text:
This 'Cuba Solidarity' Group Has Sent Americans To The Island For 50 Years To Protest U.S. Policies
For 60 years, the U.S. government has sought to punish Cuba's communist regime through a commercial, economic, and financial embargo – known on the island as the bloqueo. But in that same time, a group of U.S. citizens has also traveled every year with aspirations to work alongside Cubans in sugar cane fields and praise their communist institutions. The Venceremos Brigade, which translates as the “We Will Triumph Brigade," is based in New York and identifies itself as a “Cuba solidarity organization." Members of the group are currently on the island celebrating 50 years of sending willing Americans to the Caribbean country.
Heidi María López, 36, of the Bronx, NY, who is of Dominican descent and has visited Cuba with the group for nine years, said "solidarity" is one of the group's main goals. “And also ... political education to raise the consciousness of U.S. citizens of what is happening here,” she told WLRN from Cuba.
The group sent it first delegation of 216 American students in December of 1969 and their trips have been well documented in academia (and also monitored by the FBI). The Brigade denounces American policy towards Cuba as “imperialist” and says it rejects what it qualifies as anti-democratic attacks on the country’s sovereignty and freedom.
As a protest against Washington's policies in place since 1959, it has sent thousands of willing Americans to engage in a range of volunteer work – like assisting workers in local agriculture and infrastructure projects. The Venceremos Brigade says that encourages exchanges between American socialists and their Cuban counterparts, upholds cultural and educational exchange, and broadly supports the Cuban government.
This year, the Brigade sent its largest group in recent years – over 150 people – on separate trips starting July 23 to commemorate their radical expeditions, now even bolder given President Donald Trump’s policies.
“What is unique about this trip is the context,” María López said. “We are revving up our efforts for people to really understand the policies that are in place and currently being reactivated by this administration."
López said the Trump administration’s new travel restriction policies imposed this year have helped to “undermine the Cuban Revolution” and fueled the original problem that the Venceremos Brigade claims to battle against.
Similar to many leftist organizations, the Venceremos Brigade believes that the economic problems in Cuba are wholly due to decades of the economic blockade and tightening sanctions from the U.S.
Harvard’s newspaper wrote about the Brigade in 1970, describing it as seeing “the joy in Cuba.” Some of the Brigade's rhetoric hasn't changed.
“We need to end the blockade so that Cuba can choose to be fully participatory in the world economy,” López said. “And for people to be free to come here and see with their own eyes what models for humanity Cuba is offering us. Not because they are perfect, not because they have found the only way, but because we all deserve to live in our full humanity and that includes Cuba.”
The Venceremos Brigade stands for LGBTQ rights, which is in conflict with the Cuban government’s refusal to approve gay marriage, as well as the violent repression of an LGTBQ march there in May.
López said the Brigade acknowledges that Cuba is imperfect in its treatment of the LGTBQ community and that there is always “more progress to be made.”
Ana Rosario, 34, also a Dominican member of the Brigade from The Bronx, has helped Cuban agricultural workers by picking mangoes and guavas on her trip. She brought along her father Victoriano, who is 68.
“I feel like my faith in humanity is restored when I come here,” Rosario said, describing the reality of Cuba as different than the “propaganda” in the U.S.
“I feel that this work is important but even more now that the U.S. government is being even more hostile than ever against Cuba,” she said.
Victoriano, her father, said he has never been a political activist. “What I have been is a human person and I like when governments do something for humanity and I’ve seen that the [Cuban] government, with the little resources they have because of the embargo, they invest in education and health," he said.
According to Granma, the Cuban government newspaper, the last division of the group will be on the island until August 13, where they will pay tribute to Castro on his 93rd birthday.
Copyright 2020 WLRN 91.3 FM. To see more, visit WLRN 91.3 FM.

domain: sociology


The blade is made from 14C28N steel. A stainless type of steel that retains its sharpness well, but is also easy to sharpen. Perfect for daily use. The handle is made from G10. Nice and strong and maintenance-free.
As you might expect from a karambit you primarily use the 'reverse grip' for this pocket knife. With your index finger through the ring, and the blade that sticks out underneath your fist. Perhaps not incredibly practical, that is why Ruike made sure the 'normal' grip is also perfect to use. Even with a large finger groove behind the edge, to have more control over the knife for the more delicate tasks.
|Blade Length||7.6 cm|
|Type of Steel||Sandvik 14c28n|
|Blade thickness||3.6 mm|
|Closed length||12.7 cm|
|Total Length||20.2 cm|
Features & functions
|Finish blade||dark coating, satin|
|Right or left-handed||Right-handed|
|Type of edge||Plain edge, recurve|
|Type||Everyday carry, karambit|
|Pocket clip||yes, tip-up (right)|
|Pocket clip position||Tip-up|
|Pocket clip side||Right|
|Can be opened with one hand||Yes|
|Way of sharpening||Flat, Secondary V-edge|
|Number of tools||1|
We ship from our Wear-house in Hyderabad within 24 hours of order receipt.
Orders received before 11am are shipped the same day.


text:
The company is set to submit the environmental permit application to the Finnish Environmental Authority, followed by a scheduled meeting with the agency in mid-April. Post the April meeting, Eurobattery Minerals will adhere to the instructions and procedural steps outlined by the Finnish Authority.
CEO of Eurobattery Minerals, Roberto García Martínez, expressed anticipation about submitting the environmental permit application and emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and efficient process.
Eurobattery Minerals AB is a Swedish mining entity listed on the Swedish Nordic Growth Market (BAT) and the German Börse Stuttgart (EBM). Dedicated to fostering Europe’s self-sufficiency in responsibly sourced battery minerals, the company is focused on advancing various nickel-cobalt-copper projects across Europe. These initiatives aim to supply critical raw materials, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

domain: chemistry


text:
Learn to drive with either weekly driving lessons or an Intensive Driving Course.
Find an instructor in Cardiff
Simply enter your postcode and we'll search for your nearest driving instructors...
Cardiff or 'Caerdyddd' is the capital city of Wales and its largest city.
Learning to drive will have its challenges in the busy city centre but there are plently of nursey routes on which to perfect your skills.
The test cente is located in the outer areas of Cardiff and will likely involve urban driving in busy streets along with rural driving in the surrounding hills.
The welsh are famous for singing - choose to learn with acclaim and sing your instructors praises when you pass your driving test.
There is more to driving than simply learning a test route. However, we will help you choose the best test centre for you. There are a number of DVSA driving test centres in and around Cardiff to choose from.
You can search for your nearest test centre on the DVSA website.
Theory Test Centre - Cardiff, 3rd Floor, Limerick House, 23 Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE
Cardiff (Llanishen) - Thornbury House, Unit 11 Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF14 5GF
Barry - Unit 16, Business Support Centre. Hood Road, Innovation Quarter, The Waterfront. South Glamorgan. CF62 5QN
Book a lesson

domain: geography


text:
Book Expo America 2012 just concluded here in New York, and once again it’s been an interesting trade show. Some stuff was normal, some was new, and overall, I felt it was a good show. My thoughts and discoveries follow.
Archives for 06/07/2012 10:30 pm
French speakers will enjoy this the most, but for Mysterious Cities of Gold fans—and we know there are a lot of you—the impact of this trailer will be a bit like seeing THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK for the first time…only 25 years later instead of 3. It’s all there: Kukapetl, Mendoza, the Golden Bird airship, the theme song…and the promise of many, many more civilizations to be destroyed by our trio of young heroes.
We’re done at BEA and BlogWorld and so on, and getting back up to speed on posting. Huge thanks to Torsten, Todd, Vanguard Steve, and Jessica for keeping the show running while we were away from the computer. We’ll have more BEA thoughts tomorrow but in the meantime, not to make anyone jealous or anything, but here’s the promo item of the show…and maybe the year, a travel themed giveaway for Lemony Snicket’s new series, “ALL THE WRONG QUESTIONS”, which has art by Seth…everything from a pen with an octopus to a bar of soap. The first book will have a 1 million copy laydown October 23rd.
As reported by the AP yesterday, the ugly legal battle between Archie Comics’s two co-ceo’s has ended with a sealed settlement. As you’ll recall, Jon Goldwater and Nancy Silberkleit had been engaged in a weird battle that involved restraining orders, enforcers and penises. But…it’s all legally mandated smiles now after a mediator got the two to work things out:
iVerse is tweaking their Comics+ app and is in the middle of a roll-out of some new features and a little rebranding.
The promised emergence of a Gay Green Lantern in the second issue of Earth 2 has been the big news for a couple weeks, except there’s not actually a Green Lantern in this issue. Oh, hype machine, you were just a hair off-target. If you plan on reading the issue and haven’t, spoiler space follows….

domain: hobby


text:
Making Magazine Issue 10 Intricate is launching today! We’ve all been waiting to see what’s in store for us in this beautiful issue. This week we focus on several projects in the magazine to keep us inspired and making.
Our super popular Tiny Tassels Shawl kit is back with the luxurious hand-dyed yarns of La Bien Aimée Atelier in Paris. We have three wonderful new colour combinations for you in the super soft and luxurious cashmerino base. Sanho, a beautiful and bright turquoise with flecks of rust. Loam, an earthy and lush combination with Bois de Rose for the tassels and Ichigo, a soft coral with hints of vivid pink and bright yellow Buzz for the tassels.
Loop is turning 15! Starting from Thursday the 1st of October and through the coming weeks, we are kicking off a month of all sorts of lovely projects and wonderful things for you to join us in celebrating our 15th anniversary. We are starting with the revival of a specially dyed colour from Spincycle Yarns called Venus in Furs.

domain: artistic


text:
JAMMU: A soldier allegedly shot himself lifeless on Sunday together with his service rifle at a ahead submit close to the Line of Management (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, mentioned officers.
Havaldar Rajinder Kumar was on obligation when he reportedly shot himself together with his rifle at his submit in Salootri space round 8.25 am, the officers mentioned.
He was rushed to the hospital, the place he succumbed to accidents at round 10.05 am, they mentioned, including the motive behind his taking such an excessive step was not identified instantly.
Police have began inquest proceedings to research the incident, the officers mentioned.
(If you’re having suicidal ideas, or are anxious a few pal or want emotional help, somebody is all the time there to hear. Name AASRA’s 24×7 Helpline: +91-9820466726 for help.)

domain: news


text:
Mediation vs Collaborative Divorce: What’s the Difference?
When you are considering your options for ending your marriage with respect and dignity, all the terms around divorce can get confusing. If you know you and your spouse are committed to keeping things friendly, you may want to consider mediation or collaborative divorce. But what is the difference between the two? How do you know which one is best for your situation?
This blog post will compare formal and informal mediation to the collaborative divorce process. It will explain the pros and cons to each strategy, and explain how having a skilled divorce professional trained in both can help you get the best resolution for your family.
Mediation & Collaborative Divorce Help Keep Separating Civil
Divorce can get ugly. The heightened stress of dividing up property, assets, and parenting responsibility, along with the grief of a marriage lost, will put anyone’s emotions on edge and make it easy for communication to become strained. Traditional divorce litigation increases that stress. It pits husband against wife (or spouse against spouse) in the Plaintiff vs Defendant framework, forcing each side to cut each other down to make their own best case. That process can erode an already fractured relationship and push parties further apart.
When there are children involved, or when parties hope to stay friends, all that extra stress can create animosity that will take years to overcome. That’s why many couples decide to use different processes that keep things civil, emphasizing resolution over litigation, and peace over getting what you “deserve.”
Two ways to do that are through mediation and collaborative divorce. These alternative dispute resolution (ADR) strategies are each designed to help the parties reach a resolution together that the whole family can live with. Each type of ADR has its own positive and negative aspects. Picking the right one will depend on your needs and your circumstances. A family law professional trained in both strategies can help you weigh your options and make an informed choice.
Mediation Works With the Traditional Divorce System
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party (the mediator) sits down with the parties to help them discuss and resolve their issues. Mediation can be a great option for people facing divorce because it lets the parties control their own destiny and work through all the details of things like parenting time exchanges and dividing up property at their own pace. It can be adapted to address whatever family disputes may arise, before or after the Judgment of Divorce is entered.
Mediation can be formal or informal, and it can happen within the traditional divorce system, or as a supplement to it. That means that even if you didn’t know your spouse was planning to file for divorce, you can still use mediation to bring the matter to a peaceful resolution. It can also be less expensive than traditional litigation, and can resolve the matter more quickly. In some cases, parties agree to mediate before even filing the complaint, streamlining the process so they can be divorced as soon as possible.
In mediation, the parties and their attorneys (if they have them) meet together with a trained mediator who facilitates discussion over disputed issues. It can be court-ordered or simply arranged by the parties directly. The mediator helps to keep the conversation on-target and helps the parties come up with solutions to best resolve the conflict. When mediation is successful, the mediator will put together a written contract or settlement agreement. The parties can use that agreement to get a judgment of divorce entered and resolve their marriage without the time, expense, or embarrassment of trial.
However, mediation isn’t right for everyone. It may be inappropriate when there is a significant imbalance of power between spouses (especially in cases of domestic violence), or when the parties are not able to communicate even through third parties. Mediation also works with whatever information the parties bring to the table, so if there are gaps in what the parties know, the agreement they reach may sometimes lead to unexpected results. Because mediation focuses on the issue at hand, it also leaves parties much as it finds them, without strategies or plans to resolve future conflicts.
Collaborative Divorce Takes a Proactive Approach to Dispute Resolution
Collaborative divorce takes a slightly different approach. It is an alternative to the traditional divorce structure that does its best to allow parties to work together to resolve their differences, rather than working against each other. As the parties collaborate to a mutually desired end, they work with a team of professionals who can help them explore options, weigh the benefits and costs of their choices, and teach them strategies to resolve future disputes. Depending on the family this could include:
- A divorce coach
- Two attorneys trained in collaborative divorce that work with the couple together
- Financial planners or accountants
- Family specialists
- Realtors or appraisers
- Other industry-specific professionals as needed by the parties
Unlike in mediation, the goal in collaborative divorce isn’t just to reach a settlement agreement. It is also designed to anticipate the future needs of the parties. Coaches, attorneys, and family specialists train the couple in conflict resolution strategies that will keep them from coming back to court in the future. Financial planners, realtors, and other professionals provide forward-facing advice on not just what is fair, but what is best for the parties now and in the years to come. The entire process recognizes that while a divorce happens at a particular point in time, the family relationships that formed it will continue on after the judgment is entered.
However, just like mediation, there are some limits to when collaborative divorce will work. Parties with fewer assets may prefer a less labor-intensive option. (However, the training received in collaborative divorce can avoid costly trips back to court after the judgment is entered.) Collaborative divorce also only works when both parties are committed to the process. If one or both spouses have mental health issues or other challenges that make them less receptive to cooperation and coaching, the collaborative process can fail and the parties may be left needing to use the traditional adversarial process instead. But, often, the collaborative process can be adopted to meet the needs of most clients.
There is no one right answer for every family’s divorce. Comparing mediation vs collaborative divorce options is something that should be done with the help of an experienced divorce professional trained in both. Kimberly Miller has training and certifications in both mediation and the collaborative process. She is happy to explain the different options to you and help you assess which strategy will work for you and your spouse. Contact KM Family Law today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

domain: law


text:
In PNG’s health system, each of the 88 districts outside the National Capital should have their own district hospital. District hospitals are sometimes known as “Rural Hospitals”.
PNG Society of Rural and Remote Health plays an important role advocating for these hospitals where they exist. Some are of superb standards, some are very run down and unfortunately some don’t function at all. One thing they all have in common though – they all continue to need help. Not all of them have their own websites or a Facebook page, but here are the links to those facilities that do as well as the contact information for those that dont.
If you are connected with a rural hospital and you want to post information about it on this site, please let us know. The more we can raise awareness about our rural hospitals, the better its going to be for our people in the long run.
Warangoi Rural Hospital is located in the beautiful mountainous Pomio District of East New Britain Province. Warangoi Rural Hospital provides basic and comprehensive health services to the ~14, 686 population of their 8 ward catchment. They provide these services through the 28 bed hospital, 3 current aid posts and health patrols. To learn more about Warangoi Rural Hospital visit their facebook page or contact Dr Micah Misivet on email email@example.com or phone numbers +675 73197731 or +675 940 0326.
Kapuna in Gulf Province is also home to Kapuna Rural Hospital and CHW Training School. Situated on the Wame River both institutions are operated by Gulf Christian Services and are a faith-based ministry that encompasses medical care, training, leadership, community development, and so much more. To learn more visit their website and Facebook.
Kikori District Hospital is nestled in the jungle swamps of Gulf Province. Managed by Gulf Christian Services the hospital serves an urban population of ~4000 people and the wider rural communities of Gulf Province up to the borders of Western Province and Southern Highlands Province numbering 30-50,000. Get a glimpse of the rich and diverse work they do through their Facebook page and learn how you too can participate.
Rumginae Hospital in the North Fly district of Western Province is around 30 minutes drive up the Tabubil road from Kiunga. Servicing much of the remote parts of upper Western Province, it also has the region’s main MAF base as well as its only CHW training facility. www.rumginae.info
A visit to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital is quite an eye opener for those that thought that all rural health services were run down relics of the past. 45 minutes drive along the Highlands Highway from Mt Hagen, this very modern 150 bed hospital is also home to one of the highlands best nursing schools. Check out their new website at www.nazpng.org
Kompiam Hospital in Enga Province is run by the Baptist Union of PNG (also administering Tinsley Hospital in WHP and Telefomin Hospital in Sandaun – www.bupng.net). Kompiam has a major interest in student training, both PNG and overseas and is currently developing one of its remote health centres as a base for PNG 5th year undergraduate rural training. www.kompiamhospital.org
St Joseph’s Mingende Rural Hospital is in Simbu Province. Having a capacity of 78 beds, it is 4okm east of Kundiawa town. It has in recent years been attracting PNG students doing their rural residency blocks. With excellent facilities, it has been increasingly regarded for it’s training role. Contact Dr. Vuaiboto Moide on mobile/watsapp +675 79006208 or on firstname.lastname@example.org .
St Mary’s Rural Hospital Vunapope is probably the largest non government run hospital in the country. Set on the beautiful shores of Kokopo, East New Britain, this hospital is currently seeking doctors and is open to volunteers and students. Medical Superintendent there is Dr. Felix Diaku at email@example.com


Lake Placid Laughs interview featuring Hollie Harper, acclaimed comedian & Lake Placid Film Festival collaborator – – Adirondack Almanack
Lake Placid Laughs featuring Hollie Harper
Now, in conversation with Noah Ramer
In the first minute of my interaction with the acclaimed comedian and recent Lake Placid Film Festival collaborator, one attribute became immediately apparent: Hollie Harper loves the spoken word. “I’m a linguistics nerd, I love everything from the etymology of words to new slang.” It’s this passion for words and how they resonate across communities and cultures that has influenced every step of Hollie’s professional journey in comedy.
While Hollie has had an affinity for humor going back to the days of watching the hit ABC sitcom Three’s Company as a child, her first major foray into the comedy world began shortly after graduating from The Theater School at DePaul University: “I started doing sketch comedy because I was watching other groups, which were very sparing at the time in New York City. That’s when it really hit me, ‘wait, you could be doing this. This is not just a far-off dream’”.
It’s after attending several sketch comedy shows that Hollie started to formulate her own troupe, AMERICAN CANDY. What began as a humble exercise in entertaining her community soon evolved at an exponential rate. AMERICAN CANDY grew to a team of nearly twenty talented individuals, performing 52 unique comedy shows over twelve years, to the delight of audiences from across the Eastern Seaboard.
A similarly fantastic experience came from her first collaboration with Adirondack Film during the Lake Placid Film Festival in 2021: “Last year I was on the panel discussing women in comedy. And then I did a 15-minute set for the audience, and they were wonderful.
Photo courtesy of Adirondack Film.
She was so fascinated, in fact, that Hollie is returning to LPFF this year to co-host both a game show and Lake Placid Laughs with frequent collaborator and entertainment multihyphenate, Okema T. Moore: “It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m just excited and lucky to collaborate with them [Adirondack Film]. [They] love people and film and want to put forth a great film festival.” The talented and passionate individuals at Adirondack Film help to compliment the picturesque location of the Lake Placid, which Hollie found herself overtaken by: “I’ve been living in New York city for 27 years. So, to see that much nature was a little overwhelming, but beautiful and really necessary.”
While Hollie is witty and an excellent comedian, it’s her knowledge and views on life that will leave you changed. Don’t believe me? Come to the Lake Placid Film Festival October 20-23rd.
Photo at top: Hollie Harper, acclaimed comedian and recent Lake Placid Film Festival collaborator. Photo courtesy of Adirondack Film.
The Adirondack Almanack publishes occasional guest essays from Adirondack residents, visitors, and those with an interest in the Adirondack Park. Submissions should be directed to Almanack editor Melissa Hart at email@example.com
Your email address will not be published.
The Adirondack Almanack is a public forum dedicated to promoting and discussing current events, history, arts, nature and outdoor recreation and other topics of interest to the Adirondacks and its communities
We publish commentary and opinion pieces from voluntary contributors, as well as news updates and event notices from area organizations. Contributors include veteran local writers, historians, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the Adirondack region. The information, views and opinions expressed by these various authors are not necessarily those of the Adirondack Almanack or its publisher, the Adirondack Explorer.
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text:
Here explore the best place to enjoy the best Indian foods in Pragueby Sujata Bhattacharjee Mala India
If your Bohemian mood has planned for the European tour then it is simply impossible to avoid Prague! It is the place where Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka, and Sigmund Freud used to live. Every year a lot of people come to feel the pleasance of this culture-enriched place.
Tour seems incomplete if there is no comforting food! If your stomach is happy then you are going to enjoy every step of your tour more. Actually, there is an Irish proverb, “Laughter is brightest where food is best”. If your next travel destination is Prague then here you will get the best restaurant idea to enjoy the best Indian foods.
Indian foods are the best foods which people from all across the world want to taste and they simply fall in love. And probably, for that reason, a lot of Indian search for their native foods even if when they are out of India. No matter you are an Indian or not, if Indian food is on your mind then there is a solution even in Prague.
Mala India, a restaurant with Indian food, right in the heart of Prague, is one of the best choices for you to taste the real traditional food regime of India. It has started its journey in 2017 but within this short span of time, it has gained huge popularity due to its amazing food quality and pleasing restaurant services. There are some reasons for which you won’t want to skip this Indian restaurant, such as-
- First of all, great restaurant experience starts with cleanliness and that Mala India maintains at its best. There is nothing for which you need to consider your cleanliness requirements. It is a completely clean and hygienic place for travelers to enjoy the delicious foods.
- The next thing is about food quality. Most of the foodies leave this place with the heartiest gratification. And you can verify it from the reviews and ratings. It is the ultimate place to taste all the traditional foods of the entire Indian genre in Prague. The chefs are highly qualified and have mastered the art of cooking.
- Now it is about the restaurant service. It is another important part which let people enjoy the foods properly. Extreme delay in food, poor assistance during the eating course can totally spoil the restaurant experience. But with Mala India, there is no such chance. Being in Mala India is just like being in India. From the entry to each bite of food-everywhere, you will enjoy the Indian care and pleasance.
- All the foods are fresh and Mala India never compromises with the food and taste quality. To keep your health fit and steady for travel journey, the freshness of this restaurant is the best choice.
So, if you are planning to set off for Prague and want to taste Indian food then try this restaurant. Mala India is one of the most preferred Indian takeaways in Prague by the tourists. Easy payment systems, pleasant restaurant service and mostly the food quality will attract you again if you visit there just for once!
Created on Sep 1st 2018 11:55. Viewed 362 times.

domain: travel


Please verify that these cross bars fit your vehicle before you purchase
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2017(Does not Fit SRT, Altitude Models, Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Sport)
Note: Only fit for LIMITED and OVERLAND models， vehicles with CHROME SIDE RAILS(GROOVED SIDE RAILS)
Some car models only has a roof molding and these cross bars will not fit .
Material: lightweight aluminum bar, plastic base feet
cross bar length: approx 3.8 feet
Load Capacity: 150 LBS
Aftermarket sport utility roof rack cross bars
Streamline appearance with anti-theft lock design, mount on stock side rails
Perfect Solution to hold luggage/cargo/snowboard on roof when you are on the go
Distinctive T-slot design allows to work with any roof accessories like cargo basket carrier, snowboard/bike rack,luggage box,kayak mount etc
2x roof rack cross bars for Jeep Grand Cherokee
2x blank keys, 1x Allen wrench
- 【Material】High quality Ultra-Lightweight aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars, Water resistance and durable.
- 【Length and Load Capacity】This Jeep Grand Cherokee roof rack approx 3.8 Feet and Load Capacity 150 LBS. Easy to install & dismantle in minutes.
- 【Fit for Models】The CSI Grand Cherokee cross bar Only fit for LIMITED and OVERLAND models 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017. Require Jeep Grand Cherokee with GROOVED SIDE RAILS.
- 【Lock design】Anti-theft lock design, mount on stock side rails.
- 【Perfect to work】This Jeep Grand Cherokee Cross Bar perfect working with any roof accessories Like cargo basket carrier, snowboard / bike rack, luggage box, Kayak Mount etc.


text:
Ingredients for Meat Carrot Leek Puree Recipe
- 1 tablespoon of lean ground beef
- 1 small stalk leek
- Round sweet potato cut into 1 finger width
- Half a carrot
- Olive oil
How to Make Leek Puree with Meat and Carrots Recipe?
- We fry the ground meat with olive oil.
- Chop the leek, potato and carrot and add it to the water After adding it, we let it boil.
- We pull the cooked vegetables from the blender.
- You can chop the bread crumbs if you want. Bon appetit.

domain: food


text:
EastEnders fans were in meltdown on Tuesday night, as Stacey Slater and Janine Butcher came face-to-face for the first time in seven years.
They appeared to reignite their bitter feud which runs back over a decade, as Stacey's return led to them squabbling 11 years on from Janine setting her up for stabbing her.
Janine actually stabbed herself to get Stacey in trouble, after discovering she had murdered Archie Mitchell.
Stacey was wanted by the police and forced to go on the run, before she eventually went to prison a little later on, after her confession that she was the one who killed Archie in 2009.
Then in 2014, Stacey headed back to Walford before visiting Janine in prison, after she was arrested for the murder of her partner Michael Moon.
She begged Janine to drop the statement about the stabbing and tell the truth, and Janine eventually did this.
Fastforward to 2021, and a lot of time has passed since the two Walford favourites were last in a room together.
Both recently returning to Albert Square, the characters were stunned to lay eyes on each other again after so long.
Viewers were ready for it though, having waited a long time for this moment.
As Stacey entered the pub to find ex-husband Martin Fowler and her daughter Lily, she was stunned when she recognised Janine.
Janine soon turned around and saw her former rival and pulled the same expression of shock, before making a dig.
The two characters reignited their long-running feud as they began to sling insults but it was surprisingly tame given their history.
Whether the characters will put the past behind them and call a truce remains to be seen, but many fans are hoping for the classic Stacey and Janine fights like old times.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "The Janine and Stacey reunion I’ve been waiting for, more feuding pls."
A second added: "Stacey and Janine on at once??????? Just like old times."
Another wrote: "Janine and Stacey meet for the first time in 16543786 years!" as a fourth commented: "OMG it's Janine VS Stacey."
The comments kept coming too, with a fifth tweet reading: "That Janine and Stacey scene in the Vic was EVERYTHING."
EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.


text:
The adjunctive use of platelet-rich plasma in the therapy of periodontal intraosseous defects: a systematic review
Version of Record online: 9 NOV 2009
© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard
Journal of Periodontal Research
Volume 45, Issue 3, pages 428–443, June 2010
How to Cite
Kotsovilis, S., Markou, N., Pepelassi, E. and Nikolidakis, D. (2010), The adjunctive use of platelet-rich plasma in the therapy of periodontal intraosseous defects: a systematic review. Journal of Periodontal Research, 45: 428–443. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01236.x
- Issue online: 14 APR 2010
- Version of Record online: 9 NOV 2009
- Accepted for publication May 7, 2009
- periodontal intraosseous defect;
- platelet-rich plasma;
- randomized controlled clinical trial;
- systematic review
Kotsovilis S, Markou N, Pepelassi E, Nikolidakis D. The adjunctive use of platelet-rich plasma in the therapy of periodontal intraosseous defects: a systematic review. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 428–443. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard
Background and Objective: The evidence for the efficacy of the adjunctive use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in periodontal intraosseous defects has not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this review was to address the focused question, ‘What is the efficacy, with respect to clinical, radiographical and patient-centred outcomes, of combinations of PRP with other therapeutic bioactive agents/procedures, compared with the efficacy of the same agents/procedures without the adjunctive use of PRP in the therapy of periodontal intraosseous defects in patients with chronic periodontitis and without systemic diseases that could potentially influence the outcome of periodontal therapy?’ by performing a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) published in the dental literature in any language, up to and including September 2008.
Material and Methods: Data sources principally included electronic databases, manually searched journals and contact with experts. In the first phase of study selection, the titles and abstracts, and in the second phase, full papers were screened independently and in duplicate by two reviewers.
Results: In the first phase, 6124 potentially relevant titles and abstracts were examined. In the second phase, the full text of 20 publications was thoroughly evaluated. Eventually, 10 RCTs were selected.
Conclusion: Diverse outcomes (positive and negative) have been reported for the efficacy of PRP combined with various therapeutic bioactive agents/procedures, reflecting the limited and heterogeneous data available and possibly suggesting that the specific selection of agents/procedures combined with PRP could be important. Additional research on the efficacy of each specific combination of PRP is necessary.

domain: medical


text:
The Environment Minister has defiantly said she will not wait until the report of an inquiry before aerial shooting is used to cull rapidly exploding brumby numbers.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will not wait until an upper house inquiry completes its inquiry to begin culling brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park.
Ms Sharpe and National MP Wes Fang came to blows during budget estimates on Thursday over the controversial measure to reduce the exploding number of feral horses, which threaten the park’s ecosystem and damage the habitat of critically endangered native species.
Asked if Ms Sharpe would “commit to not killing a brumby by aerial culling” until the inquiry delivers its final report, the minister offered a blunt: “No, I won’t”.
“The longer we wait, the more horses are going to need to be killed,” she said.
“I want to minimise that number … The short answer is no.”
The minister also said the upper house committee had received 11,002 submissions, with 83 per cent of those that addressed the aerial shooting in support of the option.
Mr Fang, however, maintained his view.
“I know it should be a very quick inquiry. I don’t understand why you’ve got to kill these horses,” he said.
Questions were also raised over the disposal of dead carcasses. Aerial shooting on feral horses was last used during the Guy Fawkes River National Park cull in 2000 and was quickly banned after horses were found brutally injured.
Ms Sharpe said while most carcasses would be left “in situ”, they will be moved away from waterways and high traffic areas.
On Friday, the government announced it will move to amend the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan to allow aerial shooting to be used as a method to control the population, with NSW legally required to reduce the population to 3000 by mid-2027.
While the revised 2023 count will be released later this year, 2022 figures suggest there were more than 18,800 horses in the park.
Challenge for NSW to meet 2030 emissions target
During Thursday’s inquiry, Ms Sharpe also acknowledged it will be challenging for the state to halve its carbon emissions by 2030.
As it stands, NSW has reduced it emissions by 18 per cent on 2005 levels, with the government moving to legislate an ultimate goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
However, the target is hampered by wind and solar renewable energy zones in the Orana and New England regions being delayed until 2027-2028, which could exacerbate the state’s reliance on coal.
Giving evidence at budget estimates on Thursday, Ms Sharpe said she was “absolutely committed” to the emission reduction targets but “more work” was needed.
“If you look at it, I think we’ve only reduced (emissions) by about 18 per cent from 2005 as we sit here today,” she said.
“In relation to the modelling that we have, this is a big task and we need to make sure that we keep on with it.”
Ms Sharpe acknowledged there was “bipartisan support” around NSW reaching its targets; however, she said a “whole of government approach” was needed.
“We can’t deal with climate change just through me as the minister,” she said.
“That’s one of the focuses that I’ve got – about how we drive across government all of the emissions reductions that we’re responsible for but also through the various sectors that we all interact with.”
Later this year, NSW Labor will also move to legislate the 2040 and 2050 emission targets and establish an independent Net Zero Commission to monitor the state’s progress and hold the government accountable to its commitment.
Also facing budget estimates on Thursday, Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said that while coalmines would be slated for closure in the coming decades, managing the state’s energy transition would be difficult.
“The reality is at the moment, there are 29,000 direct jobs employed in the mining industry … and that at the moment remains a significant part of our state’s economy and our electricity network,” she said.
Conversations with Eraring ongoing
Several questions were also directed about the future of Eraring, Australia’s largest coal-fired power station that supplies about 25 per cent of NSW’s electricity needs.
The plant is privately operated by Origin Energy and is slated to go offline by August 2025. As it stands, the government is now in discussions over whether Eraring’s lifeline will need to be extended to ensure the state’s energy security.
On Thursday, Ms Sharpe repeatedly confirmed talks were ongoing but no agreement had been made.
She said the government would also consider alternate options to counter the state’s “reliability challenge” that could involve renewable energy sources coming online sooner or investing in firming technology.
“The point that I have continually made is (Eraring will remain open) not a day longer and not a cent more than is required,” she said.
“We’re having preliminary discussions with Eraring in terms of what their intentions are. They have as you will be aware foreshadowed that they may close in 2025.”
Ms Sharpe, who acknowledged the situation was “totally undesirable,” said she hoped the government wouldn’t’ need to financially prop up a potential extension.
“Our expectation is that we will have a conversation to ensure reliability and price spikes don’t occur for consumers in NSW, or to businesses, and we will work through the challenge of the transition as quickly as possible,” Ms Sharpe reiterated.
“Then if we have to have an extension, then perhaps we will do that, but the cost of that to taxpayers I would hope would be zero, made very much harder because we’re working in a privatised situation that your government delivered.”
The minister said a potential extension on Eraring’s lifeline would not affect NSW’s emissions reductions target, as the original modelling had factored the plant to remain online until 2032.
“The whole point of the work that we’re doing with establishing the Net Zero Commission is to have independent oversight, (and a) transparent process that we’ll be tracking how our emissions reductions are going over time,” she said.
“That to me is absolutely essential.”

domain: politics


text:
click for 7 extra photos
Description for B&B:Located in the middle of the countryside, La Pacha is a typical 18th century Ardeche farm, operating as a 3 stars "Charme" Bed and Breakfast establishement with 3 single-storey bedrooms.
You will find Peace and Quiet
A private swimming pool, remote from the house, is available for the guests, and from there you will have a panoramic view on the Southern Ardeche.
You can have dinner at the guest table
The 3 hectares property is bordered by the GR 42 which offers a picturesque walk to the medieval village of Saint Montan, classified as a "Village of Character", located at 3km.
By car, La Pacha is located 20mn from the exit n°18 of the A7 motorway, 15 mn from Montelimar, 20 mn from the Gorges de l'Ardeche, 15 mn from the Crocodile Farm, 20 mn from La Valdaine golf course.
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Exit n°18 (Montelimar Sud) of A7 motorway. Then direction Viviers, then Bourg St Andéol. Before Bourg, at fight, St Montan. La Pacha is 3km after the medieval village.


The hot-rolled ferritic ferrite crystals are subjected to about 80 to 95% cold working in the cold rolling process, and the crystal grains are elongated into fibrous structures. Due to the high dislocation density, the cold working hardens and the strength increases, and the processing performance is basically the same. Completely lost. In order to restore the processing performance of the tin-plated original plate, the work-hardened original plate is heated to a high temperature, and after a certain period of time, it is slowly cooled. -- This process is annealing.
Annealing cycle principle: rapid heating to about 680 °C, heat for 20 to 25 seconds, then cooling to 480 °C at controlled speed, rapid cooling to near room temperature
Hood Annealing: BA, Continuous Annealing: CA
Three stages of annealing
(1) Reply stage
The internal stress of the steel plate decreases, the dislocations in the wall are newly arranged, and the dislocation density in the structure continuously decreases;
(2) Recrystallization stage
From the cold-rolled fibrous tissue, tiny new grains appear and the period of rapid full expansion. After the recrystallization is completed, the new dislocation within the grain returns to the state before the cold rolling.
(3) Grain growth stage
Grain size and strength can be based on the Cottler-Page formula
Σy = σ0+kd-1/2
The finer the grains, the higher the strength. Therefore, after the soaking for a certain period of time, after the recrystallization reaches a certain stage, it must be rapidly cooled to room temperature to prevent the crystal grains from growing up and make the material too soft.
Several important parameters of annealing and their effects
(1) Heating speed: The faster the heating, the finer the grains, the higher the hardness
(2) Soaking speed: The lower the temperature, the finer the grains, the higher the hardness
(3) Soaking time: the shorter the time, the finer the grains, the higher the hardness
(4) Cold rolling: The greater the reduction, the finer the grains, the higher the hardness


text:
We know only this for sure — the movie formerly known as "Wichita" is no longer called "Wichita."
But how much Wichita the city will play into "Knight and Day," the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz action thriller that was almost named after the ICT, may remain a mystery until the movie opens on Wednesday.
"Knight and Day" has been in the works for years and has been through so many possible stars, directors, titles and concepts that the New York Times earlier this year published a story about the film, using it as an example of what happens when projects get stuck in "development hell."
Rewrite after recasting after reworking later, the film is called "Knight and Day," and it stars Cruise as a rogue spy who gets tangled up with Diaz's character and forces her on a bullet-riddled but nonetheless comedic survival adventure across the globe.
The trailers, which make the film look pretty entertaining, have become popular on the Internet, and critics are saying the movie may signal Cruise's return to blockbuster star status.
But what about Wichita?
Last fall, the movie makers already had abandoned the title "Wichita" and had started referring to the film as "Untitled Wichita Project."
But they were still planning some sort of Wichita angle, to the point that props people requested copies of The Wichita Eagle and the Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau's visitor guide.
I placed calls to New York and Los Angeles, asking for details on how Wichita fared in the final cut, but did not hear back from Fox Movies publicists.
But the Internet Movie Database, a clearinghouse of film information, does include a few hints that Wichita might play some part in "Knight and Day." In the cast credits, two actors are listed as playing "Wichita Airport Travelers."
Early reports hinted that Diaz's initially naive character would be from the Midwest, probably Wichita, though there's no indication any filming actually took place here.
Last fall, Nu-Tek, an Augusta business that repairs aircraft instruments, reported that it had been hired to create a glass cockpit and interactive panel with lights to look like a working cockpit.
Trailers for the movie online show several airport scenes and one particularly violent showdown inside an airplane. In one scene, presumably after the plane crashes, Diaz and Cruise are hunched down in a corn field.
One thing I wondered while watching the trailers, though, was how the movie ever could have been called "Wichita" because it's pretty clear that if Wichita is involved in the plot, it's only very tangentially.
Of course, the previews also don't offer much evidence of what the heck "Knight and Day" might mean, either.
It'll always be "Wichita" to me.

domain: entertainment


text:
You can right away start messaging them…Mark Miller Betterhelp… in a protected and private chat room once you have actually been matched with a counselor.}
The chatroom is accessible at any time as long as your device has reliable internet. Messaging isn’t done in real-time, so there’s no guaranteed action time from your therapist. As a result, you’re free to message your therapist at any hour of the day.
Your counselor will respond with concerns, guidance, homework, or feedback, and the app will inform you of their action.
The discussions are saved in the chatroom so you’re free to go over and show whenever you ‘d like. Every conversation is likewise secured by stringent federal and state HIPAA laws.
If you do not like waiting hours for an action, you can head to the calendar and schedule a live chat session with your counselor.
This option imitates the comfort of texting a buddy who quickly understands.
” Jotting down your ideas is an useful exercise for all kinds of circumstances,” Imrie states. “If you feel like your ideas are crowded or foggy, boiling them down into a few sentences can assist bring a great deal of clarity and understanding.”
Live phone session
For those who choose overcoming problems out loud, it’s possible to arrange an hour-long call with your counselor.
The system does not share your individual telephone number with the counselor and everything is done through the app.
Live video session
If you’re someone who delights in in person conversation, you can likewise schedule a video session with your therapist. Simply go to at your appointment time and your therapist will prompt you to start the video chat.
Anyhow, as it happens, I am somewhat fine-tuned in the head– so well played, Facebook algorithms. From the age of about 13 onwards, I have actually struggled with higher-than-seems-normal levels of anxiety, and while I’ve mainly come to terms with being jittery and a bit doomy, I certainly would not mind being less so. I’ve had counselling before, and it does help. Could e-counselling not only re-hinge my mind, however do so without me having to put trousers on and leave the house?
And pulling back from my own (reasonably low-key) problems for a moment, could e-counselling be the answer to the mental health issues escalating among under-30s? With cuts to mental health services really starting to bite, digitised treatment could be simply the ticket for young adults who currently filter almost every aspect of their lives– friends, work, sex, entertainment– through a screen.
Not everyone is entirely convinced that moving psychological health care online is the method forward. “You get to understand not just what it’s like to talk to the individual, however how it feels to be in a space with them.
” I’ve carried out some research into Skype counselling,” says London-based psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick, “and it’s not the ‘practical equivalent’ of standard counselling; it’s just not quite the same thing. It’s really crucial that individuals who take part in it understand that it’s a different experience from remaining in the space with someone, speaking in person.”
” In terms of accessibility, it’s a good start and definitely better than absolutely nothing. It’ll ideally lead them to ultimately revealing up in the room.
In cases of mild depression, the NHS is now directing some patients towards online programmes rather than face-to-face counselling, a phenomenon that worries Dr Balick.
” My worry is that it’s occurring a growing number of for economic reasons, instead of due to the fact that it’s what’s finest for individuals. That’s not great if it’s rolled out simply to save cash and there aren’t vital concerns being asked about these services. However then, I’m always really sceptical of people who are either extremely really professional or extremely really against online psychological health care. It’s a case of asking the best concerns.”
Well, if the future of psychological health care is all about IMs, FaceTime and ‘OMG, which neuroses R U?’ quizzes, I chose I ‘d learn what that brave brand-new world would be like. I registered for four very different online mental health services– varying in expense from free to , 100 a month– and ran my stress and anxieties through them all, simultaneously, for a week. Here’s what I found.
Does BetterHelp use licensed therapists? Mark Miller Betterhelp
What I’m doing here is examining my experience of using each psychological health service, rather than its effectiveness – because even the most wizard-like therapist isn’t going to ‘cure’ you in just one week. Okay, cool – let’s psychological health!
How does it work?
As seen on FB (by me, anyhow), US business is the corporate leviathan of the e-counselling game. They declare to have 500 certified counsellors working for them, each with at least three years of experience.
After filling in a questionnaire to determine what specific flavour of psychological you are, you’re paired with a counsellor, who you can mercilessly switch for a different one at any time. (I got Dr. Laura Dabney, from Virginia). You then begin an instant messaged therapy session that both you and your counsellor can drop in and out of, and which could, in theory, go on and on until among you ultimately passed away.
What does it cost?
You get a totally free seven-day trial – much like a complimentary Netflix or Amazon Prime trial, except with way more concerns about what your youth was like. After that, it costs from , 24.50 a week for unrestricted message-based counselling and one ‘complimentary’ phone session with your counsellor monthly. Yeah, I don’t get how it’s complimentary either, however whatever.
How much is BetterHelp monthly?
Filtering that through immediate messaging may be valuable if you discover the concept of baring your soul to a stranger a bit awks. You won’t get the exact same connection just like in person counselling, but the semi-anonymity may make it simpler to open up if you’ve been consuming 2 bottles of rum and dancing around in your dead nan’s wedding dress every night.
She initially determined the scale of my stress and anxiety, what triggers it– social situations, meeting individuals for the very first time– and after that dived headlong into my fractious childhood (separated parents, stretched familial n modify messages before sending them indicates you’re not likely to blurt out something vulnerable and revealing in the heat of the moment. So profound moments of realisation may be tough to come by if you can’t get a relaxed circulation going.
Who do I think it might it be good for?
Anybody with a low-end mental health concern who’s cool with getting counselled in an extremely internet-y, 2016-y way. If you’re living under the blackest, bleakest cloud you can possibly imagine and require serious attention (and perhaps some meds), most likely isn’t for you Mark Miller Betterhelp

domain: psychology


text:
Our biggest game yet ... this covers the "eastern front" as the Germans called it -- the war between Nazi Germany and its allies and the Soviet Union from Jun 1941 through March 1942 at the regiment-division-corps level. This is the first part of a multi-part game and will be followed soon by Field Marshals of the Eastern Front - South, which extends the game into the Ukraine. Later expansions are planned to carry the war into 1942 and beyond.
There are many innovations in this game - the hexes are quite large, and are subdivided into 7 "facets" that affect movement and combat. The half-inch counters can be arranged into 4 stacks inside one of these hexes. But to keep the map "cleaner" most stacks are instead organized into Corps -- Army size for Soviets. The corps marker is placed on the map, with the units being relatively hidden (rules require a minimum and maximum size Corps/Army sizeand composition). It is quite possible to amass both a hidden and fake set of units just to the rear in order to keep your enemy guessing as to where you'll strike next.
Unconquered Lands adds three new maps to Napoleon and his Marshals allowing for new scenarios (such as the Russo-Swedish War of 1808-1809 option of the 1807-1810 mini campaign scenario) and the Campaign Game to be played in full. You must own Napoleon and his Marshals to play. There are no counter sheets in this expansion.
Maps of Russia, Scandinavia and Southern Italy/Central Mediterranean are included and packed in our plastic map case. The first is a large map that cover Russia from Lake Lagoda to Sevastopol (north to south) and the Prussian/Austrian/Ottoman borders east to Nizhny Novgorod. The Scandinavian map includes Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark from the Arctic Circle to the Baltic Sea in the south. Southern Italy includes the Kingdom of Naples, including Sicily, as well as Malta, Sardinia and other points of interest in the Central Mediterranean.
Maps are completely compatible with the others in the series, allowing for a large layout on your gaming table, or permitting a separate setup on multiple tables. Of course, they are printed on banner paper, which means there are no cuts or folds, and the maps are resistant to dirt and water.
The Ottoman Empire is the latest expansion for our hit game, Napoleon and his Marshals (which you must have to play). (Continued below after the Spahi pic!)
This expansion provides one map and one counter sheet (88 6/10" counters, double sided). The map completes the European maps in the Balkans and eastern half of modern Turkey. The counters provide the Ottoman Empire and navy, the third minor power (along with Spain and Sweden). Also on the counter sheet are some client state leaders, navies and admirals for the Prussians and Austrians (for the campaign game) and counters needed for the 1806-1812 Russo-Turkish war scenario.
The accompanying scenario (which is free of all pesky French units!) is a great way to learn the game's basics. There aren't too many units, but every kind of unit is present, and there's lots of manuvering room. Plus the turn sequence is compressed in this scenario, so it moves along quickly!
The first expansion to Napoleon and his Marshals expands the series to include the wars in Spain and Portugal from 1805-1815, with scenarios for 1807-1814, 1809-1814 and as part of larger campaign scenarios. The basic set (Napoleon and his Marshals) is required to play. The complete British army and navy for the basic game is added, along with the Spanish army, navy, and leaders and the Portuguese army. A 20.75 x 16 inch map of Spain, Portugal, Southern France and the adjacent seas is included along with two 88-counter sheets of 0.6" square game counters, printed front and back. Scale is approximately 38 miles per hex.
Among the new leaders added are Wellesley/Wellington, Beresford, Hill, and other commanders. Wellesley can undisrupt British forces after combat which gives him a resiliency unmatched by his peers. Beresford can train the Portuguese, converting them from militia to fighting units. Of course Nelson is included with the navy, along with less famous but highly effective Admirals like Collingwood, Saumarez, Pellew, and others.
Like its parent game, this is a diceless combat system, based on our algorithm for battles in that period. The gameplay is identical to that of Napoleon and his Marshals, with some minor modifications for the scenarios. Units are similar scale - about 5,000 men per factor which was roughly a division. Ship factors are two ships-of-the-line for each naval factor.
Rules are the same as for Napoleon and his Marshals which you must have to play.
To order, click on the Place Order tab, then click the button for The Peninsular War. Please remember, this is an expansion. You must have the basic set of Napoleon and his Marshals to play!
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28 Apr 2010
THE BIG FELLA: The Rise and Rise of BHP Billiton by Peter Thompson and Robert Macklin published by Nikki Christer at Random House Australia, has beaten twelve competitors to win this year’s prestigious Blake Dawson Award for Business Literature.
The book tells the compelling story of how BHP and its partner Billiton rose from the humblest beginnings in the Australian outback and on the Indonesian island of Belitung to starry heights on the great bourses of the world. Based on more than 60 exclusive interviews, it rips away the superficial gloss to expose the political and industrial forces that really drive big business in the 21st Century.
The $30,000 prize was launched by Blake Dawson, a leading international law firm, in 2004 and is the largest in Australia for business writing. The award is acknowledged as being one of the nation’s most important awards for business literature, attracting many impressive entries and covering a wide range of topics each year.
The judges – The Hon Mahla Pearlman, Professor Richard Fisher, George Maltby and Alan Cameron – chose The Big Fella from a shortlist of four titles. Guest speaker Thomas Keneally, author of Shindler’s Ark, Gossip from the Forest among others, announced the winner at a dinner in Sydney on April 27.
Peter Thompson, who lives in London and who had flown to Sydney for the occasion, said, ‘We’re delighted and honoured to have won this award. We’ve written five books together as co-authors and it looks like we’ve finally got the hang of it. With Robert working in Canberra and me in London, we exchanged chapters via the internet and the time difference meant we could turn our work around very quickly, often within a 24-hour cycle.’
Thompson’s fifteenth book, Anzac Fury: The Bloody Battle of Crete 1941, was published in Australia on April 1 this year. The subject of his first book, written with Anthony Delano in 1988, was an unauthorised biography of the fraudster Robert Maxwell.
27 Apr 2010
The agency has six of the top 15 titles in a list of the top 20 Misery Memoirs for the 13 weeks to 27th March just published in The Book seller:
No 3 - Cathy Glass’s Hidden
No 5 - Cassie Hartie’s I Did Tell, I Did
No 7 - Cathy Glass’s Damaged
No 11 - Alice Jamieson’s Today I’m Alice
No 14 - Cathy Glass’s Cut
No 15 - Cathy Glass’s The Saddest Girl
Congratulations to all the authors and especially Cathy Glass with four titles in the top 15.
27 Apr 2010
This week’s non-fiction paprerback list shows Cathy Glass’s Cut at no 36 and Damaged at no 41 with Harry Keeble and Kris Holington’s Baby X down from no 16 to no 45.
02 Apr 2010
Congratulations to Cassie Harte whose I Did Tell, I Did has now sold 70,176 copies in the UK
02 Apr 2010
Baby X remains in the bestseller lists for a twelfth week – this week at no 19
30 Mar 2010
Tim Newark recently met Donald Trump who gave him a quote for Tim’s book Highlander ‘Great book. This is where I got my fighting spirit.”
30 Mar 2010
Baby X by Harry Keeble and Kris Hollington is at no 20.
26 Mar 2010
Congratulations to Daniel Tammet who has just been chosen as one of France’s “most read” authors of 2009 and had his photo taken with President Jacques Chirac and twenty of France’s leading writers, novelists and ‘academiciens’. More details at
21 Mar 2010
Harry Keeble and Kris Hollington’s Baby X remains for a sixth week in the top ten Sunday Times paperback bestseller list. Simon & Schuster have just comissioned a sequel.

domain: literature


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When renowned film director Péter Gárdos wrote the story, he intended it as a film script, but eventually he made it into a novel. “Fever at Dawn,” the love story of two Holocaust survivors―the author’s parents―has ever since sold in more than 20 territories.
Sándor Márai’s novel burst onto the literary scene at the Frankfurt Book Fair of 1999, thanks to the English and the German translations. In Hungarian the book is having its renaissance. Still, from time to time, we hear voices which talk, in tones of disapproval or apology, about it being overrated, bemoaning the stormy success of a work supposedly inferior to other pieces of the oeuvre.
"János Pilinszky is, for me, one of the great European poets of an extraordinary generation: that of Paul Celan, Zbigniew Herbert, and Yves Bonnefoy." (Clive Wilmer) – Two new translations by Clive Wilmer and George Gömöri.


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GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEB INTEGRATOR
REPORTING TO: FASHION EDITOR
SALARY: BASED ON EXPERIENCE (+ CLOTHING ALLOWANCE)
oki-ni was founded in September 2001. Initially a gallery space and online store, oki-ni was created
to work with established brands and progressive designers, offering inspiring products to knowledgeable fashion consumers. Exclusively limited-edition, oki-ni’s early history was defined by a series of successful collaborations with world-renowned brands including Adidas, Levi's, Paul Smith and Porter.
Today, oki-ni.com is an online fashion destination, showcasing the world's leading luxury brands alongside
the brightest new designers. With over 110 brands sourced from around the globe, oki-ni offers a blend
of contemporary menswear, sneakers and accessories like no other, matched by exclusive content
We are currently looking to add a committed and organised Graphic Designer & Web Integrator to the oki-ni
marketing and creative team. The Graphic Designer & Web Integrator is responsible for managing and
producing both digital and physical design projects from brief to fulfillment against deadlines.
The role involves working closely with the marketing and studio teams to create and deliver design
work to support the business.
The successful candidate will have previous digital design experience, a pro-active attitude and a record of
innovative design initiatives. A thorough understanding of and a keen interest in the digital and menswear
landscapes are essential.
• Assist with the design, creation and production of all forms of visual communication.
• Deliver all marketing collaterals: emails, homepages, promotional materials, landing pages, animated
banners, printed ads, packaging etc. Artwork will be published across site, email, social, mobile and print.
• Create visual designs that effectively communicate seasonal concepts and brand identity.
• Ensure a consistent brand image across all brand touch-points and channels.
• Liaise with the editorial, marketing, press and technical teams to design from brief and deliver excellent
site imagery with strong visual impact.
• Collaborate with the editorial team to coordinate and manage the seasonal editorial calendar.
• Drive innovation with original visual concepts that assert oki-ni as a market leader.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
• 2+ years experience in the creative industry ideally within fashion, e-commerce or a digital creative agency.
• Thorough working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Dreamweaver, InDesign and Illustrator.
iOS, Android etc.
• Keen intrest and proficiency in responsive design and new web technologies.
• Strong and directional understanding of typography, colour and layout.
• Creative thinker with a proven track record for innovation, striving for the highest levels of creativity
and innovation at all times.
• Proactive with the ability to foster the continuous improvement of the look and feel of the site.
• Ability to present design work with clarity and enthusiasm.
• Ability to work on multiple projects.
• Strong personal interest and understanding of the menswear luxury market.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this vacancy, please send a C.V. complete with covering letter to contact mail above. Successful applicants will be called to arrange an interview at the earliest convenience.


Everybody on Earth loves music, and everybody likes different genres of music. Music is important in so many ways, and it is a very good way to spend time. Here are some tips on how to make a perfect walking playlist.
- Include both fast and slow songs, as well as some in between. For the upbeat songs you can pace your walk to that fast beat, and for the slow songs you can take a short break to walk slow. This can help with keeping your walk interesting.
- Listen to your favorite songs, as well as songs you don’t know too well. How many times has someone you know asked you to look up a song, and you feel like you don’t have time to listen to it? A walk is the perfect time to do this, because you don’t really have anything else to do.
- For people who don’t like listening to music for long periods of time, audio books and nature sounds are great alternatives. Nature sounds would be good if you have to walk in a really urban place. Audio books are great for entertainment, and can be listened to continuously, while a play list switches songs and themes all the time.


OCTAVE ONE PRESENTS “NEVER ON SUNDAY”
Moving from the pounding dance floor and venturing into the consciousness comes Octave One’s Never On Sunday. First debuting in 1991 on Carl Craig’s Retroactive label, this Burden Brothers electronic creation’s mission was not to move the body, like their infamous Octave One project, but was to move the mind. With their first single titled “The Journey”, Never On Sunday began it’s journey that soon included 1992’s “Day by Day” EP that featured the tracks “Jackie’s Theme”, “Urban Rains”, “Carnal Pleasures”, “In The Breeze (featuring Lisa Newberry)”, and the much beloved “Seduced By Madness”. Laying dormant since it’s 90’s debut, Never On Sunday will return with a new full length release in 2019 and will make it’s worldwide live debut with a very special performance this September in Rome.


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Added: Verity Donahoe - Date: 03.03.2022 00:20 - Views: 20460 - Clicks: 640
Demchak said PNC had planned to close 80 to 90 branches this year, but the pandemic has hastened those efforts.
So far, that is happening and then some. PNC has opened what it calls "solutions centers" in place of some branches in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Nashville and Kansas City. Customers there can still contact bank employees and access ATMs, mobile workstations and banking kiosks. The bank plans to open 12 more this year and 25 next year, Demchak said.
Even before the pandemic, Fabian said the bank was in the "consolidation business," closing an average of 50 to 70 branches a year. Then, the strategy was "to look for spaces where the traffic flow is going to be the optimum for growth," Fabian said. The bank, at the time, was also piloting a "cashless bank" program, involving 26 branches in eight markets, where cash handling and teller duties would be done through an ATM, with the exception of cashier's checks.
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While some Republicans would rather the pot bill get a stand-alone vote, a of Democrats are eyeing larger reform. New products have Revolut trying its hand at Robinhood's game, Robinhood looking to Coinbase, and PayPal seeing if high-yield savings a la Marcus would be a good fit. Want to share a company announcement with your peers? Search x. An article from. Brief PNC looks to shutter branches by the end of next year. Published Sept.
Dan Ennis Editor. The bank has long had a goal to reduce its physical footprint.
Dawn Fabian, PNC's retail transformation manager, said in November branch consolidation would likely become " more aggressive ," with 80 to per year expected over the next five years. The bank announced 29 branch closures in August alone. The coronavirus is pushing several banks to shift focus toward their digital efforts — and, in many cases, away from branches. KeyBank CEO Chris Gorman said Monday at the same conference that the pandemic has accelerated his company's digital transformation by five yearsgiving the bank an "opportunity to continue to ramp up" branch closures — though he didn't put a target on the effort.
Filed Under: Retail, Risk. Editors' picks Justin Sullivan via Getty Images. Noam Galai via Getty Images. Column Robinhood, Revolut and PayPal play business-model musical chairs New products have Revolut trying its hand at Robinhood's game, Robinhood looking to Coinbase, and PayPal seeing if high-yield savings a la Marcus would be a good fit. Press Releases Discover announcements from companies in your industry.
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Adress: MOE Key Lab for Strength and Vibration/Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace, Xi an Jiaotong University , 28 West Xianning Road, Xi an 710049, China
Prof. Fulin Shang received his B.S. (1992) in Engineering Mechanics and his Ph. D. (1996) in Solid Mechanics from Xi an Jiaotong University (XJTU), China . He joined the Thermal Power Research Institute of China in 1996 as an Engineer of Material Division and was promoted to Senior Engineer in 1998. From 2000-2001, he worked as a Humboldt Research Fellow at Freiberg University of Mining and Technology , Germany . From 2002-2005, he worked as a JSPS Research Fellow and later COE Researcher at Kyoto University , Japan . He joined XJTU in August 2005 as a Full Professor.
Research Interests and Topics: Solid mechanics, Strength of materials and Structures
1. Strength of small materials and structures , including the following topics:
2. Plasticity behavior of small-sized materials;
3. Plasticity models for alloys
4. Composite material mechanics
5. Fracture mechanics
6. Safety assessment
(7) Interface strength of TBC by first-principle calculation and experimental test, Ministry of Education Ph.D. Fund, RMB 120,000 (Jan 2012 – Dec 2014);
(8) Strain burst and hardening behaviors of single crystal metal micro-pillars, NSFC Research Grant, RMB 860,000 (Jan 2013 – Dec 2016);
(9) Physical-based plasticity models for two alloys, NSAF Research Grant, RMB800,000 (Jan 2014 - December 2016)
(10) Creep property of CFRP tube under space enviorment, China Space Technology Project, RMB1,554,3000 (April 2015 - Dec 2016)
(11) Second-order work theory of plasticity for small-sized metals, NSFC fund, RMB520,000 (Jan 2017 - Dec 2020)
Recent Journal Ppaers (2005~):
1. F. Shang, T. Kitamura, H. Hirakata, I. Kanno, H. Kotera, K. Terada. Experimental and theoretical investigations of delamination at free edge of interface between piezoelectric thin films on a substrate. International Journal of Solids and Structures 42(5-6): 1729-1741, 2005.
2. T. Kitamura, Y. Umeno, F. Shang, T. Shimada, K. Wakahara. Development of interatomic potential for Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 based on shell model. Journal of Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering 1(12): 1423-1431, 2007.
3. Y. Yan, F. Shang. Cohesive zone modeling of interfacial delamination of PZT thin films. International Journal of Solids and Structures 46 (13): 2739–2749, 2009.
4. P.F. Zhao, F.L. Shang, Y.B. Yan, T. Kitamura. Reinvestigation of the effect of plasticity on delamination process of Si/Cu interface in a ductile nano-cantilever, Int J Fracture 161(2010):65–78.
5. P.F. Zhao, C.A. Sun, X.Y. Zhu, F.L. Shang, C.J. Li. Fracture toughness measurements of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings using a modified four-point bending method. Surface & Coatings Technology 204 (2010): 4066–4074.
6. X.C. Guo, F.L. Shang. Reinvestigation of the tensile strength and fracture property of Ni(1 1 1)/a-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) interfaces by first-principle calculations. Computational Materials Science 50(5): 1711-1716, 2011.
7. Y.B. Yan, T. Sumigawa, F.L. Shang, T. Kitamura. Three-Dimensional Cohesive Zone Modeling on Interface Crack Initiation from Nanoscale Stress Concentration. Journal of Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering 5(2): 117-127, 2011.
8. P.F. Zhao, X.D. Li, F.L. Shang, C.J. Li. Interlamellar cracking of thermal barrier coatings with TGOs by non-standard four-point bending tests. Materials Science and Engineering A 528 (2011) 7641– 7647.
9. Yabin Yan, Takashi Sumigawa, Fulin Shang, Takayuki Kitamura. Cohesive Zone Criterion for Cracking along the Cu/Si Interface in Nanoscale Components. Engineering Fracture Mechanics 78 (2011) 2935–2946.
10. XC Guo, FL Shang. Shear strength and sliding behavior of Ni/Al2O3 interfaces: a first-principle study. Journal of Materials Research, 27(9): 1237 – 1244, 2012.
11. Bo Pan, Fulin Shang, Jun Lu. Frequency analysis of nonlinear free vibration of a cross string. Nonlinear Dynamics, 2013, DOI: 10.1007/s11071-013-0748-4.
12. X. Zhang, B. Pan, F.L. Shang. Scale-free behavior of displacement burst: lower limit and scaling exponent. Europhysics Letters, 2012, 100: 16005-p1-p6
13. Zhang, X., Shang, F., A continuum model for intermittent deformation of single crystal micropillars, International Journal of Solids and Structures 51 (10) 1859–1871, 2014
14. Xu Zhang, Fulin Shang, Yong Yu, Yabin Yan, Shunping Yan. A stochastic model for temporal aspects of flow intermittency in micropillar compression. International Journal of Solids and Structures 51 (25-26): 4519-4530, 2014
15. FL Shang, X Zhang, XC Guo, PF Zhao, Y Chang. Determination of high-temperature mechanical properties of thermal barrier coatings by nanoindentation. Surface Engineering, 30(4): 283-289, 2014.
16. Zeying Bao, Xiancong Guo, Fulin Shang. An atomistic investigation into the nature of fracture of Ni/Al2O3 interface with yttrium dopant under tension. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 2015.
17. Bo Pan, Yoji Shibutani, Xu Zhang, Fulin Shang. Effect of dislocation pile-up on size-dependent yield strength in finite single-crystal micro-samples. J. Appl. Phys. 118, 014305 (2015).
18. Xu Zhang, Xiangcheng Zhang, Fulin Shang, Qian Li. Second-order work and strain burst in single-crystalline micropillar plasticity. International Journal of Plasticity, 77 (2016) 192-213.


AMD isn't using CES 2017 to launch their Ryzen (Zen) processors or Vega graphics cards, but at least they have opened up more Vega architecture details for this busy week in Las Vegas.
AMD's upcoming Ryzen (Zen) processors appear to be in good enough shape that they are working on the current mainline kernel as far as I can tell based upon limited information available prior to getting my hands on the CPUs or getting any official announcement from AMD, but some Linux kernel patches have yet to be mainlined. The yet-to-be-merged work appears to be more for non-core features and Zen server functionality with those CPUs shipping later than the upcoming Ryzen desktop CPUs.
Patches were published today for supporting "Polaris 12" graphics cards within the AMDGPU DRM kernel driver on Linux.
The Radeon Open Compute platform has been updated and quietly released prior to the weekend. The ROCm 1.4 release comes with preliminary OpenCL support.
In recent days there have been a few Phoronix readers inquiring why I am not testing with my Radeon R9 290 graphics card in all our frequent comparisons and driver benchmarks. The short story is that the regression since Linux 4.7 remains and for my Radeon R9 290 and others with select Hawaii graphics cards, there still is a performance regression. Though over Christmas I hope to finally find the time to bisect it.
Well this weekend is exciting for AMDGPU users and open-source AMD fans. Yesterday was the news we published about Valve looking to improve AMDGPU/RADV for their Vulkan-based VR experience while the latest is work from AMD that implements GPU virtualization support within the AMDGPU driver.
AMD's Zen New Horizon event is going on right now. For those missing out on the livestream, here are my live details so far on Zen, or now officially known as Ryzen.
For those interested in the upcoming Zen processors, a quick reminder that later today is AMD's livestream event where they will be giving a "sneak preview" of the upcoming Zen CPU.
With Linux 4.9 expected for release this weekend and the 4.10 merge window to then immediately open, Alex Deucher of AMD sent in an early batch of fixes atop the earlier feature material of AMDGPU/Radeon DRM changes for Linux 4.10.
This week's news of Qualcomm sampling a 10nm 48-core ARMv8 SoC for servers made me wonder where are AMD's ARM SoCs -- and the long-awaited development boards -- and thus been following up with a few sources this week.
AMD ran into a snag getting out the updated proprietary hybrid Linux driver stack this morning, but it's now available for download from AMD.
The latest patches for the AMDGPU DRM driver's DC code -- what was previously known as DAL -- have been published and they reduce the size of the code-base some more.
AMD's big display abstraction layer (DAL) code-base that's used by AMDGPU-PRO but not yet mainlined in the Linux kernel for providing HDMI 2.0, future FreeSync/Adaptive-Sync, HDMI/DP audio, and other modern display features is DAL no more.
Earlier this year I exclusively reported on the "Radeon Settings" GUI control panel may be open-sourced for AMD Linux users but since then I hadn't heard anything publicly or privately about getting this graphics driver control panel on Linux for AMDGPU-PRO and the fully-open AMDGPU stack. But it looks like that it's still being worked on internally at AMD.
While many in our forums and other Linux communities want to see "AMDGPU-PRO die" or for AMD to stop supporting the hybrid/proprietary driver given the pace of RadeonSI development for OpenGL and the emerging RADV for (unofficial) Vulkan support, OpenCL remains one of AMDGPU-PRO's strongholds. AMD has been working on opening up their proprietary compute stack, but for now it's there. Here are some fresh AMDGPU-PRO 16.40 benchmarks versus NVIDIA in LuxMark, one of the real-world OpenCL workloads where the AMD blob does very well.
Quietly landing last week into the mainline Linux kernel as part of the AMDGPU fixes is support for tear-free PRIME offloading between Intel and AMDGPU.
AMD used the SC16 super-computing conference today announce version 1.3 of the Radeon Open Compute platform.
The recent slowdowns seen with AMDGPU-PRO 16.40 on my test systems may be attributed to the Linux 4.8 kernel being not properly supported by this hybrid kernel driver.
The AMDGPU backend within LLVM that's used by the open-source Radeon graphics driver stack has landed half-precision / FP16 support.
There is finally a new release of the AMDGPU-PRO hybrid Radeon graphics driver stack for Linux.
With AMD's forthcoming Zen processors is support for some new memory encryption technologies that are of particular benefit for virtualized environments.
Harry Wentland of AMD just presented at the XDC2016 conference about DAL, the big Display Abstraction Layer code-base, which many AMD Linux users have been waiting to see merged in order to have Polaris audio support and this is one of the stepping stones for seeing FreeSync/Adaptive-Sync and other modern display capabilities.
The AMDGPU DRM code for Linux 4.9 is already queued in DRM-Next with virtual display support and other features as well as experimental GCN Southern Islands support while today another feature pull request was submitted to DRM-Next with more Radeon/AMDGPU changes.
One month after the first AMDGPU feature pull of new functionality for DRM-Next to in turn land in Linux 4.9, the second feature pull request has now been sent out and it presents experimental Southern Islands (GCN 1.0) support for AMDGPU.
Last week a Mesa fix landed to target the Radeon R9 290/390 performance regression that's been covered a few time on Phoronix since the issue was originally noticed. While the Mesa fix is working for some users, it didn't fix all problems, including with my Hawaii test card.
The HIP project has made good progress over the summer. HIP from AMD's GPUOpen project is part of the puzzle for converting CUDA to portable C++ code. That source code can then run on AMD GPUs while having little to no performance impact, at least according to AMD.
Things don't appear to be looking up for AMD's ARM efforts. It's looking like we probably won't be seeing AMD ARM development boards publicly available this year, if not the end of 2016, and there won't be many of them going around.
AMD this week open-sourced the Advanced Media Framework (AMF) as their replacement to the earlier AMD Media SDK. But before getting too excited about this latest AMD open-source project, there isn't yet any Linux support.
Earlier this year AMD made CodeXL 2.0 open-source as a developer tool with GUI centered around profiling/optimizing D3D, OpenGL, and Vulkan (since CodeXL 2.1) under Windows and Linux. Today marks the release of CodeXL 2.2.
Just days after the Radeon RX 470 began shipping, the Radeon RX 460 is shipping this morning and the embargo concerning the RX 460 has expired.
798 AMD news articles published on Phoronix.


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Arrive in Singapore airport. Get transferred to your hotel..
Singapore city tour of the best places like Merlion Park, Chinatown and other places.
Check out Singapore's history at Changi Museum.
Explore the first nocturnal zoo during night safari [Combo- SIN].
Head to the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people - Thian Hock Keng Temple.
Enjoy a Drag show at Lulu’s Lounge.
Get transferred to Sentosa
Checkout of your hotel and get transferred to Sentosa.
Fly to Kuta
Checkout of your hotel. Board your flight to Denpasar Bali. Check-in to your new hotel in Kuta.
Water Sports Combo: Speed Boat Ride + Parasailing + Sea Walking.
Get transferred from Kuta to Nusa Dua by car
White Water Rafting at Telaga Waja River in Bali.
Fly to Krabi
Checkout of your hotel. Board your flight to Krabi. Check-in to your new hotel in Krabi.
Venturing into the wildkind at Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave).
Speed Boat trip to the beautiful islands of Koh Tup, Koh Gai, Koh Poda & Phra Nang Cave Beach .
Fly to Bangkok
Checkout of your hotel. Board your flight to Bangkok. Check-in to your new hotel in Bangkok.
Reconnecting with nature at Bangkok Safari World & Marine Park Tour amidst wild and exotic animals.
Spotting of architectural wonders at Marble Temple.
Take your flight back home. Hope you end up with a lot of memories and a few souvenirs too..
Yes, your itinerary is completely customizable. Add or remove any number of days, cities and activities based on your preferences. Click on 'Get trip cost' placed at top right to get the trip cost of this itinerary.
Of course, you can! See the 'Customize' option on top left corner? Click on that to add, remove or replace a city from your itinerary.
Changing an activity is very easy. All you have to do is select the activity you want to change and on clicking the activity tab, you'll land in your activity details page. See the 'Change Activity' button on the left side? Give that a click and you’ll have the liberty to change your activity. You also have the freedom to remove the activities from your itinerary.
Yes, you absolutely can! See the 'Talk to an expert' button? Give that a click and you'll be prompted with a Call Back Request form. Fill in your details and we'll get in touch with you. Happy to help, as always :)
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Gremlins Mogwai Series 4 Action Figure Set
- SOLD OUT
Continue your collection of the adorable yet ornery Mogwai! This Gremlins Mogwai Series 4 Action Figure Set features concept Mogwai that were created by Rick Baker Studios for the Gremlins 2: The New Batch film. Over the past 20 years, the original puppets have turned up at auction or in the hands of private collectors, and NECA has been able to gather all known references to create 3 of these special Mogwai figures. Series 4 includes Brownie, Doodah, and Penny. Each Mogwai is articulated at the ears, neck, shoulders, forearms, wrists, and thighs. Plus, each Mogwai also includes NECA's signature poseable rolling eyeball mechanism! Each figure measures about 4-inches tall. Ages 14 and up.
This set contains 3 individually packaged action figures and includes the following:


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Gresham to allocate $1.2 million in community grants
Gresham City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, July 7, on a roadmap for community grant funding that will support nonprofit organizations and other vital groups throughout the coming fiscal year.
Gresham's Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds provide financial opportunities for programs that support the most vulnerable populations in the community. Funding also help stabilize neighborhoods, encourage economic development and provide basic infrastructure and public services to low-income communities.
The basic goals for the funds include improving affordable housing, reducing homelessness, and provide economic infrastructure and opportunities. This year, the total funds available is $1,269,853 — comprised of Department of Housing and Urban Development allocations, program income and 2019 carryover.
Council went through a public hearing to hear from stakeholders before giving the greenlight to the grant plans for Fiscal Year 2020-21. The proposed funding was finalized by the Community Development and Housing Subcommittee.
Plans for the funds include:
— Housing development/rehabilitation: $218,323
— Economic development: $255,083
— Public services: $163,477
— Public improvements: $415,000
— Administration: $217,970
Some of the partner programs receiving funds include Human Solutions, El Programa Hispano, Metro Family Services, Family of Friends and Eastside Timbers
Not everything is finalized, and council did indicate a desire to shift some of the funds around because of problems surrounding COVID-19. An annual payment of $150,000 for the children's fountain in the Gresham Art's Plaza may be deferred on a recommendation from Councilor Jerry Hinton toward programs or support for kids stuck at home with nothing to do during the pandemic.
Councilor Eddy Morales also pointed to the $185,000 earmarked for RV towing and illegal homeless camp cleanups as a non-priority during the pandemic.
City staff will examine those payments and see if they can be redirected to new avenues that meet timely needs while remaining within the development grant guidelines.
Additional emergency funding
This year, there is more money for the city of Gresham to allocate through the Community Development Block Grants due to the ongoing emergency surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 27, the Federal government passed the CARES Act, which included money to be used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to prevent, prepare for or respond to the novel coronavirus within the normal funding guidelines.
From that COVID-19 fund, Gresham received an additional $641,125 to support local programs. The money will be used on rental assistance through Human Solutions; reimbursing some of the business grants allocated by the city; low-income meal assistance; and childcare, mortgage and utility assistance.
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.

domain: finance


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Major retailers are slapping rainbows on products in a bid to cash in on Pride, LGBTQ+ campaigners have claimed.
The Queer Emporium said they welcomed the extra visibility, but said very little money was going to the community and it felt like a “money grab”.
An activist said there were also concerns around the exploitation of workers making merchandise in countries where it is illegal to be gay.
Pride Cymru said it was “heartening” to see many brands embracing Pride.
“Huge amounts of massive companies do just slap rainbows on their products and sell them at a higher price,” said Yan White, founder and director of social enterprise and not-for-profit Queer Emporium.
He added that even when a portion of profit was donated to a community group or charity, it was relatively “miniscule”.
“Lots and lots of brands will create rainbow versions of their products…but the reality is there’s very little if any money actually going back to the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.
He added that whilst the increased visibility was good, as well as things like LGBTQ+ networks in companies, he believed businesses profiting from merchandise could do more to help communities.
“I think the trans community is by far the most persecuted in the UK in the media and on a political level as well, so I think a lot of those companies could throw their weight behind that particular group and I think that could make a bigger difference if they really do want to do something progressive.”
Initially set up for four weeks during last year’s Pride month, to offer a more localised service to people who wanted to celebrate the occasion, the Cardiff store has remained open and now works with around 20 LGBTQ+ businesses.
History of the rainbow
The rainbow flag first became a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community back in 1978, when an artist Gilbert Baker made a design with eight stripes to be used on gay freedom day in San Francisco.
The flag’s use spread across America, and by the 1990s it was a symbol for people trying to get equal rights for the community.
Over the last few years the flag has changed and been updated to represent more communities.
Mr White said he had noticed a growing desire among customers for ethically made products.
“I think there is a problem where if you want to shop in a shop like mine, you would expect that level of ethics to be there,” he said.
“I’m glad we’re held to account but I feel that sometimes larger businesses, particularly chains, just aren’t, because people just choose to ignore it.”
Izzy McLeod from Cardiff said while it was nice to have reached a place where rainbows were on a lot of products, they were concerns about conditions for workers making the products.
“We shouldn’t be relying on exploitation of other people for us to celebrate ourselves,” the activist said.
“These corporations are doing it because it is profitable, and when they’re doing it in a way that’s saying ‘we support LGBTQ+ people whilst making merchandise in countries where maybe it’s illegal to be gay’, then it comes across as very ‘we’re going to take your money, but we’re not going to do the work,” the 24-year-old said.
“Pride should be about queer liberation for all, not just capitalising on the pink pound, we cannot continue to let brands pander to one part of the LGBTQ community, while participating in the exploitation of another,” they said.
Izzy said no-one should feel guilty if they had already bought merchandise from a major retailer, and the focus should be more on calling out brands who could do more.
“It’s about empowering people to make a change, but while shouting at those who do have the power to make those changes,” the campaigner added.
They would also like to see customers support queer creatives wherever possible, not just for Pride merchandise but all year round.
Izzy added that more people were now aware of the origins of Pride, in that it is both a protest and a party, and are questioning if organisations getting involved are reflecting the right values.
“When I’ve been to prides across the UK, there are several corporate organisations with their rainbow logos in the parade, but you don’t see any community organisations, or people who try and join get kicked off and that’s the opposite of what should be happening,” they said.
“These brands should be helping, not taking up the space themselves – they are never going to change, unless we make them change.”
A spokesperson for Pride Cymru said: “Twenty years ago, you wouldn’t have seen so many household names embracing Pride so openly in their brand and it is heartening for staff and customers to see that they are loved and valued.
“Although we do think profit sharing with LGBTQ+ charities should be considered on Pride themed merchandise, we also wholeheartedly agree that companies must have ethical supply chains, which enhance the rights of our LGBTQ+ family around the world.”
The Welsh Retail Consortium said retailers were keen to support the LGBTQ+ community.
“The selling of items that promote the LGBTQ+ community shows a huge step forward in the attitudes of the country towards this minority group, furthermore, nearly eighty leading retailers came together in 2021 to sign the WRC’s Diversity and Inclusion charter, which aims to embed better representation of minority groups, including LGBTQ+, within all levels of retail,” they said.
Singer Stephanie Webber from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, who will be performing on the Community Stage, said Pride could “give hope” to people who may be “struggling with certain issues”.
“Pride is so much fun because it is literally is all about love. Be who you are,” she said.
Read from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62597165


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Abortion and Children with Disabilities
I found this piece by Patricia E. Bauer, a former Washington Post reporter, in the Post this morning moving and thought provoking. Read it here. The article "The Abortion Debate No One Wants to Have: Prenatal testing is making your right to abort a disabled child more like 'your duty' to abort a disabled child."
Among my thoughts. First, I'm pleasantly surprised to read a piece written from this perspective in the Post. Second, Bauer highlights the hypocrisy of some in the pro-abortion community. She writes: "And here's one more piece of un-discussable baggage: This question is small but nonetheless significant part of what's driving the abortion discussion in this country. I have to think that there are many pro-choicers who, while paying obeisance to the rights of people with disabilities, want at the same time to preserve their right to ensure that no one with disabilities will be born into their own families. The abortion debate is not just about a woman's right to choose whether to have a baby; it's also about a woman's right to choose which baby she wants to have."