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Japan: Beijing drafting urgent plan to end Hong Kong's political chaos
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF THE JAPAN TIMES)
Officials in Beijing drafting urgent plan to end Hong Kong's political chaos
BLOOMBERG, AP
HONG KONG – Chinese officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs are working on an urgent strategy to solve the city's political chaos and have ruled out the use of military force, the South China Morning Post reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the discussions.
They will soon present top leaders in Beijing with both an immediate plan to handle the mass protests and a longer-term strategy that could result in China overhauling its management of the former British colony, the newspaper said, without elaborating on a date.
Beijing maintains that the crisis is best left for Hong Kong authorities to resolve and does not want to get directly involved, according to the report. Beijing has expressed public support for Chief Executive Carrie Lam throughout weeks of unrest and political gridlock, saying this week that it "firmly supports" her leadership.
On Thursday, China condemned a joint motion for a resolution in the European Parliament that called on EU member states and other nations to investigate export controls "to deny China, and in particular Hong Kong, access to technologies" that could be used to violate human rights.
"China strongly opposes this," spokesman Lu Kang said. "China does value its relations with Europe, but maintaining a healthy relationship requires joint efforts."
Lam on Monday vowed she will remain in office, after a Financial Times report said that she had offered to resign but that Beijing had insisted she stay and clean up "the mess she created."
The Chinese officials also see Hong Kong's police force as key to maintaining stability, the newspaper said. Officers' tactics have come under fire after they used rounds of tear gas, rubber bullets, batons and pepper spray to disperse the protests. Demonstrators have demanded an independent investigation into what they deem a use of excessive force, and opposition lawmakers have called for the resignation of security chief John Lee.
Mainland officials want to avoid bloodshed and ensure the financial hub remains largely stable, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the situation. China's approach will be to "lure the snake from its hole," according to one adviser cited by the SCMP, taking a defensive position until the opposition reveals its strategy.
They are also considering whether the current environment makes it too risky for President Xi Jinping to visit another former European colony, Macau, later this year for celebrations of the 20th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, the paper reported.
Crowds of Hong Kong protesters have turned out in unprecedented numbers every week since mid-June.
In recent gatherings, their anger has focused on China. More protests are being planned in neighborhoods across the city by demonstrators vowing to spread the word until Lam responds to their demands, including the official withdrawal of legislation that would allow extraditions to the mainland and first sparked the rallies.
On Wednesday, thousands of Hong Kong senior citizens, including a popular actress, marched in a show of support for youths at the forefront of the monthlong protests. The seniors also slammed the police for their handling of a protest Sunday in Hong Kong's Sha Tin district. That protest was mostly peaceful but ended with violent scuffles in a shopping mall that left dozens injured, including a policeman who had a finger bitten off, and over 40 people detained.
There are indications that Xi and his top officials are preparing for their annual summer conclave in the seaside city of Beidaihe, which this year will bear even closer watching than usual as China faces growing risks at home and abroad, including Hong Kong's unrest and an ongoing trade war with the United States.
Posted in China, Communists, Hong Kong, JapanTagged Beijing, China, communists government, EU, Hong Kong, JapanLeave a comment
Saudi Arabia Issues Euro-denominated Bonds for 1st Time
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF THE SAUDI NEWS AGENCY ASHARQ AL-AWSAT)
Tuesday, 2 July, 2019 – 11:30
Saudi Market Tadawul. AFP file photo
Riyadh – Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia has issued Euro-denominated bonds, its first in that currency, after the Kingdom hired Goldman Sachs and Societe Generale as global coordinators and bookrunners for the potential new deal, while BNP Paribas, Morgan Stanley and Samba Capital were mandated as lead managers and passive bookrunners.
The Saudi issuance of Euro-denominated bonds in tranches of eight and 20 years, depending on market conditions, comes at a time when the country was rated A1 by Moody's and A + by Fitch Ratings.
Saudi Arabia has begun its approach to global markets by issuing bonds and sukuk in the dollar, and through the Euro-bonds, the country seeks to diversify its investor base, reduce costs and open up new markets, according to experts.
Financial expert Mohammed al-Omran explained that Saudi Arabia announced that it will target international markets and foreign currencies. He added that the euro-bonds will be relatively distant from the dollar-bonds, stressing that the goal is to diversify the currency, reduce cost and establish relations with new markets.
Omran indicated that euro's current comparative advantage is the lower interest rates, less than 1 percent, while interest on the dollar is about 2 percent, noting that savings will be 1.25 percent per year in euros compared to the dollar.
For his part, economic expert Mohammed Al Abbas indicated that major institutions and banks are racing to enter the Saudi market which is trying to attract international investments and foreign funds, as investors seek confidence in the economy.
He stated that the rush on the Saudi market is an indication on high confidence that large companies and investors have in the Kingdom
He stressed that Saudi Arabia is interested in encouraging foreign investments and entering the European markets through Euro-bonds.
Bonds are low-risk financial instruments and can be disposed at any time, in addition that countries that issue the bonds are obliged to pay them according to the issuance date, according to economic expert Khalaf al-Shammari.
The euro market is characterized by a variety of investors from new institutions and portfolios, which analysts believe Saudi Arabia can take advantage of.
Posted in currency, Economics, EU, Saudi ArabiaTagged currency, EU, EU-denominated bonds, Saudi Arabia, US DollarLeave a comment
UK Do Yourself A Favor: Throw The Trump Mafia Out Of Your Country Now
Posted on June 3, 2019 by oldpoet56
This article to you today is simply an opinion piece about our Coward in Chief visiting your country right now. If you have a different opinion of the man and his family that is fine, people have different opinions about everything that exist, this article is simply my opinion on our Piece of Trash President and his equally crooked family members.
The first thing that England did wrong was to allow his plane to land there at all, they should have never even allow him into their air space. I would like to be able to say "the man" but I do not consider him to be a man, just an immature slimy crooked to the core piece of human trash. Before he even landed he called one of the Princesses a fowl name, then he blasted the Mayor of London as a 'stone cold loser'. Then he lands and he tells the Prime Minister that if he was her he would never pay the $50 billion 'separation fee' that it seems the EU is wanting to lay on the British people for the concept of them getting their freedom back from that block. Personally I am not even a little bit surprised that he would condone not paying a bill as this has been this crooks MO since he was a very young person. He has a major habit of having people work for him like outside contractors do, and then stiff them when it is time to pay them. Usually he will use the excuse of he is not happy with their work so he isn't paying and if they wish they can sue him for it. He knows most all people, especially the 'little people' can not afford to do that so they don't. Pay half up front, then never pay the rest, that is simply the way he operates. One of the funny things I noticed in the news today is how he is upset that he cannot watch Fox News while in the UK as the UK banned them many months ago labeling them as nothing but a 'Propaganda' Network. Personally I wish they would also ban Twitter being that Twitter has done nothing but give him a channel to propagate his ignorance to the masses. To me, Twitter and Trump belong together as they both constantly prove that they have no ethics or morals as long as they are making money. Okay, that is the end of my gripe for the day, I figure that probably about half of you got a good laugh as you agreed with me or you're one of the other half who is pissed off at me because I have a different opinion about him than you do. That is fair, as long as you are being honest with yourself. Happy Monday everyone.
Posted in England, ethics, EU, Trump, UKTagged England, EU, London, morals, propaganda, Trump, Twitter, UKLeave a comment
Theresa May, Britain's Prime Minister, Resigns: Live Updates
Posted on May 24, 2019 by oldpoet56
Mrs. May announced Friday morning that she would be stepping down, after repeatedly failing to win Parliament's approval for a deal to withdraw Britain from the European Union.
By Stephen Castle
A successor to Theresa May will be chosen before Parliament's summer break, the Conservative Party chairman said. She will continue as prime minister until the leadership contest is finished.
Here are the latest developments:
"I have done everything I can," Mrs. May said.
A turbulent term is coming to an awkward end.
Tributes flowed from those who tried to oust her.
The succession race has already begun.
Prime Minister Theresa May outside 10 Downing Street in London on Friday. Her premiership has been beset by crises. Credit Simon Dawson/Reuters
Facing a cabinet rebellion, Theresa May announced on Friday morning her decision to leave office. She spoke briefly after meeting with Graham Brady, a powerful leader of backbench Conservative lawmakers.
Standing in front of 10 Downing Street, Mrs. May said it was in the "best interests of the country for a new prime minister" to lead Britain through the Brexit process. She announced plans to step down as the leader of the Conservative Party on June 7, with the process to replace her beginning the following week.
"I feel as certain today as I did three years ago that in a democracy, if you give people a choice you have a duty to implement what they decide. I have done my best to do that," she added. "I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal. Sadly, I have not been able to do so."
Mrs. May's voice cracked as she said she was honored to serve the country as the "second female prime minister, but certainly not the last," and said the role had been the honor of her life.
Conservative lawmakers have been deeply frustrated by Mrs. May's failure to deliver on Brexit, which became the government's central — some would say its sole — preoccupation after the country voted to leave the union in a 2016 referendum.
But the breaking point has come at an awkward moment, with President Trump scheduled to arrive in Britain on June 3 for a state visit and to take part in events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings that preceded the end of World War II.
Mrs. May's authority was profoundly undermined in 2017, when she unexpectedly called a general election, then conducted a poor campaign and lost the majority in Parliament that she had inherited from her predecessor, David Cameron. The Conservatives remained in power with the support of a small Northern Ireland party.
Deep divisions in her Cabinet over the approach to Brexit weakened her at home. By contrast, the European Union remained remarkably unified in its negotiating strategy, and it remains doubtful that another British leader will get a deal any more palatable than the one Mrs. May agreed to.
Her ability to soak up political punishment and plow on regardless won her admiration, even from some of her many critics. But the pressure on her increased after disastrous local election results this month, when the Conservatives lost more than 1,300 seats in municipalities around the country and voters vented their frustration over the Brexit infighting and deadlock.
Then, the government announced that Britain would, after all, take part in elections to the European Parliament this week — another symbol of Mrs. May's failure to achieve a withdrawal. Britons voted on Thursday, but the results will be announced on Sunday, after all the European Union countries have gone to the polls. They are expected to be catastrophic for the Conservatives.
Dominic Raab, the former Brexit secretary who would like to take Mrs. May's place, described her statement as "dignified." Credit Simon Dawson/Reuters
It has been a long time since so many prominent political figures had nice things to say about Mrs. May.
Compliments poured in from opposition lawmakers who have tried to oust her, and from fellow Conservatives who have undermined her and hope to take her place. Some were backhanded, some barbed, and still others gave no hint of the history of animosity behind them.
"Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party," tweeted Boris Johnson, who quit Mrs. May's cabinet over Brexit and who has never concealed his ambition to be prime minister.
✔@BorisJohnson
A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.
5:40 AM – May 24, 2019
3,911 people are talking about this
Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, retweeted Mr. Johnson with the comment, "What a hypocrite."
Two other Conservatives who quit Mrs. May's cabinet over Brexit and would like to take her place, Dominic Raab and Andrea Leadsom, described her statement as "dignified."
"An illustration of her total commitment to country and duty," Ms. Leadsom tweeted. Mr. Raab wrote, "She remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Conservative."
The statement from Tom Watson, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, was no bouquet of roses, saying that Mrs. May "had an unenviably difficult job, and she did it badly," and scolding "those who have plotted her downfall to further their own ambitions. But even he added, "she tried to do what was right for our country," and "she was honorable in her intentions."
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, dispensed with any pretense of a tribute. "She's now accepted what the country's known for months: She can't govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party."
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Boris Johnson, the hard-line Brexit supporter and former foreign secretary, is one of the candidates to replace Mrs. May.Credit Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mrs. May's departure could set off a ferocious succession contest within her governing Conservative Party, though lawmakers have been positioning themselves for this eventuality for months as her authority steadily weakened and several of her cabinet ministers stepped down.
Several prominent Conservatives are already campaigning actively to succeed her as party leader and prime minister. Candidates for party leadership have to be nominated by two other members of Parliament, though if there is only one candidate, he or she automatically becomes the new leader. If more than two candidates emerge, lawmakers vote among themselves to narrow the field and then put two candidates to a vote by all Conservative Party members, who number approximately 120,000.
Most analysts expect a new leader to be in place by the end of July. Hard-line Brexit supporters will be determined to replace Mrs. May with someone from their ranks, with the former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson; the former Brexit secretary, Dominic Raab; and Andrea Leadsom, who left her cabinet post as leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday, seen as likely contenders.
But less ideological figures are likely to put themselves forward, too, including Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, and Sajid Javid, the home secretary.
A pro-Brexit rally near Parliament in London in June 2016, before the referendum. Credit Adam Ferguson for The New York Times
How did Theresa May get here?
David Cameron, the prime minister who called the 2016 referendum and campaigned to remain in the bloc, resigned the day after the vote. Mrs. May had also argued for remaining, but after emerging victorious from a brief but chaotic leadership contest, she appointed a cabinet with several leading Brexit campaigners and set out an agenda that implied a comprehensive break with the bloc.
She then gave herself a two-year legal deadline to complete withdrawal negotiations, only to have to postpone Britain's exit twice after failing to persuade Parliament to accept the terms she had negotiated, painstakingly, with the European Union.
Time and time again, Mrs. May survived challenges to her leadership, escaping a seemingly inevitable end to her tenure as her Brexit plans repeatedly floundered. But the final push toward Mrs. May's ouster came this week after she rolled out the latest iteration of a Brexit deal that lawmakers had thrice rejected by large margins.
Her hopes of trying once more to push her deal through Parliament were dashed after changes she unveiled on Tuesday, which opened the door to a second referendum on Brexit, were rejected by Brexiteers as a betrayal and by Remainers as simply not enough. Mrs. May had framed the changes as "one last chance" to deliver on the 2016 vote to leave the European Union.
Plans to publish her new plan on Friday were quickly shelved when it became clear they managed to alienate pro- and anti-Brexit factions alike. But Mrs. May has really been on her way out since her third failed attempt to get the plan approved — on the very day in March that Britain was initially scheduled to leave the European Union. She had offered to step aside if lawmakers voted for her proposal.
Ellen Barry and Benjamin Mueller contributed reporting from London.
Stephen Castle is London correspondent, writing widely about Britain, including the country's politics and relationship with Europe. @_StephenCastle • Facebook
Posted in England, Politics, Prime MinisterTagged 10 Downing Street, Brexit, Britian, England, EU, May resigns, Prime Minister MayLeave a comment
England: Prime Minister May And The U.K. In Crisis Over Brexit
Posted on March 20, 2019 by oldpoet56
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF TH NEW YORK TIMES)
LONDON — The chaos and dysfunction of the British government were on full display on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Theresa May requesting a short delay to Britain's departure from the European Union after a bitter dispute in her cabinet over her plan for a lengthier extension.
The deadlock in the cabinet underscored the political crisis gripping the government as the deadline for Britain's withdrawal from the bloc draws ever closer. Even Mrs. May's spokesman acknowledged as much, saying the prime minister had warned this could happen if her Brexit plan were rejected.
In a letter to European Union leaders, Mrs. May asked for an extension to the Article 50 negotiating process until June 30, raising the prospect that Britain could still suffer a disorderly departure in the summer. Reflecting that possibility, the British pound dropped on the news.
The prospect of any delay to Brexit, as Britain's departure from the bloc is known, is a broad and humiliating reversal for Mrs. May. It is sure to infuriate many members of her Conservative Party, most of whom support leaving the European Union with no deal if necessary, and to reaffirm the cynicism, rampant among many of the 17.4 million Britons who voted to leave, that the elites in London would never let them have their way.
Her decision was sharply criticized by the opposition Labour Party and by some of her own lawmakers.
"Theresa May is desperate once again to impose a binary choice between her deal and no deal despite Parliament clearly ruling out both of those options last week," the shadow secretary for Brexit, Keir Starmer, said in a statement. "What the government should be doing is showing real leadership, making good on their commitment to break the deadlock and secure an extension with a genuine purpose."
Limiting the request to a short delay is the latest in a series of political gyrations from Mrs. May. Last week she said that, if Parliament failed to vote swiftly for her plans — which have been rejected twice — then Britain would face a lengthy delay and have to take part in European elections in May.
It was that prospect that triggered a rebellion from Brexit supporters in her cabinet on Tuesday — and reports of resignation threats — that appear to have prompted another retreat. "As prime minister, I am not prepared to delay Brexit any further than 30 June," Mrs. May told lawmakers, prompting some speculation that she might resign if Parliament tried to force a longer extension.
A short delay will keep alive hopes among hard-line Brexit supporters in Parliament, who want to leave without any agreement, and they will be under little pressure now to approve Mrs. May's deal.
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Though the political paralysis over Brexit is in Parliament, the decision on whether to grant the delay lies with the European Union, whose leaders had been expected to agree to some sort of extra time when they gather in Brussels on Thursday. But that could now be in doubt.
Speaking to the German radio station Deutschlandfunk on Wednesday, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, said that any decision by the European Union might have to be postponed until the end of next week, after fresh votes in Parliament. That could be on the eve of Britain's departure, scheduled for March 29.
An extension could come with conditions, and European leaders stressed on Tuesday that they want to see some form of strategy in place to resolve the crisis. They worry that three months is not sufficient for Mrs. May to achieve success, and that she will be back to request another delay in the summer. That would be hard for them to accommodate for legal reasons, because Britain would not have participated in European elections.
Mrs. May faced criticism from all sides in Parliament on Wednesday. Several lawmakers noted that her decision directly contradicts a statement last week by David Lidington, her de facto deputy, who said that, in the absence of a deal, seeking such "a short and, critically, one-off extension would be downright reckless." To do so, Mr. Lidington had said, would make "a no-deal scenario far more, rather than less, likely."
But one pro-Brexit Conservative, Peter Bone, argued that if Mrs. May failed to honor her promise to achieve Brexit by March 29, she would be "betraying the British people."
Since becoming prime minister in 2016, Mrs. May's overriding objective has been to extricate Britain from the bloc while maintaining the unity of her Conservative Party.
European leaders will consider Mrs. May's request for a delay in Brexit.CreditMatt Dunham/Associated Press
By beginning the negotiations in March 2017, she committed herself to an exit by March 29, 2019, within the two years dictated by the bloc's rules, either with or without an agreement — a promise that critics have pounced on as one of her many misjudgments.
She has largely failed in that mission, and the underlying political problem for Mrs. May remains unresolved. There is no majority in Parliament for any approach other than a "soft" Brexit, with Britain staying in the bloc's customs union and close to its single market. But that would require cross-party cooperation and would surely rip apart the Tories.
On the other hand, if a hard-liner like the former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, should supplant Mrs. May, that would just as surely prompt widespread resignations and defections among pro-European Conservatives.
Mrs. May is hoping she can still salvage something from the wreckage of her Brexit negotiations by making the delay a short one. Extra time would at least stave off the prospect of a disorderly, economically costly Brexit with no deal next week, which Parliament has made clear it wants to avoid.
Continental economies would be hit too, if not as severely as Britain's, by a departure without a deal, so European Union leaders are unlikely to rebuff Mrs. May completely. But their patience is being sorely tested.
Mrs. May is likely to try to return to Parliament next week and stage another vote on her deal, even though it has been rejected twice by lawmakers by large margins.
Her plan would give Britain power over immigration from Europe at some point, but would tie the country to the European Union's customs and trade rules until the end of 2020.
On Monday, the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, said the prime minister could not put her deal to a third vote this week, citing parliamentary rules devised in 1604 to prohibit multiple votes on the same proposition.
Depending on what the talks with the European Union yield, Mrs. May could return with a changed proposition by next week, making it harder for Mr. Bercow to block another effort by Mrs. May to get a vote in Parliament.
If her deal is rejected again by lawmakers, Mrs. May could be forced to change tack, and perhaps allow Parliament to consider other options, like keeping closer economic ties to the European Union.
Mrs. May, nothing if not stubborn, is not giving up on her unpopular blueprint for Brexit. Indeed, she excels at buying more time, and a delay would give her at least a couple of more weeks to resolve the crisis.
Like most everything else with Brexit, the process of requesting and granting an extension is no simple matter, which helps explain why it created such bitter divisions in the cabinet on Tuesday.
For legal reasons, a delay beyond the end of June would be likely to require Britain to participate in elections to the next European Parliament, making a mockery of British plans to leave the bloc.
But as another legal matter, a decision on whether to stage the elections — and effectively to go for a longer delay — must be made during the second week of April. The Brexiteers want to use the upcoming European elections as a sort of backstop, to borrow a phrase, to force Britain to leave, since it would be legally problematic to remain in the bloc without representatives in the European Parliament.
If a long delay would be awkward for Britain, it is not straightforward for the European Union either. It would mean the British enjoy the full rights of membership despite their efforts to leave the club.
In that event, European officials are concerned that Britain might try to use its power to paralyze the bloc's other business as leverage to extract more concessions on its exit deal.
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Posted in Economics, England, EUTagged Brexit, England, EU, Labor Party, Prime Minister May, UKLeave a comment
Top European Rabbi sounds alarm on rise of far right
Posted on December 9, 2018 by oldpoet56
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF THE TIMES OF ISRAEL)
'We're going back to 1914,' says Pinchas Goldschmidt; laments EU's instability and that the US 'replaced the State Department with Twitter'
By RAPHAEL AHREN 4 December 2018, 3:25 am 9
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, seen writing a new Torah scroll at an event attended by Israeli and European rabbis, marking the Hebrew date of 69 years since the liberation of Jews in Europe, in the Western Wall tunnels, in Jerusalem's Old City, May 21, 2014. (Flash90)
Today's political climate poses a genuine danger to democracy, according to a leading European rabbi, who warned of a return to "total dictatorships" such as those that existed before World War I.
"We live in a totally new world where there is no control or editing of any kind of information," said Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the president of the Conference of European Rabbis. "The public discourse has become much more shrill and extreme. What has been accepted and understood as being the basis of a liberal democracy yesterday is questioned today."
In a recent interview with The Times of Israel, the Swiss-born scholar and communal leader also criticized the US administration for "replacing" the State Department with Twitter, said the European Union was "not stable," and warned the State of Israel against warming up to far-right parties, saying the Jewish state must never place short-term political gains ahead of historical truth.
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Speaking about the rise of populist far-right parties across Europe, Goldschmidt indicated that the continent is returning to an age of unbridled nationalism mixed with racism.
"We're going back to the past; we're going back to 1914 in Europe. I don't think we can exclude the turn to total dictatorships, where the situation of Jewish communities is going to become similar to those times when there were no democratic governments," he said. However, he added that there is one caveat, in that "today you have the State of Israel, you have where to go."
His fears of Western democracy collapsing are based on recent political and societal developments, he explained.
"The memory of the Holocaust and World War II and World War I is receding. People are living well. People's attention spans, thanks to the internet, has gone down. Instead of reading books, people read headlines. Instead of getting information, people get opinions and tweets," he said.
Even the US administration has "replaced the State Department with Twitter," he lamented, referring to policy decision and diplomatic repartee on the micro-blogging platform.
"I am not painting a black future. I'm saying there are big dangers," stressed Goldschmidt, who has headed the Conference of European Rabbis since 2011.
"The European Union is not stable; we're dealing now with Brexit," he added, noting that many far-right parties on the content advocate leaving the EU and want to "go back to 1914, where it was every country on their own."
Nationalism in itself is not bad, but it becomes problematic when it is mixed with racism and threatens the foundations of democracy, said the rabbi, who has written several books on religion and politics.
King Felipe VI of Spain (R) shakes hands with CER President Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, at the Royal Palace El Pardo near Madrid, Spain, on December 13, 2016. (World Jewish Congress/File)
The walls that separate between the judiciary, the executive, and the legislative "are being broken down," and the free press in under attack in today's Western world, he went on. "All the institutions which give a guarantee to every citizen, and specifically to religious minorities, are in danger."
Last month, Goldschmidt, who was born in Zurich and has served as the chief rabbi of Moscow since 1993, headed a delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis to Israel, which met with President Reuven Rivlin, Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett, and other senior government officials.
In Jerusalem, Goldschmidt announced the appointment of an "ambassador" to coordinate the campaign "against far-right ideologies and extremism."
This person, who has not yet been named, "will bring together leading politicians and stakeholders from across Europe to make sure that we are equipped to take action against the far-right," according to Goldschmidt.
Rabbi Goldschmidt, second from left, visits the Knesset as head of a European rabbinical delegation, November 2018. (Eli Itkin/CER)
At their meetings in Israel, the rabbis warned the government against cozying up to such parties, even when they purport to support Israel.
"If a party is intrinsically racist, bigoted against large parts of society and intolerant of minorities, if Jews are not the target now, they will be in the near future," he said in a press release issued in late November.
"Israel is uniquely placed to put diplomatic pressure on a state and she needs to be careful, take the lead from local communities and analyze a party's approach and make a long-term decision. It is not worth a short-term endorsement or for Israel to receive political support, only to put the Jewish community at risk."
Speaking to The Times of Israel in the lobby of his Jerusalem hotel, Goldschmidt also cautioned against establishing contacts with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who is not a member of but affiliated with the far-right Freedom Party, or FPOe.
Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl (George Schneider)
"The FPOe was founded by SS officers. Some politicians in Israel are talking about mending relationship with the Diaspora. Supporting them would do just the opposite," he said.
Goldschmidt was careful not to openly criticize the Israeli government, but he did express understanding for critics of some Israeli decisions, such as a July joint statement Jerusalem issued together with Warsaw about the role of Poles in the Holocaust.
At the time, Yad Vashem slammed the document for containing "highly problematic wording that contradicts existing and accepted historical knowledge in this field."
He also had some misgiving about Israel seemingly turning a blind eye to distortion of the Holocaust in some Central and Eastern European countries in exchange for diplomatic support.
"It is natural that current political necessities do take precedence over historical rights and wrongs," Goldschmidt said. "Not all Jews are religious. Many Jews are secular. However, if there is something that is holy to all of us, it is the memory of the Holocaust victims. And that's something we should not play with."
Israel derives its strength not only from its thriving start-up scene or its military, the rabbi went on.
"It's its morality. The morality and historic justice of a persecuted people returning to their homeland after 2,000 years of exile, and I believe that the Israeli government, when formulating foreign policy, should include all historical and moral aspects of Jewish history in order to form a policy which is not only acceptable today, but also for the future."
Pinchas Goldschmidt
European Jews
Conference of European Rabbis
far-right
Freedom Party (FPOe)
Karin Kneissl
Posted in democracy, EU, Europe, Israel, JewishTagged EU, Europe, Israel, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, TOI5 Comments
Indians get more UK visas as European Union citizens exit over Brexit
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF THE HINDUSTAN TIMES OF INDIA)
Indians were granted the highest number of visitor visas during the year ending September 2018: up 41,224 (or 10%) to 4,68,923; Chinese and Indian nationals alone accounted for just under half (47%) of all visit visas granted.
WORLD Updated: Nov 29, 2018 22:07 IST
Prasun Sonwalkar
Hindustan Times, London
New figures released on Thursday show a rise in the number of visas granted to Indian professionals, visitors, students and family members, but also reflect the Brexit reality of more EU citizens leaving the United Kingdom.(File Photo)
New figures released on Thursday show a rise in the number of visas granted to Indian professionals, visitors, students and family members, but also reflect the Brexit reality of more EU citizens leaving the United Kingdom.
The demand for Indian professionals continued during the year, with 55 per cent of all Tier 2 (skilled) visas granted to them, the figures released by the Office for National Statistics show.
The number of Indian students coming to study at UK universities also showed a 33 per cent rise, to 18,735. Chinese and Indian students accounted for almost half of all students visas granted during the year.
There was also an increase in the family-related visas for Indians (up 881 to 3,574). The number of EEA family permits given to Indians (members of families of EU citizens) was also up 4,245 to 8,360, official sources said.
Figures showing more EU citizens leaving than arriving in the UK prompted renewed concern over the impact of Brexit. The net migration from the EU to the UK slumped to a six-year low, while non-EU migration is the highest in more than a decade.
Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said: "EU migrants have been leaving in larger numbers since the referendum, and net inflows have greatly decreased".
"The lower value of the pound is likely to have made the UK a less attractive place to live and work and economic conditions in several of the top countries of origin for EU migrants have improved".
First Published: Nov 29, 2018 18:27 IST
Visitor visa
Chancellor Angela Merkel runs late to G20 after plane trouble strands her in Germany
Indian shares hit near 2-month high ahead of GDP data, G20 meet
Posted in England, EU, IndiaTagged Brexit, China, England, EU, India, The Hindustan Times, visitor VisaLeave a comment
PLO Commander: We Support Russia's Move to Revive Political Process
Sunday, 25 November, 2018 – 09:30
The Palestine Liberation Organization office is seen in Washington, U.S., November 19, 2017. (File Photo: Reuters)
Ramallah- Kifah Zboun
The Palestinian leadership supports any Russian move to revive the political process in order to bring an end to the Israeli occupation, said Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Wasel Abu Youssef.
Speaking to Asharq al-Awsat, Abu Youssef stated that the PLO is confident of any role played by Russia and hopes that there will be a serious approach to starting a path leading to ending the occupation.
"We asked its (Russian) officials to join forces with most of the world's countries in order to block US decisions against the Palestinian people and their rights," asserted Abu Yusuf.
He described Russia as a "friendly country" of the Palestinians that has always supported the rights of the Palestinian people.
He explained that "basically we were looking forward to an effective Russian role within the mechanism of an international alternative to the path of the previous settlement, which was exclusively sponsored by the United States."
"We expect Russia, China, the EU to be a major part of the international mechanism. We want an international role in the face of the deal of the century."
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would be ready to host a meeting between Palestinians and Israel and to act as a mediator.
"It is impossible to create stability in the Middle East, including in Libya and Iraq, without a solution to the oldest regional problem, the Palestinian problem," Lavrov said on his trip to Rome.
"We support the need for a resumption of direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians. We confirm again our offer from several years ago to host a meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Russia without any preconditions," asserted the Russian Minister.
It is not clear if Lavrov's statement meant that Russia would play a role in the political process or merely an attempt to bring the views closer and break the deadlock.
A few weeks ago, Russia's special envoy to the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, confirmed his country's support for the initiative proposed by the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to hold an "international peace conference."
Bogdanov praised "Abbas' wise stances that support stability in the region on the basis of the international legitimacy resolutions."
The Russian official reiterated his country's support for the Palestinian people and their right to determine their fate and to establish an independent state on the 1967 border, with Eastern Jerusalem as its capital.
Abbas is seeking to launch an international peace conference, which will result in an international mechanism involving the quartet committee, including the United States, and European and Arab states, consisting of five or seven states under the umbrella of the United Nations, which is at the heart of a political process with the Palestinians and Israelis.
Abbas tried to convince France of his initiative, but French President Emmanuel Macron was not convinced, unlike his predecessor, Francois Hollande, who launched a two-phase conference in 2016 and 2017.
The Palestinian President personally worked to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch an international peace conference using his influence in the region.
The Palestinian ambassador to Moscow Abed al-Hafeez Nofal said that Russia, and not just the US, now has an effective role in the region due to the great changes that have taken place in the Middle East.
US officials said President Donald Trump wanted to see the plan executed in February, but his advisers would prefer a more cautious approach, given the political crisis that swept through Israel over the past week.
Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said that reaching peace is currently impossible and that Trump should focus his energy elsewhere until the Palestinians are ready to compromise.
"I think, personally, it is a waste of time," Shaked said.
Abbas has repeatedly declared that he would not even listen to the plan after the US declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the transfer of the US embassy to the city, and other decisions taken by the US administration against the Palestinian Authority.
Israel says Washington is the only country capable of overseeing negotiations.
Posted in China, EU, Israel, Palestinians, Politics, RussiaTagged Asharq Al-Awsat, China, EU, Israel, Palestine, PLO, Russia, USLeave a comment
The president's performance in Paris was a stunning abdication of global leadership!
(THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF SLATE NEWS)
Trump Retreats From the West
The president's performance in Paris was a stunning abdication of global leadership.
By FRED KAPLAN
U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Brigitte Macron attend a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday.
Benoit Tessier/AFP/Getty Images
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The most disturbing thing about President Trump's disgraceful performance in France this past weekend is the clear signal it sent that, under his thumb, the United States has left the West.
He came to the continent to join with other world leaders to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. But the significance of the armistice is not so much to commemorate the fallen in an absurd and ghastly war as it is to celebrate the special peace—grounded in a democratic European Union and a trans-Atlantic alliance—that grew in its wake and the greater war that followed.
And yet, after flying nearly 4,000 miles across the Atlantic, Trump stayed in his room in Paris on Saturday rather than making the additional 50-mile trip to the Aisne-Marne cemetery, where 50,000 American soldiers were laid to rest a century ago. His excuse for not attending was lame, to say the least. His aides said, after the fact, that rainfall precluded a trip by helicopter—a claim refuted by the writer James Fallows, an instrument-certified pilot who, as a former White House official, is familiar with this helicopter.
✔@politico
· Nov 12, 2018
The White House opted to drop the trip due to rainy weather because the president's Marine One helicopter cannot fly in rain or fog.
Chief of Staff John Kelly and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford went in Trump's place https://politi.co/2Dy4Hxc
Trump's rain decision casts dark clouds over his Paris trip
"Those veterans the president didn't bother to honor fought in the rain, in the mud, in the snow," John Kerry writes.
✔@JamesFallows
I *don't* know what happened in this case.
But it simply is not true that "Marine One cannot fly in rain or fog." (I speak as instrument-rated pilot, and someone who has been on Marine One.) That part of WH framing should not just be passed along.
12:12 AM – Nov 12, 2018
261 people are talking about this
A later claim, that the route posed a challenge to the large presidential motorcade, is doubly insulting. It's insulting, first, to the Secret Service and White House travel office whose professionals prepare for, and surmount, any and all obstacles on such trips (an insult exacerbated by the fact that none of the other leaders' security teams had any trouble dealing with the route); second, to the armed forces and allies, who must wonder whether Trump might turn away from the challenges of mobilizing armored battalions to the front lines in the event of an invasion.
Let us stipulate that Trump didn't want to get his hair mussed or that security risks frightened him, which may also explain the fact that he hasn't yet visited American troops in any war zone. (By contrast, Obama made his first trip to Iraq three months into his term and, in his time as president, flew eight times to Afghanistan; George W. Bush, in his two terms, made four trips to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.) However, this does not explain Trump's late showing for Sunday's ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, or his skipping of the march toward that event down the Champs-Elysees.
Among the more than 60 world leaders who gathered for the ceremony, only he and Russian President Vladimir Putin were latecomers. (British Prime Minister Theresa May didn't come to France at all, perhaps owing to her own current problems with the EU.) Many cocked eyebrows have been thrown at the photo of Trump beaming at Putin, while other allied leaders went deadpan, as his friend from the Kremlin approached.
Back in 1917, Russia was the first allied nation to leave the war as the Bolsheviks took power, in part thanks to the Germans, who smuggled Lenin onto a train from Zurich back home, where he proceeded to lead the revolution. That same year, the United States was the last allied nation to enter the war, supplying the aid and firepower that helped break the stalemate and secure victory.
President Woodrow Wilson then led negotiations for a peace on such onerous terms to the defeated powers—historian David Fromkin called it "a peace to end all peace"—that a resumption of war 20 years later was almost inevitable. World War II was fueled by nationalist impulses and facilitated by the crumbling of empires—both of which resonate with developments in global politics today.
This was the context of French President Emmanuel Macron's speech at the Arc de Triomphe, in which he condemned nationalism—the "selfishness of nations only looking after their own interests"—as a "betrayal of patriotism." In part, and most obviously, he was jabbing at Trump, who listened with a scowl; but he was also warning against, as he put it, "old demons coming back to wreak chaos and death." Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it, George Santayana once wrote. The problem with Trump is he never knew history—and doesn't think he needs to learn it. His election marked Year Zero, as far as he is concerned: He frequently says that he's unlike, and better than, any previous president, so any lessons of the past are irrelevant.
Macron and everyone else at the Arc had not only the rise of Trump in mind but also the turn toward right-wing nationalism in Hungary and Poland, the uncertain course of Brexit in Britain, and the collapse of Angela Merkel's centrist coalition in Germany—leaving Macron as the last surviving celebrator of the post-WWII Western traditions, and he too is buffeted by pressures from the left and the right.
At such an occasion so rife with moment and symbolism, any other American president would have felt compelled to repair and strengthen this union. If there were any doubts that President Trump understands little about his mission, and cares even less, this trip dispelled them once and for all.
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Donald Trump Europe Foreign Policy History
Posted in democracy, EU, Europe, France, Politics, President Putin, Russia, TrumpTagged EU, Europe, France, Paris, Russia, Trump, US, WW ILeave a comment


text:
"""Client for interacting with the Google Cloud RuntimeConfig API."""

from google.cloud.client import ClientWithProject

from google.cloud.runtimeconfig._http import Connection
from google.cloud.runtimeconfig.config import Config

class Client(ClientWithProject):
    """Client to bundle configuration needed for API requests.

    :type project: str
    :param project:
        (Optional) The project which the client acts on behalf of.  If not
        passed, falls back to the default inferred from the environment.

    :type credentials: :class:`~google.auth.credentials.Credentials`
    :param credentials: (Optional) The OAuth2 Credentials to use for this
                        client. If not passed (and if no ``_http`` object is
                        passed), falls back to the default inferred from the
                        environment.

    :type _http: :class:`~requests.Session`
    :param _http: (Optional) HTTP object to make requests. Can be any object
                  that defines ``request()`` with the same interface as
                  :meth:`requests.Session.request`. If not passed, an
                  ``_http`` object is created that is bound to the
                  ``credentials`` for the current object.
                  This parameter should be considered private, and could
                  change in the future.
    """

    SCOPE = ('https://www.googleapis.com/auth/cloudruntimeconfig',)
    """The scopes required for authenticating as a RuntimeConfig consumer."""

    def __init__(self, project=None, credentials=None, _http=None):
        super(Client, self).__init__(
            project=project, credentials=credentials, _http=_http)
        self._connection = Connection(self)

    def config(self, config_name):
        """Factory constructor for config object.

        .. note::
          This will not make an HTTP request; it simply instantiates
          a config object owned by this client.

        :type config_name: str
        :param config_name: The name of the config to be instantiated.

        :rtype: :class:`google.cloud.runtimeconfig.config.Config`
        :returns: The config object created.
        """
        return Config(client=self, name=config_name)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Klas "Klasse" Göran Johansson (born 7 July 1956) is a Swedish former footballer who played as a left back. He represented Hammarby IF throughout his whole professional career. A full international between 1977 and 1983, he won 13 caps for Sweden.

Early life
Klas Johansson was born in Stockholm and grew up in the suburb of Vällingby. He started to play football with IF Brommapojkarna before moving to the youth organisation of Hammarby IF. At age 16, he returned to local club Lillsjö IF to play senior football in the Swedish lower divisions.

Club career
Reportedly turning down a move to AIK, Johansson returned to Hammarby in 1975, at age 19. He made his debut in Allsvenskan the same year and played 13 games, as Hammarby finished 10th in the table.

Johansson established himself as a starter in 1977 under manager Björn Bolling, urged by teammate Tom Turesson, and played all 26 fixtures in Allsvenskan. The same year, Hammarby reached the final of Svenska Cupen, the main domestic cup, but lost 0–1 to Östers IF. He got known as a hard-working and physical full-back with a powerful shot.

In 1980, Hammarby finished 6th in Allsvenskan, their best result in ten years. With players like Kenneth Ohlsson, Billy Ohlsson, Mats Werner, Thom Åhlund, Thomas Dennerby, Michael Andersson, Ulf Eriksson and Mikael Rönnberg – Hammarby started to establish themselves as a contender for the Allsvenskan title the upcoming seasons.

The highlight of Johansson's career came in 1982 when Hammarby finished second in the table, going unbeaten the whole season. In the following playoff to decide the Swedish champion, the club went on to beat Örgryte in the quarter-finals and Elfsborg in the semi-finals. In the finals against IFK Göteborg, Hammarby won 2–1 in the first leg to a sold-out crowd away, but lost 1–3 in the home game at Söderstadion, missing out on the gold medal.

Johansson scored a brace in a 3–1 away win against Örgryte IS in 1983, his first ever goals in Allsvenskan. After the domestic success the year before, Hammarby also competed in the 1984–84 European Cup Winners' Cup, ultimately getting knocked out by Haka in the second round (2–3 on aggregate). In 1985–86, Hammarby qualified for the UEFA Cup, where they eliminated both Pirin Blagoevgrad and St Mirren, before getting knocked out by Köln in the third round (3–4 on aggregate). In total, Johansson played 10 continental games for Hammarby in the two European tournaments.

The club eventually started to decline and suffered a relegation in 1988 after finishing at the foot of the Allsvenskan table. Competing in Division 1 in 1989, Hammarby secured a promotion by scoring a goal in stoppage time in the very last game of the season, winning 6–0 away against Karlstad BK. They then surpassed contender Vasalunds IF, that had a one point advantage and were up by five in goal difference before the ultimate round, since they only managed to draw 0–0 against IFK Luleå. Amongst the Hammarby supporters, it soon became known as "Undret i Karlstad" (in English: "the Miracle in Karlstad"). Immediately after winning the promotion, Johansson retired from football, at age 33.

In 2004, Johansson was voted as Hammarby's tenth biggest profile throughout the history of the club. With a total of 312 matches played, and six goals scored, Johansson is the player who has made the second most league appearances for Hammarby, behind Kenneth Ohlsson.

International career
Johansson was a regular member of Sweden's under 21 side for two years. He made his debut for the senior national team on 5 October 1977, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Denmark in a home friendly.

In total, Johansson would win 13 caps for Sweden between 1977 and 1983. Many pundits thought that he would get called up to the 1978 FIFA World Cup, but manager Georg Ericson ultimately left him out of the squad in favour of Ingemar Erlandsson, much to Johansson's disappointment.

Johansson is a recipient of the honorary award Stora Grabbars Märke, which is handed out by the Swedish Football Association.

Career statistics

International

Honours

Individual

 Stor Grabb: 1983

References

External links

1956 births
Living people
Footballers from Stockholm
Swedish footballers
Hammarby Fotboll players
Sweden youth international footballers
Sweden international footballers
Allsvenskan players
Association football defenders

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


What is a Self Insured Medical Expense Reimbursement Program (SIMERP) with a Wellness Emphasis?
A SIMERP is an employer sponsored workplace program that provides employees the opportunity to have a program that emphasizes wellness while reducing both the employer's and employee's health care costs and expenditures.
Why Attentive Health & Wellness?
The Attentive Health & Wellness SIMERP plan improves the employer's benefit package for employees. The Attentive Health &Wellness Plan enhances the benefit package offered to employees by providing a superior wellness program with incentives for participation, retention and compliance.
Participation in the SIMERP wellness program results in tax savings that fund the employee's wellness reserve account. This wellness reserve is available for election of additional ancillary insurance products.
Our SIMERP wellness program is a health plan-related participation only wellness plan. This means all the employee has to do is participate.
They do not have to achieve a particular health or wellness goal.


UW-Iowa…random thoughts. « Roll Out the Quevedo!
On Scott Tolzein: "I take it all on myself," Tolzien said. "Protection was good. Just bonehead decisions." Here is a quandary. We've all been fascinated by this story–cool kid (check out story about his relationship with an Appleton Youth in the JSOnline). However, he beat out Curt Phillips who is obviously more gifted physically because of his cerebral decision making. Count me as one person amongst many who now believe that Phillips should be given a chance to start. Ala Bollinger relieving Scott Kavanagh in 2001 against Michigan. It is time.
Like Curt Phillips, Brooks Bollinger was known primarily as a running QB early in his career.
On Bret Bielema: the decision to assert Phillips in the midst of momentum–boneheaded. His assertion that it was planned? Great call. So if you are planning not to meet a beautiful women and lo and behold the opportunity presents itself…do you turn your back on said women because it wasn't part of the plan? No.
On Bielema: he has now been running UW's special teams for about a year. His performance in that regard has been putrid. UW's kick return unit is the worst specialist unit in the conference. Their motto? "Thank god for our kick coverage unit". Not sure if you noticed how many core players are on that kick coverage unit…try O'Brien Schofield, Chris Borland, Chris Maragos, Jay Valai, and Antonio Fenelus. This isn't a unit consisting of reserves, these are defensive regulars, and the result: hideous. Considering his poor run as a recruiter, I am of the opinion that after 2009 it is time to move on. I also had a dream that Alvarez pulled the plug and stepped in…that was a good dream.
Bret Bielema's latest special teams initiative.
On Schofield: wow. That's about all I can say. I forgot about Tom Burke in praising him the other day. Next time I'm in Poplar, I'll drop in to apologize for that omission. Schofield is putting himself in position to play on Sundays.
On Chris Borland and assignments: Borland is in, doing what he does…which is make plays. He is removed in favor of the more assignment sure Blake Sorenson–next play Sorenson vacates his gap Adam Robinson scores the key touchdown. Sometimes you ignore your instincts and follow realism. The kid just makes plays, case closed. It may not make any sense to see him doing it given his height and age, but he does…so go with it. He may have to kick, as we've read he was quite the jack of all trades. Since Phillip Welch's struggles, he may have to give it a go.
Given Phillip Welch's recent struggle Bret Bielema may end up doing some of the teams shorter field goals. Given his special teams prowess...what might we expect?
On UW receivers: time to look at frosh Kraig Appleton. Maurice Moore proved that he can do a great David Gilreath impression–be a non factor and drop passes. Let's go with the young kid see what he can do. Big, fast, and highly touted…better than small, slow, and drops.
John Clay: was he walking to holes in the second half?
Antonio Feneuls: the ball is that oblong shaped object with the half stripes on it…look for it.
My thoughts on Kirk Ferentz and Norm Parker…right on.
Remember UW football when they would pound you physically with Wisconsin kids in the trenches, beat you with superb special teams, and refuse to yield defensively? Now our special teams are the worst in the conference, they affect the outcome adversely each week, and we can't get off the field on third downs. Pretty easy to see why we fail in games against superior opposition.


When the Jobsinator tucked his polo neck into his trousers and announced that the Apple iPad would arrive unlocked to any network and packing a GSM SIM-card slot, we thought we were in like Flynn -- on our next hop over the pond, we could pick up a 3G iPad and then pop in a SIM card from any of our fine, upstanding British networks.
Sadly, Apple has scuppered those plans by using a different kind of SIM in the iPad, called the micro SIM (pictured above). It's also known as the 3FF card, for 'third form factor' -- typical SIM cards (pictured top) were the second form factor, following the first credit card-sized cards. Micro SIMs are 12x15mm, while normal SIM cards pork out at 15x25mm.
The major benefit of the micro SIM is its size, says Yvon Avenel, editor of the SIM-card industry mag SmartCardsTrends. While we're sure the iPad has plenty of gear packed into its slim frame, we'd have to see inside to believe that a standard SIM card wasn't small enough -- after all, it fits into the iPhone.
We may just be feeling cynical after a long night of Apple coverage, but it seems that Apple is being intentionally contrary by selling an 'unlocked' iPad that uses a SIM card you can't buy anywhere -- effectively, this locks the iPad down more than the iPhone ever was.
On the other hand, networks who want to get in on the revenue that the data-hungry iPad would generate for them could start churning out micro SIM cards any time. O2 told us it didn't have any devices that use the cards now, but it planned to start providing micro SIM cards when the gadgets start showing up on our shores.
Update: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which sets the standards for SIM cards, tells us that except for the size of the plastic around the chip, micro SIM cards are identical to the SIM cards we normally find in phones.
That means in theory, nothing is stopping us from trimming down a standard SIM card and popping it in the iPad. We haven't tested this yet, so we can't guarantee it will work -- but as soon as we get our hands on the 3G iPad for a full review, we'll be giving it a try to confirm it.


Our chamber membership has been invaluable, we have utilized it in many ways. We have increased business from all of the networking events, we have utilized the sponsorship opportunities to promote our company & we have used many of their resources like the Lunch n Learns to help develop our staff. It has been a great investment for our company.
"After 16 years of chasing a BIG paycheck in Executive Human Resources for a multi-state employer of 3,400, I found myself wanting to chase family time--and make a living, not a killing! So, on Jan. 1, 2015, I started TopShelf-HR with ZERO clients. Scary, right? Well, one of my first and best business decisions was to join the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce. After researching the Chamber, I realized quickly that they were very involved in the community and were trusted mentors to the business community at large.
I can proudly say that as of Jan. 1, 2017, TopShelf-HR now has 45 paying business clients, many of whom are monthly, retainer-based accounts. The Blue Water Chamber is, and continues to be, a pillar in my success as an entrepreneur. TopShelf-HR was honored as Chamber Member of the Month last October--an honor voted on by my peers. TopShelf-HR's success did not happen without the Chamber's and active Chamber members' support.
The Chamber offers every Blue Water business a chance to grow by way of the most effective marketing ever created--people meeting people. From networking events to "Lunch n' Learns," the Chamber helps in the systemic and organic growth of the local business community.
Lately I have heard Clients tell me they have found my company, Blue Moon Abatement, by searching the web. Whether the web is the State of Michigan website or the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce website, knowing that these Clients have researched me, gives me great comfort. Once we discuss the relationship I have with the Chamber and my interest in giving back to the community by being active in the Chamber, I give my Clients the comfort of doing business with me. The Chamber allows me to market in person and I am noticing my business is growing.
I received a visit from Tammy Hutchison, Farm Bureau Insurance, my chamber buddy. As a new member, Tammy gave me a welcome packet from the Chamber with goodies and information from other chamber members. I have never felt so welcome from other associations that I have been a member of before. Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce is welcoming! So, if you have been thinking about joining, this would be the time. Great networking, great calendar of informative meetings, workshops, after 5 events and more! Thank you Joyce and the chamber staff for all the hard work you do helping local businesses in the Blue Water Area.
Please allow me to brag about our three ladies in Chamber Leadership. Whenever I call the office they help with any requests for assistance immediately. If they are temporarily swamped they help me within a few hours. If all three are off-site for an event they respond the first thing the following day. Now, let me tell you an experience I had this week with another Chamber outside of MI that my team is trying to work with on a new project. The demographic for this outstate Chamber is nearly identical to ours. I called the Director 7 times in 5 days and did not get a return call. I did find out the Director was not on vacation or particularly time-challenged. Very unprofessional. So BWACC members, be very thankful for Thelma, Joyce and Danielle... dedicated pros.
We joined the Chamber a few years ago, thinking the Chamber would do everything for us. We realized, the Chamber was a vehicle for us to grow our business. We are now using our Chamber membership and have seen great results! Thank you!
Lucie DeLine, Manager, A Little Something Port Huron - Now serving Ashbys Ice Cream!
I joined the Chamber in 2017. In the last 12 months I have grown my business by 25%! I attribute my chamber networking, and business after 5 networking to these great results! Thank you!
I started attending chamber networking groups less than 6 months ago. My referral business has grown tremendously! I recommend the chamber networking groups to help you grow your business.
When I owned the Big Boy Restaurant is Imlay City, I was very involved in the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber would regularly hold meetings at my Big Boy Restaurant. It worked well for the Chamber and it helped continue to grow my business, a win for everyone!
We all need to continue to engage & collaborate with our Chamber brothers and sisters for the betterment of our community.
 "Camp Cavell has truly benefited from the contacts we have made through our Chamber Membership! We would like to send a big shout out to the Blue Water Chamber members we have met with a special shout out to Joyce Doyle, Ernest Werth-Toward, and Crystal Partaka! We have already received our investment many-fold with the advertising, contacts, and advice we have received!"
"Thank you for your time this morning to offer the tips and tricks to navigate through Excel and Word. This was a great chance for Chamber Members to gain additional information about the programs!!! Plus, I was able to share the information I received with other's here at United Way of St. Clair County!!! Again, I appreciated you sharing your knowledge and hope to explore additional opportunities SC4 has to offer. "


Take your creations to the next level with FPGAs and VerilogThis fun guide shows how….
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged FPGAs, Getting, Programming, Started, Verilog by Computer Education World. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
Here's How This First-Time Director Shot A Feature Film in New York City
Here's How This First-Time Director Shot A Feature Film in New York City
Julian Branciforte
For the last three years I've been making my first feature film, "Don't Worry Baby," in New York City. Writing, casting, shooting, re-shooting, editing and scoring, coloring… everything. Without fail, every aspect of shooting my film in New York City came down to one thing: Maintaining relationships. Landlord, crew, neighbors, vendors, actors, etc. Everything comes down to this. In New York, where everything is in constant flux, it is never a simple shoot. You are going to need people in your corner. Ideally, people who want the same things you do. They want to see you succeed. You have to use New York's chaotic energy and make it work for the film. But you also want to keep it as simple as possible.
READ MORE: DIY or DIE: 10 No Budget Filmmaking Musts
Here are some tips I learned from shooting my first film in New York City:
Using your apartment as a location isn't as easy as it sounds.
No matter how chill your roommates are, or how good your relationship with your landlord is, filming in your apartment is easier said than done. While shooting "Don't Worry Baby," my roommates had to relocate. I had to live on the set while shooting- at first, it was kind of romantic, shooting my first feature film here, saying goodnight to all the lights and charging batteries (that still haunt my power bill). But that feeling wore off immediately when one of my roommates was so frustrated she moved out when she couldn't access her room– our wardrobe room for the day. If you can't use your apartment, you're going to have to scour the city for a friend who wants to make your film as bad as you do. You need to be able to fix things, (because they will certainly break) and cover your damages. You need to be respectful of locations so you can continue to shoot there or work there for the duration. My apartment was our hub. When my apartment wasn't a hot set, it was the actors' holding area and our production office. Even if you aren't shooting in it, figure out a way to use it. It's almost free.
Keep set pieces to a minimum.
Aside from my apartment," Don't Worry Baby" had a major set piece… and it wasn't the Empire State Building. It was a preschool. I wrote it into the script because I was sure I could film there and remain in control. You should write what you know and you should write realistically. In New York City, there are so many amazing locations and things going on that it's easy to get carried away with your imagination. Just because it's good conceptually doesn't mean it's realistic on a low budget.
Good healthy food is essential.
Good food kept my crew happy. Feed your people! Avoid pizza and Chinese food or else the crew will want to nap after lunch. Food is something you can control in New York City where there are enough options to keep everyone happy. Don't skimp on craft services (better to have too many bagels than one fewer than you need).
Shoot hand-held (if you can).
Shooting hand-held eliminated a lot of our problems. I wrote a script that was made to be shot on a hand-held camera. I wanted the film to feel intimate and real. My decision to shoot hand-held came with some pretty serious perks for shooting in New York City: We didn't need as many permits, set ups were faster, and the medium instantly became more forgiving. If your film really works hand-held, I can pretty much guarantee a cheaper, shorter and easier shoot.
Get to know your neighbors.
Otherwise it's really hard to ask them for help. You might not need to bounce light from their roof to turn night into day, as we did– but you will still need their help. Since my apartment was the production's hub, there was no way to go unnoticed. By creating relationships with my neighbors, vendors and small businesses in the neighborhood, we were always prepared. Filming in New York City might seem like a world of opportunity, but that's only if you have your bases covered. For example, while writing the film I worked at a sandwich shop on Orchard street. It was natural to write a scene to take place there. When the time came it was the easiest location to land because of my relationships there.
The closer your talent holding is to your hub, the better.
You need maximum flexibility when shooting in NYC. Changing locations with a crew can take hours so we tried to stay near our hub. Plans are changing constantly. Try to find local business that will let you use their space during off hours. Be prepared to answer their questions and have a pitch ready.
Find actors who want to play ball.
Chris McDonald ("Happy Gilmore," "Requiem for a Dream") was my production's veteran. He has made well over 100 movies, and I learned a whole lot just by having him around. When I explained to Chris that we would be boarding the JMZ at Marcey Ave. and shooting off two scenes back-to-back during rush hour, he was actually delighted. "Guerilla filmmaking. I love it!" I was worried that just because we didn't have our own subway car, or sidewalk, actors wouldn't be willing to commit. When you're making an indie use actors and a crew who can go with the flow of your shoot and have the indie attitude.
Don't underestimate post-production.
Most importantly, save money for post-production. As a writer/director, you're essentially writing the film three times. Once on paper, second on film, and third in post-production. This movie was edited half a dozen times before it was almost right. No matter how talented your editor, it is always a process. That's simply the way it is.
As a director, you have to pick your battles and respect the city. Every scene can shut your movie down; there is no relaxing on a shoot in NYC. Everything will constantly fall apart and will only pull itself back together if you have a team to support you and your film.
When you're filming a movie in New York City, it really takes a village. So find one.
Julian Branciforte is a writer and director currently living in New York's Chinatown. He attended SVA where he held prestigious internships with Darren Aronofsky and Sam Mendes. Julian wrote and directed his senior thesis, then after graduating in 2011, concentrated on writing and directing feature films. "Don't Worry Baby," which will have its premiere at the 2015 Sarasota Film Festival on April 16, is Branciforte's first feature film.
READ MORE: 12 Invaluable Tips for First-Time Directors
This Article is related to: Toolkit and tagged First Person, New York City, Sarasota Film Festival

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Israel uses illegal weapons in Gaza
July 21, 2014 at 11:11 am | Published in: Israel, Middle East, News, Palestine
Israeli occupation forces are using lethal and internationally banned weapons in their aggressive war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, experts and witnesses said this morning.
Israeli warplanes fired white phosphorus munition in the eastern Gaza Strip. White phosphorus burns fiercely and can set cloth, fuel, ammunition and other materials on fire, and cause serious burns or death. It was heavily used by Israel during its savage war on Gaza in 2008/2009, and caused many severe casualties.
Meanwhile, witnesses said that the Israeli occupation used flechette bombs on Saturday in the Shujaya neighbourhood causing the death of 100 civilians in the bloodiest day Gaza has witnessed so far.
Doctors saw bodies with nail shrapnel, and removed them from the wounds of those who came into hospital. While, several people and journalists collected nails from bomb sites and posted their photos on Facebook.
In the early days of the Israeli war, Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert told a press conference in Al-Shifa Hospital that he found effects of DIME weapons on the bodies of the Palestinian casualties.
"A good number of the injuries seen here are consistent with the use of dense inert metal explosives, or DIME, that we saw during the 2009 attack and also in 2006," said Gilbert.
He continued: "The bodies are pretty much destroyed by the enormous energy released by the explosives that are shot near them or at them."
IsraelMiddle EastNewsPalestine


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Federated Hermes Inc
NYSE:FHIUnited States
Trending Up0.1650 (0.4088%)
1 Day Comparison Chart Accessibility Table. Wednesday's close: 40.36
FHI
200 40.66
300 40.525
BRIEF-Federated Hermes Inc Reports Q4 And Full-Year 2022 Earnings, from 6:17PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by Thomson Reuters
6:17PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by Thomson Reuters
Federated Hermes Posts Lower Q4 Earnings, Higher Revenue; Maintains Quarterly Dividend, from 5:02PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by MT Newswires
5:02PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by MT Newswires
-- Earnings Flash (FHI) FEDERATED HERMES Posts Q4 Revenue $373.9M, from 4:40PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by MT Newswires
-- Earnings Flash (FHI) FEDERATED HERMES Reports Q4 EPS $0.63, from 4:40PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by MT Newswires
Federated Hermes, Inc. reports fourth quarter and full-year 2022 earnings, from 4:37PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by PR Newswire
4:37PM ET on Thursday Jan 26, 2023 by PR Newswire
Investment Services Industry Peers
United StatesFHI
Federated Hermes, Inc. is a provider of investment management products and related financial services. The Company sponsors, markets and provides investment-related services to various investment products, including sponsored investment companies and other funds (Federated Hermes Funds) and Separate Accounts (which include separately managed accounts (SMAs), institutional accounts, sub-advised funds and other managed products) in both domestic and international markets. In addition, the Company markets and provides stewardship and real estate development services to various domestic and international companies. The Company operates in the investment management business segment. The Company markets its funds to institutional customers and banks, broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries, including retail investors, corporations and retirement plans. The Company also provides a range of services to support the operation and administration of the Federated Hermes Funds.
1001 LIBERTY AVENUE, 1001 Liberty AvePITTSBURGH, PA, United States 15222
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer
J. Christopher Donahue
Vice Chairman of Federated Hermes, Inc., Chairman, Director and President of Federated International Securities Corp. and Vice Chairman of Federated MDTA, LLC
Gordon Ceresino
Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Federated Hermes, Inc. and President of FII Holdings, Inc
Thomas Donahue
Chief Executive Officer, Hermes Fund Managers Limited
Saker Nusseibeh
Executive Vice President, Company Secretary, Chief Legal Officer
Peter Germain


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The Notion
Hey, come rock with us.
Return to The Notion's profile
Hometown Nashville, TN
Genres Alt. Rock, Rock
Band Members Mijo-lead vocals, guitar; LP-low notes; The Ocho-... » more
Achievements » more
A trio of two dudes and one chick based out of Nashville, TN playing groovy, grungy, dirty, raw rock and roll.
www.facebook.com/ilovethenotion
www.reverbnation.com/thenotion3
The Notion's first full length album is NOW available on iTunes and CD Baby.
Get your copy of 'In Vino Veritas'.
http://youtu.be/8K4pXpQGEns
Inside My Head
Choke and Die
Beg For Attention
Reached 57th in Best of Rock chart in 2016. In the top 100 for 1 week.
Reached 37th in Best of Rock chart in 2015. In the top 100 for 14 weeks.
Reached 32nd in Best of Rock chart in 2013. In the top 100 for 6 weeks.
Top 10 in Alternative, August 2014
Top 40 in Alternative, October 2014
Top 40 in Alternative, September 2014
Top 40 in Alternative, June 2012
Top 40 in Alternative, April 2012
See More of The Notion's Photos


However, these do not necessarily disqualify hand, arm, or leg amputees, who may compensate the loss with prosthetics. Other options include sociology, criminology, or psychology.
Probation officers work with local, state, and federal prison Career as probation officer. This can include employment or an internship in a field such as law enforcement, mental health counseling, or substance abuse treatment. The best degree to obtain if you are interested in becoming a probation officer is either in social work or in criminal justice.
As the population of our country continues to grow, so will criminal activity — no matter how hard we work to prevent it. Be less than 37 years old at the time of application.
What Is the Salary of a Probation Officer? Beyond that, there is a panel interview that serves as the oral examination. Among qualified applicants, those who have obtained relevant bachelor's degrees have an advantage over those who do not.
Probation Officer Duties Probation officers' duties are similar to those of parole officers and correctional treatment specialists, although the three positions have distinct duties.
During the specified probationary period, a person is typically forbidden from partaking in certain activities, such as drug use, and required to fulfill certain requirements, such as substance abuse treatment. Based on this information, you can make recommendations to judges regarding possible sentencing and treatment, and help set the conditions of probation.
Contact Us Probation Officer A probation officer has the responsibility of supervising the activities of individuals that have been convicted of crimes and released on probation.
This can include employment or an internship in a field such as law enforcement, mental health counseling, or substance abuse treatment. When a convict is released from state or federal prison, in most cases they are discharged from physical custody but may remain in the custody of the state by way of parole for a period of time.
The paperwork is one thing, and the successfully taken proficiency test is another. Typically, in order to become a probation officer, you need to hold a bachelor's degree in corrections, criminal justice, or psychology.
These internships are great for improving skills that are necessary for the position. Although a career as a probation officer can be somewhat stressful, it can also be very rewarding.
First, you will often be responsible for evaluating offenders. Apart from gauging an applicant's character, the panel interview also serves as a way of detecting unseemly personality and the inability to communicate with people.
A special probation officer training program is also usually required and may be provided by employers.
While jobs do vary from state to state, probation officer jobs have the same core set of responsibilities such as: Probation Officer Salary Information Becoming a Probation Officer Probation officers are appointed by the courts to monitor the behavior and activity of probationers; i.
Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for qualified probation officers will grow in the coming years. The exact requirements for training will vary based on the state and the employer. The job of a probation officer includes helping these individuals find treatment options, gain employment, and tracking the individuals overall progress when they are released from prison.
As a probation officer, you will have a number of duties and responsibilities. Administer drug and alcohol testing Interpret and record results of alcohol and drug testing Conduct interviews with probationers and personnel Recommend appropriate treatment and follow up to judge Supervise probationers; monitor and assess compliance with probationary terms Facilitate, recommend, and monitor counseling, payments, restitution, community service and other requirements.
To do this, you may need to interview them and examine their criminal history as well as their current crime. Probation officers are typically employed by state and county governments, and usually work in probation offices.
They are taught how to monitor probationers Trainees are also oriented on undertaking law enforcement functions and wielding police powers that may be necessary on occasions like pursuing and arresting probationers who abscond probation, and serving warrants to charges who commit commit a new crime.
For instance, parole officers monitor offenders that have warranted an early release from a correctional facility; these are typically violent or repeat offenders. When this happens, probation officers have the ability to arrest these offenders and possibly recommend that they serve out the rest of their probation sentence behind bars.
Probation officers help keep inmates out of already crowded correctional facilities and reduce the amount that taxpayers need to pay to keep inmates incarcerated. Although they have some similar duties, parole officers and probation officers are actually very different.
Be less than 37 years old at the time of application although those with relevant experience can have their years in service subtracted from their actual age.
Minimum Qualifications One of the skills that a person must have in order to be successful in this career is communication ability. If you wish to pursue a career as a probation officer, closely study the selection requirements and job outlook, to see if this profession is really for you.
Step 4 - Complete In-Service Training After successfully completing the initial screening and selection process, aspiring probation officers qualify for pre-employment training sponsored by the agencies that are considering their services. Probation officers, on the other hand, typically monitor nonviolent or first-time offenders, or offenders that have committed minor crimes.
While jobs do vary from state to state, senior probation officer jobs have the same core set of responsibilities such as:Juvenile Probation Officer: Career Guide. Juvenile probation officers (JPO) supervise youth who have been accused or convicted of crimes and are subsequently placed.
Professional Juvenile Probation Officer Templates to Showcase Your TalentNo writing needed · Step-by-step guidance · Toll-free support numbers · Just point and clickService catalog: Online Resume Builder, Resume Samples/Examples.
Probation Officer Jobs & Job Description. Probation officers supervise offenders who are on probation in the community and ensures that all conditions of probation are met.
While jobs do vary from state to state, probation officer jobs have the same core set of responsibilities such as.
1, Probation Officer jobs available on palmolive2day.com Apply to Probation Officer, Senior Probation Officer and more! Skip to Job Postings, Search Close TN is searching for a motivated individual pursuing a career in the probation field. This is a part-time.
Easily apply. Sponsored - save job. Probation Officer. How can the answer be improved?Tell us how. Probation officers typically need to complete background checks and interviews before being hired. The career field is set to grow by 18%, according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). On average, probation officers tend to earn around $47, annually, the BLS reports.


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Obituary: Marchese Domenico Serlupi Crescenzi Ottoboni, Count of Ongran
We regret to announce the death of Marchese Domenico Serlupi Crescenzi Ottoboni, Count of Ongran, Roman Patrician, Grand Cross of Justice, Dr of laws, and former member of the Royal Deputation, who departed this life on 14 May at the age of eighty. Marchese Domenico was born in Florence, the son of Marchese Giuseppe (1907-1976) and Donna Anna Maria dei principi Borghese, and was admitted as a knight of justice of the Order in 1966, and promoted to grand cross in 1996, when he was appointed to the Royal Deputation. He not only served the Constantinian Order but was a dedicated supported of the Grand Ducal House of Tuscany, being Grand Conservator and Vice-Grand Chancellor of the Tuscan Order of Santo Stefano and Grand Chancellor of the Tuscan Order of San Giuseppe, and was a knight of Honour and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He is succeeded as representative of this branch of the Serlupi family and of the ancient house of Ottoboni, Dukes of Fiano, by his brother, Marchese Francesco, a knight of justice of the Order.
[Heraldic design, by Mathieu Chaine]
AnteriorPublicación anterior:Compromiso matrimonial de S.A.R. El Duque de Noto con Lady Charlotte Diana Lindesay-BethuneSiguientePublicación siguiente:Testimonios constantinianos que inspiran: José Antonio Alarcón (Valencia)


A painter known as the Master of Saint Veronica worked in the International style in Germany between 1395 and 1415. Known primarily for his work in panel painting, his name derives from a painting of Saint Veronica in Munich. Brilliant colors, sweet and tender facial expressions, courtly costumes, and subtle modeling were key elements of the Master's style. He was one of the most important painters in Cologne, Germany, a major artistic and ecclesiastical center during the Middle Ages.


Adding your company to towSearch is a simple process. By becoming a towPartners member, your company and the information you provide is available to be added to the towSearch site. When updating your profile at towPartners, make sure that you request your "free towSeach listing" under the towSearch Section. You are able to update your company information displayed on towSeach at any time.
A Regular Membership includes a basic listing on towSearch as well as discounts and service offered through towPartners.
A Premium Membership includes a enhanced premium listing on towSearch as well as discounts and service offered through towPartners.


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The Real Reason Todd Hoffman Left Gold Rush
By Sharon Pruitt-Young AND Zach Lisabeth/Updated: Jan. 17, 2021 9:42 pm EST
Discovery's Gold Rush has captivated fans for more than a decade. The show follows a crew filled with diverse personalities as they brave danger and dig for gold all over the world, from Alaska to the rain forests of Guyana, where they searched for diamonds in season 4.
Through it all, the team has been led by Todd Hoffman, whose lofty dreams led to the birth of the show. According to his biography on the Discovery website, Hoffman was inspired to get into the gold mining business in 2010 following the decline of a previous aviation business he'd attempted. Gold mining also runs in his blood; his father mined for gold in the 1980s, but was unsuccessful, unlike Hoffman, who has hit pay dirt numerous times on the show (and has also made more than a few missteps).
Hoffman is known by members of his crew for being more than a little spontaneous, with his goals seemingly getting more and more outlandish with every job. Even so, when it was announced during an episode of Gold Rush: Live that Hoffman and his family would not be returning after the eighth season of the show, some fans were caught by surprise.
They were even more shocked when they learned what his next move might be.
Todd Hoffman is a man of many trades
These days, Hoffman is wearing all kinds of hats instead of the just the red hardhat variety. He owns his own production company, Züm Media, which is self-described as "a development, distribution, and production company specializing in premium branded content for television, film, and digital platforms worldwide." Which is pretty broad, but hey — it's showbiz!
Since 2019, the website for Züm Media has become pretty sparse. It once contained references to aspirational projects like Greenhorn Gold, which was apparently a reality series inspired by Gold Rush that pitted hopeful contestants against each other in a series of mining-related trials. Züm Media was also working on a cooking show called Meat, which was set to star Hoffman, though all references to this program have since been removed as well (via TV Shows Ace).
For a while, Hoffman was also hosting a semi-regular podcast called The Toddcast, which he shares on his YouTube page. The most recent episode aired on September 18, 2020. A quick glance through his YouTube videos reveals something even more exciting, however.
Todd Hoffman left the show to pursue a singing career
Todd Hoffman/YouTube
Clearly, Hoffman's got a lot of irons in the fire, but perhaps most surprisingly, the former miner revealed in 2018 his intention to pursue a singing career. His YouTube channel is home to numerous videos of his performances — and they're pretty good! There he is, pictured above, recording his own take on a '60s folk classic, which we super encourage you to watch. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are great and all, but "Sound of Silence" just hits different when you know the beardy guy performing it spent the last eight years of his life actually digging in the actual dirt for actual gold.
"Who knows?" Hoffman said of his new career choice, according to The Oregonian. "Stranger things have happened. I want to break it big. I want to hit it out of the park."
In addition to "Sound of Silence" (which has over 13 million views and counting), Hoffman's actually posted a few originals, including this banger called "Jealous Friend." Hoffman might just be onto something here with the new career moves. As commenter MadM_MegN put it, "Dude.... you went looking for gold.... but you had it with you the whole time....."
Hoffman still has the gold mining itch
Hoffman has also apparently been unable to stay away from the world of gold mining for long, which isn't too surprising considering that Hoffman claims his crew pulled over $10 million dollars worth of shiny yellow rocks out of the ground over the course of eight seasons on Gold Rush. That's gotta be some rush, for lack of a better phrase, and we can imagine why dropping cover songs — however soulfully belted — on YouTube just wouldn't offer the same high for long.
According to The Oregonian, Hoffman has been working on getting another gold mining show on the air following his Gold Rush departure. This is likely a reference to the vanished Greenhorn Gold. He also announced on Instagram last year that he was thinking of getting back into mining for real.
He wrote in a September post, "Looking at a gold mine and believe it might be a play if we decide to go. It will take 1.5 million to step up and swing the ball and give it a try. Praying about it but I'm good either way. We would film unrepentantly and then sell the episodes and own them."
In that same post, he also said that although he is unsure of what the future holds for his family, he has been enjoying "the time away from TV and the spotlight." So even if Hoffman's new series doesn't get up off the ground, we can all rest assured he'll keep on keeping on.


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Q: Integral closure of $\mathbb Z[\sqrt{n}]$ if $n$ is not square-free I need to find the integral closure of $\mathbb Z[\sqrt{n}]$.
The first step is: Reduce to the case where $n$ is square free.
Not really sure how to go about this. If $n$ is not square-free, what happens?

A: Write $n=q^2 d$ where $d$ is square free. Then $K = \mathbb Q(\sqrt n) = \mathbb Q(\sqrt d)$. Let $\cal O$ be the integral closure of $\mathbb Z$ in $K$. Then $\cal O$ is also the integral closure of $\mathbb Z[\sqrt n]$ in $K$ because $\mathbb Z \subseteq \mathbb Z[\sqrt n] \subseteq \cal O$and $\cal O$ is integrally closed:
$$
{\cal O} = IC(\mathbb Z)  \subseteq IC(\mathbb Z[\sqrt n]) \subseteq IC({\cal O})={\cal O}
$$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Hook, line and sinker! Families enjoyed a free day of fishing at Capaha Pond on Saturday, June 10.
Registration began at 8 in the morning at Capaha Park Shelter 1.
Participants brought their own supplies like poles and bait but lunch was provided.
The Cape Parks and Recreation Department hosted the event that brought in around 30 children.
The biggest catch of the day was a one-and-a-half foot catfish that weighed over two pounds.
Bluegill was the most caught of the roughly 65 fish hooked by the kids in attendance.


GMP Ind'l Co Ltd is a Hong Kong company that has been manufacturing and marketing small electrical appliances to the international markets for 30 years.
Throughout the years, the company has supplied innovative and quality products to the international markets such as Europe, America and Asia, and has also expanded its presence in the hotel and catering industry with its commercial product series.
The company has established its brand "Welhome" in China since 1994, providing customers with practical and quality products ranging from toasters, kettles, egg boilers, food processors, coffee machines, irons and hair dryers. It has been certified with ISO9001 and ISO14001 for achieving international quality standards.
For expansion and penetration into professional channels of beverages, new WPM brand was established in 2005. In these few years, WPM brand launched more varieties of beverage-related machines for bars, restaurants, coffee schools, baristas and coffee lovers, including coffee machines, coffee grinders, tea machines, milk steamers and coffee-related accessories.
Products ranging from toasters, coffee machines, coffee grinders, tea machines, milk steamers and coffee related accessories.


characteristics: Mountain ranges of Small Carpathians are hiding many mystical places. Only on a few of them man can find herds of Red Deer that concentrate here for autumnal rut. We will witness beautiful natural spectacle of Red Deer rut.
Other animals can be found beside Red Deer: Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Fallow Deer, Mouflon. From predatory species we can mention Red Fox, Wildcat, Badger or Weasels.
Important information and trip conditions: We do not recommend to take children younger than 12 years or a dog. Overnight place is not suitable for people that are allergic on hay or dust. We recommend non rustling dress in camouflage colors (green, brown, etc.). We recommend to avoid dress in bright colors (red, yellow, etc.). Strong boots are required. In case of rain waterproof gear is highly recommended.
Meeting at 4:00 pm, transfer to the site in Small Carpathians. Slow walk to the forest will start at 5:00 pm while we will listen to first roars of rutting males. Then we will prepare forest hay loft for our overnight. We will wait for arrival of males. At first we will hear them, then we will observe this great unforgettable spectacle in the moonlight. In the morning we will take a walk in the neighbourhood and we will move to the place of our depart. Return to Bratislava is planned around 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
The deadline for registration and payment is August 26, 2019. Please send the application forms to info@watching.sk, you can contact us also at +421 948 495 111.