Until the pensions reforms of 2004, pensioners were at the receiving end, with some of them not living to reap the fruits of their labour after years of service. But the times have since changed for this category of retirees, says the Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr. Chioma Ejikeme in this interview with Omobola Tolu-Kusimo.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the White Paper on pension increase or face their wrath. What is your take in this?
I have told the NUP that as far as I am concerned, the planned protest is very unnecessary because we have gone very far on the increase they are asking for. You see, government things don’t work out like that. One person cannot sign government money; it has to go through a process.
The new minimum wage commenced in April 2019 and it was an increment. Every time there is this type of increase, pensioners are supposed to get it even though based on the constitution. They are to get an increment every five years or any time there is a minimum wage increase. They were actually due for one before the 2019 increase. So, they are supposed to have a double leap as it were.
After the increment, the government has to go through the process of how it would affect pensioners. The pensioners keep talking about minimum pension but there is nothing like that. This is because your pension is a function of so many things. First, is the level at which you retired. Secondly, the salary structure for your agency and thirdly, the number of years you spend in the service. These are what determine how much you get. To talk about minimum pension, it cannot apply. You don’t get a promotion when you are a pensioner. So, the word is pension increment and it will be a percentage increment as determined by government. If you look at the move from N18, 000 to N30, 000, it’s less than a 100 percent increment. Whenever the government is talking about pensioners; they look at what percentage increment to give them. And so, it is within the purview of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to determine. They set up a sub-committee of which one of the directors in PTAD was the chairman. Even NUP had a representative on the committee and so the government and PTAD did not just take a unilateral decision. All the relevant stakeholders made recommendations. It was sent to the Presidency, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who moved it down to PTAD to ask our view. We replied that we were aware and agreed with the proposal.Then they wrote back, asking where we planned to get the funding. So, we got to the last stage, telling them that yes, we have made provisions in the budget for it. Albeit, we have about 24 months’ arrears to pay, but with what we have, maybe we can pay 13 months’ arrears. We have given them this feedback and the next thing is for them to give us the go ahead.
We have been proactive by making provisions for the pension increase in the 2020 budget because we knew it was going to come up. We are waiting for the President to sign off. The government is working on it. It is at the last lap and I told the union. I am surprised they are agitating. They should know that it is not because of their agitation, but that the government has finished work on it. We are an agency with integrity. We are dealing with senior citizens. We are not here to play. We don’t play gimmicks. Our pensioners are serious business to us and we take them very seriously. We are here to make sure that they are well taken care of. That is our priority.
Some pensioners are complaining that they have been verified, yet they have not been paid for two years. Why is this so?
Yes. But it must be the parastatals’pensioners. They were verified between 2018 and 2019. If we didn’t have the COVID-19 pandemic last year, we would have paid. The issue is that when they finish collecting the information, the computation is reviewed. We cannot pay people like that. We look at the salary structure of where a pensioner retired from to make sure that he or she is put on the right structure. If the person has not been on payroll before, we will request for his statement of account and other things. It is a rigorous process. At the end, we will have to generate what we call a Pensioner Code because you cannot collect pension without the code. So, those people should be patient because the project is going to end in another few weeks. The civil service pensioners validation have been concluded and about 1000 of them have been put on the payroll. However, anybody who has not been verified should come for it. A lot of people who retired 15 to 20 years ago have not received any pension because they have not shown up for verification. But in terms of those verified and not on a payroll, that should end by May. They should be on payroll if they are qualified pensioners because some of them are verified, but they are not qualified.
You are doing mop-up. What does it entail?
When we concluded the verification of 2019 for the parastatals pensioners and in validating it, there were certain steps we took. The first was defunct agencies with one-off payments to Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON). The second was to remove people on the payroll who were not verified. We will bloat the payroll and won’t have money to pay. There are some people who are on the payroll who are not supposed to be there. So, what we did was that in July 2020, we sent out a notice to the pension unions, agencies, radio, newspapers and everybody who are in touch with pensioners. We drew up a list of these pensioners and even put it on our website to come for verification or risk being removed from the payroll. I had wanted to remove them from the payroll in August 2020 but the NUP said the time was too short. So, as they were reaching them, we were inviting them to our office for verification. Eventually, we fixed September 2020 as the last month they would get pension and that if by October 25, 2020, you have not verified, we remove you from the payroll.
So far, we have removed 21,000 pensioners who were not verified. We gave it enough publicity. A woman who was honest enough said she heard, but just couldn’t find time to come and there are many of them like that. Some either feel too busy, big or lazy to come and get themselves verified because they are used to the status quo until they are removed. We later started getting feedback that some pensioners were deceased. So, out of the 21,000 removed, we have restored over 2000 to the payroll. Also, out of the mop-up verification that we started on March 16, we have received and verified 244 pensioners. In Lagos, we are looking at verifying about 550 pensioners. Overall and worst-case scenario, I am not expecting to get more than 5000 pensioners. We intend to go to the South-east as well.
So far, how much has been paid to pensioners?
Our pension wage bill is over N7 billion monthly and about N100 billion in a year. I don’t know any organisation of government that churns out the kind of funds PTAD pays monthly. Before last October, when we removed 21, 000 pensioners, the wage bill for the parastatal pension department was about N4.8 billion. By the time we removed 21000 pensioners, it came to N4 billion; about N700 million was taken off – the same for the civil service. When I came in, their wage bill was about N1.8 billion but we now have N1.7 billion, saving N100 million. The same for other departments because really, the ideal thing is that as the pensioners are dying, our wage bill will be going down and that is what we intend to achieve. We are a closed group unlike the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) when people come every day. If you retired after June 2007, you are not part of us under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
Why the passion for pension matters?
The passion seriously stems from the part that I was part of pensioners being humiliated. I was a pensioner when pensioners were being humiliated. I literally almost abandoned my pension at some point, because to get verified was a big problem. It was a friend of mine that said to me, “It is your sweat. Don’t leave it for them.’’ Then you had to tip people to open the door for you to get verified. Old people would lie on the floor. People were dying. Nobody would give you common water unlike these days that PTAD gives food and water. You sit comfortably in a hall in the air conditioner working unlike when people would push and shove themselves. Nobody cared whether you retired as permanent secretary or not. You were reduced to nothing. It was terrible. I am glad today to be working at the helm of affairs of the Directorate, continuing in the success story.
Two years into your headship of PTAD, can you give an insight into what you met on ground and how far you have come?
I was actually appointed at the heat of nationwide verification of pensioners. My first job as the Executive Secretary of PTAD was to monitor verifications in the Southeast, precisely Awka, the Anambra State capital and Owerri, the Imo State capital. We had to go to Akwa Ibom State where the state office was opened. That was my first assignment and I had to hit the ground running. Because at the point I came in, my predecessor had really done a lot of work, trying to see how to put PTAD on the right footing. We were then trying to finish up a marathon verification for parastatal pensioners. At that time the other operational departments like Custom, Immigration and Prisons, Police and Civil Service pensions’verification had been completed, but we still had that of parastatals pending. So, it was verification back-to-back for us. We had a backlog of people already verified but not on the payroll.
But most of the validation for verification had not been done because we wanted to, first of all, capture all the pensioners. It was left for me to complete the verification and start the validation. So, this is basically what we have been concentrating our energy on. The parastatal pension verification ended in November 2019. But we all know what happened in 2020. COVID-19 didn’t let us do anything. We also last year started a project for the Civil Service pension whose verification was completed in 2017. Some of them were not put on the payroll and they were complaining. Most of them could not be paid gratuities because it is only when we validate their verification that we can pull out all these things and get them done.
As of last year, we started with, first of all, the parastatal pensioners. We started with those agencies that were entitled to one-off payment which were the defunct agencies that were privatised. They include NAHCO, and ALSCON. As at last year, we have settled most of the NAHCO one-off payment. We only have just very few that we have queries on, but we settled the bulk of them last year, 620 to be precise. We did the same with ALSCON – about 603 of them were paid account.
The big one is the civil service pension validation project that we started last year. Of the over 60,000 files that had not been verified, we were able to validate 46, 000 files. We found out that some of them duplicated names. Of the 46000 files that we had treated, we have paid 16, 210 pensioners a total sum of N6.2 billion. We paid death benefits of pensioners to 773 next-of-kins and gratuities to 94 pensioners. We paid about 825 pensioners on payroll with complaints who have arrears or short paid. In fact, we spent about N3.8 billion on this group of people on payroll with complaints. We paid the ones that were not on payroll at all over N1billion arrears and put them on payroll. This is the big game for us because the complaints we used to have has reduced drastically.
Going forward, we are working with the parastatal to end the validation. There is an ongoing project for the parastatal pension department to complete the validation of their verification. We started and we are working with the Nigeria National Shipping Line (NNSL), which pensioners are supposed to be on the payroll. We are working on other parastatals who are not on the payroll but have been verified. We want to put them on the payroll. We have a huge liability with a lot of the defunct agencies because their organisations did not consider the huge personnel liabilities but only sold assets. Some of their pension assets were with the underwriters who did not return anything until recently when we drag them and they started refunding in trickles. We have over N40 billion out there yet to be collected and that is what we have audited. We did forensic audit and the auditors found out how much these pensioners have in their kitty belonging to the organisations that were underwriting and became defunct.


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I dined here with Friends on our first night in Hanoi and would highly recommend the Gourmet corner. The food is fabulous and the service was fantastic. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

domain: travel


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BALMAIN HAIR LAUNCHES NEW ACETATE COLLECTION
Balmain Hair is expanding the Acetate Hair Accessories Collection by adding seven new items, four claw clips and three small headbands. With a similar design to the original hair clips, the new additions maintain the same classic style that perfectly combines elegance and versatility. Complementing the claw clips, the three small acetate headbands add charm and elegance. These headbands promise to bring a touch of glamour to any hairstyle, making them the perfect pieces for any occasion.
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domain: design


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Presentation on theme: "Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute American Institutes for Research PACER Center University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Disabilities Presentation."— Presentation transcript:
Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute American Institutes for Research PACER Center University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Disabilities Presentation prepared for the Center for Early Literacy Learning Advisory Board Meeting, Washington, DC, October 11, 2007 Center for Early Literacy Learning
CELL Aims Synthesize research evidence on effective early literacy learning interventions Identify evidence-based practices from the findings of this research Implement and evaluate the use of evidence-based practices Conduct general and specialized technical assistance promoting the adoption and use of evidence-based early literacy learning practices
Advisory Board Focus Early literacy learning practices and outcomes Parent and family perspectives of early literacy learning Scaling-up early literacy learning practices Inservice training and technical assistance to States
Early Literacy Learning Practices and Outcomes Domains of early literacy learning Literature review and study identification Practice-based research syntheses Evidence-based practice guides and tool kits
Domains of Early Literacy Alphabet and print awareness Written language Reading comprehension Phonological awareness Oral language Listening comprehension
Literature Review of Relevant Studies Approximately 900 empirical studies of literacy and literacy-related studies have been identified that included infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. About 30% of the studies included or were investigations of young children with identified disabilities or developmental delays.
Literature Search Results The studies identified by the literature search have been sorted by type of practice, type of outcome, and other study and practice factors to categorize the studies into logical groups and subgroups.
Linking Research to Practice Practice-Based Research Syntheses Isolating the Practice Characteristics That Matter Most Evidence-Based Practices
Disentangling and Unpacking What Matters Most Any practice, intervention, or experience afforded a child is made up of different features or elements that can either have development- enhancing or development-impeding characteristics and consequences. Sorting out which development-enhancing elements and features are most important is the main goal of a practice-based research synthesis so that one can make informed decisions about what evidence-based practices should look like.
Key Components of CELL Literacy Learning Practice Guides Literacy-Rich Environments and Experiences Instructional Practices Child Interest-Based Learning Literacy Skills
Framework for Developing Literacy Practice Guides What is the practice? What does the practice look like? How do you do the practice? How do you know the practice worked?
Parent and Family Perspectives of Early Literacy Learning Social marketing survey findings Using the survey findings for promoting parents knowledge and awareness of early literacy learning opportunities Procedures of promoting inclusion of literacy outcomes and objectives on IFSPs and IEPs Collaborations with PTIs, CPRPs, and other parent organizations to get the word out
Social Marketing Survey Questions It is important for young children with disabilities to learn prewriting and prereading skills Prewriting and prereading activities should be part of early intervention and preschool special education practices Prewriting and prereading outcomes and objectives should be on IFSPs and IEPs
Respondents Strongly Agreeing to Each Item Statement ImportanceIFSPs/IEPsPractices 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 SURVEY ITEMS PERCENT OF PARENTS
Differences Between Parent Endorsed and Experienced Practices ImportanceIFSPs/IEPsPractices 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 SURVEY ITEMS PERCENT OF PARENTS Strongly EndorseRoutinely Experience
Scaling-Up Early Literacy Learning Practices CELL definition of scaling-up CELL model for scaling-up CELL state resource teams CELL TA approaches – Specialized TA – Generalized Training and TA
CELL Definition of Scaling-Up The adoption of policies, practices, and implementation strategies that promote widespread, sustained use of evidence-based early literacy learning practices by early childhood intervention programs and practitioners serving young children, birth to 5 years of age, and their families to achieve outcomes that are socially and developmentally important and valued
CELL Conceptual Model for Scaling-Up V e r t i c a l S c a l i n g - U p Horizontal Scaling-Up Local End- Users End- Users End- Users End- Users Regional State National
CELL Resource Teams State Resource (Leadership) Team Regional Resource Teams Local Resource Teams One Number of Teams Many
Specialized Technical Assistance Helps stakeholders adopt policies, practices, and implementation strategies that promote the effective and sustained use of CELL practices – Information Sharing Communities: states share experiences, discuss needs, and explore solutions to early literacy learning challenges 5-7 states per year – Statewide Training Assistance: individual states develop their own training programs for using CELL Toolkits and Practice Guides to improve early literacy outcomes 2-3 states per year
Distance Learning for CELL Specialized TA Website in which groups of users can privately: – Discuss – Share documents – Maintain a calendar, learn about upcoming and past events Examples of distance learning vehicles: – Conference calls – Online chats/discussions with experts or leaders – Webinars – Events and documents archived on the website
CELL Capacity-Building Strategy State vision Leadership team Needs assessment Outreach and training Self evaluation
Generalized Training and Technical Assistance Mapping state, regional, and local Part C and Part B (619) technical assistance and training initiatives CELL partnerships with NECTAC, Regional Resource Centers, Parent Organizations, etc. CELL website CELL dissemination activities (email databases) CELL presentations and publications
Advisory Board Members Feedback Questions Comments Suggestions

domain: library


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s Treasury is not trying to undermine Brexit but is instead focused on boosting prosperity by promoting continued close ties with the European Union after the country leaves, finance minister Philip Hammond said on Thursday.
Hammond is widely viewed as the most pro-EU of Prime Minister Theresa May’s senior ministers, and earlier this month Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson described the finance ministry as “basically the heart of Remain”.
In a major speech to London’s financial services industry, Hammond said his priority was preserving existing business and trade ties after Brexit, as well as seeking new global financial services deals with non-EU countries.
“That does not make the Treasury, on my watch, ‘the enemy of Brexit’. Rather, it makes it the champion of prosperity for the British people outside the EU, but working and trading closely with it,” he said in his annual speech at the Mansion House in the City of London, Europe’s biggest financial center.
The event is one of the major set pieces of the year for both Hammond and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, who also spoke. It comes a day after May won a vote in parliament on her Brexit plans, facing down rebels within her ruling Conservative Party who favor closer ties with the EU.
Britain will leave the EU in March next year, but a transitional trade agreement has not been finalised and there are disagreements among May’s top team over how much effort to put into maintaining close ties with the EU.
Financial services are one of the thorniest issues facing Brexit negotiators.
Hammond defended a model he set out in March, under which Britain and the EU would allow cross-border trade in financial services on the condition that each side preserves regulatory standards in line with the best international standards. This model would be maintained by close co-operation between regulators.
But financial executives told Reuters last week they no longer believed it was realistic in the face of scepticism from the EU.
Carney said that he thought a deal involving close regulatory cooperation “remains both feasible and in the interests of the UK, Europe and the world”.
By contrast, the EU’s starting point is that Britain is entitled to no more than the basic ‘equivalence’ access given to non-EU countries after it leaves.
Even a so-called ‘enhanced’ version of this looked unsatisfactory, Hammond said. “Although I have heard talk of ‘enhanced equivalence’, I have not yet seen a credible proposal for what it might mean or a clear articulation of how it might work,” he said. “As of today, the most developed model ... is the one I set out in March.”
Hammond said that after Brexit, he wanted London to be the world’s “undisputed gateway to financial markets” and to strike fresh global financial partnerships, based on new free trade deals and existing dialogue with countries such as China and India.
Responding to Hammond’s comments, trade body CityUK welcomed steps he announced to boost skills training but said it also wanted easy access for staff from outside Britain, both before and after Brexit.
Hammond also confirmed taxpayers would need to “contribute a bit more in a fair and balanced way” toward a 20 billion-pound ($26 billion) boost to the National Health Service announced earlier this week by May.
A ‘Brexit dividend’ after Britain ceases paying EU membership dues would fund only part of the cost, and the government had no intention of abandoning plans to lower Britain’s public debt, he added. Last year the government budget watchdog forecast Brexit would be a net drain on Britain’s public finances.
Writing by David Milliken, additional reporting by Andy Bruce and Lawrence White, editing by David Stamp


The PlayStation 5 was finally unveiled in a 'deep dive' video, but some fans are furious — here's what's going on
Some PlayStation fans are furious at the PlayStation 5 "deep dive" video that debuted on Wednesday, which they called "boring" and "a waste of time."
The year's biggest video game development trade show just got 'postponed' due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus outbreak
Nearly 30,000 video game makers descend on San Francisco for a massive developer conference each year. In 2020, it's postponed due to coronavirus.
Coronavirus concerns push Facebook and Sony to skip the year's biggest gathering for video game makers
Health and travel concerns raised by the coronavirus outbreak will prevent Facebook and Sony from attending the 2020 Game Developers Conference.
Google’s ambitious new video game service is starting to look like a giant mess — and it isn't even live yet
Google's facing major issues with its first-ever video game platform, and it's not even live yet.
Google just unveiled Stadia, its ambitious attempt to upend the video-game industry and take on Xbox and PlayStation. Here's everything we know.
On Tuesday, Google announced Stadia, an ambitious plan to launch a new type of video-game platform that doesn't rely on people buying game consoles.
Google gave the keynote address at the annual Game Developers Conference on Tuesday.
Google officially unveiled its first major video-game initiative on Tuesday in San Francisco.
This giant 'S' spotted in San Francisco is almost certainly the logo for Google's highly anticipated game streaming service
The "S" likely stands for "Stream," as in "Project Stream," Google's Netflix-like video game streaming service it announced last October.
The legendary founder of Atari had a lifetime achievement award revoked over his sordid past — and he applauds the decision
One of Atari's founders and a veteran of video games, Nolan Bushnell, was to be honored at this year's Game Developers Conference. Things have changed.
My mother used to only check on me when I visited unstable countries for work. Now she does it when I am in Trump’s US.
The Sony PlayStation VR doesn't include the necessary camera accessory.


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Have you been to Christy Pastore’s website? She likes to keep you updated on all things Fifteen Weekends, which is where we have grabbed all of these fabulous teasers from!
I don’t know about you, but I love author websites because you get such an intimate connection with the author. Author websites are also one of the best ways for authors to connect with their audience and truly control their platform’s content. Your platform will be one of your strongest tools if you are entering into the literary world.
Stop over by http://www.christypastore-author.com
and see how Christy does it!
In the mean time, you can also enjoy this lovely teaser:
Whew! That was a little hot. We’re going to get some water and we’ll be back for another #FifteenWeekends game!

domain: literature


“I don’t know if there is a formal acceptance but I know we are talking about it, we are talking about the timing of such a meeting,” Blinken said in an interview with CNN that aired Tuesday.
Blinken also added that the United States and Russia can work on mutual interests such as strategic stability and extending the New START arms control treaty if the Russian president "chooses not to escalate".
"If he chooses not to escalate, then I think there are areas where we can work together out of our mutual shared interests," Blinken said. "For example, strategic stability, extended New START - there's more to be done in that area."
Biden had offered Putin to meet during the summer in one of the European countries. Expectations are that the summit may be held in early June during Biden’s first overseas trip as US president.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned earlier the latest round of US sanctions against Russia as running contrary to the interests of the two nations. In response, Russia banned eight US citizens from entering the country, including US Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
According to charges laid out by the Biden administration, Russian intelligence was behind last year's SolarWinds hack on US information technology systems. Russia was also accused of interfering in the 2020 US election and waging chemical warfare. Moscow has denied the allegations as groundless.
On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow has positively received US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and it is currently being studied. The Russian top diplomat added that Moscow was still ready to take measures if Washington further escalated tensions in bilateral relations.


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Here you can search by topic for other PhD students’ projects. This means that you can find and contact ‘like-minded’ fellow PhD students for your mutual academic benefit.
By linking to the topics, you can see which PhD students are writing about a specific topic, their contact details and a brief description of their projects.
The titles and descriptions of the projects can be found in either Danish or English. For a translation of the Danish titles and descriptions, please contact the PhD fellow responsible.
If you enrolled as a PhD fellow in a Danish PhD programme in law under JurForsk and are missing on the list, please download Dataform for PhD Fellows from https://jurforsk.dk/fileadmin/site_files/filer_jura/dokumenter/Jurforsk/Projekter/projekttilmeldingUK2023.pdf. Fill in, save and send the filled in form to to Linda Andersen at email@example.com.
A list showing the project titles in alphabetical order can be found here.


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Videos: U.S. Arctic Program
These videos and reports give you an insight into the people and issues that Pew's U.S. Arctic Program works with every day.
We promote science-based decision making for America's Arctic Ocean – the Beaufort and Chukchi seas off Alaska's north coast. This includes making sure that biologically important areas are protected from development and that indigenous communities are involved in planning efforts. We also work to ensure that, if offshore development occurs, it is in the right place, at the right time, with the right, Arctic-tested oil spill prevention and response measures in place. In addition, we promote permanent protection for Bristol Bay and its world-class fisheries in the Bering Sea off southwest Alaska.

domain: geography


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Memphis Taproom looks like your average dive bar. It’s got lots of beers on tap, a small outdoor patio, and at least three old dudes who hang out there all day. But what makes it unique is that, instead of filling their menu with burgers and chicken wings, about half of their dishes are vegetarian or vegan. There’s vegan chicken-fried cauliflower, an excellent roasted mushroom gyro, and a fried green tomato po’boy that’ll make you want to come back every weekend.
More spots in KensingtonSee more
Street Side is a Vietnamese BYOB in Fishtown that does mostly small plates that are easy to eat on-the-go.
Soup Kitchen Cafe
Soup Kitchen Cafe is a small breakfast and lunch spot in Kensington that’s easy, casual, and pretty cheap.
More Bar Food spotsSee more
Gojjo Ethiopian Bar & Restaurant
Gojjo in West Philly is an Ethiopian spot that has things like wings and burgers, along with more traditional Ethiopian food.
Tradesman's is a two-story sports bar that serves classic BBQ dishes like brisket and tri-tip.
Martha in Kensington has the three things we wish every bar had: a nice patio, great cocktails, and way better food than you’d expect.
Suggested by our writers
Circles + Squares
Even though you might wait a while at Circles + Squares in Olde Richmond, it’s worth it to get the best pizza in Philly.
Front Street Cafe
Front Street is an all-day spot in Fishtown with a big patio, affordable cocktails, and way better food than you’d expect.
Kensington Quarters is a nicer spot in Fishtown where you should go on a second or third date and definitely eat the burger.
Filter and browse restaurants near you
Text us for personalized recommendationsLearn more

domain: food


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NOW CLOSED FOR THE SEASON! SEE YOU AGAIN IN MARCH 2023!
Phone: +1 (519) 745-0200
1209 Bleams Road, Mannheim, Ontario, N0B 2H0
Interested in becoming part of the Colour Paradise team? We'd love to hear from you! Learn more.
Please submit applications to: email@example.com.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Find out here.
© 2023 Colour Paradise Greenhouses.

domain: hobby


text:
One Award - TOP Deals
Browse One Award shopping results as seen on May 27, 2020
One Award - TOP 10 Results
One Award - Video Results
Most Popular One Award Video Reviews
Brandy Accepts Excellence Award | Urban One Honor
Singer Brandy acceptance the Cathy Hughes Excellence Award at the inaugural Urban One Honors. Vis...
Hugh Jackman Is One Award Shy of an EGOT Thanks to The Greatest Showman
Hugh Jackman reveals the intense preparation he's been doing for his concert tour, Hugh Jackman: ...
One Day at a Time receives award at 2017 NHMC #ImpactAwards
One Day at a Time executive producers Mike Royce and Gloria Calderón Kellet, alongside the cast, ...
171201 WANNA ONE WON THE BEST MALE GROUP AWARD AT MAMA HONGKONG
JAY-Z Wins NAACP's President's Award | Image Awards 50
Visit http://tvone.tv/ for more.

domain: entertainment


Nertop Kraft Standard is produced from 100% unbleached virgin softwood fibers and an ideal sustainable packaging solution on high pressure and high speed filling, and high tensile strength in MD is needed.
Weight range: 70 to 100gsm.
Mostly used for open mouth sacks.
Available additionally in Wet Strength (WS) option for wet contact products and as Liner Kraft for valve construction in valve sacks.
Can be used safely for various food packaging types. For detailed declarations please contact us.


text: Could it be that: * In the not-so-distance future we'll see activist judges determine that marriage can be defined to include dads marrying their daughters and mothers marrying their sons? By Chris Stevens Now that Massachusetts is allowing same-sex couples to marry, the question must be asked, "What's next for our families and nation?" Could it be that: * In the not-so-distance future we'll see activist judges determine that marriage can be defined to include dads marrying their daughters and mothers marrying their sons? Or, to follow current logic, dads marrying sons and moms marrying daughters? "In today's judicial climate - no law is safe," Don Wildmon, chairman of the American Family Association in Mississippi, said recently. If a man is legally permitted to marry another man and a woman is permitted to marry another woman, is it too far-fetched to believe that in the future incest will be looked on as just another "legal" way to express one's love? Anything seems to be fair game - legally and morally - in our nation right now. * Priests, pastors, ministers and church leaders might be arrested for preaching the truth about what the Scriptures teach about homosexuality - that it's a sinful behavior and that homosexuals can change that behavior (see Romans chapter 1) and often do change. With each court victory and with the gay rights agenda gaining momentum, churches might cave in to worldly philosophy, such as on the homosexuality issue. In fact, many churches already are divided. We see it happening in just about every church body on the globe. Churches are split over the homosexuality issue. Pastors and priests are hailed for standing up and being counted as pro-gay. Parishioners either support or oppose the position and then the body splits. So, who's right? Both groups can't be. Either homosexuality is a sin or it isn't because it can't go both ways. And if it was a sin 20, 100, 1,000 or 2,000 years ago, why all of a sudden does a court ruling make it permissible in the 21st century? It makes zero sense. In years ahead, don't be surprised when a pastor stands in the pulpit and voices that homosexuality is a sin, we'll see that pastor fined, jailed, his church shut down or at the very least he'll be branded a "bigot" in his community. * Some day our kids - and it's likely not too far off - will be taught in public schools that gay marriage is just as natural and right as when a man marries a woman. For those backing the gay agenda, that would be wonderful news. For those opposed to the agenda, that would be abominable and nearly impossible to reverse. The family structure as we've known it in our nation for hundreds of years is being twisted like a pretzel. That is extremely regrettable and those opposed to same-sex marriages need to voice their opinions, especially to lawmakers who could pass the Federal Marriage Amendment. This issue is too important to stay silent about.

domain: sociology


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Kristina Daugirdas is a professor of law and the associate dean for academic programming at the University of Michigan Law School. She teaches and writes in the fields of international law and institutions and US foreign relations law.
Her scholarship currently focuses on how international law regulates (and fails to regulate) international institutions, as well as how they contribute to the development of international law. She is a member of the editorial board of the International Organizations Law Review and the US State Department's Advisory Committee on International Law.
In 2016–2017, Daugirdas was a Visiting Fellow at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva and served as a consultant on public international law issues for the World Intellectual Property Organization. From 2014 to 2017, she co-authored the Contemporary Practice of the United States Relating to International Law: A section of the American Journal of International Law. In 2014, she was awarded the Francis Deák Prize for an outstanding article published in the American Journal of International Law by a younger author.
Before joining the Michigan Law faculty, Daugirdas was an attorney-adviser at the US Department of State Office of the Legal Adviser. In that role, she provided guidance on the negotiation and implementation of UN Security Council sanctions and amicus participation by the U.S government in lawsuits with foreign policy implications.

domain: law


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As every business owner knows, office supplies can be extremely expensive. 1 or 2 items doesn’t cost much, but these small purchases can quickly add up to an outstanding amount. Office supplies are something that can take a sizable chunk of money away from your budget, and if not watched, this one expense could effortlessly cause your small business to fail. Although these are generally something you must have, in order to succeed, you should learn how to get them at a reasonable price. The best way for a business to do that is by ordering them online from wholesale websites.
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Taking the time to look into the minimum order requirements and shipping charges can also be important, because these could easily eliminate from your savings you could be getting. After you have selected a supplier, then this olnlwu begins. All you have to do is choose your office supplies and put your order. The only thing that’s left is awaiting your financial budget friendly premium supplies to become delivered directly to your home. Nothing may be simpler.
If you want to purchase, and what business doesn’t, then it is time for you to make the decision to start ordering office supplies online. That one simple step could really impact your small business in such a positive way. Getting the lowest price on products which you already have to purchase? Nothing can help you more. Saving time by ordering the products online? Looks like a dream become a reality. So, what exactly are you awaiting? Go out there, look for a dollar store supplier who offers wholesale items, and commence spending less on office supplies today!

domain: finance


Scalia, 79, reportedly died in his sleep after a day of quail hunting
Mr Scalia, who was brought in by former Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1968, was known for his outspoken comments and radical interpretations of the US constitution whilst serving in the US high court.
The 79-year-old was the longest serving judge in the US Supreme Court and his death was announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who expressed his “deepest condolences”.
He added: "Justice Antonin Scalia was a man of God, a patriot, and an unwavering defender of the written Constitution and the rule of law.
“He was a solid rock who turned away so many attempts to depart from and distort the Constitution. His fierce loyalty to the Constitution set an unmatched example, not just for judges and lawyers, but for all Americans”.
The Justice was known for his controversial statements and radical views on the US constitution
Justice Scalia was a remarkable person and a brilliant supreme court Justice, one of the best of all time.
Tributes have poured in for the Justice, who died at a Texan ranch, with President Obama offering his condolences to Scalia’s family before making an official speech later in the day.
Meanwhile a spokesperson for Donald Trump said: “Justice Scalia was a remarkable person and a brilliant Supreme Court Justice, one of the best of all time.
“His career was defined by his reverence for the constitution and his legacy of protecting Americans’ most cherished freedoms.”
The Justice often courted controversy.
Scalia traditionally voted in favour of Conservative lawmaking
In 2015 while the Supreme Court considered legalising gay marriage across the USA, a protester screamed out during proceedings, saying: “The Bible teaches that if you support gay marriage you will burn in hell for eternity.”
The justice responded that he found the outburst “quite refreshing actually” - comments which sparked a furious backlash.
It comes as the first major ruling on abortion for ten years, along with rulings on immigration and labor union power, are set to pass under the judgment of the Supreme Court.
A traditionally right leaning Justice, Scalia was likely to decide on rulings in keeping with the Republican line, leaving the Supreme Court split 5-4 with a conservative majority.
Republicans are scrambling to ensure they get a say in the next Supreme Court Justice
The threat to Republican minded lawmaking has led Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz to claim the American people “owe it” to Scalia to wait until a new President is named before announcing a replacement.
Cruz said: “Justice Scalia was an American hero. We owe it to him, & the nation, for the Senate to ensure that the next President names his replacement.”
A frontrunner in the race to be named the leader of the Republican party, Cruz went on to call Scalia’s time in court “one of President Reagan’s most consequential legacies”.
He added: “Our prayers are with his beloved wife Maureen, their nine children, and their precious grandchildren”.


It’s been a quarter-century since the first true (albeit rudimentary, especially by today’s standards) social media platforms made their internet debut. And in the time since, the once-unique phenomenon of websites and applications that enable users to actively share content and engage with others’ online posts has become commonplace — and has spread like wildfire, with nearly 60% of the global population using some form of social media today.
Of course, as social media’s astounding growth continues, social media trends are constantly evolving. And for businesses looking to reach new social-savvy consumers and stay top of mind with their current customers, it’s imperative to stay on top of the trends. To help your brand accomplish just that, consider these five social media updates and trends that are shaping the social landscape in 2022 — and that your brand can leverage to boost its business:
1. TikTok’s growth is still surging
In September 2021, TikTok — the fast-growing social platform focused on the sharing of short-form videos — hit 1 billion active monthly users. That represented a nearly 50% jump in the platform’s user numbers since the start of 2021, and it follows a nearly 1,200% increase in global users between 2018 and 2020. And while the platform is especially effective for reaching younger users (nearly 70% of American teens use the platform at least once a month), it’s also becoming more popular across a broad swath of age groups and other demographics. For all of these reasons, brands and businesses looking to leverage the latest social trends would be well advised to get to know TikTok and start using it to achieve their marketing objectives.
2. … and short-form video is gaining ground elsewhere, too
TikTok isn’t the only place where short-form video is clearly having a moment. The craze seems to be spreading everywhere, and all of the top social platforms are now finding ways to incorporate short-form videos into their users’ feeds — with examples including Instagram Reels, Instagram Stories, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories and more. In an age when consumers’ attention spans seem to be declining, short-form video offers a great opportunity for brands to grab attention, get their messaging across quickly and share the clips they create across an array of platforms.
3. Direct sales on social keep rising
E-commerce brands have traditionally used social platforms to raise consumer awareness, grab potential buyers’ attention and lure these prospects to their websites, where they’ll hopefully move along the path to purchase and eventually convert. But more and more, social platforms are offering ways for brands to house the shopping and buying experiences directly on their platforms, with no need for consumers to ever leave their social feeds to make their purchases. That cuts out an extra step on the path to purchase and thereby sealing a potential leak in the conversion funnel.
According to estimates from industry experts, nearly half of American adults bought something directly via social media in 2021. And social media commerce is predicted to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025 — a figure that’s more than double the amount spent in 2021 and represents three times the growth rate of traditional e-commerce. This presents a great opportunity for brands to grow their sales by leveraging social-commerce avenues such as Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shops to reach and convert new, tech-savvy audiences of consumers — both today and into the future.
4. Microinfluencers gain added importance for smaller brands
Sure, the big brands can pay top dollar to get the biggest-name social influencers to tout their products and services on social media. But the ultra-high prices these social sensations demand to share a brand’s messaging with their millions of followers can present too high a financial hurdle for smaller brands to clear.
Enter the microinfluencer, who can also reach real customers with real money to spend — only on a significantly smaller scale and with a much lower price tag. Often, these less-widely-known influencers tend to be well-known to niche audiences, which can present significant (and affordable) opportunities for brands whose own target consumers align with these influencers’ audiences. Further, because their audiences are much smaller, microinfluencers tend to get higher engagement rates with their followers. And as a result, when a brand works with a microinfluencer (or multiple microinfluencers) to reach its relevant market segments, it can see a higher ROI than brands working with macroinfluencers tend to achieve.
5. Multichannel marketing delivers stronger results
Among the easiest of advertising trends for any brand to leverage, multichannel marketing sees businesses strategically employ their various marketing channels so that they work together more effectively. And because most modern consumers also employ a range of the most popular communications channels themselves, the strategy is becoming more and more powerful.
For example, by aligning the messaging in your brand’s social media campaigns (typically used to generate brand awareness and boost consumer interest) with the messaging in its email campaigns (often used to push interested prospects farther along the path to purchase, as well as for building repeat business among existing customers), you can more effectively accomplish more complete brand immersion. One simple strategy that illustrates the power of the social media-email pairing: Launch a contest or giveaway on social media that provides additional entries to consumers who sign up for your brand’s email newsletter. This can effectively bridge the gap between the two channels, while simultaneously helping your brand grow its email list and collect more data on interested prospects with a high potential for conversion.
We understand that not everyone has the time, knowhow or even budget to take on every channel and stay up to date (or even hour) with the trends. If you can make the commitment to do just one thing to keep up or improve your social presence, our recommendation would be to stay focused on where your target audience is — even if it might not be on the “hottest” trending social platform at the moment. Focus your content to answer your customers questions and address challenges they might not even be aware they have. If you have a little bit to invest, influencers are the wave to latch on to.
If you’re a local brand, there’s even a smaller subset of the microinfluencer (a la the Nano-influencer) that might be willing to work with you if you pay them in product. Nano-influencers are local to your community, with a following less than 10,000, are potentially the administrator of online groups or communities and know what creates the buzz locally to you.
Looking to level up your brand’s social media efforts by harnessing the latest social media trends? Interested in adding influencers to your marketing plan but don’t know where to start? Brandon’s team of social-savvy marketing experts stays up on all the latest developments in social media as well as influencer management… and has the experience needed to harness them effectively — and boost your business. To learn how you can put our team of social media professionals to work for your brand, contact us today.


Once-beaten heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz returned to action and winning ways last night, as the fast-handed “Destroyer” took out Alexander Dimitrenko in style. Ruiz, who came in at over 260 pounds, fought like a man a good deal lighter in weight. And this is what Ruiz has often done. Faster and possessing a far better engine than his fleshy physique would suggest, Ruiz has shown he can really fight.
And Ruiz called out an interesting opponent after last night’s stoppage win, in undefeated Polish warrior Adam Kownacki. Referring to his own less than chisselled torso, Ruiz said that there is another “flabby fighter out there with an exciting style;” and he was talking about Kownacki and Ruiz said he wants him for his next fight.
Ruiz is of course correct when he says Kownacki has an exciting style, and fans have warmed to the man from Poland. Kownacki has seen his name mentioned as a possible replacement foe for Anthony Joshua who as we all know is currently in need of a top class challenger for June 1st and his U.S debut – but if Kownacki doesn’t get that shot, then maybe he will take up Ruiz’ offer.
Both Ruiz and Kownacki chuck a ton of punches, both guys fight up close and look for the KO or stoppage, and both men have so far shown a good and reliable chin. Put these two in the ring together and chances are pretty big the action would be fan-friendly and a whole lot of fun.
Whether they fought in a 10 rounder or a 12 round fight, and whether we saw a stoppage one way or the other or a distance fight (perhaps more likely) this one would not be dull. And as both Ruiz and Kownacki have proven, Adonis-like bodies do not always equate to great fighters or great fights.
In particular, those fans who gave never seen the inside of a gym might have something to cheer about in a big way if and when these two rumble. Who Wins? Perhaps the fans, that’s who.


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Sri Lanka plans 6,000 acre investment zone in Monaragala: PM
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is planning a 6,000-acre industrial zone in Monaragala as well as a total of 6,000 acres of industrial areas in Hambantota, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said.
"The industrial zone in Hambantota will transform the entire country," Wickremesinghe said after laying the foundation stone for a cement factory and a refinery in an industrial zone in Mirijjawela, a few kilometers off Hambantota port.
"The 12,000 acre investment zone built around Hambantota and Moneragala will also have tourist areas. Six golf courses are planned."
Monaragala is the district next to Hambantota. He said the port was now operating with China Merchant Ports.
Wickremesinghe said a liquid natural gas power station with Chinese investment had also been approved for construction in Hambantota.
When Sri Lanka started an investment zone in Sapugaskande hear Colombo, a refinery and power station were also located nearby which helped with basic infrastructure.
The large projects in the Mirijjawela industrial will be catalyst for other industries, and will make Hambanota port and active one he said.
"When we said we will revive Hambantota port, which was a dead one, people laughed at us," he said.
"There were cricket stadiums without cricket matches and conference centres without conferences and other white elephants. When wild elephants were roaming Yala reserve, white elephants were in Hambantota.
The refinery is promoted by Accord Group of India through a Singapore-registered investment vehicle. The firm is expecting to purchase feedstock from Oman and is in talks for investment, the Board of Investment has said.
Oman’s Oil and Gas Minister Mohammed bin Hamad Al Ruhmy was also present at the ceremony, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said. (Colombo/Mar25/2019-SB)

domain: economics


–PM reviews development progress in FATA, says federal govt has released funds allocated in 2018 for tribal districts
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the government will incrementally increase shelter homes in Pakistan.
He insisted that Pakistanis are charitable and passionate in their desire to give, and the government only has to ensure confidence [of the public]. “People start sending food themselves to shelter homes,” said the PM, assuring that transparency will be ensured in the relief and Ehsaas programmes.
The government will identify spots where shelter homes are needed, and channels will be set up to allow philanthropists to offer sponsorships for the same.
The premier also thanked Dr Sania Nishtar for her work on the Ehsaas programme, and credited the initiative, as well as the decision to reopen the construction sector, for the condition in Pakistan not being “as bad as in India”.
He reiterated that the government’s challenge is to ensure that the wheels of the economy keep running while at the same time the public is made aware of the SOPs needed to control the spread of the pandemic.
Referring to the Covid-19 Tiger Force, the premier said it was active and has been reaching out in areas identified as virus hot spots.
Earlier, the prime minister said it is a fact that the virus will spread and the “the trend our experts have observed is that it spreads, then peaks after a few weeks and then the curve will flatten”.
“The purpose of flattening the curve is to ease the pressure on hospitals,” explained the premier while addressing the nation on state television.
“We can manage the pandemic if we observe the SOPs in place and take precautions,” the premier had urged the people.
“We expect our peak to come by the end of July or August and then we will witness a reduction in transmission of new cases.”
Separately, PM Imran chaired a meeting to review development progress in former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), that have now been merged with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (K-P).
Imran expressed his wish for development projects to be initiated in the region soon, said Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Shibli Faraz, in a video statement released to brief on the meeting. Faraz quoted the PM as saying that the people and the youth of FATA are dear to him.
Faraz added that the federal government has released the funds allocated in 2018 in this regard.
Besides, a committee has been constituted to coordinate with other provinces and ensure the availability and release of remaining funds, he said.
The minister further added that PM Imran expressed his wish for the ‘sacrifices’ of the people of FATA, with regards to countering terrorism, being recognised.
According to Faraz, the prime minister wants development works in the region to be initiated as soon as possible.


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A great source for arthritis news, healthy recipes, and exercise advice.
Lots of ideas for yoga poses to relieve back pain - with pics
Liddle Kidz is the gold standard for pediatric touch therapy education. This is who I received my pediatric and autism massage training from.
Good article about pediatric massage.
Massage by Melanie
Melanie Jaquess, CMT #57149, CPMT, BCTMB #849028

domain: medical


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Search below for a list of local distributors in your area. Don’t see a distributor in your area? Call or email us today and let Native Custom Stone put you in contact with a resource nearby.
We ship across the US and across the globe – call or email today!
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Immerse Yourself in the Destination
with 21 Yachting Land Adventures in the Caribbean
At SeaDream, we believe our beautiful world beckons to be explored and experienced. This is why we offer complimentary shoreside activities, including hikes and walking tours, plus mountain bike rides, for guided exploration with our Caribbean itineraries.
For those who want to dive deeper and linger longer, we have developed a wide array of engaging experiences in the Caribbean—adventurous, culinary, and cultural—each designed to bring you closer to your destination.
Join us as we experience the best of what the Caribbean has to offer, one adventure at a time:
- Bequia, Grenadines: Firefly Plantation & Sea Salt Tasting
- South Friar's Bay: St. Kitts Snorkeling Adventure
- Charlestown, Nevis: Source Trail & Rainforest Hike
- Gustavia, St. Barts: ATV Adventure
- Charlestown, Nevis: Plantations, Gardens & Rum-Oh My!
- Norman Island, B.V.I.: Snorkeling at Treasure Island
- Sandy Ground, Anguilla: Speed Boat Beach Hopping
- Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda: The Baths
- Cruz Bay, St. John: National Park Kayak Adventure
- Gustavia: Sailing the Leeward Coast
- White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: Sandy Spit National Park Snorkel Adventure
- Union Island: Palm Island Getaway & Yoga Session
- Falmouth Bay: Antigua Horseback Ride & Swim
- Falmouth Bay: Antigua Jet Ski Adventure
- Little Bay, Montserrat: Pompeii of the Caribbean
- Little Bay, Montserrat: Bat Cave, Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure
- Frigate Bay: The Soul of St. Kitts
- Rodney Bay, St. Lucia: Sweet Honey Bee Experience
- Union Island (Clifton): Kitesurfing Lesson for Beginners
- St. George, Grenada: Clear Bottom Kayaking
- Mayreau: Tobago Turtle Swim & Sail
Bequia, Grenadines: Firefly Plantation & Sea Salt Tasting
Rustic charm meets island chic, tempting you to explore the plantation’s grounds while visiting beautiful Bequia.
South Friar's Bay: St. Kitts Snorkeling Adventure
Sail along the Leeward coast of St. Kitts to Shittens Bay, where you snorkel unmatched turquoise-blue waters.
Charlestown, Nevis: Source Trail & Rainforest Hike
Hike through lush, canopied rainforest to your scenic landing 1,800 feet above sea level, where panoramic views of Antigua, Redonda, St. Kitts, and Booby Island await.
Gustavia, St. Barts: ATV Adventure
Explore St. Barts from an entirely different point of view—atop your own 4-wheel, automatic, All Terrain Vehicle.
Charlestown, Nevis: Plantations, Gardens & Rum-Oh My!
Discover the origins of Nevis’ sugar and rum industry with featured tastings and cocktails, plus visits to the stunning Botanical Gardens and two historic plantations.
Norman Island, B.V.I.: Snorkeling at Treasure Island
Your snorkel excursion includes a scenic boat journey between the British Virgin Islands and the famed caves at Norman Island, which holds a reputed history of piracy and is immortalized in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
Sandy Ground, Anguilla: Speed Boat Beach Hopping
Set off by private speed boat to your first snorkel spot at Little Bay, the tiniest beach on Anguilla and one of the most private locations in the Caribbean.
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda: The Baths
Open-air safari wagons carry you to The Baths, an intriguing group of sea caves and unusual rock formations, spectacularly set on an otherworldly beach.
Cruz Bay, St. John: National Park Kayak Adventure
Experience the beauty of the Virgin Islands National Park by sea on this wonderful adventure while aboard a stable, two-person kayak.
Gustavia: St. Barths Snorkeling
Take a rib boat ride across the harbor to snorkel near a reef while observing reef fish and marine life in the crystal-clear waters off St Barths. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles, an endangered but relatively abundant species in these waters.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: Sandy Spit National Park Snorkel Adventure
From your yacht’s marina, board a motor snorkel boat and navigate throughout the Jost van Dyke collection of islands, anchoring off Sandy Spit National Park.
Union Island: Palm Island Getaway & Yoga Session
Getaway to Palm Island for a superb island experience, which also includes a 1-hour private yoga class for our SeaDream guests.
Falmouth Bay: Antigua Horseback Ride & Swim
Experience a relaxing scenic horseback ride along beautiful beaches to view some of Antigua’s historic past and an incredible horseback ride in the Caribbean Sea.
Falmouth Bay: Antigua Jet Ski Adventure
Captain your own two-seater jet ski on a guided tour of Antigua’s south coast and embrace its pristine beaches.
Little Bay, Montserrat: Pompeii of the Caribbean
View Soufriere Hills Volcano from Little Bay, Montserrat, long dubbed "the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.”
A kayaking adventure that leads to the Bat Cave and snorkeling at Rendezvous Reef.
Frigate Bay: The Soul of St. Kitts
Offering must-see highlights that define the soul of St. Kitts.
Rodney Bay, St. Lucia: Sweet Honey Bee Experience
Discover the busy life of bees at the Iyanola Apiculture Collective, dedicated to developing symbiotic relationships with nature and supporting St. Lucia’s art of beekeeping.
Union Island: Kitesurfing Lesson for Beginners
Located in the heart of the Grenadines archipelago, on the beautiful Union Island, is one of the best locations for a fun sport called Kitesurfing!
St. George, Grenada: Clear Bottom Kayaking
Sit atop double clear-bottom kayaks as you glide along waters that reveal the wonders of the underwater world.
Mayreau: Tobago Turtle Swim & Sail
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime close encounter with sea life as you swim with the turtles of Tobago Cays.
Are you ready to explore more? Check availability and reserve your next voyage on our website. Also, enjoy 10% savings when you pre-book your Yachting Land Adventures and pay in full on our website.


For press inquiries, additional information, or interview requests, please reach out under:
SELECTED MEDIA COVERAGE
Berlin Music Video Awards 2023
Working together with the accessories brand Perlensau, GLÜCK kicked off the fashion show at the Berlin Music Video Awards – BMVA 2023. From June 14 to 17, 2023, filmmakers, musicians, and fans of music videos gathered to celebrate the international BMVA festival.
SUPPORT UKRAINE by Ann Galé Fashion Show
The purpose of gathering at the trendy venue was clear: to support Ukraine. A catwalk fashion show followed by a silent auction was organized to raise funds for Ukraine and to support Ukrainian designers at the same time
Ukrainian Fashion Week 2020
The UKRAINIAN FASHION WEEK 2020 took place at the Mystetskyi Arsenal, where both renowned Ukrainian designers and newcomers showcased their collections. It was also the debut of young designer Egor Bashtovenko with his first collection


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Music from the Chirk Castle Part-Books, Brabant Ensemble, S. Rice
(released on April 14, 2009)
Hyperion CDA67695 | 71'04"
By the end of the 17th century, the chapel fell silent and the part books were lost and sold off. The matter came back to scholarly attention only in 1969, when the Myddleton descendants auctioned the remaining books, and Sotheby's sold them to the New York Public Library. Musicologist Peter le Huray tracked down what he could for an article in Early Music History in 1982, and a few years ago Stephen Rice and the Brabant Ensemble made a recording of the unaccompanied music from the Chirk Castle Part-Books. (Last year, in a concert at Chirk Castle, where the chapel was in the last century sadly converted into a music room, the same forces performed some of the music with and for organ, too.) This beautiful disc has tracks of pieces that are recorded only in this source: settings of the Te Deum and Benedictus by William Mundy ("for trebles"); a motet snippet by Tallis (Not every one that saith unto me), inserted into the source's copy of the composer's Dorian Service; and pieces by William Deane, the choirmaster at Chirk.
The Brabant Ensemble's sound is beautifully balanced, with particularly evanescent and pure soprano sound that brings to mind Stile Antico: in fact, Helen and Kate Ashby, who sing with that ensemble, are also featured in the soprano section here, as is Emma Ashby in the altos. The hair-raising cross-relations at the conclusion of Edmund Hooper's motet Behold it is Christ, on the words "remission of their sins," are expertly tuned, and the "Man that is born of a woman" section of the Burial Service (possibly by Robert Parsons), so simple and austere, is remarkably effective when sung in a hush as it is here.
Hear some excerpts from the disc in the video embedded below, plus some images and information about Chirk Castle -- narrated in lovely Welsh. Shamai and iechyd da to all our Welsh friends!

domain: artistic


It’s time for the second round of super moons for 2015, only unlike the first three, which were new moons, these are bold and bright full moons.
First up is August 29, when at 2:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time the moon hits full status and almost simultaneously is at its closest approach to Earth for the month, known as perigee. The view, especially at moonrise, should be, well, super—starting with its heavenly apparition while the sun is still opposite it on the horizon.
“It rises in the eastern sky minutes before the sun sets and reaches its peak in the south around 1 a.m. local daylight time,” says Astronomy.com. “The moon lies among the background stars of Aquarius the Water-bearer, due south of the Great Square of Pegasus.”
Contrary to what some believe, a super moon’s gravitational pull is not enough to cause disasters such as earthquakes.
“Although the sun and the moon’s alignment cause a small increase in tectonic activity, the effects of the super moon on Earth are minor,” Timeanddate.com says. “Many scientists have conducted studies and haven’t found anything significant that can link the super moon to for example natural disasters.”
The tides, however, are yanked around a bit more than usual.
“When this happens, there are some physical effects, such as elevated tides,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac says of super moons. “All full moons raise the Earth's tides; however, a full moon at perigee elevates tides further.”
Besides size, another thing to look out for with this month’s full moon is its path through the sky, which mirrors that of the sun in winter, says Earthsky.org. That’s in the Northern Hemisphere. It follows the sun’s summer path in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is winter now, Earthsky.org says.
Super or not, the August moon carries American Indian names redolent of the harvest, summer’s heat and ripening fruit, according to information compiled by Phil Konstantin at Skywise Unlimited, formerly under the auspices of Western Washington University Planetarium. The Anishnaabe (Chippewa and Ojibwe) call it miini-giizis, the berry moon, while the Assiniboine of the northern plains named it capasapsaba, black cherries moon. The Lakota call it wasutoa wi, moon of the ripening, while the Sioux dubbed it cherries turn black. Likewise the Tlingit have dubbed their August full moon sha-ha-yi, or berries ripe on mountain. Also in the fruit realm are the Wishram of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, who called it blackberry patches moon, and the Shawnee, with po'kamawi kiishthwa, or plum moon.
Other names evoke aspects of summer: The Passamaquoddy call it apsqe, feather shedding moon; similarly, the Arapaho of the Great Plains called it geese shedding their feathers moon. The Shoshone call it simply hot, which is guuteyai-mea'. Then there’s the Mohawk’s seskehko:wa, moon of freshness, the Hopi with paamuya, or moon of joyful, and the Choctaw, whose name spans late August–September, the frisky Hash Tek Inhasi, or courting time. Lastly we have the Kalapuya of Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, who named it after the waning season: akupiu, end of summer.
The next two super moons promise to be even more spectacular, especially the one on September 28, which not only marks the moon’s closest approach for the entire year, but also treats Turtle Island to a total lunar eclipse. Stay tuned!


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A leading veterinary organization is joining the fight to reschedule cannabis in an effort to speed research into the plant’s effects on our furry friends.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) approved a resolution at its conference last month to begin exploring how to advocate that cannabis be rescheduled federally, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule II. The move would increase opportunities to research cannabis for therapeutic use among both animals and humans.
“The House APPROVED recommending that the AVMA Board of Directors investigate working with other research organizations and medical stakeholders to reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 to facilitate research opportunities for veterinary and human medical uses,” the organization said in a resolution posted on its website.
Founded in 1863, the nonprofit AVMA boasts more than 89,000 members. As noted


Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.
Correction to notice and request for comments.
This document contains a correction to a notice and request for comments, which was published in the Federal Register on Friday, May 21, 2004 (69 FR 29349). This notice relates to a comment request on proposed collection on Form 4868.Start Further Info
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Allan Hopkins (202) 622-6665 (not a toll-free number).End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information
Need for Correction
As published, the comment request for Form 4868 contains an error which may prove to be misleading and is in need of clarification.
Correction of Publication
Accordingly, the publication of the comment request for Form 4868, which was the subject of FR Doc. 04-11584, is corrected as follows:
On page 29349, column 2, under the caption SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:, the language, “Title: Mortgage Interest Credit.” is corrected to read “Title: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.”Start Signature
Cynthia E. Grigsby,
Acting Chief, Publications and Regulations Branch, Legal Processing Division, Associate Chief Counsel, (Procedures and Administration).
[FR Doc. 04-13186 Filed 6-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P


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Banksy’s Incredibly Dark Simpsons Couch Gag
On last night’s episode of The Simpsons, they invited infamous graffiti artist Banksy to storyboard and direct an extended couch gag. In it, it shows Chinese laborers in over-the-top brutal working conditions animating the show, making Bart Simpson dolls and putting together Simpsons DVDs. It’s pretty brutal! And the fact that they were able to get such a famous and notoriously secretive guy such as Banksy to do this without any word of it leaking out is impressive to say the least.


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PETKIT Baby/Pet Camera Monitor 340° Rotatable 110° Visual 2-Way Audio 720p HD Video DOGs CATs Activity Monitor Laser Toy
Huge Savings Item! Free Shipping Included! Save 17% on the PETKIT Baby/Pet Camera Monitor 340° Rotatable 110° Visual 2-Way Audio 720p HD Video DOGs CATs Activity Monitor Laser Toy by PETKIT at Crossfire Rescue. Hurry! Limited time offer. Offer valid only while supplies last. Constantly Worrying About Your Pets When You Go Out? No worries now. PETKIT is an interactive pet camera that lets you watch, talk to and play with
Product Description & Reviews
Constantly Worrying About Your Pets When You Go Out? No worries now.
PETKIT is an interactive pet camera that lets you watch, talk to and play with your pets from your smartphone when you're away from home. Beautifully designed with an interactive laser toy, your pets will enjoy regular playtime and exercise. No more sad goodbye! Now your furry friends are just one tap away.
●View live video in HD with a wide angle lens on your phone.Two mic,two Speaker, chat and listen using 2-way audio
●Exercise and play with a built-in laser toy. Customize access for friends and family
●Capture and share photos and videos. Engage with pet lovers worldwide
●PETKIT Mobile App provide. iOS and Android compatible.
IOS: iPhone7plus,iPhone7,iPhoneSE,iPhone6sPlus,iPhone6,iPhone6Plus iPhone 6s,iPhone 5,iPhone 5c,iPhone 5s,iPhone 4s,ipod touch 5,iPad3/4, ipad mini/mini 2/mini 4,iPad Air/Air2,ipad pro
Android: Galaxy Note2/3,S3,S4,S5,S6/S6 edge,S7/S7 edge,
Huawei 3C,4C,4X/5X,4A,6/6 plus,7/7i,P7/P8 OPPO R7/R7 plus,R8,R9/R9s/R9 plus
How to use :
-Plug the device in at the desired location.
-Bind the PETKIT APP on APP Store or Google Play
-The first time to use PETKIT mate , needing to turn on the Bluetooth device on your phone to search this device.
-Turn on internet at home and on your phone
-Start now,play with your pets by PETKIT APP
Camera requires stable internet connection at home and on mobile device
Features & Highlights
- Multi-functional Remote Monitor: Saying "hello" to pets and know what they are doing when you are out, it isn't a far-fetched dream for pets owners.
- Pet Safe Design:Day mode and night mode automatically converted,360° rotatable,110° Wide Angle,makes no dead corner to watch. 720p HD;No corners, edges or cords to chew,no worries to you.
- Play & Accompany:PETKIT MATE Built-in laser function,which allows you to amuse your cats or dogs at anytime and from anywhere.
- Greet & Talk: Dual mics and speakers design allow a smooth speaking and Listening to pets on phone by PETKIT APP download from APP store/Google play.
- Record and Share: PETKIT MATE allow you to share all special moments of your dogs or cats by videos or photos to your family and friends.
7.66 Inches(Height)*3.62 Inches(Diameter)
3.62 x 7.68 x 3.62 inches
4.5 x 4.5 x 11 inches
Have questions about this item, or would like to inquire about a custom or bulk order?
If you have any questions about this product by PETKIT, contact us by completing and submitting the form below. If you are looking for a specif part number, please include it with your message.
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domain: pet


RAINBOW “MONSTERS OF ROCK-LIVE AT DONINGTON 1980” DVD+CD SET OUT APRIL 22ND
The date was Saturday August 16th,1980. Rainbow took to the stage to headline the first rock festival ever staged at Castle Donington – a concert that would inevitably be the last live show featuring the line-up of Ritchie Blackmore (guitars), Don Airey (keyboards), Graham Bonnet (vocals), Roger Glover (bass) and Cozy Powell (drums).
On April 22nd, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release this very concert — Monsters Of Rock – Live At Donington 1980 as a DVD + CD set and via digital formats [MSRP $19.98].
Monsters of Rock contains all the surviving footage of this concert, and marks the first time that the audio from the show has been available as a full-length standalone CD.
This show was the culmination of Rainbow’s tour in support of the hugely successful 1979 album Down To Earth. Featuring new tracks alongside classics from earlier in their career, the set includes Since You Been Gone, All Night Long, Stargazer, Long Live Rock N’ Roll, Catch The Rainbow, Eyes Of The World, and more. Punctuated with virtuoso solo spots which allow Blackmore, Airey, and Powell to shine, Monsters of Rock highlights the sheer musical prowess in the band. The show climaxes with Blackmore destroying his guitar and thrusting it into an amp which promptly bursts into flames before fireworks burst overhead, concluding a truly explosive show.
Rainbow is a legendary rock band in every sense of the word, and Monsters Of Rock – Live At Donington 1980 captures an incendiary performance at a significant point in the band’s career.
View a video clip of All Night Long below.
Monsters Of Rock – Live At Donington 1980 track listing:
2) All Night Long
3) Catch The Rainbow
4) Eyes Of The World
5) Guitar Solo
6) Difficult To Cure
7) Will You Love Me Tomorrow
8) Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll
1) Intro / Eyes Of The World
2) Since You Been Gone
4) Catch The Rainbow
5) Lost In Hollywood / Guitar Solo
6) Difficult To Cure / Keyboard Solo
7) Drum Solo / Lost In Hollywood (reprise)
9) All Night Long
11) Will You Love Me Tomorrow
12) Long Live Rock N’ Roll


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Group therapy is a form of therapy where a small group of individuals with similar concerns or issues come together to share experiences, provide support, and learn coping strategies from one another. It offers a safe and confidential space for members to express themselves, gain different perspectives, and develop new skills. Group therapy can be particularly beneficial by providing a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation, improving interpersonal skills, and offering diverse perspectives on shared challenges. However, results may vary for each individual, so it’s best to consult with a mental health professional to determine if group therapy is the right fit for your specific needs.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves treating multiple individuals with similar mental health concerns. It provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with others under the guidance of a mental health professional. They can receive treatment as a group, which can help them feel less isolated and alone in their struggles. This treatment approach is often used alongside individual therapy or medication management to provide comprehensive care.
Open vs. Closed Groups
When considering group therapy, it’s important to understand the distinction between open and closed groups.
An open group means that new members can join at any time during the course of treatment. This structure allows for a dynamic experience with varying perspectives on common problems. Individuals may come and go from the group depending on their unique needs for support. Open groups may be beneficial to those who need short-term use of support or have social anxiety but could benefit from being able to leave after expressing themselves.
A closed group, on the other hand, has a predetermined number of members that begin the session together at the same time and stay until its conclusion, typically over several weeks or months. Because members grow together as they gain trust within the group, forming deeper connections with each other is one benefit of closed groups. Information shared is confidential amongst group members only, making it safer for sharing vulnerable feelings or concerns. Closed groups may be beneficial because participants develop deep relationships and feel comfortable confiding in others while receiving feedback essential for growth.
Ultimately both approaches have pros and cons; it’s important to discuss which option is best suited for your personal commitments and goals with your therapist before joining.
Uncovering the Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy is a valuable form of psychotherapy that allows individuals with similar concerns or experiences to come together and support each other. It provides an alternative to one-on-one counseling by fostering peer support, discussion, and feedback. Group therapy is effective for addressing various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. While individual needs may vary, under the guidance of a qualified therapist or counselor, group therapy offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile option to explore.
Physical, Emotional, and Social Benefits
Group therapy facilitates an environment where individuals undergoing similar experiences can open up and express concerns about physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some physical, emotional and social benefits:
- Emotional benefits: Participants achieve self-awareness through introspection and empathy towards others. By voicing feelings out loud in a supportive space, participants gain insight into their thoughts as they process their emotions with the help of peers.
- Physical benefits: Group therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms such as headaches, sleep disorders, physical pain caused by emotional stressors.
- Social benefits: The experience fosters healthy connections with people in an inclusive space where individuals share their unique perspectives without unwanted scrutiny. Participants learn skills like active listening and constructive criticism that can be applied to other social situations.
For instance, if you’re living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hearing from others going through the same issue might be reassuring and uplifting while normalizing the condition. You could benefit not only from learning how others cope with symptoms but also feel less stigmatized or alone.
Given these considerable benefits attached to group therapy, anyone can undergo this therapeutic approach regardless of age, profession or religious beliefs. Next we will delve further into what it entails to begin your group therapy process.
Undertaking the Group Therapy Process
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with clients together in a group setting. The group can consist of individuals who have similar mental health issues or require similar treatment methods. Undertaking the group therapy process requires participants to meet regularly for sessions that typically last between one and two hours. During each session, members are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive environment while receiving feedback from both the therapist and other group members.
For instance, suppose you are experiencing depression related to a recent job loss. In that case, your therapist may recommend joining a support group where you’ll meet other individuals facing unemployment. Everyone in the group shares their stories and experiences related to job loss and how they manage their emotional responses. With time, you’ll find comfort and learn practical strategies from others on how to cope with your situation better.
Whether you choose to enter group therapy alone or with someone else, there are things you will need to consider before beginning this journey.
These include knowing what type of therapy you want, finding a suitable therapist, attending an initial consultation (if required), and committing to regular attendance of all sessions. It’s essential to note that not every participant has to share personal information during every session.
Risks and Challenges in Group Therapy
Like every form of psychotherapy, group therapy has its risks and challenges. For example:
- Confidentiality breaches: Sharing too much information that might inadvertently end up disclosed outside the session.
- Lack of privacy/ safety: Participating in a group where one or more members may create tension or conflict—feeling unseen, unheard or unwelcome.
- Social anxiety: For those shy or socially anxious, participating in a group therapy session can feel too intense or uncomfortable.
- Feeling overwhelmed: Group therapy requires openness, which can be overwhelming for some individuals.
Despite these challenges, group therapy has demonstrated success as an effective approach to mental health. It provides an opportunity for individuals to see that they are not alone, reduce isolation, and promote interpersonal relationships with like-minded individuals.
Think of it as joining a sports team where everyone faces similar challenges around fitness levels – it provides accountability and support to keep you motivated.
Many people fear they are the only ones facing various difficulties which may prevent them from seeking treatment. By joining group therapy, individuals not only receive professional help but also develop a broader perspective on their situation through peer discussion. As such, the benefits often go beyond traditional talk therapy.
While there are risks associated with this format, the benefits of receiving support from others with similar experiences outweigh potential risks. Therefore, seeking out group therapy is an excellent consideration for anyone looking to explore different forms of psychotherapy.

domain: health


If you are into feedback devices, whether it’s a pedal, eBow or sustainer pickups, then you are probably going to be interested in checking out this one. The Vibesware GR-1 Guitar Resonator is a feedback device for electric guitar or electric instruments with steel strings (including acoustic guitars with piezo pickups).
The guitar strings are agitated by a driver mounted on a stand that can reproduce feedback at any volume level. This means that it can be used in any playing situation: on stage, recording, in your room, even with headphones. Unlike the Ebow, which can only drive one string, the Vibesware GR-1 can drive multiple strings at the same time. It is also not hand-held, so it can be applied while playing normally with both hands. And unlike sustainer pickups, you don’t need to modify your guitar.
It is powered by an external supply resulting in a strong magnetic field driving the strings. Feedback can be controlled by the players technique and by phase switching. Feedback harmonics can be controlled by a foot pedal similar to a wah wah (sold separately).
Price: 339 euros (approx. $420). For more information on the GR-1 Guitar Resonator including videos visit vibesware.com.


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The metal melt meeting the thermodynamic conditions of nucleation only provides the possibility for the metal melt to solidify and nucleate, and the metal solidification can proceed smoothly only when it meets the dynamic conditions of nucleation.
During solidification of metal melt, the primary condition for nucleation is that the system must be in a supercooled state to provide a driving force for phase transformation; Secondly, it is necessary to overcome the kinetic energy barrier through fluctuation to form stable nuclei. In general, supercooled metal melts form stable crystalline particles in some small regions through fluctuation. Because the new phase is associated with the interface, the interfacial free energy, which is a thermodynamic barrier, is the main resistance in the nucleation process. According to the characteristics of the interface, there are two different ways of nucleation in liquid metal solidification, namely homogeneous nucleation and heterogeneous nucleation.
During the production of cast iron alloy, the nucleating agent mainly composed of C and Si elements shall be added to the metal melt. Within a certain time after the dissolution of the nucleating agent and its dissolution, a region with high content of C and Si elements shall be formed around the nucleating agent particles and at the position before the dissolution, which greatly improves the carbon equivalent of the region and forces the carbon supersaturated precipitation. There are many non-metallic inclusion particles in the metal melt, which play a role of heterogeneous core under certain conditions, and can be used as an effective heterogeneous nucleation substrate to induce heterogeneous nucleation in the metal melt. The model of heterogeneous nucleation of metals is shown in the figure. Assuming that the crystal nucleus forms a spherical crown on the interface, when it reaches equilibrium, the following relationship is satisfied:

domain: chemistry


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Seven years seem anciently to have been, all over Europe, the usual term established for the duration of apprenticeships in the greater part of incorporated trades. , where desi girl xnxx jzps is mentioned among the degenerate virtues)., .
" Of course, the fairies had to agree, though his cleverness rather shocked them, and he said that his first desi girl xnxx jzps was to go to his mother, but with the right to return to the Gardens if he found her disappointing., .
This would be the case, even upon the supposition that the whole French goods imported were to be consumed in Great Britain. After the fabric of society seems on the whole established and secured against external dangers, desi girl xnxx jzps is this fear of our neighbour which again creates new perspectives of moral valuation., .
desi girl xnxx jzps is the way with old people! So it is with us also!"-- --Thus spake to each other the two old night-watchmen and light-scarers, and tooted thereupon sorrowfully on their horns: so did it happen yester- night at the garden-wall., .
, a duty of sixpence in the pound was imposed upon all goods exported and imported, except wools, wool-felts, leather, and wines which were subject to particular duties. They look tremendously busy, you know, as if they had not a moment to spare, but if you were to ask them what desi girl xnxx jzps are doing, they could not tell you in the least., .
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desi girl xnxx jzps is a small paper edition; and also a large paper edition, the latter with frontispieces, and an Appendix including a table of the tales contained in the MS., .


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OpenMinded was created to be a secure and stigma-free setting that brings the convenience and suppleness of online dating to the presently underserved world of open relationships. Anyway, ending a relationship — whether it be an informal one or a wedding — is thick with anxiousness, guilt, and conflict. And thus, what will we tend to do? Like me with this subject, we avoid. Within the form of more severe, long term relationships, we keep away from “the discuss.” We silently remove ourselves from the connection emotionally. Now we have unenthusiastic sex (or no intercourse) then lie awake subsequent to them for the rest of the night time.
There’s a pervasive fantasy that an individual who is in an abusive relationship doesn’t depart because they enjoy the abuse, or because the maltreatment takes the type of emotional abuse, which isn’t actual abuse.” These myths are false. Emotional abuse not only impacts the sufferer’s vanity, it can cause lengthy- time period psychological trauma. For many victims it’s the most damaging facet of abusive relationships. People who are abused by their courting or home accomplice don’t stay in the relationship as a result of they enjoy the maltreatment. The sufferer may stay for practical or emotional reasons including love, social isolation or shame, financial factors, or a concern of retaliation for leaving-by means of physical violence or homicide.
Exterior of church and work, it’s usually tough to find locations to meet different single Christians — on-line Christian courting solves this problem. Christian Connection enables you to meet different Single Christians who are also in search of a relationship. The truth is, this feeling of urgency, intensity, or robust attraction toward another particular person will not be necessarily a reliable indicator of whether you’re in love. And you may’t trust it to inform you whether or not you must instantly dive right into a critical relationship relationship.


In this video, Jason Bermas of WeAreChange gives you the latest breaking news on the Obama speech that attempted to take down Trump, and I hate to say it but I agree with him on a lot.
Visit our MAIN SITE for more breaking news http://wearechange.org/
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WATCH: Bravo’s Andy Cohen Goes OFF, Reports He Wasn’t Allowed to Donate Plasma After Recovering From Virus Because He is Gay
Bravo’s Andy Cohen, who revealed last month that he tested positive for the coronavirus, expressed his anger and frustration with FDA guidelines that restrict gay men from donating blood, declaring, “My blood could save a life, but instead it’s over here boiling.”
“I signed up for a program for Covid-19 survivors where you could donate plasma, which is rich in antibodies, to those still battling the virus,” Cohen said on Thursday’s Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “I was told that due to antiquated and discriminatory guidelines by the FDA, to prevent HIV, I am ineligible to donate blood, because I am a gay man.”
Cohen then explained that there are new relaxed rules when it comes to blood donations from gay men amid the coronavirus pandemic, which allows them to give blood after abstaining from sex for at least three months. The law previously restricted any gay man, regardless of relationship status, from donating blood if they had sex within the year.
“No such blanket restrictions exist for people of other sexual orientations,” Cohen noted. “The FDA says there is an urgent need for plasma from survivors. All donated blood is screened for HIV, and a rapid HIV test can be done in 20 minutes or less, so why the three months rule?”
Cohen questioned why Americans were encouraged to adjust in so many ways, such as quarantining and wearing masks, while experts were still unable to adapt to new norms that would allow anyone to donate blood without regulations.
He then accused the U.S. and the FDA of “valuing stigma over science,” adding, “My blood could save a life, but instead it’s over here boiling.”
“It’s bad enough that quarantine has us wondering what day it is, I’m sitting here wondering what year it is!” Cohen added. “We need to think about this and do better. Thanks.”
Watch above, via Bravo.
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