text:
U.S. Open 2021 Preview: Round by Round
Smile if you won a 2020 #USOpen title 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/a97gdYWEgK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 14, 2020
Well, guys, we've made it. The last Grand Slam of the year. And there is so much at stake in it.
From a shot at making history, to opportunities for redemption, to the inevitable chance for a real breakthrough, it feels like anything is possible at the U.S. Open this year.
The men's draw, of course, has had huge holes poked in it -- with the withdrawal of not just the defending champ, but of two more repeat titleists, you might think the door is wide open for Novak Djokovic, who'd been so unstoppable for the first half of the year. But plenty others are ready to derail his dreams.
Meanwhile the reigning ladies' champ, who's endured an inordinate amount of attention recently off the court, is still looking to get her feet back under her on them. So is former world #1 Simona Halep, whose injury-addled season has pushed her out of the top ten for the first time since 2014. And, of course, Serena Williams left another big hole in this draw as well. All that could be a big boon for Ash Barty, who's had her own Djokovic-like dominance this year.
But, of course, nothing can be taken for granted. And the way things are going this year, it's perfectly reasonable to expect some big surprises right from the start. And while some of these potential match ups may be a little less than likely, there's certainly a chance that things could work out to make them a reality. And if that happens, we should expect more than a few fireworks.
Fourth Round
Quarterfinal
WOMEN'S DRAW
Bianca Andreescu (6) vs. Viktorija Golubic: I'm frankly surprised to see the young Canadian is still ranked so high, but that's the beauty, I suppose, of these shutdown-protected rankings. In any case, Andreescu returns to New York for the first time since her 2019 triumph, but she's a much different player than she was then. Sidelined by injury all of last year, she seemed to be getting her sealegs back in Miami, but has only won four matches since. Golubic, meanwhile, was runner-up at two hardcourt events in early spring and made her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinals after beating Danielle Collins and Madison Keys at Wimbledon. At #45 in the world, she's currently at her highest career ranking, and if the former U.S. Open champ is still on rocky ground, the Swiss Miss might be able to score the upset.
Simona Halep (12) vs. Camila Giorgi: It's still so hard to believe that Halep has fallen out of the top ten, but whatever her seed, this is an unlucky first round draw. Giorgi, of course, is coming off her biggest title to date, having beaten six higher ranked players -- including Karolina Pliskova, Petra Kvitova and Coco Gauff -- in Montreal. She actually would have been seeded here if she'd been able to repeat a win over Jessica Pegula in Cincincatti, but as it stands she gets to play the former #1 right off the bat. But Halep is beatable -- having pulled out of the French Open and Wimbledon with injury, she won just one match at the two events she's entered since. If she's still struggling, there's every reason to believe the Italian might be able to get her momentum back in a big way.
Jennifer Brady (13) vs. Emma Raducanu (Q): It feels like a long time ago, but remember this is the Slam where Brady had her first big breakthrough last year. Shortly on the heels of her maiden career title in Lexington, the then-world #41 took out Angelique Kerber on her way to the semis, where she even took a set off eventual champion Naomi Osaka. She had even more success a few months later in Australia, where she earned her first Major final. She's been a little quiet since then -- hampered by injury, she lost her next three matches, skipped Wimbledon and withdrew at three of her last four events. Young Raducanu, meanwhile, has brushed off idiotic criticisms and has only seen her star rise in recent weeks. The surprise fourth-rounder at the All England Club, she is coming off a runner-up finish at the Chicago 125 event and three straight qualifying round wins. Does she have another big win in her? Well, this seems like a pretty good opportunity to try.
Coco Gauff (21) vs. Magda Linette: Early last month I wondered if Coco would win a Major before she turns twenty, which is still three years away, but she certainly seems hungry to make a move towards that goal ASAP. But Linette could certainly throw a wrench into that whole situation. The 29-year-old Pole, who got a huge pass when Ashleigh Barty retired from their second round match at Roland Garros, proved she wasn't just skating by when she beat Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon. She's been a little up-and-down on that hardcourts, but she did notch a nice win over top Cleveland seed Daria Kasatkina on her way to the semis this past week. It'll be interesting to see how she performs against someone who's sure to be the crowd favorite, but Gauff can't consider this opener a walk in the park.
Karolina Muchova (22) vs. Sara Sorribes Tormo: Muchova quietly made her way to at least the quarters at two Majors this year, and that says a lot about her consistency on the big stage. But Sorribes has had some huge wins on the hardcourts, stunning top-ranked Ash Barty -- who was coming off that Wimbledon crown -- at the Olympics and putting up quite a fight in the Miami quarters. She's also fresh off a semifinal run in Cleveland. The Spaniard actually won the pair's only previous meeting, beating Muchova in the final of an ITF event in 2016, and she could cause some fireworks here, too.
Anett Kontaveit (28) vs. Sam Stosur: Kontaveit has made a habit this year of doing well at events directly before Majors. She reached the final in the Grampians draw, which never got played because it ran up against the Australian Open, and she finished runner-up in Eastbourne days before Wimbledon. In the first instance, she followed up with a third round showing in Melbourne; in the second, she lost her very next match -- and three more after that. But she regrouped this past week in Cleveland, where she took out a solid Sara Sorribes Tormo before beating Irina-Camelia Begu in the final for her second career title. Will that give her the confidence she needs against Stosur, whose crazy win here incredibly came ten years ago, or will she be too spent from the effort? Hopefully for her sake it's the former.
Madison Keys vs. Sloane Stephens: It's a little weird that neither of these ladies is seeded here, especially given that both have had decent successes on the season. Stephens got to the fourth round at Roland Garros with wins over Karolina Pliskova and Karolina Muchova, while Keys started the year with a final in Brisbane and made it to the final sixteen in Wimbledon too. She lost early in her attempt to recapture the crown in Cincy, though, which pushed her down the rankings, and Sloane, too, has been a little lacking on hardcourts. Still it's a shame to see this rematch of the 2017 final in New York -- which, you'll remember, Stephens won -- so early in the draw this year, so hopefully whoever emerges the victor will be able to prove she's deserving of much more.
Garbiñe Muguruza (9) vs. Andrea Petkovic: The two-time Grand Slam champion came out the gates swinging this year, but has really quieted down in recent weeks. She was upset at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon and lost her rematch of the Dubai final against Barbora Krejcikova in Cincy. Petko, on the other hand, though well off her career best ranking, did make the final in Hamburg and picked up her first title in six years in Cluj-Napoca. Yes, those victories came on clay, but there's something to be said for getting a burst of confidence. The German has also won all three of their previous matches -- albeit the most recent one was five years ago -- but if they meet up again, history could be on her side.
Maria Sakkari (17) vs. Katerina Siniakova: Sakkari is having a solid year, making her first Major semi in Paris, missing the final by just a hair, and stunning Naomi Osaka back in Miami. She may have lost early in her more recent events, but it was always too power players -- Elina Svitolina at the Olympics, Victoria Azarenka in Montreal, Angelique Kerber in an inexplicably unseeded first round in Cincinnati. Still her potential second round opponent, ranked fourth in the world in doubles, has been causing quite a storm herself on the singles scene. Siniakova got the win of her career over Serena Williams in Parma and then went on to the final in Bad Homburg and to upset Garbiñe Muguruza in Montreal. And after an upset of Shelby Rogers this past week in Cleveland, she pushed second seed and eventual champion Anett Kontaveit to three sets in the quarters. If she's anything like her doubles partner, she could ride success one week straight into a big showing this one.
Jelena Ostapenko (27) vs. Liudmila Samsonova: The one-time French Open champion has made her way back to her highest ranking in more than two years, but a lot of those gains came on what was a very strong grass court season. Samsonova, meanwhile, the surprise Berlin titleist, also had her biggest successes on the lawn, but did get a solid win over summer standout Elena Rybakina in Montreal, so she might be a little more primed for this surface. Of course, there's no guarantee this match will happen -- Ostapenko opens against an always-tough Nadia Podoroska -- but if they make it, it could be a great opportunity for the winner.
Yulia Putintseva (31) vs. Ana Konjuh (Q): These two have met a couple times already this year, with the qualifier notching the win on her way to the final in Belgrade, and the seeded Putintseva getting revenge in Budapest, where she picked up her second career title last month. Both those matches were on clay, though, and Konjuh -- though she's still ranked well below her career best -- arguably kicked her comeback into high gear on hardcourts like these. Will that give her an advantage this time? Well I'd certainly like to see her hard work through prelim rounds rewarded with something other than an early exit in the main draw. And if she can get past a tough Leylah Fernandez in her opener, she could have a pretty good shot.
Karolina Pliskova (4) vs. Alja Tomljanovic: Not long ago, I wasn't giving Pliskova a lot of attention an the Majors, but she really got everyone back on board with a gutsy performance in the Wimbledon final. And, to her continued credit, she backed up that showing with a runner-up finish in Montreal and semi slot in Cincinnati. Those campaigns brought her back to the top five and made her one to watch in New York, the site of her first Slam final. Tomljanovic, meanwhile, also had a breakthrough at the All-England Club, and while her run ended in the quarters, it'll be fun to see what she can do at her first Major since then, and if she can set up this showdown, it could be fun to watch.
Elina Svitolina (5) vs. Marketa Vondrousova: I've said this before, and I'll say it again -- I'm really, really hoping to see the new Mrs. Monfils have her breakthrough at a Major soon. She's come close, reaching the semis here and at Wimbledon in 2019, but recently, and especially when the field seems to open up for her, she can post some surprising losses, too. That certainly seemed to happen at the Olympics last month, when all three seeds above her were eliminated by the quarters, and yet she still lost in the semis to, you guessed it, Marketa Vondrousova. The one-time French Open finalist's attendance at the Tokyo Games was already controversial, but her win over Svitolina -- after already having stunned Naomi Osaka in the third round -- not only helped her to the silver medal, but showed she still means business. Could the fifth seed avenge that loss in New York? Well, she's coming off a title in Chicago, her first of the season, so momentum could be on her side, and hopefully she can keep it going toward the big prize.
Aryna Sabalenka (2) vs. Ons Jabeur (20): For so long we'd been noting that Sabalenka -- suddenly ranked #2 in the world -- was probably the best player out there who hadn't made it past the fourth round of a Major. Well, she broke that seal at Wimbledon, finally making a semifinal. Was that a fluke, or can she do it again? Well Jabeur, who's quickly becoming one of the fan favorites in the women's sport, will certainly have something to say about that. The 26-year-old Tunisian barrier-crusher, who lost to Sabalenka in the quarters in London, has continued her strong season with a win over hometown favorite Bianca Andreescu in Montreal and a second straight victory over Iga Swiatek in Cincinnati. She does have a win over the on-paper favorite, having gotten the best of her less than a year ago at a delayed Roland Garros, and if they meet again, you can bet it's going to be a battle.
Naomi Osaka (3) vs. Coco Gauff (21): These two have only met three times on court, but it sure feels like it's been a lot more than that, and it has certainly been only on the biggest stages -- twice at Majors and once just a week ago in Cincinnati. Osaka leads the head-to-head, but it's always been close. And with so much attention on these two -- for different, but similar reasons -- you know the pressure will be high if they meet. The defending champion, Osaka has been front-and-center in the headlines for reasons she surely doesn't want, and perhaps it's been weighing on her match performance -- after a 21-match win streak that spanned seasons, we haven't seen her make even a quarterfinal since March. Gauff, meanwhile, has been pretty consistent, making her first Major quarterfinal on a surface you wouldn't expect. And considering how these two have traded off wins, if she makes it through early challenges, she could present a threat to Osaka here.
Barbora Krejcikova (8) vs. Victoria Azarenka (18): I'm sure you all remember Vika's comeback run here last year -- after a kind of asterisked title at Cincinatti-cum-New York, she stunned Aryna Sabalenka, Elise Mertens, and, most impressively, Serena Williams, on her way to the final, and even took the first set off Naomi Osaka 6-1 in the championship match. She's struggled a bit with injuries this year, but she has nevertheless notched victories over Elina Svitolina, Maria Sakkari and Angelique Kerber. Krejcikova, meanwhile, the super-surprise winner at Roland Garros a few months ago, has more than shown that run was no accident, winning another title on the hardcourts in Prague and cracking the top 10 for the first time in the singles rankings. She lost the only time she played Azarenka solo, but something tells me if they meet again things may look different this time around.
Belinda Bencic (11) vs. Jil Teichmann: Like with Pliskova above, it wasn't long ago that I wouldn't have paid Bencic much mind, but after her Olympic gold medal all that changed. She did, after all beat both of the French Open finalists, as well as Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina. And she made her way to the quarters in Cincy too, which is very promising. But you know who she lost to there? Yup -- Jil Teichmann, who also picked off Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova on her way to the biggest final of her career so far. Will we see the same results if they meet again? Well, Bencic could face a rematch against Jessica Pegula first -- and the American likes to avenge losses, and the unseeded Teichman, could face the likes of Cleveland champ Anett Kontaveitt or Iga Swiatek. But a rematch sure would be fun to see.
Elena Rybakina (19) vs. Tsvetana Pironkova: It's been a weird 18 months for Elena Rybakina. At the start of 2020, she was one of the most consistent players on tour, not only entering one event after another, but making it to the final one week to the next. She struggled with injury after the shutdown and seemed to be flaming out until having a breakthrough at Roland Garros, with a stunning win over Serena Williams in the fourth round. Since then, she beat Elina Svitolina in Eastbourne and took out Garbiñe Muguruza at the Olympics. She might be one of the most dangerous low seeds in the field. And Pironkova could be one of the most dangerous non-seeds out there -- last year's surprise quarterfinalist in New York, she beat Garbiñe Muguruza and took Serena to three sets in her first tournament since having a baby. She's been a little more quiet this season, but if she can get through early tests -- Daria Kasatkina is her opening round and Svitolina looms two matches later -- it could be fun to see them face off against each other.
Ashleigh Barty (1) vs. Jessica Pegula (23): There's no denying that 27-year-old Pegula has had a strong year -- after a breakthrough run in Melbourne, where she beat two-time champion Victoria Azarenka and fifth seed Elina Svitolina, she made her way to the semis in Doha, the quarters in Rome, and the final four again in Montreal. How does that set her up for a potential battle against the world #1? Well, there are certainly worse ways to prepare. Of course, Pegula would likely have to get past big threats like Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic and last year's French Open champ Iga Swiatek first. And while she did lose her only previous match against Barty, that was two years ago when she was a much different player. If these two meet again, I feel like we could get a real battle.
Petra Kvitova (10) vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (14): Kvitova may not be at he very top of her game, but she has been one of the most consistently dangerous women on tour for years. The two-time Wimbledon champ has played some solid ball this year, with wins over Garbiñe Muguruza, Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, and even a title in Doha. She's also blessed with a decent draw this year -- the top seed in her section is Bianca Andreescu, who I honestly don't think can make it too far in her title defense. Pavs, meanwhile, is coming off the summer of her career, kicked off with an impressive but unlikely run to the French Open final and which includes a quarterfinal showing at the Olympics. She's got a few more challenges in her way -- Paula Badosa looms in the third round and a recently surging Karolina Pliskova could wait in the fourth -- but she's pulled off major upsets already this year. What's a few more?
Iga Swiatek (7) vs. Paula Badosa (24): There was a moment this spring when I really, honestly thought that Badosa was going to win Roland Garros. She might not have gotten it done this year, but I do believe a Major is coming her way in the not too distant future. And she's done a lot to prove that it doesn't have to be the French -- she made the fourth round at Wimbledon, the quarters in Cincy, where she beat Aryna Sabalenka in the second round, and took out last year's breakout champion on her way to the Olympic quarterfinals too. Swiatek, though, has two titles herself this year and is doing a lot to prove she's no flash in the pan. Still, she's got a pretty tough section of the draw, with Jessica Pegula, Cleveland champ Anett Kontaveit, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, and -- no big deal -- world #1 Ashleigh Barty to contend with. Badosa has a rough road too, in the same quarter as Karolina Pliskova and others, but she, frankly, has a bit of a better chance. Whatever the case, if these two meet in the semis, it could really be fun to watch.
Angelique Kerber (16) vs. Danielle Collins (26): It feels like a while, but it hasn't really been that long since Angelique Kerber won a Major -- it was only, technically, two Wimbledons ago. And she claimed the crown here just before that in 2016. But the 33-year-old German has remained a stalwart in the sport over that time -- while she may be off her career best, she still made the semis at the All England Club last month, and she put up a nice fight vying for the final in Cincy too. Collins, on the other hand, has really just been hitting her stride in recent weeks -- seeded at a Major for the first time, she's reached the semis in Australia and the quarters at the French before, but it wasn't until July that she won her first two titles, running a twelve match win streaked, capped by a defeat of Simona Halep. To make the semis here, she'd likely face Aryna Sabalenka or Barbora Krejcikova, while Kerber is in the same quarter as Naomi Osaka and Chicago champ Elina Svitolina. But they've both overcome challenges before, and might just be able to pull off deep runs here again.
Okay, we know the chances of the top seeds making it to the final are slim, whatever the draws are, but this time, the opportunities if they do are pretty cool. Let's start with the potential championship match everyone wants to see.
Ashleigh Barty (1) vs. Naomi Osaka (3): The potential showdown between the world #1, who has pretty convincingly proven why she's got that ranking, and the winner of the last two hardcourt Majors would be one for the ages. Fittingly, they've split their four previous matches, but they haven't met in nearly two years, and so much has changed since then. Osaka has really been the woman to beat at these big events, but Barty, maybe unlike her would-be final opponent, is clearly an all-court player. Plus she's running a hot streak, while Naomi has had a lot of unwanted attention recently. Hopefully, if they both make it this far, they'll be able to leave everything outside the sport off the court and make this one a real match.
Aryna Sabalenka (2) vs. Karolina Pliskova (4): I'm not sure how I feel about Sabalenka usurping the second seed from Osaka -- which means I'm not happy about it -- but given her strong clay court season and her breakthrough semi run at Wimbledon, I suppose she deserves it. Then again, she's only made it out of the fourth round of a Major once, so asking for her to do it twice in a row may be a lot. Still, if she can manage to make the final, it would be interesting to see her go up against the surprise Wimbledon finalist for the third time this year. Pliskova not only stunned the heavy favorite at the All England Club last month, but did it again in the Montreal semis a few weeks ago. Sabalenka did not look happy with either of those losses, and I wonder how she'd compose herself if she wound up playing for the title against the former #1 and 2016 runner-up. I don't see her taking well to a third loss in a row.
MEN'S DRAW
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Holger Rune (Q): There is a lot on the line for Novak Djokovic in New York, but before we start talking about his chances to win the title here, like everyone else, he's got to get through the first round. Sure, that's almost a given -- the last time Nole lost his opening match at a Major was in 2006, when he was 18 and ranked #76 in the world. But we know you can't take anything for granted these days, even if he's facing off against a qualifier who's playing in his first Major main draw. But the 18-year-old Rune is actually running quite a win streak -- he's coming off back-to-back Challengers titles in San Marino and Verona, both on clay, and three wins in the preliminary rounds. He's going to get quite the initiation to the big leagues here -- he's never even played anyone ranked in the top ten -- and no doubt all eye will be watching what this up-and-comer is made of. If he can put up a bit of a fight, or catch Djokovic off guard, this one could get interesting.
Daniil Medvedev (2) vs. Richard Gasquet: The second seed and former runner-up in New York has really solidified his standing as one of the best hardcourt players on tour, picking up his third title of the year and his fourth Masters crown earlier this month in Toronto. But the veteran Gasquet is a journeyman, with more match wins of any active player outside the Big Four. And he's not going away easily -- he picked up a win this past May over Diego Schwartzman in Lyon, made his 32nd career final in Umag, and this past week beat Dan Evans in straight sets in Winston-Salem. Does he have a shot against Medvedev? Maybe a very long one, but you know he won't go down without a fight.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (3) vs. Andy Murray: Speaking of veterans vs. upstarts... The 2012 champion here continues to be the sentimental favorite almost every time he steps on court and he always seems to give us a show. He's only played a handful of matches this year, though, so whether he'd be able to withstand multiple best-of-five contests is something of a question. So maybe it's a good thing we get to see such a high-stakes battle so early in the draw. Tsitsipas is coming off a roller coaster of a summer -- after that heart-breaking loss in the Roland Garros final, he was stunned in his opening round at Wimbledon. But he's been rebuilding nicely on the hardcourts, making the semis in both Toronto and Cincinnati. He's never faced Murray before, so it'll be interesting to see how he composes himself. And since every match could be the Brit's last, it's nice to know that this one has the potential to be really great.
Alex de Minaur (14) vs. Taylor Fritz: It's been a rough couple months for Fritz who, you might remember, kicked off 2021 by nearly knocking Novak Djokovic out of the Australian Open and then beat Denis Shapovalov and David Goffin on his way to the Doha semis. But then a knee injury sustained in Paris put a damper on his season. While he managed to make the third round at Wimbledon straight off his comeback -- as well as the semis in Los Cabos and Atlanta -- he's lost his last three first rounds and has fallen out of seeding territory. That could make him a dangerous floater, but de Minaur is not one to be ignored. He's won two titles already this year and is just a shade off his career high ranking. He did make the quarters here last year, so there's a lot at stake for the Australian. This one could be a good early test for either one.
John Isner (19) vs. Brandon Nakashima: Somehow I always forget that John Isner is actually a good hardcourt player -- he's made the final of five Masters events on the surface, even winning the title in Miami in 2018. This year he followed up a sixth title in Atlanta with wins over Andrey Rublev in Toronto and Jannik Sinner in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, young Nakashima has been having a pretty strong summer season as well -- he made back-to-back finals in Los Cabos, where he beat Isner in the semis, and Atlanta, where he obviously lost the title match. Still, the 20-year-old is grinding, and who's to say he won't be able to turn the tables back in his favor when they meet again?
Karen Khachanov (25) vs. Lloyd Harris: A couple years ago, I used to watch Karen Khachanov and think, "This guy's going to be a big threat." And he was, for a while, beating Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, and Novak Djokovic -- all in straight sets -- to win the Paris Masters title in 2018, reaching the quarters at Indian Wells and Roland Garros the year after, rising to #7 in the world. But he kind of hiccuped after the shut down and didn't score a lot of high profile wins through the first half of this year. That started to change at Wimbledon, though, when he survived a nearly four-hour match against Sebastian Korda to make the quarters and then very nearly notched a win over Denis Shapovalov too. His real success, though, came in Tokyo, where he beat Diego Schwartzman and Pablo Carreño Busta on his way to the silver medal. Harris, meanwhile, who shocked Thiem on his way to the Dubai final, scored an even bigger win over Rafael Nadal in Washington this month, so you know he can be a threat on these courts. He hasn't yet had a deep run at a Major, but maybe this is his chance to change that.
Cameron Norrie (26) vs. Carlos Alcaraz: Norrie has really established himself as an all-court player this year, reaching the finals at Estoril and Lyon on clay as well as at Queen's Club on grass before finally bringing home that first trophy on the hardcourts of Los Cabos. And he's scored some nice upsets on the way -- he's beaten the likes of Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov, and Grigor Dimitrov to name a few. Meanwhile, young Alcaraz, fresh off a semi run in Winston-Salem, is slowly inching his way to the top fifty -- he might just get there before play start in New York. The 18-year-old became the youngest tour champion since 2008 when he took the title in Umag, and it's just a matter of time before those wins start coming on bigger stages. This will be his first U.S. Open, and it'll be interesting to see how he adapts, but he's already tasted some victory at the Majors, and so one more here is not out of the question.
Pablo Carreño Busta (9) vs. Sebastian Korda: For all the attention we give Sebastian Korda, it's amazing to me that he isn't seeded at the Slams yet. But for all his successes, we haven't yet seen him get that really big win on the very biggest courts. Can that change now? Well, PCB is defending semifinal points at the Open, and with wins over Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on his way to Olympic bronze, you know he's a threat on this surface. It's kind of a shame that these two would have to meet so early -- of course, that in and of itself is no sure think, as Korda opens against a barely unseeded Nikoloz Basilashvili -- but if they do, look for each to try setting the tone for something big.
Roberto Bautista Agut (18) vs. Emil Ruusuvuori: Along with Norway's Casper Ruud, young Ruusuvuori is playing a big part in putting Scandanavia on the tennis map, and while he may not have climbed quite as high as his regional mate, he has still notched some big wins this year. He stunned Alexander Zverev in the second round of Miami, made the semis in Atlanta with a win over Cameron Norrie, and this week in Winston-Salem picked up victories over Alexander Bublik, Richard Gasquet and a suddenly resurgent Benoit Paire. RBA, meanwhile, has been a little more quiet -- though he did manage a monster upset of Daniil Medvedev on his way to the Miami semis, he failed to defend semifinal points at Wimbledon and has been a bit spotty on the summer hardcourts, pushing him out of the top twenty for the first time in two years. Add to that a tough first round against Nick Kyrgios, if he makes it this far, it could be an opportunity ripe for an upset.
Ugo Humbert (23) vs. Benoit Paire: I guess there's something to be said for the rationale behind Benoit Paire's pretty bratty behavior on court since tennis fans were kept out of stadiums over the past year. After months of seeing little success -- he won exactly four matches between the lockdown and Wimbledon -- he finally seemed to be reinvigorated in Cincinnati, where the stands were again at full capacity. He got wins over John Isner and Denis Shapovalov there, and even took a set off Andrey Rublev in the quarters. So with crowds back in New York, will he be able to further revive his game? Well, the underrated Humbert, who took out Rublev and Alexander Zverev on his way to the Halle title and beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tokyo, will certainly have something to say about that. Still, it's a good opportunity for Paire to right his ship and prove all his bluster really meant anything.
Kei Nishikori vs. Mackenzie McDonald: Well this one could be interesting. A long-ago finalist in New York, Nishikori is well off the highs of his career, thanks to plaguing injuries that seem to knock him down every time he gets up. But in his third or fourth coming -- I've clearly lost track in the decade-plus he's been among the elite -- he's still putting up good numbers. He made the semis in Washington just the week after reaching the quarters at the Olympics, where the hometown crowd celebrated his first round upset of Andrey Rublev. McDonald, on the other hand, is trying to surpass his pevious career high ranking of #57 and if he keeps his solid hardcourt results coming -- he made the fourth round in Melbourne and the final in DC -- he could do it. Of course, he'll have to get past David Goffin to make this match happen, and whoever wins will likely face off against Novak Djokovic, but it'll be fun to see what either of them can do.
Matteo Berrettini (6) vs. Ilya Ivashka: This was the site of Berrettini's first big breakthrough two years ago, remember, when he rocketed to the semifinals with wins over Richard Gasquet, Andrey Rublev, and a then-#13 Gael Monfils, and picked up a lot of fans -- one very vocal one -- in the process. I didn't give him a lot of credit at the time, but he sure has proven that run was no fluke with a runner-up finish last month at Wimbledon. He missed the Olympics with an injury, but got in a little match play in Cincy before making his return to the Big Apple. His form will be tested right off the bat though with an opening match against an always tricky Jeremy Chardy. Two rounds later he's slated to meet Fabio Fognini, but don't be surprised if we see an unseeded Ivashka make it through instead -- the 27-year-old Belarusian is actually just now at a career high ranking, having notched a huge upset over Alexander Zverev in Munich and this past week ousting top seed Pablo Carreño Busta on his way to the Winston-Salem title, the first of his career. The Italian did beat him at the All England Club, but he might be able to turn the tables if they face off again.
Casper Ruud (8) vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (29): A couple weeks ago I gave a shoutout to some of the players who've been really excelling this summer, and I somehow completely forgot to mention Casper Ruud, the 22-year-old Norwegian who went on a three-title win streak after Wimbledon last month. And I feel bad about that, but it bears noting that those, and his two other trophies, have all come on clay, and he hasn't beating many players ranked in the top fifty to get any of them. That's not to say he's not a threat -- he has wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Diego Schwartzman this year, again both times on clay, and he is now just a whisper outside the top ten -- but he does have a less than 50% career win record on hardcourts. ADF, on the other hand, did make a nice run to the fourth round here last year before reaching the quarters at Roland Garros this spring. It's hard to bet against Ruud, but on this surface, this one could have the makings of an upset.
Jannik Sinner (13) vs. Gael Monfils (17): It's been a big year for the barely-not-a-teen Sinner -- after ending last season by claiming his maiden title in Sofia, he kicked off this one with a second at the Great Ocean Road Open in Melbourne. He made the final in Miami and took another trophy in Washington earlier this month. If he doesn't end the year in the top ten, I guarantee he'll be pretty close. Meanwhile the new Mr. Svitolina finally seems to have his feet back under him after a rough post-shutdown run. After a red-hot start to last season, he struggled with injury and form for months. But he finally won more than two matches in a row for the first time since Dubai last year in Toronto and did it again a week later in Cincinnati. Can he keep it up in a best-of-five situation? Well, I feel like I've seen more marathon matches featuring him than almost any other player -- almost -- so if he can manage through the early rounds, this one could be fun.
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Jenson Brooksby (W): Okay, I know it's asking a lot for the young Brooksby to make it all the way to the fourth round of a Major when he's only won one main draw match here before, but hear me out. Back in 2019, when he was just 18 years old, he battled through qualifying rounds in New York, then stunned former world #4 Tomas Berdych in what turned out to be the one-time Wimbledon finalist's last pro match. Brooksby didn't play at all last year, but he's sure making up for lost time now -- after reaching the final in Newport, he stunned Felix Auger-Aliassime on his way to the DC semis. He's also won a handful of Challengers titles to boot. It certainly seems like he's getting primed for the big leagues, and he's got to make a major move sometime, so why not now? And he's gotta start putting in the work against the big guys eventually, so why not start with the #GOAT 🐐 contender? Sure there are more immediate roadblocks -- Alex de Minaur, Aslan Karatsev, for example, lurk in earlier matches -- but it might be time to start shooting for the stars.
Denis Shapovalov (7) vs. Reilly Opelka (22): Shapovalov first cracked the top ten after making the quarters here last year, and he fittingly got back in it with an impressive semi showing at Wimbledon, where he put up quite a fight in a tight three-setter against Novak Djokovic. But he hasn't won a match since, even losing in Gstaad to world #249 Vit Kopriva. Opelka, on the other hand, is OHSOCLOSE to becoming the top ranked U.S. player after making the final in Toronto with a come-from-behind win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. He hasn't had much success at the Majors yet, though, but perhaps that's about to change. Though Opelka is slated to meet a very tough Pablo Carreño Busta and Shaps is scheduled for a date with Karen Khachanov before this meeting can even happen, it's definitely one I could see going in favor of the American, and what a boost that would be for his career.
Felix Auger-Aliassime (12) vs. Frances Tiafoe: Young FAA is really capable of big things -- he's got four top ten wins this year, including one over Roger Federer in Halle, an event the Swiss mister once dominated, and perhaps even more impressively, one over Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon, where he became the surprise quarterfinalist. The problem, though, like with his compatriot above, is consistency -- the Canadian doesn't often win the next match after those milestones, and despite eight final appearances, he remains without a single tour title. Meanwhile Tiafoe has turned to the Challenger tour when he's found himself struggling, picking up a few trophies at those smaller events while working hard in the big leagues too. He's entered one event after another this summer, making the quarters in Winston-Salem last week, and of course, scoring that huge win over Tsitsipas himself at Wimbledon. It may be a lot for him to make his second straight Major fourth round, especially with Andrey Rublev a potential opponent one match earlier, but if both these guys make it, this is kind of an upset I see happening.
Hubert Hurkacz (10) vs. Aslan Karatsev (21): Like many people, I'd written off Hubert Hurkacz's potential after a disastrous clay court season that saw him notch just one win. But the surprise Miami champ surprised us again at Wimbledon, taking out Daniil Medvedev and Roger Federer on the way to his first Major semi. He's done decently since, no long losing streaks anyway, so we should be prepared for his fast court talents to take hold in New York. Karatsev, meanwhile, has been a little quiet since his monster run to start the year -- he hasn't made it out of the second round of an event since Rome, and he's lost both matches he's played on the North American hardcourts. It sure would be amazing if he could find his game now -- though he'd likely have to get past Novak Djokovic, the man he stunned in Belgrade, again, and we know how likely that would be. Still, it would be nice if he could prove he was no flash in the pan and what better place to do it than here?
Diego Schwartzman (11) vs. Marcos Giron: Schwartzman may be more of a clay court player these days, but don't forget, he's made the quarters here twice before and he's got some good results on the surface this year too -- he beat Dan Evans and Frances Tiafoe in Cincinnati, and all his losses during the summer have come in three sets. And he actually has a pretty decent draw to make some things happen -- his first big test, no pun intended, is John Isner, who may be, like, twice his size, but can defintely be outplayed. He could also face Casper Ruud, but as mentioned, he might be a bigger problem on a different surface. Giron is certainly more of a pipe dream, but the 28-year-old American is near his career-high ranking, and he is coming off a quarterfinal run in Winston-Salem, where he beat tenth seed Federico Delbonis in the process. He'll have a lot more challenges here, of course, with Daniil Medvedev the biggest obvious threat. But the seeds in his immediate section -- Evans and Grigor Dimitrov, who retired from their fist round match at the French Open -- aren't playing their best, so he might have a shot at getting at least a few wins in. And some underdog has to make in through at these events, so why not him?
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Pablo Carreño Busta (9): This one could be interesting, huh? In what would be a rematch of the rematch, it'd be interesting to see whose nerves are stronger. Nole, of course, infamously and weirdly defaulted during their meeting here last year, giving PCB entrée into his second Major semifinal. While Djokovic did win their next match at Roland Garros this spring, the Spaniard quickly thereafter dealt him the rarest of cards -- a second loss in a row in the Olympic bronze medal game. Will the pendulum swing back in favor of the world #1? Well, it wouldn't be the craziest thing to see this one play out -- Carre˜o Busta has established he can play on these courts, and scoring a few more upsets on them is certainly in his grasp.
Andrey Rublev (5) vs. Marin Cilic (31): Okay, this isn't the most likely scenario, but there are reasons to think it could happen. Rublev hasn't been quite as prolific this year as he was in 2020 -- having "only" won one title versus five last year, but he's still had a ton of success, scoring wins over Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo, Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam, and Daniil Medvedev in Cincinnati. He's reached the quarters here twice before -- the first time in 2017 when he was just 19, beating then-world #9 Grigor Dimitrov on the way. And Cilic, a one-time world #3 and a long-ago champion here, is doing his best to still matter, winning a title in Stuttgart and even, probably unintentionally, finding himself the subject of a simple but entertaining Twitter account. Barely seeded, he'd likely face a lot of favorites for this match to even be possible, but we've seen bigger surprises before, and he's even been the one to pull some of them off. And what a comeback it would be if he were able to make it work.
Of course, when all is said and done, you have to put your money on the favorites to make it to the final, especially the way these guys are playing this year. And with so much on the line, if nerves don't get the better of them, there's no reason we couldn't see either of these scenarios play out.
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas (3): Novak Djokovic may have lost his chance at completing the calendar year Golden Slam but sweeping the Majors would still be an enormous feat. Not only would it accomplish something that no man has done since 1969, but it would tie him with Roger and Rafa for the most big titles in history and put him in good position to take the lead all by himself in a few months time. But he's got seven matches to win before any of that becomes a reality, and since he's lost the last two matches he played -- something he hadn't done for nine years -- it'll be interesting to see how he rebounds. Tsitsipas, meanwhile, seems to have rebounded nicely from his devastating loss at the French Open. Though he lost his first match back at Wimbledon, he's made the semis of both Masters events he's played since and is now at a career-high ranking at #3 in the world. If he's able to make it to his second Major final, and his second facing off against Nole, it'll be interesting to see what he does with any ghosts, and if these guys can give us a reprise of that nail-biter we saw last spring.
Daniil Medvedev (2) vs. Alexander Zverev (4): Of course, Nole's plans could be derailed at any point and that might create an opening for the two players who won each of the U.S. Open Series Masters events this year. Daniil Medvedev, who came OHSOCLOSE to beating Rafael Nadal in his debut Major final two years ago, picked up his fourth Masters title in Toronto, giving him at least a final showing at every big post-Wimbledon hardcourt event since 2019. I'm a little surprised he didn't put up more of a fight in his second attempt to go for a Major crown, but if he gets a chance again, you can be sure things'll be different. Meanwhile, Zverev, as much as I hate to admit it, has been on point as well, beating Djokovic on his way to Olympic gold and picking up his own fifth Masters title in Cincinnati. Like Medvedev, he too came OHSOCLOSE to winning the title here in his first attempt last year, and if these guys get a chance to work out their frustrations against each other, you can bet it'll be a battle.
Outside these potential match-ups, there are a lot of players worth watching who I didn't get a chance to highlight at all.
There's perennial dark horse Alizé Cornet, who made the fourth round here last year and is fresh off a runner-up finish in Chicago -- she opens against Ons Jabeur. And there are two more qualifiers worth watching -- Elina Svitolina's first round opponent Rebecca Marino, who stunned Madison Keys and Paula Badosa in Montreal, and Katie Boulter, who pushed Aryna Sabalenka to the limit at Wimbledon and starts her campaign against Liudmila Samsonova.
There are some question marks on the men's side as well. Veteran Ivo Karlovic, 42-years-young, fought through qualifying rounds to earn a spot at what he said will be his last event. He'll kick off his goodbye tour against Andrey Rublev, so we'll see if sentiment can carry the day. And 2017 finalist Kevin Anderson is back in the top hundred after a title in Newport -- he hasn't won a main draw match since then, but he might just be able to find his footing again here.
Whatever happens, though, you know there are going to be a lot of great storylines that come out of this year's U.S. Open, and I can't believe I've even scratched the surface of them here. But here's hoping we're in for another great two weeks of tennis, and that whatever history we make, it's only the good kind.
Posted by Kavitha at 11:12 AM
Labels: Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Ashleigh Barty, Coco Gauff, Daniil Medvedev, Elina Svitolina, Jannik Sinner, Karolina Pliskova, Matteo Berrettini, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, U.S. Open
Giant Slayer
Summer Standouts


text:
North Korea: New images show blurring of prison camps and villages
New satellite images show the North Korean government is expanding the perimeters of prison camps north of the capital Pyongyang and blurring the lines between the camps and the surrounding population there, Amnesty International warned today. The new images add to the body of evidence of North Korea's extensive prison camp system, which the government continues to deny the existence of.
Amnesty made a new call for UN Member States to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry into the grave, systematic and widespread human rights violations in North Korea, including crimes against humanity.
Responding to reports of the possible construction of a new political prison camp, Kwan-li-so, adjacent to Camp No. 14 in Kaechon, South Pyongan Province, Amnesty commissioned satellite imagery and analysis of the area.
Analysts found that between 2006 and 2013, North Korea has constructed a new 20km perimeter around the Ch'oma-Bong valley, located 70km north of Pyongyang. The new perimeter includes civilian villages and encloses inhabitants within it. The satellite images also show the construction of newly established controlled access points and a number of probable guard towers. Analysts also identified the construction of new buildings that appear to house workers, likely to be associated with an expansion of mining activity in the region. A new report which includes the analysts' findings to accompany the publication of the images is available on request.
The activity points to a tightening in the control of movement of the local population, which likely muddies the line between those detained in the political prison camp and the valley's inhabitants.
Frank Jannuzi, Amnesty USA's deputy executive director, said:
"We expected to find a new prison camp. What we found is in some ways even more worrisome.
"The creation of a security perimeter with controlled access points and guard towers beyond what appears to be the formal boundaries of Camp 14 blurs the line between more than 100,000 people who suffer in North Korea's Kwan-li-so system and the neighbouring civilian population."
Hundreds of thousands of people, including children, are held in political prison camps and other detention facilities in North Korea, where they are subject to human rights violations such as forced hard labour, being denied food as a form of punishment, torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment as well as summary executions. Many of those held in political prison camps have not committed any crime, but are related to people deemed unfriendly to the regime and detained as a form of collective punishment known as 'guilt by association'.
Rajiv Narayan, North Korea Researcher for Amnesty International, said:
"The security and control adjacent to Camp 14 shows the degree to which general repression and restrictions on the right to liberty of movement have become commonplace in North Korea.
"These latest images reinforce why it is imperative a robust independent Commission of Inquiry is established to investigate the grave and systematic human rights abuses that continue under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's rule."
Amnesty International is calling for unfettered access to the area for human rights observers, to include both the Ch'oma-bong valley as well as Camp No. 14, and for North Korea to officially acknowledge that political prison camps such as Camp 15 in Yodok and Camp 14 in Kaechon exist.
In 2011, Amnesty International published analysis of satellite imagery that showed the expansion of the notorious Yodok political prison camp, believed to house 50,000 men, women, and children. According to former detainees at the political prison camp at Yodok, prisoners are forced to work in slave-like conditions and are frequently subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. Despite overwhelming evidence, the North Korean government continues to deny the camps exist.
Amnesty is calling on UN member states to adopt a resolution at the 22nd session of the UN Human Rights Council currently underway, to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry into the abysmal conditions and the general human rights situation in North Korea, described by the UN as being in "its own category".

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


* Jboss EAP 6 does not support OSGi plugins that include servlets.
Jboss EAP 7 is fully supported.
** dotCMS will provide support for environments that meet these requirements.
Not all environmental combinations are tested.
If you would like to have a custom stack or setup certified for running the dotCMS platform, please see our Stack Certification Consulting Package.


We're now headed into the parallel story of Jesus' birth in the book of Matthew, since we've concluded Luke's account.
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
Reflect: To the Jewish people, engagement was equivalent to marriage–except they did not live together or consummate until marriage. If an engaged woman became pregnant, it would've been considered adultery (see Deuteronomy 22:13—21). Therefore, Joseph had decided to "divorce her quietly," which was honorable despite the heartache Joseph must've felt at this time. When you're hurt or rejected, what's your initial response? Our flesh would want to disgrace the other person (the more public the better!); yet, the heart of Christ is that despite the person's dishonor, we chose to honor God and move forward quietly.
Respond: Gracious Father, you have dealt with me in patience and love time and again, yet I continually call out the speck of sin in another person's eye. Teach me to love others right where they are and to be patient even when I've been hurt and want to make a public spectacle of them!
Tot Time: Being hurt by someone else is never fun. Talk with the little ones about a time when their feelings were hurt and how it made them feel. How should we respond in these situations? Then, ask them about a time when they've hurt someone else and how they should change their behavior.


Happy Wednesday guys! Can we just take a moment to appreciate it's OCTOBER ALREADY?! Literally, where the F has the time gone?! That being said however, both myself and my wardrobe are totally ready for Autumn/Winter dressing. And with that I'm taking on board all of the trends of the season, past and present and mega excited to combine them all into some seriously sassy Autumnal looks. BRING IT ON!
From Prada to Gucci, ruffles have been dominating the catwalks, and have made their way into our beloved high street with ASOS (of course) taking trumps for their downright fabulous collection. One of these being this freakin' awesome dress from a brand called Zacro. Serious points to you guys, I mean LOOKA THOSE SLEEVES! I am sooo in love with this dress. I loved styling it simply throught Summer with a pair of block-colour shoes and my trusty star earrings, but I think this could even look pretty damn amazing come Autumn/Winter, too.
I'd go all out with the print and texture clash, combining with some jacquard or velvet boots, a long-slevee mesh top underneath, some heart print tights and maybe a pom-pom keyring to finish off the look, a-la 'Granny Chic'. If you've seen my last past you'll know what I mean. This autumn is the time to go absolutely bonkers and throw all of your craziest pieces together for one fabulous statement look. And if this dress isn't statement enough already, I don't know what is.
This is such a fun take on ruffles! I seriously adore this look. The dress is flawless, and the boots compliment it perfectly!
I totally agree, such an easy throw-on piece, too. Thank you so much lovely!
yess these frills are so nice, espically on the sleeves makes it a bit differnt ! And those shoes too, sooo yummy!
Haha! Thank you - the shoes are unbelievably comfy too, always a plus!
The sleeves on that dress are fricking amazing! You look fab girl!
Ain't it sassy? You're too sweet - thanks so much honey!


text:
[Updated] Why A 'Caretaker' Government By Convention Is Unconstitutional
28 March 2013 | Bolehland | Posted by Edmund Bon Tai Soon
[29 March 2013 Update: Please also see His Poyoness Syahredzan Johan's response to this article No, A Caretaker Government By Convention IS Constitutional. You can see that some rather boring stuff makes these LoyarBurok-kers excited!]
Much discussion (and rage) about a 'caretaker' government has taken place in the country, some found here and here. But how does a Government assume the character of the 'caretaker' of Malaysia? The prevailing view is that once Parliament is dissolved, and by convention, the Government automatically continues to govern in a 'caretaker' capacity. This view is not consistent with the Federal Constitution. Here's why.
Let us assume that Parliament was dissolved on 27 March 2013 pursuant to Article 55(3) of the Federal Constitution (FC) to pave the way for the 13th General Election. Nomination day is fixed for 8 April 2013, and election day on 20 April 2013.
Pre-dissolution, the Cabinet:
derived its executive authority from Article 39 FC;
was presided over by the Prime Minister who was appointed by the Yang di Pertuan Agong (YDPA) and was a member of the Dewan Rakyat (Article 43(2) FC);
consisted of other Ministers who were appointed from among the members of either the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara (Article 43(2) FC); and,
was collectively responsible to Parliament (Article 43(3) FC).
Ministers in the Cabinet were assisted by Deputy Ministers appointed pursuant to Article 43A FC.
The Cabinet, Ministers and Deputy Ministers derived their powers, authority and legitimacy from Parliament. When Parliament stood dissolved on 27 March 2013, the Cabinet (and by extension, the government of the day) 'ceased' to exist. Ministers and Deputy Ministers ceased to hold office or had any power or authority to govern until the results of the General Election are known and a new Government sworn in.
It is submitted that if a 'caretaker' Government is to be in place between 27 March to 20 April 2013, there must have be a formal and express appointment of the Cabinet, Ministers and Deputy Ministers (i.e. re-appointment of the members of the last Cabinet as the case may be) by the YDPA, evidenced by a notification in the Gazette. If there is no such appointment by the YDPA, there would be no Government – 'caretaker' or otherwise. This proposition is impliedly found in the proviso to Article 43(2) FC which reads as follows:
The Cabinet shall be appointed as follows, that is to say:
… but if an appointment is made while Parliament is dissolved a person who was a member of the last House of Representatives may be appointed but shall not continue to hold office after the beginning of the next session of Parliament unless, if he has been appointed Prime Minister, he is a member of the new House of Representatives, and in any other case he is a member either of that House or of the Senate.
A similar proviso is found in Article 43A(1) FC in respect of Deputy Ministers.
This requirement of the YDPA's appointment (or re-appointment) is strikingly obvious when one compares the current provisions with the proposed draft of the FC by the Reid Commission in its Article 36(4):
Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Article shall be construed as disqualifying the Prime Minister or any other Minister from remaining in office during any period when Parliament stands dissolved, or as preventing the appointment of any person as Prime Minister or other Minister during any such period.
(emphasis in italics mine)
The proposed Article 36(4) does not appear in the FC.
1. The law does nothing in vain – lex nil frusta facit.
2. Effect should be given to every part and every word of the FC in a harmonious way.
3. Words appearing in the FC are to be interpreted in their plain and natural meaning.
4. The courts are not at liberty to disregard the plain and natural meaning of the words in the FC to search for some other conjectured intent.
5. The expression of one thing in the FC excludes other things not expressed – expressio unius est exclusio alterius.
6. Reference to contemporaneous documents or circumstances when the FC was drafted is permissible to gather the drafters' intention (e.g. Reid Commission Report).
7. Constitutional convention plays no role where there are express requirements in the FC that cannot be ignored. The Indian position is therefore distinguishable as its Constitution does not have provisions similar to our Articles 43(2) and 43A(1) FC cited above.
The Federal Government is well-advised to seek the YDPA's appointment (or re-appointment) of its Cabinet (including the Prime Minister) should it desire to continue to govern – constitutionally – in a 'caretaker' fashion after Parliament is dissolved.
Endnote: The above is an edited version of the oral and written submission, among other points, made before the Federal Court in Criminal Appeal No. 05-23-2009, Mohd Norkhairi Bin Mat Darus v Ketua Polis Negara & 3 Others in 2009. In that case, Dato' Johari Bin Baharum purportedly in the name of the Deputy Minister of Internal Security issued a detention order under the Emergency Ordinance on 7 March 2008 after Parliament was dissolved on 13 February 2008. Counsel (with Richard Wee, Zulqarnian Bin Lukman and Syamsuriatina Binti Ishak) submitted that because no appointment was made by the YDPA for a 'caretaker' Government pursuant to Article 43A(1) FC, the issuance of the order was illegal. The Federal Court dismissed the appeal. Despite a request made for written grounds of judgment, the Court has yet to deliver one.
Tags: Article 43, Article 43A, Cabinet, Deputy Minister, Federal Constitution, General Election, Government, Minister, Prime Minister, YDPA, Yang di Pertuan Agong, caretaker
Posts by Edmund Bon Tai Soon
Life's a sufferance. Lawyering a bore. As Edmund continues various escape techniques to be rid of Lord Bobo's influence, he crusades with UndiMsia! movers to build strange youth love movements around the country. And so he tweets @edmundbon and practises the black magic art of advocacy at www.BONadvocates.com
Read more articles posted by Edmund Bon Tai Soon.
8 Responses to [Updated] Why A 'Caretaker' Government By Convention Is Unconstitutional
2 April 2013 - 12:23 pm
My 2 cents guess is that THEY just hung on for the LIMA event to sign off the Defence Contracts and were not bothered about the critical election since they know its a goner !.
1 April 2013 - 6:32 pm
The Cabinet, Ministers and Deputy Ministers derived their powers, authority and legitimacy from Parliament. When Parliament stood dissolved on 27 March 2013, the Cabinet (and by extension, the government of the day) 'ceased' to exist. Ministers and Deputy Ministers ceased to hold office or had any power or authority to govern until the results of the General Election are known and a new Government sworn in…..
SO MY QUESTION IS HOW DID THEY MANAGE TO SIGN ALL THE DEFENCE CONTRACTS???
Edmund Bon Tai Soon
29 March 2013 - 7:49 pm
Dear Shanmuga and Andrew
The 'pleasure' argument does not apply to the Prime Minister: Article 43(5). If the Prime Minister 'goes', the rest of the Ministers 'fall' (see Amir Kahar).
We are then back to Article 43(4) – which I accept does not expressly speak of them vacating their offices upon dissolution – and to the question of express automatic termination of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet members' offices pointed out by Shanmuga.
The Indian Supreme Court in U.N.R. Rao v Smt Indira Gandhi [1971] AIR 1002 rejected the argument that once the House of the People (Parliament) is dissolved, the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is unable to be 'collectively responsible' to the House under Article 75(3) and therefore the Prime Minister must resign or cease to hold office or be dismissed. The Court held that the Indian equivalent of our Article 43(3) does not apply when Parliament is dissolved or prorogued, thus supporting both Shanmuga and Andrew's view of the non-automatic termination of offices but on a different ground: the President cannot exercise his executive power without the aid and advice of the Council.
To that, and quite apart again that the Indian Constitution does not have our Article 43(2), I would say that the 'derivative powers' argument when Cabinet was first formed by reference to Parliament is still an open question. What is only left now is for a 'perfect storm' of a test case to provide jurisprudential relief by the judges. Penang first I suppose?
Pepper Lim
29 March 2013 - 12:10 pm
43(2) provides for the appointment of a PM and ministers during a dissolution when there are no MPs. It then also follows the Westminster convention that these must resign if they lose their seats at the general election (and if other ministers, are not appointed to the Senate before the beginning of the session).
What 43(2) omits to say is that a PM or other minister who is appointed before the dissolution should also resign if they lose their seats in the general election (and not appointed to the Senate, etc.). So this opens the door for Edmund's contention that they cease to hold office upon dissolution.
Referring then to 43(4), the PM holds office until he ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives. If he loses a vote of no confidence he must resign "unless" the YDPA dissolves Parliament at his request. I feel this reproduces the Westminster convention that the Government has the right to continue in office, whereas Edmund thinks that it simply means they don't resign but cease to hold office automatically upon dissolution. The problem with that is there is nothing in Article 43 that states that the PM and Ministers cease to hold office upon dissolution.
In fact, 43(5) expressly states that other ministers "shall hold office during the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong". This expressly contradicts Edmund's contention that they hold office only during the continuance of the Parliament. Until and unless they resign or the YDPA revokes their appointment (acting upon whose advice?), the other ministers remain in office. Fullstop. Edmund's implied provision cannot withstand this express provision.
@shanmuga_k
29 March 2013 - 1:57 am
Its an interesting argument.
However, the logic of Edmund's arguments rests in part on this: "When Parliament stood dissolved on 27 March 2013, the Cabinet (and by extension, the government of the day) 'ceased' to exist". There is, however, no express provision on this. The office of Prime Minister does not just disappear.
And the proviso in 43(2) only says "if" an appointment is made during a period of dissolution. It does not seem to make it mandatory to make the appointment.
But you are right – the omission of the words from the Reid Commission draft does make one wonder what was the thinking behind this change / omission.
And Andrew has a point:-
43(4) says that the PM and Cabinet must resign if the PM after losing a confidence vote does not ask for dissolution. Presumably, that means that if does ask for dissolution, then he does not have to resign. Again, nothing says that a dissolution acts as an automatic termination of the PM or Cabinet's post.
I think there can't be such an automatic termination – the Suluks would just come in at that time when there was no PM, right? Oh wait … they're already here!
Thank you, Andrew.
I do not think Article 43(4) expressly says that. Either Parliament dissolves in which case the 43(2) proviso applies or the Prime Minister resigns for the YDPA to appoint another Prime Minister, and to advise the YDPA on members of the Cabinet.
The proviso to Article 43(2) is there for a reason. And I suggest it is to cater for the 'caretaker' periods.
Art 43(4) expressly provides for a Prime Minister and Cabinet who has lost the confidence of the Dewan Rakyat to remain in office if the King dissolves Parliament without any need for reappointment. By extension there is no need for any reappointment if the Government loses its majority as a result of the automatic dissolution of Parliament. It would be ludicrous otherwise.


Hits the spot for any serious cook.
The motor of the new MaxoMixx hand blender delivers up to 800 watts and packs the power you need for professional results at the touch of a button.he motor of the new MaxoMixx hand blender delivers up to 800 watts and packs the power you need for professional results at the touch of a button.
With the MaxoMixx, you can take your creations to a whole new level.
Not only does the premium-quality MaxoMixx hand blender let you conjure up professional results to put on the table; with its highquality stainless steel housing and a mixer foot made from the same professional material, it's also a visual delight.
Powerful motor for perfect results.
The comprehensive range of accessories – including the additional multifunctional accessory with various discs and tools – virtually transform the MaxoMixx hand blender into a small kitchen machine. The accessories are quick and easy to attach thanks to the patented click connection mechanism.
Discover the versatile kitchen power pack for pros.
The ProPuree (MSM87145) masher foot is the perfect standard accessory* for making things like creamy mashed potatoes.
The innovative multifunctional special accessory with its range of attachments for chopping, dicing, crushing, shredding, grating, kneading and stirring virtually transforms your hand blender into a miniature food processor.
The versatile whisk (special accessory) makes beating cream and egg whites or mixing light cake batter child's play.
The measuring beaker, which includes a scale and a lid so that you can store food in it, is a standard accessory with every MaxoMixx.
Flavour in a new form.
The new dicer for the MaxoMixx hand blender makes it simplicity itself to dice fruit and vegetables to perfection. The two special blades go on easily, and cut fruit and veg into identical 9 or 13 mm cubes every time.
Robust – from head to foot.
The high-quality housing and stainless steel mixer foot allow you to work directly in hot saucepans. The robust mixer foot is easy to clean – it can go straight in the dishwasher. What's more, the stainless steel does not affect the taste of the food being prepared, and guarantees that the appliance is hygienically clean. The material does not become discoloured, so it will carry on looking good throughout its entire service life.
Perfect enjoyment in the palm of your hand.
The non-slip, soft-touch handle and ergonomic design ensure optimum comfort and safety. The large, easy-to-reach buttons and rotary control at the head end let you work efficiently and intuitively. The flexible helix cord* gives you additional freedom.


A 12-week math tutoring program to improve the understanding of fractions for at-risk 4th graders through increased instruction on measurement interpretation of fractions.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 provides funding to school districts for early intervening services (EIS) that assist students who need increased academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment. As such, IDEA 2004 is a potential source of funding for Fraction Face-off!
Title I funds may be used for Fraction Face-off! Schools with at least a 40 percent poverty rate may choose to operate a schoolwide program that allows Title I funds to be combined with other federal, state and local funds to upgrade the school's overall instructional program. All other schools must operate targeted assistance programs for the most at-risk students; these programs must supplement the regular education program normally provided by state and local educational agencies.
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics offers funding to "increase the breadth and depth of mathematics content knowledge" of elementary school teachers committed to mathematics teaching and learning. If a school or district wishes to train teachers in Fraction Face-off! tutoring, this may be a potential source of funding.
President Obama's 2015 budget includes investments to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 schools, with a priority on excellent teachers, rigorous courses, and regional partnerships that enable school districts to partner with local employers, museums, universities, and others to transform STEM teaching and learning by developing coordinated plans to promote student inspiration, achievement, and preparation in STEM subjects.


Cash money back credit score cards supply consumers pay advantages on particular acquisitions. The money back credit history card individuals profit from the cash money reimbursement, on investing a specific quantity.
1% is the cheapest incentive on cash money back credit rating cards as well as 6% is normally the greatest restriction of money back advantage. Some cards call for the customer to invest a specific stated quantity on the cash money back credit scores card to be able to make use of the money back center.
Numerous Types of Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards: Cash back charge card benefits could be of 3 kinds- 'Discounts', 'Points' and also 'Air Miles'.
When making acquisitions from these firms, a number of debt card firms link up with particular brand names and also firms as well as their consumers make use of price cuts.
Credit history factors are factors gained by the card individual on or over the acquisition of a particular quantity. These factors could after that be made use of to patronize choose shops.
Several airline companies group up with the credit report card business to expand 'Travel Rewards' to customers. After that, card individuals are compensated with 1 mile for every buck invested on the card. Some debt card firms also supply 2 miles for each buck invested on the card.
Money back credit report cards supply unique advantages to clients for a year. Prompt regular monthly repayment of expenses is similarly crucial, to obtain of the card incentives.
0% Interest Rate: Cash back charge card usually the allow card customer to get 0% equilibrium transfers for a year, after the customer join. Several bank card business bill equilibrium transfer costs as much as 4%.
0% APR: Under the 0% APR plan, some charge card firms give only equilibrium transfers at 0% APR, while some deal both equilibrium transfers as well as acquisitions. The moment duration for which the 0% APR stands is once more crucial to recognize. The very best charge card business normally supply 0% APR for 12 to 15 months.
When using for money back debt cards, individuals should review the little print very carefully. It is far better to contrast the benefits provided by the various charge card business and afterwards buy one that uses the very best bargain.
Money back debt cards provide clients pay advantages on particular acquisitions. 1% is the cheapest incentive on money back debt cards and also 6% is normally the greatest limitation of cash money back advantage. Some cards call for the individual to invest a specific specified quantity on the money back credit report card to be able to get of the money back center.
After that, card individuals are compensated with 1 mile for every buck invested on the card. Some credit scores card business also use 2 miles for each buck invested on the card.


text:
import encodeWAV from './encode_wav.js';

// Audio recorder class for one-time use recording.  Only works on Chrome and Firefox.
// Adapted from https://github.com/danrouse/react-audio-recorder
export default class AudioRecorder {
  buffers: ?[[number]];
  bufferLength: number;
  bufferSize: number;
  audioContext: ?AudioContext;
  sampleRate: number;
  recorder: ?Object;
  recordingStream: ?Object;
  getUserMedia: ?Object;

  constructor() {
    this.buffers = [[], []];
    this.bufferLength = 0;
    this.bufferSize = 4096; // tuned up since we care about throughput and capturing all frames, not latency
    this.audioContext = new (window.AudioContext || window.webkitAudioContext)();
    this.sampleRate = this.audioContext.sampleRate;
    this.recordingStream = null;
    this.getUserMedia = (window.navigator.getUserMedia ||
                         window.navigator.webkitGetUserMedia ||
                         window.navigator.mozGetUserMedia ||
                         window.navigator.msGetUserMedia).bind(window.navigator);
  }

  record() {
    this.getUserMedia({ audio: true }, this._onStreamReady.bind(this), this._onStreamError.bind(this));
  }

  _onStreamError(err) {
    console.error('AudioRecorder._onStreamError', err); // eslint-disable-line no-console
  }

  _onStreamReady(stream) {
    const {audioContext, bufferSize} = this;
    const gain = audioContext.createGain();
    const audioSource = audioContext.createMediaStreamSource(stream);
    audioSource.connect(gain);

    const recorder = audioContext.createScriptProcessor(bufferSize, 2, 2);
    recorder.onaudioprocess = this._onAudioProcess.bind(this);
    gain.connect(recorder);
    recorder.connect(audioContext.destination);

    this.recorder = recorder;
    this.recordingStream = stream;
  }

  _onAudioProcess(event) {
    if (this.buffers && this.hasOwnProperty('bufferLength')) {
      // save left and right buffers
      for(let i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
        const channel = event.inputBuffer.getChannelData(i);
        this.buffers[i].push(new Float32Array(channel));
      }
      this.bufferLength += this.bufferSize;
    }
  }

  stop(onBlobReady) {
    this.recordingStream.getTracks()[0].stop();
    const audioData = encodeWAV(this.buffers, this.bufferLength, this.sampleRate);
    onBlobReady(audioData);
  }

  destroy() {
    if (this.recordingStream.stop) this.recordingStream.stop();
    if (this.audioContext.close) this.audioContext.close();

    delete this.buffers;
    delete this.bufferLength;
    delete this.bufferSize;
    delete this.audioContext;
    delete this.recordingStream;
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a hip problem resulting from hips being forced into a stretched-out position too early and the thighbone doesn't securely fit into the shaped socket. A baby is born with this or happens during the first year of life. It is not painful and may be undetected until the child is on the walking stage.
Congratulations on your journey to motherhood! Before giving birth, family and friends usually hold a baby shower for the mother. And so to help them, you need to set up a baby registry. In this way, they will know what you want and need for your baby.
When I got pregnant, my husband's cousins asked me if I have a baby registry. I was like, "what is that for?" Of course I was no naive back then.lol I came from the Philippines and grew up in the province so baby registry there is not really a thing at least for us. So I goggled and found websites where I can create my baby registry.
I had my baby registries at amazon, target and babies r us. Unfortunately, babies r us is closing but the other websites listed here are also great. So check these out and spread the word to your family and friends once you finish setting up your registry.
Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry – Amazon has the largest selections of baby products. In case your friends or family has busy life and will not be able to go to the mall or store to get you something for your baby shower or you have loved ones who lives far, they can easily just order it and delivery is fast!
Target – Good finds available in store and online.
Pottery Barn Kids – Online and In-store available. Personalization of baby items are available.
Posh Baby – this is for moms who live in Portland. This is Portland's premier baby boutique. Most items are on the expensive side. Store is only at Portland.
Albee Baby – Online only. You can find good deals, sale usually up to 20% off.


Thinking of Selling ? Looking for an Interior Stylist?
Did you know that Moss Furniture offers an Interior Styling Service?
You're probably thinking interior styling services are only for high end properties and people with an endless budget! Well, think again!
Moss Furniture has been in Crows Nest for 22 years, you may know us for our custom made dining tables but we have a few other feathers to our hat!
When you engage Moss Furniture Design and Styling service you have access to your personal interior designer for a small outlay that can be redeemed with purchase. With over 30 years in the industry Lyn Fisher owner of Moss Furniture would be delighted to assist you with your home styling requirements. Whether it's for a room makeover or the design of a new property Lyn can work her magic and personalise your space to suit your taste, needs and budget.
Styling services don't have to cost the earth! The advice and resources you can gain from Lyn's years of experience is priceless.
Longevity in this industry is rare and comes with its benefits. Lyn's extensive list of contacts ranges from wholesalers of furniture and homewares suppliers not only saving you money but valuable time.
Lyn is more than happy to source, order and receive delivery of your furniture and homewares as well as liaise with suppliers making your renovation or make over a seamless experience from start to finish. If we cant source the prefect table for you we will custom make it!
Moss Furniture also can also design and makeover offices spaces, shop fronts, reception areas and commercial properties. Recently designing an interior and exterior restaurant fit out in Far North Queensland and office reception area in Sydney's CBD.
As the saying goes, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" and with Moss Custom Made Furniture whether it be your home or business your Interior Styling Experience will be seamless, streamlined and aesthetically beautiful.


UK firms must get used to a new age of family-friendly working for all employees. T hat's the message from Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, as he announced proposals that will give all workers the right to demand flexible working.
"At the moment, we have rules which may have made sense in the 1950s, but do not today," Nick Clegg said on BBC Radio 4. At the heart of his plans are rules allowing parents to choose between them who takes time off during the first year after a baby is born. At present, most of the leave entitlement, both paid and unpaid, is available only to the mother.
Clegg's plans also give all employees the right to request changes to their working hours, regardless of whether or not they have any children. This could allow grandparents or family friends to adjust their working patterns to provide child care.
The current rules permit mothers to have a full year, or 52 weeks, of time off after a child is born, much of which is paid. Fathers are entitled to have up to six months leave, from when the child is aged about 20 weeks. Both parents can only take their leave in a single block of time.
The new rules that will come into force from 2015 will keep the maximum leave period to one year, with 9 months paid. But most of that time can now be shared between both parents, and the leave periods can be broken up into smaller blocks of time.
Only the first two weeks after the birth are restricted to the mother. After that point, her partner could, in theory, take the other 50 weeks of entitlement. It's more likely that many will choose to share the time between them.
While anyone, even those without children, can apply for flexible working under the new rules, firms retain the right to deny permission if they can show it will interfere with business.
Small businesses in particular are concerned about the issues the new rules will raise. Adam Marshall, policy director at the Federation of Small Businesses said the "danger is that you will put business owners off employing men and women who want to have a family".


Jenn and Curtis join Dan and Adam to talk about that which is streaming media. This week wasn't heavy in the streaming department (as of taping date) so it's just a racing and rambling conversation. There's a modest plug for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, since Jenn and Adam are in it, but they switch gears and head back toward technology by discussing what they've been watching recently, and HOW they watch that which they watch. From there, they wrap up the show with a great round of "Movie Bluff".
Taped at The Frank Oz Memorial Studio, Minneapolis, MN on July 18, 2012.
Check out photos and this week's bonus tracks by clicking here.


TRIPOLI - Islamic State group jihadists have beheaded 12 people and hung them on crosses during a battle for the coastal city of Sirte, the national news agency LANA reported Saturday.
The fighting for control of Sirte, hometown of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has been raging since Tuesday, with one top Libyan diplomat warning of a "massacre" in the city.
LANA said the 12 people beheaded were local gunmen who had been battling IS in the eastern Sirte district known as "neighbourhood three".
The agency also reported that IS militants executed 22 other Sirte residents who had taken up arms against the jihadist group as they lay wounded in a city hospital.
It said the jihadists also set the hospital on fire.
A Sirte city council official told AFP that clashes continued to rage on Saturday.
"There is continuous fighting, especially in neighbourhood three, and the casualty toll is rising," said the unnamed official.
Libya's ambassador to France, Chibani Abuhamoud, told AFP on Friday that fighting in Sirte had left between 150 and 200 dead.
"A real massacre is taking place, and we call on the international community to intervene," the diplomat said.
The ambassador answers to Libya's internationally recognised government, which has taken refuge in the east of the country and is in a power struggle with a rival administration based in Tripoli.
Authorities in Tripoli, which was seized last year by a militia alliance known as Fajr Libya, announced on Tuesday the launch of an operation to liberate Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli.
Media loyal to the Tripoli authorities said warplanes were bombing armed groups linked to IS in Sirte.
The Libyan ambassador said the fighting erupted after IS assassinated earlier this week an influential imam from the powerful Al-Farjan tribe.
Late Friday, the Dar al-Iftaa Muslim organisation that issues religious decrees issued a statement calling on Libyans to mobilise against IS.
"All Libyans able to carry weapons must mobilise to confront this cancer which is trying to destroy our Muslim nation," said the statement.
Libya has descended into chaos since the fall of Kadhafi in 2011.
It has two parliaments and two governments vying for power and a slew of armed groups and tribes fighting for its oil wealth and cities.
IS, which already controls large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, has exploited the chaos in Libya, notably taking control in June of Sirte.


text:
Inspired by cement, yet offering the versatility of ceramic
Cementi appears almost to release the material, with effects that lend the surfaces texture and might, albeit projected onto large sized slabs, with a strong contemporary character. A surface distinguished by a finish that is not too pronounced to render almost the idea of abstraction.
This series is inspired directly by cement, produced in ultra light-weight ceramic sheets suitable for applications where the original material would be unable to guarantee the same technical and aesthetic results. Designed in three colours, avorio (ivory), grigio (grey) and nero (black), with a notable textured surface character, this line expresses mighty solidity that meets the light weight, ductility and eco-sustainability of Laminam ceramic.
These surfaces convey solemnity, yet at the same time almost an idea of impalpability. The special finish, which differentiates it from many similar products readily available on the market, is a well-appreciated characteristic which motivates its success and implementation especially in prestigious international contexts.
The transformation of material meets with a sophisticated taste
All the surfaces in the Cementi series are distinguished by the technical excellence of Laminam; they are resistant to impact, stains and scratches.
The versatility of ceramic means the surfaces retain their specifications even when they are exposed to heat, frost and UV rays, with an average water absorption of 0.1%.
Cementi is a totally natural product that is entirely food-safe because it does not release elements in a solution (even in the event of a fire) and does not allow mould and mildew to form.
Catalogue Download the Laminam surfaces catalogue Reserved area Visit the reserved area for all other documents
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with Laminam
I have read and understood the Laminam Privacy Policy.
I agree to receive the newsletter and other marketing communication.


Below is information to help parents support their children to be safe online. Much of the information was taken from the excellent CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection ) website.
BBC Bitesize have a great quiz to raise awareness of e-safety to young people Click here.
For many of today's young people there is no line between the online and offline worlds. Young people use the internet to socialise and grow and, just as you guide and support them offline, you should be there for them online too. Talk to them about what they're doing – if they know you understand they are more likely to approach you if they need support.
Tips on how to discuss tricky issues with your child.
The Internet Watch Foundation can help you if you need to get content removed from the internet. If your son or daughter has been involved in sexting and the images or videos have been posted online, then the IWF can help get them removed.
CEOP pursue those who sexually exploit and abuse children; prevent people becoming involved in child sexual exploitation and; protect children from becoming victims of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. If you are concerned about your child being exploited, then make a report here.
The Safer Internet Centre has instructions on setting up safe filters on your home internet connection. Click on the icon to find out more.
Click on a key risk below to find out more.
For Parents- got a child with an Android phone?
Do you know what your kids are looking at on their smartphones and tablets?
Sometimes you just have to trust them, but with technology you can make sure that you kids are viewing appropriate content.
According to your own needs, you may only want one app to keep a watchful eye. This list contains apps that restrict functionality, keep tabs on locations and report online activities. All in all the 10 Android parental control apps try to cover almost every aspect of parental control, from mild to paranoid.


For Chase's Birthday Experience this year we did a Harry Potter Escape Room! It was so much fun. We didn't beat it, but they said for a team of 2 we got pretty far! We made a great team, and celebrated with lunch at Mod Pizza.
I am so grateful he still enjoys spending some quality time with Mom. I'll hold onto it as long as I can!
I took the kids to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban In Concert and it was so amazing! The kids are begging to go to more of them. They played the whole movie on a giant screen, with all the orchestrations played live by the orchestra/choir. Such a cool experience!
Chase is a Black Stripe!
Congratulations to Chase for earning his black stripe in Tae Kwon Do!
We rang in 2019 with Grandma and Grandpa this year! We decided if we were going to make our own party, we needed decorations and fun accessories (even for their dog!), so we headed to Party City!
And then it was time for the big countdown!
Cheers to a fabulous 2019!
We ended the night by giving the kids a chance to ride carnival rides!
It was cold, but we had a great time!
So back on December 2nd my washing machine broke. I finally got someone to come look at it yesterday (shout-out to my friend Celeste for letting me do a couple loads at her house last week, and to Dillard's for the underwear when I ran out)! Turns out it would have cost more to fix it than to buy a new one, so Merry Christmas to me! *sigh* I ordered a new one yesterday and it'll be here Monday. My parents are coming today, though, and I ran out of clean sheets! I haven't been to the laundromat since college, and this one was by far the nicest one I've ever seen. The kids were amazed at the concept.
CHLOE: Do they make places like this for people whose washers are broken?
ME: Or people that don't have them at all.
Made me thankful we're in a position where the laundromat doesn't have to be our norm.
On Christmas Eve we made cookies for Santa, but we ran out of sugar and tried to replace it with brown sugar. It didn't work. They looked fine but did not taste fine! Even Santa agreed.
And then it was Christmas morning! The kids got exactly what they wanted from Santa: Chloe asked for a stuffed animal that looked like Boom Boom, and Chase finally gets to play Fortnite (*sigh*)!
Chase is taking KickStart at school, which is a karate program. So tonight he earned his yellow belt in karate!


text:
Home » St.Kitts-Nevis » PM HARRIS CONGRATULATES BARBADOS' FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER, THE HONOURABLE MIA MOTTLEY, QC
PM HARRIS CONGRATULATES BARBADOS' FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER, THE HONOURABLE MIA MOTTLEY, QC
Posted on May 28, 2018 in St.Kitts-Nevis
Mia-Mottley-becomes-first-female-prime-minister-of-Barbados
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 28, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, joined his fellow CARICOM Heads of Government in congratulating the Honourable Mia Mottley QC on being appointed the Prime Minister of Barbados, making her Barbados' first female head of government.
PM Harris
Prime Minister Mottley assumed leadership of the country after the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) which she leads, recorded a crushing landslide victory in the general elections on Thursday, May 24, winning all 30 seats, and unseating the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), headed by Freundel Stuart.
In an official letter, dated May 25, 2018, Prime Minister Harris extended warm words of congratulations to Prime Minister Mottley on her historic victory, noting, "I am confident you will serve with diligence and tenacity."
Prime Minister Harris highlighted that gaining all 30 seats, which is unprecedented in Barbados' electoral history, is no simple feat.
"It speaks to your sterling leadership and ability to inspire the members of your party, and indeed the people of Barbados," he said.
He continued, "I am confident that your vast experience in public service, and your commitment to the sustainable development of your country and the wider region, will provide a solid platform to deliver sterling service to the people of Barbados as you chart a new development course, returning your proud country to its halcyon days of economic prosperity."
My Government "looks forward to working with you bilaterally, regionally and globally, as we tackle the issues which threaten to stymie our collective growth and development," Prime Minister Harris said.
The Honourable Mia Mottley was sworn in as Barbados' eight prime minister on Friday, May 25.


• At the climax of the feast Vashti was to be 'shown' for she was beautiful. She refused!
• Esther, niece of Mordecai answered the call!
• Mordecai PUBLICLY refused to pay homage to Haman on account of God's commandments!
• Mordecai stands firm… Esther's providential favour FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!
• Haman's wife and friends recommend action: 'Advise the king to hang Mordecai'!
• Amazingly and paradoxically the king asks Ham to devise a suitable way of honouring a special friend of the king!!
• Haman's jaw drops when the proposed honour falls on Mordecai – Haman is required to LEAD (Vocally) THE PROCESSION!
• The King hangs Haman on gallows prepared outside his own house for Mordecai!!
• Mordecai is rewarded with Haman's signet ring and inherits Haman's house!
• Jews far and wide rejoiced and stood ready to rebut their enemies!
• Many confessed 'faith in God' as a result!
• Day 14 of Adar designated by Mordecai a national holiday – Feast of Purim – i.e. God's providential deliverance!
Previous Revelation 12 – earth history at a glance!