Please accept my condolences, and my apologies. On behalf of my colleagues in the sporting press, I would like to extend our sympathies following your elimination from the World Cup. I hope you can understand that the terrible things we have said about your country over your past two mind-numbingly boring games were not meant as national slights. It was simply the frustration talking. Your soccer team is horrible to watch.
Sure, there was something to admire in your plucky group of defensive, disciplined tacticians, resplendent in their awesome red-and-white socks. They were so willing to play within a system, subjugating their individual aspirations for the good of the whole -- although not for the good of soccer, necessarily -- together conspiring to make a team even as mighty as Spain's look like bumbling heavy-feet with an almost pathological inability to complete a pass.
It's not that it wasn't fun to watch your team play a combined 210 minutes of soccer against Japan and Spain -- both knockout games, soccer at its supposed best -- and see just a single goal. We all love having nothing to write about. The absence of action keeps our stories short, unlike, say, your own apparently infinite attention spans. If there's something I've learned about Paraguayans during this World Cup, it's that you must have an incredible appetite for tedium. In some countries -- Paraguay, I'm thinking -- patience must be treated as a virtue on par with valor or thrift.
You might be pleasantly surprised to know that I've taken the time to learn more about your country these last few days, because I've been so intrigued by your seeming national capacity to take the fun out of everything, including the game I love.
Apparently, there are nearly 7 million of you, my dear Paraguayans, landlocked in the middle of South America, bored out of your minds. I understand that your capital is Asuncion and that your climate ranges from subtropical to semiarid. I'm thinking more of you must live in the semi-arid region than not, but I stand to be corrected.
As a writer, I am an admirer of your 93.6 percent literacy rate, as well as your statistically impressive beef exports. I like meat. I'm grateful for your willingness to harvest and share your edible oils and organic sugar. I appreciate your export of nonmetallic minerals and wood products, too. I've just watched 11 of your finest wood products playing soccer, in fact, and I'm still marveling at their ability to run, occasionally, despite being rooted to the ground. It's quite a trick.
I've been told that you're the world's third-leading exporter of chalkboards. I think it's especially generous that you're willing to drag your fingernails down them for us for free when we might otherwise be enjoying ourselves.
For more from Esquire writer-at-large and ESPN The Magazine contributing editor Chris Jones, check out his daily entries in our World Cup blog.
I will say -- and I mean this -- that I was stunned to learn that you fended off Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay for six years, between 1864 and 1870, in the War of the Triple Alliance. That seems like a terrifically unfair fight, and I understand it was nearly the end of you. I'm glad it wasn't. I think the world would be poorer without Paraguay in it. I can trust only that you took some comfort in knowing that two-thirds of that Triple Alliance were sent packing in the quarterfinals along with you, and that Uruguay is only still here because Uruguayans, the lesser Guayans, are unsporting, heartbreaking thieves.
Oh Paraguay, fair Paraguay. I hope that tonight, from Ciudad del Este to San Lorenzo, from Fernando de la Mora to Villa Elisa, that you might take pride in your boys and how far they have come here, the fifth-last team to be eliminated from this World Cup. It's a remarkable accomplishment, and you should rejoice tonight, as I will, now that you're gone. I wish you nothing but peace and prosperity in your future endeavors. I hope that one day you might even be able to take over the world, if it's your heart's desire.
In exchange, please don't make me watch you play soccer ever again. I'd rather you drowned me in edible oils.
Chris Jones is a contributing editor to ESPN The Magazine and a writer-at-large for Esquire.
Chris Jones is a feature writer for ESPN The Magazine. He is also a Writer at Large for Esquire.
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Final Brussels vote sets seal on Brexit
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Teenage wife beaten to death in Madaripur
Manjur Hossain, Madaripur
Published at 08:07 pm April 28th, 2019
Her husband and his family are on the run
A teenage wife has allegedly been beaten to death in Madaripur's Panchkhola union.
Police recovered the "hanging body" of 15-year-old Chandni Akhter on Sunday and sent it to Madaripur Sadar Hospital for autopsy.
Chandi's husband and in-laws have gone on the run since her death.
Local law enforcement sources informed that Chandni got married a year ago to Riyad, who is reportedly a drug addict.
Since then, Chandni's in-laws and her husband had constantly tortured her, both physically and mentally, for dowry and money for buying drugs, according to neighbours.
The neighbours tipped off police after the family went on the run following Chandni's death on Saturday night. They reported seeing multiple wounds on the victim's body.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Chandni's father, Abul Howlader, said: "They [the in-laws] used to beat her regularly for dowry and money to buy drugs. This is an act of premeditated murder. I want justice for my daughter's death."
Panchkhola union parishad member and a witness to the autopsy, Dulufa Begum, confirmed that there were multiple wounds on Chandni's body.
However, Madaripur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Kamrul Hasan said they had retrieved a "hanging body" from the house.
"A case has been filed in this regard with the police station. But we cannot confirm whether it was murder or suicide before getting the autopsy report," the OC added.
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Madrasa boy beaten to death in Madaripur
Madaripur
Beaten to death
Teenage Wife

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


On Thursday 15th March, Helping Rhinos and Ol Pejeta Conservancy again hosted an evening of inspirational talks and an entertaining fundraising auction. With many thanks to all attendees (and some auction bids from abroad) an amazing £60,000 was raised. These funds will be used to set up the mobile veterinary unit on Ol Pejeta in Kenya with both wildlife and domestic animals in the local communities benefitting from emergency care and essential routine vaccinations.
400 guests enjoyed drinks at Church House in Westminster before the start of the main event - an opportunity to chat with fellow wildlife enthusiasts and enjoy the many exhibits on display, including artwork, jewellery, books and tableware (all available in our online shop).
With the atmosphere at fever pitch, the audience settled into the auditorium to enjoy the evening's talks and presentations (watch videos of all talks at the bottom of this page). Guests were welcomed by Helping Rhinos CEO Simon Jones who gave an insightful background to the rhino crisis, revealed the rise in annual poaching numbers, launched the seven saviours of rhino (click here read more on what they are) and proclaimed that only by working together with our new pillars of conservation to Collaborate, Empower and Sustain will we maximise efforts to secure the rhino and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Simon was followed by Richard Vigne, CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy who exclusively revealed plans for the future of the Northern White Rhino and how they'll be honouring Sudan's legacy. He spoke about the continued success of their black rhino breeding programme and how they're seeking more land to increase the number of rhinos that can live on the conservancy. Richard also spoke about how only by mainstreaming conservation and getting more local people involved, will we create new models for conservation that cater for the needs of humans while still providing space for wildlife.
Animals Saving Animals' Daryll Pleasants explained how his unique and dedicated team of specially trained dogs patrol, track and apprehend poachers, day and night. Their ability to achieve this triple anti-poaching role is unique and Daryll showed what a remarkable part these dogs have to play in protecting the rhino. There was much joy when surprise guest, APU dog Ceaser, appeared on stage in a live demo where Helping Rhinos CEO Simon Jones turned 'poacher' and was apprehended by this hero dog.
Closing the talks was TV Vet Steve Leonard (Operation Wild, Safari Vet School, Nature's Newborns, Trust Me I'm a Vet). Steve told us that while rhinos are formidable creatures, they are not invincible. He encouraged us to champion rhinos and other species by using our passion for wildlife to do all we can to save them. It was a rousing final talk which left us in no doubt that we must put all our efforts into ensuring rhinos stay in the wild for many generations to come.
Feeling full of positivity after the uplifting talks, the audience was ready for TV's Jonty Hearnden to take to the stage to host a very enjoyable auction. The lots included a fantastic trip to Kenya from Asilia Safaris, the chance to name a black rhino calf at Ol Pejeta and the stunning original artwork by Karen Laurence-Rowe called 'The Accuser'. The last lot of the evening, Karen's painting, had all guests excited for what proved to be an intense round of bidding which concluded at an amazing £18,000.
THANK YOU to everyone who placed bids in the auction and to those who donated the wonderful items to be sold. Congratulations to all the winning bidders.
There are just a few signed limited edition prints of 'The Accuser' by Karen Laurence-Rowe available for sale at the special event price of £290. The print dimensions are 750mm x 590mm.
A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors, supporters and everyone who came along to Shades of Grey: Seven Saviours of Black and White Rhino – we hope you had a fantastic evening and really appreciate you playing your part in securing and protecting the iconic rhino. See below for the highlights of the evening with some stunning photos and you can watch to the speakers' talks in the event video.


We are seeking Landscape/Tree Care Laborers. Must have a valid NH Drivers License, be able to complete physically strenuousness tasks (i.e. move heavy wheels barrows, drag brush, lift heavy objects), be able to work outdoors regardless of weather. It is important that applicants be reliable, self motivated and able to work as a team member.
Well qualified applicants will have previous experience working with Landscaping and/or tree service businesses and a clean driving record. Experience using small power equipment (leaf blowers, chainsaws, weed wackers, mowers) and experience driving work trucks and trailers.


California rockers Swirl have kicked off the new year with a new song called "The Lift" which has reached #1 on Indie rock radio in the US and #4 on Banks Radio Australia in just the first two weeks of 2018. "The Lift" comes to you fresh on the heels of a very successful 2017 campaign for the band`s 7 song EP titled 'SWIRL', of which the band has 3 songs featured in the award winning movie 'Ditch Day'. This film stars Emmy Award winning actor Bill Oberst Jr. This film took home the "Best Feature Film" Award at the Burbank International Film Festival.(http://thefilmditch.com/music-artists/). The songs are "Rise Up", We Are Alive" and "Spell".
Since the release of their 'SWIRL' EP, Swirl the band has been the support act on several North American tours for many established rock artists including RATT, Extreme, Cinderella, Slaughter, LA Guns, Souls of We, Red Dragon Cartel, Skid Row and more or they have headlined shows in Southern California.
With the release of "The Lift" press is now coming in from all over the globe. In addition to North America, there is a significant rise in global presence for Swirl in the form of reviews, interviews, airplay and "Band of the Day/ Week/ Month" honors. Japan, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, France, The UK, Bangalore, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Scotland and more are all favorably picking up on the Swirl sound. Click here (http://www.reverbnation.com/socalswirl/press/) or the "Global Press" button on the homepage of the Swirl official website to see what the buzz is all about!
Guitarist "DT" explains "After a successful first ever crowd funding campaign through the Swirl Go Fund Me page (https://www.gofundme.com/launch-new-music-by-swirl-the-band) the band entered the Granted Records studios to track the first new song since the 'SWIRL' EP. The result of those sessions is the new song titled, "The Lift". The story behind "The Lift" is as incredible as the story behind its creation. Both will be told in the coming months as "The Lift" is promoted."
What "The Lift" means to me is that we all need help sometimes, be it an emotional lift or a physical lift. We shouldn't be afraid to ask for help when we need it. We also shouldn't be afraid to offer to help when were able to. We are all on this planet together and we are all connected, so let's help one another.
My personal Lift was given to me by "The Minor Goddess" who lifted me out of a depressed and stressed out anxious time in my life. Thank you MG! "Your words will always stay with me".
Featured songs are "Mad Disease" & "We Are Alive"
Just sending you the most sincere THANK YOU for allowing Swirl to be the band of the month for June 2018! It was an honor. We hope this is not the end of our budding relationship!


There are a couple occasions I've wanted to skip the thoughtful write up and just tell readers to go see the movie; this is one of them. Part of Anthology Film Archive's pragmatically named The 70th Anniversary Of Polish Animation, third program The Adventure Of Otherness makes good on its promise with thoughtful contributions from titans and underknown animators alike.
Included is husband-and-wife team Franciszka & Stefan Themersons' Adventure Of A Good Citizen, an early surreal, live-action "other" that inspired the rest of its animated brethren. Setting the tone for the works to come, the good citizen ends up chasing and being chased into an illusory flight of fancy. If you're only familiar with Walerian Borowczyk's live-action films, his animation work at first appears wildly divergent. His pet themes and dry dark humor soon emerge, tempered and contrasted by Jan Lenica's bold paper animation. Lenica went on to design some of Poland's most iconic movie posters in the same pleasing, thick-lined, colorful style. Lucja Mroz Raynoch's two works contrast ideals with vain reality; whether the ideal is reflected outside or projected from within, the baser nature wins out.
The series is an excellent introduction for newcomers and rare treat for animation buffs. Anthology and guest curator Adriana Prodeus not only imported 35mm prints, but include female animators whose work has rarely screened in the States. Besides the Raynoch and Maliszewska shorts, there's Ewa Bibanska's Unfaithful Portrait, which addresses relationships from a female point of view (by default, not overtly, though it's still a refreshing change of pace). So go see the whole series already—this particular slice of Poland's rich animation history will do you good.