and for additional information on Ultimate VIP passes, visit Rockthesouth.com.
For the first time in the festival’s history, Rock the South will also offer fans the opportunity to camp on festival grounds, with a comfortable “Glamping” option available via the festival’s website. To make tent reservations and to find out more information, visit Rockthesouth.com/glamping.
“Over the past six years ‘Rock the South’ has become synonymous with ‘ultimate fan experience,’ and this year we sought to once again bring a great mix of stadium entertainment and breakout stars to the Cullman area, while offering affordable ticket prices. Last year’s festival hosted more than 25,000 fans a day with great acts like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, and this year we are thrilled to bring two of the largest acts in country, superstars Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt,” said Nathan Baugh, co-founder, Rock the South.
“Rock the South has grown considerably since its first year, and brings many people from all across the country who look forward to experiencing the festival and our community. Rock the South is a homegrown festival that not only brings people to Cullman for top-notch entertainment, it also very generously gives back to our community through donations to local charitable organizations year-after-year,” added Mayor Jacobs.
Originally intended to be a one-year celebration of recovery after a series of tornados devastated the Cullman, Alabama area, Rock the South has expanded to become a massive celebration of what the Alabama area has to offer, while retaining is commitment of giving back to the area. Past performers have included Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Alan Jackson, Tyler Farr, Travis Tritt, Kelsea Ballerini and many more. Since the first Rock the South in 2012, the festival has continued to be an important community partner giving back over $400,000 to local charities including The Link of Cullman County, Cullman Parks and Recreation, and Worldvision.


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Lately, I knew my mom wished me to stay in Yogyakarta, as this town is not that big and not that harsh. I was accepted in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. I heavily flew to Adi Sucipto international airport. With tears and cry, with storm and lightning, I stood on the land of students' heaven. A super big suitcase, a super huge backpack, a laptop handbag, a box of gift from Balikpapan for my aunt, and my violin, I heavily walked and found a taxi to take me to my Family's house in Bantul. I never wished I stay here. I never wished to hear Gamelan in all places, I never wished to see batik wherever I go, and I never wished to learn Unggah-ungguh.
|Student Orientation ||
My first smile in Yogyakarta | God Damn the FAT!
As I explored some little parts of Jogja, I learned how people are varied. I met persons that I never thought of. I met things that I never imagined before. I experienced things that I never wanted to experience.
I also came to my favorite view from all over this town. Gunung Merapi.
|Me taking picture and directing the poses exposing|
the summit of Merapi. EXTREMELY AWESOME!
|My sister took scenery of hills near Merapi.|
And the last thing I love the most from this city is da FOOD! even it's too sweet for a Kalimantanese like me, but it tasted heaven! one of my favorite family restaurant is palem golek! they have sea-food like I always had in my hometown! love it!
|Sitting in the restaurant|
|They even have a super strong see saw|
for the jumbos......
There are thousand of things that I had experienced in this super cool town. You have to trust me, how those experiences are priceless.


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It was time for “death disco punk and rock and roll” at the London Music Hall when industrial music genre sensations Combichrist invaded!
This event which played out at the hall’s rather intimate Rum Runners room did allow fans a very up close and personal experience with one of industrial music’s most influential players — lead man and primary song writer — Andy LaPlegua.
LaPlegua, who is of Norwegian heritage, and his new band line up (based from Atlanta) that consists of Eric 13 (guitarist) and duelling drummers Nick Rossi and Will Spod, were in the midst of a very extensive and world wide tour while promoting their newest album release “One Fire” (due out June 7th – from Out of Line Music).
For me personally, Combichrist had me as a fan a long time ago when their amazing releases “Electrohead” and “Get Your Body Beat” (2006) first kicked me in the head.
And since then they have consistenly demonstrated a mastery for industrial music which uniquely features and combines LaPlegua’s perfect raspy vocals style with signature relentless and dominating percussion and ongoing guitar wizardry.
Within this type of music, they are in fact not influenced — they are influencers. I would not hesitate for a second to rate them within some of the all time greats, including Rammstein (who they have previously toured with), and Front 242, Nitzer Ebb and Laibach.
During the London set, LaPlegua, who has also seen and experienced his share of difficulties too, (including some heavy related personal loss) there was an emphasis for some new music material which is meant to be therapeutic. With a focus on society’s current epidemic for hidden illnesses like depression, which is something which has hit home hard for LaPlegua personally while facing his own demons — his message included a strong and personal offer. He encouraged any afflicted fans — to in fact contact him direct to begin dialogue — and that was impressive!
With that serious business and message aside — Combichrist had all the Rum Runners patrons jumping and buzzing all evening. Andy, whose on stage presence and pacing is pretty much like watching a caged lion, and his skilled band, fully delivered as expected.
PS: To view Combichrist’s modern day classic & “10 of out 10” entertaining “Maggots at the Party” video click: HERE
To visit Combichrist official click : HERE
Event review and photo gallery by Bruce Biegler

domain: artistic


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Finding oneself accused of a serious offence can be a profoundly unsettling experience, especially when it involves the charge of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. If you or someone you know is facing this charge for the first time, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal ramifications involved. In this article, we aim to shed light on the offence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs under English law, providing clarity on its definition, offering illustrative examples, detailing potential sentencing outcomes, and exploring possible defences that can be pursued.
Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a criminal offence under Section 4(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug) and Section 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply it to another). It is defined as two or more people agreeing to supply Class A drugs, even if they do not actually carry out their plan.
The prosecution must prove the following elements in order to secure a conviction for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs:
Note that the agreement can be made in any way, including verbally, in writing, or by implication. For example, two people who are caught together with a large quantity of Class A drugs and who have been acting suspiciously may be found to have conspired to supply Class A drugs.
The offence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a serious offence, and can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. However, the actual sentence that is imposed will depend on a number of factors, as we outline later.
Here are some examples of the offence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs:
Remember that even if no Class A drugs are actually supplied, the prosecution can still secure a conviction for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. It is sufficient to prove that the agreement was made with the intention of supplying Class A drugs.
If you are suspected of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the UK, the police and other law enforcement specialist teams or agencies (such as drugs teams) will get involved. Here is an outline of what is likely to happen:
The sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the UK is a maximum of life imprisonment. However, the actual sentence that is imposed will depend on a number of factors, including the role that the offender played in the conspiracy, the amount of Class A drugs that were involved, and the offender’s previous criminal record. Per the sentencing guidelines, the offence range is a high level community order to 16 years’ custody.
For example, a first-time offender who is caught in possession of a small quantity of Class A drugs for personal supply may be given a community order or a suspended sentence. However, a repeat offender who is caught in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs for commercial supply is likely to be sentenced to prison.
Aggravating and mitigating factors play an important role in determining the sentence.
Aggravating factors include:
Mitigating factors include:
The weight given to each aggravating and mitigating factor will vary depending on the specific case. For example, a judge may give more weight to the aggravating factor of a previous criminal record if the offender has a history of violent offences.
In addition to a prison sentence, offenders may also be fined and/or ordered to forfeit any assets that they have gained from their drug dealing activities. This could involve anything including cars, motorcycles, jewellery, clothing, electronics, and other valuable assets or possessions.
The likelihood of someone going to prison for their first offence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the UK depends on a number of factors, including the role that the offender played in the conspiracy, the amount of Class A drugs that were involved, and the offender’s previous criminal record.
However, in general, first-time offenders are less likely to be sentenced to prison than repeat offenders. According to a 2021 report by the Ministry of Justice, there were 1,163 convictions for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs in England and Wales in 2020/21. Of these, 2% were first-time offenders. Of the first-time offenders, only 2 (0.2%) were sentenced to immediate imprisonment.
Note that the crime of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a very serious offence, and even first-time offenders can be sentenced to prison, especially if the circumstances surrounding the crime are serious, too. For example, a first-time offender who is caught in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs or who played a leading role in the conspiracy is more likely to be sentenced to prison than a first-time offender who made an out-of-character decision or was pressured by peers or gang members to engage in the illegal activity.
If you or someone you care about is facing charges for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people with no prior legal experience find themselves in this situation, and there is help available. Contact Stuart Miller Solicitors today to learn more about your legal options and start building your defence.
A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.
We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.
Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.
We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.
You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.
We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.
We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.

domain: law


Recently, there has been a lot of discussion on social media about a new device called the “MacToilet” — a smart toilet seat — that Apple allegedly released.
However, we are here to make it clear that these assertions are wholly untrue. Such a product hasn’t been introduced by Apple. The photographs that have been going around on social media are the consequence of deceptive information and deft computer modification.
Even though Apple is well known for its cutting-edge technology, it’s critical to distinguish between real and false news. Apple is still concentrating on its primary business of creating and providing top-notch consumer gadgets, and the “MacToilet” is still just a made-up invention.


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County Armagh writer Stuart Neville on fire with new horror book
County Armagh novelist Stuart Neville talks to Jenny Lee about his most violent and most Northern Irish thriller to date - The House of Ashes, a story about two women bonding over a shared history of abuse
COUNTY Armagh crime writer Stuart Neville admits his latest book, The House of Ashes, a dark psychological thriller which spans a time frame of six decades, has been his "most difficult book to write yet".
When I prise into the reason why, it's not a simple answer about the impact of Covid pandemic, as the novelist reveals the thinking process, moral dilemmas and turmoil involved in being a crime writer.
"The House of Ashes is a reaction to my previous couple of books which I wrote under the pen name Haylen Beck and were set in America," says the 49-year-old father of two.
"This is much less commercial and very Northern Irish. It re-introduces the supernatural I had explored in my early books and it verges much closer to horror."
A dark and intense story about abuse, coercive control, friendship, family secrets, resilience and female empowerment, The House of Ashes tells the story of two women, Sara Keane and Mary Jackson, who discover terrifying links that bind them to a 120-year-old house in Belfast.
After having recently attempted suicide, Sara relocates with her abusive husband Damien "for a clean start", to a house belonging to his ancestors.
But when Mary knocks on her door, she reveals the tragic events she witnessed in the house when she was just a child.
The initial inspiration for the novel came from a real-life crime that happened a number of years ago in a village near his home - the details of which Neville won't go into.
"I didn't want to be insensitive to those affected by that crime and pick over someone else's suffering. But the idea of the isolated house stuck with me and I moved the story further and further away from the original case in terms of location and plot," explains Neville.
Drawing a line between fact and fiction is something he, and his fellow crime writers, are very conscious of.
"In the light of the Sarah Everard murder case I've been talking with other crime writers recently about how we portray crimes against women in our fiction, as well as the portrayal of police in those investigations," he explains.
"Things in the real world reflect back on us and we have to reflect back on them by taking a step back, as you need to be mindful of the innocent victims involved."
Careful not to "repeat" himself, or "write to formula", Neville admits he finds it "harder and harder to find fresh ground" as a writer.
"Sometimes when you write a book it takes a while to figure out exactly how you are going to tackle the story," he says.
"It was when reading Michael Hughes's novel Country, which was set around the Irish borderlands and written entirely in the colloquial language, that I realised this was the voice and dialect needed for my older character Mary."
And not afraid to self-critique his own work, after his finished book was accepted by the publishers, Neville, not happy with the balance between the present-day storyline and the historical one, resorted to completely rewriting half of it.
"You sometimes have to be prepared to bare it all down and start again."
Ironically the re-write happened during the first Covid pandemic lockdown, when Neville, like his characters Sarah and Mary, was in enforced isolation.
"It wasn't intentional, but as so much of the book is about isolation, there was a parallel with what the planet was going through at that time, and as a result it's a topic people can relate to," he says.
Among the book club question suggestions at the end of the novel is 'What themes do you think the author wanted to explore in this book and why?'
Surprisingly Neville admits that it isn't always him making those decisions.
"I don't think you can chase those themes consciously - you have to let the story unfold itself. Every reader brings their own values, beliefs and interpretations to a book and often the reader will find themes that I didn't necessarily intend, or was even conscious of."
And for this reason Neville intentionally leaves some of his storylines unresolved.
"Very often, even if you try to lead the reader down a particular path, they choose their own anyway. You have no control over how the reader experiences the work, so I feel it's better if you leave a little bit of room for them to interpret things."
In The House of Ashes, as like his 2010 debut novel The Twelve, which won the LA Times Book Prize, Neville brings in some paranormal elements. Or are they?
"I grew up in the '80s reading Stephen King and that's always been a big influence. But I've always tried to leave a bit of ambiguity as I find readers psychologically will decide for themselves one way or the other."
One thing he did make sure to do was carefully research the subject of coercive relationships and their insidious and damaging impact; and he is grateful to the women he spoke to who shared their personal experiences.
"Many people can't comprehend why people stay in those relationships. But it was described to me as 'the ground always being unsteady on your feet', as the abuser puts them in the position that they always doubt themselves and weakens them to the point they feel helpless."
Whilst much of the violence within The House of Ashes is implied rather than explicitly stated, the book does contain some quite graphic scenes. I ask Neville how writing this affects him.
"A common thing you will find amongst crime writers is that they tend to be very friendly and genial despite writing about the most awful things. I do wonder if there is some sort of therapy in getting it out of your head which leaves crime writers to be genuinely nice people," adds Neville, who in his spare time plays guitar in a rock band called Fun Lovin' Crime Writers.
The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville is published by Zaffre and is out now.

domain: literature


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QSM provides veterinarians and pet owners withthe resources and tools needed to handle the most difficult cases of earinfections. Most ear issues can be treated without much effort. However, ifthey keep coming back and there are signs of infection, we're here to help.
Ear infections are painful, but those unfortunate dogs with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are suffering even more, and don’t get better with standard treatment because it is resistant to many drugs that are typically used to treat ear infections. QSM's testing kits are currently the only technology on the market with the ability to detect and measure the amount of this bacteria in your dog's ears, giving veterinarians the best chance of helping your dog return to normal.
One of the biggest challenges veterinarians and pet owners face with treating pets is when to stop treatment. Stopping treatment early is the number one cause for recurring ear infections. Even though your pet looks to be back to normal, bacteria deep inside the ear can still be alive and will regrow and cause symptoms to come back in a few weeks. That is why you need to go back to your veterinarian for a follow up visit at the end of treatment. However, everyone is busier than ever and getting your pet back is challenging. Now, you can run a QSM OTTER test 1-2 days before the end of treatment and confirm if the infection is all gone. If it is, great! If not, your veterinarian can prescribe another dose or drug to make sure your furbaby gets back to 100%.

domain: pet


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edited by Donald J. D'Elia
Nov 2006 - Sapientia Press Ave Maria Univ
When historians adhere to a Christian worldview, should that worldview have an influence on their understanding of the history that they write about? On the one hand, the answers to this question sometimes seem to be "a God of the gaps,” in which God fills any explanatory gaps that the historian might find, or even a presumption to know the full historical course, down to the details of modern history, of God’s providential plan. Yet, on the other hand, achieving a "neutral” historiography is not...
Fr. Matthew Lamb
Dec 2012 - Sapientia Press Ave Maria Univ
This book goes behind the headlines on the Catholic Church in the United States to explore some of the principles and philosophical sources to which Popes, Bishops, Priests, Religious, and laity appeal when they challenge American culture and society on moral and social issues. Rarely do the media discuss the "dictatorship of relativism” criticized by Pope Benedict XVI, and the reasons he gives for why such relativism undermines the moral foundations of religious freedom,...
Nov 2008 - Sapientia Press Ave Maria Univ
Introduction to Catholic Doctrine Series Do we need the Church? Does the Church, with her teaching, preaching, and sacramental life, get in the way of human happiness? What is the Church's relationship to Christ and to the grace of the holy Trinity? These are among the questions that Fr. Charles Morerod addresses in his richly pastoral and learned book. This book invites Christians to learn anew why the Church, the Body of Christ, is God's chosen mode of sharing Christ's life with us. ABOUT...
edited by Fr. Martin R. Tripole
Jul 2012 - Sapientia Press Ave Maria Univ
Fr. Martin R. Tripole, S.J. explains how the present crisis in the Catholic Church in America has its roots in the Enlightenment, specifically in the Enlightenment's presumption that human reason could stand alone in its pursuit of truth, thereby excluding or marginalizing the role of faith and revelation. He articulates how we can overcome present divisions and more effectively fulfill Christ's saving mission for the world.
edited by William Brennan
Oct 2008 - Sapientia Press Ave Maria Univ
This book reveals how through a discourse of truth-telling—calling things by their proper name—Pope John Paul II effectively exposed the corruption of language and thought fueling a death culture that is becoming increasingly embedded in medicine, human experimentation, commerce, law, and ideology. This is an indispensable guide to Pope John Paul’s profound and practical insights, meditations, principles, and actions to protect society’s most defenseless...

domain: library


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Major Wall Street indexes jumped at Thursday’s open on upbeat data from Washington that pointed to a strengthening economic recovery.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 550 points, or 1.6% in morning trade, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also each climbed higher after a rocky session on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve signaled that interest rate hikes could take place as early as March.
U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew in the final months of 2021 at a better-than-expected 6.9% annualized rate in the fourth quarter, up from Bloomberg economists’ consensus estimate of 5 .5%. Meanwhile, initial jobless claims fell for the first time in four weeks after hitting a three-month high in the previous reading, suggesting that some of the Omicron-related disruptions that have recently weighed on the recovery of the labor market could ease.
The Federal Reserve kept rates near zero following a two-day policy meeting that ended on Wednesday, citing plans to end the government’s asset-buying policy first. pandemic era. The Federal Open Market Committee, however, reaffirmed that it would conclude the process in early March, suggesting that the first rate hike could come in six weeks.
Investors were expecting clarity from the Fed on what steps it would take to ease inflation ahead of Wednesday’s statement, as uncertainty surrounding the pace and extent of the policy change weighed on markets. since the start of the new year.
“While offering clarity on how the Fed would begin the process of removing policy accommodation, the outcome of the meeting did not provide the necessary guidance on the timing and extent of policy change,” he said. said Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist for Allianz. Investment Management said in a note. “Today’s meeting has fully convinced market participants that a March rally is certain, but with Chairman Powell making no timing commitments, the door is slightly open for a slower Fed.”
Amid questions about when – and by how much – short-term borrowing costs will be increased, the Federal Open Market Committee unanimously agreed that “it will soon be appropriate to increase the range federal funds rate target,” with remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaling that the first increase will take place on March 16, after the central bank’s next scheduled meeting.
“I would say the committee is in agreement to raise the federal funds rate at the March meeting, assuming the conditions are appropriate to do so,” Powell said at a press conference. “I don’t think it’s possible to say exactly how it’s going to go, and we’re going to have to be, as I mentioned, nimble about it.
JPMorgan’s U.S. chief economist Michael Feroli said Powell’s comments were “arguably the most hawkish he has made as Fed chairman.”
Powell deflected questions about whether a 50 basis point hike was on the table, including one posed by Yahoo Finance’s Brian Cheung about whether the hikes would be gradual, but Powell indicated that the measures to the central bank may differ from their pace from when it started raising rates in 2015 due to a much stronger economy and labor market and soaring inflation.
“While remaining evasive, Powell wanted to make it clear that hiking in back-to-back meetings was a possibility, a risk we also flagged,” Feroli said.
10:00 a.m. ET: US home buying slows in last month of 2021
U.S. pending home sales, which serve as a leading indicator of the health of the housing market, fell for the second consecutive month in December.
the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Pending Home Sales Indexwhich tracks the number of homes under contract for sale, fell 3.8% in the last month of 2021 compared to November and 6.9% compared to the same month of the year.
Activity was down in all regions of the United States. Bloomberg consensus estimates reflected an expected decline in sales of 0.4% from the previous month and a decline of 4% from the same month a year ago.
“Pending home sales faded towards the end of 2021 as the dwindling housing supply left consumers with very few options,” NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. hurry. “Mortgage rates have risen steadily over the past few weeks, which will unfortunately eventually drive out marginal buyers.”
9:30 a.m. ET: Stocks rise on strong economic data
Here are the main market movements at the start of Thursday’s trading session:
S&P 500 (^GSPC): +43.42 (+1.00%) to 4,393.35
Dow (^ DJI): +285.29 (+0.83%) to 34,453.38
Nasdaq (^IXIC): +151.11 (+1.12%) to 13,693.23
Raw (CL=F): +$1.03 (+1.18%) at $88.38 per barrel
Gold (CG=F): -$31.60 (-1.73%) at $1,798.10 per ounce
10-year cash flow (^TNX): -1.1 bps for a yield of 1.8370%
9:12 a.m.: New orders for U.S.-made capital goods stagnate
US capital goods were unexpectedly flat in December, signaling a slowdown in business capital spending amid a shortage.
The Commerce Department said Thursday that last month’s unchanged reading for non-military capital goods orders excluding aircraft followed a 0.3% gain in November. Printing serves as a closely guarded proxy for corporate spending plans.
Economists had expected orders to rise 0.4%, according to Bloomberg consensus estimates.
8:30 a.m. ET: U.S. economy grows at an annualized rate of 6.9%, beating forecasts
U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew in the final months of 2021, with continued strong consumer spending helping to fuel growth and offset early negative impacts from the spread of the Omicron variant.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday that the U.S. economy grew at a better-than-expected 6.9% annualized rate in the fourth quarter, up from Bloomberg economists’ consensus estimate of 5 .5%.
Growth in the fourth quarter rebounded more than expected from the disappointing rate of expansion in the third quarter, when GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.3%, its weakest since mid-2020.
8:30 a.m. ET: U.S. jobless claims trend lower as Omicron disruption begins to ease
Initial jobless claims fell for the first time in four weeks after hitting a three-month high in the previous reading, suggesting that some of the Omicron-related disruptions that have recently weighed on the labor market recovery could subside.
The Labor Department reported another 260,000 people filed new claims for the week ending Jan. 22, slightly less than the expected 265,000 reflected in Bloomberg consensus estimates. Last week, initial jobless claims hit a three-month high amid further virus-related disruptions.
Even though the spread of Omicron may slow, payrolls will be a bit slower to respond to falling COVID cases than real-time activity data, according to Pantheon Macroeconomics chief economist Ian Shepherdson.
7:00 a.m. ET: Southwest Airlines takes off with its first quarterly profit in two years
Southwest Airlines Co’s (LUV) fourth-quarter results reflect the Texas-based carrier posted its first quarterly profit in two years in the last three months of 2021, buoyed by holiday travel before the Omicron outbreak . The company also said it expects to be profitable in 2022.
Southwest, however, is forecasting a loss in the current quarter through March due to suppressed revenue gains and increased costs related to Omicron disruptions. The airline expects to be profitable in the last three quarters of the year.
“With the downward trend in COVID-19 cases, the worst seems to be behind us,” said new CEO Bob Jordan. Jordan is expected to take over as the company’s sixth chief executive next month.
Southwest shares were mostly flat in premarket trading at $43.77 apiece.
7:00 a.m .: Futures on the three main indices swing before the open
Here’s how stock futures fared in pre-market trading on Thursday morning:
S&P 500 Futures Contracts (ES=F): +9.75 points (+0.22%), to 4,351.25
Dow futures (JM=F): +39.00 points (+0.11%), to 34,094.00
Nasdaq futures contracts (NQ=F): +61.00 points (+0.43%) to 14,219.50
Raw (CL=F): +$0.89 (+1.02%) at $88.24 per barrel
Gold (CG=F): -$18.90 (-1.03%) to $1,810.80 per ounce
10-year cash flow (^TNX): +0.00 bps for a yield of 1.8480%
6:00 p.m. ET Wednesday: Stock futures rise as investors ponder Fed comments
Here are the main moves in post-trade trading ahead of the overnight session:
S&P 500 Futures Contracts (ES=F): +8.25 points (+0.19%), to 4,349.75
Dow futures (JM=F): +31.00 points (+0.09%), to 34,086.00
Nasdaq futures contracts (NQ=F): +44.00 points (+0.31%) to 14,202.50
Raw (CL=F): +$0.23 (+0.26%) at $87.12 per barrel
Gold (CG=F): -$10.80 (-0.59%) at $1,818.90 per ounce
10-year cash flow (^TNX): +6.5 bps for a yield of 1.8480%
Alexandra Semenova is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alexandraandnyc
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance

domain: finance


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As I was logging in to post here just now, I started thinking about the word “satisfying,” and its meaning. Without going to an actual dictionary definition, I consider being “satisfied” as the feeling you get when you have a need or needs met. More than contentment, which I think of as the absence of strife, it alludes to a process of taking action to fulfill an absence, a requirement. I don’t think it matters if you identify the need ahead of time – satisfaction can come even if you didn’t realize you were meeting a need through your action.
What got me on this train of thought is that I have had one of the most satisfying weekends I’ve experienced in a while. Brainstorming on my book idea worked my mind; rearranging my room and setting up my new bed frame worked my body; and spending time in my seaside nook reading, writing, and soaking in the sun and salt spray worked my heart. I am beat, but I am satisfied. And while the weekend was over too soon, as they always are (even when we don’t lose an hour), I’m ready for Monday, with its later sunlight and its fresh starts and opening my eyes from a new place, both literally and figuratively.
I hope you found some satisfaction in your weekend, as well. Here’s to Spring; may she arrive SOON!

domain: psychology


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New Legislation to Protect and Expand Affordable Health Care
ORLANDO, FL – Today Rep. Demings cosponsored the “Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions & Making Health Care More Affordable Act.” In addition, she responded to news that the Trump Justice Department will argue in court for the full invalidation of the Affordable Care Act.
Said Rep. Demings, “Americans have a right to health care and I will be relentless in my efforts to protect and expand that right. I’m proud to cosponsor new legislation to lower health insurance premiums and protect Americans with preexisting conditions. The Trump Administration is dead wrong to side with big corporations in their sickening efforts to take away affordable care from millions of Americans, eliminate no-charge preventive services for older Americans, and increase out-of-pocket costs for families.
“The GOP lawsuit is a direct attack by Attorney General Barr and President Trump on the wellbeing of working Americans—an undying attempt to take us back to the dark days when just one illness or accident meant a lifetime without adequate health insurance. The ACA’s cost-cutting provisions and protections for people with preexisting conditions are a clear public good. I will continue to work to make healthcare more affordable for all Americans.”
The Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions & Making Health Care More Affordable Act:
- Lowers health insurance premiums with strengthened and expanded affordability assistance – expanding tax credits that make health insurance more affordable to more middle-income families and making them more substantial for those already eligible.
- Strengthens protections for people with pre-existing conditions – curtailing the Trump Administration’s efforts to give states waivers to undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions and weaken standards for essential health benefits, which would leave consumers with less comprehensive plans that do not cover needed services, such as prescription drugs, maternity care, and substance use disorder treatment.
- Stops insurance companies from selling junk health insurance plans – halting the Trump Administration’s efforts to push Americans into junk health insurance plans that do not provide coverage for essential medical treatments and drugs, and that are allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Reverses the GOP’s health care sabotage that has needlessly driven up premiums and uninsured rates – restoring outreach and enrollment assistance funding, putting new accountability requirements on the Trump Administration, and empowering states to innovate and invest in enrolling more people in affordable health coverage.

domain: politics


SUNNYVALE, CA, Sept. 8, 2000-SanDisk Corporation (NASDQ:SNDK) described as unfounded and lacking in merit a patent infringement suit filed against it Thursday by Lexar Media, Inc. The suit alleges that SanDisk's SmartMedia cards, readers and drivers infringe on a Lexar patent (No. 5,479,638) and seeks to enjoin the sales of these products and unspecified damages.
Eli Harari, President and CEO of SanDisk, called the suit, "A desperation move by Lexar to buttress its weak position in the pending litigation between SanDisk and Lexar before the U.S. District Court in San Francisco." He referred to a court order already obtained by SanDisk which holds that all of Lexar's current CompactFlash™ and PC cards contributorily infringe on a SanDisk patent (U.S. Patent No. 5,602,987).
The latest suit was filed on September 7, 2000 by Lexar in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware where both firms are incorporated.
SanDisk strongly stressed that Lexar's allegations are completely unfounded. SanDisk said it plans to vigorously defend itself against Lexar's claims. SanDisk also pointed out that the SmartMedia cards, readers and drivers referred to in Lexar's complaint are purchased by SanDisk from third parties, who design and manufacture the products.
SanDisk's lawsuit against Lexar is scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 23, 2000 before the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Having already proven infringement, SanDisk is seeking damages for willful infringement, the recovery of its legal expenses, plus a permanent injunction against Lexar's sales of their current CompactFlash and PC card products.
Should SanDisk win its lawsuit, Lexar would be required to cease the sale of its current CompactFlash and PC card products and develop redesigned products that avoid infringement of the '987 patent. Lexar has stated in its Aug. 8, 2000 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, related to its initial public offering, that Lexar "cannot be certain that the redesigned products will have all the functionality, including the high write speed, of [its] current products."
Harari noted that "SanDisk has all along held that the innovations of SanDisk's '987 patent teach precisely those critical elements of high performance and high reliability, and we welcome an outcome of the current '987 litigation which would result in Lexar's redesign of its CompactFlash and PC card products."
SanDisk, founded in 1988, is the world's largest supplier of flash data storage products and designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.
The matters discussed in this news release contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described under the caption "Factors that May Affect Future Results" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update the information on this release.
All trade names are either registered or trademarks of their respective holders


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For anyone who has ever wondered what it would look like if the Galactic Empire had high school photos taken with petting zoo animals, wonder no further, because Star Wars bunny art is here to satisfy your curiosity.
Created by mixed media artist Kelly Kerrigan, this series of portraits paints the well known Star Wars villains in a more positive light. In addition to being placed against a radically retro laser background, each character is holding a cute and cuddly little bunny rabbit.
All the Star Wars bunny art is available to purchase at Kerrigan’s online Etsy store.
Playful Sci-Fi Portraits
More Stats +/-
Infantile Sci-Fi Illustrations
Historical Sci-Fi Gentlemen
Mosaic-Inspired Sci-Fi Portraits
Antiquated Sci-Fi Characters
Neon Space Icon Portraits
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The city's Economic Development Corp. is quietly considering ending tax incentives for residential development in parts of downtown.
The explosion in residential conversions has been so strong that some downtown business leaders say the tax breaks are no longer needed. Instead, they want the city to increase incentives for commercial office space and business tenants locating downtown.
The city wouldn't comment on its plans. One key may be the position of the Real Estate Board of New York.
MILLER MUSTERS BROOKLYN SUPPORT
City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, D-Manhattan, is hoping to push Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-Brooklyn and Queens, from the mayoral race.
Insiders say that was the rationale for Mr. Miller's sudden official announcement earlier this month and his effort to publicize endorsements from 13 Brooklyn politicians.
Mr. Weiner, who hadn't asked the officials for support, says, "The political landscape is littered with failed candidates who have lined up endorsements only to forget that campaigns are built around message and the candidates themselves."
In the wake of the Miller endorsements, three Democratic clubs in Mr. Weiner's southern Brooklyn district are backing the congressman's rivals. The Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club and the Highway Democratic Club plan to support Mr. Miller. The 41st Assembly District Democrats Club will back Fernando Ferrer.
PATAKI ORDERS OUTSOURCING STUDY
Gov. George Pataki has ordered his departments of labor and economic development to study the offshore outsourcing of information technology jobs and report to him by Aug. 1.
Mr. Pataki recently vetoed a 2004 bill ordering the Labor Department to conduct such a study and report to the governor and Legislature by Feb. 1, offering recommendations about how New York can become more competitive in the IT marketplace. In the veto message, Mr. Pataki said the Feb. 1 deadline was too early, and he argued that economic development officials should be part of the evaluation.
EX-COUNCILMAN EYES REGAINING SEAT
Insiders say that Thomas White, a former City Council member from Jamaica, Queens, is taking steps to run against his successor, Allen Jennings.
Mr. White, who runs a drug rehabilitation center, was forced out by term limits in 2001.
Mr. Jennings is being tried by his council colleagues in closed sessions for allegedly creating a hostile work environment for his female staffers. So far, there are no official opponents to Mr. Jennings' re-election this fall.
LOWER CORPORATE FRANCHISE TAX PROPOSED
Mr. Pataki last week proposed lowering the corporate franchise tax rate for businesses with less than $290,000 in net income to 6.5% from 6.85%.
The proposal was part of the governor's 30-day amendments to his initial budget recommendation. Mr. Pataki said the move would save small businesses $5 million a year.
ASSEMBLYMAN LOOKS TO OUST BROOKLYN BEEP
Assemblyman Vito Lopez, D-Brooklyn, is meeting with community leaders, clergy and other Brooklynites to find candidates interested in running against Borough President Marty Markowitz.
Mr. Lopez is said to be upset with Mr. Markowitz's lack of leadership and his inability to bring together the various Brooklyn political leaders.
Mr. Markowitz will be hard to beat, insiders say, with an extraordinarily high name recognition and $990,000 in the bank.