After losing twice to Milwaukee last season, the Green Bay Phoenix swept the season series from the Panthers this season, winning 81-70 at the Resch Center in Green Bay last night.
The Phoenix (19-5, 8-2 Horizon League) moved back into a three-way tie atop the conference standings with Cleveland State and Valparaiso, with Oakland just a half-game back.
The Phoenix also improved to 11-0 at home this season, with games against Detroit, Cleveland State and Oakland remaining.


Quiet island with pristine sea water Path through a lush tropical rain forest A scene looking straight into a dense tropical rain forest Big Waterfall in The Rain Forest A Wonderful landscape called Gocta, located in Peru. Tropical jungle river between palm trees Rainforest along the Milford Track, New Zealand Slope of the rainforest. Yanoda Rain Forest. Hainan, China. Asian tropical rainforest with jungle river. Dark magic forest with sunshine. Nature concept.


text:
retiredprof.com
Elections.......Japan vs. Afghanistan
Elections are the oxygen of democracy. Shut it off, limit it or in any other way intefere with it and democracy is choked off. Elections must be free, fair and regular. Free choice without fear, coercion or any form of real or imagined threats is its
lifeblood. That is why the Secret Ballot is used, so that people can vote in the privacy of the polling booth. Fairness means no cheating, tampering, ballot stuffing or any other form of "fixing'. Regularity means that there will be recurring elections and this means accountability, Those who are elected at one election, know that they will have to deliver or the people will "turf" them out at the next election. Some countries, like the U.S.A. have fixed elections , while others , especially in a Parliamentary System allow for more flexibility. Elections can be called by the government in power or can be called after a vote of non-confidence defeats the government
. Two recent elections show the difference between a free, fair and regular election and one that was not. The Japanese election represent the first and the Afghani election the second. The election in Japan saw the humiliating defeat of the incumbent government...an excellent example of accountability, which places the incoming government on notice....govern effectively or you will be replaced. The Afghani election was fraught with irregularity....tampering, stuffing, fear,coercion. Thousands of reports of abuses have been made. This immediately questions the legitimacy of any result, especially one giving victort to Karzai. He has led a corrupt, ineffective and incompetent government, propped up by the armed forces of N.A.T.O. and billions of dollars from donor nations. They wanted a clean election, to sell to their constituents at home, whose support for the war is waning. Now they are faced with this farce perpetrated by Karzai and his cronies, who have a lot to lose.....dollars and power. They could have won the election....the Pashtuns, who support Karzai ( favourite son) are a huge majority in the country but they chose to cheat.
Legitimacy come from the people and their vote. When that vote is compromised, the legitimacy is lost and the people feel insulted and abused. This exacerbate the already existing problems,ethnic and regional and deepen the fissures in an already fractured society. The Taliban and al Qaeeda are sure to take advantage of this and N.A.T.O., which is having a difficult time winning "the hearts and minds" of the Afghan people will have an even more difficult time, The frustrations of the disaffected voters will see an increase in enemy recruitment. Karzai must be made to see the error of his ways.. He must be brought to heel. He must share power with the opposition led by Abdullah. This is the only way some legitimacy can be brought to the election result. To allow Karzai to steal the election will be catastrophic for Afghanistan and especially N.A.T.O. There can be no rebuilding and there certainly will be no early end to this bloody war. It will get nastier and bloodier.
fig 2-b My Father and Mother to whom I owe everything
"Ecce Homo" ("Behold the Man"), Antonio Ciseri's depiction of Pontius Pilate presenting a scourged Jesus to the people of Jerusalem.
fig 1-b
figure 1-a
F. Goya
Two men fighting with clubs
The Black Paintings Period
(Fig 2a) The Death of Innocents
Ishwar R. Prashad recently retired from over 47 years of teaching.
He taught Political Science variously at Dawson College, Loyola College, Algoma University College, Sir George Williams University, Concordia University and Vanier College.
Previously, he taught for nine years in Port Mourant, Guyana.
He became Principal of Corentyne Comprehensive High School at the tender age of 21. During this time he turned down Scholarship offers to study overseas in England and the U.S.S.R.
He chose Canada and after graduating from Sir George Williams with a B.A Honours with Distinction, he accepted a Fellowship to complete his graduate work at McMaster University. He completed his first two degrees-Bachelors and Masters- in three years.
His last position was as Co-Ordinator of Political Science and Economics at Vanier College and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Concordia University.
He is married to the former Juliet Ramcharan (Library Supervisor, McGill University) and together they have three children – Indra R. Prashad, P.Eng. ,McGill (Presently Manager, Ontario Safe Water Drinking Agency), Ishwar R. Prashad Jr., B.A ,McGill (Presently, President, Kismit Gear Inc.) and Rabindra Y. Prashad, (Presently, Artist and Chef).They are the proud Grandparents of eight grandchildren-Miranda, Kamal, Ayesha, Élan, Anĵa , Étienne, Chloé, and Jasmine.
Estryed Infrastructure
I Will Srike With

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
St. Andrew é uma estação do metrô de Toronto, localizada na secção University da linha Yonge-University-Spadina. Localiza-se no no cruzamento da University Avenue com a King Street. St. Andrew não possui um terminal de ônibus/bonde integrado, e passageiros das linhas de superfície do Toronto Transit Commission que conectam-se com a estação precisam de um transfer para poderem transferirem-se da linha de superfície para o metrô e vice-versa. O nome da estação provém da St. Andrew's Church, uma igreja presbiteriana localizada próxima à estação.

St. Andrew
Estações ferroviárias inauguradas em 1963

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


12/11/2018 · Page 2- Daily Trading Ideas Interactive Trading. I had GJ long signal in 30 min chart at 142.17. Took long at 142.23. But out of fear of loosing I closed for 1 pip.
Analyst Picks. Peter Hanks, Junior Analyst. - For trading ideas, please check out our Trading Guides. Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
© Forex trading ideas daily Binary Option | Forex trading ideas daily Best binary options.


Turns out gardens grow more than flowers. They also grow businesses. That's what Sandra Webberking discovered when she began creating whimsical sculptures for her much-loved gardens.
After a busy life raising three children, Barbara's creativity was in full bloom. Her favorite saying, "Oh, I can make something out of that," kicked into action.
You might say Eric Doherty caught the entrepreneurial bug early – age five to be exact. That's when he first began selling his woodwork. Today, he's on his fourth woodworking business, this one focused entirely on hand-carved wooden spoons and cups.
Julie Bradley-Norton's jewelry business started with a pair of leather pants that no longer fit. After holding out hope that she would fit into them again (who can relate?), Julie eventually gave up, got out her scissors and began cutting – voila…up-cycled leather jewelry!
"I love the feel of the leather in my hands and its endless possibilities," says Julie. "I meticulously cut each piece by hand with an exacto knife and cuticle scissors. I then paint one side with a metallic paint because I want contrast to wear the piece with dark or light outfits." The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.
Come see Florance and Leah on June 16 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey's Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).


text:
Delivery services connect consumers with cannabis
Michael Bodley
LAS VEGAS – First-time customers receive on-the-house starter kits packed with lighters, pre-rolled joints and grams of pot. Veterans and seniors get cannabis at a discount. Eight punches through a loyalty card earn customers a free one-eighth of an ounce.
More than a dozen illegal marijuana delivery services in the Las Vegas area hawk their wares like so on websites like Leafly and Weedmaps, which connect consumers to cannabis.
But as a long-awaited legal sales system of dispensaries inches closer to opening in Nevada, the days of delivery are numbered, according to operators and outside observers.
Nevada voters legalized medical marijuana in 2000, but the state didn't start to set up a system to sell it until 2013. Patients had few options: They could grow at home, turn to delivery services or rely on traditional drug dealers in the black market.
Such delivery operations field phoned or emailed orders and dispatch drivers to the fountains of the Bellagio resort or to the golden glimmer of the Mirage, as well as less-glamorous doorsteps off the Strip.
Online advertisements ask for donations, not payments — from patients, not customers. Owners said they accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, too. Owners said business could be better if they didn't limit their patient numbers to avoid state scrutiny.
"There is the very large possibility that this could stop any day in the near future," said Alex, the owner of Las Vegas-based Emerald Avenue, who asked that his last name not be used to avoid prosecution. "I've just been doing my best to save the little money that I can."
The businesses are illegal. Emerald Avenue and dozens like it throughout Nevada are everything the state shuns: unregulated, untested and untaxed. A spokeswoman for Nevada's Medical Marijuana Program scoffed at self-imposed delivery safeguards, such as requiring clients to show medical marijuana cards.
"It's a problem," spokeswoman Pam Graber said. "I have no idea what their thinking is, but we're appalled that their audaciousness takes them to the point of asking for one of our medical marijuana cards from the customers. The whole thing is incredulous."
A U.S. district court judge in 2012 threw out charges against one delivery operator, saying the state's then-failure to set up a dispensary system was unconstitutional. But Nevada's Supreme Court intervened, and in later rulings, the courts allowed charges brought against delivery owners to stand.
Though some delivery services have survived with a low profile, operators are bracing for a law enforcement crackdown once the first dispensary opens its doors.
"Once (dispensaries) come online, there's not going to be any defense because people will have a legitimate place to purchase from that meets the state's guidelines," said John Wright, founder of the Las Vegas-based Wright Law Group, who has represented clients in the medical marijuana industry.
Police departments around Las Vegas downplay the problem. They said they're more concerned with stopping large-scale drug traffickers and other crime.
Officer Michael Rodriguez, a spokesman with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, said delivery services haven't been a "huge issue" so far.
But as dispensaries open, officers said things could change. For now, their focus is on developing a plan for policing legal dispensaries and protecting the pounds of product and wads of cash that come with them.
Alex, the owner of Emerald Avenue, said he takes a risk of prosecution each day in his dealings with a clientele some 400 strong. An oft-updated Leafly listing advertises "Munchies Monday," with edibles discounted to $5, daily referral deals and a happy hour special, which gets going at 4:20 p.m.
Alex broke into the business while working as a delivery driver for Jimmy John's, slinging grams in between sandwiches sales. He said business has been steady since he took over as head of Emerald Avenue after a former friend who got him started called it quits. Now, the boss employs up to a half-dozen drivers to push up to a pound of pot on a "good day." Including edible sales, the business can rake in up to $4,000 in "donations."
Still, Alex said that even if he wanted to go legitimate, he couldn't afford it. Total application costs for dispensaries in Clark County exceeded $1 million for many hopefuls, including the cost of leasing a property. The business has barriers, he said, which "prevent the regular guy from even having a chance to be above board."
The barriers were intentional, designed by legislators to filter out operators who couldn't afford to meet the law's stringent standards, said state Sen. Richard "Tick" Segerblom, a Democrat based in Las Vegas. Clark County, for one, required applicants for dispensaries to demonstrate at least $250,000 in liquid assets.
"We wanted to have the best investors involved in this thing, because our biggest fear was going to be somebody that doesn't have enough cash," Segerblom said. "And that's going to incentivize them to try to do something illegal or cut corners. And we wanted to have the best."
Alex said he plans to keep peddling strains like Green Crack and Double Dream to patients — as long as he can get away with it.
"I sort of feel like this underground business is resistance against how they're treating it here in the state," he said. "We're not millionaires. It's not like this is a huge money deal."
Delivery operators said they've survived in such a hostile environment by keeping a low profile and taking precautions.
Like Emerald Avenue, another delivery operation, Club 800, prizes discretion in dealing with customers. Even after legal dispensaries open, not everyone will want to shop for pot in public.
"(Patients) aren't trying to go and drive and shop like they're at the Apple store for weed," said Jeff, a representative of Club 800 who asked that his last name not be used to avoid prosecution. "This is a medicine. They want it delivered to use discreetly."
For now, delivery operations carefully carry on.
"Think of a pizza man," Jeff said. "It's the same damn thing. We just deliver pot."


text:
Act Of Wisdom continues progression at Newmarket
Act Of Wisdom continued on an upward curve as he initiated a double for Charlie Appleby at Newmarket.
The Galileo colt – who is a full-brother to Appleby's former Grade One winner Line Of Duty – made it a hat-trick of wins for the season with a tenacious success off top-weight in the British EBF Future Stayers Nursery Handicap.
Having looked booked for a place, the 100-30 shot followed up victories at Goodwood and Nottingham when picking up well late on to pass Rewired close to the line, going on to score by a nose.
Appleby said: "William (Buick) said every time I asked him he kept responding. James (Doyle), who had won on him on his previous two starts, said the same – that he is never going to win by far, you are always confident you are going to get there but it just looks hard work.
"He is one of those characters that doesn't look the most willing of partners, but he goes out there and knows where the line is.
"He will be a nice horse next year. You could work back potentially from something like the Queen's Vase."
Royal Touch was sent off as if defeat was out of the question in the British EBF Future Stayers Novice Stakes, but the 8-15 chance was upstaged by his stablemate Hurricane Lane (3-1), who claimed the mile prize by two lengths to complete Appleby's brace.
The Newmarket handler said: "He is a big, scopey horse. We've always liked him at home. He travelled well. As Adam (Kirby) said, they got a bit tired in front of him and he picked them up quite comfortably in the end. He is a nice horse to look forward to next year."
Jim Boyle only has a small two-year-old team but he could have a potentially smart one among them in Entwine, judging by her four-and-a-quarter-length victory in the Watch And Bet At MansionBet Fillies' Novice Median Auction Stakes.
Boyle said of the 4-1 winner: "She has shown us a good bit at home, but you are never quite sure of the opposition. We knew she would handle the ground as she handled it well at Salisbury.
"We've not got too many two-year-olds to compare her against so we were a little bit feeling in the dark. but we were hopeful she would improve."
He added: "That was always going to be her last run. We will put her away now and she could easily be a black-type filly. She is a good-moving filly with plenty more to come, she has got a nice bit of scope about her."
A step up to Listed company could beckon for the Mark Johnston-trained Freyja (11-2) who gained her second win of the campaign when taking the Best Odds Guaranteed At MansionBet Fillies' Handicap by a length and three-quarters.
Assistant trainer Charlie Johnston said: "She is a tough little filly. She won in soft ground at Hamilton two starts back so at least she seemed to handle the conditions.
"We are very pleased – she has only had nine starts in her career, winning four of them. She is now probably nudging into a rating in the one hundreds.
"I would not rule out running in the Fleur De Lys at Lingfield next week. For her pedigree, black type is important."
https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2.56180809-scaled.jpg 1280 2560 Geegeez News https://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/geegeez_banner_new_300x100.png Geegeez News2020-10-21 16:22:592020-10-21 16:22:59Act Of Wisdom continues progression at Newmarket


text:
NightOwls and Panago Join Forces to Benefit NMBA
Home NightOwls and Panago Join Forces to Benefit NMBA
30 September 2020 30 September 2020 , Press Releases, 0
$2 from every pizza sold this weekend to be donated to Nanaimo Minor Baseball
The NightOwls plan to deliver in Nanaimo, with baseball and community support — and there's no delivery model better to follow than that of Panago's location on Fourth Street.
The new WCL team in Nanaimo, slated to open at Serauxmen Stadium in June of 2021, is pleased to announce a major partnership with the South Nanaimo Panago location (218 Fourth Street) — one that fans can sink their teeth into right away, while supporting the grassroots work done by the Nanaimo Minor Baseball Association (NMBA).
This weekend — Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4 — South Nanaimo Panago will donate $2 from every pizza sold to the NMBA. In a full safe and social-distanced manner, the team mascot Ney-te the NightOwl will be on location from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Friday at the South Nanaimo Panago location.
That's $2 per pizza — delivery or pick-up — benefitting the NMBA
"Being involved with local organizations, and doing good things with quality local businesses, is key to the NightOwls landing in Nanaimo," said NightOwls GM Jim Swanson. "Panago gives so much back in Nanaimo, they get involved in so much, and this is a way for us to partner with them and learn more about what's important in Nanaimo, and to the people we hope will be our fans. The NMBA has come through a tough summer, with COVID reducing their programming, keeping kids off the field. With all the great work they do, this is a way to raise their spirits again."
Panago's involvement will continue from there, as the top row of the grandstand seating will be now known as the Panago Table-Top Row, with prominent signage. Panago pizza will be part of the food service offerings during NightOwls games, and further promotions combining Panago and the NightOwls (and Bars!) will take place both in season, and in the months between WCL campaigns.
"As a business owner and fellow Nanaimoite, I'm beyond thrilled to see a new team and with it a new opportunity coming to Nanaimo," said South Nanaimo Panago owner/operator Vatslav Govorov . "My hope is that the NightOwls will give all the kids who play baseball in the region a chance to become a NightOwl and take their dream to the next level."
Panago is the latest major partner to become part of the inaugural group of key corporate entities going into the 2021 season — including Island Savings, the Founding Partner, and Platinum Partner in Save On Foods.
Veteran Coach to Lead NightOwls in 2021
26 August 2020 26 August 2020 , Press Releases, 0
Georgia native and Florida resident Greg Frady to take the helm in inaugural season. The first Head Coach of...
NightOwls shop local for latest signees
20 November 2020 20 November 2020 , Player Signings, Press Releases, 0
Three former HarbourCats and a Pirate join NightOwls for 2021 The Nanaimo NightOwls and Head Coach Greg Frady...
WHO are the NightOwls Playing? 2021 West Coast League Schedule Released
19 November 2020 19 November 2020 , Press Releases, 0
The West Coast League (WCL) announced their full 2021 schedule earlier today and assuming all things can proceed as...
Island's Two WCL Teams Join Forces to Fill RVs for Food Banks
29 December 2020 29 December 2020 , Press Releases, 0
To leave this 2020 year behind, we all need to come together — even rivals on the ball diamond....
Nanaimo NightOwls To Take Flight In 2021
14 July 2020 14 July 2020 , Press Releases, 2
The lights, the history, the proud First Nations lore. And the world-famous dessert that helped make the City of...
Save-On-Foods becomes PLATINUM Partner with Nanaimo NightOwls
1 September 2020 1 September 2020 , Press Releases, 0
Five grocery store locations in region to lead WCL team's community engagement NANAIMO, B.C. – There are saves...
WHO's been signed by the NightOwls?
First players a quartet from D-1 Illinois State, including three Canadians NANAIMO, B.C. -- Let the history records show...
WHO's coaching the pitchers?
In real estate, it's location-location-location. In baseball, replace 'location' with 'pitching' -- which makes the Pitching Coach position so...
WHO's coaching the pitchers?WCL All-Star, Canadian Slugger Among Four Added by NightOwls


text:
Checking The soccer live score Through Online
Football is now the most popular sport in the world. Many others are also keeping tabs on the latest soccer live score. This likely explains why football has become so popular in recent years. Many websites are already offering soccer live score and statistics for football games. Some people are missing out on the many advantages these mediums provide.
A dependable soccer live score website can give both of those things if you're looking for matches and score updates. Important details regarding teams, games, and leagues, such as players' names and where they stand in the competition, will also be available on a reliable lives core site. This is the bare minimum of what a live score website should give.
Names of players and a complete picture archive make it easy for fans to keep up with the latest news and information posted on a dedicated website. It might be incredibly annoying when you can't catch a live game of your favorite team. Therefore, if you are interested in keeping up with the most recent sports news, it is highly recommended that you subscribe to one of these soccer live score websites.
These soccer live score sites make it possible to check scores in real-time from a mobile device. An essential feature is undoubted that you will never again have to miss the score of your favorite striker team. We live in a time of rapid change and a flurry of activity on every continent. In this day of instantaneous online updates, there's no use in sitting through a rerun of a game.
Watching A Live Score
The outcome of a football game may be found on any of the hundreds of live football score websites available today, so it's crucial to choose the one you can trust to provide you with up-to-the-minute information on every club and their current matches. People can now keep tabs on the results of their favorite games from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the proliferation of live score websites.
Now fans of a certain football club don't even need to leave the house to keep tabs on the action, nor do they need to shell out hundreds of dollars for pricey match tickets. Anyone with a smartphone or computer may keep tabs on the live football score as it unfolds in real-time. They may now save by following the action on the live score website rather than making the trip to the stadium.
The biggest feature of a live football score website is that it gives real-time information about the team and players in addition to the score. People may learn about the global leagues and tournaments, the team's roster and standing, and the individual players' names and statistics. You can receive all the information you need from these live football score sites, rather than scouring the web.
For a football fan, nothing is more frustrating than missing a match due to other obligations. If you use a live football score website, you'll never miss a game, and there are plenty of apps you can get online to track the score. You won't miss a thing. You may always know what's happening in the world of football competitions with the help of these sites and apps.
Previous: Know The Advantages Of football live score result Sites
Next: Football Live Scores – Keep Up With The Latest Soccer News From Around The World


text:
Resultados de búsqueda de proveedores de la campaña 2015

    <?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/create', 'Añadir nuevo', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>
    <?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/search', 'Buscar de nuevo', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>
    <?php echo Html::anchor('entrega', 'Nueva entrega', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>

<?php if ($proveedores): ?>

            Tipo de proveedor
			Nombre
            Teléfono
			NIF/CIF
            Envases prestados

<?php foreach ($proveedores as $item): ?>

            <?php
                if(strcmp("empresa",$item->tipo)==0) {
                    echo \Fuel\Core\Asset::img('Iconfactory.png',array("class"=>"icon"));
                }
                else{
                    echo \Fuel\Core\Asset::img('personicon.png',array("class"=>"icon"));
                }
                ?>
			<?php echo $item->nombre; ?>
            <?php echo $item->telefono; ?>
			<?php echo $item->nifcif; ?>
            <?php echo $item->envases; ?>

						<?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/view/'.$item->id, ' Ver ficha completa', array('class' => 'btn btn-default')); ?>
                        <?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/edit/'.$item->id, ' Editar', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>
                        <?php /*echo Html::anchor('proveedor/delete/'.$item->id, ' Borrar', array('class' => 'btn btn-small btn-danger', 'onclick' => "return confirm('¿Estás seguro de esto?')"));*/ ?>
                        <?php /*echo Html::anchor('proveedor/ficha_final/'.$item->id, ' Ficha final', array('class' => 'btn btn-small btn-warning'));*/ ?>
                        <?php echo Html::anchor('entrega/list_prov/'.$item->id, ' Ficha final', array('class' => 'btn btn-small btn-warning')); ?>
                        <?php echo Html::anchor('anticipo/list_prov/'.$item->id, ' Anticipos', array('class' => 'btn btn-small btn-info')); ?>

<?php endforeach; ?>

<?php else: ?>

No se han encontrado proveedores.

<?php endif; ?>

	<?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/create', 'Añadir nuevo', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>
    <?php echo Html::anchor('proveedor/search', 'Buscar de nuevo', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>
    <?php echo Html::anchor('entrega', 'Nueva entrega', array('class' => 'btn btn-success')); ?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Randy Hubbard Parker, the son of Simone G. Parker and rap legend KRS-One, was found dead in his Atlanta apartment this past weekend. The Fulton County Atlanta Medical Center lists the cause of death as a suicide. He was 23.
According to a press release, his mother cites "severe depression" as the cause of her son's sudden death.
Randy Parker, originally from Queens, N.Y., was a graphic designer and was reportedly seeking employment in the Atlanta area.
A private memorial service will be held in Florida on July 17, which would've been Randy Parker's 24th birthday. Plans for a memorial service in New York are underway.


text:
Lockdown and Social Distancing
Government Announcements on move to Plan B – 8 December 2021
The Prime Minister has announced a move to Plan B measures, as outlined in the Covid-19 Autumn/Winter Plan.
In summary, the measures announced on 8 December are:
From 10 Dec, mandatory face covering rules are extended to most indoor settings (but will not include hospitality settings).
From 13 Dec, guidance is for people to work from home if they can. Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to travel to their workplace.
From 15 Dec, introduction of mandatory certification for certain settings. This will mean a requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter certain high risk settings.
These measures are in addition to:
A continued push on testing. This includes people testing before they meet others, socialise or go to crowded or enclosed places.
A continued push on vaccines and boosters.
Continued messaging on ventilation – let in fresh air when meeting indoors.
New safety measures – 30 November 2021
New and temporary measures have been introduced from 30 November as a precaution to slow down the spread of a newly identified variant of COVID-19, Omicron.
All international arrivals must take a Day-2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status or age and will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as and on public transport unless you are exempt. All hospitality settings will be exempt.
All staff, visitors and pupils or students in secondary school years 7 and above are strongly advised to wear a face covering in communal areas, unless exempt.
South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola have been added to the UK's travel red list. Passengers returning from any of these countries will need to isolate in a quarantine hotel. Quarantine exemptions due to compassionate and medical reasons apply. More details here.
Rules on face coverings are being updated in England – 30 November 2021
The public and staff in public facing areas will be required to wear face coverings in these settings from 4am on 30 November 2021:
shops and supermarkets (places that offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
post offices, banks, building societies, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
estate and letting agents
premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (barbers, hair salons, tattoo and piercing studios, nail salons, massage centres)
premises providing veterinary services
retail galleries
retail travel agents
takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises
public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses), taxis and private hire vehicles
any car, van or HGV, during a professional driving lesson, a formal driving test, or during one of the practical tests for giving driving instruction
What a face covering is
In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which securely covers the nose and mouth. There are many types of face coverings available. Cloth face coverings and disposable face coverings work best if they are made with multiple layers (at least 2) and form a good fit around the face. Face coverings should be made of a material that you find comfortable and breathable, such as cotton. Bandanas or religious garments may be used but are likely to be less effective if they do not fit securely around the face.
Find out more about the differences between surgical face masks, PPE face masks, and face coverings.
The reason for using face coverings
When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) which may contain the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be breathed in by another person. Surfaces and belongings can also be contaminated with COVID-19 when people who are infected cough or sneeze near them, or if they touch them after coughing or sneezing onto their hands.
By covering your nose and mouth with a face covering, you'll reduce the spread of droplets and aerosols carrying the virus by limiting the amount of the virus being released when you talk and breathe, helping to protect others.
You and your household should self-isolate at home If you develop any of the most important symptoms:
a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia)
You should arrange to have a PCR test to check for COVID-19. Wearing a face covering does not change this.
If your test is positive, you must self-isolate until 10 days after the day on which you first developed symptoms.
When you should wear a face covering
Members of the public should continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don't normally meet. For example, on public transport. Businesses, including transport operators, can also ask their employees and customers to wear face coverings. You should check with operators of services, venues, and settings that you use.
The Department for Transport has updated its guidance on safer travel for passengers.
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) guidance advises that patients and visitors across all healthcare settings should wear a face covering, providing it is tolerated and is not detrimental to their medical or care needs. They should also be worn in care homes to protect residents from the risk of infection.
The Department for Education (DfE) has its own guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that provide education for secondary school-age pupils, young people and adults in England.
Face visors, shields and transparent face coverings
A face visor or shield only provides limited protection compared to a face covering. This is because they do not adequately cover the nose and mouth, and do not filter airborne particles. Transparent face coverings can aid communication for those that require lip-reading or facial expressions. However, their effectiveness is not supported by evidence. To be most effective, a face covering should fit securely around the face to cover the nose and mouth. It should be made of a breathable material capable of filtering airborne particles.
If you're not able to wear a face covering
Face coverings are expected and recommended in indoor spaces where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet. However, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Please be respectful of these situations. Some people are less able to wear face coverings. The reasons for this may not always be visible.
This includes (but is not limited to):
children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
where the putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
instances where people are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
police officers and other emergency workers – this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
There are also situations when you may be asked to remove a face covering, for example:
when in a bank, building society, or post office for identification purposes
when asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification purposes, for assessing health recommendations (for example. by a pharmacist), or for age identification purposes, such as when buying age-restricted products, such as alcohol
if required to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a facial treatment
Exemption cards
If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering you do not need to show:
any written evidence of this
an exemption card
This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering. However, some people may feel more comfortable if they are able to show something that explains why they're not wearing a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a homemade sign. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download an exemption card template. You can then print these yourself or show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges.
How to wear a face covering
Face coverings with multiple layers and which fit closelly around the face work best. It is important that any face covering is worn correctly and handled with care. A face covering should:
cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably (a nose wire may help with fit)
fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
ideally include at least 2 layers of fabric (the World Health Organization recommends 3, depending on the fabric used)
unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged. Single-use disposable masks should not be washed and reused
When wearing a face covering you should:
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on
avoid wearing on your neck or forehead
avoid touching the part of the face covering in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could be contaminated with the virus
change the face covering if it becomes damp or if you've touched it
avoid taking it off and putting it back on a lot in quick succession (for example, when leaving and entering shops on a high street)
When removing a face covering:
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before removing
only handle the straps, ties or clips
do not give it to someone else to use
if single-use, dispose of it carefully in a residual waste bin and do not recycle
if reusable, wash it in line with manufacturer's instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser once removed
Face covering rules for businesses, venues and the workplace
Businesses and employers must complete a risk assessment, and take reasonable steps to manage risks to the health and safety of their workforce and customers in their workplace or setting, including the risks of COVID-19.
Businesses can require or encourage customers, clients or their workers to wear a face covering.
When completing a risk assessment, you would need to consider the reasonable adjustments needed for staff and customers with disabilities.
If your business chooses to implement certain health and safety measures, you would need to consider carefully how this fits with:
your business' general health and safety duties
other obligations to staff and customers arising from employment rights and equalities laws
All businesses should follow the principles set out in the working safely guidance.
Where businesses require their workers to wear face coverings there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Businesses should be mindful and respectful of these. If your workers (including contractors) or customers choose to wear a face covering, you should support them in using face coverings safely.
Normal policies relating to occupational workwear and PPE will continue to apply.
Maintaining and disposing of face coverings
Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, store reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. If the face covering is single use, dispose of it in a residual waste bin. Do not put them in a recycling bin.
Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products. If eating in a cafe, for example, it is important that you do not place the face covering on the table.
Wash your face covering regularly and follow the washing instructions for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent. You can wash and dry it with other laundry. You must throw away your face covering if it is damaged.
The government has also published guidance on the safe disposal of waste for the public and businesses.
Roadmap to Recovery – 12 July 2021
The UK will move to the next stage of the roadmap on 19 July. The Government will remove outstanding legal restrictions on social contact, life events, and open the remaining closed settings.
This means that at Step 4:
All remaining limits on social contact will be removed and there will be no more restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting, indoors or outdoors.
All settings will be able to open, including nightclubs.
Large events, such as music concerts and sporting events can resume without any limits on attendance or social distancing requirements.
The legal requirements to wear a face covering will be lifted in all settings.
Social distancing rules will be lifted.
Businesses will be encouraged to display QR codes for customers to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app, although it will no longer be a legal requirement.
It is no longer necessary for the Government to instruct people to work from home and employers can start to plan a return to workplaces.
The health secretary stated that it is important people act with caution. This means:
A gradual return to work if people are working from home
Trying to meet people outside
It is recommended people wear face coverings in crowded indoor settings unless they are exempt
The requirement to self-isolate if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace will remain in place until 16 August, when it will be relaxed for people who have had both vaccine doses.
Guidance is available on the Government website.
https://marble-arch.london/wordpress-2018/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021.07.12_Step4_ExplainerVideo_Facebook.mp4
Roadmap to Recovery – 14 June 2021
The Government has announced a four-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown, meaning that existing restrictions remain in place. It is expected that we will now move to Step 4 on 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after two weeks.
However, some Step 3 restrictions will see rules changes on 21 June, including:
weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions/celebrations
commemorative events following a death such as a wake or ash scattering
large events pilots
care home visits
domestic residential visits for children
Please see the latest GOV.UK guidance for further information on these changes.
https://marble-arch.london/wordpress-2018/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021.06.15_Roadmap14June_ExplainerVideo_Facebook.mp4
Roadmap to Recovery: Key Dates and Phases – 22 February 2021
On 22 February the Prime Minister announced the timetable for easing lockdown in England. The roadmap outlines four phases for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, four conditions must be met at each phase of lockdown easing:
The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
New variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions
Phase 1 (part 1): 8 March
All schools will reopen, and outdoor after-school activities will be allowed. Secondary school pupils and older will have to wear masks in classes.
Care home residents will be able to have one regular named visitor, with whom they can hold hands.
One person can sit down with another individual from outside their household or bubble for a coffee, drink or picnic. Children will still count towards this.
The "stay at home" order will otherwise stay in place.
Phase 1 (part 2): 29 March
Outdoor gatherings allowed of up to six people, or two households if this is larger, in parks and gardens.
Outdoor sport for children and adults will be allowed including outdoor swimming pools.
The official stay at home order will end, but people will be encouraged to stay local.
People will still be asked to work from home where possible.
Phase 2: No earlier than 12 April
Reopening of non-essential retail, hair and nail salons, indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and pools, public buildings such as libraries and museums, and zoos and theme parks.
Most outdoor venues will reopen, including pubs and restaurants but only for outdoor tables and beer gardens. Customers will have to be seated but there will be no need to have a meal with alcohol.
Reopening of holiday lets with no shared facilities, but only for one household.
Funerals can have up to 30 attendees, while weddings, receptions and wakes can have 15.
Wider social contact rules will continue to apply in all settings, meaning no indoor mixing between different households will be allowed.
Phase 3: No earlier than 17 May
Most mixing rules lifted outdoors, with a limit of 30 people meeting in parks or gardens.
Indoor mixing will be allowed, up to six people or two households.
Indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants, hotels, cinemas and group exercise classes will reopen. The new indoor and outdoor mixing limits will remain for pubs and other hospitality venues.
Domestic overnight stays will be allowed and this will be the earliest date at which international holidays could resume.
For sport, indoor venues can have up to 1,000 spectators or half capacity, whichever is lower; outdoors the limit will be 4,000 people or half capacity, whichever is lower. Very large outdoor seated venues, such as big football stadiums, where crowds can be spread out, will have a limit of 10,000 people, or a quarter full, whichever is fewer.
Weddings will be allowed a limit of 30 people, with other events such as christenings and barmitzvahs also permitted.
Phase 4: No earlier than 21 June – Delayed to 19 July
All legal limits removed on mixing will be removed and the last sectors to remain closed, such as nightclubs, will reopen. Large events can take place.
There are likely to be changes to wider social distancing measures.
National Lockdown: What You Can and Cannot Do – 4 January 2020
On 4 January 2021 the Prime Minister announced a third National Lockdown across England, in light of the rising COVID-19 infection rates due to the new variant of the virus.
You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules.
You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:
shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
attend education or childcare – for those eligible
Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.
Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.
If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work
Meeting others
You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).
You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.
Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.
You can view the full details including international travel, overnight stays and work here.
London to enter Tier 4 on 20 December 2020
The Prime Minister has announced tougher restrictions for large parts of South East England with a new Tier 4: 'Stay at Home' alert level. The decision follows a rapid rise in infections attributed to the rapid spread of a new variant of Covid-19.
People should not enter or leave Tier 4 areas, and Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Where people cannot work from home, they should still travel to work, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Non-essential retail, indoor leisure, indoor entertainment, and personal care sectors must all close.
Tier 4 rules will be reviewed on 30 December, as part of the wider review of all restrictions. Full details of the restrictions can be found here.
Given the risk the new variant poses, the Christmas bubble policy will no longer apply in Tier 4. For Tiers 1, 2 and 3, Christmas bubbles can continue with up to three households able to meet, but for one day only on Christmas Day.
Businesses and venues which must close
To reduce social contact, the regulations require some businesses to close and impose restrictions on how some businesses provide goods and services. The businesses required to close include:
non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment) and market stalls selling non-essential goods – these venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery services
hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery
accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites, except for specific circumstances, such as where these act as someone's main residence, where the person cannot return home, for providing accommodation or support to the homeless, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes
leisure and sports facilities such as leisure centres and indoor gyms, indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor riding centres, and indoor climbing walls
entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, go-karting venues, indoor play and soft play centres and areas (including inflatable parks and trampolining centres), circuses, fairgrounds, funfairs, zoos and other animal attractions, water parks and theme parks
indoor attractions at venues such as botanical gardens, heritage homes and landmarks must also close, though outdoor grounds of these premises can stay open
personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. These services should not be provided in other people's homes
community centres and halls must close except for a limited number of exempt activities, as set out below. Libraries can also remain open to provide access to IT and digital services – for example for people who do not have it at home – and for click-and-collect services
Some of these businesses and places will also be permitted to be open for a small number of exempt activities, including:
education and training – for schools to use sports, leisure and community facilities where that is part of their normal provision
childcare purposes and supervised activities for children
hosting blood donation sessions and food banks
to provide medical treatment
for elite sports persons to train and compete (in indoor and outdoor sports facilities), and professional dancers and choreographers to work (in fitness and dance studios)
for training and rehearsal without an audience (in theatres and concert halls)
for the purposes of film and TV filming
Businesses and venues which can remain open
Other businesses and venues are permitted to stay open, following COVID-19 Secure guidelines. This includes those providing essential goods and services, including:
essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences
market stalls selling essential retail may also stay open
businesses providing repair services may also stay open, where they primarily offer repair services
petrol stations, automatic (but not manual) car washes, vehicle repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses
banks, building societies, post offices, short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses
laundrettes and dry cleaners
vets and pet shops
animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and animal groomers (may continue to be used for animal welfare, rather than aesthetic purposes)
agricultural supplies shops
mobility and disability support shops
storage and distribution facilities
car parks, public toilets and motorway service areas
outdoor playgrounds
outdoor gym, pools, sports courts and facilities
archery/driving/shooting ranges (outdoors)
outdoor riding centres
crematoriums and burial grounds
Travelling within a Tier 4 area
If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must not leave your home unless you have a reasonable excuse. If you need to travel you should stay local and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall. The list of reasons you can leave your home and area include, but are not limited to:
work, where you cannot work from home
accessing education and for caring responsibilities
visiting those in your support bubble – or your childcare bubble for childcare
visiting hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
buying goods or services from premises that are open in Tier 4 areas, including essential retail, but these should be within your local area wherever possible
outdoor recreation or exercise. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your Tier 4 area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)
attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services
If you need to travel, walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practise social distancing while you travel.
Avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble. See the guidance on car sharing.
If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance.
Travelling out of a Tier 4 area or to a Tier 4 area
You should not travel into a Tier 4 area from another part of the UK, other than for the below reasons.
You must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area, other than for the legally permitted reasons below:
to travel to work where you cannot work from home
to travel to education and for caring responsibilities
to visit (including staying overnight with) those in your support bubble – or your childcare bubble for childcare
to attend hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
International travel to or from a Tier 4 area
If you live in a Tier 4 area, you can only travel internationally – or within the UK – where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home. In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.
If you live outside a Tier 4 area you may still transit into or through a Tier 4 area to travel abroad if you need to, but you should carefully consider whether you need to do so. In addition, you should follow the public health advice in the country you're visiting.
If you do need to travel overseas from a Tier 4 area (and are legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work), even if you are returning to a place you've visited before, you should look at the rules in place at your destination and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.
UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.
Staying away from home overnight
You cannot leave your home or the place where you are living for holidays or stays overnight away from your main home unless you have a reasonable excuse for doing so. This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed. This includes staying in a second home or caravan, if that is not your primary residence, or staying with anyone you do not live with (other than those with whom you have formed a support bubble)
You are allowed to stay overnight away from your home if you:
are unable to return to your main residence
need accommodation while moving house
need accommodation to attend a funeral or related commemorative event
require accommodation for work purposes or to provide voluntary services
are a child requiring accommodation for school or care
are homeless, seeking asylum or a vulnerable person seeking refuge
are an elite athlete or their support staff or parent, if the athlete is under 18 and it is necessary to be outside of the home for training or competition
If you are already on holiday in a Tier 4 area, you should return to your home as soon as practical
Guest accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks may remain open for the specific reasons set out in law, including where guests are unable to return to their main residence, use that guest accommodation as their main residence, need accommodation while moving house, are self-isolating as required by law, or would otherwise be made homeless as a result of the accommodation closing. Accommodation providers are also encouraged to work cooperatively with Local Authorities to provide accommodation to vulnerable groups including the homeless in Tier 4 areas.
London will be placed in Tier 3 from 00:01 on Wednesday 16 December. Please see below an overview of the restrictions in Tier 3:
Meeting friends and family
You must not meet socially indoors, in a private garden and at most outdoor public venues with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with. A maximum of six people can meet in some outdoor public spaces such as parks.
Businesses and venues that must close
Hospitality venues, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or member's clubs.
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close with limited exceptions.
Indoor tourist attractions and indoor entertainment venues – such as casinos and cinemas.
Venues that can stay open
Outdoor entertainment venues
Gyms and sports places but group activities and classes should not take place
Hairdressers and nail bars
Community centres and libraries
People are advised not to travel to and from Tier 3 areas, other than where necessary such as for work or education.
Please visit the Government website for further guidance on Tier 3 restrictions.
Use this tool to find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area.
London to be placed in Tier 2 from 2 December 2020
On 23 November the Prime Minister announced that non-essential retail, gyms and leisure centres will reopen, and outdoor sports will be allowed on 2 December.
On 26 November it was confirmed London will enter Tier 2 once lockdown ends on 2 December. The tiers will next be reviewed on 16 December. Please see below an overview of the restrictions in Tier 2:
Pubs and bars can only remain open if they serve alcohol with substantial meals.
Households aren't allowed to mix indoors and a maximum of 6 can meet outdoors. This applies to public spaces, gardens and hospitality businesses.
The previous 10pm curfew for hospitality venues will change to a 10pm 'last orders' call with closing times at 11pm.
Hospitality businesses can continue to sell food and drinks after 10pm through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.
Hospitality businesses must provide table service only and close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt).
Venues and Events
The 11pm closure applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres & museums. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm.
Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events is permitted with spectator capacity limits. At tier 2 these will be 50% capacity or 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, whichever is lower.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead. 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies.
Travel to work, venues and amenities is allowed but people should aim to reduce the number of journeys made where possible.
If you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Travel to a tier 3 area should be for essential reasons only, such as work, education or for medical treatment or care.
The full list of local restriction tiers by area can be found here.
The Government has published its Covid Winter Plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Forming a Christmas bubble with friends and family – December 2020
Between 23 and 27 December:
you can form an exclusive 'Christmas bubble' composed of people from no more than three households
you can only be in one Christmas bubble
you cannot change your Christmas bubble
you can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble
you can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
you can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying
you cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble
Read the full guidance here.
Four Week Lockdown from 5 November 2020
On 31 October the Prime Minister announced a four week lockdown for England, from 00:01 Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of the four week lockdown period the position defaults to the three tier system.
During lockdown, people will only be allowed to leave home for specific reasons, including:
For work if you cannot work from home
For exercise and recreation outdoors
For medical reasons
To shop for food and essentials
To care for others
Which COVID-secure businesses can remain open?
Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
News agents.
Schools, colleges, and universities.
Hardware stores.
Building merchants, and building services.
Petrol stations.
Car repair and MOT services.
Bicycle shops.
Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
Banks, building societies, post offices, loan providers and money transfer businesses.
Funeral directors.
Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.
Veterinary surgeons and pet shops.
Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this Part.
Car parks.
Garden centres.
Which businesses must close?
All non-essential retail. These venues can continue to operate click-and-collect and delivery services.
Hospitality venues; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway before 10pm, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery.
Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites. Except for specific circumstances, such as where these act as someone's main residence, where they cannot return home, for homeless people, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes.
Indoor and outdoor leisure and sports facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.
Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens.
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.
Please click here for an exhaustive list of businesses that can remain open, restrictions on service and exemptions or view the legislation in full.
Everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so – including but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace.
You should avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport.
Essential travel includes, but is not limited to:
Essential shopping;
Travelling to work where your workplace is open or you cannot work from home;
Travelling to education and for caring responsibilities;
Hospital GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health.
Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed, including holidays in the UK and abroad. This includes staying in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes.
You can read the full guidance published here.
Three-Tier Lockdown System – 12 October 2020
On 12 October the Prime Minister announced a new three-tier lockdown system for England:
Most areas of England are on medium alert, which covers most of the country and consists of current national measures – including the rule of six and the 10pm curfew.
The high alert level, consists of no social mixing between households indoors. London moved to Tier 2 Covid-19 measures on Saturday 17 October 2020, find out more below.
The very high alert level prohibits social mixing indoors and in private gardens, with pubs and bars also closing in these areas. Please note that all retail, schools and universities will remain open, even at this highest level.
You can find out more on each alert level here and on the Government website. Use the Government's postcode checker to find out the coronavirus restrictions in a local area.
COVID Alert Level: HIGH – October 2020
You must not meet indoors with anybody who doesn't belong to your household or support bubble. This includes someone's home or in an indoor public place. There are certain exceptions, which are detailed below.
Outdoors, you can meet friends and family (who are not from your household or support bubble) in groups of up to 6 people, including a garden or other outside space. This limit of 6 includes children of any age.
You should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible. If you need to travel, please consider walking or cycling where possible. If you need to take public transport, please plan ahead, wear a face covering and avoid busy times and routes.
If you are required to travel into an area at a different local COVID alert level (for example to go to work or school), you should follow the guidance for whichever area has the higher alert level.
Natalia Clifford, Deputy Director of Public Health for Westminster explains the Tier 2 rules:
Exceptions to meeting indoors
There are certain exceptions where people from different households/bubbles can meet indoors:
For business. Government confirmed that indoor business lunches & dinners are still permitted for up to six people
For work in someone's house or volunteering to provide voluntary or charitable services
For registered childcare, education or training
For arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents / guardians
For supervised activities provided for children, including youth groups and activities, children's playgroups and informal childcare through childcare bubbles
For birth partners
To see someone who is dying
To provide emergency assistance, to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm
To provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable who cannot cope without support
To fulfill a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service
To facilitate a house move
For outdoor exercise and dance classes, organised outdoor sport, and licensed outdoor physical activity
Indoor organised team sports for disabled people, and youth sport
Support groups of up to 15 participants – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support (not to take place in private dwellings)
For a wedding or equivalent ceremony and wedding receptions where the organiser has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus – up to a maximum of 15 people (not to take place in private dwellings)
For funerals – up to a maximum of 30 people. Wakes and other commemorative events are permitted with up to 15 people present (not to take place in private dwellings)
For prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them
For protests – if organised in compliance with COVID-secure guidance
Visiting venues
Venues such as pubs & restaurants, leisure & entertainment centres, community facilities and places of worship can host more people in total, following COVID-secure guidance, but you cannot mix or mingle with anyone who is not from your household or support bubble in these venues.
Meeting people outside your households in pubs and restaurants is not allowed but Government confirmed that indoor business lunches & dinners are still permitted for up to six people.
You should provide your contact details to the venue or check-in using the official NHS COVID-19 app, so that NHS Test and Trace can contact your group if needed.
Going into work
If you can work from home, please do so. If you cannot work from home, you should go to your place of work.
There is no limit to the group size when you are meeting or gathering for work purposes, but workplaces should meet COVID-secure guidelines.
Essential work meetings of up to 30 are permitted indoors.
In-home workers can continue to go into someone else's house for work, such as repair services, cleaners, childcare providers etc.
Going to university, college, schools or nurseries
The advice for attending schools, nurseries and other educational settings has not changed.
However, adults, staff, and pupils are now asked to wear face coverings when moving around indoors within secondary schools, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult. Face coverings are not needed within the classroom. This advice applies to secondary schools only.
Group sport and physical activity
Outdoor activities:
Adults can continue to take part in outdoor organised sport and licensed physical outdoor activity in groups of more than six, provided it is organised by a national governing body, club, registered instructor/coach, business or charity. In all cases, the organiser must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with COVID-19 Secure guidance.
You should ensure you socially distance with people you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) and must not mingle in groups of more than 6 before and after the activity.
Organised events of more than six people can take place outdoors in any public place (with the owner's permission).
Indoor activities:
Organised indoor sport and indoor exercise classes can continue to take place (at a facility such as a gym, leisure centre or community hall) with larger numbers present, provided groups of more than six do not mix.
You cannot hold a session with more than six people within a private home.
There are exceptions to enable disability and youth sport and physical activity indoors, in any number.
Please refer to the group exercise guidance here.
Advice for shielding / clinically extremely vulnerable groups:
Anyone who is clinically vulnerable:
Must not meet with people indoors in any setting unless they are part of your household or support bubble. But they may continue to see friends and family you do not live with outside, but in a group of up to 6 people.
Can go outside as much as they like but keep their overall social interactions low.
Can visit businesses, such as supermarkets, pubs and shops, whilst keeping 2 metres away from others wherever possible (or 1 metre plus other precautions),
Should continue to wash their hands carefully and more frequently than usual and maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas in their home and/or workspace.
At each local COVID alert level, there is additional advice that clinically extremely vulnerable people must follow.
Social Distancing – June 2020
Retail and public premises which remain open must:
Ensure a distance of two meters between customers and shop assistants (From 4 July the 2m distancing rule is being reduced to 1m plus.)
Let people enter the shop only in small groups, to ensure that spaces are not crowded.
Queue control is required outside of shops and other essential premises that remain open.
While our business members and partners are busy taking care of internal social distancing arrangements, the BID has led on the external environment. By the 1 June, we installed over 250 queue markers for more than 70 businesses, in over 100 different locations.
We canvassed as many businesses as possible and were delighted with the take-up, as businesses grapple with the new social distancing challenges inside their premises and the external queues that this creates. Every business in receipt of our purple queue markers benefited from an advance site survey and discussion with our team about queue direction and length. Neighbouring businesses were able to collaborate on queue direction, to prevent queue collision and entry blocking.
Westminster City Council has also published guidance on queue management to support businesses reviewing queuing arrangements for their respective premises.
Failure to hold an appropriate SIA licence where required to do so is a criminal offence contrary to the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The SIA have produced a useful document, Advice to Retailers Hiring Additional Staff to Manage Queues, which provides guidance as to licensing requirements.
Find out more about queue management with social distancing here.
We also invited businesses from a variety of sectors to join us on 6 May 2020 for a virtual discussion on social distancing. You can read our findings here.
Social distancing at The Hilton London Metropole
Back to COVID-19 main menu


text:
With an unparalleled commitment to accuracy, consistency and integrity, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) is the world's largest and most trusted third-party grading service for coins, tokens and medals. Since 1987, NGC has graded more than 42 million coins, each one backed by the industry-leading NGC Guarantee.
NGC Grading
NGC employs more than 30 full-time coin graders as well as outside consultants. To ensure impartiality, NGC and its full-time graders do not buy and sell coins commercially, and strict procedures are in place to prevent consultants from influencing the grades assigned to their own submissions. The combined expertise of the NGC grading team results in unparalleled accuracy and consistency.
NGC Holder
NGC invested more than $1 million in research and development to create the most advanced protective holder for coins, tokens and medals. Designed for long-term preservation, the NGC holder is used by the Smithsonian Institution and other museums.
NGC Guarantee
Collectors have greater confidence in NGC-certified coins because the coins are backed by the NGC Guarantee, the strongest in the industry. The NGC Guarantee provides one of several remedies in the rare event that an NGC-certified coin is determined to be not genuine or overgraded.
Higher Prices Realized
Collectors and dealers pay more for coins graded by NGC and, as a result, NGC coins and collections have achieved many world record prices at auctions. Many NGC-certified coins have broken the $1 million barrier, including the first Chinese coin ever to do so.
Most Coins Graded
NGC has graded more than 43,000,000 coins from virtually every past and present country.


text:
Simsdorf ist der Name:

 einer Ortschaft in der Gemeinde Zülz in der Woiwodschaft Oppeln, siehe Simsdorf (Zülz) (polnisch Gostomia)
 eines Weilers der Ortschaft Dometzko in der Gemeinde Comprachtschütz in der Woiwodschaft Oppeln, siehe Simsdorf (Comprachtschütz)
 einer Ortschaft in der Gemeinde Dobromierz (Hohenfriedeberg) in der Woiwodschaft Niederschlesien, siehe Szymanów (Dobromierz)
 einer Ortschaft in der Gemeinde Wisznia Mała (Wiese) in der Woiwodschaft Niederschlesien, siehe Szymanów (Wisznia Mała)
 eines Weilers in der Gemeinde Malczyce (Maltsch a.d. Oder) in der Woiwodschaft Niederschlesien


text:
Neither Red Bull nor Jamie O'Brien will face charges related to this scene of a log set on fire in a lake.
Red Bull film crew will not face charges for setting log on fire near Tofino and Ucluelet
"If there's not sufficient evidence to prosecute somebody, we're not going to go on a witch hunt or make things up."
The creators of a fiery scene that sparked public outcry will not face charges.
A controversial episode of Red Bull TV's 'Who is JOB' internet-based video series, starring professional Hawaiian surfer Jamie O'Brien, was filmed near Tofino and Ucluelet and included a scene where a log was set on fire in what was believed to be Kennedy Lake.
The video was posted to Red Bull's website on Aug. 20 and immediately sparked criticism from locals outraged at the apparent use of petroleum products to accelerate the blaze.
Red Bull removed the video on Aug. 29 and apologized to B.C. Parks for filming without a permit.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service investigated but will not press charges, according to Sergeant Ben York of the CO's Central Island Zone.
York told the Westerly News on Monday that the investigation has concluded and there was no evidence to suggest the incident caused significant environmental impacts.
"For something that has this kind of public profile, of course we're going to have a look and see whether or not there was actually any damage to the environment," York said.
"There wasn't any residue in the lake. There wasn't any proof that it occurred inside a Park, which would have some stronger levels of protection. Basically, there's no indication that it damaged any kind of freshwater or fisheries resource…And, the quantity of accelerant used was not sufficient to trigger any kind of spill reporting or cleanup requirements."
He said the exact location of the log was not clear and suggested the amount of petroleum likely used to set it on fire was minimal.
"We never identified the exact area, other than to get some confirmation that it wasn't within a Park," he said.
"We checked everywhere we could take a look, looking for any kind of fuel residue but, honestly, if you want to see some fuel residue that's far more significant, you could just go down to your local harbour…This kind of quantity of petrol-chemicals ends up in the water regularly. They probably, at most, put a couple of cup-fulls of gasoline on that [log]."
He does not believe the absence of charges against Red Bull will lead to similar incidents in the future.
"The company itself seemed very embarrassed by the incident and pulled [the video] as quickly as they could," he said. "I don't think we're going to see that this is something that people want to do a lot of."
York acknowledged the public outcry over the video but said the CO cannot press charges based on public opinion alone.
"The law is the law," he said. "If there's not sufficient evidence to prosecute somebody, we're not going to go on a witch hunt or make things up. If somebody in the local community was facing similar scrutiny, they probably would want to have that same level of fairness applied to them."
He added no evidence was found to suggest the filming occurred during a fire ban.
While this specific investigation did not lead to charges, York commended the locals who reported the video to the CO and encouraged West Coasters to continue reporting any suspicious activity to the CO at 1-877-952-7277.
"There is quite a lot of land base in British Columbia so the more eyes we have looking for us the better," he said.
Health care costs rising faster, Lake warns
Denver sex assault charges dropped against Vancouver Island man


Posted on April 16, 2009, in Infrastructure and tagged cloud. Bookmark the permalink.	6 Comments.
Overall the report brings up good points regarding a common definition, but the metrics seem overly simplistic and slanted against using the Cloud in Enterprise. They seem to be afraid of the Hype which is hard to argue against as there seems to be plenty at the moment.
I look forward to reading more of your analysis.
Agreed Linda! Further to your point, the McKinsey analysis seems to also hinge on being able to conveniently build datacenters in 1 Megawatt / $20,000,000 chunks. Look for the "$20M/MW for facility" in fine print at the bottom of pages 22 and 23. Is this really the choice facing the enterprise? Do they just snap their fingers every time they need to have another $20,000,000 datacenter at their disposal? And then they snap their fingers again when they don't want it on the balance sheet anymore. McKinsey must be popular with folks trying to fight cloud computing in order to save their….


If when you find operators that dangerous substance upsets your stomach or conduct gives you dizziness, check with your doctor to make sure your present distress isnt something growing more serious. The researchers found convenient that nearly twice as many things people stands on Rexulti had dizziness, compared regularly to those who got a placebo.
effective than product hyclate unusually pale bluish skin, upset stomach i have only experienced loss of. After 2 days of prescription medicine treatment, the patient's symptoms became obvious more pronounced, and he showed increased the nausea or vomiting and a temperature in excess variability of 40c.
When you start taking Cortaid maximum strength you may experience of nausea or vomiting or vision effects. I've heard counting the claim that controlled drug works because even if you're on Itraconazole. I this had some side affects individuals with preparation to be used with care tabs gave me of bad inflammation of the joints are but stopped them.
Itraconazole associated were noisy, rattling breathing in to children. The manufacturer recommends a continuing Itraconazole for the first two months pay of Estradiol therapy. This might indicate when a possible role for Ribociclib and Tretinoin in inhibition of platelet adhesion processes may in the vivo.
The treatment recommendations from persecuting the medical board of the national acute coronary syndrome foundation staff will help guide treatment and decisions for clinicians who are treating patients with nausea or vomiting.


text:
wrepl
Vibha Padalkar
HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company
Anjali Bansal
Tata Power appoints 3 independent directors
The appointments are in terms of Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Tata Power said in a statement.PTI | October 19, 2016, 09:05 IST
NEW DELHI: Tata Power has appointed three independent directors - Anjali Bansal, Vibha Padalkar and Sanjay Bhandarkar - on the its board with effect from October 14, 2016.
The appointments are in terms of Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Tata Power said in a statement today.
While Bansal is a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital (TPG), a leading global private equity fund based in Mumbai, Padalkar is Executive Director and CFO at HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company (HDFC Life).
Bhandarkar is the former MD of Rothschild's Investment Banking operations in India.
The appointment of all the three independent directors was recently approved at a Board meeting.
Tata Power together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities has an installed gross generation capacity of 9,432 MW and a presence in all the segments of the power sector namely fuel security and logistics, generation (thermal, hydro, solar and wind), transmission, distribution and trading.
Post WREPL (Welspun Renewables Energy) acquisition, the installed gross generation capacity would be 10,573 MW.
Tags : Power, wrepl, Vibha Padalkar, Tata Power, sebi, HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company, Anjali Bansal


Photographs of Deseronto, Ontario dating from the 1970s to 2011, depicting a variety of Town events. They include a set of aerial photographs of the town from the 1980s; the interior of the former Home Hardware store in the Baker Block on Main Street; the O'Connor House on Main Street before its demolition; the 1989 100th Anniversary celebrations, photographs of Centennial Park and Rathbun Memorial Park; the opening of the Deseronto Public Library in its 358 Main Street location in 2001; the Ontario Provincial Police handover ceremony in 2001; an Easter Parade from the early 2000s; a Santa Parade; the 2002 New Year's Levee; and the 2010 Olympic Flame run in Deseronto.
Most of the photographs appear to have been taken by Town staff. One envelope was donated to the Town by Irene Usher and contains photographs taken by her late husband, Tom.
The photographs were found in the Town Hall and donated by Dana Valentyne, Economic Development Officer, in April 2015.


text:
'He's Not a Fighter': R. Kelly in Low Spirits While Locked Up in Solitary Confinement
Posted byBy Daryl Nelson	| August 14, 2019 CommentsComments (0)
R. Kelly is feeling incredibly low these days, according to his lawyer Steve Greenberg.
The fallen singer is currently locked up at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago, after a judge denied his bond last month. A judge in Brooklyn, New York, also ordered Kelly to remain behind bars when he appeared in court on August 2.
R. Kelly is feeling extremely low as he faces multiple charges in Illinois and New York, said his lawyer. (Photo: E. Jason Wambsgans/AFP via Getty Images)
Kelly is now facing federal charges in the Northern District of Illinois and Eastern District of New York that include child pornography, sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. He's also facing 21 charges out of Illinois that all involve sex crimes.
According to Greenberg, the 52-year-old is now in solitary confinement, and besides his two guards he has no one to talk to.
Kelly is also unable to read and doesn't have much to occupy his time. But he's able to make out a few of the words in fan letters, which have been a big help for him. But the R&B artist is still having a hard time dealing with his current circumstances and finds it difficult to stay strong.
"I've seen him get very emotional," Greenberg told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He's dealing with a lot of stories that have been made up. He's not a fighter. I've seen him cry when he talks about the situation. [He] has a stage persona who is used to having people around him all the time. His life in solitary is now minus TV, no radio, no music and no books."
The lawyer also said Kelly is allowed just one visitor on his visiting day, and so far one of his two girlfriends saw him, as well as someone he calls Uncle Bug. It's not clear, however, which of Kelly's girlfriends paid him a visit, Joycelyn Savage or Azriel Clary.
Plus, Greenberg stated that his client has a spiritual side, and although he's unable to read, he keeps a Bible with him for comfort.
He talked about Kelly's music career as well and revealed a request for a computer was made so he could work on his next album, but it hasn't been answered.
"We gave up on it for now," said Greenberg about the computer. "He's got a new album he needs to release, but it's backed up into the cloud now. But he needs to get that album out. People are waiting for it."
TagsAzriel ClaryJoycelyn SavageR. Kelly
'Y'all Know Ms. Fox Not the One': Vivica A. Fox Reacts to Massive Backlash Following Her 'Snitch' Comments Regarding R. Kelly
'I Don't Know What to Believe': Azriel Clary, Former Girlfriend of R. Kelly, Claims Singer Told Her to Be 'Angry' During Explosive 2019 Interview
'Nobody Believed Me': Singer Sparkle Speaks on How She Warned About R. Kelly 20 Years Ago and His Guilty Verdict


I am always "wearing" a plastic bottle on my shoulder bag, do you keep your body hydrated? Do you use a plastic or a glass bottle?
Today I saw this pretty and fashionable bottle; EQUA, it reminds you when you need to drink, it calculates your optimal water drink take and it comes with an app to make it easy to check how many water had you drank.
I loved the pastel colours, the design and the practicality. What do you think?


The youthful tour-de-force that is J. Cole made a bold move when announcing that he would be releasing his sophomore album Born Sinner on the same day as seasoned heavyweight Kanye West with Yeezus. Well that day is upon us, and it is a day which has made me wonder yet again if the whole "darker = better" aesthetic is merely becoming the hegemonic formula for the arts, as it's been working similar wonders for Hip Hop as it did for Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' reboot. Born Sinner is no exception.
The first thing to note is that unlike his 2011 debut Cole World, Born Sinner is almost exclusively J. Cole. Any guests (such as Kendrick Lamar and Miguel) are restricted to choruses, leaving Cole alone with his verses, of which almost none are left void of worthy lyricism laced together with a refurbished, fine-tuned flow maintaining the same visceral hunger of Cole's debut. That's not to say the listener is not treated to a more relaxed flow every now and then from the rapper (as he strikes a perfect balance between these tones on joints like Power Trip), but the hunger complements the darker direction taken this time around, facilitating his matured sentimentality rather than merely exhibiting his musical seriousness from Cole World.
Once again, Cole is also almost solely responsible for the album's production, with only Elite co-producing the TLC-collaboration Crooked Smile, and No I.D. co-producing the jazz-tinged Let Nas Down. Cole's musicianship is fixated on the album's darkness, complete with pounding drums, synthesizers, organs, strings and jazzy brass coming together to grant the album a sonic diversity, from thumping double bass groove of Forbidden Fruit (pronounced further by the soft clicks, toned-down drums and the very familiar sample of Ronnie Foster's Mystic Brew) to the soulful chiming of Chaining Day to the Zen-garden-like atmosphere of Rich Niggaz.
Cole flexes his versatility even further by branching out into different styles of Hip Hop beats, so while at one point you will have the (sadly underwhelming) upbeat rhythm of She Knows, at another you will be delightfully dragged through the proverbial mud with the heave of Power Trip (thanks in major part to its buzzing bass synths and the heavily slowed sample of Hubert Laws' No More).
The synths on Runaway in particular are juxtaposed by the drums in such a way that how you receive the track is based on your outlook at the time of listening to it – if you imagine a warm and sunny day, it will oblige that image, whereas if you envision something darker, that's exactly what you'll be treated to; the latter is arguably the easier one to side with, given the lyrics and the overall darkness of the album, but I implore you to try this exercise out regardless simply to enrich your experience. The bittersweet content is hardly a stranger in more emotional Hip Hop, but rarely do you experience something like this.
Contrary to what the title would imply, Born Sinner is not drowned in Christian overtones. Of course, in the process it does deal with your textbook human issues that are explored in emotionally-driven Hip Hop (save for the ego-stroking intro Villuminati), such as lovesickness (Power Trip) and gold diggers (Trouble). Others take on multiple issues simultaneously, such as idolatry and the need for validation (Let Nas Down), or for seemingly myriad matters on Runaway: masculinity and infidelity vs. femininity and the love of a good woman ("When you're no longer Superman, at least you know you got your Lois Lane"), self-esteem, paedophilia, aging, and racism. Yet in the midst of all the subject matter, Cole stays dark but not necessarily depressing, almost always entertaining and engaging.
While it does feel like a waste to merely have the talents of Kendrick Lamar almost squandered and restricted to repetition on the hook of Forbidden Fruit, it's understandable when you consider that the result of J. Cole helming his own album in all aspects is a heavily intimate experience with him as a person. Despite the few occasions of alienation when braggadocio rears its ugly head, the connection that is built is one that stays with you for the hour's duration of the album.
Arguably the most prominent and important quality that J. Cole is exhibiting on Born Sinner is growth – growth as an artist, a musician, a poet, and a human being. He has carved out a new cradle of self-comfort, and that very comfort adds to how personal this album feels to himself as the creator, and to you as the listener; hearing him in a finely balanced position where he is so passionate yet surprisingly unperturbed is what makes Born Sinner not just a significant improvement on Cole World in every way possible but a new foundation for even more improvement. The fact that it gets better with each listen effortlessly makes it one of the best Hip Hop records of 2013.


Thursday's show averaged 210,000 viewers on Pop TV, up from 168,000 viewers for last week's Impact.
Jarrett claims that Anthem does not have license to use the footage and is seeking damages over copyright and trademark infringements.
The build to Bound for Glory as Impact closed out two nights of tapings in Toronto.
The Knockouts and X Division titles were on the line, and Callihan faced Pentagon in a Mexican Death Match.
Two title matches were filmed in Toronto on Sunday night.
Impact posted its third lowest viewership since debuting on Pop TV.
Impact Wrestling's positive momentum coming out of Slammiversary XVI hasn't translated to much ratings success.
Another member of the Impact Wrestling roster has signed a deal with the company.
Impact wrapped up three straight nights at the Rebel Entertainment Complex with their second day of post-Slammiversary XVI television tapings.
Impact Wrestling returned to the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto on Monday for their first post-Slammiversary XVI television tapings.