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Home Politics How anti-feminism is shaping world politics
How anti-feminism is shaping world politics
atitnews
Last week at the World Economic Forum, women's rights seemed at the top of the agenda. The ritzy forum's seven co-chairs were all women (even though they remained vastly outnumbered by men at the annual gathering of the global elite). Discussions about sexual harassment, pay inequity and systemic abuses were ubiquitous. A dedicated lounge — dubbed the "Female Quotient" — featured pictures of Hillary Clinton on the walls and coffee-bar chats on female leadership and collaboration.
In a warmly received speech, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the rolling cultural conversation in the West on harassment in the workplace and entrenched gender inequities. "MeToo, TimesUp, the Women's March — these movements tell us that we need to have a critical discussion on women's rights, equality and power dynamics of gender," he said. "Sexual harassment, for example, in business and in government, is a systemic problem and it is unacceptable. As leaders we need to recognize and to act to show that truly time is up."
As Scott goes on to explain, this is not a narrative unique to Trump. On the American right, myriad women invoke the "anti-men" argument when pushing back against "left-wing" feminism. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said last year that she was "neither anti-male or pro-abortion," and hence not a "classical" feminist. "Trump's steadfast rejection of feminism will continue to endear him to his base — something he appears deeply mindful of when formulating policies on cultural issues," Scott observed.
Like clockwork, far-right British gadfly Nigel Farage echoed the president's line, saying he was not a feminist and didn't even understand "what it means" to be one.
Indeed, you don't have to look hard to see the political appeal of anti-feminism in many parts of the world. A host of illiberal governments have rooted a kind of anti-feminism at the core of their nationalist platforms. In Poland, a right-wing nationalist government has pushed a controversial abortion law, carried out raids on certain women's rights groups and moved to strip funding from them on the grounds that they discriminated against men — because they only support female survivors of domestic violence. In the Philippines, brash President Rodrigo Duterte — the recipient of repeated praise from Trump — has crafted his political image through years of jocular machismo, including unseemly rape jokes.
In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shepherded his own nationalist project with appeals to a mystical idea of womanhood. "Our religion [Islam] has defined a position for women: motherhood," Erdogan said in 2014, in a speech where he insisted women could not be placed on an "equal footing" with men. "Some people can understand this, while others can't. You cannot explain this to feminists because they don't accept the concept of motherhood."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has propagated a nationalism cloaked in traditional, Christian values. Analysts point to a resolutely anti-feminist set of female lieutenants appointed in various positions by Putin, who play a crucial role in furthering a conservative, religious agenda. "Putin's anti-feminists champion repressive, controversial laws and practices," wrote Ekaterina Sokirianskaia of the International Crisis Group last year. "These include: restrictions on rallies and demonstrations; the 'foreign agents' law that paralyzed and stigmatized NGOs with foreign funding; curbs on civic freedoms and intellectual debates; and support for the state's intervention in citizens' privacy."
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Foden seizes chance with tired City to clinch Spurs win
MANCHESTER, England — Watching Manchester City's Champions League slugfest against Tottenham, Phil Foden sensed his side's energy-sapping exit could present an opportunity.
Apr 20, 2019 6:53 PM by: Canadian Press
Updated Apr 20, 2019 7:05 PM
As a youngster in football's costliest-assembled squad, the 18-year-old Foden has to be patient to get game time under Pep Guardiola.
"He said he will give me opportunities when the lads are a bit tired," Foden said. "So I'm just waiting for that."
When it came on Saturday against Tottenham — completing a trilogy of matches against the north London club since April 9 — Foden scored his first Premier League goal on only his second start.
It took Foden five minutes to head into the net, sealing a 1-0 victory that returned City to the top of the league, a point ahead of Liverpool with four games remaining.
"Phil is incredibly talented but we have to handle him in the right moment," Guardiola said. "We needed his capacity to press high. He's a guy who has the quality to arrive in the box. I trust a lot in him."
Bernardo Silva was the architect of the goal, sending in a cross that Sergio Agüero nodded across the face of goal and Foden directed a powerful diving header into the net.
"It just felt it's everything I have been working for since a kid," Foden said.
In a squad transformed by Abu Dhabi wealth over 11 years, Foden is a connection with Manchester as the only locally born player in the lineup on Saturday after not even making the squad in the European game against Tottenham three days earlier.
Despite seeing fellow 2017 Under-17s World Cup winner Jadon Sancho leave City to gain first-time experience at Borussia Dortmund, Foden is determined to stick it out.
"It's very difficult because obviously the team are all great lads and great players," Foden said on Malaysian broadcaster Stadium Astro on the field after Saturday's win. "I'm still 18 years old so there's no rush really. ... Everyone has their own plan. Some go, some stay and I see myself playing here in the future
"I love this club and I want to play for them in the future and forever."
The immediate priority for City is wrapping up a treble by defending the Premier League and beating Watford in the FA Cup final next month, having already collected the League Cup.
City's quest for a first European Cup was ended by Tottenham, which lost 4-3 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday but advanced on away goals with a 4-4 aggregate score.
Tottenham's priority before facing Ajax in the Champions League semifinals is fortifying its place in the Premier League's top four to ensure it has a place in Europe's elite competition next season without having to win it.
After a fifth successive away league loss, third-place Tottenham is only one point ahead of London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
"It is in our hands to be in the Champions League next season," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said. "Now it's about trying to be strong and recovering the energy."
CLOSE TO SAFETY
Ayoze Perez's hat trick all but guaranteed Newcastle will remain in the Premier League next season after securing a 3-1 victory over Southampton.
Newcastle is 10 points clear of Cardiff in the relegation zone after a sixth win in the last seven home games in the league.
The tougher challenge for Newcastle could be keeping manager Rafa Benitez, who wants investment in the squad.
"Right now you see our position and we are not competing," Benitez said. "We have to compete."
DEULOFEU DOUBLE
Gerard Deulofeu scored twice to give Watford a 2-1 win at already relegated Huddersfield. Watford's sixth win on the road this season kept the seventh-place team on course for its highest Premier League finish.
SURVIVAL FIGHT
Brighton frustrated Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 0-0 draw to gain a key point in its scrap with Cardiff to avoid relegation.
Brighton is three points ahead of Cardiff, which occupies the final relegation place and hosts Liverpool on Sunday.
PARKER BOOST
After starting with five successive losses, Scott Parker has a second victory as caretaker manager of already relegated Fulham.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a penalty eight minutes into the second half after being brought down by Jack Simpson to clinch a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.
Fulham beat Everton 2-0 in its previous league game.
LEICESTER FIGHTBACK
Leicester twice came from behind to hold West Ham to a 2-2 draw.
Jamie Vardy's close-range finish in the 67th minute cancelled out Michail Antonio's first-half header.
West Ham regained the lead in the 82nd when Lucas Perez tapped the ball in four minutes after coming on as a substitute but Harvey Barnes curled in his first Leicester goal in stoppage time.
Leicester is eighth in the standings, while West Ham is 11th.
Rob Harris, The Associated Press
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Canadian diver Jennifer Abel finishes fourth at world championships

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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News World Afghan athletes bound for Australia after extraordinary rescue
2:26pm, Aug 24, 2021 Updated: 12:35am, Aug 25
Afghan athletes bound for Australia after extraordinary rescue
Afghan refugees aboard a flight out of Kabul on Monday. Photo: Twitter/ADF
Justin Chadwick
Australia will resettle 50 Afghan athletes after human rights lawyers and former sports stars helped launch an extraordinary rescue mission.
But the Paralympic dreams of two of them remain up in the air.
Athletes in Afghanistan were left stranded and fearing for their lives after the Taliban swept through the country to retake control.
Human rights lawyer Nikki Dryden, an Olympian, former Socceroos star Craig Foster and Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley were part of the team that co-ordinated the cross-border lobbying effort to rescue as many Afghan athletes as they could.
Tweet from @DeptDefence
The athletes and their families have made it to safety, but there are others who remain trapped in Afghanistan and are desperate to leave.
"We had lists of athletes, football players, referees, and there were [also] Paralympians on this list and their families," Ms Dryden told the ABC.
"I have emails piling up of more, so there are still a lot of people we left behind. That will be hard, but we'll see [what we can do]."
Two of the rescued athletes were due to compete at Tokyo Paralympics, with the opening ceremony on Tuesday night.
Their hopes of making it to the Games are hanging by a thread.
"That's out of my hands," said Ms Dryden, who swam for Canada at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
"They have been through extraordinary trauma. They were in line for 48 hours.
"They're Paralympians, they're resilient, but there's only so much the human spirit can take.
"They are two very shy people, and what they did was extraordinary. Whether they actually compete is so secondary to what we're hoping to do.
"As an athlete, I was like, 'yes I've got to get them there [to the Paralympics]'. We'll have to wait and see."
Ms Dryden described the dramatic scenes of trying to get the Afghan athletes safely out of the country.
"At the beginning, I was the most worried about getting them to the airport," she said.
"We'd all had experiences working in developing countries, war zones, being in tragedies and natural disasters.
"We knew a lot of secrets and we were trying to talk the athletes through how to get through the Taliban checkpoints to get to the airport.
"That wasn't the problem. They all arrived at the airport quicker than we thought. The real problem was getting them inside the airport.
"They spent the first 24 hours at the airport in lines, thousands of people, and nothing happened.
"A lot of women slept outside the first night. They were mugged, they were touched, they were exhausted. And that was not even halfway."
Tweet from @Craig_Foster
Ms Dryden broke down in tears as she detailed the desperate pleas for help she and her team were receiving from the Afghan athletes in Kabul while they tried to enter the airport and secure a flight.
"The only thing we could keep telling them is, 'push forward, stay in the line, don't move'. And they did it," she said.
"Every single one of them who is going to make it to Australia did it on their own.
"That is what is so extraordinary about the refugee story. Yes, we gave them a hand, but … I could not get them to the gate, I could not get anyone to save them, they saved themselves."
Details of the athletes' evacuation came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned the most dangerous part of Australia's rescue mission in Afghanistan lies ahead after another 650 people were flown out.
The five latest flights take the total of people airlifted from Kabul as part of Australia's efforts to almost 1700 since the operation began last week.
-AAP
Britain, US agree on Kabul evacuation plan


linda@ncfarmhaven.com We would love to hear from you!
What an adventure you are beginning. We can't wait to come visit! Baba Coltrane would SO proud of ya'll. Love ya'll, see you soon.
So excited about your new adventure!!! Looking forward to sharing in the excitement and growth of this beautiful "Haven" .
This site is great! Linda you are a wonderful writer! If you have time once a week (probably hard to come by free time) you will probably easily develop a following if you do a blog of your adventures and successes. You just have a great, fun writing style! Great photos! You have done a wonderful job!
So proud of you, Al & Linda! Can't wait to see what the farm brings forth during this first year. All the best to you!
This is SO cool. We'll have to get together soon and compare notes on farming. Wishing you every success!
This is so awesome. We'll have to get together soon to compare farming notes. Wishing you every success.
Remind me, was that a Beefsteak tomato or Beefcake (wink to Al).
Is it true you're making pasta?
Yes, It's true, we are making a fresh egg pasta with farm eggs and organic wheat flour from Lindley Mills (they are in Graham NC). We make a Tagliatelle cut pasta noodle, and a five cheese Ravioli. It's all delicious. Come to Cobblestone this Saturday and try it!


Many Greek language tools and resources (Dictionaries, translators, word lists...).
Directory of businesses throughout this island nation.
Official club site. Mostly in Greek, but includes English sections with photos, past honors and audio clips.


Firewood « WoodEco.lt « Naujienos bei naudinga informacija apie medieną, medienos skelbimai, ekologija, medienos pramonė, medienos perdirbimas, medienos pirkimas, medienos pardavimas, statybinė mediena.
Log's length: 25 – 27 cm. or 30 – 32 cm.
Log's diameter: 8 – 15 cm.
Humidity: dry (15-25%) or fresh.
Please make a call or write an email about your request on what sort of firewood exactly you are interested in, firewood treatment and volume. We will provide you competitive and thorough offer.


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rentals & re-sales
los jardines
legal & fin. Info
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playa carri
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Residencias Los Jardines - Life & Times
ISSUE #764: June 7-15, 2019
TAX... TAX... TAX... TAX... TAX...
Brian Timmons
When I started Residencias Los Jardines, I started writing a weekly newsletter -determined to tell all the good, bad, and the ugly. I knew some readers would be interested in the construction process. I expected others might be interested in the lifestyle of two people who had decided to live outside the box. For others, the adventures of Lita, the parrot and the cat took on an entertainment saga all its own.
Residencias Los Jardines is finished. We periodically have re-sales and rental availability. Some readers may be interested in this information.
Developer / Property manager
Residencias Los Jardines
Web: http://www.residenciaslosjardines.com
Emails: info@residenciaslosjardines.com
ResidenciasPropertyManagement@gmail.com
Paradisus Condos / Rohrmoser
FOR SALE / RENT
Each of the units consists of two bedrooms / two bathrooms, and a large living/dining/kitchen area. The floor plan of each of these units has eliminated the optional "den / office" divider. The result is a larger area offering more flexible furniture arrangements while still maintaining the option of including an office area. At 105m2 plus two parking spots each and storage locker, they offer a great opportunity for someone seeking views, security, central location, and first class, all round living...
Semi furnished unit: For sale: $235,000
Fully furnished unit: For sale: $245,000
Floor 12 -west view
Unit #12-2
Read more about Paradisus Condos
See a Youtube video of development
Sales: Los Jardines: Units #114, #116 and #124
Paradisus: Nothing available
Los Jardines: Units #106C, #106D, #113 and #116
property management, rentals & re-sales
Unit #114: $ 199,000 / See Unit
Unit #116: $ 195,000 $ 189,995 / See Unit
Unit #106C: $ 950 mo. / Available immediately / See Unit
Unit #106D: $ 1050 mo. / Available immediately / See Unit
Unit #113: $ 1,200 mo. / Available immediately / See Unit
Unit #116: $ 1,250 $1,195 mo. / Available immediately / See Unit
See a complete description of this unit
Total Area (Sq Ft): 1290
Total area (Sq M): 120
Floor(s): 1
Type: Semi-Attached
This 2 bedroom/2bathroom,1,290 sf single floor end unit home includes a 150 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. This house is fully air conditioned and has recently been professionally decorated by international decorator Alcides Graffe and has undergone a complete renovation—new modern furniture, finishings, window coverings, and art work by Carlos Gambino. It is arguably the nicest furnished unit at Residencias Los Jardines and only steps from the pool
$ 195,000 $ 189,995
This 1,290 sf single floor home includes a 300 sf front terrace plus parking for one car and a separate, secure storage locker. It is and end unit and therefore attached on only one side by a 6 inch cement demising (common) wall, which prevents sound transfer.
$135,000 $ 125,000
Total Area (Sq Ft): 662
Total area (Sq M): 61
Floor(s): 2nd Floor
Type: Semi-Detached
This 662 sf, + covered parking for one car, is a one bedroom home on the 2nd floor overlooking the large pool. It is ideal for a single person or couple.
UNIT #106C
$ 950 mo.
Type: 4-plex
This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. Units 106A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5" concrete slab prevent sound transference.
UNIT #106D
$ 1050 mo.
Total Area (Sq Ft): 1227 + parking
Total area (Sq M): 113 + parking
Bedrooms: 1 + den (bedroom possible)
Floor(s): 2nd. floor
This 2nd story, 1,227 sf (113 m2 + one parking space) is a georgous home with one of the best views at Los Jardines. The very large front covered terrace faces east and is suitable for entertaining; the off-bedroom covered terrace faces west for sun sets. This very tastefully furnished and fully equipped home offers a lifestyle envied by many.
$ 1,200 mo.
This 1,290 sf single floor home includes a 300 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. It is attached on one side by a 6 inch cement demising (common) wall, which prevents sound transfer. The three other sides allow light, ventilation and garden views.
Rainy Season... definitely here... rain most every day for an hour or so. Plants are happy... Garden rehab is on-going.
What Happened This Week
Vacancies: One elderly client viewing for the future... better not be too long in the future because the next resting place would be permanent; two good prospects, each with dogs... mmm ....not going to work...
INS Decision: Still waiting.
Hammock Time: A few days but this is going to end... it never lasts long...
Taxes Laws: This chaos is really shutting down the country... and creating lots and lots of angst... and I am caught in it as well. I have no idea how to resolve it and I know it will not be easy, pleasant, rational, or effective... I am seriously considering given up, cashing in the property management chips and letting the owners figure out their own solution... there is no money in it for me and now, in addition to the hassles of managing properties, there will be a difficult and expensive reporting requirements... either I quite entirely or go to a shoe box operation.
Fathers Day: This is not a national holiday like Mother's Day is but the marketing people have raised the awareness of it to the point that it is celebrated by some. It is also the day where half (?) the men in CR go into hiding...
News Items of the Week
1. Teachers: Talking strike again. Some US businessmen, through the Chamber of Commerce is voicing their concern... surprising that Ticos don't object. This group of public employees are very unproductive, pampered, and I can go on, and, on, and on...
2 / 8 / 9. New Tax Laws: Chaos reigns... systems do not yet support the newly published regulations, see now many companies have actually complied with registration. I have lots and lots of concerns about the reporting requirements... It will be difficult for me, and once a chaotic system is implemented it will implode and the reporters of information will pay the penalty... I go to a shoe box or close my account for elsewhere. It is really becoming way to difficult to do business in CR.
3. Bayer... keeps hiring... Maybe the big guys can survive... they are probably exempted...
4. Puerto Caldera: the newest port and CR's gem on the Pacific, has become antiquated and inefficient... the market has changed to larger ships with deep drafts and from bulk / pallet carriers to containers... the port is too shallow -it has not been dredged enough, and cranes do not exist for container unloading. This could be solved easily but won't be due to CR culture and multiple impediments... my guess... 5 years is optimistic...
5 / 6. Credit Default Forgiveness and Central bank stimulus: Yes, the government is going to allow deadbeats to default on one debt of their choice if they are good on all others... wow!!!!!! and the Central bank has reduced the reserve requirement so banks can now lend more -an admission that the economy here is beginning to suck.
7. VAT tax on rents... Ticos have already figure ways to avoid this... No tenant is now going to pay an additional 13% on top of their current rents. And no owner is either...
Conclusion: What we have here is a mess... developers / buyers -someone is now going to pay 13% on the sale/purchase of a property; capital gains tax will now apply although the rules for determining valuation are not clear, and there seems to be no provision for capital loss deductions, taxes on everything -services (there will be a lot of "leakage" amongst professionals... Doctors / lawyers / architects / engineers / contractors / trades / landlords / renters / RE agents / mortgage brokers ...virtually everyone... and not that only 300 of 29,000 entities have so far filed... think about this...
1. US businessmen in Costa Rica censor call to strike
The Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) criticized the strike calls made by several teachers' unions to oppose the bill that legislators are discussing to regulate strikes in the public sector.
On the other hand, the body that groups US companies that have operations on Costa Rican soil called on legislators to accelerate the discussion and vote on the bill that provides legal security on strikes and their procedures.
The intentions of the American businessmen is that the interests of all Costa Ricans are protected as soon as possible, according to their press release.
We want to draw attention to the fact that abuses to exercise the right to strike cannot be protected by law. If we do not put an end to this situation, the rights of all Costa Ricans will be violated. The right to strike exercised to the detriment of others will only affect social coexistence, destroy jobs and hinder economic growth," said Elías Soley, president of Amcham.
The previous strike, reduced the expected economic growth of the country by 0.4 percentage points, according to Central Bank estimates, which is equivalent to ¢ 138.7 billion. This, added to all the students who stopped receiving lessons for 93 days," lamented the camera in the statement.
The draft law that provides legal security on strikes and their procedures strives to declare that strikes that affect essential public services that affect life, health and safety are illegal.
It also establishes as the only cause to dissolve a union that organizes or incites its members to block public roads, or sabotage State property, or if it carries out any action that is classified as a crime.
In addition, the proposal contemplates the wage reduction for public employees who participate in strikes that are declared illegal by a judge.
crhoy.com
2. Crazy New Tax Laws in Costa Rica That you Need to Know About
It's no surprise that Costa Rica isn't in the best financial shape. Costa Rican Congress approved a new tax package called "Law of Strengthening of Public Finances number 9635". Guess what this means……more taxes. Within the new taxes commencing July 2019 Hacienda will expand the number of products and services that will be taxed with IVA or "Value Added Tax", which is essentially a sales tax on steroids. Capital gain taxes are also coming when selling real estate property plus a "surprise" for inactive companies holding assets in them.
Starting July 1st, many professional services will be taxed with VAT. So now the lawyers, engineers, consultants and all kinds of independent professionals will be obliged to include an additional 13% onto the invoices they issue. As for insurance policies, most of the general insurance premiums are already taxed with VAT, so they will not suffer much change. Personal insurances will have an increase of 2% and Occupational Risk insurance and insurance that covers homes with a value of less than 58 million colons -approximately US $100K- will be exempt.
All commercial property rentals will suffer an increase of 13%. As for housing rents, only those whose amount exceeds 670,000 colons – approximately US $ 1,145 – will have to pay an additional 13% VAT. Airlines tickets whose origin or destination is Costa Rica, as well as private health services will pay an additional 4%. The tariff of 13% for water consumption will apply when the consumption exceeds 30 cubic meters per month and the electricity VAT will be charged where consumption rates are greater than 280 kilowatts/hour.
As for the capital gains tax, if a real estate property is sold after July 1, the tax must be paid and there will be two options to calculate it: 15% on the profit or 2.25% on the total sale value. According to the tax authorities, to be able to apply 15% on the profit (difference between the acquisition value and the sale value), the seller must demonstrate the purchase value. This means more paperwork and work. Once the acquisition value is reached, it must be updated with the consumer price index of the INEC (Institute of Statistics and Census) and the improvements and investments made can be deducted.
If seller prefers to skip the paperwork required to demonstrate the purchase value they can choose a flat rate of 2.25% over the total sale value to proceed paying immediately. This new tax is added to the current costs generated by the sale of a real estate property, which are usually transfer taxes for approximate 2.5%, real estate agent's commission usually 5% and lawyer fees that vary between 1% and 2%. Once the first sale happens after this amendment, that purchase price will now have a record kept to calculate the tax and property tax in the future.
Now to the change that can take the owners of inactive companies by surprise. The new law establishes that both active and inactive corporations must submit income tax returns. Although for the case of the inactive, the income tax payable would be zero, here is the catch: if the amount of capital stock differs from the value of the assets that it has in its name, the company is at risk of an unjustified capital increase. This empowers the Ministry of Finance to consider that it generates an increase in the taxpayer's income, which generates an increase in gross income.
For the tax authorities there are two types of unjustified capital increases: internal and external. The internal is when there is a difference in value between assets and equity, or the existence of nonexistent liabilities. The external ones are those that a taxpayer does not declare and are discovered later, as a society that has assets in another country. Therefore, it would be advisable to at least make an adjustment in the amount of capital stock so that there is no large difference in relation to the assets it has as inactive company. And check the possibility to find records of the origin of the funds.
Certainly, there are many inactive corporations that have a stock capital of less than US $200 but have assets with a value of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and this may become a real problem in the future. It is better to take precautionsand avoid charges, fines, interest along with many headaches. It is time to learn how Costa Rica is changing and to take precautions accordingly.
About the Author: Allan Garro was incorporated as a lawyer and public notary in 1996. He specializes in Litigation, Corporate, and Real Estate Law. He has also acted as an external legal consultant to Congress. He has been the author of more than 100 published English Language articles and can be reached at allan@garrolaw.com
3. Bayer extends operations and would hire 200 employees
Two years after officially settling in Costa Rica, the Shared Services Center of Bayer announced on Wednesday that it will double its operations, forecasting to close the year 2019 with at least 500 employees.
Currently, 285 people work in the three offices that Bayer has in the America free zone, located in San Francisco, Heredia.
The Center, which gives administrative support to the Bayer operations, provides services to Central America, Mexico, South America, the United States, and Canada.
As part of the expansion, Bayer has also installed two new offices with work stations, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas for which it has invested almost $3 million between infrastructure and equipment.
The Financial Manager of Bayer in Central America and the Caribbean, Klaus Wussow, said that "the growth is not only due to the level of satisfaction of our clients, but also to a corporate strategy of optimization of the processes of administrative support to our business areas. , through the operational excellence of our shared services centers."
After this announcement, President Carlos Alvarado said that this is an important signal of the confidence and security that Costa Rica offers to foreign investment.
In May, President Alvarado traveled to Germany, where among other meetings, he met with executives from Bayer. He said that he talked about the competitive advantages that Costa Rica has for its human talent, educational level, geographical location, political and social stability, defense of the environment and human rights, among other factors.
In relation to the expansion of operations, Daniela Petig, Administrative Director of the Service Center of Bayer said that "it is very satisfying to see how we have evolved from providing accounting services to 7 countries with 15 people, to support with higher added value services to 100 percent of our operations in America -except Brazil-, through an internal culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, always focused on our customers."
The departments that are hiring are Order to Cash, Source to Pay and HR Operations.
The vacancies at Bayer are for people who speak English, with knowledge in accounting, finance, business administration or similar. Those interested in competing for work can send their CV to the electronic address: recursoshumanos.scr@bayer.com
Worldwide, Bayer has seven shared services centers located in Manila-Philippines, Dalian-China, Gdansk-Poland, Barcelona-Spain, Bangalore-India, Heredia-Costa Rica and Leverkusen-Germany, where the parent company is also located.
4. Puerto Caldera urges expansion for $ 187 million to exit the collapse
Deficiencies in dock raise costs of imported products and complicate trade with Asia; dealer that operates since 2006 offers to do works but current contract prevents it.
Seven years after the end of the concession contract with the port operator Caldera, in Puntarenas, the government is seeking alternatives to modify or de-link from that agreement in the face of the urgent need to expand the port terminal.
The cost of the required works is estimated at $ 187 million.
The Pacific's only international port reached its maximum capacity and its operation is as collapsed as it was 13 years ago, when the concession was granted precisely to improve efficiency.
"In the sixth year, the load that was planned for the 20 years of the concession was reached. Today we have twice the load that was expected to reach 20 years after the project was granted, "said Juan Ramón Rivera, president of the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (Incop).
That means that, when the concession was signed, it was estimated that by 2026 three million tons of cargo would be reached per year, but at this moment six million tons are moved, mainly from bulk materials and vehicles.
The port was designed in the 70s and came into operation in December 1981, so, according to Rivera, is "out of service" for more modern ships, because, among other problems, has a maximum draft level of 10 meters (the concessionaire maintains that they are 13 m), which are reduced because of the sedimentation that comes in due to damage in the breakwater.
That structure, partially destroyed during Hurricane Otto, in November 2016, is under repair by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).
"When that dock was designed and when the concession was made, nobody expected that the world economic development would move from the Atlantic to the Pacific, where China is about to become the largest economic power; are Korea, Singapore, etc. "added Rivera.
As he said, all these conditions make it almost impossible to dock large container ships and bulk carriers. In addition, the port was designed to handle cargo in bulk and on pallets , but much of the cargo comes in containers.
"What is happening is that the boats have to wait more than necessary (in bay). If we add to that the weather conditions and that the breakwater is not in all its condition, the port is almost as inefficient as when the concession was given in 2006, " he said.
For damage to the breakwater, when there are high tides the port must close for up to five days.
"That will not happen to us as with Japdeva"
Alfredo Salas, director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Shipping, confirmed that in recent months have faced "serious" problems with the sediment that filters and prevents the entry of ships of greater draft.
According to him, doing it more deeply is the most urgent need, but it also requires more berths and improvements to wineries.
"We have already had some members of the Chamber, the observation that they have not been able to consider their plans for growth and development because of the issue of draft," he said.
Salas said that, in the face of the enlargement process that the Government is developing, it is important that the opinion of the users be taken into account so that the change is functional and in accordance with the volume statistics.
"That it will not happen to us as with Japdeva (Board of Port Administration and Development of the Atlantic Slope) that bought two gantry cranes of almost $ 15 million and we were not taken into account, nor was there a previous analysis of the demand", he claimed.
In addition, the expansion of access roads should go hand in hand with the growth of the port terminal.
Recently, the Costa Rican Railway Institute announced a plan to develop a freight train from Alajuela to Caldera. In addition, the Government is moving forward in the previous phases to renegotiate the extension of route 27 that connects San José with that port.
Andrés Gamboa, director of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco), agreed that the port conditions "are subtracting competitiveness" and could diminish the use of the new free trade agreement with South Korea and increase the shipping time of fresh products to China.
"This limitation is hindering the transit to that destination with potential products such as pineapple, which has an important commercial niche in that market, despite the great time of transfer affects the quality, freshness and durability of the product."
According to Gamboa, since large ships can not come to Caldera, they must make shipments with transshipments. The cost of a container that transfers to either Panama or Mexico, represents an additional $ 300 to $ 500 for an exporting company.
The Port of Caldera currently operates at the top of its capacity. Incop for LN.
"The port would become a small port"
Recently, the Incop received the results of the master plan hired by the Dutch-Costa Rican consortium Arcadis-Camacho Mora.
The main result of this report is that an urgent extension is required, with an investment of $ 187 million in the first stage.
According to the plan, by 2020 the new contracting process must be carried out so that in 2021 the works begin, especially the deepening of the current berths.
"It is urgent because they say that if this work is not done, the port would become a little port of cabotage.
"We have the problem that at this moment it is difficult to export perishable products to China, because large ships do not come, you have to change at another port in Mexico or Panama and that makes the cargo last longer than expected. "Said the president of Incop.
With the investment planned in the master plan, in the first stage, the dock would be 15 meters deep and four additional gantry cranes would be installed.
Of course, it would maintain the same four berths it currently has, but with greater operational capacity.
This stage would be developed in two phases, the first in 2021 and when it is concluded, the second phase would begin immediately.
In the second stage, $ 75 million would be invested, but this would be executed within five to six years and includes a new general cargo berth.
Moored?
Although the Administration and the users of the port qualify as "urgent" the extension, the outputs to comply with the master plan are not so simple.
The Caldera port concession was not signed with the Concessions Law (it did not exist), but an operation and services contract was made based on the Law on Administrative Contracting. This means that the Port Society of Caldera (SPC), the consortium in charge of the management, can not carry out important civil works, but is only authorized to perform maintenance tasks and provide the service.
However, as in the Caldera dock there are two different concessions (although in charge of the same consortium), the other contract that was signed for the operation of the bulk terminal (inaugurated in 2015) would eventually allow more works and renegotiate the term.
"We basically have two alternatives. One is to see how we renegotiate this concession by making both of them a single one, and that is what we are working on, because it would allow us - if the Comptroller and the Aresep hurry a bit - to have the necessary time for approval and we could begin the works in 2020
"The other, which is the most serious, would be to resolve the current concessions, which would imply a compensation of around $ 100 million and would lead to a new tender and adjudication that would be until the end of 2022, when the works, according to the master plan, "Rivera explained.
Another of the shortcomings of the contract is that when it was signed, a fixed maintenance amount of $ 500,000 per year was established.
"For the first two or three years that was enough, but as the load grew much more than expected, obviously that amount was very short," said the head.
Even so, additional investments have been made, including the purchase of two cranes and the construction of a refrigerated container yard.
Ricardo Ospina, concessionaire manager: Renegotiating the contract is a viable option
The concessionaire Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera presented an initiative to the Government to expand the port at the end of last year, however, this proposal depends on defining the legal situation and the works indicated in the master plan.
However, the manager does not rule out the option of renegotiating the contract through the alternatives studied by the Administration.
- Currently, to what capacity of operation is the port?
-The port of Caldera is operating with an average occupancy that ranges between 70% and 80%. We have doubled the transfer of charges thanks to the investments we have made, which add - since we started the concession - about $ 105 million.
"By year 12, we have increased the initial volume by more than 200%, with more than 300,000 TEU (20-foot containers), and the total volume has grown by around 160%, to reach nearly 6 million tons."
-What type of boats have capacity to attend?
-The port has four berths with different depths and lengths, the wharf that has better conditions is the 4 (inaugurated in 2015), which is 13 meters deep. The most common are ships of between 500 and 2,500 TEU, with drafts between 9 and 10 meters and a length of up to 125 meters.
-What are the improvements required by the port terminal?
- They are basically the ones we present in the modernization plan: increase in draft, improvements in equipment, yards and increase storage capacity.
-What is the attention of large ships?
- Large vessels, currently, do not schedule their calls at Caldera port, use Panama or Mexico to drop the cargo and from there on smaller ships ( feeder s) distribute it to other terminals.
-The difficulties, as the issue of draft, in how much do the attention of the boats cost?
- Today we have a high flow of smaller vessels, which multiplies the attentions and results in longer waiting times, episodes of congestion and higher costs.
-What is the proposed extension to the Government?
-In December, we presented a proposal to the authorities that seeks to invest $ 150 million to modernize the terminal and triple its storage capacity; expand its berthing screen by 20 meters wide; deepening the docks turning dock and access channel to 16 meters; besides improvements in equipment and patios.
- The concessionaire would be willing to renegotiate the terms of the concession in order to execute the required extension?
-Yes, we are committed to Costa Rica and its port development.
- One of the options valued by the Incop is to unify the two existing concessions, that they see viable?
- We believe that it can be a good alternative that deserves to be analyzed. The focus is on the urgency of modernizing the port and this may be an option.
5. Three banks guarantee clean credit record to 63,000 card debtors
The BCR, the Banco Popular and the BAC consider that this measure would allow banks to boost the economy by granting more loans, and debtors to improve their capacity to pay.
Three banks believe that it would be favorable to clean up the records of some 63,000 people who have had credit card payment problems and, although they pay attention to the rest of their debts, today they can not access any financial operation because they have stained their credit record.
These are the banks of Costa Rica (BCR), Popular and BAC. The entities assure that, although it is necessary to carefully study this proposal from the General Superintendency of Financial Institutions (Sugef), they see it with good eyes.
Currently, in Costa Rica there are 78,000 people with a stain on their payment history, of which some 77,000 fell into that category due to credit card debt.
Sugef's proposal is to free 63,000 of those debtors from the stain who, although they report irregularities with cards, mostly attend the rest of their accounts well and do not neglect them to the point of being in the worst risk category for banks.
If the financial institutions give the go-ahead to the reform, there would only be about 15,000 people in the ranks of the clients with the least possibilities for banking. These are clients with a very bad credit file, with arrears of up to 150 days.
According to BCR, Banco Popular and BAC Credomatic, the changes in the credit risk measurement system promoted by Sugef would allow banks to boost the economy by granting more loans.
In addition, they estimate, it would be an incentive for debtors to improve their ability to pay and, with that, their status within the national financial system.
The Banco Popular reported that, although it has not received the formal consultation of the Sugef, the idea of cleaning up the debtors' credit stain "would seem an initiative to evaluate and analyze seriously" for the benefit of the clients.
"Many working people have had problems with credit cards for improper use, but they have also responsibly and adequately taken care of another type of credit they may have."
"With the proposal that would be raised, these people could be subject to credit in the national financial system and, among other advantages, avoid having to resort to unregulated companies, agiotistas or informal lenders who charge usury interest rates," he said. the Communication Office of Banco Popular.
Álvaro Vindas, Credit Management Manager of the BCR , affirmed that "the 'stain' in the credit payment record often becomes the main obstacle for a financial institution to grant a loan because, if given, it would negatively impact on the estimates (of the banks) ".
"If the client is able to update his obligations, improve his ability to pay and take good care of his current debts, it would be very positive to clean up the stain," he added.
Meanwhile, the BAC Credomatic said it analyzes the reform, which, in its opinion, should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen the financial education of customers.
"We think it's quite positive (Sugef's proposal), because in BAC Credomatic we believe that anyone has the right to take control of their finances and rejoin the financial system."
"Without a doubt, this process requires a responsible management of finances, and that is why we are very committed to continue working in the promotion of financial education in the country," said Laura Moreno, vice president of Corporate Relations at the bank.
The Nation consulted the National Bank what it thinks of the initiative. However, the institution replied that as it still does not know it in detail, it can not refer to it.
Sugef confirmed that the query will be sent to the bank this Thursday.
Another of Sugef's alternatives, to relieve the pressure of those with a tight credit history, is the possibility of opting for three payment arrangements instead of two, as is currently the case.
Today, when the client has a debt that he can not afford, the financial system allows him to choose two refinances in a period of two years (24 months).
If in that period, after having used the second opportunity to readjust the debt, the person needs a third extension, his credit management becomes a special operation. That is, it enters into a monitoring regime for 90 days (three months), which implies that its risk category deteriorates.
However, Sugef already approved the granting of a third payment settlement opportunity to customers. That is, the management now becomes a "special operation" after the third extension and no longer after the second.
"The power to grant two payment arrangements to clients, without special credit being converted, would make it easier for financial institutions to improve their delinquency rate and incentivize the granting of credits, an aspect that would help boost the national economy," the spokesperson added. of the BCR.
6. Reform would allow clear credit history of 63,000 Ticos
The previous week, President Carlos Alvarado said he had asked Sugef and Conassif to work on a proposal to "relieve" people who have a credit stain and, for that reason, can not opt for a housing loan or to undertake.
In addition, the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) agreed to reduce the minimum legal reserve for financial institutions, with the objective of stimulating credit in the country's economy.
The reserve represents a percentage of the deposits (whether deposits or deposits) made by the supervised financial entities, which must be kept as a reserve, in cash, in the vaults of the Central Bank.
This reserve was reduced from 15% to 12% for banks, financial and mutual companies, which means that these entities will have more liquidity to grant loans.
7. Monthly rent payment of ¢669,300+ colones to be 13 percent more expensive on July 1
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
As of July 1, the Law of Strengthening Public Finances will come into force, creating the Value Added Tax known as VAT that applies in some property rental prices.
The new tax will be due only when the rental price is greater than a Basic Salary multiplied by 1.5.
The Basic Salary amount is ₡426.200 colones this year. This is a measure used by the government as a reference for calculating taxes or fines.
The reference amount for house rentals is the Basic Salary multiplied by 1.5 or ₡669.300 colones. According to the new tax law, monthly house rents over ₡669.300 colones must pay 13 percent VAT tax.
Taking today's dollar exchange rate of Banco Nacional of ₡587 colones for each dollar, a monthly rental amount of $1,140 would activate the VAT tax.
Landlord and tenant must know that if the Colones - Dollar exchange rate changes it will affect the calculation of the minimum amount that will activate the VAT tax. For example, in October 2018, the exchange rate was ₡620.64 colones per dollar. The minimum monthly rent taxable would have been $1,078 at that time.
If a house monthly rent is $1.500, VAT will be equivalent to $195 (13 percent), then new monthly rent tenant have to pay is $1,695.
The landlord is obliged by law to collect the tax from the tenant and then transfer it to the Ministry of Finance by means of the tax declaration. A sanction applies if the owner does not collect and remit the tax.
In addition, in case the landlord does not want to collect the tax from his tenants, he must assume payment of the sum equivalent to the tax.
The tax must also be charged on the rental of premises for commercial purposes (stores, offices, bars, and clinics, among others).
The renter should request that the owner proved an electronic invoice, approved by the Ministry of Finance, detailing the rental amount, the tax amount being paid and the total required payment.
If a rent is less than ₡669,300 colones per month, the tax is not required. Rentals of under a month do not activate the tax.
Companies or individuals that have registered with the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of Agriculture under the classification of a small company are exempt from taxes on rent.
In upcoming editions, we will be clarifying doubts about the new VAT tax law.
8. Some 29,000 people and companies are exposed to the closure of their bank accounts
Only 2% of the individuals or legal entities that must register as new regulated before Sugef, fulfilled this procedure whose deadline expires next Sunday June 30.
The casinos are on the list of new regulated that must register with Sugef before July 1. The image is used for illustrative purposes. Photography: Archive.
Only 636 people and companies of the 30,000 that have the obligation to register as new regulated before the General Superintendency of Financial Institutions (Sugef), fulfilled this procedure until June 10. The figure represents just 2% of the total.
The 29,364 individuals and legal entities that still do not register with the supervisor are exposed to the closure of their bank accounts and the suspension of services in all entities of the national financial system, starting next Monday, July 1st.
The deadline for new supervisors to register before Sugef expires on Sunday, June 30. Bernardo Alfaro, head of the Superintendence, explained that, despite the low levels of registration, it is not valued to grant an extension.
"On what will happen to the bank accounts of those who do not register on time, each financial institution must issue its policies in this regard, but ultimately they will not be able to provide the service," Alfaro said.
The new supervised ones are physical or virtual casinos, credit card issuing companies, lenders, pawnshops, companies dedicated to the purchase and sale of real estate (including real estate brokers, intermediaries, promoters and developers of real estate projects).
Also included in this list are merchants of precious metals and stones, pawnshops, fiduciary providers, remittances between countries, administrators of resources through trusts, issuers of traveler's checks or money orders, exchange operations of money and transfers, and non-profit organizations that receive money from countries with risk of money laundering.
Even lawyers and accountants involved in the purchase and sale of real estate, in the management of money of their customers and in the purchase and sale of legal entities.
9. Only 300 of the 30,000 new supervisors have enrolled in Sugef
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluated Costa Rica in July 2015 and found weaknesses in the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism in some economic activities and professions that this organization considers vulnerable.
To correct these deficiencies, Costa Rica approved, in May 2017, Law N ° 9449 that reformed the regulations on narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, drugs for unauthorized use, related activities, money legitimation and financing of terrorism.
This amendment to the Law gave the Sugef the obligation to regulate and supervise the activities and professions that are considered vulnerable and issue reports for the Costa Rican Institute on Drugs (ICD). This was explained by Nidia Zúñiga, corporate lawyer of Sfera Legal.
There is concern
The voices of alert for the low level of registrations before Sugef come from the financial sector itself.
Anabelle Ortega, executive director of the Chamber of Banks of Costa Rica, said that for several months financial entities have begun information campaigns and direct contacts with their clients to remind them of this new legal obligation.
"Affectation in the Costa Rican market can be important taking into consideration the data provided by the Sugef, so perhaps the regulator could assess an extension of the term." Anabelle Ortega, director of the Chamber of Banks.
For María Isabel Cortés, director of the Costa Rican Banking Association (ABC), financial institutions have a legal mandate that they must comply with, so they will close the accounts of those who must register, but do not do it on time.
"The bank will contact the subjects to demonstrate the obligation of registration, in case they do not comply legally, the entities are obliged to break the relationship and close the account." María Isabel Cortés, director of ABC.
On June 7, the third transitory of the regulations that grant an extension until September 30 was published, only for individuals and companies that, due to their conditions, need more time to process the digital signature certificate.
This extension of the term can only accommodate non-resident foreign natural persons, companies that have as a representative a foreigner who does not reside in the country and social organizations registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS).
Guild position
Although the time to complete the registration before Sugef is shortened, representatives of some unions believe that the procedures will increase in the coming days.
Juan Luis León, president of the Bar Association, said that for several months the banks sent reminder notices to law firms and offices of various legal professionals who should not benefit from the regulation.
"It has been generalized and speculated that all lawyers must be enrolled in Sugef to carry out their work, that is not true. The supervision is only and exclusively for lawyers who are going to administer funds of third parties or are dedicated to the purchase and sale of customary form of real estate and companies. That's a pretty low percentage, "Leon said.
The Nation consulted him on how many jurists of the total number of members should register, but León pointed out that there is no specific information.
In the Bar Association held talks and conferences in recent months to provide information to their members on the step by step to comply with this process.
A similar strategy was developed in the Costa Rican Association of Public Accountants (ACPC) with informative talks and videos on social networks that serve as material for its members.
Dayanni Picado, head of the Technical Consultation Department of the CCPA, recalled that the sanctions may affect the accountants required to register who fail to comply with this requirement.
"Sugef must inform the ICD, so his name could be sent as a possible subject that performs activities of narcotics, psychotropic substances, drugs for unauthorized use, related activities, money laundering and financing of terrorism." Dayanni Picado, head of the Technical Consultation Department of the CCPA.
Registration must be done at the address https://www.sugefdirecto.sugef.fi.cr and requires the digital signature certificate.
If you have any doubts or queries about the subject, you can call the telephones authorized by the Superintendency: 2243-4758, 2243- 4761 or 2243-4771.
FOR RENTAL OR SALES INFORMATION
ON ANY OF THE ABOVE, CONTACT:
Brian C. Timmons
Property Manager RLJ and Newsletter Author
Costa Rica:
Cell: (+506) 8-455-59-35
Land line: (+506) 2282-4142 Ext. 101
VOIP: (+416) 461-2203
Contact phone numbers
Internet Phone:
Cell: (506) 8-455-59-35
Land: (506) 282-4142 Ext. 101
NOTE: Toronto number is "local call" for people in the area code; calls from outside the area code will be billed at the normal rate from the caller's area code.


Gin Fizz and friends for a beautiful English Country Wedding in Cornwall.
Back in May we had the pleasure of seeing our very first couple to ever book their wedding at Launcells become Man and Wife!
We met Pauline and Paul back in November 2015, and they saw the farm before any renovations had started. I think there may have even been Matt's parents furniture still here too! They were completely on board with all our plans for the place and could see past all the work that needed to be done! Pauline and Paul originally wanted to get married in September last year, but were so taken by the new barn that they pushed their wedding back so it would be ready for their big day!
It was fantastic to get to know Pauline and Paul and see all their wedding plans come together!
Pauline organises outdoor adventure activities for children, meaning summer is always a pretty hectic time for her. They decided a Spring wedding would allow them plenty of time to focus on their day.
The couple went for a beautiful English Country Garden feel by filling the Reception barn with big jars full of beautiful flowers, while Crescent Moon decorated the beams with stunning lighting and hanging lanterns! Pauline and Paul really put a lot of personal touches into their decorations, even making their seating plan out of an old desk!
The Mill Barn was understated elegance with white bunting sweeping from the beams, fairy lights twinkling, flowers hanging on chairs down the aisle and big milk churns full of flowers and branches in the corners. The chairs even had personalised tags for reserved seating. Everything looked absolutely breathtaking!
Pauline got ready on the day in the Bridal Suite with her fabulous bridal party. The bridesmaids wore gorgeous blush patterned dresses and everywhere you looked, hair and make up was being perfected by Hannah Woodgates hair design and Lizzy Couch Make up.
Pauline, with the help of her mum doing up all of those tiny buttons, looked simply stunning in a strappy lace, fit and flare dress finished beautifully with a beaded belt.
Paul, his bestman and ushers, welcomed guests as they arrived to take their seats in the Mill Barn.
It was then time for Pauline to make her way to the Mill Barn, and for the couple to say their vows in front of all their friends and family. It was such a beautiful ceremony with personal, yet funny, readings from friends.
Everyone followed the newlyweds out into the courtyard for Gin Fizz and Peach Bellini's accompanied with delicious Canapés from Good Food Catering Co.
Everyone then made their way into the beautifully laid out Reception Barn to welcome the happy couple in for their wedding breakfast with balloons flying everywhere!
With a touching speech from the Bride's father and rather insightful speeches from the Bestman and Groom!
The evening kicked off with an acoustic set by Kaj Music who had everyone up on the dance floor!
I have to say that Pauline and Paul's wedding was so much fun to be a part of. You could feel the love that all their friends and family had for them. I even helped their bridesmaids and Bridesman surprise the newlyweds with a honeymoon suite filled with confetti, decorations and even their PJ's laid out nicely on the bed!
"We had viewed a couple of venues, when we met Lara and heard about her partner Matts beautiful old family run farm that they planned to turn into a gorgeous wedding venue… and we were intrigued!
Everywhere we had viewed up to this point just hadn't connected with us… beautiful venues… just not how we imagined our day to be… just not "us". And so we went to visit the farm, before any work had started! Armed with our wellies, the dog and warned that it really was still just an old house, and a barn and a cow shed full of what cows do best… we had a tour, spent ages just chatting with Lara and Matt, and left knowing that we wanted to have our wedding there.
They are a wonderful partnership. Warm, welcoming, friendly, helpful and so filled with vision and motivation that we trusted them one hundred percent to create what is now a gorgeous wedding venue.
Having the venue for the weekend, and having so much room to accommodate family and treat it as our home made the whole event magical. Nothing was too much trouble, and we were kept in the loop the whole time. Lara's recommendations and advice helped with the planning immensely.
They have created a beautiful, rustic, natural setting packed full of old Cornish charm and we absolutely loved it. I am sad that we no longer have a reason to follow the progress of this fabulous place, we wish them all the best success for the future and cannot thank them enough for making our day so special.
My only complaint is that it went too fast… Can we do it again please?
These beautiful images were all captured by Nicola Muir Photography. Nicola is actually friends with the couple and has known them for years. She came all the way down from Hampshire to shoot their special day! Luckily Nicola's parents don't live too far away, so was even able to be picked up from work by her dad- a first time in many years!
Congratulations from everyone here at Launcells Barton! It's been fantastic getting to know you both so well and we wish you all the happiness for the future. Stay in touch!
« Pimms, Prosseco & long summer days all add up for a Glorious Wedding in Cornwall!
Being one of the bridesmaids I echo every word mentioned! It was a fantastic day, the whole experience was so Pauline and Paul. I couldn't have imagined them getting married anywhere more 'them'!
It really was a fantastic day! Pauline and Paul are very blessed to have such lovely friends and family!


If you are a cattle farmer that is looking to grow your enterprise, it's important to know your cattle and act accordingly. In this regard, you have to adapt and always purchase the best cattle possible. For instance, buying registered herefords will allow you to get what you need out of your farm, while growing the overall value of your enterprise. With this in mind, read on and follow these tips.
When you're thinking about buying some registered herefords, you will need to understand a bit more about the breed and why they're an excellent type of cattle to invest in. One of the best reasons to purchase herefords is that these cows are incredibly docile, making it easier for you to herd them and care for them. These cows are also very adaptable, which allows you to get great production out of them.
Be sure that you look into the different cattle producers that can help you buy the best for your particular farm. Make sure to also research their track record until you have found the best cattle possible, knowing that you are also buying from quality dealers.
It's important that you look into the many options in front of you until you find a great price on your cattle. In terms of herefords, you might expect to pay approximately $170 per cwt. Because of this, it's important that you ensure that the weights are as accurate as possible. Know what you are looking for when purchasing cattle and give yourself the chance to fulfill the needs of your farm. Start by looking into the needs of your farm and it'll guide you through buying your cattle.
Finally, do everything that you can to protect your purchase and get your herefords home safe and sound. Be sure that you get your farm ready and set up some grazing areas in advance. You will need to invest in some strong wire and set a spacious perimeter for your cattle to have some room. Don't hesitate to bring in a veterinarian to give your cattle a checkup, which will let you know if the purchase is worthwhile.
Utilize these three points so that you can purchase registered herefords for your farm. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Redbird Ranch.


The Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance (GACMP) is a non-degree program providing an intensive, two-year period of post-baccalaureate study in music performance. It is intended for exceptionally gifted and accomplished performers seeking professional performing careers, but not wishing to engage in academic studies required for a graduate degree program. Study is available in the following areas: woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, voice, piano, collaborative piano, organ, early music and jazz.
All UNT graduate academic certificates are graduate/post-baccalaureate level. The Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance has a maximum allowed program length of 24 months. For further information go to the GAC Gainful Employment website.
You will receive an email which includes a EUID and password. Follow the directions in that email to activate your EUID. You may then proceed to apply to the College of Music.
Application to the College of Music The applicant must apply for admission to the College of Music (www.music.unt.edu). Preference will be given to applications received by the first Monday in December. Applications received after that date will be reviewed, and auditions will be scheduled on a case by case basis depending on space availability. There is no application fee for the College of Music. The online application will require you to submit names and email addresses of three people you wish to recommend you for music study at UNT. Only completed applications will be considered. Candidates for admission to the Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance program must have received a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants must meet the Graduate Catalog (http://www.unt.edu/catalog/grad) grade point average requirements for admission to the Toulouse Graduate School. Normally degrees must be in field(s) of the academic certificate program. The Graduate Council of the College of Music must approve exceptions to any of these guidelines. For International Applicants: Submission of a TOEFL score or the results of an equivalent test of English language ability is required (admissions.unt.edu/international/english-language-requirements). There is no fixed threshold score required for acceptance into the Graduate Artist Certificate in Performance program. Audition - A live audition is preferred. The audition will be 30 minutes in length. The applicant should prepare a full length recital from which repertoire will be selected at the time of the audition. In lieu of a live audition the applicant may submit a video recording as a part of the College of Music application through youtube.com, vimeo.com, etc. If a recorded audition is submitted, a full length recital must be submitted.
Enrollment in the College - All students accepted into the program will enroll in designated performance courses for a minimum of nine graduate credit hours each long semester. Participants for whom English is not the first language will be evaluated for their ability to function in the English language according to the needs of the program. The College of Music reserves the right to require English language study through the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI). Advising - An advisory committee will be formed for each student admitted to the program, to include the major professor (private music instructor), the appropriate applied division chair and the Director of Graduate Studies. Scholarships - While scholarships are not reserved exclusively for the Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance program, the College of Music offers a number of competitive scholarships to outstanding students in performance. It is assumed that a prospective student qualified for the very high acceptance standards of the Graduate Artist Certificate program would likely also receive positive consideration for a scholarship. Such competitive scholarships entitle recipients to pay the very economical lower tuition of a Texas resident, regardless of the state or country of their residence.
*Collaborative piano majors must take a minimum of 4 hours selected from the approved list of laboratories and/or chamber music courses **Singers may substitute one major opera role for each of two recitals with prior approval of the major professor and the Chair of the Graduate Artist Certificate program.
MUGC 5941, 5942, 5943, 5944 - 3 credit hours each. For those who have completed a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
MUGC 6941, 6942, 6943, 6944 - 3 credit hours each. For those who have completed a Master's or Doctorate or its equivalent.
Four full-length recitals are required, and will be adjudicated by at least three members of the applied music faculty to include 1) the major professor, 2) one member of the area faculty and 3) a member of the applied music faculty either from the area or from the applied faculty at large.
Other performances may be recommended for substitution by the major professor and approved by the Graduate Artist Certificate Advisory Committee.
Please refer to the Graduate Artist Certficate Recital Application Form. This form must be completed no later than three weeks prior to the proposed performance date. Only completed forms will be accepted and no late forms will be approved.


text:
West London News
West London alleged jihadists planned to execute British soldiers and policemen, court heard
Jurors heard how they were acting on an IS fatwa which said "Strike their police, security and intelligence members"
Amita Joshi-WLON
The four alleged jihadists are on trial at the Old Bailey
Stories from court and the latest breaking crime news sent right to your inbox
Four alleged jihadists planned to execute British soldiers and policemen in drive-by shootings on mopeds, a court heard.
Tarik Hassane, 22, Nathan Cuffy, 26, Suhaib Majeed, 21, and Nyall Hamlett, 25, plotted terrorist murders on the streets of London after being inspired by Islamic State, it is claimed.
Jurors heard how 'hostile reconnaissance' was carried out on potential targets including a police station and army barracks.
The plotters were also said to have discussed buying a moped while stocking up on guns.
They were allegedly inspired by a 42-minute hate speech issued in September 2014 by IS spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani al-Shami ordering followers to kill disbelievers in the West.
In it he said: "Strike their police, security and intelligence members, as well as their treacherous agents."
But the plot was foiled by anti-terror police who arrested the west London British Muslims before they could launch the attack, the Old Bailey heard.
Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said: "With their arrests, the police successfully disrupted a plot to kill a police officer, a soldier or possibly even a civilian, in one or more terrorist attacks which, if the plot had been allowed to run its course, would have resulted in a terrorist murder or murders on the streets of London."
Ringleader Hassan, a medical student in Sudan, allegedly pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State and identified possible targets.
When he was arrested on October 7 2014, more than a week after the others, officers found images of Shepherd's Bush police station and the Parachute Regiment Territorial Army Barracks in White City on electrical devices.
Hassane would issue instructions to his close friend, physics student Suhaib Majeed, 21, who was responsible for secret communications, jurors heard.
Cuffy who worked at The Money Shop, armed the plot, while Cleaner Nyall Hamlett, 25, acted as the middleman, the Old Bailey heard.
Grim videos
By the time of their arrest they had sourced a self-loading pistol, a magazine with ammunition, a silencer and Hassane and Majeed had discussed buying a moped for £2,000, it was said.
They also collected images, documents and 'grim videos' on their iPads, laptops and smart phones, the court heard.
On his iPad, Majeed had the beheading video of American journalist Stephen Sotloff, who was murdered by Jihadi John.
Hamlett had a 'glossy IS propaganda video' called 'The Flames of War', ending with gruesome images of captured Syrian Assad soldiers being forced to dig their own graves before they are shot by IS henchmen.
Hassane, of Princess Alice House, Dalgarno Way, North Kensington; Majeed, of Cherwell House, Church Street Estate, St John's Wood; Hamlett, of Hanwell House, Great Western Road, Paddington; and Cuffy, of Sandbourne House, Dartmouth Close, Notting Hill, deny conspiracy to murder between July 8 2014 and September 25 2014, and preparation of terrorist acts.
Cuffy, who stashed four guns and ammunition in his bedroom, earlier admitted four counts of possessing prohibited weapons and one count of possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate, but denies possessing them with intent to endanger life.
Hamlett has admitted to transferring a firearm and ammunition to Majeed, who has admitted to possessing ammunition and a prohibited weapon, but denies a further firearms offence.
Sadiq KhanSadiq Khan asks children to design new Croydon town centre in MinecraftThe Mayor of London is encouraging kids to think 'outside the blocks'
Camden police: Man rushed to hospital after assault in famous London market
Ex-BBC Breakfast legend makes surprise appearance live on air
Louise Minchin made a surprise appearance on the show she used to host


text:
using System;

class SortThreeNumbers
{
    static void Main()
    {
        /*
         *  Problem 7: Sort 3 Numbers with Nested Ifs
         *
         *  - Write a program that enters 3 real numbers and prints them sorted in descending order.
         *
         *  - Use nested if statements.
         *
         *  - Note: Don't use arrays and the built-in sorting functionality.
         *
         * */

        double varA;
        double varB;
        double varC;

        Console.Title = "Sort 3 Numbers";

        Console.WriteLine("The program reads 3 real numbers and prints them sorted in descending order.\n");

        // Input
        Console.Write("Enter 1st number: ");
        varA = Double.Parse(Console.ReadLine());

        Console.Write("Enter 2nd number: ");
        varB = Double.Parse(Console.ReadLine());

        Console.Write("Enter 3rd number: ");
        varC = Double.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        Console.WriteLine();

        if ((varA >= varB) && (varA >= varC))               // Case1: The 1st number is the greatest
        {
            Console.Write("{0}, ", varA);
            if (varB >= varC)
            {
                 Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varB, varC);
            }
            else
            {
                Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varC, varB);
            }
        }

        if ((varB > varA) && (varB > varC))                 // Case2: The 2nd number is the greatest
        {
            Console.Write("{0}, ", varB);
            if (varA >= varC)
            {
                Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varA, varC);
            }
            else
            {
                Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varC, varA);
            }
        }

        if ((varC > varA) && (varC > varB))                 // Case3: The 3rd number is the greatest
        {
            Console.Write("{0}, ", varC);
            if (varA >= varB)
            {
                Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varA, varB);
            }
            else
            {
                Console.Write("{0}, {1}\n", varB, varA);
            }
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: UITableView, запомнить положение скрола Как запомнить положение внутри UITableView и восстановить эти координаты при следующем возврате на контроллер с UITableView?

A: UITableView это наследник UIScrollView. Т.е. ему доступны все методы и свойства UIScrollView.
Запоминаем позицию:
CGPoint contentOffset = tableView.contentOffset;

Возвращаемся на позицию(с анимацией или без):
[tableView setContentOffset:contentOffset animated:YES];

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Steerable Knee Walker Adjustable Handle and Seat .
The 790 DV8 Steerable Knee Walker by Drive Medical provides a comfortable pain free alternative to crutches.
This innovative walker is ideal for individuals who are recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputations and foot ulcers.
The steerable walker may be easily adjusted without tools to meet your needs, allowing for increased maneuverability.
The 790 DV8 Knee Walker is equipped with a deluxe dual braking system, providing maximum control.
Large 8" casters offer smooth movement for indoor or outdoor use.
The extra thick leg pad is adjustable and is channeled to provide increased stability for a pain free and comfortable experience.
Both the tiller and steering column may be easily folded, facilitating simple travel and storage.
The Drive Steerable Walker includes a limited lifetime warranty on the frame, and a 1 year warranty on the brake cable.
Steering capabilities facilitate increased maneuverability.
Ideal for patients recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputation and foot ulcers.
Constructed with sturdy dual frame for added stability.
Leg pad includes "channel" providing added support and comfort.
Tiller and steering column may be folded for easy storage and transportation.
Tool-free height adjustment for seat and handle.
Easy to maintain silver vein finish.
Limited lifetime warranty on frame, 1 year warranty on brake cable..
Height Adjustment	31" - 40"
Seat-to-Floor Height	16" - 30".


text:
New Hampshire Economy
Most Small Businesses Don't Quite Fit The Political Picture
By Tamara Keith
Angela Caragan's A Cupcake Co. offers gourmet cupcakes for special events. Like more than 20 million other small-business owners in the U.S., she has no employees.
The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on a GOP measure to cut taxes on small businesses.
Now, the mental image most of us have of a small business is probably something like this: a handful of employees, a shop, maybe a restaurant or a little tech firm.
It turns out the reality of the nation's 28 million small businesses is, in many cases, quite different.
House Republicans say their tax cut would help millions of small businesses.
"This is a bill which will directly help small businesses create jobs," says Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the majority leader and author of the bill.
The total cost of the one-year measure is $46 billion. An analysis commissioned by a pro-GOP outside group and now posted on Cantor's website says if the tax cut only lasts for one year, it will create 40,000 jobs. Some quick back-of-the-envelope math puts that at more than $1 million per job.
NPR asked House Speaker John Boehner whether that was cost-effective.
"I think we expect it will create far more jobs than that," says the Ohio Republican. "But listen, small businesses who file as individuals, as I did in my business, face enormous challenges. And rather than pay these taxes, that money could stay in their business to help them buy more equipment, hire more workers and expand their business."
/ Courtesy of Makini Howell
Small-business owner Makini Howell offers up vegan fare in Seattle. With her family, Howell owns a minimart, a vegan sandwich wholesale business, and small group of vegan restaurants.
But Seattle small-business owner Makini Howell says the bill wouldn't help her at all.
Well, technically, the tax cut might help her a little. With her family, Howell owns a minimart, a vegan sandwich wholesale business, and a small group of vegan restaurants. All told, Howell has about 30 employees.
"It was great to open up and to be able to create like 25 more jobs than were there and to become a viable part of the neighborhood that we're in," she says. "That was awesome."
Less awesome are the company's profits at the end of the year, because its margins are thin and so much gets poured back into the business.
"The reality is, you make $25,000, $35,000," she says. "My income has decreased steadily since I became a small-business owner."
Under the bill from House Republicans, small-business owners — those with fewer than 500 employees — would be able to deduct 20 percent from their business income, with some exceptions. For Howell, the tax savings would work out to a few hundred bucks.
"For a business like mine, if you just do the math, it's not going to help," she says.
It's not like she'd turn down the extra cash, but it certainly wouldn't be enough to hire anyone else or to make a major equipment purchase.
Much larger firms and much more profitable companies would get most of the tax benefit, says Joe Rosenberg of the Tax Policy Center. "Your typical small business — what we might think of as your mom and pop store — is probably not going to see much benefit from this tax provision," Rosenberg says. "The largest benefits go to larger businesses that report a lot of income."
Although the image of a small-business owner is someone like Howell, under the Small Business Administration definition used by the House bill, a business with 499 employees could also be considered small.
Some 99.9 percent of the businesses in the country are small by this definition. And according to SBA data, the vast majority of them — more than 20 million firms — don't employ a single person, other than the owner.
Angela Caragan is the owner of A Cupcake Co. in Northern California. She's also the chief pastry chef, marketing director — the whole thing. Last year, she made less than $1,000 baking gourmet cupcakes. But for her, it's not really about the money.
"It's my way of sharing a little bit of smile and happiness with someone on their special day," Caragan says.
Like many people who report business income on their taxes, Caragan has another job. A full-time job. She wouldn't qualify for the tax cut, because businesses are required to have employees to take advantage of it.
So the full-time freelance photographer, or consultant who works alone, would be out of luck. Although the assumption is that many of these sole proprietors would reorganize their books and add a family member to the payroll, to get in on the new tax break.
NationalBusinessSmall BusinessPolitics
Tamara Keith
Tamara Keith has been a White House correspondent for NPR since 2014 and co-hosts the NPR Politics Podcast, the top political news podcast in America. Keith has chronicled the Trump administration from day one, putting this unorthodox presidency in context for NPR listeners, from early morning tweets to executive orders and investigations. She covered the final two years of the Obama presidency, and during the 2016 presidential campaign she was assigned to cover Hillary Clinton. In 2018, Keith was elected to serve on the board of the White House Correspondents' Association.
See stories by Tamara Keith


$20,000 a little over your budget? Not to worry – Cornucopia 2018 is coming in hot (and cold) with a smorgasbord of food and drink themed events for all tastes and budgets.
At the always-popular Comedy Kitchen, 8PM @ Buffalo Bills on Thursday, November 8th (the opening day of Cornucopia 2018). Ticketed event which sells out every year.
Earn your WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 1 and 2. Become an expert in wines and spirits, pursue as a career as a sommelier, or simply impress your friends.
Nourish is an instructional tasting series covering the foundations of healthy, delicious eating with topics including "From Plant to Plate" and more.
The Chef Table Luncheon series features exclusive, multi-course luncheons with notable figures from the culinary world.
Culinary Stage events offer a rich informative environment for food and drink enthusiasts with a taste for the history and nuances of the culinary world.
Drink Seminars and Signature Tastings give you a taste of the finest wines, spirits, and beers from the Sea to Sky and beyond. Sip and socialize in settings ranging from casual to formal.
Get loose at Abstract: Future: From Now to Eternity, "an unforgettable evening of art, entertainment, food and drink." The Audain Art Museum transforms into a futuristic space for Cornucopia's newest signature party.
The French Rendezvous offers an immersive evening of French cuisine and culture, with all proceeds supporting students at Whistler's only francophone school.
At the heart of Cornucopia are the various Restaurant Events, a lineup of epic dining experiences at various local venues.
At the Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle, a legendary annual tradition which needs no introduction.


text:
Home>Sports >Mertens-Sabalenka clinch women's doubles US Open title
Mertens-Sabalenka clinch women's doubles US Open title
Elise Mertens (left) with doubles partner Arena Sabalenka poses for photograph with the trophy after winning the women's doubles final at the US Open tennis championships in New York on September 8. (AP/PTI)
New York, Sep. 9 (IANS): No.4 seeds Elise Mertens of Belgium and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defeated No. 8 seeds Victoria Azarenka and Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to clinch the women's doubles title at the US Open.
The No. 4 seeded pair, who collected titles in Indian Wells and Miami earlier this season, defeated Azarenka-Barty 7-5, 7-5 to clinch their first Grand Slam doubles title.
"I think from the start of the season, start of the year actually, well, we were, like, 'We're going to play together'," the WTA website quoted Mertens as saying in their champions' press conference.
"We didn't think we would achieve this big thing. Really happy about it and I think we are growing as two doubles players playing together."
Earlier, Britain's Jamie Murray won a US Open title for the fourth successive year with a straight-sets triumph in the mixed doubles alongside American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
The pair defended their title with a 6-2, 6-3 win over top seeds Chan Hao-ching and Michael Venus at the Flushing Meadows.
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text:
Stories written by Chau Ngo
Abuse of Older Women Overlooked and Underreported
By Chau Ngo
A veteran women's rights activist, Patricia Brownell was still taken aback by the prevalence of abuse against older women she discovered during dozens of conversations she and her colleagues had with victims.
In Turbulent Iraq, Children Bear the Brunt of War
As the ambulance stopped in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk, people rushed in to help. They unloaded six children, from several months to 11 years old, all injured allegedly by an air attack in the neighbouring town of Tuz Khurmatu.
Study Shows Worsening Humanitarian Disaster in CAR
Violence has resulted in widespread deaths in the Central African Republic (CAR) in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Asia, Africa See Faster Urbanisation than Rest of the World
Asia and Africa are seeing a faster pace of urbanisation than the rest of the world and the trend is expected to continue, posing challenges for governments to provide public services and manage migration issues.
NGOs Warn of Slowing Poverty Reduction
Poverty reduction has been slowing despite the swift economic development worldwide in the past 20 years, as a result of increasing inequality between countries and within the nations.
Environment Should be Priority in China's Urbanisation Spree
Environment should be among the top issues to be addressed by China in its urbanisation spree to ensure sustainable development, according to panelists at a discussion here Tuesday.
Illicit Drug Deals Multiply on the Dark Net
In its two years of operation, the online marketplace Silk Road raked in 1.2 billion dollars in revenue and amassed an estimated 200,000 registered users – a success story that would be any start-up's dream.
Opium Production Rises to Record Levels Worldwide
Illicit opium production rose last year to nearly 300,000 hectares, the largest since estimates became available, with Afghan heroin reaching new markets, according to a United Nations report.
U.N. says Violence Kills Over 1,000 People in Iraq
The surging violence in Iraq killed more than 1,000 people and left another 1,000 injured within two weeks since the dramatic rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) earlier this month, the United Nations said Tuesday.
U.N."Deeply Concerned" Over Journalists' Sentences in Egypt
United Nations officials on Monday voiced their concerns over the verdicts and sentences of three Al Jazeera journalists and 11 others who were tried in absentia in Egypt, and called on the country to review the handling of these cases.
Report Shows Lack of Transparency in Small Arms Trade
Many countries have refrained from reporting their small arms exports while the weapons trade has continued to boom, according to a report released here.
Italian Priest & NGO Receive U.N. Population Award
A priest who spent decades treating patients in Africa and a non-governmental organisation (NGO) have received the 2014 U.N. Population Award for their contributions to the world's population and health issues.


MotulTech offers a full range of high-performance NSF H1-lubricants for all branches of the food processing and packaging industries, e.g. bakery, beverage, dairy,meat and others. They are suitable for all components and machinery, such as bearings, chains, gears, compressors, valves and fittings – in mixers, filling lines, wrapping machines and many more.


Announcing a new partnership with B&W Powerlifting Gym in Edgewater, Chicago! The premiere place to train since 1978.
What our members have found most valuable about joining the group.
Currently we have a standing meetup on Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm.
Feel free to stop in as your schedule allows; we'd love to see you there.
If you're looking to maximize your training time book a one to one training session. Whatever you'd like to work on, we can make it happen.
Hours are incredibly flexible; we can accommodate your availability as long as the gym is open we can make it work.