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Why November 21 is an important day for you
The One Law for All campaign is organising a rally against Sharia and all religious-based laws in Britain and across the world and in defence of human rights and secularism on November 21 in London. Rally organisers are calling upon those who cannot get to London to organise rallies or acts of solidarity in various cities across the globe.
A public show of opposition is crucial at a time when Sharia law is on the rise in many places and is being touted as a 'right' and a 'choice' when it is anything but these things.
Contrary to the misinformation peddled by their proponents and the far Right, Sharia courts are the demand of the political Islamic movement. They are not the demand of ordinary Muslims or those labelled as Muslims (since there are just as many differences of opinion and belief in all so-called Muslim communities as among others). Do not forget that these very "Muslims" are the first victims of and dissenters against Sharia law.
If it were really the desire of "Muslims" to be stoned to death for sex outside of marriage, hanged for being gay, executed for being apostates, flogged for eating during Ramadan, forcibly veiled and segregated from childhood, Islamic states and the regressive Islamic movement would not need to resort to such indiscriminate violence and brutality.
Only recently, this 'cuddly' Sharia law convicted Lubna Hussein of 'indecency' for wearing trousers in the Sudan, sentenced a man to be flogged for drinking alcohol in Malaysia, and sentenced a 75 year-old woman, Khamisa Sawadi to four months in prison, 40 lashes and deportation in Saudi Arabia for meeting with two young men who were not relatives who brought her bread. Just today, on October 11, 2009 - a day after the International Day against the Death Penalty - the Islamic regime of Iran executed juvenile offender Behnoud Shojaee; there are at least 160 juveniles on death row in Iran, including for homosexuality, apostasy, sex outside of marriage and involvement in school or street fights that have resulted in murder.
In this year alone, MPs in the Indonesian province of Aceh unanimously passed a law which stones adulterers to death and Sharia was introduced across the country in Somalia and in Pakistan's Swat region. And as if Sharia law were not enough for 'liberated' Afghanistan, its parliament recently passed a new "rape law" for 'Shias' which requires, among other things, that women submit to sex with their husbands at least every four days, with few exemptions.
And it is not just men, women and children who are targeted by Sharia; even mannequins (wax models) are. This week, again in Iran, the police warned shopkeepers that they should not display female mannequins without a hijab or showing bodily curves. The list goes on and on.
Of course, when it comes to Britain, Sharia councils and tribunals do not issue stoning sentences but that is not because they think it is wrong to do so - it is because this is the 'duty' of Islamic states. (Even here, though, Sharia judges have been known to advocate stoning.) And whilst there is a significant difference between letting Islamic courts and councils decide on civil matters and giving them jurisdiction in criminal cases, this difference is a matter of degree only; the fundamentals are the same. In fact, discriminatory family and personal status codes are important pillars in the oppression of women in Islamic states. Losing custody of your child at a pre-set age irrespective of the child's welfare, being told to remain in an abusive relationship or having your forced marriage rubberstamped with the approval of these sham courts can be just as destructive.
Whether in Pakistan, Somalia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan or Britain, Sharia law concerns us because we are concerned about human rights and peoples' freedoms. Sharia and religious laws in general do not belong to the 21st century. We will not let the political Islamic movement drag us back to the Middle Ages.
So November 21 is an important day for all of us to oppose Sharia and all religious laws and defend human rights and secularism. Join us in London's Hyde Park from 1200 until 1400 hours. If you can't come to London, why not organise a rally or act of solidarity in the city centre where you live on the same day? If you coordinate it with us beforehand, we could upload photos and film footage of your acts on our website.
We will also respond every day beginning Monday 12 October to one question or comment emailed to us or posted on our website here: http://www.onelawforall.org.uk/universal-childrens-day-and-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women/ until November 20 so that we can help to draw attention to this important campaign.
And please don't forget to donate to One Law for All. We urgently need money to do all that still needs to be done to get rid of Sharia. Every bit helps so please do take the time to send us a cheque made payable to One Law for All or by donating via Paypal by visiting http://www.onelawforall.org.uk/donate.html.
We look forward to a successful rally in London and elsewhere.
BM Box 2387
London WC1N 3XX, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 7719166731
onelawforall@gmail.com
www.onelawforall.org.uk
PS More details on the Nov 21 rally:
To mark Universal Children's Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Time: 1200hrs – 1400hrs
Place: North Carriage Drive, in-between Stanhope Place Gate and Albion Gate, Hyde Park (closest underground Marble Arch).
SHOW YOUR OPPOSITION TO SHARIA LAW AND ALL RELIGIOUS-BASED TRIBUNALS IN BRITAIN, IRAN, IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, SOMALIA AND ELSEWHERE
DEMAND AN END TO CULTURAL RELATIVISM AND RACISM
DEMAND ONE SECULAR LAW FOR ALL AND UNIVERSAL RIGHTS
DEFEND THE RIGHT TO ASYLUM FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FLED SHARIA
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Fashionable Earth said...
We also support human and women's rights in
Iran. Fashion, environmental responsibility and social justice can all be combined to change the world, please read our post for more info: http://fashionableearth.org/blog/2009/10/13/cause-of-the-season-iran/
There's no place for Sharia law in Britain
Laws should safeguard rights not violate them
It is dangerous to incorporate religious laws
It is not racist to criticise Islam
We will have nothing to do with the English Defenc...
One Law for All is against the Beth Din too
The pathetic excuse of much of the European Left i...
Of course Sharia affects both men and women
Five people were executed in Tehran today
On November 21
Moroccan rights activists deserve our support
Juveniles at risk of imminent execution in Iran
This is for all of us
Interview on Sharia law on BBC WM today
London Ex-Muslim meet-up's anniversary
The battle against Sharia is against both the Isla...
Please don't export your Islamists, deal with them!
Secularism is an important vehicle to protect society
My act of solidarity with the people of Iran today...
Islam matters because of political Islam
The affinity between the far right and the Islamists
Behnoud Shojaie was executed at dawn today in Iran
Maryam Namazie's act against child executions in T...
Stop killing our children
Urgent Action: Juveniles to be executed on Oct 11 ...
50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists


I'm not communist if I think that in my country law should be equal for all.
And I do not think of being a communist if I'd whish to see this principle also respected by the current Italy Prime Minister.
I'm not communist if I think that, whatever our policy regard to foreigners who come to our country is, we should never lose the respect of human rights.
And I do not think of being a communist if I consider my actual government not able to comply with that value.
I am not communist if I think that, while we see increasing youth unemployment, the recent request to double the contributions to political parties is comparable to a theft.
And I do not think of being a communist, regardless of whether it is approved or not, I always feel excessive these contributions.
I am not communist if I think that when a country decides to use the weapons is because there is something that it should have done before and it did not.
And I do not think of being a communist if I ask why it still does not.
I am not communist if I think that the Catholic Church has no right to interfere in the decisions of parliament.
And I do not think of being a communist if I feel doubly ashamed when it does, allying with people with non-existent morality.
I am not communist if I think that my State has a duty to ensure that all respect the rights of those who depend on them, from the poorest citizen to the richest company.
And I do not think of being a communist if I consider what Fiat in recent years has made to his workers as an abuse of power.
I am not communist if I think that today living conditions in our prisons should be the first point of any reform of the justice.
And I do not think of being a communist when I feel outraged listening to our minister of the latter arguing the huge importance of the laws currently under discussion.
I'm not communist if I'm sick, I repeat, sick of seeing the name of my country mocked in the world.
And I'm not also because you have just to read today Financial Times, which is anything but communist.
In short, I am not communist if I think and believe in all that.
I may be, but this is not the point.
The point is that if I did not think and believe in what I just wrote, I would be a dishonest citizen and anything but a good person.
The News: Robert Redford: "I am not communist."


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'General Hospital' star Laura Wright talks creating during COVID, commitment to her character Carly
Daytime TV's "love in the afternoon" is still going strong, but with COVID safety protocols.
OTRC
By George Pennacchio
Checking in with 'General Hospital' star Laura Wright
Last summer, "General Hospital" was one of the first television shows to go back into production after a four-month coronavirus shutdown. The daytime drama is once again a well-oiled machine - with safety protocols firmly in place.
Laura Wright has been front and center in our living rooms for 15 years, playing Carly Corinthos on ABC's daytime drama "General Hospital."
"We get to tell stories five days a week... how great is that?" said Wright.
Things have again been getting particularly harrowing for her character Carly in the current storyline. But that is par for the course for this character!
"Carly, her first reaction to pain is to spiral, to attack, and fight and not feel it," said Wright. "So there's probably going to be a little of that."
Fight or Flight: whatever! Wright says she loves playing a character who is this fearless.
"I never say no because I want to tell the story to the best of my ability. You know, we're here to serve the audience and the script, not our egos," said Wright. "I don't really buy the 'I would never...my character would never.' I find it funny because human beings do this all day long... this is where our stories come from."
"General Hospital" was one of the first series to return in the wake of the COVID crisis. The safety protocols have given the writers, the directors and the actors the opportunity to break past "soap opera" norms.
"I know that daytime is known for 'love in the afternoon,' and I think we can still tell those stories, but I think it challenges us to not rely on the physical and to have to be strong storytellers," said Wright.
You'll see all new episodes of "General Hospital" every afternoon on ABC.
arts & entertainmentgeneral hospitaltelevisionactorabccovid 19
Copyright © 2022 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

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text:
Person killed in crash in Tobaccoville
North Carolina Highway Patrol Troopers say the car ran off the road
Updated: 10:19 AM EDT Jun 4, 2019
INVESTIGATION. WE'RE ALSO FOLLOWING BREAKING NEWS OUT OF TOBACCOVILLE. STATE HIGHWAY PATROL TELLS US AT LEAST ONE PERSON WAS HURT IN A CRASH NEAR RIDGE ROAD AND TOBACCOVILLE ROAD. HERE IS A LIVE LOOK AT THE SCENE. WE DON'T KNOW HOW MANY CARS W
The North Carolina Highway Patrol said one person was killed in a crash in Tobaccoville on Monday night.Troopers said William George Price, 37, of Tobaccoville, was driving on Ridge Road near Tobaccoville Road when the car ran off the road, flipped several times and hit a tree. Price, who was the only person in the car, died after being transported to a hospital.It's still unclear what caused the crash.
TOBACCOVILLE, N.C. —
The North Carolina Highway Patrol said one person was killed in a crash in Tobaccoville on Monday night.
Troopers said William George Price, 37, of Tobaccoville, was driving on Ridge Road near Tobaccoville Road when the car ran off the road, flipped several times and hit a tree.
Price, who was the only person in the car, died after being transported to a hospital.
It's still unclear what caused the crash.


What is the Abbreviation for Intersection?
Home » Abbreviations Dictionary » What is the Abbreviation for Intersection?
How do you abbreviate intersection? There is one common way to abbreviate intersection.
Int. of 4th and 7th Sts.
The plural abbreviation of intersection is ints.
This abbreviation is found on street maps, GPS, directions, used in geometry, street signs, and the building industry.
You might abbreviate the word intersection to int. on written directions, in geometry, or in shorthand note taking. It is also common to see such abbreviations in headlines or newspaper titles where space is a concern.
Outside of higher math, signage, maps or headlines, the word is not abbreviated in general prose.
Definition of Intersection: Intersection is defined as a point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect, especially roads.
Alice is never late. She did say to meet at this intersection?
There was a terrible crash and everyone ran to the intersection as the police and EMTs arrived.
The word intersection functions as a noun in the sentence.
2 What Does Intersection Mean?


The Open University is committed to supporting students who have disabilities. As our name suggests, we're 'open' to everyone.
We strive to make our leaning accessible, understandable and beneficial to all learners.
If you have a long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty or mental health difficulty then you are entitled to support. We use the single term 'disabled' or 'disability' to cover all these conditions.
We want you to choose the course that is best for you. Whether you're studying for a qualification or a standalone module, make sure you read the description carefully, and ask any additional questions you may have about what's involved. This will ensure that you get the right level of support to make the best of your studies.
Bear in mind that some qualifications may be more challenging than others, depending on your specific needs. Certain science qualifications may involve field trips or practical work, for example.
From assisting with you to choose the most appropriate course, all the way through your studies to graduation and beyond, we're with you all the way.
We have a comprehensive range of services to support you to study, including accessible study materials in alternative formats, specialist equipment and tailored exam arrangements.
It's also the little things with the OU that you don't think of at first, such as the specially-bound books they supply that have made it easier for me… It's very supportive for disabled people.
Students past and present confirm that studying with us is a positive experience with many boons – among them the ability to set your own pace for your studies; the easy availability of moral support; the many opportunities to develop confidence in your own abilities; and improved career prospects.
It isn't my physical disability (cerebral palsy) that causes me the greatest issues; it is the dyslexia. Studying part-time gives me time to deal with things at my own pace… There are many advantages for a disabled person studying with the OU. It's given me more confidence. .. The OU's flexibility has given me the chance to undertake voluntary work to increase my likelihood of finding a job after completing my degree.
We believe that our unrivalled personal support, combined with our online learning methods and inherent study flexibility, makes an Open University education 'open' to all.
The Open University has given me a new lease of life.


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Global Britain for an open world? – Executive Summary
Article by Adam Hug and Devin O'Shaughnessy
Open societies around the world and the international system that supports them are under growing threat. This publication provides detailed analysis and practical ideas for how the UK can meet this challenge with a 'renewed commitment to (being) a force for good in the world-defending openness, democracy and human rights' necessary for 'shaping the open international order of the future'.
First, Britain must be consistent in its principles both at home and abroad. It must tackle corruption in the UK and its territories, protect the independent institutions crucial for its soft power and avoid restrictive new legislation that will harm human rights at home and undermine them internationally.
As part the UK's new approach to the world it should seek to be 'Doing Development Democratically' (DDD), a long-term integrated approach that understands the UK's impact on countries and incentivises change through a 'Democracy Premium'. UK engagement should build on a core of tackling corruption, promoting the rule of law and protecting media freedom, mutually reinforcing areas that can underpin a wider change to political cultures and quality of governance. The UK needs to be more outspoken in defence of open societies – bilaterally and multilaterally – both in public and private, using all the tools available to it, even as UK aid has been cut back. Working with like-minded donors, partners in the global south, and civil society the UK needs to seize democratic opportunities as they arise and protect progress in the regional leaders that can influence others.
The UK must get its own house in order. A programme of domestic reform should include:
Delivering a beneficial ownership register for property; reforming and better resourcing Companies House, the National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office and HMRC; and transforming or abolishing Scottish limited partnerships;
Rethinking and revising the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill and the Elections Bill over restrictions to the right to protest and vote; and
Protecting the UK's soft power strength and avoiding undermining UK institutions so that the UK can act as a 'Library of Democracy', a democratic resource for the world.
The UK should commit to 'Doing Development Democratically'. This should include:
Acting with 'Democratic Sensitivity' by understanding the impact of UK decisions on a country's democracy, seeking to do no harm and instead supporting openness;
Creating a 'Democracy Premium' of incentives for governments committed to democracy and human rights. Offering additional foreign aid, trade preferences, international development finance, security guarantees, debt relief, technical support, diplomatic engagement and access to international agreements;
Responding to emerging opportunities for reform by delivering a 'Democratic Surge' of political, practical and financial support to buttress democratic openings; and
Ensuring women's political leadership plays a central role in the upcoming International Development Strategy and other FCDO policies.
The FCDO should invest in UK election observation capacity, including a rapid response fund and push countries harder to deliver reforms on the basis of observation reports.
Ambassadors and Ministers should speak out more on human rights abuses and use Magnitsky sanctions to go after abusers.
The UK should support open data by creating 'Digital Open Champions' to drive reform at home and making it a key plank of its approach to aid and international regulatory bodies.
Support the development, funding and mobilisation of the International Fund for Public Interest Media and the establishment of a Global Fund for the Rule of Law.
Invest in UK democracy building capacity through a new Open Societies Fund, which could be delivered by a consortium of British NGOs and organisations (Team UK).
Ensuring the UK has clear commitments to show leadership at the Summit for Democracy.
Adam Hug became the Director of the Foreign Policy Centre in November 2017, overseeing the FPC's operations and strategic direction. He had previously been the Policy Director at the Foreign Policy Centre from 2008-2017. His research focuses on human rights and governance issues particularly in the former Soviet Union. He also writes on UK foreign policy and EU issues. He studied at Geography at the University of Edinburgh as an undergraduate and Development Studies with Special Reference to Central Asia as a post-grad.
Devin O'Shaughnessy is the Director of Strategy and Policy for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), responsible for advancing WFD's strategic direction and providing technical leadership to its programmes and policy work. He has over 20 years' experience in the field of international development, with expertise in democracy and governance, legislative assistance, civil society strengthening; electoral processes and observation; citizen participation; state building in fragile contexts; and inclusive politics. Before joining WFD, he worked for the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for nearly six years in Washington, DC, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. He has a Master's degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Democracy and Elections
International Relations and Geopolitics
SLAPPs
A summit for democracy or building a bloc to counter China and Russia?
Article by Alex Folkes


As KLM Royal Dutch Airlines we offer flights to Curaçao, serving Hato International Airport (CUR) at the most convenient flight times. Along with Curaçao, we proudly operate direct flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to over 150 destinations. On top of that, thanks to our global partners, we are able to serve a network of over 500 destinations worldwide. Have a few questions regarding your upcoming flight to Curaçao? Get in touch with us 24/7 via Facebook, Messenger, Twitter or WhatsApp for a quick response.
We go out of our way to make your Curaçao flight as smooth and comfortable as possible. So sit back and let us show you what the best in Dutch hospitality looks like, while we serve you complimentary drinks and a snack, with a tasty meal included if you're flying long-haul of course. On intercontinental KLM flights you can count on us to provide you with everything you need to get into the relaxed Carribean mood. With a selection of over 1.000 hours of in-flight entertainment, we've got you covered with the latest blockbusters, TV series and games available on your personal screen. Ready to book your tickets? With our partner airlines' offer also available on KLM.com, you can easily compare flights and find the cheapest fares for your trip to Curaçao. Not to mention our favourable departure and arrival times to ensure you can make the most out of your holiday.
"With KLM, the pearly white beaches of the Carribean are at your fingertips!"
Kenepa Beach (Willemstad): two beautiful coves featuring white sandy beaches, snack bars, and crystal-clear water; recognised as two of the island's most popular beaches.
Shete Boka National Park: a 200-hectare area situated on the north coast of the island, with some 10 pocket beaches where 3 species of sea turtles are known to lay eggs.
Mambo Beach Boulevard: a famous shopping strip that combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and a beautiful sandy beach.
Fort Amsterdam: a historic fort and UNESCO World Heritage site located in Willemstad, built by the Dutch in 1634.
Dolphin Academy Curaçao: an aquatic themed academy that provides tourists with the opportunity to interact with, and learn about dolphins in an engaging environment.
Ready to live the island life of Curaçao? Discover all the hostspots to visit and the best restaurants and hotels with our helpful travel guide, before you fly off to the biggest of the three ABC islands with one of our cheap flights to Curaçao. Our flights fit your schedule, not the other way around!
What's the best way to get around Curaçao?
There are two bus companies that operate between the major attractions in Curaçao. Most stops are serviced between the hours of 06:00 and 20:00 with buses running hourly, but some of the more popular services run until 23:00. There are two bus types: large standardised buses or small people carriers that often have a cardboard cut-out saying "bus" in the window. Fares are very cheap but the service isn't very frequent, so most visitors use taxis to travel around.
What's the weather in Curaçao?
It's always warm and sunny in Curaçao! The average temperature all year round is between 27°C (81°F) and 29°C (84°F), so it's the perfect destination for topping up your tan and injecting a bit of winter sun into your life. If you are visiting between October and January you may experience short bursts of rainfall, but these often occur at night so won't interrupt your sunbathing!


The FDA classified vapor as a tobacco product last month. What does this move to regulate the vape industry mean? How will this law affect vapers - current and prospective? How will it affect those of us who earn a living in the vape industry? Better yet, what kind of impact will this have on the health of America's vaping citizens? These are all important questions deserving of simple and direct answers.
What is the FDA's New Vape Law?
The new vape law classifies vapor as a tobacco product. This law bans e-cigarette sales to minors and requires vape products to undergo governmental review.
Why has the FDA Classified Vapor as a Tobacco Product?
The FDA classified vape products as tobacco, because they use eLiquid containing nicotine.
Should Vape Products Be Regulated?
The vape industry is not against regulation. Many retailers agree vapor products should undergo testing to ensure public safety. However, vape advocates believe vapor should have its own classification. Just because something contains nicotine doesn't mean it is tobacco. Read more about this topic here.
Are All Vape Products Subject to Review?
Products made before 2007 are exempt from the FDA's new vape regulations.
Are More Vape Regulations Pending?
Consumer advocates are pushing the FDA to ban flavored eLiquid. The new rule does not ban flavors, but states the FDA intends to regulate them in the future. If such a ban were to take place, some hint we will see the rise of an eLiquid black market.
When Will Vape Regulation Start?
Vape regulation will occur in stages. The first stage bans the sell of vape products to minors and begins August 8th. 48 states have already banned the sale of vapor to minors. This stage will only affect the two states who have failed to create their own age restrictions.
How Will Age Restrictions Affect Purchasing?
As of August 8th, the federal government will be in charge of enforcing the vapor age restriction. Vape retailers will have to ask for photo id before selling vape products. Retailers will face fines or be prohibited from selling ENDS for failing to follow the new law. This ban won't effect states with vaping age restrictions. However, the new age restriction will prohibit distributing free samples and vending machine sales.
Will Prohibition of Free Samples Put an End to Flavor Bars?
The new law prevents vape shops from giving away free samples. This ban on free samples includes e-cigarettes and all associated components. It's looking like consumers will be saying goodbye to their beloved Flavor Bars.
When Will the Next Regulations Come into Play?
The FDA will be requiring vape products to place warning labels on their packaging. This rule will take effect in May 2018.
How Will FDA Regulations Affect Products on the Market?
Vape products currently available could remain on the market for three years. Manufacturers have two years to submit product applications to the FDA for review. The FDA will have a year to evaluate manufacturer's applications. After review, the FDA will approve the products or take actions to prohibit them.
The selection of vape products available to the public will decrease following review. Manufacturers will be selective with the products they choose to have reviewed. They will not be able to afford to have their entire selection tested. This alone will be enough to reduce the products available on the market.
One of the biggest losses we will experience is the disappearance of customized mods. According to the new law, manufacturers must prove each configuration of a customized piece is safe for use. To make matters worse, regulations suggest manufacturers shouldn't apply for customized models.
Will FDA Regulations Impact Vape Product Pricing?
Vapor consumers should expect to experience the trickle down effect. Vape product prices will increase as manufacturers submit applications to the FDA. Companies will pass the cost of their product applications on to the consumer. Unfortunately, there's no way to gauge how much prices will increase.
How Will Regulations Affect Local Businesses?
Many vape shops manufacture e-cigarettes, produce eLiquids, and/or modify e-cigarettes for customers. According to the new regulations, these practices will become illegal. This will have a huge impact on small businesses who thrive off of their backroom production. Many of these "mom and pop" vape establishments will close due to the new regulations.
What Affect will FDA Regulations have on Vape Product Manufacturing Companies?
FDA Regulations will have a significant impact on small vape product manufacturing companies. Companies must submit a separate application to the FDA for each product they produce. Application fees could cost thousands to millions of dollars per application. Small vape product manufacturing companies will not be able to afford to pay the high costs of the PMTA. Consequently, these companies will go out of business.
Will FDA Regulations Affect Vape E-Commerce?
There are no special rules for the sell of tobacco products on the internet. Retailers must follow the same rules over the internet as they would in a brick and mortar. This may prove difficult for small internet vape shops, so we can expect some sites to close.
Will Fewer Smokers Make the Switch Due to Regulation?
FDA Regulations will have a huge impact on the vape community. The amount of available products will decrease. Prices will rise. Shops will close. Smokers without an accessible alternative are less likely to make the switch.
Will Vapers Go Back to Analogs After Regulation?
When local vape shops start closing, many vapers will go back to smoking. With vape products no longer readily available - nicotine addicts will have no choice.
Are FDA Regulations Going to Help Reduce Smoking?
History proves prohibition doesn't work. It didn't work with alcohol. It doesn't work with marijuana. Public tobacco bans didn't stop long term smokers from lighting up. Heavily regulating the vape industry, isn't going to stop vapers from ingesting nicotine.
In spite of the FDA's efforts to destroy the vape community, the vape movement is not a lost cause. Vaping advocates are fighting hard to keep the industry alive. You can help them by contacting your local representatives and demanding they support HR2058. HR2058 is a stand alone bill extending the grandfather date on vape products from Feb of 2007 to August of 2016. This bill has the potential to save the vape community, so take action now. Let your voices be heard and demand your representatives join the fight for vape rights.
Information in this post came from several sources including: FDA, CNN, The Washington Post, Indy Week, and several others.
This entry was posted	in News On Jun 19, 2016 .
Cassie is a professional blogger from North Carolina. She's an ex-smoker who is passionate about vaping and vaping rights.


The new Quarq TyreWiz threads into tubed or tubeless valves and measures air pressure in real time, transmitting that information in ANT+ and Bluetooth for real-time readouts on newer Garmin Edge computers or smartphones.
Why would you want to monitor air pressure like this? Quarq believes there are a few cases, such as road, mountain, cyclocross or gravel riders, who really want to fine-tune their air pressure in any situation regardless of what inflation tool they use.
Also, riders running tubeless can scan to see how much air pressure was lost after a tire has punctured and then sealed without hopping off the bike.
The pressure reading shows up on newer Garmin Edge computers via the Connect IQ app, and displays as a data field like speed or distance.
The companion Android and iOS app offers recommendations on pressure based on rider weight and bike weight, wheel size and tyre dimensions.
Once you have plugged in your desired pressure for front and rear, the app has configurable high- and low-pressure alerts, and an LED light on each TyreWiz indicates when pressure is outside the target range.
Each 10g sensor can thread into any Presta valve with a removable valve core.
Most of the bulk comes from the battery housing. Each TyreWiz uses a CR1632 battery with a claimed battery life of 300 hours.
Quarq claims the TyreWiz measures pressures down to 0.1psi resolution with a claimed +/- 2 percent accuracy.
The TyreWiz package includes two sensors plus a valve-core remover and is priced at £229 / $199 / €259.


text:
24/7 Support : +30 6974912630
Taxi transfer from Thessaloniki airport to Alexandroupoli port
Alexandroupoli or Alexandroupolis is a city in Greece and the capital of the Evros regional unit in East Macedonia and Thrace. It is an important port and commercial center of northeastern Greece.
Alexandroupoli is one of the newest cities in Greece, as it was only a fishing village until the late 19th century. However, the modern city is located at the site of ancient Sale (Greek: Σάλη), a Greek city of the classical era founded by colonists from the island of Samothrace, mentioned by Herodotus.
Alexandroupoli benefits from its position at the centre of land and sea routes connecting Greece with Turkey. Landmarks in Alexandroupoli include the city's lighthouse in the port, the archaeological sites of the Mesimvria Zone and Maroneia stretching out to the small port of Agios Charalambos, the city's waterfront (the centre of commercial activity), and the nearby Evros Delta.
You can transfer to Alexandroupoli port directly from Thessaloniki airport with reliable, low cost transfers that our company provides.
The port of Alexandroupolis is one of the most important ports of all Greece. It is the only large port of Thrace and the greatest commercial hub of the area. It receives passenger, merchant, fishing and tourist ships. As the railway network of the Region is connected to the port of Alexandroupolis, there is the possibility of cargo loading and unloading from ships to train wagons and vice versa, at two docks.
The port of Alexandroupolis is daily connected by sea with the island of Samothrace, while routes are carried out to the Northeast Aegean islands during summer.
The construction of the port of Alexandroupolis began in the 19th century by French manufacturers that came after they had been invited by the then Ottoman authorities. In 1880, the French Company of Ottoman Lighthouses built the Lighthouse that still dominates in the port of Alexandroupolis and has become the city's symbol.
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Since 1975, hitax has been one of the leading taxi companies in northern Germany when it comes to professional driver service with a constantly renewed fleet that operates across Europe.
With GPS monitoring as standard equipment in every vehicle, we can not only communicate quickly, but also operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Whether it's confidential documents or a patient's trip to dialysis, our drivers are carefully chosen: with discretion and punctuality, each client is reliably accompanied on their journey – so that they can remain worry-free.
Highest comfort is very important to us: We drive exclusively Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen, where air conditioning, navigation and card payment are part of the standard equipment. Our fleet is constantly maintained, expanded and renewed to always be technically and visually in perfect condition.


More ram will only make your computer faster if it needs it. If not, you can have more things running. A bigger "load". If not, you can have more things running. A bigger "load".
Cummins Forum member NT2HLBLY owns a stock 2008 Ram pickup and has spent a goodly amount of time working on the solution to just how big a tire he can mount up. As you can see from the photos, he was able to mount up 37-inch tires.
Back in the eons of our past (*motions at brushing cobwebs away*) memory was really quite expensive. It would cost hundreds of dollars for a measly 16MB and while that may have been a lot at the time it has nothing on the scale we have today where computers can be purchased with 6GB of memory for peanuts.


Buy Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall Smith (ISBN: ) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible. About Akimbo and the Elephants. Alexander McCall Smith is known and loved around the world for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries and other. About Akimbo and the Elephants. "The tale's brevity, Smith's concise writing and Pham's evocative full-page half-tone illustrations make this an attractive choice.
Amazon Restaurants Food delivery from local restaurants. Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers. He picks up the gun. Sep 17, Alida rated it really liked it Shelves: Amazon Rapids Fun stories for kids on the go.
The trap is sprung, and Akimbo's father goes to check the trap. Share your thoughts with other customers.
The Mystery of the Missing Lion. Her name is Precious. Our favorite toys for everyone on your list Top Kid Picks. A great way to learn about Africa and animals, but people as well. I reccomend this to many eldphants and have had many come back and ask for more.
It'll be the first non-picture book, although there are several lovely drawings by LeUyen Pham.
I will definitely seek out the akimno books in this series. No, cancel Yes, report it Thanks! The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon. Listened to this on a road trip with my 8 year old niece.
They really like Akimbo's adventure and have asked me to pick up the others in the series. Akimbo is the perfect vessel to get students involved in the fight for nature conservation. What I like most about this series is the setting in Africa.
The book is fast paced and features short chapters and charming illustrations, which make it a great introduction to chapter books for young readers. I read it all last night in bed very quick read. This one works well as an independent read for a grade school child or as a not-too-long read aloud with your whole family.
Jun 26, Bridget rated it it was amazing Shelves: Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources. Cancel anytime and keep your audiobooks. It's a little bit scary at times and also deals with the death of a mother elephant.
I don't think this was necessarily the book's fault since it's been the holidays and I've been in a bit of a reading rut. See all 22 reviews. When the poachers elude authorities, Akimbo sets out to save the elephants-by posing as a hunter himself. Alexander McCall Smith Narrated by: As luck would have it, the lion does show up on that night.
Akimbo and the Lions. Jul 14, Emma Homes rated it it was amazing. It provides a look at a very different society and world than the American world. The elphants teaches a great deal about nature and people without ever being preachy.
When the authorities fail to turn up new leads, Akimbo set Ten-year-old Akimbo lives on a game preserve in Africa. Akimbo lives near a nature reserve in Africa the country is never specified. Great book for 8 to 10 year olds, I'ld say. In this book, Akimbo goes on a trip with his father, the new Head Gamekeeper of the wildlife preserve. Close Report a review At Kobo, we try to ensure that published reviews do not contain rude or profane language, spoilers, or any of our reviewer's personal information.
We appreciate your feedback. Chi ama i libri sceglie Kobo e inMondadori. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana.


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Home » Newsroom » In the news » 2020 » Vodafone Fiji offers free remittances for M-PAiSA users
Vodafone Fiji offers free remittances for M-PAiSA users
In a period where the economy is facing a downturn, personal remittances can contribute towards revenue growth.
Vodafone Fiji today announced that they will offer free remittances into the country through its MPaisa platform for the next two months.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali says in a time when our tourism industry has grinded to a halt, other avenues are being looked at to bring in foreign exchange.
"Our second largest exchange earner is personal remittances last year we got slightly below 600 million in foreign exchange from personal remittances , 85% of this remittances is in the form of gifts and maintenance and the amounts are relatively small and these are the type of payments that will come through this channel"
Vodafone Fiji Head of e-Commerce Shailendra Prasad says all fees for both domestic and international remittances made using the M-PAiSA payment platform will be waived.
"We realize what it means for the many families to receive financial assistance as they struggle to make ends meet. It's a question of survival for many. Therefore, we are most humbled to offer this fee-free money transfer service so that those living abroad who may wish to provide a financial lifeline to their families in Fiji can do so at no extra cost"
International money transfer to Fiji through MPaisa has increased from two million in February to 4.5 million dollars as of last month and this is set to escalate through the year with more transactions expected.
SOURCE: FBC News


According to Piaget, there are 4 stages of cognitive development, these include: The sensorimotor stage, the pre operational stage, the concrete operational stage, and the formal operational stage. The most important element of the first stage is object permanence, which is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not in view. The second stage is where children begin to struggle with logic, but learn to take the point of view of others. The third, children begin to use logic and become less egocentric. The fourth stage is where children form the ability to use deductive reasoning, and begin to understand abstract ideas.
I agree with this post and it's an easier way to understand Piaget's cognitive development. This semester I'm taking developmental psychology as well and having to write a paper it was easy to remember the pre operational stage because that's the stage my niece is in and if you fill a tall glass of juice and a short glass of juice she will pick the tall one not knowing they have the same amount.


Our members are based in New England and provide services nationally. We also collaborate with a growing group of associates to enhance and expand our work.
Lauren is proficient in developing and implementing innovative practice models and supporting organizational change to assist public and private foster care agencies in achieving timely permanency for youth of all ages. Most recently, as the Project Director for Permanency Services at Casey Family Services, Lauren was a key leader in Lifelong Families, a foster care practice model achieving permanency for treatment-level youth at risk of aging-out. A national trainer and speaker, her 35 years of child welfare experience include strategic program design, model and curriculum development, building collaborative teams, engaging youth and families in decision-making as well as managing, supervising and delivering front line practice.
Mary specializes in providing intensive, on-site, collaborative consulting to public child welfare agencies to strengthen agency management, internal operations, policy, front line practice and supervision. She most recently held the position of Senior Associate with The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Child Welfare Strategy Group on the Connecticut, Delaware and Colorado site engagement teams and served as Engagement Manager for site work in Maine. Mary has worked in child welfare for 29 years, promoting excellence in supervision and non-profit foster care and adoption programming.
Lori is particularly skilled in curriculum development, delivering training and lead technical assistance, including coaching and consultation to imbed front line practice that results in more timely permanence for children in state care. She is a trained mediator who promotes non-adversarial and collaborative approaches to child custody. Most recently Lori worked in the Child Welfare Strategy Group at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, strengthening agency policy and practice in public child welfare organizations nationally. She served on the Virginia, Maine and Delaware site teams. Lori has worked in the child welfare field for 20 years including front line social work and supervision in child protection, reunification, foster care and adoption.
Lisa excels at executive-level administrative support within a remote work environment including database management, event planning, on-site meeting facilitation, materials preparation,accounting and office organization. Most recently the administrative assistant for the Child Welfare Strategy Group at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Lisa expertly supported New England-based consultants, state site engagement teams and senior staff in External Affairs and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.
Roye specializes in developing communications strategies that drive change and create a meaningful connection with targeted audiences. As Communications Senior Manager with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, she co-led family recruitment for Casey Family Services throughout New England. In addition to multi-media campaigns and a portfolio of video, print and online recruitment tools, Roye developed a blueprint for building corporate and employer-based partnerships for family recruitment and support. Working with a project team, she also produced a suite of communications and training tools for the implementation of the Lifelong Families foster care practice model, available at aecf.org/lifelongfamilies.
Dawn is a trained child welfare mediator accomplished at crafting reunification plans and open adoption agreements. She was at the forefront of the development and implementation of practice standards for training qualified mediators in the state of Massachusetts. Dawn is a former consultant to Casey Family Services/Annie E. Casey Foundation, having provided guidance on a permanency outcomes-focused approach to working with youth and families. She has trained and coached staff to promote the use of cooperative teaming approaches for child and youth permanence. Currently, Dawn works as a child welfare caseworker focusing on goals of reunification, adoption and legal guardianship for youth receiving residential and intensive foster care interventions at Plummer Home / Plummer Foster Care. She has worked in the child welfare field for 18 years.
Cheryl is a licensed social worker and trained mediator with over 30 years of experience working in both private and public child welfare agencies. She has provided direct service, supervision, training and coaching of staff to promote use of collaborative teaming approaches to ensure timely permanence for children in state care. Her strong belief in strength-based, child-centered and family-driven practice along with her mediation skills have been central to her work promoting permanency, safety and well-being for all children and youth. Presently, Cheryl works as a consultant providing child welfare training and coaching of frontline practitioners and supervisors in several states.
Diane specializes in training, grant writing, consultation and curriculum development regarding permanency-focused child welfare practice in both the public and private, non-profit sectors. With over 40 years of direct practice, supervisory and administrative experience she brings to her work an awareness of the supports needed at all levels of practice in order to provide effective, high quality services to children and families in the child welfare system. Most recently as Director of Clinical Services for Casey Family Services she oversaw clinical practice in the agency's offices in seven states and was instrumental in the development of Lifelong Families, a foster care practice model for achieving permanency for older youth in care.


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Jarvis, Brundle join Jackie Chan DC Racing for WEC campaign
By Luke SmithMar 5, 2017, 10:30 AM EST
Jackie Chan DC Racing has announced that British drivers Oliver Jarvis and Alex Brundle will join its full-season line-up in the FIA World Endurance Championship for 2017.
The team founded by David Cheng and Hollywood star Jackie Chan confirmed last month it would be entering two ORECA 07 cars into the WEC's LMP2 class, having linked up with Jota Sport for 2017.
On Sunday, the team's line-up for the season was completed with the announcement of Jarvis and Brundle.
Jarvis arrives having spent the majority of his racing career as an Audi factory driver, being part of its full-season WEC line-up in the LMP1 class for the past two years.
The Briton secured a GT3 deal with Bentley for 2017 in the Blancpain GT Series, and will balance this with a full LMP2 campaign in the WEC.
Brundle – son of ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle – has raced in a variety of sportscar disciplines in recent years, winning the European Le Mans Series with United Autosports last year and racing in the final six rounds of the WEC season for G-Drive.
Despite being chased by United Autosports for a return in 2017, Brundle has signed up to race with Jackie Chan DC Racing instead for his first full WEC campaign since 2013.
Brundle will race in the No. 37 ORECA 07 alongside Cheng and Tristan Gommendy, while Jarvis slots into the No. 38 entry with Ho-Pin Tung and Thomas Laurent.
The new WEC season kicks off on April 16 at Silverstone.
Follow @LukeSmithF1


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Seychelles Tourism will boost with new Turkish Airlines' Istanbul – Seychelles service
Turkey's national carrier is reported to start a direct flight from its Istanbul hub to Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.
The Indian Ocean News and ile-en-ile Magazine have published that on October 31, Turkish Airlines will be departing Istanbul in Turkey at 1:00 am and will land in Seychelles at 10:55 am.
Flights will operate three times a week, operated by an A330.
The launch of Turkish Airlines flights is expected to increase the number of tourist arrivals to Seychelles. The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) recently announced increase in visitor arrival for the first quarter of 2016.
The Seychelles' National Bureau of Statistics January to March report shows an increase of 11 percent in tourism arrivals compared to the same period a year ago. Over 73,000 tourists visited Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, between January and March, compared to nearly 66, 000 over the same period in 2015.
The introduction of Air Seychelles' direct flights to Paris and Beijing will also help to increase the number of visitor arrivals when the weather gets colder in those cities.


I guess you could say my love for Milwaukee and architecture was inspired from my grandma. My brother and I would come to visit two weeks every year. Our favorite game on the drive down was to see who could spot "The Spider" first, which was actually the Wauwatosa water tower. The winner received, as Rusty Griswold fabulously said it, "A Whole Quarter!" She took us to everything Milwaukee: museums, zoo, festivals, Jazz in the Park, Domes, the lakefront, and her favorite view of the city, the ladies restroom at Blu Lounge in the Pfister. Personally, my favorite view is from the 35th Street bridge, but there are so many to choose from.
Professionally, I got my start with an old fashioned lemonade stand at the age of 8. Kool Aid was the biggest seller, but that's probably because they had awesome flavors like Sharkleberry Fin and Great Bluedini back then. At the end of 8th grade, this amazing woman, Donna, hired me to be the receptionist in her hair and tanning salon. I worked there until college. She definitely was a major contributing influence in helping me learn business and customer service. Someday, I hope to pay it forward to a young aspiring entrepreneur. Next up was Eau Claire, where I received a degree in Marketing and worked at a local distribution center. Then I moved to Milwaukee in 2007 and started as a leasing agent. A prospective tenant recruited me to apply as a Formal Wear Manager with one of his stores, where I stayed for 8 years. The manager that hired me ended up becoming my husband. Customer service has been my main focus. I knew very early that I wanted to help people and each job has been a stepping stone into my current real estate career. They taught me the value of hard work, effective communication, problem solving, honesty, and educating throughout the process.
On the personal side, our dogs are our kids. We have three: Stella(Boston Terrier), Buddha(French Bulldog), and Millie(English Bulldog). You can catch them walking us in Lyons Park and Jackson Park, or sometimes at the office with me. You may even see them appear in one of my real estate videos. My favorite season is April-October.....Brewers! Besides going to Miller Park when we get a chance, we love to catch a flick or watch live music. Holistic health and wellness is an important aspect of our lifestyle. I believe if you take care of Mother Nature, she will take care of you. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 449 since 2000, my favorite fundraiser is the Stockings for Vets. It's a way to give to those serving overseas some holiday cheer. A portion of my proceeds will go to ALA fundraisers and the Milwaukee Victory Garden Initiative.


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Chapter 292: Lung Transplantation
Elbert P. Trulock, III
Trulock, III EP. Trulock, III E.P. Trulock, III, Elbert P.Lung Transplantation. In: Jameson J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Loscalzo J. Jameson J, & Fauci A.S., & Kasper D.L., & Hauser S.L., & Longo D.L., & Loscalzo J(Eds.),Eds. J. Larry Jameson, et al.eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e. McGraw Hill; 2018. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192031765
Trulock, III EP. Trulock, III E.P. Trulock, III, Elbert P. (2018). Lung transplantation. Jameson J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Loscalzo J. Jameson J, & Fauci A.S., & Kasper D.L., & Hauser S.L., & Longo D.L., & Loscalzo J(Eds.),Eds. J. Larry Jameson, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e. McGraw Hill. https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192031765
Trulock, III EP. Trulock, III E.P. Trulock, III, Elbert P. "Lung Transplantation." Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e Jameson J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Loscalzo J. Jameson J, & Fauci A.S., & Kasper D.L., & Hauser S.L., & Longo D.L., & Loscalzo J(Eds.),Eds. J. Larry Jameson, et al. McGraw Hill, 2018, https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192031765.
REFERRAL AND RECIPIENT SELECTION
WAITING LIST AND ORGAN ALLOCATION
TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE
POSTTRANSPLANTATION MANAGEMENT
Spirometry and Bronchoscopy
Primary Graft Dysfunction
Airway Complications
Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Acute Cellular Rejection
Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Humoral Rejection
Other Complications
Lung transplantation is a therapeutic consideration for many patients with nonmalignant end-stage lung disease, and it prolongs survival and improves quality of life in appropriately selected recipients. Since 1985 more than 51,000 adult lung transplants have been recorded worldwide, and annual volume has reached ~4000 transplants per year.
The indications for lung transplantation span the gamut of lung diseases, and the distribution reflects both the prevalence and prognosis of the diseases and the applicable organ allocation policies. According to international registry data, the most common indications in recent years have been idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), ~30%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ~27%; cystic fibrosis (CF), ~15%; α1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema, ~3%; and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), ~2.5%. Other lung diseases have comprised the balance of primary indications, and retransplantation has accounted for ~3% of procedures. Since 2001, IPF has increased from ~15 to ~30%, and COPD has decreased from ~40 to ~27% among the indications.
Transplantation should be considered when other therapeutic options have been exhausted and when the patient's prognosis is expected to improve as a result of the procedure. Survival rates after transplantation can be compared with predictive indices for the patient's disease, but each patient's individual clinical circumstances must be incorporated into the assessment. Moreover, quality of life is a primary motive for transplantation for many patients, and the prospect of improved quality-adjusted survival is often attractive even if the survival advantage itself is questionable.
Disease-specific consensus guidelines for referring patients for evaluation and for listing them for transplantation are summarized in Table 292-1. Candidates for lung transplantation are also thoroughly screened for comorbidities that might affect the outcome adversely. Conditions such as systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux, and osteoporosis are not unusual, but if uncomplicated and adequately managed, they do not disqualify patients from transplantation. The upper age limit is ~70–75 years at most centers, and the proportion of older recipients has been increasing. In 2014, 29% of adult recipients in the United States were ≥65 years old.
TABLE 292-1Disease-Specific Guidelines for Referral and Transplantation
TABLE 292-1 Disease-Specific Guidelines for Referral and Transplantation
Referral for Evaluation
Progressive despite medications, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation
FEV1 <25%
PaO2 <60 mmHg or Paco2 >50 mmHg
BODE index 5–6
Listing for Transplantation
BODE index ≥7
FEV1 <15–20%
Moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension
Three or more severe exacerbations in preceding year
One severe exacerbation with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis
FEV1 <30% or rapidly declining despite optimal therapy
Pulmonary hypertension (in absence of hypoxemic exacerbation)
6-min walk distance <400 m
Clinical deterioration with increasing frequency of exacerbations, with
– An episode of acute respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support


Jim and Marla Sanders of Blanco Valley Farms have been making powdered chili and dip mixes since the early Nineties. All of their delicious spice mixes contain no salt, no MSG, and no artificial flavors of any kind. Initially, they sold their products from their house in Blanco before moving on to farmers' markets and gift shops throughout the Hill Country.
When the Austin farmers' market scene exploded in popularity, their son Tracy Sanders, who lives and works in Austin, began selling his parents' line of mixes at the markets here. Of course, to try a dip you need to have some sort of chip, so Tracy brought tortilla chips that he had fried up himself.
"Before the first day was out, I had people begging me to sell them my chips!" Sanders relates. "So I asked if I could sell them too, along with my parents' mixes and salsas. The answer was yes, as long as I used organic masa and fried them in high-quality coconut oil."
Thus a fantastic product was born. Sanders' tortilla chips are so outstanding, you simply can't find chips of similar quality at any store. They must be tried to be believed. Crisp and thick, they're light in spite of their sturdiness and have no oily aftertaste. Sanders starts with organic white-corn masa from New Mexico. "White corn has a different texture than yellow corn," he explains. "It is more flourlike and softer. It makes tortillas that fold more easily without breaking."
Every Friday, he heats up a fryer full of virgin coconut oil, and while it heats he starts making his tortillas with a commercial tortilla machine. "I make between 100 and 150 pounds of organic corn tortillas every week," he says. "And my tortillas are completely gluten-free. I have been told that some tortilla chips manufacturers lightly dust their chips with wheat flour to keep them from sticking together on the conveyer belts after frying. But nothing touches my chips except a very light dusting of sea salt."
Despite their premier quality, the prices for Sanders' tortillas and chips are comparable to national brands. An 8-ounce bag is $3, and a 1½ pound bag is $7. "My bags look smaller because they aren't full of air; the big manufacturers have to seal up a lot of air inside the bags to prevent breakage in shipping," Sanders explains. "I sell the tortillas too: fresh white corn, whole wheat, and flour tortillas [$2 for a bag of six]. But 80 percent of my tortillas get made into chips. That's just what people like."
Tracy Sanders sells his tortillas, chips, and salsas at the Barton Creek Farmers Market from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.


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How not to conduct a presentation
Life Health > Life Insurance
By Kelley Robertson
April 01, 2013 at 12:15 AM Share & Print
Conducting product demonstrations (whether in-person or virtually) is a common sales strategy, but not everyone does it right. Recently, a colleague shared this real-life example of what not to do:
An inside sales rep (my colleague's wife) was teamed up with an account executive to conduct an online demonstration for a new prospect. The account executive took the lead and the sales rep was supposed to actually demonstrate the product. Forty-five minutes after the presentation began, the sales rep was still waiting for her opportunity to explain the product, but the account executive would not stop talking about their company.
To add insult to injury, the demo had been scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. At five o'clock, the prospect interrupted the sales rep and said, "I have a six o'clock appointment and have to go. Send me information." The demo was done.
Attempts to schedule a second appointment to actually demonstrate the product failed, and the account executive eventually gave up on the prospect.
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But here's the kicker: The sales rep said that the executive was completely oblivious to the fact that he was the cause of the problem. He blamed the prospect, called him a time-waster and complained about being cut off. He had absolutely no idea what had actually happened.
Don't let this happen to you. Delivering an effective sales demonstration does not mean talking incessantly about your product or your company. Your prospects are far too busy for this approach. Skip the background about your company, your clients, how long you have been in business and anything else that is seller-centric.
Instead, focus on demonstrating exactly how your product, service or solution will help your prospect solve a business problem. Keep it brief and to the point, and you'll close a lot more business.
Sign up for The Lead and get a new tip in your inbox every day! More tips:
3 ways to boost your sales presentations
iPad presentations made easy, Part 1
Your prospect is not paying attention


text:
Creating a Public School in One of Malawi's Poorest Communities
under Architecture, Green Building, Innovation, News, Reader Submitted Content
by Architecture for a change
Malawi is one of the poorest countries, and the vast majority of children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Education has been severely lacking in that region, but there's a group that's making a massive difference. The Youth of Mawali Project is creating a school building there that can be replicated across sub-Saharan Africa, and serve a dual purpose: to educate children during the day, and be used as an adult learning centre at night. The school is comprised of converted shipping containers as well as local materials such as mud bricks, cement pavers, and bamboo mats. Three countries are collaborating to build the first school in Chimphamba, and will be powered via solar panels and use natural ventilation to keep the interior cool.
Although their Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is now closed, you can contact either Youth of Malawi or Architecture for a Change for more information if this is a project you're interested in supporting.
+ Youth of Malawi
+ Architecture for a Change
The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat? Send us a tip by following this link. Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing!
Creating a Public School in One of Malawi's Poorest Communities
Youth-of-Malawi-School
Malawi is one of the poorest countries, and the vast majority of children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Education has been severely lacking in that region, but there's a group that's making a massive difference. The Youth of Mawali Project is creating a school building there that can be replicated across sub-Saharan Africa, and serve a dual purpose: to educate children during the day, and be used as an adult learning centre at night. The school is comprised of converted shipping containers as well as local materials such as mud bricks, cement pavers, and bamboo mats. Three countries are collaborating to build the first school in Chimphamba, and will be powered via solar panels and use natural ventilation to keep the interior cool.
Youth of Malawi Drawings
Youth of Malawi Plans
Youth of Malawi Wall
Malawi School
Malawi School Side View


Battlefield 2: Modern Combat brings the intensity of Battlefield 1942 into the modern era with the latest vehicles and weapons systems available. In this first-person shooter, you'll choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, China, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with advanced weaponry, you can take control of any of the game's vehicles to engage in major conflicts with up to 24 players online. Battlefield: Modern Combat features expansive environments--from city streets to remote jungles--all around the world.


I live in an area that is infested with highly volatile cheat grass, and there could have been serious damages to property and lives if the fireworks had ignited the cheat grass and other fuels in the area.
Do the clowns on the Board of County Commissioners seriously think that individuals who purchase fireworks are not going to use them, especially when they are being sold to people in an area that is increasingly being populated by libertarian anarchists who are against rules or laws of any kind.
The commissioners could at least require that fireworks dealers be required to obtain the names, addresses, and contact information for everyone they sell their fireworks to so that they can be identified in cases of fireworks violations.
I certainly hope that in the upcoming elections the voters will seriously consider the actions of the present county commissioners in allowing the sale of fireworks during a red flag fire season and decide that it is time to start replacing all members of this dysfunctional and mindless board.


Setup two AD Controllers and so far one EX10 SP3. All running on top of Hyper-V 2012 r2. Routing email internally is fine, but cannot get email to send or receive from external sources.
Doubled check and checked again the connectors. Published the MX and SPF records at Go Daddy.
First Question, is anything special to know about hosting EX on a VM when it comes to mail routing?
What is the proper format for the MX and SPF record? Ran the Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer, the MX and SPF return healthy.
PS, I know this forum is for EX 2013, but wasn't able to find a sub-category for EX 2010.
a VM is really nothing more than a new "brand" of server, so no, nothing really related to mail flow to consider. You should see this article however, on Exchange 2010 and virtual hardware in general.
Exchange 2010 does not accept email from the internet by default, unless you use an Edge Transport server, which most people don't. See setup instructions here for allowing your Hub Transport server to receive internet email.
The exchange 2010 forums are here, for future reference. I'm not sure why they aren't grouped with the 2013/2016 buttons.
You said you have Godaddy, so you should see here for MX record formatting help.
SPF records are more complicated. Given that you are still wrestling with getting the server up and running, i'd skip an SPF record and come back and post a new question once you're comfortable with everything discussed thus far. SPF records aren't required anyway (though they are a good idea).
If you configure your send connector to use another port, noone will receive your email. You need to upgrade to a comcast business plan, where they don't block tcp/25.
b. Verify that your Exchange server can be seen from outside. In your router chack that port 25 is directed to the internal IP of the server.
c. Check your Receive Connector (Server Configuration / Hub Transport). There must be one created by default (called Default servername). Make sure it is accepting connections from 'Anonymous' sources by checking Permission Groups tabs.
Once a+b+c are checked go to yougetsignal.com and test that internet can talk with your server.
Then go to http://testexchangeconnectivity.com and perform an Incoming Email test.
- Check that you actually have a Send Connector configured (Not sure whether 2010 creates a default Send Connector) in Organization Configuration\Send Connector. Create one with Address space * and set 'use DNS mx records to route mail automatically"
Went through those articles, VM is within compliance. Connectors are setup correctly and the MX format is correct. After posting this question, it turned out the problem was with Comcast blocking Port 25. For the off chance you may be able answer this question. How can I force email to us a different Smtp port? Ssl wildcard as already be setup.


Now the climate change deal has been signed in Paris new regulations are a long way down the Conservatives' agenda.
By the time you read this there may already be a global deal on climate change in place. The COP21 talks end on December 11th, and the odds that an agreement will be struck are pretty decent.
Copenhagen five years ago may have been a disaster, but this time around there is an air of positivity for the Paris talks – despite the terrorist attacks in the city in November. Some observers, including the US president, suggest the attacks could galvanise greater solidarity and urgency.
Much has been done to pave the way for a legally binding agreement that will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions after 2020, as well as the investment required to ensure developing countries can adapt to the changes that have already been set in motion during decades of fossil fuel addiction.
Countries have submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) showing how far and deep their own cuts will be. It's no secret that these are nowhere near enough to keep temperatures within that 2°C tipping point, but this is no reason to be defeatist.
The INDCs will keep rises to about 2.7°C rather than four or five if business continued as usual. Even the hardened sceptics of the past think that kind of deal would be a monumental achievement. Talking to the Independent in November, Jonathon Porritt noted that the shift in political will was already ebbing across into the psyche of the investment community.
"Investors carried on putting shedloads of money into fossil fuels because they did not believe that governments would really act to deal with climate change" through strict curbs on fossil fuel use, he said.
With this in mind, it's also positive to see corporate leaders more vocal (perhaps, even, than politicians) in the run-up to COP21, with a number of commitments agreed by various coalitions. This industry leadership is critical given the current political climate in the UK.
As the world signs up to take charge of climate change, the Conservative government appears willing to pull the plug on renewable energy. The spending review has hit DECC and DEFRA hard and, given their recent pronouncements, neither Amber Rudd nor Elizabeth Truss – the respective heads of each department – have placed much emphasis on the carbon agenda. The chancellor even less so.
Large numbers of businesses – especially small and medium enterprises – are now wondering whether renewables are the no-brainer they were before the election. A new subsidy regime is expected in the new year but proposals suggest massive cuts for technologies such as solar, which the Conservatives believe is big enough to stand on its own two feet.
But if the sums don't add up then there is plenty more to do in terms of energy efficiency. Catering companies still waste vast amounts in kitchens, for example, and if manufacturers can provide accurate data on returns on investment for "greener" warewashers and the like then carbon reduction becomes an aside to bettering the business's bottom line.
Of course, the emissions inside a company's four walls are only part of the problem. Sitting through a number of sessions on "sustainable food systems" at Food Matters Live recently it was clear that many companies are still struggling to account for their impact up and down the supply chain – the emissions created by the food they sell, for instance.
Accounting for this is fiercely complicated at a global level – COP21's deal has focused on product-based reporting rather than consumption-based metrics – or even a national level. But it's becoming a reality at company level.
Sodexo, for example, is developing a tool with the help of WWF to determine the carbon and water savings from its new "Green & Lean" menus. There is no political pressure for it to pilot the scheme, in which meat has been shaved off a number of the most popular school meals, but there are social, environmental and perhaps commercial benefits in doing so. This is business taking responsibility despite, not because of, regulation.
Whatever the outcome of COP21 there is unlikely to be a huge shift in regulation at UK level to curb carbon emissions. Defined rules will always make a game easier, but the ball – as the government undoubtedly desires – is in the court of business. Game on.


text:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Donald Trump's unpredictable and surprise warning to Turkey that it will suffer economic disaster if its armed forces attack Syrian Kurds has caused shockwaves in Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu immediately responded that Turkey is "not intimated by any such threat".
On January 8, Erdogan refused to meet with the White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was in the Turkish capital to coordinate with Ankara the terms of a possible Turkish operation in northeastern Syria.
In a tweet, Donald Trump said that "the US will destroy Turkey financially if it attacks the Kurds." On the other hand, he advised the Kurds "not to provoke Turkey". The US president argued that "Russia, Iran and Syria benefited more from the long-term policy of destroying the Islamic state in Syria. We benefit too but it is now time our troops returned home. Stop to endless wars", Trump tweeted.
Essentially, Trump communicated his thoughts and strategy about Syria and the US forces in the region, and stressed that a "20 mile (33 km) neutral zone" is being planned. Nevertheless, he did not mention details of how this neutral zone would be created, who would protect it and who would bear the cost.
Political analysts estimate that Trump's strong message shows the president is insisting on withdrawing about 2,000 US special forces deployed in Syriza, but, on the other hand, he is also sending a message to Ankara that he will determine the status of Syria Kurds.
The decision to withdraw US troops had pleased Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but caused serious concerns to the YPG Kurds who, with the support of the US fought very hard against the jihadists and played a vital role in their defeat.
In recent days, Erdogan has threatened to launch a large-scale military operation in northern Syria against members of the YPG Kurdish paramilitary organization, which Ankara claims to be a PKK branch which it calls "terrorist". At the same time, Turkish media – with the permission of the country's army – broadcast images on a daily basis of military forces moving to the Syrian border as part of preparations for an upcoming Ankara operation.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo showed that he was unaware of Trump's views in detail. In response to a question, he said "we have implemented economic sanctions in many cases, I thought he was talking about things like that. You will have to ask him. I don't think this changes the President's decision to withdraw 2,000 of our troops from Syria".
Turkish presidency spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin replied to the US president via twitter: "Mr Trump it is a fatal mistake to equate the Syrian Kurds with the PKK, which is on the US list of terrorist groups, along its branch in Syria, PYD / YPG. Turkey is fighting terrorists and not the Kurds. We will protect the Kurds and the Syrians from all terrorists".
In the same vein, Mevlut Cavusoglu said the YPG is the PKK's arm in Syria, and that Ankara "does not need anyone's permission." Commenting on Trump's statement, he said "no threat will intimidate us. Economic threats will lead nowhere". He went on to say that "strategic partners, allies, do not talk through Twitter and other social media". Cavusoglu expressed Turkey's conviction that it has the power and ability to destroy any Islamic State forces left in Syria.


We continued to furnish rooms of the school building with fixtures. The rooms that received attention were ones that serve more specialized uses: cooking, art, music, infirmary, etc. Some of these rooms are pretty much done, others are still underway. There are also preparation rooms for each subject that store teaching materials because the classrooms belong to the students and the faculty share a staffroom.
There are two cooking classrooms. There are three art classrooms, set up in various layouts to accommodate different instructions: sketching, sculpture, and the like. There are also three music classrooms that do the same for choral and instrumental practice.
Work has also continued on the outlining side, with bits and pieces added here and there across the board.


Visit the Damien Rice performer page.
"...in West Memphis, Ark. Police arrested three teenagers – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Lloyd Misskelley Jr. –..."
"...Damien Echols' life as part of the wrongfully imprisoned West..."
"...the arrests, trial, and conviction of three local teenagers: Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin. According to Paradise..."
"...From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail; Damien Echols, who writes about his years of wrongful imprisonment..."
"...any immediate culprits, the community suspected satanic worshippers. Eighteen-year-old Damien Echols, whose name, personality, and black attire fit the..."
"...'Crimson Lotus' by Damien Echols..."
"...Carter-Ellsworth composition grounds the new disc. A "gift" to Damien Echols, one of the three Memphis accused, the tune's..."
"...Duncan (The Dust Bowl) Jessica Dupuy (Uchi: The Cookbook) Damien Echols (Life After Death) Kurt Eichenwald (500 Days: Secrets..."
"...JB: Unfortunately Damien Echols' last appeal at the state level has been..."
"...satanic ritual planned and executed by this older boy, Damien Echols. His accomplices are so small you wonder how..."


text:
Q: How to set env variables when compiling Node on Windows, from Mingw32? I'm following the instructions from various Wikis on how to compile Node so I can eventually get it running as a service on Windows.
My steps so far:

*

*https://github.com/joyent/node/wiki/Installation
(which lead to...)

*http://blog.tatham.oddie.com.au/2011/03/16/node-js-on-windows/
(successfully compiled via cygwin, but lead to...)

*https://github.com/joyent/node/wiki/Building-node.js-on-mingw
(which apparently is better than the so far successful cygwin compile)

So - I've managed to compile Node.exe using Cygwin but not the preferred Mingw. I concur this isn't an ideal situation, building on Windows isn't the ideal. Nevertheless.
The error I see in Mingw, once I've followed all of the steps above, occurs when I try to ./configure --without-ssl. The error message is:
Danjah@PC /c/cygwin/home/Danjah/node-v0.4.7/node
$ ./configure –without-ssl
/usr/bin/env: python: No such file or directory

I understand from step 3's URL, that I must take steps to provide the environment variables for both Python and Git - using help from the provided URL I managed to input the Python path var, but I don't think I have the Git path var right. Either way, in no install directories for Python, Cygwin or Mingw32 do I see the path specified in the error msg: "/usr/bin/env".
Googling didn't really bring much to the table in terms of env variables or Mingw32, best I got was: PATH=C:\MinGW\bin;C:\MinGW\msys\1.0\bin  where my install directory is at C:\MingW\.
The path I added to Windows environment vars for Python was:  PythonPath=C:\Python27;C:\Python27\DLLs;C:\Python27\Lib;C:\Python27\Lib\lib-tk  where Python 2.7 is installed in C:\Python27\.
I hate it when a file path stops you from doing things, as I suspect is the problem here. So please set me straight here - is it a file path problem I have or something else? And if its something else, please try and help me to get Node up and running... keen as to get experimenting.
I should probably also mention that I do also have a previously installed version of Git on my Windows XP SP3 machine, but had not previously had Cygwin, Mingw32 or Python installed, and I do not have IIS running as a service - my usual testing environment is a WAMP stack.

A: Windows uses the PATH environment variable to locate programs that are invoked without a fully qualified file path, i.e. 'python' rather than 'C:\Python27\python'.
So you need to add python's home directory to the Windows PATH variable, as well as MinGW, git and anything else your script requires.
Also by setting the PATH variable explicitly in your shell session or script, you are overwriting its original contents (in the local context) which limits which programs your shell can find to only those available within the PATH which is usually a bad idea.
See http://www.java.com/en/download/help/path.xml for details on modifying your PATH so you can always run your Python scripts from the command line.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Podcast: Discussing Frank Clark's future in Seattle
In this new podcast, Kenny and I discuss the contract extension for Danielle Hunter in Minnesota and how it potentially impacts Frank Clark.
Five hopes for the 2018 season
Friday, June 22nd, 2018
Firstly, if you missed the recent podcast don't forget to check it out:
1. The Seahawks fix the run
It's popular these days to try and diminish the importance of the running game. Regular readers will know I'm not convinced by the statistical arguments that suggest the run is overrated. Clearly you can create a somewhat convincing case based on situational stats and recent league trends. I just happen to believe there are certain things you can't measure. Including the complete importance of a truly threatening running game.
I think this Tweet sums it up:
Seahawks faced Rodgers, Ryan, Wentz, Watson, Dak, Cousins, Goff x2. Highest passer rating against last season though: Blake Bortles, 123.7.
— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) June 22, 2018
The Seahawks sold out to stop the run in this game, focusing almost their entire attention on Leonard Fournette. They were willing to challenge Blake Bortles to beat them. And he took the opportunity in what was undoubtedly his cleanest game of the season (and possibly his career).
I suspect many teams were willing to risk Russell Wilson beating them in 2012-14. They knew stopping Marshawn Lynch was the key. And even when they succeeded, as was occasionally the case, the attention Lynch drew often made life so much easier for the quarterback.
It's probably one of the reasons they were a lot more successful 'getting by' on the O-line. Paul McQuistan was their starting left tackle for eight games in 2013. You'd barely notice aside from that one game in St. Louis.
If you can force teams to dedicate their focus to stopping the run, undoubtedly there are benefits to be felt. It might be difficult to quantify this but should you really even need to? Does everything need a number these days?
There's also the cultural benefits of being a tough, physical running team. Lynch clearly inspired the LOB. The two key sections of Seattle's team worked off each other, sharing the same attitude and intensity. It's no coincidence that Seattle has lost the fear factor they once had since the running game collapsed.
2. Less politics please (don't judge)
I'm not the type of person to write the words 'stick to sports' in a Tweet. I'm also not the type of person who wants players, fans or media to bury their heads in the sand and ignore big issues that need to be discussed.
That said, I think there's too much politics in everyday life at the moment. You can't escape it. Nearly everything is politicised. I appreciate why. This is a politically charged time around the world. Social media has become a hotspot for political views.
However, sometimes it's nice to not have to think about politics. That doesn't mean you're ignorant to the issues facing the world. It doesn't mean you don't care.
Increasingly it's harder to separate the NFL from politics. Every press conference Pete Carroll faces is always a mix of social ills and football. Every game there seems to be some kind of political strand attached. A lot of articles in the NFL media talk about politics, not football.
I'm not blaming anyone for that. I just wish that, occasionally, the NFL could go back to being a fun release.
3. A satisfactory resolution to the Earl Thomas saga
Richard Sherman wasn't supposed to get cut. Cliff Avril wasn't supposed to retire this way. Michael Bennett wasn't supposed to be traded for peanuts.
Who could've predicted any of that back in 2013?
It seems, sadly, that the Earl Thomas saga is going to end in a similarly unsatisfactory manner.
It'll be difficult to witness a dramatic holdout stretching into the season. The negative vibe of the Kam Chancellor holdout hurt the team. Hopefully it doesn't come to that with Earl.
Either way a parting appears inevitable. Possibly via free agency next year.
What constitutes a satisfactory outcome? A fair deal via trade or an extension of sorts. Just something that doesn't have the fans wringing their hands for weeks on end. Either draw a line on the situation and allow people to move on, or come to a compromise. And for either scenario to come true, it can't be the Seahawks conceding alone. Earl Thomas has to be willing to compromise too.
4. Fresh start
The 2017 season wasn't much fun. The Seahawks were in contention in the win column but most people knew they weren't a genuine challenger. The injuries mounted, the run game collapsed and the defense started to toil. It was a far cry from the unbeatable excitement witnessed from the 2012 season right through to the end of that Super Bowl.
The Seahawks may never be able to recapture that magic. It's perhaps unrealistic to think it's even vaguely possible. However, they still have the ultimate playmaker at quarterback. They're trying to get the running game back. They have some new, young pieces on defense supported by some exceptional veterans.
If nothing else, it'd be pleasing to witness a fresh start. A new energy. A reason to believe again.
5. A pass rusher emerges
The Seahawks' biggest question mark on the roster is the pass rush. They have some young pieces but not a lot of proven quality outside of Frank Clark. Dion Jordan showed flashed in 2017 but has to prove he can stay healthy. The rest have to show they belong.
It's possible we'll spend most of the 2018 college season looking at pass rushers. That's not a problem, the 2019 draft promises to be loaded on the defensive line. However, it would be a huge bonus if Jordan, Rasheem Green, Barkevious Mingo, Marcus Smith, Jacob Martin, Shaquem Griffin or another name really stood out and showed they can be part of the long term future. Especially with Clark set to be a free agent at the end of the season.
New podcast: Earl Thomas holdout
Kenny and I discuss the Earl Thomas holdout and offer some thoughts on the Seahawks offense. Check it out below.
I also want to give a special mention to Brad Linn and the whole community here. Brad set up a donation fund in his own time to help repair my laptop (broken during the draft) and sent me the money this week. Thank you to everyone who donated and especially to Brad for setting it up. You guys are incredible.
Some much needed perspective
It's becoming increasingly trendy to roast the Seahawks these days.
I suppose it's something to talk about. It is June after all.
Here's the latest offering…
As sample size on #Seahawks organizational decisions grows, it becomes more & more clear their success was merely a byproduct of catching the + side of variance. They have no edges & they're not out-smarting anyone. https://t.co/azS9jhVv2I
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) June 13, 2018
Forget how they built one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, found a franchise quarterback in round three and were a yard away from back-to-back Super Bowl Championships.
Ah, but now they've appointed an unpopular former GM as a consultant, so they've clearly lost their edge.
Let's have a bit of perspective. I thought it was worth going back to 2012 to find out what people were saying about Ryan Grigson when he became the Colts GM.
Here's a section of a piece by ESPN:
Grigson has been listed as a future front-office star after helping to build two Super Bowl teams including the championship-winning Rams in 1999, his first season in the front office.
In 2001, Grigson became an area scout for St. Louis. He joined the Eagles as a regional scout in 2003 and gradually moved up the ladder from regional scout, to director of college scouting and eventually to director of player personnel, the job he had held for the past two seasons.
"He has been a great adviser to me and somebody I have leaned on to bounce ideas off of many times over my career," Eagles GM Howie Roseman said in a statement. "He leaves no stone left unturned in his efforts to find good players and we were lucky to have him here in Philadelphia."
That's Howie Roseman, the guy receiving widespread praise for building a Super Bowl winning Eagles roster in two years.
Some thoughts on the Earl Thomas situation
Earl Thomas wants to be paid at a time when the safety market is ice cold
There's no obvious solution. Earl Thomas wants to be paid. The Seahawks are wary of handing out another big contract. They haven't received any serious trade offers. And the safety market is ice cold.
While social media is currently awash with extreme views on both sides (he should be ashamed vs overly sympathetic), a conclusion isn't forthcoming.
Why don't they just pay him?
There's certainly a case to be made for rewarding Earl Thomas and removing any future drama. Thomas continues to play at a high level and probably is the best safety in the league.
On the other hand, the Seahawks have been here before. Michael Bennett, Marshawn Lynch and Kam Chancellor were all playing at a high level too. It was a nice gesture to reward all three. But none of those extensions were shown to be wise investments and the Seahawks were left carrying a lot of dead money.
It's taken a pro-active off-season to rectify the cap problem. You can forgive the Seahawks for not rushing head first into another third contract for a player.
In the next 8-12 months they have some big decisions to make. Do they pay Frank Clark? Duane Brown? Tyler Lockett? K.J. Wright? Do they make Russell Wilson the highest paid player in the league? This is a lot to consider. If they pay Thomas today, Clark is knocking on John Schneider's door tomorrow. Others will too. And they'll know the threat of absence has worked.
How does the safety market play into this?
Currently it's an ice cold market. Thomas couldn't have picked a worse time to try and become the highest paid safety in the league. Eric Reid isn't the only unemployed safety. Kenny Vaccaro doesn't have a contract either.
Thomas is clearly on a different level in terms of talent — but teams are not rushing to invest in safeties. Not at the moment.
We've seen this happen at other positions before. The running back market has dried up completely. We might be witnessing a similar occurrence at safety.
The fact nobody has made a big trade offer is perhaps indicative of the changing financial landscape. Why were Dallas the only team seemingly interested in trading for him? Why did they only offer a third round pick? Why didn't another team offer more?
They knew it wasn't just a draft pick at stake. It was a massive new contract too. One they were unwilling to pay.
If that's the case, how is Thomas going to get paid?
It's not abundantly clear if any team is actually prepared to match his demands. It's possible nobody is.
If that's the case, what motivation is there for the Seahawks to pay him more than $13m a year?
If Thomas feels disrespected by that thought, he need only remind himself that the Seahawks did make him the highest paid safety in the NFL when he signed his last contract. The Seahawks, on that occasion, recognised his talent and rewarded him.
Can they really be blamed now for not handing out another mega-deal when the safety position isn't generating big money and teams aren't rushing to acquire Thomas and pay him?
How else will the team be approaching this?
Presumably they anticipated Thomas' decision. It's not surprising. They've had plenty of time to prepare for this.
There will be one irksome factor. They've actively worked to avoid any distractions this year. They've undertaken a reset, a fresh start. The Thomas saga carries at least some potential to clash with this approach. Will it impact players close to Thomas? How will the handling of this situation impact future negotiations with the likes of Clark and Brown?
Will Thomas hold out during the regular season? Will he play under his existing contract? If so, are the Seahawks destined to watch him walk away in free agency? Will the potential use of the franchise tag create even more conflict?
There's much to consider.
What was the plan then?
They at least appeared to entertain the possibility of dealing Thomas pre and during the draft. The 2018 third rounder, reportedly offered by Dallas, might seem more attractive the longer this drags on. Especially if the saga continues into the season and becomes an unwelcome distraction.
You can forgive the Seahawks for not wanting to give away such a fine player though. It's easy to be sympathetic with their situation. They likely wanted a fair trade offer for a future Hall-of-Famer. They spent a second and third rounder on Duane Brown. He's four years older than Thomas.
Can they trade him now?
If they try to they'll be playing with a weak hand. Teams are aware they could lose him for nothing in 2019 (and as we discovered with Jimmy Graham, a compensatory pick isn't assured). They run the risk of having the situation become a distraction. It's unlikely anyone is going to pony up a big trade offer at this point.
If trading him is the preferred option now (and it might be) the best case might be to hope a team becomes more aggressive closer to the season. Seattle paid a second rounder for Sheldon Richardson right before the start of the 2017 season. If a team like Dallas sees Thomas as the man to push them over the top — they might bite. So far, they've resisted.
It's also entirely possible teams will look at the poor value Seattle received from the Richardson trade and think, 'we're not making that mistake'.
Is there no solution at all?
I can think of only one. A compromise. Thomas accepts he won't top Eric Berry's salary and it won't be a long term deal. The Seahawks increase Thomas' pay but do so for the 2018 and 2019 season with an option for 2020.
It's hard to imagine Thomas agreeing to those terms. He wants long term security. But if teams aren't willing to offer a 4-5 year contract at mega-money, is such a contract his best bet? And does it protect the Seahawks against a repeat of the Chancellor, Lynch and Bennett extensions?
Someone has to compromise. Whether it's Thomas, the Seahawks or a team willing to make a trade. Personally, I think it's unrealistic to think the only ones who should cede any leverage are the Seahawks.