Dubai, the city that is always ahead of innovative curves, has a lot to give to offer for the business community too. Whether you are an investor, an entrepreneur or just a tourist, Dubai has something for everyone. This fastest growing city offers an incredible business environment, worthwhile taxation policies and governmental conveniences, establishing it as the most ideal destination to start a business.
Starting a business or holding a property in Dubai is something that's not limited to the locals only – even expats and foreign investors can be a part of the city's growing business industry and is also benefit from the UAE's tax-friendly environment.
Those looking to invest in Dubai should first carry out a thorough research on the market and create a viable plan. From planning to execution to paperwork to set up, there are few crucial tasks that need to be done before starting a legal work.
JAFZA FREE ZONE is a freezone authority in Dubai which has another business wing named JAFZA OFFSHORE which is also known as Dubai offshore. JAFZA – Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is one of the fastest growing free zones in Dubai. JAFZA offers a very streamlined process for investors/entrepreneurs to register an offshore company in JAFZA. Conveniently located on the southwestern area of Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has its own set of rules and regulations and the main aim is to attract foreign investment into the country. Offshore companies allow you to operate your business independently without anyone's interference. Investors and entrepreneurs benefit from business flexibility, confidentiality, and tax efficiency by registering a JAFZA offshore company.
One of the most important advantages is that companies can purchase freehold properties without any kind of hassles and easily protect the anonymity of their property portfolio.
Offshore companies that come under JAFZA, provide 100% foreign ownership and do not require any local shareholding.
In UAE, offshore companies can hold a local bank account with multi-currencies.
Companies operating under JAFZA are not forced to disclose the shareholder and directors name in public register.
Companies that come under JAFZA do not require any local sponsor or local service agent.
Fast incorporation and full repatriation of the profits and capital is another major benefit of investing in JAFZA.
Setting up in the freezone is pretty simple and straightforward.
Ready-made warehouses and office spaces are available to provide utmost convenience to its professional partners.
With a client base of over 2 billion people, 16 new companies are registered every month in JAFZA.
Another benefit is the UAE's tax-friendly environment – no tax is levied on the corporate income of companies operating under JAFZA.
JAFZA is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and offers its professional partners with the fastest access via shipping to West and South Asia, Africa, Singapore and Middle Eastern countries.
The city which was once nothing but just a plain desert has now transformed itself into one of the leading business and tourist destinations in the world. Whether you want to relocate to Dubai or are looking to invest in real estate, you will always find many profitable properties available for sale. Companies that come under JAFZA get the full privilege of buying a property in Dubai, without any barriers.
The major advantage of holding a property under the JAFZA offshore company is that one can purchase a real estate property in the name of the company. This is one of the reasons why the real estate business is growing steadily and will always be a profitable industry.
Another benefit of holding property is the return on investment that you get by renting out commercial properties. Commercial property investors enjoy more profits on rent as compared to residential property owners.
Valuation certificate of Property Land Department, for this property, has to be updated in the land department. 7 to 10 days and cost will be approx. AED 4020 (residential) to AED 6,020 (commercial) depend on the property type.
Book an appointment in the land department & after getting an appointment we have to land department for the signing of the transfer agreement. POA holder can do this.
In order to prove the residency, should submit the utility bill.
For a corporate applicant, it is a must to submit a certificate of incorporation of the company.
The applicant should also submit the memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company.
In order to set up a company in JAFZA, Board resolution demands the offshore company to set up a company with a power of attorney authorization, allowing an individual to sign on behalf of the company.
All these documents should be attested by the UAE Embassy of the home country and from the ministry of foreign affairs in Dubai.


A man was arrested for DUI in Sarasota, Florida after he drove into two ditches, hid in a church bathroom, and told deputies that his dog had been driving the car. But that isn't the full story. It all started before 8pm, when a Manatee County deputy saw a white four-door sedan speeding through neighborhood streets. The deputy attempted a stop the vehicle, it accelerated while attempting a turn and traveled into a ditch. The driver, later identified as Reliford Cooper III, 26, then drove through another ditch before crashing into a home. He got out of the vehicle and fled. He was tracked down after a K-9 officer found his shirt in front of a nearby church, where he was hiding in the bathroom. While being placed under arrest, Reliford told deputies: "I wasn't driving that car." He asked, "Who was chasing me? You're slow as ****!" After a deputy claimed to smell alcohol and marijuana on the suspect, Reliford said, "My dog was driving that car. I ran because I wanted to. You ain't gonna find no drugs or guns on me." He then began vomiting and was transported to the hospital. He was later taken to jail.


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The standard size of email boxes is 200 MB. Upon request, we will increase this mailbox size if circumstances justify it. There is an additional fee associated with increasing mailbox sizes.


If you're self employed, a student, looking to get some work done during your lunch break, or you just want to take advantage of some free internet to email a friend or check the weather, browse through these WiFi hotspots around Orlando. These restaurants and attractions are tech-friendly with all the modern conveniences to make sure you get your work done. Wireless internet accessibility is important in today's society and making sure you find the right place to dine and surf the web is an asset. Whether you're on your laptop, mobile phone, or tablet device, these locations have free WiFi available to visitors. Connect today at one of Orlando's places to eat and surf!
Italian offerings with New York flare, from pizza to ravioli, subs to stromboli, and cheesecake to satisfy that sweet craving!
At Buffalo Wild Wings, the secrets in the sauce - and there's 16 to choose from with 5 seasonings! Watch the game, eat, and drink!
Watch the game, eat, and drink at Buffalo Wild Wings, where the secret's in the sauces!


Bring radiance to your garden by having this Alegre Planter Set of 3 in Indigo Rain. Its wonderful color will add more vibrancy to your plants. It comes in 3 different sizes for that perfect symmetry look.


"HIIE vs. CME on CTRP9 and FMD in Obese Individuals" by Brandon G. Fico, Ryan S. Garten et al.
PURPOSE: A recent novel adipocytokine, C1q/TNF-related protein-9 (CTRP9), has been shown to increase activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and reduce vasoconstrictors (e.g., endothelin-1). In addition, CTRP9 may play a compensatory role in obesity-related endothelial dysfunction. Although there is limited information regarding exercise-mediated CTRP9, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has been shown to be as or more effective than continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) in improving indicators of endothelial function (e.g., brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [BAFMD]). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute HIIE vs. CME on serum CTRP9 and BAFMD responses in obese individuals. METHODS: Sixteen young male subjects (9 obese and 7 normal-weight) participated in a counterbalanced and caloric equated experiment: HIIE (30 minutes, 4 intervals of 4 minutes at 80-90% of VO2max with 3 minutes rest between intervals) and CME (38 minutes at 50-60% VO2max). Serum CTRP9 and BAFMD, were measured prior to, immediately following exercise, and 1 hour and 2 hours into recovery. RESULTS: The concentration of serum CTRP9 was significantly increased immediately following acute HIIE and CME in both obese and normal-weight groups (p = 0.003). Furthermore, both significant treatment by time and group by time interactions for BAFMD were observed following both exercise protocols (p = 0.018; p = 0.009; respectively), with a greater CME-induced BAFMD response at 2 hours into recovery in obese compared to normal-weight subjects. Additionally, a positive correlation in percent change (baseline to peak value) between CTRP9 and BAFMD was found following acute CME (r = 0.589, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Acute HIIE is as effective as CME to upregulate CTRP9 expression in both obese and normal-weight individuals, although CTRP9 may potentially improve CME-mediated BAFMD. The novel results from this study provide a foundation for additional examination of the mechanisms of exercise-mediated CTRP9 on endothelial function.
Fico, Brandon G.; Garten, Ryan S.; Zourdos, Michael C.; Whitehurst, Michael; Ferrandi, Peter J.; Dodge, Katelyn M.; Pena, Gabriel; Rodriguez, Alexandra A.; and Huang, Chun-Jung (2018) "The Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Exercise vs. Continuous Moderate-Intensity Exercise on C1q/TNF-Related Protein-9 Expression and Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Obese Individuals," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2 : Iss. 10 , Article 1.


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Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding
Tami Planas August 2, 2022 5 min read
This Long-Term Market Winner Is Soaring to New Highs
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.
What the Zacks Model Unveils
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Chicago, IL – July 27, 2022 – Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. BAH.
There are years when we want to be invested in the top-performing growth companies, and years when holding more stable stocks makes a lot more sense.
We are clearly in the latter category this year.
And as we move further into the second half of 2022, investors are wondering where to allocate investment capital in a highly inflationary, slowing growth environment. While it may be tempting to try and pick a bottom in some of the former darlings that experienced stellar returns in previous years, history has shown us that many of these companies likely won't return to their price highs anytime soon (and possibly not ever).
A much more prudent approach involves identifying stocks that are leading here and now. With many companies in sustained downtrends, the risk levels are higher as their stocks need to break through significant resistance and overhead supply levels. Buyers who are currently holding these stocks at a loss may sell into this recent rally as they get closer to a breakeven point.
We want to target stocks in established uptrends that are showing immunity to this year's volatility. One way to identify top stocks in the current environment is to target leading industry groups. The Zacks Government Services industry is ranked in the top 20% out of approximately 250 industries. This industry is currently in positive territory on the year, all while the S&P 500 continues to hover in a deep correction.
Because the Government Services industry is ranked in the top half of all Zacks Ranked Industries, we expect it to outperform the market over the next 3 to 6 months. Quantitative research studies have shown that approximately half of a stock's price movement can be attributed to its industry group. By targeting stocks within leading industries, we can provide a constant 'tailwind' to our investing results.
Let's take a look at a top stock within this leading industry group.
Booz Allen Hamilton provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations globally. BAH also provides transformational solutions in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive modeling. Booz Allen Hamilton was founded in 1914 and is based in McLean, VA.
BAH has constructed a reputable track record of earnings beats, having surpassed the mark in each quarter for the past five years running. The company most recently announced fiscal Q4 results back in May of $0.86 per share, a 3.61% surprise over the $0.83 estimate. BAH has delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 9.5%.
The broad-based services provider has witnessed steady growth over the years, with sales expected to climb 7.44% to $8.99 billion. Earnings are slated to grow 3.33% to $4.35 per share in the current fiscal year.
Zooming out a bit, note how steady the stock performance has been over the last decade. BAH has delivered investors a nearly 1,100% return versus the 188% return for the S&P 500 over this timeframe. This is the type of company we want to be invested in – one with both strong fundamentals as well as technicals.
The Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) identifies companies that have recently witnessed positive earnings estimate revision activity. The idea is that this more recent information can serve as a better predictor of the future, giving investors a leg up during earnings season. When combining a Zacks Rank #3 or better with a positive Earnings ESP, stocks produced a positive surprise 70% of the time according to our 10-year backtest.
With an Earnings ESP +4.41% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, another earnings beat may be in the cards for BAH investors when the company reports fiscal Q1 results later this week on July 29th. Make sure to keep an eye on BAH as we head further into the second half of the year.
Our 5 best-performing strategies have blown away the S&P's impressive +28.8% gain in 2021. Amazingly, they soared +40.3%, +48.2%, +67.6%, +94.4%, and +95.3%. Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
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https://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Just Released: Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2022
In addition to the investment ideas discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2022?
From inception in 2012 through 2021, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolios gained an impressive +1,001.2% versus the S&P 500's +348.7%. Now our Director of Research has combed through 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank and has handpicked the best 10 tickers to buy and hold. Don't miss your chance to get in…because the sooner you do, the more upside you stand to grab.
See Stocks Now >>
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Tags: Allen Booz feature Hamilton highlights Holding Ideas investment Zacks
Previous Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: Coca-Cola, Emerson Electric and AbbVie
Next Gender Range in Investment decision Management
2 expenditure concepts to gain passive revenue in 2023
3 Unstoppable Stocks I Can not Wait to Obtain in 2023

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Владо Камбовски (Битољ, 5. јануар 1948) правник и професор је на Правном факултету у Скопљу Универзитета у Скопљу и предсједник Македонске академије наука и умјетности. Инострани члан Академије наука и умјетности Републике Српске од 2012. године.

Биографија
Владо Камбовски рођен је у Битољу, у Македонији, и предсједник је Македонске академије наука и умјетности. Дипломирао је на Правном факултету у Скопљу 1970. године као најбољи студент у генерацији, када је и изабран за асистента приправника на Катедри за кривично право. У Загребу је магистрирао 1975. године. Године 1977. почео је да држи предавања на Правном факултету у Скопљу и Битољу и на Факултету за безбједност у Скопљу.

Године 1980. на Правном факултету у Скопљу одбранио је докторску дисертацију и исте године постаје доцент на предмету Кривично право, а затим и декан Факултета за безбједност до 1984. године. Од 1984. до 1986. године био је директор Института за социолошко и политичко-правна истраживања у Скопљу. За редовног професора на Правном факултету у Скопљу изабран је 1992. године.

Од 1998. до 1999. године био је министар правде у Влади Републике Македоније. У мају 2006. изабран је за редовног члана, а 2012. године за предсједника Македонске академије наука и умјетности. За иностраног члана Академије наука и умјетности Републике Српске изабран је 21. децембра 2012. године.

Учествовао је активно на бројним међународним скуповима и конгресима као нпр. у: Будви, Истанбулу, Хавани, Тел Авиву, Стразбуру, Москви, Пекингу, Копаонику, Златибору. Написао је преко стотину научних и стручних радова, објављених у међународним зборницима и часописима.

Објавио је 31 књигу, као аутор или коаутор. Вршио је функцију предсједника МАНУ-а од 2012. до 2015. године.

Радови
Неки од значајних радова и уџбеника:
 Меѓународно казнено право, Скопје 1998;

 Средновековното обичајно казнено право, Зборник на МАНУ "Македонското обичајно право", Скопје 2000;
 Учество на повеќе лица во казненото дело, Скопје 2001;

 Казнено-правната реформа пред предизвиците на XXI век, Скопје 2002;
 Казнено-правната реформа пред предизвиците на XXI век, Скопје 2002;

 Корупцијата -најголемо општествено зло и закана за правната држава (коаутор), Скопје 2002;
 Казнено право- Општ дел, Скопје 2004, 2. издање Скопје 2005; Правда и внатрешни работи на Европската унија, Скопје 2005;
 Организиран криминал, Скопје 2005; Судско право: Штип 2010;

 Филозофија на правото, Скопје 2010;

 Казнено право: општ дел (универзитетски уџбеник), 4. измијењено и допуњено изд., Скопје 2011;
 Казнено право: посебен дел (коаутор), 5. Измијењено и допуњено изд. ‒ Скопје 2011;
 Право на Европска Унија: од Париз до Лисабон(коаутор), Скопје 2012.

Референце

Спољашње везе

 Скопље
 Битољ
 Академија наука и умјетности Републике Српске
 Македонска академија наука и уметности

Рођени 1948.
Професори
Инострани чланови АНУРС
Академици МАНУ
Битољчани
Македонски правници
Министри Северне Македоније

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


MOTHER'S DAY COLLAB — Carly Romeo & Co.
To celebrate the caring Matriarchs in our lives who are often the official family photographer and less often in those pictures (because #emotionallabor), we're partnering with illustrator Jackie Ruiz on a special Mother's Day portrait collaboration bundle for Moms/Grandmas/Aunties/GNC parents and their little ones. Let us capture you in all your babeliness, with your babes.
A 45-minute Carly Romeo & Co documentary-style portrait session for you and your kiddos in a comfortable, child-friendly space. These photos will be unposed and natural, not Olan Mills style.
A hand-drawn illustration of your favorite image created by Jackie Ruiz which you will receive as a high-resolution digital file and a archival-quality digital print suitable for framing.


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New L.I.F.E in Albuquerque
The L.I.F.E. Program stands for, "Liberty in Financial Education" and it will begin this month through a partnership between St. Timothy's Lutheran Church Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Credit Union, and Zia Elementary School. Our work with Ruth Hoffman and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM called us to stand up against the devastating impact of predatory lending in New Mexico. St. Timothy's is located in an area inundated by these lenders. L.I.F.E. is St. Timothy's response.
Qualifying families from Zia will be given an application to the L.I.F.E Program, which includes 10 weeks of financial education followed by 24 months of financial incentives that allow families to put to work what they have learned in the 10-week program. Below are the basics:
Participants will attend at least 9 out of 10 one-hour sessions of financial education offered by a certified Financial Educator .
Upon completion of at least 9 of the 10 sessions, St. Tim's will assist families in opening a savings account at Rio Grande Credit Union with a $100 beginning balance.
This small grant of $100 will be provided by the St. Timothy's Mission Endowment Fund and is intended to give families a small head start in building financial capacity.
Over the next 18 months, St. Timothy's commits to matching the deposits families make to their savings accounts up to $10 per month.
At the end of the program, if families take full advantage of the matching grant money offered by St. Timothy's, they will have a savings account with a balance of $480 plus interest.
With their partners at Rio Grande Credit Union, Zia Elementary, and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, St. Timothy's is indeed, Christ's Church, Better Together!
Read full description of their ministry
Congregations becoming Safe Stops in the neighborhood
It was about 1 o'clock in the morning, and we had just finished up a call for service. I was doing a ride-a-long with a police officer. The call load had died down, and it was now time to get caught up on the paperwork from the busy shift. I joked with my officer that he didn't need me as a chaplain in his car, what he needed was a secretary. The calls we were on that night required quite a bit of documentation. We pulled into a dimly lit church parking lot, and the officer began writing at his desk – a clipboard and steering wheel. As I sat next to him thinking about what it looks like for me as a chaplain to support this officer, I wandered why we were sitting in the parking lot of this church instead of going in. The Safe Stop program began to take shape.
Safe Stops are essentially a substation for officers located in a church. The Safe Stop is a non-contact office that is away from the public's eye. The Safe Stop is a place that officers can grab a cup of coffee, cold drink, snack, and write a report if needed. Officers have to continually be vigilant of their surroundings, and the Safe Stop is often the only place of peace and rest in an officer's busy day.
This idea was born from recognizing a need, and meeting that need. Our vision as chaplains is to "serve those who serve us". I think this applies to us as the church as well. The Safe Stop program is currently in two Rocky Mountain Synod churches and growing. I believe the program has been successful because we as the church came along side our law enforcement community and accompanied them in their journey. Augustine challenged us with "it is solved by walking". Accompaniment gives life when we justly walk the journey with others.
Scott Moore serves as the Lead Chaplain at the Wheat Ridge Police Department and serves as the Director of Mission, Youth and Family Ministries at a RMS congregation. He has served his congregation for 19 years and the police department for 2 years.
The Long History of Lutheran Advocacy
Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
In my role I visit a lot of congregations to tell the story of our faith-based advocacy work in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Usually, I begin that story in 1984, when the congregations of one of our predecessor denominations decided to organize formal Lutheran public policy offices for Colorado and New Mexico in response to threatened federal cuts to our social safety net. Thanks to all of our congregations, we have been engaged in full-time advocacy for over 30 years. But even that doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, did you know that the Rocky Mountain Synod has been advocating on public policy issues for over 125 years?
Consider this excerpt from the minutes of the First Annual Convention of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, held at St. Paul's English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, October 28th-November 1st, 1891:
"The following resolutions of the General Synod were presented and adopted as a whole:
WHEREAS, The continued existence and the permanent prosperity of a nation cannot outlive the virtues of its people; and…
Whereas, There is a growing tendency to divest the Sabbath of its Divine authority…
Resolved, That whilst we deplore all forms of the violation of the Sabbath…we do express our most unqualified condemnation of that part of either State or municipal legislation that permits the prosecution of a traffic [in strong drink] on that day which is not alone useless and wicked, but which is a disgrace to the civilization and the Christianity of the nineteenth century…"
Wow! Strong words about strong drink. While our attitudes about temperance today have shifted somewhat, it's nonetheless powerful to see that the church felt it necessary to speak on what was an important topic of public conversation in its time. This is no less true today: we as a church are always engaged in faithful reflection about public issues and speaking out in places where our voice can make a difference. Our advocacy is grounded in the gospel, the theological understandings of our church, and in our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the most marginal and vulnerable people in our communities.
Share these stories in your bulletin or newsletter!
April 2017 Connection
How is your congregation or ministry "In the Neighborhood"? Share your story, pictures, or description of your ministry with Deacon Erin Power


Two of the victims untied themselves and ran away.
A case of murder is under investigation after three of nine teenagers were hacked to death in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni.
Etwatwa police spokesperson Captain Pheello Mothapo said nine youngsters, aged from 17 to 18, were in an Etwatwa home in Emaphupheni on Sunday when three men, one of whom was armed, entered the house.
The teenagers were divided into groups of four and five.
Mothapo said the group of five were tied with cable ties and instructed to go outside, Benoni City Times reported.
"The four remaining teenagers were left inside the home while the other five were taken outside, where a group of community members had gathered, wielding knives, pangas and spades. The five were instructed to go to the railway line," said Mothapo.
He said two of the victims untied themselves and ran away.
The two notified the police who later discovered the bodies of the three who were unable to flee at the railway line.
The four teenagers who were left in the house were unharmed.
Mothapo said police at this stage did not know the motive behind the crime, but police were investigating.
A case of murder had been opened.
Anyone with information about the crime can contact the Etwatwa Police Station on 011 746 8900.


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Galatasaray expels 2750 members, including former stars Hakan Şükür, Arif Erdem
by TurkeyPurge | Mar 26, 2017 | Today in Crackdown
A total of 2,750 members have been expelled from Turkey's Galatasaray, the disciplinary board of the club announced on Sunday.
According to the announcement, majority of the board members voted to revoke the membership of former prosecutor Zekeriya Öz, former governors Şahabettin Harput and Hüseyin Avni Mutlu; former footballer İsmail Demiriz, businessman Hazim Sesli, former stars Hakan Şükür and Arif Erdem.
The members were expelled for "not paying annual fees." However, Turkish media outlets cited alleged Gülen movement membership, which the Turkish government of masterminding a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
Turkey survived a military coup attempt on July 15 that killed over 240 people and wounded more than a thousand others. Immediately after the putsch, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government along with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pinned the blame on the Gülen movement.
Galatasaray came first among football clubs to take action in accordance with political atmosphere and decided to cancel some of its members over alleged ties to the movement.


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Legislation to teach the ideals of our constitutional republic.
Partisanship Out of Civics ActClassroom Learning ActSchools Nondiscrimination ActValues Assessment ActAction Civics RepealAcademic Transparency ActFinancial Transparency ActContractor Nondiscrimination ActSchool Board Election Date ActSchool Board Member Recall ActSchool Board Agenda ActLegislative Review ActSocial Studies Curriculum ActCivics Course ActUnited States History ActWestern Civilization ActCivics Literacy ActHistorical Documents ActReligious Liberty ActCivic Intent ActFlag Code ActNational Anthem ActDocument Display ActSpecial Observances ActCharacter Instruction ActNeutral LawsLaws to be Repealed
Many states have provided statements of intent to guide Boards of Education and school districts as they craft detailed curricula. Laws that affect civics education include guides to civics education, statements of American ideals and principles, and mandates for patriotic instruction. We have incorporated elements of all three categories of state statutes into our model Civic Intent legislation.
Our model Civic Intent legislation directs schools to craft curricula dedicated to the ideals of our constitutional republic, by means of patriotic rites, character instruction, knowledge of the documents of liberty, and instruction in American Government, United States History, and Western Civilization.
Too many states have included concepts such as "global citizens" in their statements of civic intent. We recommend that states remove all such ideals that distract from or directly undermine the proper civic focus of the public schools.
Model Legislative Text
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the mission of the State of [name], through its public school system, is to prepare students for the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship by an instructional program that provides:
A commitment to preserve the institutions of our constitutional republic, which are dedicated to upholding the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; popular sovereignty; frequent and free elections; limited government; the rule of law; protection from violence and fraud; the democratic principle of equal opportunity for all individual citizens; and the equal protection of the law for all individual rights and private property.
The commitment of subsection (1) shall be taught by means including appropriate instruction and ceremony that instils the proper reverence and respect for and the history and meaning of the American flag, the national anthem, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the constitution and laws of this state.
Instruction in the qualities of patriotism, including love of one's country, one's fellow countrymen, and the country's common history and culture, and the willingness to devote and if necessary sacrifice one's life on their behalf.
Instruction in the qualities of civic good character, including accountability, altruism, ambition, charity, cheerfulness, cleanliness, compassion, conscience, courage, courtesy, curiosity, dignity, diligence, duty, faith, familial devotion, forbearance, friendliness, gratitude, hardiness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, impartiality, independent judgment, initiative, industry, integrity, justice, kindness, loyalty, moderation, obedience, patience, perseverance, propriety, prudence, punctuality, reliability, responsibility, reverence, self-control, self-reliance, temperance, thrift, tolerance, and trustworthiness.
Knowledge of the workings of the federal, state, and local levels of government.
Knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizens of our constitutional republic and of the State of [name], and knowledge of how to exercise, discharge, and defend those rights and responsibilities.
Knowledge of the history of the ideals and institutions of liberty, including political, religious, economic, social, and cultural liberty, in Western Civilization, the United States of America, and the State of [name], by means of instruction that emphasizes the best achievements of these ideals and institutions of liberty, and which uses writings from prominent figures in Western Civilization, such as Aristotle, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson.
Knowledge of ideologies such as socialism, communism, and fascism, and of the ways that governments animated by these ideals have abrogated the ideals listed in subsection (1).
Knowledge of exemplary figures in Western Civilization, the United States of America, and the State of [name] who have fought to secure liberty for their fellow men, such as Epaminondas, Martin Luther, and George Washington.
Knowledge of the cultural heritage of Western Civilization, the United States of America, and the State of [name], above all their cultural heritage of liberty, which uses writings from prominent figures in Western Civilization, such as Homer, William Shakespeare, and Benjamin Franklin.
If any provision of this chapter, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this chapter and the application of its provisions to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
Existing State Statutes
Civic Intent
Indiana: IC 20-30-4-1.5 [Grade 6 initial graduation plan]
Iowa: Iowa Code § 256.37 [School restructuring and effectiveness — policy — findings]
Kansas: K.S.A. 72-3218 [Accredited schools; mandatory subjects and areas of instruction; legislative goal of providing certain educational capacities]
Kentucky: KRS § 158.645 [Capacities required of students in public education system]; KRS § 158.6451 [Legislative declaration on goals for Commonwealth's schools – Model curriculum framework]
Massachusetts: Ma. Gen. Laws, Ch.69, §10A [Education for American citizenship; director]; Ma. Gen. Laws, Ch.69, §11[Powers and duties of the division of immigration and Americanization]
Montana: Mont. Code Ann. § 20-1-102 [Legislative goals for public elementary and secondary schools]
Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-701 [Mission of public school system]
New Hampshire: NH RSA §193-E:2 [Criteria for an Adequate Education]
Oregon: ORS 329.025 [Characteristics of school system]; ORS 329.045 [Revision of Common Curriculum Goals, performance indicators, diploma requirements, Essential Learning Skills and academic content standards]
Tennessee: Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1028 [Legislative findings – Public school courses and content to educate children in the United States and Tennessee governments]
Texas: Texas Education Code §4.001 [Public Education Mission and Objectives]
Washington: Rev. Code Wash. § 28A.150.200 [Program of basic education]; Rev. Code Wash. § 28A.150.210 [Basic education—Goals of school districts]
Wisconsin: Wi. Stat. § 118.01 [Educational goals and expectations]
Instruction: Ideals and Principles
Arizona: A.R.S. § 15-710 [Instruction in state and federal constitutions, American institutions and history of Arizona]
California: Cal Ed Code Div. 2 Part 20 Chap. 4 § 33540 [Instructional Quality Commission [33530 – 33546]]
Florida: Fla. Stat. § 1003.42 [Required instruction]
Georgia: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-142 [Prescribed courses] O.C.G.A. § 20-2-142.1 [Coursework in the founding philosophy and principles of the United States of America]
Illinois: 105 ILCS 5/27-3 [Patriotism and principles of representative government – Proper use of flag – Method of voting – Pledge of Allegiance]
Kansas: K.S.A. 72-3217 [Required courses of instruction; graduation requirements]; K.S.A. 72-3234 [Same; state board of education; rules and regulations]
Louisiana: La. R.S. 17:265 [The Founding Principles of the United States of America; required instruction]
Massachusetts: Ma. Gen. Laws, Ch.69, §1D [Statewide educational goals; academic standards; vocational training; grant program]
Mississippi: Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-5 [Display of Mississippi and United States flags; course of study]
Missouri: RSMo 170.011 [Courses in the constitutions, American history and Missouri government, required, penalty — waiver, when — student awards — requirements not applicable to foreign exchange students]
Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-724 [Committee on American civics; created; duties; school board, State Board of Education, and superintendent; duties]
New Jersey: N.J. Stat. § 18A:35- 2 [Contents of course of study]
New York: NY CLS Title 1, Article 17, § 801 [Courses of instruction in patriotism and citizenship and in certain historic documents]
North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C.81.45 [Classes conducted in English; citizenship; and civic literacy]
Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.602 [Pledge of allegiance – principles of democracy and ethics – Veterans' day observance]
Oklahoma: Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11-103 [Courses for instruction – What to include]
Pennsylvania: 24 P.S. § 7-771 [Display of United States flag; development of patriotism]; 24 P.S. § 16-1605 [Courses of study]
South Carolina: S.C. Code Ann. §59-29-10 [Required subjects]
Virginia: Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-201 [Study of documents of Virginia history and United States Constitution]
West Virginia: W. Va. Code § 18-2-9 [Required course of instruction]
Wyoming: Wyo. Stat. Ann.. § 21-9-102 [Instruction in state and federal constitutions required; satisfactory examination a prerequisite to graduation]; Wyo. Stat. Ann.. § 21-9-103 [Penalty for failure to carry out requirements of W.S. 21-9-102]
Instruction: Patriotic
Arkansas: ACA § 6-16-111 [Morals, manners, patriotism, and integrity]
Florida: Fla. Stat. § 1003.44 [Patriotic programs; rules]
The National Association of Scholars, in consultation with other supporters and friends of the Civics Alliance, drafted these model bills to translate into legislative language the principles in the Civics Alliance's Civics Curriculum Statement & Open Letter. Just as these bills have been drafted with the expectation that different states will modify them as they see fit, they also have been drafted with the expectation that not every supporter of the Civics Alliance will endorse these bills or every part of them. Individual Civics Alliance signatories and supporters should not be assumed to have endorsed these bills, unless they say so explicitly.


Can I relocate with my child after a divorce?
You must get permission if you relocate more than 50 miles from your original location. Getting court permission is a tricky issue. Especially if both parents regularly participate in the life of the child. The relocation must be in the interest of the child – not necessarily in the sole interest of the parent that wants to move. Adherence to the Florida statutory requirements is absolutely mandatory. It is normally an uphill battle for the parent seeking court permission to relocate with the child.
Imagine getting the job offer of a lifetime in an incredible city and with unbelievable benefits. What if you meet the man or woman of your dreams but he/she is employed overseas. Or your wife's company wants to promote her but she (and you) would need to move to the west coast. Now imagine telling your ex-spouse and attempting to discuss this opportunity for your child to have the lifestyle you always wished for him. But your ex doesn't participate in your enthusiasm. Rather your ex is adamant that you not take little Johnny across the country or overseas.
Slowly you start remembering that pesky little paragraph in your final judgment related to relocation: Relocation of Child. Any relocation must be in accordance with Section 61.13001 of the Florida Statute.
In order to relocate, a parent shall comply with the provisions of Section 61.13001 by either (a) obtaining written agreement in accordance with 61.13001(2) of the Florida Statutes from the other parent, and any other person entitled to time-sharing, or (b) serving a Petition to Relocate signed under oath or affirmation under penalty of perjury in accordance with Section 61.13001(3) of the Florida Statutes, giving the other parent, and any other person entitled to time-sharing, 20 days to object. IF A PARENT ATTEMPTS TO RELOCATE WITH A CHILD AND FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 61.13001(3) OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES REGARDING THE PETITION TO RELOCATE, SUCH PARENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CONTEMPT AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS TO COMPEL THE RETURN OF THE CHILD, AND SUCH NON-COMPLIANCE MAY BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE COURT IN A SUBSEQUENT DETERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF THE PARENTING PLAN, ACCESS, OR THE TIME-SHARING SCHEDULE.
If a parent is wanting to object to the relocation he/she shall respond to the Petition for Relocation by filing a responsive answer/objection that is verified and served within 20 days after service of the Petition for Relocation. The response should include the specific factual basis supporting the reasons for seeking a prohibition of the relocation, including a statement of the amount of participation and involvement the objecting party currently has or has had in the life of the child.
Good news! There is no presumption in favor of or against a request to relocate with a child when a parent, who has some type of time sharing with a child, seeks to move more than 50 miles. Section 61.13001(7), Fla. Stat. This means that you have the opportunity to petition for relocation with the court and the judge will not automatically grant or deny this request. The initial burden will be on you to show the Court that relocation is in the child's (and not just your) best interest. Once you have met this burden by a preponderance of the evidence then the burden will shift to your ex to prove that the relocation will not be in the child's best interest. The courts have determined that a desire to relocate by itself, as a matter of law, is not a substantial change in circumstances sufficient to merit modification of custody. Miller v. Miller, 992 So. 2d 346 (Fla. 3d DCA 2008).
So if you file Petition to Relocate and your ex-spouse files a Supplemental Petition to Modify the Final Judgment citing that the "substantial change in circumstances" is your desire to move, the court will not simply grant the request to modify the custody if the relocation request is denied. The court in Segarra v. Segarra, 947 So. 2d 543, 547 (Fla. 3d DCA 2006) held that simply because the court denied the relocation petition and there was no demonstrated substantial change in circumstances, the court could not modify the custody award.
Fredman v. Fredman, 960 So. 2d 52, 60-61 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007), the court held that relocation cannot be based solely upon the finding that it would serve the best interest of the custodial parent and not the minor child. If this new job opportunity or perhaps a new relationship (your new spouse gets a job transfer) is a great move for you (the parent) but the long work hours away from home, inclement weather (prohibiting outside play) and no nearby family (to spend time with or care for the child) would not be in Johnny's best interest then it is quite possible that the court would deny your request to relocate. The court will look at whether the non-relocating parent utilizes their timesharing with the child, whether they are current in the child support, the involvement of that parent in the child's education and extra-curricular activities among other factors. If the non-relocating parent is actively involved in the child's life (coaching baseball, attending parent-teacher meetings, taking the child to the doctor, requesting additional overnights) and perhaps the child is only in elementary school (which necessitates the use of the unaccompanied minor expense for transportation) then extensive round trip flights once a month from the west coast to Florida might not be in the child's best interest.
(k) Any other factor affecting the best interest of the child or as set forth in § 61.13, Fla. Stat. Section 61.13001(7), Fla. Stat. (2010).
Authority shows all statutory provisions regarding relocation are current through March 30, 2017. There are no statutory updates pending specifically on the terms governing relocation.
There is a new statute 61.55 – The Collaborative Law Process Act. The purpose of this proposed Act is to create a uniform system of practice for a collaborative law process for proceedings under chapters 61 and 742, Florida Statutes, which would cover parental relocation to be handled within the collaborative law process. So if a parent is seeking relocation he/she may elect to participate in the collaborative law process to see if a settlement can be reached to facilitate the relocation which would require modifying the existing parenting plan and potentially child support as well.
There is a pending bill SB 0250 to amend FL. Stat. §61.13 to create a presumption that approximately equal time-sharing by both parents is in the best interest of the child; revising a finite list of factors the courts evaluate; requiring court orders to be supported by written findings of fact; prohibiting the modification of a determination of parental responsibility or time sharing or parenting plan unless certain determinations are made. This proposed legislation references relocation in the proposed factors to consider to overcome presumption in favor of approximately equal time-sharing in FL. Stat. §61.13(3)(a)5. "The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to carry out the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child." The provisions regarding relocation referenced in SB 0250 is also included in SB 668 which deals with amending the statutory provisions on alimony. If SB 0250 and SB 668 become law, it may be harder for the relocating parent to prove by a preponderance of evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to relocate since, in most cases, the child will be accustomed to having approximately equal time-sharing with both parents and one of the factors the Court considers is the nature, quality, extent of involvement, and duration of the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent, other persons, siblings, half-siblings, and other significant persons in the child's life (i.e. step-parents and step-grandparents).
It is important to note that Florida's law on relocation does not just apply to the parent who has majority time sharing with a child. It applies to any parent who has any type of time sharing with a child who seeks to relocate more than 50 miles for a period of 60 consecutive days or more. You do not have to request relocation for temporary absences from your principal residence that are for purposes of vacation, education, or for the child's health care (i.e. out of State children's hospital).
If time is of the essence and you need to relocate very soon, it is possible to have a hearing to obtain permission for temporary relocation as soon as 30 days after filing a Petition for Relocation. The Florida Statue on relocation provides that a parent seeking temporary or permanent relocation shall be accorded priority on the court's calendar. It further provides that if a motion seeking temporary relocation is filed, absent good cause, the hearing must occur no later than 30 days after the motion for temporary relocation is filed. With regards to the final hearing on the permanent relocation, the Statute provides that if a notice to set the matter for a nonjury trial is filed, absent good cause, the nonjury trial must occur no later than 90 days after the notice is filed.
Keep a calendar of the time sharing between you and the other parent. Note any time the other parent fails to exercise his/her time sharing and/or is late picking up/dropping off the child and/or dates the other parent withheld the child from you.
Keep a journal of events and occurrences such as, but not limited to: the other parent's failure to keep you informed of an important event/doctor appointment, the other parent's refusal to accommodate regular access to the child (i.e. phone contact), issues the child is having because of or while with the other parent.
Make sure to exercise all your time with the child and ask for more time when reasonable.
Make sure to be as active in the child's life as possible i.e. go to all school events, talk to and know all the child's teachers/coaches/doctors.
Get a job offer in the area in which you seek to relocate that provides for similar or better income then you are currently making.
Pick an area to live that is in a better "rated" school then the child is currently in.
Pick an area to live in that has less sexual predators and/or lower crime rate then the area in which the other parent lives.
Pick an area to live in that has more recreational activities that your child is interested in then the area in which the other parent lives i.e. horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking trails, parks, a particular sport, etc.
Get school records and if possible, show that the child does better in school when with you rather than when with the other parent.
If possible, pick an area to relocate to where the child will have more relatives and/or friends nearby versus how many they have near the other parents home. Having a support system where you seek to relocate to is important to the Court.
Make sure you are moving for the right reasons- wanting to move as far away from the other parent because you do not like him/her will not be received well by the Court!
Be creative with the time sharing you are willing to offer the other parent i.e. local time sharing with the child where the child will live with you when you relocate and regular skype/facetime contact with the child instead of just phone calls with the child.
Be creative with how you are going to keep the other parent involved in the child's life and how you are going to facilitate the other parent being able to participate in decisions for the child i.e. offer to include the other parent in teacher/parent meetings either via telephone, skype or facetime; offer to record special events; offer to send pictures of the child's day to day life regularly; etc.
Consider offering to pay half, if not all, the travel expenses to accommodate time sharing with the other parent (especially if the other parent is current on child support, if any). We usually suggest to my clients offering to pay half the other parent's travel expenses to come see the child where you relocate to in the event the child suffers a life threatening illness/injury.
It is extremely important to make sure you object/respond to a Petition for Relocation if you do not want the relocation to take place. We have been successful in obtaining relocation without further notice to the other parent and without a hearing on the relocation simply by the other parent failing to respond within the requisite 20 day time frame after being served with the Petition for Relocation. FL. Stat. §61.13(3)(a)7 provides that if an responding party fails to timely object to the Petition for Relocation, the relocation will be allowed, unless it is not in the best interest of the child, without further notice and without a hearing. That section further provides that if the other parent and any other person entitled to access to or time-sharing with the child fails to timely file a response objecting to the petition to relocate, it is presumed that the relocation is in the best interest of the child and that the relocation should be allowed, and the court shall, absent good cause, enter an order specifying that the order is entered as a result of the failure to respond to the petition and adopting the access and time-sharing schedule and transportation arrangements contained in the petition. The order may be issued in an expedited manner without the necessity of an evidentiary hearing.
We had a case where a Former Wife was seeking to relocate a child from Florida to California so that her new husband could pursue a better job opportunity taking him from a $250,000.00 a year job to a $500,000.00 a year job. Our client, the Former Husband, had equal time sharing with the child and was very active in the child's extra-curricular activities. Our client recognized the importance of fighting the relocation very aggressively and gave us approval to do voluntary depositions of the Former Wife and her new husband. Through the depositions we were able to drill Former Wife and her new husband on their finances and show that the move would not provide the child any better life in California then the child had in Florida. More importantly, we were able to get the Former Wife and her new husband to state during deposition that they did not know how the child's life would be improved. The day after the depositions, the Former Wife dismissed her Petition for Relocation. Not only were we successful in ensure the child did not relocate with the Former Wife, but by fighting the relocating aggressively we were able to avoid our client having to go through potentially two trials- one on temporary relocation and the other on the permanent relocation, which in return saved our client money.


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Supercoppa spagnola 2010 – torneo di pallacanestro maschile
 Supercoppa spagnola 2010 – torneo di pallavolo femminile
 Supercoppa spagnola 2010 – torneo di pallavolo maschile


When you come to think of the word 'cloud computing' what really pops in your mind? Probably something related to computing being done in the clouds, isn't it? Apart from that, a plenty of other questions about cloud computing must have come to your mind: what is the cloud exactly? Is it a white, puffy cloud? Where is the cloud? Are we living in the cloud right now? Does our information gets stored in the cloud? These are some questions you may have heard a lot or even asked yourself.
To explain cloud computing in simple words, we would simply put it as a system that stores and accesses your data and programs over the internet (cloud) instead of your computer's hard drive. The word 'cloud' is used as a metaphor for the internet. However, there are still some misconceptions about cloud computing that still continue to float around.
Cloud computing is not about your hard drive. When you're storing data or running programs on your hard drive, then that's called local storage and computing only. Everything you need – whether it's a file, a picture, a video, or even a program – is physically close to you and can be accessed on your computer or any others on the local network whenever you want in a quite easy and fast way. Cloud computing is not that.
Further to that, it is also not about having a dedicated network attached storage (NAS) hardware or server on your computer. When you're storing data on a home or office network then that doesn't mean you're utilizing the cloud.
Like mentioned earlier, cloud computing is all about storing and accessing your data or programs over the internet, or at the very least, having that data synchronized with other information floating over the web. For cloud computing to take place, you must have an online connection so that it can be done anywhere and at any time.
Cloud computing offers different versions, depending on what type of customer is being targeted and what their IT needs are. When you know what your IT requirements are then you're able to select the right version of cloud computing instead of investing in new IT hardware.
While there are many varieties offered by cloud computing, two of the more popular versions are Software-as-a-Service (Saas) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).
With SaaS, the provider offering cloud computing service, hosts your organization's programs, applications, and associated data on its own servers and storage systems. The users then gain access to SaaS servers using a web browser (having an internet connection is required to gain access to cloud computing.) To use the provider's cloud service, your organization would typically pay a fee per user per month.
On the other hand, with IaaS, the cloud service provider offers virtual machines, storage, switching, physical servers and connectivity resources to run your organization's programs and applications on a pay-as-you-go basis. Your organization is responsible for installing and maintaining the operating system as well as the application or virtual machine.
As far as the provider is concerned, it will be their responsibility to manage the infrastructure hardware on which the applications or virtual machines run on. Big players like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google offer IaaS that can be rented out by the other companies. For instance, Netflix, one of the leading online streaming services, provides you with the unprecedented collection of movies and TV shows because it has rent out some space in the cloud managed by Amazon.
Apart from SaaS and IaaS, cloud computing also has another version known as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), where an organization can create its own custom applications so that they can be used by everyone in the organization. Basically, organizations create their own platform where applications can smoothly and also are used by everyone.
Cloud computing is almost everywhere and is being used widely by the majority of users all over the world. Here are some of the most common examples of cloud computing.
It's true to some extent that the lines between local computing and cloud computing sometimes become quite blurry. The reason is, the cloud is part of almost everything that we do on our computers these days. Software like Microsoft Office 365 is a part of local computing but it also utilizes a form of cloud computing for storage purpose namely Microsoft OneDrive.
Apart from OneDrive, Microsoft also provides a set of web-based apps popularly known as Office Online, that offers online-only versions of MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These online-only versions are accessed via a web browser without getting to install anything. This is what makes Office Online a version of cloud computing.
Google Drive is a pure example of cloud computing, proving storage space online for the cloud apps such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. One of the best things about Google Drive is that apart from the desktops, it also works seamlessly on other electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and iPads, providing separate cloud apps for them.
In fact, most of the Google's services could be considered examples of cloud computing. Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar – all of them are part of cloud computing system.
Similar to the cloud services offered by other tech giants, Apple's cloud service is also essentially used for online storage, backup, and synchronization of your mail, calendar, contacts, and much more. All the data you need on your iOS devices is available for you.
Inarguably, Apple never stays behind its competitors and has always upped its game. Like Google, it also offers cloud-based versions of its word processor (Pages), spreadsheet (Numbers), and presentations (Keynote) so that they can be used by any of the iCloud subscribers easily.
With the help of iCloud, iPhone users can utilize the Find My iPhone feature in case their phone goes missing.
Box, DropBox, and SugarSync are some of the examples of hybrid cloud services as they store a synced version of users' files online apart from syncing them with local storage. The ability to synchronize the files online while making them accessible locally is considered as a cornerstone of the cloud computing.
Cloud computing is considered to be an economical way as it supports many organizations by not letting them buy to maintain their own infrastructure. Since many data centers are now running out of space, cloud computing is helping out organizations to move their applications and data to the provider's infrastructure and save the cost of expanding their own data centers.
With cloud computing, the IT staff members can offload the tasks that usually revolve around managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the equipment. Most of the cloud service providers offer infrastructure and management services, allowing companies to get relieved from the mundane tasks and asking their IT staff members to pay close attention to those projects that are more beneficial for the success of the business. All in all, it saves a huge chunk of IT costs for any organization.
Though edge computing has now made an entry into the world of technology, trying its best to leave a permanent mark and bring a change in the entire network system, still cloud computing is very much there and is being used by organizations all across the world.


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Exhibitions ・Attractions
History of the Sapporo Olympic Games
Access・Detailed Information
The Olympic spirit and the history of the Winter Olympics.
Enjoy attractions you can actually physically experience.
You can check the explanations of the exhibitions on each floor by clicking the button below.
Learn the History
2F Exhibition booth
Panorama Theatre
Spectacular images projected onto a huge circular wrap-around wall screen. Dynamic and impressive of the games showing the tradition and history of the Olympics, are projected in sequence. You will be drawn into the world of the Olympics.
Required Time:
approximately 5 minutes
Olympic Spirit
How did the Olympics begin and how have they developed? The changes from the birth of the Ancient Olympics to the Modern Olympics are introduced on a big wall. Your viewpoint of the Olympics will change after learning about the meaning of the Olympic symbol and the Olympic spirit.
The history of the Winter Olympics, which began in 1924, is introduced with displays of successive medal designs and topics. The chronology of developments in equipment is also displayed. You can look back over the best parts of the 90 year history of the Winter Olympics.
approximately 7 minutes -
The Legacy of
the Sapporo 1972 Winter
Looking back at the first Winter Olympic Games held in Asia. Included are highlights of the 11 days of the games, with photographs in the reconstructed Pradise Hütte, which was Japan's first western style mountain cabin.
The Imperial Family and Dr.Seishichi Ohno Ski Collection
This ski collection introduces the history of winter sports in Sapporo since the arrival of Prince Chichibu in Hokkaido. The collection includes the history of the International Miyasama Ski Games and other invaluable material from Prince Takamatsu and Dr. Seishichi Ohno. It is interesting just to see the changes of ski shapes and metal fittings of skis over each successive generation.
Japanese Medal-Winning Athletes Display Gallery
Equipment actually used by athletes is displayed. A very rare opportunity to see this sporting equipment up close. Why not think about the efforts and passion of the athletes who achieved these successes.
Paralympic World
You will learn how the Paralympics were started and developed as a sporting event including the games and their rules of the Winter Paralympics, through its history explained on panels and in movies.The athletic equipment actually used by athletes is displayed.
Winter Sports Theatre
Enjoy dynamic video images portraying the history of the Olympics and the beauty and drama of the elite athletes of snow and ice.
approximately 15 minutes -
The History of Skiing
The sport of skiing started out in northern Europe and came to Japan during the Meiji Era where it was introduced in Sapporo. Find out more about how equipment has developed over the years by looking around these real-life exhibits.
Learn about the history of skating in Japan, believed to have its origins in the city of Sapporo. Learn and feel its history by actually touching real skates.
Event Information Zone
Test your knowledge of winter sport event rules and see the equipment used in a range of events. You will understand how athletes compete under certain conditions.
1F Experience booth
Ski Jumping Okurayama
Position yourself at the top of the virtual reality hill, speed down the ramp, launch yourself into the sky and complete in a landing position. Your distance and score will be displayed.
(*only for people elementary school age and over)
Cross Country Skiing Race
Get a feel for the sport of cross country skiing, which is known as the marathon on snow. Position yourself side-by-side in front of the screen and battle it out with your friends or family to see who can finish first.
Bobsled Run
Feel what it's like to hurtle down an ice-wall bobsled run at 130 km/h by riding on a 4 seat bobsleigh, shifting your weight left and right as you ride to turn the curves. Experience first-hand the world of speed lived by elite bobsledders.
Take-Off Timing
Experience the most important part of the sport of ski jumping-the timing of the take-off. Challenge yourself to become a jumping ace.
Ice Hockey Goal Keeper
Become a goal keeper and experience what it is like to block a shot at goal from a player on the screen. Stand in front of the goal and get a sense of its speed and power with a display of your skill and blocking ability.
Speed Skate Training
Test your endurance against an elite speed skater. Experience the world of speed skating on the slide board which is training equipment used by actual speed skaters.
Museum CollectionsIt opens in a separate window.
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text:
What Actually Changed in Google's Privacy Policy
Article by Rainey Reitman
It Shouldn't Take a Letter from Congress for Google to Give Straight Answers About Privacy Policy Changes
Recently Google announced a new, simplified privacy policy.
They did a great job of informing users that the privacy policy had been changed through emails and notifications, and several experts (including Ontario's Privacy Commissioner Dr. Ann Cavoukian) have praised the shift toward a simpler, more unified policy.
Unfortunately, while the policy might be easier to understand, Google did a less impressive job of publicly explaining what in the policy had actually been changed. In fact, it took a letter from eight Representatives to persuade them to provide straightforward answers to the public about their new policy.
Here's what you need to know about the substantive changes in the new policy:
Up until March 1, 2012, the data Google collected on you when you used YouTube was carefully cabined away from your other Google products. So, in effect, Google could use data they collected on YouTube to improve and customize the users' YouTube experience, but couldn't use the data to customize and improve user experience on, say, Google+.
The same siloing took place for your search history. Previously, Google search data was kept separate from other products. Even when users were logged in, Google promised not to share the information they gathered about you from your Google search history when customizing their other products. Considering how uniquely sensitive user search history can be (indicating vital facts about your location, interests, age, sexual orientation, religion, health concerns, and much more), this was an important privacy protection.
The new privacy policy removes the separation between YouTube, Google search, and other Google products. By describing the change as "treat[ing] you as a single user," Google intends to remove the privacy-protective separations from YouTube and Google search
Unfortunately, Google's original explanation left much to be desired. The policy's overview page said nothing about the substantive changes that were occurring in the policy, and the FAQ was equally vague:
What's different about the new Privacy Policy?
First, we've rewritten the main Google Privacy Policy from top to bottom to be simpler and more readable. The new policy replaces more than 60 existing product-specific privacy documents. This all should make it easier for you to learn about what data we collect and how we use it.
Second, the new policy reflects our efforts to create one beautifully simple, intuitive user experience across Google. It makes clear that, if you have a Google Account and are signed in, we may combine information you've provided from one service with information from other services. In short, we can treat you as a single user across all our products.
"Beautifully simple" and the ability to "treat you as a single user" don't actually get at the kernel of what changed: that they are specifically enacting a change to how they treat data they collect through YouTube and search history. To be clear, they aren't collecting more information, but they are sharing that information in a new way.
We were heartened to see the letter and Q&A Google published recently in response to the questions from Congress in which they gave straight answers about their new policy.
They stated:
Specifically, our policies meant that we couldn't combine data from YouTube and search history with other Google products and services to make them better. So if a user who likes to cook searches for recipes on Google, we are not able to recommend cooking videos when that user visits YouTube, even though he is signed in to the same Google Account when using both.
This is a great deal clearer than their original notification, so we applaud that. It's unfortunate that it took a letter from Congress to get them to give the public straightforward explanations.
For individuals who would like to continue using Google products, but want to create some type of silo between Google search, YouTube, and other products, there is an option to set up multiple Google accounts.
Users can set up two or more accounts as long as they have different Gmail addresses; however, individuals using this strategy to protect their privacy should be careful not to commingle-consider using separate browsers for each of your Google accounts.
To be extra careful, users might want to use the Data Liberation tool to grab a copy of all of their data from a particular Google product, delete the data from the original account, and then upload that data onto the new account.
For example, an individual might set up a secondary Google account for browsing and sharing YouTube videos. She could then download all of her existing YouTube videos to her computer, delete them from her primary Google profile, and then use a separate browser to upload them to a new secondary Google account. Unfortunately, this is a somewhat laborious process.
To help users who wish to keep separate accounts, Google should make the process simpler and easier. Users who are concerned about search privacy can find additional advice in our whitepaper: 6 Tips to Protect Your Search Privacy.
Cross-posted from Eletronic Frontier Foundation
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Categories: Privacy
Tags: Google Legal Policy Youtube Privacy Compliance Disclosure Congress Personally Identifiable Information Search Engine Electronic Frontier Foundation EFF Rainey Reitman Data Collection


text:
using extensions::Extension;

namespace constants = tts_extension_api_constants;

namespace events {
const char kOnSpeak[] = "ttsEngine.onSpeak";
const char kOnStop[] = "ttsEngine.onStop";
};  // namespace events

namespace {
// Given a language/region code of the form 'fr-FR', returns just the basic
// language portion, e.g. 'fr'.
std::string TrimLanguageCode(std::string lang) {
  if (lang.size() >= 5 && lang[2] == '-')
    return lang.substr(0, 2);
  else
    return lang;
}
}

void GetExtensionVoices(Profile* profile, ListValue* result_voices) {
  ExtensionService* service = profile->GetExtensionService();
  DCHECK(service);
  extensions::EventRouter* event_router = profile->GetExtensionEventRouter();
  DCHECK(event_router);

  const ExtensionSet* extensions = service->extensions();
  ExtensionSet::const_iterator iter;
  for (iter = extensions->begin(); iter != extensions->end(); ++iter) {
    const Extension* extension = *iter;

    if (!event_router->ExtensionHasEventListener(
            extension->id(), events::kOnSpeak) ||
        !event_router->ExtensionHasEventListener(
            extension->id(), events::kOnStop)) {
      continue;
    }

    const std::vector<Extension::TtsVoice>& tts_voices =
        extension->tts_voices();
    for (size_t i = 0; i < tts_voices.size(); ++i) {
      const Extension::TtsVoice& voice = tts_voices[i];
      DictionaryValue* result_voice = new DictionaryValue();
      if (!voice.voice_name.empty())
        result_voice->SetString(constants::kVoiceNameKey, voice.voice_name);
      if (!voice.lang.empty())
        result_voice->SetString(constants::kLangKey, voice.lang);
      if (!voice.gender.empty())
        result_voice->SetString(constants::kGenderKey, voice.gender);
      result_voice->SetString(constants::kExtensionIdKey, extension->id());

      ListValue* event_types = new ListValue();
      for (std::set<std::string>::const_iterator iter =
               voice.event_types.begin();
           iter != voice.event_types.end();
           ++iter) {
        event_types->Append(Value::CreateStringValue(*iter));
      }
      // If the extension sends end events, the controller will handle
      // queueing and send interrupted and cancelled events.
      if (voice.event_types.find(constants::kEventTypeEnd) !=
          voice.event_types.end()) {
        event_types->Append(
            Value::CreateStringValue(constants::kEventTypeCancelled));
        event_types->Append(Value::CreateStringValue(
            constants::kEventTypeInterrupted));
      }

      result_voice->Set(constants::kEventTypesKey, event_types);
      result_voices->Append(result_voice);
    }
  }
}

bool GetMatchingExtensionVoice(
    Utterance* utterance,
    const Extension** matching_extension,
    size_t* voice_index) {
  // This will only happen during unit testing. Otherwise, an utterance
  // will always have an associated profile.
  if (!utterance->profile())
    return false;

  ExtensionService* service = utterance->profile()->GetExtensionService();

  // If speech is generated when Chrome OS first starts up, it's possible
  // the extension service isn't even available.
  if (!service)
    return false;

  extensions::EventRouter* event_router =
      utterance->profile()->GetExtensionEventRouter();
  DCHECK(event_router);

  *matching_extension = NULL;
  *voice_index = -1;
  const ExtensionSet* extensions = service->extensions();
  ExtensionSet::const_iterator iter;

  // Make two passes: the first time, do strict language matching
  // ('fr-FR' does not match 'fr-CA'). The second time, do prefix
  // language matching ('fr-FR' matches 'fr' and 'fr-CA')
  for (int pass = 0; pass < 2; ++pass) {
    for (iter = extensions->begin(); iter != extensions->end(); ++iter) {
      const Extension* extension = *iter;

      if (!event_router->ExtensionHasEventListener(
              extension->id(), events::kOnSpeak) ||
          !event_router->ExtensionHasEventListener(
              extension->id(), events::kOnStop)) {
        continue;
      }

      if (!utterance->extension_id().empty() &&
          utterance->extension_id() != extension->id()) {
        continue;
      }

      const std::vector<Extension::TtsVoice>& tts_voices =
          extension->tts_voices();
      for (size_t i = 0; i < tts_voices.size(); ++i) {
        const Extension::TtsVoice& voice = tts_voices[i];
        if (!voice.voice_name.empty() &&
            !utterance->voice_name().empty() &&
            voice.voice_name != utterance->voice_name()) {
          continue;
        }
        if (!voice.lang.empty() && !utterance->lang().empty()) {
          std::string voice_lang = voice.lang;
          std::string utterance_lang = utterance->lang();
          if (pass == 1) {
            voice_lang = TrimLanguageCode(voice_lang);
            utterance_lang = TrimLanguageCode(utterance_lang);
          }
          if (voice_lang != utterance_lang)
            continue;
        }
        if (!voice.gender.empty() &&
            !utterance->gender().empty() &&
            voice.gender != utterance->gender()) {
          continue;
        }
        if (utterance->required_event_types().size() > 0) {
          bool has_all_required_event_types = true;
          for (std::set<std::string>::const_iterator iter =
                   utterance->required_event_types().begin();
               iter != utterance->required_event_types().end();
               ++iter) {
            if (voice.event_types.find(*iter) == voice.event_types.end()) {
              has_all_required_event_types = false;
              break;
            }
          }
          if (!has_all_required_event_types)
            continue;
        }

        *matching_extension = extension;
        *voice_index = i;
        return true;
      }
    }
  }

  return false;
}

void ExtensionTtsEngineSpeak(Utterance* utterance,
                             const Extension* extension,
                             size_t voice_index) {
  // See if the engine supports the "end" event; if so, we can keep the
  // utterance around and track it. If not, we're finished with this
  // utterance now.
  const std::set<std::string> event_types =
      extension->tts_voices()[voice_index].event_types;
  bool sends_end_event =
      (event_types.find(constants::kEventTypeEnd) != event_types.end());

  ListValue args;
  args.Set(0, Value::CreateStringValue(utterance->text()));

  // Pass through most options to the speech engine, but remove some
  // that are handled internally.
  DictionaryValue* options = static_cast<DictionaryValue*>(
      utterance->options()->DeepCopy());
  if (options->HasKey(constants::kRequiredEventTypesKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kRequiredEventTypesKey, NULL);
  if (options->HasKey(constants::kDesiredEventTypesKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kDesiredEventTypesKey, NULL);
  if (sends_end_event && options->HasKey(constants::kEnqueueKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kEnqueueKey, NULL);
  if (options->HasKey(constants::kSrcIdKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kSrcIdKey, NULL);
  if (options->HasKey(constants::kIsFinalEventKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kIsFinalEventKey, NULL);
  if (options->HasKey(constants::kOnEventKey))
    options->Remove(constants::kOnEventKey, NULL);

  args.Set(1, options);
  args.Set(2, Value::CreateIntegerValue(utterance->id()));
  std::string json_args;
  base::JSONWriter::Write(&args, &json_args);

  utterance->profile()->GetExtensionEventRouter()->DispatchEventToExtension(
      extension->id(),
      events::kOnSpeak,
      json_args,
      utterance->profile(),
      GURL());
}

void ExtensionTtsEngineStop(Utterance* utterance) {
  utterance->profile()->GetExtensionEventRouter()->DispatchEventToExtension(
      utterance->extension_id(),
      events::kOnStop,
      "[]",
      utterance->profile(),
      GURL());
}

bool ExtensionTtsEngineSendTtsEventFunction::RunImpl() {
  int utterance_id;
  std::string error_message;
  EXTENSION_FUNCTION_VALIDATE(args_->GetInteger(0, &utterance_id));

  DictionaryValue* event;
  EXTENSION_FUNCTION_VALIDATE(args_->GetDictionary(1, &event));

  std::string event_type;
  EXTENSION_FUNCTION_VALIDATE(
      event->GetString(constants::kEventTypeKey, &event_type));

  int char_index = 0;
  if (event->HasKey(constants::kCharIndexKey)) {
    EXTENSION_FUNCTION_VALIDATE(
        event->GetInteger(constants::kCharIndexKey, &char_index));
  }

  // Make sure the extension has included this event type in its manifest.
  bool event_type_allowed = false;
  const Extension* extension = GetExtension();
  for (size_t i = 0; i < extension->tts_voices().size(); i++) {
    const Extension::TtsVoice& voice = extension->tts_voices()[i];
    if (voice.event_types.find(event_type) != voice.event_types.end()) {
      event_type_allowed = true;
      break;
    }
  }
  if (!event_type_allowed) {
    error_ = constants::kErrorUndeclaredEventType;
    return false;
  }

  ExtensionTtsController* controller = ExtensionTtsController::GetInstance();
  if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeStart) {
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_START, char_index, std::string());
  } else if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeEnd) {
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_END, char_index, std::string());
  } else if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeWord) {
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_WORD, char_index, std::string());
  } else if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeSentence) {
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_SENTENCE, char_index, std::string());
  } else if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeMarker) {
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_MARKER, char_index, std::string());
  } else if (event_type == constants::kEventTypeError) {
    std::string error_message;
    event->GetString(constants::kErrorMessageKey, &error_message);
    controller->OnTtsEvent(
        utterance_id, TTS_EVENT_ERROR, char_index, error_message);
  } else {
    EXTENSION_FUNCTION_VALIDATE(false);
  }

  return true;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


In honor of Spring's arrival and official decision to stay for a while, a few random shots of what's been going on around here.
May is my month for to pick fabrics and blocks for the quilting bee. I sent these out last week and already a few new blocks have been made!
A shot of my currently neglected design wall.
The pieced blocks are all from Jackie's Block of the Month series.
The zig-zag is a patiently waiting work-in-progress.
A pretty stroll at a local outdoor market.
And binding. Lots and lots of binding. Six quilts to do this weekend, in fact. (!) When they're done, I finally get to share lots of new stuff! What I'm not showing you pictures of: my poor, neglected yard. My house is not in the finest shape either. (Some thing has got to give, right?) Oh well, after next week, I'll get to that too.
If you're looking for something cute and inspirational this weekend, you could visit an adorable new sponsor, Southern Fabric. Southern Fabrics is located in the heart of Georgia and has sold and shipped over 75,000 items all over the world.
Bonnie and Camille's newest (and very cute) collection, Vintage Modern, arrives in the shop on Monday. You can use the coupon code 'diaryofaquilter10' for 10% off this whole week!
You can also like Southern Fabrics on Facebook to learn about the latest great deals! Thanks, Audrey!
Pretty cherry blossom. Our local cherry trees are shedding blossom everywhere reight now – ugh!
LOVE that zig zag quilt!
That zigzag quilt on the design wall looks really nice! And they're all rectangles, that's such a great idea!
I'm SO excited to see what you've been working on. I'm guessing it will appear at quilt market LOL!
Indeed, something's gotta give. I'm doing housework instead of quilting today. House is looking better, but I want to sew.


text:
Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) running Android Pie spotted on Geekbench
Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) listed with Android Pie onboard (Source: Geekbench Browser)
Although it should receive the Android Pie update in April according to the official update roadmap, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) has recently surfaced on Geekbench running Android 9. This happened quite a few times already, so Samsung might update this handset earlier than expected.
Codrut Nistor, Published 01/11/2019
Android Software Smartphone Phablet Leaks / Rumors
Announced in December 2017 and released in January 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) arrived on the market running Android 7.1.1 Nougat. In the meantime, Samsung updated this handset to Android 8.0 Oreo. Now, more Galaxy A8 (2018) units have been spotted running Android 9.0 Pie on Geekbench.
MySmartPrice apparently discovered one of the first Geekbench listings of the Galaxy A8 (2018) running Android Pie yesterday. Now, quite a few are available, although they are mixed with a bunch of database entries for the same handset with Android Oreo onboard. For now, there is no noticeable difference in performance when comparing the Pie and Oreo Galaxy A8 (2018) listings. Obviously, some improvements could be made until the official release of the new firmware.
Since we mentioned the official release date of the Android Pie update for the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) above, we should also take into account the fact that, according to the official roadmap, the new software should arrive in April. This probably means that what we see now are only units running a beta version of the software, but those using the Galaxy A8 (2018) already can only hope that Samsung will deliver the update sooner than expected.
Are you Samsung users out there happy with the company's update delivery schedule as of late? Feel free to drop a comment and let us know what you think.
Huawei MAR-LX1M could launch soon, possibly as a Huawei P30 Lite variant 01/30/2019
Exynos 7885-powered Samsung Galaxy A30 hits Geekbench 01/21/2019
The Android Pie list: Will my phone get the Android 9 update? 01/20/2019
Android Q leak: What awaits us this year 01/17/2019
Samsung Galaxy A40 spotted on Geekbench with Android Pie onboard, Exynos 7885 and 4 GB RAM in tow 01/16/2019
One UI/Android 9 betas for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and S8 line now available in certain countries 01/16/2019
The Redmi Note 5 is set to get Android Pie soon 01/15/2019
The 5G version of the Galaxy S10 will launch as a Verizon exclusive 01/14/2019
Samsung hints at the announcement of the Galaxy F in a press release 01/14/2019
New One UI/Android Pie beta for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 available 01/01/2019
Google denies apparent withdrawal of Android One 2-year update pledge 12/30/2018
LG G7 ThinQ now rumored to receive update to Android 9.0 in early 2019 12/29/2018
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) spotted running on Pie, could get its third major OS update? 12/29/2018
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 set for January 15 update to Android 9 Pie 12/29/2018
Samsung has released its Android Pie update roadmap; Galaxy Note FE is not on there 12/25/2018
Asus ZenFone 5Z will be getting the Android 9 Pie update in January 2019 11/20/2018
OnePlus delays the Android Pie update for the 3 and 5 series 10/17/2018
Sony releases Android Pie update roadmap 08/20/2018
Huawei is working on its Android Pie updates 08/19/2018
Remastered Tales of Vesperia: Defin...
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Codrut Nistor - Senior Tech Writer - 5828 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013
In my early school days, I hated writing and having to make up stories. A decade later, I started to enjoy it. Since then, I published a few offline articles and then I moved to the online space, where I contributed to major websites that are still present online as of 2021 such as Softpedia, Brothersoft, Download3000, but I also wrote for multiple blogs that have disappeared over the years. I've been riding with the Notebookcheck crew since 2013 and I am not planning to leave it anytime soon. In love with good mechanical keyboards, vinyl and tape sound, but also smartphones, streaming services, and digital art.
contact me via: @online_digi, online.digital.craft, LinkedIn
> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2019 01 > Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) running Android Pie spotted on Geekbench
Codrut Nistor, 2019-01-11 (Update: 2019-01-11)


… was as ridiculously hot, vibrant, lazy, and as unpredictable as any other day I'd ever spent in this strange, tranquilo, tucked-away little corner of the continent. It began in Gales Point, at the tip of a snake-skinny peninsula that juts into the vast brackish Southern Lagoon. It was the morning after a full moon and Easter Sunday sambai fertility dance. On this day, I was traveling with a television producer and a cameraman, in search of the bizarre. A green snake slithered across the red road just as we reached the mainland. It was a slow, easy day, especially compared the the previous week, working up to 19 hours inside caves, in remote Maya villages, underwater, from the air. Nope, today was a simple drive with only one mission: talk with Gilly the Snake Man and take his picture.
Two hours later, we approached the village of Lucky Strike and pulled over to ask a family sitting on their porch where Gilly the Snake Man lived. The family pointed us onward. Eight miles more, they said. We had only seen photos of Gilly's leaning shack and bald head, but we had no trouble spotting him, muscular, sweating, and draped in a 70-pound thigh-thick boa. His rotting, wooden home leaned behind him and half the stairs were missing; Gilly cat-footed up to the top floor anyway, up and down, each time returning with a different creature. We were surrounded by forest, thick with cohune palms and greenery; he'd caught these animals, the snakes and anteater, in the surrounding forest. He loved them. It was a sign of affection, he said, that caused him to stuff their heads into his mouth.
Gilly had given up a woman to live here with these animals, he said. We weren't the first tourists passing by on the way to the nearby archeological site, but his act was alluring and the scene was striking, even when he thrust newspaper articles into our hands with photos of his bleeding head after being bitten by a fer de lance. He had woken up in Belize City after five days in a coma, transported there by the same journalist that had shot the grizzly photo in the article, "Tommy Goff takes down Lucky Strike Snake Man" (the journalist was in town to investigate a double-homicide). It was no small miracle that Gilly was still alive.
Things got really weird, however, when Gilly took out the fer de lance he'd caught the week before, a Godly act, he said, so that we could come and film it. Yes, he had a pet fer de lance, as in barba amarilla (yellow beard) or "Tommy Goff" in Belizean kriol. This snake was, I knew, the "ultimate pit viper," one of the deadliest snakes in the world which, Gilly explained in a highly articulate, knowledgeable speech, could strike at 90 miles per hour, delivering multiple strikes in a couple of seconds. "You'd be dead in five minutes," he said matter-of-factly. Gilly wrapped his hand with a long rag, like a boxer, as he told us his story. He was a miracle, touched by God, he explained. The scars on his nose and top of his head from last year's attack were very visible. Hand wrapped, he donned a single rough leather glove and thrust it into the fer de lance's cage, the snake thumping around as Gilly searched for the head.
Gilly held it out as the cameraman zoomed in, looking only through his lens and getting sickeningly close when the snake's head popped free and squirted bright yellow venom as it tried to strike, just as Gilly regained his hold around the snake's neck. Adrenaline squirted as the three of us jumped back. We finally turned off the camera and got out of Dodge, speeding north on the dirt road and skidding to a stop as a fantastical, long-tailed animal darted across our path—a coatimundi. Farther down the Maskall Road, at Maruba Resort, the owner, Nicky, offered us a shot of Viper Rum, "to increase the motility of your sperm," he said. I accepted, my throat on fire as I gagged, then choked down the goodness of decayed fer de lance snake scales, diluted venom, and God-awful grain alcohol.
Ah, Belize, I'll see you again soon.
Sometimes people travel and they don't come back.