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ROBUST AND DIVERSIFIED
Dubai 2017 | FINANCE | REVIEW: CAPITAL MARKETS
Dubai's capital markets, like its wider financial universe, have established themselves as a globally relevant center for diversified trading.
Dubai's commitment to becoming an information society is matched by the sheer dexterity of its financial system, the beating heart of the economy. And meanwhile, the instruments available to the investor have increased in range, while the regulations that make the Emirate a hospitable investment destination have been tightened, not least in the gigantic sharia-compliant market, as we shall see later. In fact, Dubai's financial markets per se position the Emirate as the leading finance destination between Singapore and London.
The DFM
Dubai's capital markets are a double-edge sword comprising the Dubai Finance Market (DFM) and the Nasdaq Dubai. The former, established in 2000, seven years later became the Middle East's first exchange to opt for an IPO, subsequently playing a key role in the spin-off of state entities. The exchange, operating in compliance with sharia principles, is an onshore entity, and, therefore, unlike the Nasdaq Dubai, is regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). In another regional first, in 2010 the Dubai Financial Market consolidated its operations with Nasdaq Dubai, enabling seamless trading across both bourses using a single investor number. Today, the shares of 61 companies trade on the DFM.
For FY2016 the DFM printed a net profit of USD69.1 million, down notably from the USD207 million seen just two years before. The bourse accounts the—much slighter—YoY dip in terms of a 12% slippage in trading value to USD36.4 billion from USD41.4 billion for 2015, plus a 1% rise in expenses. Trading revenues accounted for 64% of the DFM's total revenues for the year.
In terms of equity performance, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) appreciated 12.1% to 3,531 points at end-2016 compared to 3,151 points at end-2015. Peering into the specific sectors we note that eight out of the nine sectors catered to DFM closed 2016 positively, with the services sector in the green by 36%. It was trailed by the consumer staples and discretionary sector, up 22.1%, and telecommunication sector, up 21.6%. The industrial sector in contrast shed a leaden 16.7% as global noise dented confidence in future performance. Market capitalization climbed 12.3% to USD91.9 billion YoY, while the value of shares traded, down 8.7% YoY, topped out at USD36.2 billion. This came despite the annual rise in the number of shares traded of 14.2% to 105.8 billion shares, compared to 92.7 billion shares traded in 2015. The transaction number, too, was down 14.4% to 1.3 million compared to 1.5 million deals a year earlier. Sector wise, the real estate and construction sector led the top three by traded value on USD15.6 billion, a sizable 43% of the market's total traded value. The banking sector followed on USD9.6 billion, or 26.5%, while the financial and investment services sector printed USD3.6 billion, claiming 10%.
For the year, the DFM's net foreign investment inflow was at USD98.1 million, with stocks bought by foreign investors valued at USD16.5 billion, and accounting for 45.5% of the total traded value. And the value of stocks sold by those investors reached USD16.4 billion on 45.2% of total value traded. On 30% of total traded value, the value of stocks consumed by institutional investors came to USD10.9 billion. The value of stocks sold by that investor group for 2016 was USD10.3 billion, on 28.4% of total value traded. This made for a net institutional investment in-flow of USD599 million. More recently, as of March 27, 2017 the DFMGI had shed 0.66% for the week, 4.9% MoM, and 2.17% YtD. Yet it had appreciated by 5.34% over the previous year. The index posted a 52-week high of 3,738.69 on Feb 09, 2017, and a 52-week low of 3,195.49 on Nov 14, 2016. In 2016, the DFM saw the listing of Kuwait's National International Holding (NIH) Company, raising the number of listed securities to 61 public joint-stock companies, with 13 dually listed companies. The total number of Kuwait-listed companies reached nine. Further activity from Kuwait registered in the sukuk arena, underling the DFM's international appeal. Incidentally, 2016 also saw the listing of Al Safwa Islamic Financial Services, which became the first private joint-stock company listed on the DFM's Second Market.
Regulation and Standardization
Market reputation, and the regulation that safeguards it, is everything, and in April 2016, a new regulatory body, the Dubai Economic Security Centre (DESC), was established in the Emirate under Law No. 4 of 2016. It functions as another firewall against potential irregularity that could impact the broader economy, specifically the financial universe. Notably, the DESC is mandated to oversee both the onshore and free zone markets. Standards of operation, too, have been fine-tuned, whereby in March 2017 the DFM published the definitive version of its Standard on Hedging against Investment and Finance Risks, a pioneering document that will advance the Emirate's capital markets in a turbulent world of fleeting investor sentiment. The standard is an addition to DFM's sharia-compliant protocol covering the Standard on Stocks and Standard on Sukuk issued in 2007 and 2014, respectively. Two risk types prominently addressed are property risk to be borne by the owner, who is liable for damage or loss of his property, and secondly reputational risk pertaining to sharia incompliance. The latter is particularly important as the sharia universe has been working to eliminate ambiguity surrounding Islamic interpretation of ever-diversifying financial instruments. The DFM has, after all, been the world's sharia-finance torch bearer since 2007, and further clarification can boost the volume of Islamic banks and financial institutions.
Nasdaq Dubai, the Future's Good
This exchange is a different kettle of fish, which being located within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) free zone, like the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGXC) and Dubai Mercantile Exchange, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Its principle advantage is that the onshore restrictions on foreign ownership do not apply. It offers investors a multi-asset and currency platform, where listed companies enjoy a simultaneous presence on both the local and international market. The bourse trades bonds, equities, derivatives, and real estate investment trusts, and is also a Murabaha (property financing) platform.
In March 2016, Nasdaq Dubai CEO Hamed Ali reported that it was poised to introduce futures contracts for Dubai Investment Company and Dubai Financial Market by early April, thus increasing the total number of such shares to 11.
The UAE's IPO activity for the year kicked off in March with the well oversubscribed listing of Emirates NBD's real estate investment trust (ENBD REIT) on the Nasdaq Dubai. ENBD REIT offered 94,594,595 ordinary shares at USD1.11/share, whereby the stock rose 5.17% to USD1.17/share.
Sukuks Plough Ahead
The Nasdaq Dubai has earned its stripes as a major sharia instrument provider, notably sukuks. By early June 2016, Nasdaq Dubai had seen the listing of seven new sukuks valued at USD4.55 billion. At that point it was trading around 80 listed sukuks and bonds with the latter accounting for a full three quarters of the total.
On October 10, 2016 Nasdaq Dubai and Ideal Ratings launched benchmark indices that track the performance of global sukuk, thus providing investors a more meaningful basis for informed trading decisions. Tracking over 1,800 sukuks worldwide with eligibility criteria that include a minimum issue size of USD100 million, data provided includes daily changes in price and total return, and monthly updates on yield and other core indicators. The new Nasdaq Dubai IdealRatings Sukuk Indices family features the Global Sukuk Index covering all currencies, and five sub-indices of issuances denominated solely in US dollars. The latter five comprise investment grade issuances, sovereign issuances, corporate issuances, issuances by financial institutions, and GCC issuances. In March, Kuwait's Warba Bank listed a USD250million sukuk to bolster its capital base and enable sustained growth. According to the DIFC, the move confirmed expanding collaboration between the UAE and Kuwaiti capital markets, as well as Nasdaq Dubai's global leader status for sukuk listings; recent data indicate a total nominal value of USD46.31 billion in sukuk from issuers in the MENA region and further afield.
Derivative, in a Good Way
The Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX), operating under the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC), was launched in 2005. Essentially geared toward the trading of precious metals, it is also expand into foreign exchange, equity indices, and energy market trading. Not only the region's leading derivatives exchange, it is the only one through which participants can clear and settle transactions within the Gulf region. Volatility sparked by international events, not least Brexit and those unfolding stateside, but the Indian rupee devaluation and US Fed measures have also reverted to the safe(er) haven of derivative trading. In consequence, for 2016, the exchange posted a historical high trading volume on an aggregate of 19.7 million contracts, valued at USD439.5 billion. With a daily average of 76,835 contracts in 2016, the DGCX also printed its highest ever Average Daily Volumes (ADV). Strongest was the performance of the DGCX's currency segment, up 34% YoY, where Indian rupee products notably rose 34% from 2015. Meanwhile, the DGCX gold basket rose 61% YoY; gold futures climbed 29%) with Gold Quanto—a cash-settled, cross-currency derivative where the underlying asset is denominated in a currency other than that in which the option is settled—rose 158%. The DGCX's prestige was underlined when a pioneering deal was struck in 2016 with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to launch the Shanghai Gold contract in Dubai. Its significance cannot be overstated in that now an exchange beyond China is able to direct regional investors to the world's largest bullion market. And with no likely end to volatility in 2017, a similar performance for derivative products turned to for hedging and investment purposes may well be anticipated for the year.
A Font of Achievement
A key figure on the international stage, Dubai has proven its mettle in commerce, economic stability, and innovation, while extending a brotherly hand to nations less fortunate.
Raúl Fernando Sendic Rodriguez, Vice President , Uruguay
TBY talks to Raúl Fernando Sendic Rodriguez, Vice President of Uruguay, on using Uruguay's vast productive powers to supply new markets, leveraging its status as a hub to help UAE firms penetrate Latin America, and solidifying UAE-Uruguayan legal structures.
Manuel Antonio González Sanz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica
TBY talks to Manuel Antonio González Sanz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, on forging renewable ties between the Gulf and Caribbean, triangular cooperation, and how to improve connectivity.
Focus: Dubai-Latam Relations
Connectivity is key to facilitating trade, and the sizable potential for trade with Latin America has justified investment in logistics from the UAE. As the markets for consumer goods grow, growth in trade between the two is expected to expand in the years to come.
Gustavo Leite, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Paraguay
TBY talks to Gustavo Leite, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Paraguay, on the advantages of being an agricultural hub, streamlining tax policy, and its advantages as a country for supplying the Brazilian market
The Great Push
A diversified economy and commitment to education and innovation has seen Dubai scale heights unimaginable mere decades ago.
HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister, Economy
TBY talks to HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, on investing in science and technology, supporting young local entrepreneurs, and the growth of high performing non-carbon sectors.
Focus: Bonds
Hello, Mr. Bond
Due to widening fiscal deficits, the Gulf has flocked to the bond market, with 2016 marking many first-off and record-breaking issuances.
HE Sami Al Qamzi, Director General , Department of Economic Development (DED)
TBY talks to HE Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development (DED), on transforming Dubai into a smart economy, creating the happiest city in the world, and securing a knowledge-based economy for the future.
Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO , Dubai FDI
TBY talks to Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI, on the advantages of doing business in Dubai, sustainable investment, and being future ready.
HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO , Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
TBY talks to HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, on boosting trade with Latin America, digitizing government services, and capitalizing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
HE Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO , Dubai SME
TBY talks to HE Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, on the new bankruptcy law, the role of SMEs, and incentivizing people to start businesses in non-traditional sectors.
Smart Cities / Smart Solution
TBY gathered some key thought leaders in Dubai to discuss the growth and development of the smart cities concept.
Dubai's largest holding companies are ensuring the viability of the Emirate's critical relevance in the global economy.
HE Hani Al Hamli, Secretary General, Dubai Economic Council (DEC)
TBY talks to HE Hani Al Hamli, Secretary General of the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), on the importance of building the knowledge economy, how the Emirate is looking to benefit from the One Belt, One Road initiative, and the effect of PPP legislation.
Sami Touma, Managing Partner , Eptalex – MEG LEGAL SERVICES
TBY talks to Sami Touma, Managing Partner of Eptalex – MEG LEGAL SERVICES, on the evolution of the firm, things companies setting up in Dubai should keep in mind, and the outlook for the year ahead.
Why Dubai?
Dubai's tactical importance as an emerging hub for African, Asian, and European ventures has won it a hard-fought economic dexterity.
Review: Banking
Leveraging Hub Status
Despite stubborn global headwinds, not least the flaccid prices of the post-commodity era, Dubai has continued to march onward and upward, driven by its diversified economy and international reputation as a financial hub.
Shichito Tobari, Managing Director & Regional Head for the Middle East, MUFG's core banking unit, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
TBY talks to Shichito Tobari, Managing Director & Regional Head for the Middle East, MUFG's core banking unit, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, on the subject.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO , Mashreq Bank
TBY talks to Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO of Mashreq Bank, on the importance of diversification, digitization, and the growth of e-commerce.
Julian Wynter, CEO , Standard Chartered
TBY talks to Julian Wynter, CEO of Standard Chartered, on the fundamentals that still make the UAE a great place to invest in, banking on Islamic finance, and burgeoning opportunities in wealth management.
Focus: Bankruptcy
A new rule book
The new bankruptcy law is a boon for the UAE's Doing Business ranking. It is expected to aid the flow of capital to start-ups and SMEs, segments that have been targeted as catalysts for innovation.
These companies are aggressively adopting new technologies to ensure their customers get the most out of their wages.
Review: Capital Markets
Dubai's capital markets, like its wider financial universe, have established themselves as a globally relevant center for diversified trading.
While some investors are merely keen on absorbing—or simply avoiding—structural downturns in the economy, others want to be a part of real, thriving businesses they can witness emerge from the sand.
Review: Insurance
Dubai's mandatory healthcare law has led to growth in the insurance sector, but firms still see significant untapped potential in a number of markets.
Michel Khalaf, President, US & EMEA , MetLife
TBY talks to Michel Khalaf, President, US& EMEA at MetLife,Inc., on how the UAE's needs have changed and how the company is adding value and a wider range o services to a growing population.
Though a difficult market at times, insurance in Dubai is far from a saturated one. In combination with recent laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that mandate health insurance for individuals, the time has never been better to be in insurance.
Healthy and Happy
With one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the region and a commitment to world-class care, Dubai is setting new standards for health and wellness.
Michael Pomerance, Managing Director, Cerner, Middle East and Africa
TBY talks to Michael Pomerance, Managing Director, Cerner, Middle East and Africa on integrating IT into healthcare, the UAE's fragmented market, and new methods of diagnosis.
David Hadley, CEO, Mediclinic
TBY talks to David Hadley, CEO of Mediclinic, on bridging gaps and facing the realities of healthcare provision in Dubai and beyond.
Dr. Misho Ravic, CEO, Dubai London Clinic (DLC)
TBY talks to Dr. Misho Ravic, CEO of Dubai London Clinic (DLC), on the clinic's evolution, prospects for medical tourism, and the merger and acquisition market.
Joe W. Henein, CEO & President , NewBridge Pharmaceuticals
TBY talks to Joe W. Henein, CEO & President of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, on the importance of increased access to medicine in the region, role of SME's high-end specialty pharmaceutical services, and ambitions for growth and expansion.
Focusing on quality care and specialized services, hospitals continue to place the patient at the center of their plans.
Calculating the Risk
The healthcare sector represents a changing landscape for insurers specialized in ensuring Dubai is covered today and tomorrow.
Focus: Healthcare M&As
Service Provider M&As
The consistent stream of investment into healthcare has not necessarily been a boon for provision, and the fragmentation of the sector has created a market ripe for consolidation, which experts anticipate to continue through to 2018.
Review: Education
After making significant advances in school quality in recent years, government and educational leaders are working to strengthen international ties and turn Dubai into a new hub for research, better equipped to increase human capital and create a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors-Director General, Dubai Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA)
TBY talks to Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors-Director General, Dubai Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), on preparing the groundwork for a smarter and more entrepreneurial future.
Mohammed Abdullah, Managing Director, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
TBY talks to Mohammed Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), on changes in the employment market and how the education infrastructure is changing to cater for that.
In order to keep up with the needs of a diversifying economy, universities are adopting new strategies to provide the Emirate with a generation qualified to carry the economy forward.
Already less dependent on oil exports than its neighbors, heavy investment in renewables has Dubai well positioned to achieve a stable energy future.
Anita Nouri, CEO & Business Development Director, Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability (GESS)
TBY talks to Anita Nouri, CEO & Business Development Director, Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability (GESS), on the sector.
Marwan Abdulaziz, Executive Director, Dubai Science Park (DSP)
TBY talks to Marwan Abdulaziz, Executive Director, Dubai Science Park (DSP), on the sector.
HE Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and the Environment
TBY talks to HE Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, on sustainability, cooperation, and partnership with regards to climate change policy.
HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC
TBY talks to HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, on Dubai's expanding energy demands, retail innovations, and the role of young Emiratis in the industry.
Gridlock No Longer
With ambitious goals to produce 75% of the Emirate's energy from clean sources, one key aspect will be reducing unnecessary consumption and system wastage.
HE Ahmad M. Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower
TBY talks to HE Ahmad M. Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, on the potential of district cooling services, Empower's competitive advantage, and industry competition.
Tarek El Sakka, CEO, Dubai Refreshment
TBY talks to Tarek El Sakka, CEO of Dubai Refreshment, on its new facility, competition in the region, and Dubai's strengths as a hub for the food and beverage industry.
Review: DOING BUSINESS
Recent regulations are changing the business landscape in Dubai but still favor the Emirate's steady growth as a regional economic hub.
The UAE signed a Multilateral Convention under the OECD: Now what?
Eptalex – MEG LEGAL SERVICES looks at the latest developments in the UAE regulatory landscape.
Dubai's business environment
A range of best practices and revamping strategies are changing the expectations for doing business in Dubai.
Dubai's undisputed status as a global maritime hub, reinforced by a recent Menon Economics report that ranked Dubai fifth in the world in maritime capitals in terms of attractiveness and competitiveness, benefits from a regulated sector where investment keeps it at the cutting edge.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World
TBY talks to Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, on developing multimodal transport links and its various projects around the world.
Amer Ali, Executive Director , Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)
TBY talks to Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), on the newly launched DVMC, the strengths of the sector, and transforming Dubai into one of the world's most important maritime centers.
Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
TBY talks to Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), on overcoming economic headwinds in 2016, creating a forum for a more sustainable sector, and strategies to be expected in the future.
Focus: Dubai Water Canal
Making Waves on Dubai's Coastlines
The Dubai Water Canal is the most recent megaproject to alter Dubai's natural harbors, creating new waterways to connect the city's bodies of water and make waves in economic development.
Vijay Rangachar, Regional Managing Director , Maersk Training
TBY talks to Vijay Rangachari, Regional Managing Director of Maersk Training, on training clients on operational efficiency, the challenges of providing training, and programs in great demand.
Maritime Logistics
Though the industry is picking up, the road to a solid recovery will be long and bumpy.
Focus: Global Reach of DP World
The familiar strategy of strong centralized leadership coupled with envious capital reserves and an aggressive acquisition strategy has lead DP World to global recognition within two decades. Today, the company's global positioning can be used as a tool for developing infrastructure in high-growth markets for larger benefits of UAE investment and trade.
Dubai's vast transport and logistics industry, supported by economic diversification, benefits from multimodal transportation, while green technologies counter future congestion.
HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) & Dubai South
TBY talks to HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) & Dubai South, on being a catalyst for business, the free zone's priorities, and supplying the right infrastructure.
Geoff Walsh, Country Manager, DHL Express UAE
TBY talks to Geoff Walsh, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE, on providing quality service, driving enhanced connectivity, and his outlook for the logistics sector.
Madhav Kurup, CEO (MENA & South Asia), Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
TBY talks to Madhav Kurup, CEO (MENA & South Asia) of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, on solutions for the renewables sector and areas of future growth.
Despite a global slowdown, car companies are optimistic given the popularity and quality of their vehicles.
Focus: Hyperloop
Loopy heights
Dubai has agreed upon a deal with US start-up Hyperloop One to evaluate the construction of a near-supersonic transport link that could slash travel times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to minutes
Rob Lloyd, CEO, Hyperloop One
TBY talks to Rob Lloyd, CEO, Hyperloop One, on the sector.
Hop In
As a hub for business and tourism, the Dubai rental car market thrives as locals and foreigners alike look for the best solutions to get about.
TELECOMS, IT & MEDIA
The future of Dubai is smart, as even abstract concepts like happiness are assigned a numeric value.
TBY talks to Peter Hall, Managing Director of Global Exhibitions, on Middle East strategy.
Abdulqader Obaid Ali, CEO, Smartworld
TBY talks to Abdulqader Obaid Ali, CEO, Smartworld, on the sector.
HE Dr. Aisha bin Butti bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai Office
TBY talks to HE Dr. Aisha bin Butti bin Bishr, Director General of Smart Dubai Office, on smart technology in the public sector, Dubai's partnerships with the private sector, and the ultimate goal of making Dubai the happiest city on earth.
HE Wesam Lootah, CEO, Smart Dubai Government
TBY talks to HE Wesam Lootah, CEO of Smart Dubai Government, on Dubai's unique smart city investments, the savings from these investments, and its magnetic pull for private-sector investment.
Focus: Happiness
Smiles all round
According to a UN-affiliated survey, the UAE is home to the 28th happiest citizens in the world, and now the government is aiming to achieve 95% happiness by 2021 and become the world's happiest country.
Osman Sultan, CEO, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC-du
TBY talks to Osman Sultan, CEO of du, on its disruptive market entry, multi-stakeholder ecosystems, and being at the center of this revolutionizing ecosystem.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Studio City (DSC), and Dubai Production City (DPC)
TBY talks to Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Studio City (DSC), and Dubai Production City (DPC), on fostering media innovation, growing the gaming industry, and supporting the film industry.
Ammar Al Malik, Director , Dubai Internet City (DIC)
TBY talks to Ammar Al Malik, Director of Dubai Internet City (DIC), on DIC's community and how it caters to both multinational companies as well as SMEs and start-ups.
As the ICT sector experiences a digitalization transformation, companies in Dubai are helping people connect and build connections.
Chris Govier, General Manager, Xerox Middle East
TBY talks to Chris Govier, General Manager of Xerox Middle East, on the company's strategy to diversify, invest in new technologies, and grow the market in the Middle East.
Santosh Varghese, Middle East & Africa, Toshiba Gulf
TBY talks to Santosh Varghese, General Manager, Middle East & Africa of Toshiba Gulf, on the company's brand in the region, new innovations, and the evolution of IT in Dubai.
Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General , Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC), on the UAE's space program, training future astronauts, and developing earth observation satellites.
App, app & Away
This decade has seen the development of a new business model. It is one that has seen internet-based companies becoming multi-million dollar entities without owning any assets, their only service being the easing of usability.
Review: Construction
Building A Tomorrow
Dubai's construction sector has weathered slow years and looks poised to begin growing again thanks to a new wave of large-scale projects linked to Expo 2020.
The Real Estate
TBY talks to Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman of DANUBE Group, on buying trends.
Wael Allan, CEO, Drake & Scull International
TBY talks to Wael Allan, CEO, Drake & Scull International, on the sector.
Yu Tao, President & CEO, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Middle East
TBY talks to Yu Tao, President & CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Middle East, on working despite the construction slump and areas of interest to CSCEC.
Mohammed Al Rais, Senior Vice President & Managing Director , Hill International (Middle East)
TBY talks to Mohammed Al Rais, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of Hill International (Middle East), on diversifying its projects during downturns, its projects in Dubai, and upcoming prospects.
Review: Real Estate
Dubai's real estate sector has slowed in recent years due to regional and global economic circumstances, but new growth in the affordable housing sector and the city's well-diversified economy have kept it in an enviable position.
Nick Maclean, Managing Director, CBRE Middle East
TBY talks to Nick Maclean, Managing Director, CBRE Middle East, on the sector.
J. Antonio Antoli, Managing Director, WIRED Corporation & Design plus Art
TBY talks to J. Antonio Antoli, Managing Director, WIRED Corporation & Design plus Art, on the sector.
Ali Lootah, Chairman, Nakheel
TBY talks to Ali Lootah, Chairman of Nakheel, on the development of the retail sector, growing interest in the middle-income sector, and cultivating steady income.
Building for Tomorrow
In spite of market volatilities and competition, real estate in Dubai offers opportunities for those prepared to invest in quality and to listen to the market's needs.
Having an integrated and solutions-minded approach to servicing real estate is key to growth and development within a competitive sector.
Our house, in the middle -income street
Dubai is renowned for its chart-topping growth rates in the real estate sector and eye-watering prices. But as the economy matures, a burgeoning middle class is looking for the more affordable options, a trend that the market is reacting to.
TOURISM, SPORTS & RETAIL
Already one of the world's premiere tourism destinations, Dubai is working on broadening its scope of offerings in order to expand into new markets.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Duty Free
TBY talks to Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, on expanding its core operations and minimizing wastage.
HE Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General, Dubai Sports Council (DSC)
TBY talks to HE Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), on what is being done to inspire the next generation of athletes in Dubai.
Focus: Golf tourism
A Top Tee
Long part of Dubai's sporting fabric, the Emirate's stunning golf greens are becoming a key focal point for the burgeoning tourism sector.
Patrick M. Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group
TBY talks to Patrick M. Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, on riding the wave of e-commerce, trends to watch for the future, and the importance of trust.
Up next ...
Forum: Insurers
Risk Stoppers
With insurance prices dropping and a saturated market, the government has initiated new regulations to stimulate the market, while insurers fight to gain market share.
At the Forefront
"All banks have weathered the storm quite well, making sure that prudence has a central seat at the table."
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Home Articles The Sun Zoning board reads appeals
Zoning board reads appeals
More controversy follows Durkee Lot project
by Sarah Elizabeth Morris
Local resident Joseph Whalen's appeal was viewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals Committee to expand his driveway from 10 feet wide to 20 feet wide to fit two automobiles.
PLATTSBURGH | This month's Zoning Board of Appeals Committee meeting determined whether or not to pass the appeals sent in from the public to the Zoning Board Ordinance.
There were five appeals total from the public that the committee looked over. The deadline to submit these appeals passed in May of this year.
At the committee meeting, the public was allowed to come up during a session and state their concerns and comments over any appeals that were reviewed.
The most discussed topic from the public was the Durkee Street lot development, mostly stated concerns from residents and business owners.
One of these concerns addressed came from local resident Scott Allen, who approached the stand on behalf of Save Durkee Parking Lot, a group of residents, property owners and business owners. With him was a packet full of the group's objections, as well as more than 1,500 signatures, both online and in person, that are against the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) plans to work with Prime Companies LLC in order to reconfigure the lot and add buildings. The petition was handed over to the zoning board to enter it into the record.
"The people that signed this petition are opposed to the project in its current form," Allen said. "It was distributed throughout businesses in the city, it was addressed to concerned citizens in the Plattsburgh area, and there may be a few outside."
Also there to speak on the Durkee Street lot was Sylvie Beaudreau, who appeared in front of the common council at its weekly meeting June 13, as well as the week after, June 20, to express her concerns about the parking committee's plans.
"The original DRI plan, which people in this town didn't necessarily approve of, it was imposed on us by a decision made by the state, called for 45 units and it called for a number of different public features, and also one acre of public green space," Beaudreau said. "What happens over time, the plans kept changing ... And in the process of these gradual changes, there was never any input into what the population of Plattsburgh felt about it ... people felt they haven't been consulted."
Beaudreau has been seen before at many of the protests regarding the Durkee Street Lot that took place outside of City Hall on occasion. Though the picketing has stopped, it appears those opposed are still trying to get the common council to appeal to their requests at the meetings themselves.
Common Council meetings are open to the public and held every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, following a committee meeting, which is also open to the public.
City of Plattsburgh Common Council Billboard Plattsburgh Durkee Street Prime Companies Durkee Street parking lot Sun Community News ordinance Scott Allen Plattsburgh The Sun Sylvie Beaudreau New York The Burgh Sun City of Plattsburgh Zoning Board of Appeals Downtown Revitalization Initiative Sarah Elizabeth Morris
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Be conservative with what you put in production.
This rule is based on keeping your production systems as simple as possible. Simple is always better than complex, they are easier to reason about and easier to secure, because it's simpler to know what's going on. The more complex your stack is, the harder it is to secure.
Use mature technology whenever possible.
Mature(or boring) technology is well understood by a wider swath of people. It's been used enough that all the sharp edges have been worn down, and the hard corners that are left are well marked in documentation, people's knowledge, etc. New tech is great, and sometimes you need to use it, but if an older(but maintained) technology can meet your needs, you should use that first. This is not to say you should use PDP-11's, they are no longer maintained. You don't want to be like the Nuclear Missile silos in the USA still using floppy disks! If nobody is maintaining the software you use, that means you are, and that's usually a bad position to be in security wise.
turn off unused things, erase unused software and enable default deny policies.
This is one of the hardest things to manage, implement and maintain. Software is usually developed with everything enabled, turned on and set in accept mode. If you develop software, you should include tests with default deny policies enabled as well. * This means firewalls on every machine, but also in software configuration, if you don't need Feature X, turn it off. This is all about limiting exposure, the less that is exposed to bad people, the harder it is for them to get a foothold and break into stuff. * If your OS installs a bunch of software you will never use, delete it.
Try not to install extra software on your production machines, your production instances probably don't need compilers, debuggers and the like, uninstall that stuff. The more minimal your production machines can be, the harder time a bad person will have once they do get in.
Single solutions are a horrible way to keep secure.
Fail early, fail often, and fail securely.
Verify that when things do go unexpectedly, you fail, fast, loudly and securely. An ATM vendor would go out of business in a hurry, if every time an ATM machine rebooted or broke, it would start spitting $20 bills from it's slot. Make your software behave sanely when it breaks. It should report it's failure to you, and it should then do the right thing with the person calling it. I.e. you probably don't want your website to start showing debug information to your end-users if it fails, as the debug information will likely show usernames and passwords, or at the very least show detailed implementation information for a determined bad actor to learn more about your system(s).
Equifax is the largest recent reason for why keeping up to date software is a huge security win. Most attackers are just as lazy as we are, and use known security exploits. Don't let the lazy ones walk off with everything. Keep up to date with security releases. Subscribe to your operating system(s) security release announcements and install the updates as soon as possible. For when you reach outside of your OS software for solutions(which you should keep to a minimum if possible) keep up with the security and development of those, and be diligent.


TripHobo Travel Blog: Meet avid travelers & Get Inspired Now. Discover new places, travel tips, tricks & hacks for a better, & smarter trips. Just a Click Away.
Curated, visual travel guides finding the light around the world. Secret gardens. Hidden bars. Forgotten museums. Vintage finds. Outlet stores. Authentic eats.
In this world there are number so best places where you can have lot of fun and can have unforgettable views of attractive and amazing places. Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan (Republic of china), located in North Taiwan.
Recommended palm sugar delivery vehicle: gula Melaka ice cream at China House, George Town Shortly after moving to Malaysia ten years (!) ago, Dave and I became obsessed with palm sugar. At first it was the attraction of the new.


The first workout for pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 18, 2019. (Always subject to change by the ball club).
February 9, 2019: It's the Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL. Click for more info.
The home games of the Tampa Bay Rays are played at The Charlotte County Sports Park at 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL.
The Park was renovated to the tune of some $28 Million to welcome the team to their new spring home starting in 2009.
So if you attend workouts or games, you'll be among those witnessing a recent rebirth of spring training in Port Charlotte as well as updated new digs for the team.
The facility had been without a team since the Texas Rangers left after the 2002 season.
The Tampa Bay Rays will open their 2019 spring training exhibition season against the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05 pm on February 22, 2019 in Pt. Charlotte, Florida. (See complete game schedule below.).
The first spring training work out for the Rays is scheduled for mid February.
MLB tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays exhibition games have been around since the franchise first began in 1998.
The Rays are fortunate in that their spring training facility is located in their home state of Florida. It makes it easy for the local fans to come out to the old ball game during spring training season.
Make your plans to come out and see this year's new comers hoping to make the team along with returning Tampa Bay Rays as well as veterans.
There's nothing like watching spring training exhibition games while being able to work on your tan. Ah, Florida Spring Training!!
March 7, 2019 Blue Jays Pt. Charlotte 1:05 p.m.
March 23, 2019 Tigers Lakeland 1:05 p.m.
March 25, 2019 Phillies Clearwater 1:05 p.m.
Directions: From the Sarasota area take I-75 south to exit 179 toward North Port/Port Charlotte. Merge on to North Toledo Blade BLVD. Turn right at El Jobean Rd/SRR-776/Veterans Blvd. Continue to follow El Jobean Road/SRR-776 until you see the park, (about a mile) on the left. Turn left into the park grounds. The Charlotte County Sports Park is at 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL. From the Sarasota/Venice area this is about a 30-35 minute drive from the I-75/Laurel Rd interchange.


No, miracles do not violate the laws of nature. David Hume's treatise against miracles is one of the most overrated arguments in the history of philosophy - Is Jesus Alive?
The apostle Paul said that Christianity stands or falls on the claim that Jesus rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:14) Yet for many religious skeptics, any argument made for a miracle is a project doomed from the start. It simply cannot get off the ground. Why is that the case?
Enter the famous Scottish philosopher David Hume.
In 1748 Hume wrote a short essay called Of Miracles. Hume vigorously argued that one can ever rationally believe a miracle claim because there is always more evidence that one did not occur. Michael Shermer has gone so far to say that "I think his treatise against miracles is pretty much a knockdown argument. Everything else is a footnote".
Put differently, we have ample evidence for the laws of nature through our everyday experience. We observe regularly that seas do not part. Ax heads sink in water, they don't float. Virgins don't become pregnant. Dead people stay dead.
So when faced with a choice – uncertain evidence versus the strongest possible evidence – a wise person should always choose the stronger evidence. A betting man will always come down on the side of scientific laws rather than their supernatural violation.
So was Hume's treatise really a knock-down argument?
In a word, no. The reality is Hume was answered by many of his own contemporaries. Many of his critics astutely pointed out that you can't use the regular order of nature as evidence against miracles.
1. In religious contexts, miracles are supposed to function as signs.
2. Miracles that function as signs would be impossible unless they took place against the backdrop of a stable natural order since that's what enables them to function as signs.
3. The existence of a stable order of nature cannot be used as an argument against miracles in religious contexts.
Of course, the resurrection wouldn't stand out unless dead men normally stay dead. Moses would have never been curious to "see this strange sight" if bushes regularly burn and yet are not consumed. (Exodus 3:3) Science does a good job telling us what nature does on its own. But why assume that it's left to its own? If God exists and wants to get our attention to get a special message across – like as in a "let my people go" message, he can act beyond what nature normally does.
If there is a God and he wants to make a revelation clear, then miracles aren't improbable. They're bound to happen at some point in history.
Like Paul said in Acts 26:8, "Why do any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?" God's no dummy. He wouldn't rent a billboard and use a black font against a black background. What Hume is asking us to do is make a false choice. Those who follow his reasoning aren't interested in looking at the evidence, they're just dismissing themselves from their duty to do so.
It's really just an argument from incredulity, and that's not a good way to argue. Sure, we don't need to accept every strange claim that is made, but if there can be good evidence marshaled in favor of a miracle, we should at least have an open mind.
Hume's argument is celebrated in skeptical circles as a knock-down argument, but it's vastly overrated. Don't fall for it. It presents a false choice between the laws of science and miracles and it is based on circular reasoning. It's no small wonder why John Earman, a non-religious philosopher, calls it an abject failure.
How to Think About Miracles – Dr. Tim McGrew. Much of what I have written here I'd attribute to Dr. McGrew. This lecture is well worth your time.


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Minerva is the Roman goddess of crafts and wisdom. The name may also refer to:

People
 Minerva (Daum Agora user), a South Korean netizen famous for his economic predictions
 Minerva Urecal (1894–1966), American film and television actress
 Minerva, the stage name of Josephine Blatt (c. 1869 – 1923)
 Minerva Hamilton Hoyt (1866–1945), an American activist famous for saving the deserts in California
 Minerva Brace Norton (1837–1894), American educator and author
Minerva Dayton Bateham (1856–1885), American poet, hymn writer, temperance worker

Geography

Australia

 Minerva, Queensland, a locality in the Central Highlands

Pacific Ocean

 Minerva Reefs, two submerged atolls between Tonga and New Zealand
Republic of Minerva, a self-declared South Pacific republic on the Minerva Reefs

United States

Minerva, Kentucky, United States
Minerva, New York, United States
Minerva, Ohio, United States
Minerva, Oregon, United States
Minerva, West Virginia

Land development
 Minerva plc, a London-based British developer and property firm
 Minerva Building, a skyscraper once planned for the eastern edge of London's main financial district
 Lokhandwala Minerva, a skyscraper under construction in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Entertainment

Games
 MINERVA (mod), a modification for the video game Half-Life 2
 Minerva, a character in the final cutscene of Assassin's Creed II
 Minerva, a character in Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light
 Minerva, a class in the MMORPG Elsword
 Ex Machina: Minerva, a character used by Celica A. Mercury in the fighting game series BlazBlue

Comics
 Doctor Minerva, a Marvel Comics character who is a Kree scientist
 Cheetah, a DC Comics character whose name is Barbara Ann Minerva
 Minxy Minerva, a Wildstorm character who has appeared in Welcome to Tranquility
 Minerva (Image Comics), a reincarnated goddess in The Wicked + The Divine

Film
 Minerva Film, an Italian film distribution company operating between 1912 and 1956

Manga and anime
 Minerva, a character from the Transformers franchise
 Minerva class battleship, a fictional class of space vessels from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
 Fencer of Minerva, a hentai anime series
 Minerva Orland, a character in Fairy Tail
 Minene Uryuu, a character in Future Diary

Animation
 Minerva Campbell, the mother of Finn from Adventure Time
 Minerva Mink, a character from Animaniacs
 Minerva Mouse, the full name of Minnie Mouse

Music
 "Minerva" (song), a 2003 single by Deftones
 "Minerva", a 2005 song by Ani DiFranco, from her album Knuckle Down

Novels
 Minerva (Re:Zero), a character in the light novel series Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
 Minerva Hadley, a character in the Noughts & Crosses book series by Malorie Blackman
 Minerva McGonagall, a character in the Harry Potter book series by J. K. Rowling
 Minerva Paradizo, a character in the book Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer
 Minerva, a ship and supporting character in The Baroque Cycle book series by Neal Stephenson
 Minerva, a setting in the book A World of Difference by Harry Turtledove
 Minerva, a setting in the Giants series by James P. Hogan
 Minerva, a computer which becomes a human female in Robert A. Heinlein's 1973 Time Enough for Love
 In Harry Turtledove's novel A World of Difference, the orbit of Mars is occupied by an Earth-sized planet called Minerva.

Theatre
 Minerva Theatre, Chichester, England, opened in 1989
 Minerva Theatre, Kolkata, India, built in 1893
 Minerva Theatre, Sydney, Australia 1939–1950
 Minerva, a character in the 1929 West End musical Mr. Cinders

Publications
 Minerva (German magazine), a nineteenth century journal published by Johann Wilhelm von Archenholz
 Minerva (archaeology magazine), an international review of ancient art and archaeology
 Minerva (Norwegian periodical), a Norwegian liberal conservative periodical first published in 1924
 Minerva (Springer journal), a peer-reviewed sociology journal established in 1962
Minerva (Welsh periodical), earliest title of Swansea History Journal
 Minerva Medica, a medical journal in Italian
Minerva, an intellectual magazine originally funded by the CIA via the Congress for Cultural Freedom

Science and technology

Astronomy and space
 93 Minerva, an asteroid discovered in 1867
 MINERVA mini-lander, a mini-lander on the unmanned spacecraft Hayabusa
 MINiature Exoplanet Radial Velocity Array (MINERVA), ground-based search for exoplanets
 Minerva, a name originally proposed for the planet Pluto
 Minerva, the name of the European Space Agency's segment of the SpaceX Crew-4 mission

Automotive
 Minerva (automobile), a Belgian luxury automobile manufactured from 1902 until 1938
 Minerva Armored Car, a World War I armoured car

Biology
 Minerva (alga), a genus of red algae in the family Bangiaceae
 Minerva (bird), a genus of prehistoric owls

Computing and telecommunication
 MINERVA, a European Union organization concerned with the digitisation of cultural and scientific content
 MINERVA (cable system), a submarine telecommunications cable system linking Italy and Cyprus
 Minerva (QDOS reimplementation), a reimplementation of Sinclair QDOS
 Minerva Initiative, a plan that looks to tap into the community of area specialists and other university researchers
 Minerva Networks, a company that develops video compression technology and broadcast systems

Medicine
 Minerva cast, a type of orthopedic cast enclosing the patient's trunk and head
 A brand name of co-cyprindiol (cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol), an oral contraceptive

Physics
 MINERνA,  a neutrino scattering experiment

Ships
 , several ships
 , several ships of the British Royal Navy
 , several ships of the United States Navy
 , a class of ships of the Italian Marina Militare

Other uses
 Editura Minerva, a Romanian publishing house
 Minerva Bunkering, a marine fuel logistics company
 Minerva roundabout, famous landmark in Guadalajara, Jalisco
 The Minerva Initiative is a U.S. Department of Defense program
 Minerva F.C., a 19th-century amateur football club in England
 Fuji Xerox Minerva AFC, an American football team in Ebina, Kanagawa, Japan, playing in the X-League X2 division
 Minerva University, a private university based in San Francisco, California

See also
 Minerve (disambiguation)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Home OpinionPerceptions & Perspectives	Rolito Go, Went Out, Gone Back
Perceptions & Perspectives
Rolito Go, Went Out, Gone Back
written by Ace Esmeralda August 17, 2012
The Kidnapping Angle
In July 1991, Mr Rolito Go, blinded by very bad mood, entered a one-way street in upscale Greenhills and found himself blocked by another car driven by a young engineering graduate. In a fit of rage, Mr Go, fresh from a fight with his girlfriend, vented his negative emotions toward the driver of the other car, Eldon Maguan.
Go's murder case has been more of an emotion-driven one at a time when texting was not even a fad yet. Go, a Chinese businessman, shooting point-blank a young person, became a rallying point by several crusaders then and until now.
Rolito Go went to face the consequences of his action with efforts to escape. He fled after the road rage but was identified by a snappy security guard. Go surrendered after six days.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on murder charges after two years of trial. In 1993, he escaped from prison and hid from authorities for three years. Once captured, he was sent to the maximum security facility at the National Bilibid Prison.
Media coverage plunged him to the limelight from time to time, from the crime scene to his trial and recapture. He became a high-profile person, which worked to his disadvantage. Justice is not vengeance and personal transformation is received with cynicism in this only Christian country in Asia. His name became synonymous to road rage that involves shooting another driver. He became a victim of being stereotyped.
Lives Out, Went Out
In March 2009, Rolito Go was qualified to be transferred to the minimum security facility of NBP. He stays in a nipa hut near a church. He was given a live-out status that allows him to walk around the prison compound without security escorts. Just like other live-out inmates, he is required to report to the minimum security facility every 5 p.m. for accounting.
When I visited Rolito Go in his live-out hut in early 2011 for a story on Philippine Prisons, Prisoners and Reformed Lives for SecurityMatters, I met a sharp and calm person. He was interested in the magazine and on the topic. While waiting to be accommodated, I scanned the environment of his daytime abode which is just beside the main road out of the NBP fortress. I saw several plastic bottles of medicines and supplements on top of his shelves.
There is a bamboo fence around to keep stray dogs out. The gates are welcoming to anyone. He can be visited. He also can simply take a ride on a pedicab or a SUV if he wants to. He doesn't need a blast and daring rescue like those who recently escaped the jails of Maguindanao and Basilan.
Anyone can also fetch him for daylong joy ride around Metro Manila or for a refreshing spa. Anyone includes wardens, family, friends, or kidnappers.
He doesn't live his day behind bars except probably when the mass media or some parties throw him back into the limelight.
Gone Missing: The Kidnapping Story
The kidnapping tale is very difficult for most people to understand especially if their perception and understanding of kidnapping and escape from prisons came mostly from news, TV shows, or Hollywood movies. I understand the emotional reaction of the Maguans and the general public if they quickly jump to conclusions based on stereotyped notions and prejudices. I understand, in fact, expecting the natural reactions from the Bureau of Corrections, which is in a Catch-22 position. Whether it's a kidnap or an escape case, it still involves an inmate gone missing.
My Take.
From my perspective then as company commander of an army unit of Task Force Kutawato in the mid-90s, my fellow TFK officers and I classify the potential kidnap-for-ransom victims into "kidnapable" and ransomable". Almost everyone, including live-out inmates, is kidnapable but only a few are ransomable. Rolito Go is both kidnapable and ransomable.
The kidnappers of Rolito Go know that getting ransom money could be quick and easy. But they failed to factor in their plans that their victim was suffering from colon ailment and carries a colostomy bag.
I watched Go narrate his story in a PNP press conference. I believe him, for now. When Director General Bartolome's stated that the police "deal with facts", the more I believed the kidnapping story. Granting his kidnapping story is a scripted alibi, we should get acting lessons from Go and his nephew.
Why would Go stage his escape when he is due for release next year? He knows very well the implications of another escape to his records.
Could he been "escaping" time to time and it was only this time someone squealed?
Why would he bring another person into his caper? He is intelligent and caring enough not to get his nephew, who is also his caregiver and nurse, into trouble. Getting another person to corroborate a scripted event poses the risk of being found lying under intense cross-examination by a seasoned interrogator. The NBI and other agencies will definitely interview the prison chaplain, his sister, his wife, dozens of other inmates.
Why would he script such story when he knows that it is difficult for a prostitute to cry rape? Why go to the extent of inflicting wounds upon himself and his nephew for a short freedom–to be with his sister or to gamble in Resorts World? The tales woven by others are more illogical than Go's kidnapping story.
The police may soon reveal that the struggle or defensive wounds of Go and his nephew are not self-inflicted and that both passed the polygraph test as telling the truth. I hope that no one will say that they passed the polygraph because Go is a criminal and therefore an expert liar.
Could the kidnappers assumed that asking a measly ransom of P1M assures quick release and that Go could be accounted for before 5 p.m.? Several tingi-tingi kidnappings have been happening in North Luzon since last year. Fast, quick, efficient, these kidnappings go unreported by victims and victims' families for obvious reasons.
Could Go's kidnappers have thought that no one will believe the kidnapping story of fugitive Rolito Go and his family anyway? They probably did not consider that many government agencies would be just eager to recapture a high-profile fugitive.
From the looks of available information, it seems the alleged four kidnappers of Go are bad actors since even Go suspected them immediately. They are also amateurs in terms of planning and execution. I believe that they are not really for the money but for the media impact on the missing high profile inmate.
NBI's Role, De Lima's Dilemma
Some people said that the National Bureau of Investigation might not be the independent body to investigate the case since suspected kidnappers were allegedly NBI agents. More so that the NBI, like the BuCor, is under the Justice Department and the Justice Secretary is now the OIC of BuCor. I believe that the new NBI Director will not risk whitewashing or covering up in case there are scalawag NBI agents involved. Secretary De Lima will side with the truth while she ponders on the political implications of this incident.
Casualties, Victims
Rolito Go, his nephew, and their families are the victims in this kidnapping case. The knee-jerk reactions of the BuCor will cost other live-out inmates their little privileges.
The other victims in the latest episode in the life of Rolito Go are not only the three jail officers but also the head of the Bureau of Corrections himself. Whether this episode is a staged cover story for an escape or real kidnapping, Director Pangilinan finds himself a victim of a demolition job. After several attempts to get his throat because of the reforms he instituted inside the BuCor, this case is the biggest mud thrown at him so far. The kidnappers, or say, the abductors of Rolito Go were successful in their mission.
With the multi-agencies investigating the escape of Rolito Go, let's hope that truth will not be another victim and that justice will not escape those who deserve it.
Ace Esmeralda
Ace Esmeralda is one of the few Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialists (CATS) in the Philippines. He is an ASIS International Certified Protection Professional (CPP), a Certified Campus Security Manager (CCSM), and an International Crime Prevention Specialist (ICPS). He is the first Certified Lodging Security Officer (CLSO) and the only Certified Lodging Security Supervisor (CLSS) in the Philippines. He is also a Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP). CLSO, CLSS, and CGSP are certifications from the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute. He is also Certified in Electronic Access Control and Certified in Internet Protocol Camera by IPVM University. In 2015, he completed courses from McAfee Institute on Digital and Mobile Forensics, Investigative Interviewing Methodologies, and Advance Social Media Intelligence Gathering. He finished an online course in Marketing Planning in the Hospitality Industry at Cornell University. He holds a Master's degree in Management from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and belongs to the Makatao Class of 1989.
[UPDATE] Rolito Go Kidnapping Confirmed
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The Republican Party loves to accuse the Democrats and President Barack Obama of conducting "class warfare".
In reality, what the GOP has been doing is conducting reverse "class warfare" on the middle class and the poor!
It is as if they are a reverse Robin Hood, and have no conscience about defending Wall Street, the banks, and the corporations, the one percent, against the 99 percent!
The only principle they have is to promote greater acquisition of wealth, and redistribute wealth to those who already have much more than anyone needs, and show no concern about those less fortunate, those unemployed due to their policies over a decade, those victimized by the stratification of society encouraged by these Republicans, as they believe in no regulations economically, but certainly wish to intrude on and control a person's private rights and social existence!
The Growing Inequity Of Wealth In America: Unconscionable!
The Congressional Budget Office confirmed this week what has been well known for quite some time: America has seen a concentration of wealth in the past thirty years as never before in American history.
Income for the top one percent increased 275 percent, while the top 20 percent went up 65 percent. At the same time, the 20th percentile to the 80th percentile went up about 40 percent, and the lowest fifth 18 percent.
The top one percent of income earners control as much of the nation's total income as they had on the eve of the Great Depression. They had 23.94 percent of the national income in 1929 and 23.5 percent in 2007.
When one looks at the top one tenth of one percent, the richest of the rich, they controlled 2.8 percent of national income in 1913, when the income tax amendment was put into the Constitution. In 2007, the top one tenth of one percent earned 6 percent of national income.
One major difference today is that the wealthiest usually have it from being financial and corporate executives, while in earlier times, they were mostly living off inherited wealth.
These figures cry out on why the "Occupy Wall Street" movement resonates among many Americans, and calls for some kind of action to tax the wealthy more to help resolve the budget crisis and deal with the many social and economic problems we face today in 2011.
The Middle Class Alarm Bell: Declining Rapidly In America and Multiplying In Brazil, India, China, Russia!
In the midst of the greatest economic crisis for America since the 1930s, the alarming reality is that the middle class, the backbone of America, is rapidly declining, as stratification of wealth has grown to be the greatest it has ever been in American history.
At the same time, we are witnessing the multiplication of the middle class in Brazil, India, China and Russia, and that is an alarm bell that this nation is in danger of a declining role economically on the world scene, in competition with these rapidly growing nations' prosperity!
Who would have thought after World War II, that within two thirds of a century later, the concept of an American Empire that would be the world's leader would come to a crashing halt, as the statistics now indicate is happening before our eyes?
This is not a time for accusations and for political points to be gained! Rather it is a time for all Americans to unite behind an economic program that promotes economic growth, rather than stagnation. Sadly, the likelihood of Congress working with the President when they come back after Labor Day is considered quite remote, and the losers will be all of us in this nation that deserves better!
The Texasfication Of America: Is This What We Want?
Governor Rick Perry of Texas has come out charging like a bull as a Presidential candidate, offering Texas as a model for America, but is it?
6. Stratification of wealth between rich and poor.
8. A backward legal system with high crime rates and execution numbers.
We will be learning a lot more about Rick Perry as time goes on, and as research by journalists is completed, but is not the above enough reason to reject Rick Perry for President of the United States?
It is clear that Rick Perry would be the most reactionary, right wing candidate for President since Barry Goldwater in 1964!


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Meudang Ara is een bestuurslaag in het regentschap Aceh Barat Daya van de provincie Atjeh, Indonesië. Meudang Ara telt 2657 inwoners (volkstelling 2010).

Plaats in Atjeh


The lowest point I've ever been at was in the first semester of my third year of university. I have generalized anxiety disorder; I let my anxiety take over my life and with it came severe depression. I couldn't sleep so I was constantly tired, I lost a significant amount of weight because I would feel sick whenever I tried to eat, and I lost all drive and motivation so I didn't study for any of my midterms and would hand in blank or only half-completed assignments. I was completely apathetic and numb; it was terrifying, like I was drowning. The only emotion I seemed to feel was guilt and shame because my life was falling apart around me and I couldn't seem to do anything to pull it back together. I isolated myself because I didn't feel like I was worth having friends, and I spent most of my time either in bed or sitting in front of my computer mindlessly wasting time. My eating became disordered and I would starve myself as punishment because I was letting my life fall to pieces.
I have a close relationship with my parents, and I'm lucky enough to be able to talk to them on the phone every day. They knew I was going through a difficult time and it was heartbreaking for them because they couldn't do anything to help me. The happy, bubbly girl they were used to was now sullen and quiet. My parents tried to pull me out of school and move me back home because they didn't know what else to do, and it came very close to that. Eventually it was my mom who suggested that I might have depression. She encouraged me to take some online quizzes, the results of which pointed to severe depression, and it was her who convinced me to seek professional medical help.
I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with both severe anxiety (which I've known about since grade 4), and severe depression. The doctor prescribed me Effexor, an antidepressant that also helps treat anxiety, and also recommended that I quit my student leadership job as it was such a huge source of my stress and anxiety. After talking it through with my parents, we came to the conclusion that quitting my job would be the best decision for my mental health. It was one of the hardest choices I've ever made because my job was a huge source of pride and accomplishment for me, as well as my only income. When I was doing poorly in school, I could pour myself into my job as a distraction and a way to make myself feel better because it was something I excelled at.
Since quitting my job and starting on medication, I have been doing much better. I've sought out other ways to take care of myself, such as taking an 8-week group therapy course for my anxiety so that I could learn how to manage it properly. It helped significantly. I didn't realize how low I was and how much it was affecting my physical health until I started feel better. Anxiety had been so consistent throughout my childhood and in my daily life that it had become my normal. I now feel the best I ever have, like myself again. My drive and motivation are back, I've regained the ability to concentrate, I'm not constantly fatigued, and I actually enjoy studying and doing the things that used to be big sources of stress and triggers for my mental illness. I'm the happiest I've ever been because I'm able to be optimistic again, I feel like I have so much to look forward to.
The road to recovery has not been completely smooth. Even though I feel the best I ever have, I am not better. It took a while to figure out the correct dosage of anti-depressants I needed. In December during finals my dosage was upped, and this caused me to end up in the hospital (due to the severe side effects.) As a result, I had to defer two exams. I still get some of these side effects from the Effexor. I get incredibly shaky and it can exhaust me to the point where I'm unable to make it through the day without a nap. I also still have a difficult time sleeping and eating properly. I've been unable to put any of the weight back on yet but I'm working at it. I watch what I eat, making sure my food is nutritious, and I try very hard to ensure I eat at least 2 meals in a day. I don't believe my depression is chronic, but I know that my anxiety is. It's something I have to carry around for the rest of my life. I can work at it, learn how to properly manage it, but there will always be a struggle. In a way I'm kind of thankful that I went through such a hard time, because since then I have learned so much about myself as a person, and it's taught me a lot of good things such as empathy, compassion and patience. It changed my path a little from what I had planned, but I'm okay with that because of what I've learned about myself and what's right for me.
Mental illness is so difficult because it's easy to deny and hide, nobody knows how much you're suffering because they can't usually see it. People often don't get the help they need, and mental illnesses are both hard to treat and challenging to recover from; they're also dynamic. I'm glad I finally reached out and sought help. Looking at where I could have ended up is terrifying, especially in comparison to the great place I'm in now. One thing that has really stuck with me is something my Dad told my Aunt when she asked how I was doing, he said "When I look in her eyes I see Chaunie again, for a while I would look in her eyes and it was like she was gone." This brought a lot of things into perspective, especially that I wasn't my mental illness. Mental illness is a disease just like any physical one, it was taking over my life, and now I was beating it. Since I've been recovering, it's caused my perspective of the world to shift a little, I find that I appreciate my friends, family and my life in general a lot more now. As mental health awareness grows, so do the options that exist to diagnose and treat. If you are someone who is struggling with mental illness, please reach out and find help no matter the severity. You are worthy of recovery.
Hi, my name is Chaunie Nordquist and I'm a third year science student at the University of Alberta specializing in physiology and developmental biology. I hope to one day get my masters in occupational therapy so I can pursue my dream career in a field where I get to interact with, and help people on a daily basis. Some things that make me happy are yoga, my friends and family, the mountains, cute puppy videos and wine. Since I was diagnosed with my mental illness I am trying to be as honest and open as possible in order to bring awareness and crush the stigma.


Phagocytosis activity of peripheral blood leukocytes in smokers or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was found to be controversial and dependent on the phagocytic stimulus.
We demonstrated that long-term exposure to cigarette smoke in mice clearly suppressed the phagocytosis of granulocytes and monocytes from peripheral blood.
Impaired phagocytosis activity of peripheral blood leukocytes may have a systemic effect and potentially contribute to smoking-associated diseases such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
Phagocytic activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients has been well investigated in monocyte-derived macrophages and in alveolar macrophages, as summarized by Louise Donnelly and Peter Barnes . Less research has been carried out on circulating phagocytes. Phagocytic activity of circulating phagocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, is involved both in inflammation as well as in the abatement of inflammation and tissue repair in all organs. Various studies (cited in ) established that the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in patients with COPD was neither affected nor attenuated by the implementation of a Candida species as a phagocytic stimulus. The PBL were only found to be impaired in one study in which Escherichia coli was applied as a phagocytic stimulus .
The mechanism through which cigarette smoke (CS) influences circulating phagocytes is unclear. It is also unclear whether impaired activity of circulating phagocytes affects the host defense, this question is however not addressed in this report. We recently presented a mouse model of COPD  and showed that phagocytosis—measured as increased mean fluorescence intensity—was suppressed in PBL after long-term exposure to CS . We have now determined the phagocytosis activity of PBL obtained from mice exposed to air or CS for 6 months. The animal experiments were approved by the ethical committee of the Saarland and by the Landesamt für Soziales, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz of the Government of Saarland. The mice were maintained in pathogen-free conditions. Briefly, 7–9 week-old female wild-type C57BL/6N mice were exposed to a combination of sidestream and mainstream CS (3R4F, College of Agriculture, Reference Cigarette Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA) in a TE-10 smoking machine (Teague Enterprises, Woodland, California, USA) for a total of 261 min/day, 5 days per week. The smoking time was 87 min with 40 min air exposure in between CS exposures, with three CS exposures/day. Mice were exposed to CS or air for 6 months. This long exposure time of the mice was chosen to simulate the situation in humans with the development of COPD decades later. The CS concentration was 120 mg/m3 total suspended particles. Phagocytosis activity of whole blood monocytes and granulocytes was determined using a flow cytometry-based assay (Phagotest, Orpegen Pharma, Germany), according to the instructions. Samples were analyzed in a FACS Calibur flow cytometer (Beckton Dickinson, Heidelberg, Germany). Gates (forward/side scatter) were set on granulocytes and monocytes. For determination of the phagocytosis activity in each sample phagocytosis was, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, determined as a percentage of cells which had ingested fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated and opsonized Escherichia coli. Ice-cold controls were used to avoid simple adhesion. The percentage of active phagocytic cells was significantly reduced in neutrophils (clean air exposure vs. CS exposure: percentage 57 ± 4 vs. 40 ± 4) and monocytes (15 ± 1 vs. 10 ± 2) after CS inhalation (Fig. 1) (N = 10, ANOVA and Mann–Whitney, p < 0.05). A pathological significance of this 30 % reduction in phagocytosis is speculative and has to be evaluated in further studies. Our findings support the hypothesis that inhaled CS has a systemic effect on circulating phagocytes. This could possibly open the door for the investigation of related open questions, mechanisms and therapies in a mouse model of COPD.
CB, RB, CM and TT have made substantial contributions towards the concept, design and interpretation of the data. AR and MV made substantial contributions towards data acquisition and analysis. RB, TT and CB have given final approval of the version to be published. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
The authors thank Ann Soether for language editing.


The last few decades have brought enormous economic growth to the East Asia and Pacific region, along with social achievements. Children have benefitted from both but progress has been unequal, with children in urban areas, for example, benefitting more than their rural counterparts.
UNICEF is working to translate this new-found wealth into improvements in children's lives that are lasting and equitable. One way we do this is through our economic and social policy work, which focuses on helping governments develop and implement policies to realise the rights of all children.
Gaspar Fajth is UNICEF EAPRO's new regional adviser for social policy and economic analysis. He has moved to Bangkok from UNICEF's regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa.
A serious-looking man, he tries to convince me that as a young boy he dreamt of becoming a rock-star. Instead, he became an economist, working first in his native Hungary and then around the world with UNICEF. He has spent the past 22 years working to improve children's well-being through national economic and social and policies.
"Our work on economic and social policies is about having a bigger impact," he says, stressing that this approach can make improvements in education, health and child protection more sustainable.
"Governments around the world have the means to take care of their children, in both low- and middle-income countries. They operate with far bigger budgets than UNICEF." He goes on to explain that the best way to harness those resources to benefit millions of children is by influencing the policy making process.
"Childhood is that window of opportunity, a person's only chance to develop," Gaspar says explaining how economic and social policies affect children differently than adults. Lack of nutrition, education or health care can have irreversible impact on a child's development into adulthood.
Gaspar was in Nairobi when the Horn of Africa crisis unfolded in 2011-2012, following one of the worst droughts in recent history. As UNICEF's regional adviser for social policy, he helped affected countries put in place social welfare programmes to protect the most vulnerable families and children.
Gaspar first joined UNICEF in the early 1990s, when sweeping political and economic changes were taking place in Central and Eastern Europe. At that time, UNICEF advised governments on how to protect families and their children in the midst of rapidly changing social conditions. As this work was being taken up by the highest levels, he moved to UNICEF headquarters in New York to guide our global work on social and economic policies for children.
With all of these experiences he has now arrived in Bangkok, ready for a new set of challenges. "Sukhumvit looks like Manhattan," he remarks, adding that as government revenues have risen on the back of strong economic growth, donor aid is less important in East Asia and the Pacific than in other regions. How governments manage public finances determine how this growth and wealth will benefit society and whether it carries over to future generations.
"I'm very happy to join East Asia and the Pacific. It's an engine of global economy. Much of the growth I saw in Africa originated in Asia. So working on economic and social policies for children here can have a worldwide impact," Gaspar concludes.
With his tremendous experience, Gaspar is a welcome addition to the Asia Pacific region. Wish him best luck.


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These benefits have long included a health plan, a Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
No other organization serves the training needs of the steamfitter industry For over a century, the UA has been training the most highly-qualified workers in the United States
Find the latest on forms, news and information on whats going on today with steamfitters420. Check it out here.
Welcome to Steamfitters Local 420
No other organization serves the training needs of the piping industry like the United Association.
The Steamfitters of UA Local 420 would like to thank you for taking the time to visit our website to learn more about us. Since first chartered in 1903, Steamfitters Local 420 has been constructing, installing and maintaining Mechanical systems throughout our jurisdiction. We service the entire state of Pennsylvania's gas pipeline distribution. In addition, Local 420 has jurisdiction in the area of instrumentation calibration over four states. Including Pennsylvania, we service New Jersey, Delaware, and New York.
Throughout our great history, we've worked on many high profile projects in working to build Philadelphia into the great city it is today. We're proud to have worked on projects such as the Sun Oil Refineries, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the stadiums for the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers.
If you're building a new or upgrading your current Industrial or Commercial facility, build and service with Steamfitters Local 420 by utilizing one of our Signatory Contractors.
Industry Day at Steamfitters Local 420
Industry leaders from throughout the region visited Steamfitters Local 420 for Industry Day on March 24, 2022. We were thrilled to have a tremendous set of speakers. They were:
National Building Trades President Sean McGarvey
University of Penn Healthcare System, CEO, Kevin Mahoney
United Association International General Secretary-Treasurer, Patrick Kellett
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Military and government officials have launched UA VIP as a model in workforce development. Paid for entirely by the UA and its industry partners at NO cost to participants.
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Founded twenty-one years ago at the intersection of popular culture and politics, Rock the Vote has registered more than five million young people to vote.
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The Indian woman transforming her family's sari firm
By Kinjal Pandya-Wagh BBC News business reporter, Chennai
As Lavanya Nalli walks through her main sari shop her eyes light up.
The 32-year-old talks of the pride she feels in leading a business that has been run by her family for 88 years.
The store in the southern Indian city of Chennai was first opened by her great-great-grandfather in 1928.
Over the decades Nalli has become one of India's best-known brands of saris. The traditional Indian garment for women, saris are lengths of wide fabric which are first wrapped around the waist and then draped over one shoulder.
Lavanya says the brand's heritage and reputation for selling the finest silk saris are central to its continuing appeal.
And with annual revenues of more than $100m (£76m) across 29 Indian stores, plus outlets in Singapore and California, business remains strong.
Yet as a growing number of Indian women are choosing to wear Western clothing, or less formal Indian garments, Lavanya is using business skills she gained from spending several years away from the family company to introduce new product lines and take the firm into e-commerce.
Changing fashion
Nalli is renowned for selling hand-woven silk saris, which are made from the artisan weavers in the Kanchipuram district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
These saris are known for their opulence, their fine fabric, vibrant colours and intricate designs, which range from floral and peacock motifs to checks and stripes.
They are popular as special occasion wear for celebrations, festivals and marriages, and the most beautiful are passed on from one generation to the next.
They are also not cheap, with the most intricate examples costing as much as $3,100 (£2,350).
As a child Lavanya says it was impossible for her not to take an interest in both the company and retailing in general, because her father and grandfather would forever discuss business at the dinner table.
"Work and personal life were amazingly integrated," she says.
Lavanya herself formally joined the business in 2005, when she was 21. She stayed for four years, before deciding that she wanted to leave to learn about different ways of doing things.
So she first went to the prestigious Harvard Business School in the US to get an MBA (master of business administration).
She then worked with business consulting firm McKinsey in Chicago from 2011 to 2013.
Returning to India in 2014, she then spent a year with an online fashion retailer called Myntra, before finally rejoining the family business in 2015.
With all the experience she had gained while she was away, she says her family were happy to let her take the lead at Nalli.
The challenge Lavanya faces is responding to the continuing change in the fashion tastes of Indian women, which is seeing many of them wear saris far less often.
"Saris were the only choice and preference Indian women had for a very long time, and that has changed over the years," she says.
Western brands
While saris still dominate on Indian city streets, it doesn't take long to spot young women in Western casual wear such as jeans, t-shirts and shirts.
They are buying these from shops opened in India by the likes of Sweden's H&M, and US chain Gap.
Less formal Indian clothing such as kurtis (a stitched long shirt) and salwar kameez (dresses) have also grown in popularity, especially on college campuses and in the workplace.
Amit Gugnani, a fashion expert at Indian management consultancy business Technopak, explains the growing challenge for companies like Nalli.
He says: "Indian fashion consumers have become more experimental and image-conscious.
"A strong and growing economy coupled with better job prospects, higher disposable income and profound impact of media and technology is revolutionising [the] buying behaviour of Indian consumers.
"It is a fairly large challenge to be able to cater to the modern day Indian consumer – it is a fine balance between understanding the consumer and educating them at the same time about the offering your brand has."
Backing a hunch
While Nalli has no plans to introduce Western-style clothing, under Lavanya's direction it has launched a range of kurtis and salwar kameez.
The company has also launched a range of more affordable saris, made from cheaper fabrics, such as a blend of polyester and cotton. This has brought prices down to as low as $2.20 per sari, a fraction of the price of the most expensive silk versions.
Lavanya says that while saris remain the "major revenue generator for the company", Nalli has "adopted the changing preference of consumers".
While Lavanya has led the development of the company's website, to enable sales from around the world, she still intends for the business to double its number of physical stores by 2020.
She says her family continues to support her efforts, particularly because she provides detailed business plans.
"Our set-up is very entrepreneurial, which allows us to keep thinking about different ways of doing things," says Lavanya.
"So whenever I have an inclination or hunch, I find data that validates my hypothesis. This makes me more confident to chase it further, and my family supports it.
"I'm really grateful to be in the position that I am in today. There is a deep sense of pride to be part of a historic brand that my family has built."
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CLASSIC MUSICAL
Cole Porter's Nymph Errant
Rob Urbinati, Cole Porter
Cast Size: 11F, 10M
Cole Porter swings in this sexy new adaptation of the rarely heard musical about a young woman's Candide-like journey through Europe.
ORIGINAL MUSICAL
God Save Queen Pam
Erin Murray Quinlan
Run Time: 2hr 10min
Direct from Off-Broadway! The screwball musical comedy about a bartender who becomes queen for a day— and then some.
Goldstein: A Musical About Family
Charlie Schulman, Michael Roberts
In this hit Off-Broadway musical, an author's tell-all memoir becomes an exploration into the challenges and triumphs of his immigrant Jewish-American family.
Goldstein: A Musical About ...
Holiday of Errors
Frank Lawler, Daniel Flint
Cast Size: 2F, 6-8M
Mistaken identity, a love triangle, and sexual innuendos abound in this holiday mash-up of Richard III, Twelfth Night, and A Christmas Carol.
Honky Tonk Laundry
Two country angels turn their laundromat into a boot-scootin' honky tonk, featuring the music of Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Patsy Cline, and more!
Allan Rice, Ben Green, Greg Edwards
Cast Size: 4F, 4M (Flexible)
A new romantic musical comedy that gets in your head!
COMEDY/WESTERN
Bill Robens
Cast Size: 4F, 8M, Very Flexible
In the vein of Blazing Saddles, this side-splitting Spaghetti Western features a weary ex-sheriff who can't seem to hang up his gun.