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May, August 'Doubles' at IMS Could Form Part of Johnson's Racing Future
September 30, 2022 | By Joey Barnes
Jimmie Johnson is scaling back his full-time commitment in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, but there remains intent to return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Johnson made his much-anticipated debut at this year's 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, where he qualified 12th and led two laps in the No. 48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda before suffering a late retirement. As he opens up his schedule for 2023, the idea of not only returning for another opportunity to compete in "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" but also pulling off the Memorial Day Weekend "Double" by adding NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 to the mix is on his radar.
Seven-time Cup Series champion Johnson would be the first driver to attempt the "Double" since Kurt Busch in 2014. John Andretti was the first to pull off the feat, in 1994. Tony Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles, doing so in his second and final attempt in 2001, where he finished sixth in the Indy 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing before grabbing a third-place result with Joe Gibbs Racing in the nightcap at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"When drivers did it in the past we had, I think, a lot more on track activity for both series, certainly on the NASCAR side," Johnson said. "I'm not very familiar with the INDYCAR side and how the Month of May worked for Kurt (Busch) and Tony (Stewart) back then. But I think the way the NASCAR format works now there's less of an ask in time, so I do feel like, in my rough look at it, that the potential to apply myself and have physically enough time to pull it off, I believe it's there.
"And I do think with the reduced schedule and not running the full INDYCAR schedule will give me the time I need before and after to seriously focus and dedicate everything I can and would need to give my best performance in both races."
Additionally, with NASCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES sharing the IMS road course during Brickyard Weekend Aug. 11-13, there is an opportunity for Johnson to become the first driver to race in both respective series on the same weekend.
"It hasn't been on my radar yet," Johnson said. "It's certainly worth pursuing and looking at. I think it could be a really neat story.
"The first thing, though, that pops to my mind from a competitive standpoint is just how different the cars are. It's been so hard to forget my NASCAR habits and learn these new INDYCAR habits. I don't know what kind of problems it would cause; it might screw me up going either direction. It's a great point, and there could be a really neat story around that."


Included in this kit P/N 061A1-ME7-000 is the camshaft holder gasket. Honda shipped many, many, many of these kits to dealers with the incorrect camshaft holder gasket. The incorrect gasket which Honda used actually fits a CX650 Custom. The CX650 Custom gasket included in the kit has a notch/channel which, when installed on the CX650T, will produce a guaranteed major oil gusher upon engine start-up. Bryce Eckelbarger, bless his soul, brought this to the attention of TMIOA members back in 1992. A full year and a half later I had need of the "A" kit and was shocked to see Honda still peddling defective kits! So do not assume that in 1997 the error must have been corrected. To determine if the gasket in your kit is incorrect, place it on the holder and observe if the form of the material would allow a direct path for oil to exit the engine, then do the same after placing the gasket on the engine. If it appears there is a channel which would seem to allow oil egress, it will, and you have the wrong gasket. Bring it to the attention of your dealer and order the camshaft holder gasket separately. It will all seem pretty obvious once you start taking a look at things. If you have any doubt as to whether the gasket in your kit is correct or not, and the high school drop-out behind the parts counter is of no help, order a camshaft holder gasket separately using P/N 12230-MC7-000. This will yield the correct holder gasket, at which time you can compare it to the one you received in your "A" kit. If they are different, point it out to your dealer. If they are the same, then you have yourself a spare camshaft holder gasket. Ten extra bucks spent acquiring a spare gasket is a welcome alternative to having to tear down your CX650T all over again because of Honda's mistake.


We are seeking for a mobile lover who is willing to learn to build native iOS apps.
You will be contributing in the development of the Akdemia iOS app, making it better every day.
This could be a full-time or part time position that includes awesome health, dental and vision benefits. We also offer significatn equity in the company and awesome perks.


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Current Location: Home > News > Astro praises court's declaration that sale of illegal TV Boxes is punishable by law
Astro praises court's declaration that sale of illegal TV Boxes is punishable by law
Henry Kwan - May 24, 2021
Photo courtesy of Stuff
To fight privacy, the Intellectual Property High Court in Kuala Lumpur declared that the sale, offer for sale, distribution and/or supply of TV Boxes or illicit streaming devices ("ISDs") that can provide unauthorised access to copyrighted works, is considered as copyright infringement under the Copyright Act 1987. With that said, suppliers and sellers that provide TV boxes with illegal access to content protected by their copyright work owners are punishable by law.
The action was brought by the service provider of Astro, Measat Broadcast Networks Sdn. Bhd., against a seller of ISDs (illicit streaming devices) preloaded with applications which act as gateways to websites or content servers streaming pirated content. Besides Astro, spokespersons from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and more have also voiced out by expressing their support to the High Court's judgement.
It is claimed that the estimated loss to the industry and Malaysian economy due to piracy is over RM3 billion annually with RM500 million in taxes and thousands of jobs at risk. Our government has been working hard on curbing digital piracy with several campaigns. Earlier, FINAS has worked with iQiyi and announced a campaign that tackles issues such as content theft by giving out attractive prizes.
Let us know what you think about this news on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more local tech news.
Tags: FINAS, MCMC, Intellectual Property High Court in Kuala Lumpur, illegal access to copyrighted works, piracy, TV Box, Astro

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


St. Croix Central High School sophomore Kiara Ortiz won the Achieve 3000 "Make the Break" Winter Holiday Contest —a contest that calls for students to complete independent study lessons in content areas during the winter holiday break.
Achieve 3000 Project Manager Julie Eckard presented Kiara with a certificate and gift on January 30, 2019, during a small ceremony held in chemistry teacher Dr. Laura Mujica's classroom.
Kiara Ortiz was motivated to participate in the contest to not only receive extra credit but to improve her skills.
The Achieve 3000 Winter Holiday Contest challenged students to complete 5 lessons between December 22, 2018, through January 6, 2019, with an activity score of 75% or above. If a student completed 10 lessons or more with an activity score of 75% and above, it doubled the chance to win the contest.
Students were able to complete lessons in any subject of their choice. Kiara Ortiz completed hers in chemistry.
"Congratulations, we are so proud of you because over the holidays you went on your own and chose to work on your literacy. So because of that, you are the winner for the territory," said Achieve 3000 Project Manager Julie Eckard.
"It's terrific that you won the contest, but even more than that your Lexile level has already gone up 110 points, which is amazing," she continued. "You should be really proud of yourself. And we hope you continue to with Achieve 3000 and work on the program.
Principal Carlos McGregor, Assistant Principal Dinah Browne, Acting Deputy Superintendent Dr. Carla Bastian and St. Croix District Director of Data and Assessments Dr. Saul Santiago were present for the ceremony along with Kiara's mother and grandmother.
Deputy Dr. Bastian gave congratulatory remarks on Ortiz's accomplishment.
In addition to congratulating Kiara, Dr. Santiago acknowledged Principal McGregor's efforts in implementing the program.
"I want to congratulate Mr. McGregor for the efforts in pushing the program, beyond just ELA (English Language Arts) courses; in other words pushing it to other subject areas," Dr. Santiago acknowledged.
Principal McGregor closed the ceremony with a few words of his own.
Chemistry teacher, Dr. Mujica mentioned that Ortiz's interest encouraged other students to participate in the Achieve 3000 program.
"Besides the contest, she systematically met the achievements every single week, which encouraged other students to do the same. She set an example for them," Dr. Mujica said.
Kiara received a certificate from Achieve 3000 and a Singsation Solo Deluxe 5-in-1 Karaoke System and merchandise from local clothing brand Apollo Legion. She is one of over 50 winners from across the United States.
Achieve3000 is the leader in online differentiated instruction, serving millions of students worldwide. Over 15 years, the company has been reaching students at their precise Lexile® reading levels to deliver significant reading gains—often double-to-triple the expected gains. Based on decades of scientific research, Achieve3000 patented online methodology for differentiated instruction provides engaging, nonfiction content that supports core curriculum, Response to Intervention, English language learning, special education, adult learning, workforce readiness, and other instructional models. Featuring comprehensive English and Spanish language support and extra scaffolding for struggling readers, these are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for English language arts as well as state standards for literacy and the content areas. Achieve3000 supports 21st-century education initiatives across content areas and is helping to put all students on the road to College and Career Readiness.


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News Mar 5, 2010
WHO confirms H5N1 cases in Vietnam, Egypt
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 8 H5N1 avian influenza cases - 3 from Vietnam and 5 from Egypt, reports CIDRAP.
The 3 cases in Vietnam include 1 fatality, a 38-year-old woman from Tien Giang province in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam. An investigation into the source of her illness revealed that she had slaughtered and processes sick waterfowl, the WHO report said.
The other 2 patients include a 3-year-old girl from Khanh Hoa province in south central Vietnam, and a 17-year-old girl from Tuyen Quang province in the northeastern part of the country. The teen was treated for mild breathing difficulties. Before she got sick, chickens in her home had died from unexplained causes, and she had helped dispose of them.
The 3 new infections and 1 fatality raise Vietnam's H5N1 total to 115 cases, 58 of them fatal.
Animal health officials in Vietnam have recently reported to the OIE 7 new H5N1 poultry outbreaks in 4 different provinces.
Veterinary experts have attributed Vietnam's recent spike in H5N1 outbreaks to illegal transport and processing of birds, especially in the weeks surrounding the Tet holiday, when demand for poultry is typically high.
The most recent illness among Egypt's five cases is a 53-year-old man from Qalyubia governorate, in the north. He was hospitalized and treated with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) but is in critical condition, the WHO reported.
One of the other patients, a 1-year-old boy, is also from Qalyubia governorate, but from a different district. He received oseltamivir and is in stable condition.
The 5 new cases raise Egypt's H5N1 case count to 104, which includes 30 deaths.
The other three cases were recently reported by Egypt's Strengthening Avian Influenza Detection and Response (SAIDR). One case is a 10-year-old boy from Dakahlia governorate, northeast of Cairo, who was also treated with oseltamivir. The WHO report said he is in "moderate" condition. The second case is a 30-year-old woman from Kafr el-Sheikh governorate, in northern Egypt. She received oseltamivir and is listed in stable condition. The other case is of a 13-year-old boy from a different district of Kafr el-Sheikh governorate who also received oseltamivir and is in stable condition.
The WHO reported that all 5 of Egypt's latest H5N1 patients had been exposed to sick and dead poultry.
Livestock officials in Egypt have updated the SAIDR, reported finding the H5N1 virus in poultry from 69 different locations covering 19 governorates since 10 Feb. Most occurred in household birds, and many of the detections were linked to surveillance activities.
The recent spate of human cases in both Vietnam and Egypt mirrors reports of several recent H5N1 poultry outbreaks in both countries.
Today's WHO confirmations of the Vietnamese and Egyptian H5N1 cases and death raise the world's total to 486 cases, 287 of them fatal.
Source: CIDRAP
FAO signs MOU with Egyptian poultry industry
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Egypt approves market access for Brazil
Egypt has approved 42 new Brazilian processors to export meat to its market, 15 beef slaughterhouses and 27...
China reports H5N1 case
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On Feb 3, 2020 In Health
Largest poultry farm in SE Asia inaugurated in Vietnam
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On Jan 20, 2021 In Meat


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'use strict';

angular.module('f1FeederApp.controllers', []).
controller('DriversController', function($scope, ergastAPIservice) {
  $scope.nameFilter = null;
  $scope.driversList = [];
  $scope.searchFilter = function(driver) {
    var re = new RegExp($scope.nameFilter, 'i');
    return !$scope.nameFilter || re.test(driver.Driver.givenName) || re.test(driver.Driver.familyName);
  };

  ergastAPIservice.getDrivers().success(function(response) {
    $scope.driversList = response.MRData.StandingsTable.StandingsLists[0].DriverStandings;
  });
}).

controller('DriverController', function($scope, $routeParams, ergastAPIservice) {
  $scope.id = $routeParams.id;
  $scope.races = [];
  $scope.driver = null;

  ergastAPIservice.getDriverDetails($scope.id).success(function(response) {
    $scope.driver = response.MRData.StandingsTable.StandingsLists[0].DriverStandings[0];
  });

  ergastAPIservice.getDriverRaces($scope.id).success(function(response) {
    $scope.races = response.MRData.RaceTable.Races;
  });
});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Contact, sacrifice the blocks to the gods for prizes in this Aztecan casino slot.
Look out for: clusters on multiplier rows to increase the multiplier, build a winning cluster to the top to start the bonus, fill the grid with clusters for the super bonus round.
Game facts: Make Contact with the Aztec civilisation using 5 reels with cluster pays. This legendary casino slot from Play'n GO also features an RTP of 96.55%.


Creating green environments and landscapes for working spaces have proven benefits to productivity and wellbeing.
Our client at this Kings Cross office approached us to create a bespoke botanical environment which made a bold statement both in the design and materials used.
The design for this office space worked in conjunction with the clients personal design aesthetics. Plants and materials were sourced to reflect this style and enhance the existing details. The installation of a hanging plant system, added scale, depth and interest to the tropical and lush style of this project.
Ongoing regular maintenance of this landscaping project provides the adequate care and maintenance of the plants.


Hi guys, this photo is about Small Kitchen New Brown Table And 2 Chairs ( 2 Chair Kitchen Table Set Good Looking #6). It is a image/jpeg and the resolution of this photo is 704 x 528. This photo's file size is only 47 KB. Wether You want to save This image to Your laptop, you may Click here. You may too see more images by clicking the photo below or read more at this post: 2 Chair Kitchen Table Set.
One of the most significant issues in the Small Kitchen New Brown Table And 2 Chairs ( 2 Chair Kitchen Table Set Good Looking #6), specially the present day kitchen is set up appropriate light bulbs. Its purpose, in addition to supporting the lighting, the light may also boost the classy look of the kitchen. Lights are well suited for the current cooking area is gentle to average lighting rather than faint, but also do not ensure it is too vivid, as it will make amazing.
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Here''s a book about London that''s seriously streetwise. Discover secrets and stories guaranteed to blow your mind, that are definitely off the tourist trail. Find out how an old parrot hit the headlines, where you can purchase a some tasty brain jam, what the weirdest item ever left on a bus was and lots more! For readers aged 8 and up.
Here''s a book about London that''s seriously streetwise! Let Marco and Amelia, our Lonely Planet explorers, take you off the tourist trail and guide you on a journey through London that you''ll never forget. This book is perfect for anyone who has been to London, plans to go there or is just interested in finding out more about this amazing city! Discover London''s best-kept secrets, amazing stories and loads of other cool stuff from the comfort of your own home or while visiting the city! But, you don''t have to be a visitor or armchair traveller to enjoy this--Londoners are sure to learn new things about their very own city too! Find out how an old parrot hit the headlines, where you can purchase a tin of panic or some tasty brain jam, what the weirdest item ever left on a bus was and lots more! For readers ages 8 and up. Contents: * Special Streets * London By Jetpack * Tunnel Under London * Treasure Hunt * Yum Yum London * Go Wild * Magical Mysteries and Legends * London Wheels * London Out Loud * Scream Streets * Tales of Tails * Hey! Nosy Parker! * Secrets Revealed * Let''s Do the Show * Wear London * Right Royal Route * Watery London * Sporty London * Pleased To Meet You Also available: Paris City Trails, New York City Trails. About Lonely Planet Kids: From the world''s leading travel publisher comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children''s imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. With a range of beautiful books for children aged 5-12, we''re kickstarting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet can be. From bright and bold sticker activity books, to beautiful gift titles bursting at the seams with amazing facts, we aim to inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We pledge to share our enthusiasm and love of the world, our sense of humour and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the diverse and magnificent place it is. It''s going to be a big adventure - come explore!


The Bethel, N.Y., hotel is the company's first ground-up build using modular construction and will serve as a prototype for the brand moving forward.
Based in Singapore, Fung oversee the development of new projects and sourcing new deals in the Asia Pacific region.
Dream Hotel Group has been on a growth mission ever since Stein took the helm. Hear his thoughts on brands and development.
Ariel Sanett was most recently VP of business development at Crescent Hotels & Resorts, and previously held executive positions at Management Search Executive, HI Group and Aries Hospitality Group.
Dream Hotel Group's development leader offers a glimpse inside the company's recent growth spurt.
Rohit Anand joined Dream Hotel Group in 2010, and his new responsibilities include refining the hotel company's lifestyle-focused image.
Most recently, Christian Cooper served as regional director of IT for Highgate, a real-estate-investment and hospitality-management company in New York.


Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) measures the metabolic activity of cells and can help detect heart ailments. Eight medium-format layouts which included floor plans and 3d renderings were produced for the Ottawa Hospital PET Centre. The floor plans and 3d views were colour-coded corresponding to differentiate use areas within the Centre. This large format print version includes a floor plan of the new auditorium.


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Diversity Charter - Meet the signees I-P
By Adam Branson2016-04-08T01:08:00+01:00
We are incredibly encouraged by the response to our Open Plan Diversity Charter. See which organisations I-P have signed up.
23. Iceni Projects = Ian Anderson, executive director: "Signing the charter is the right thing to do, and the surprise is that the industry hasn't done this before. It is an excellent idea, and Iceni will be fully supportive of the initiative."
24. Irwin Mitchell = Jo Footitt, partner: "Diversity is a huge concern in the property industry, which lags behind other City businesses."
25. James Andrew International = Jeremy Grey, MD: "We have a diverse workforce and a non-discriminatory employment process. We have two subsidiaries run by women and a diverse workforce in each office. We operate a meritocracy and encourage all staff to progress their careers."
26. JLL = Guy Grainger, UK CEO: "As a founding member of the diversity and inclusion initiative Changing the Face of Property, launched in 2012, we recognise that the 10 points in this charter align with JLL's objectives to ensure inclusivity becomes a core part of our culture."
27. Knight Frank = Sally Chacatté, group head of HR: "We are fully committed to the Diversity Charter. We were instrumental in setting up Changing the Face of Property with our competitors and look forward to doing just that in the coming years."
28. Lambert Smith Hampton = Alana Armstrong, HR business partner: "We are a progressive and dynamic firm and we recognise that each LSH employee has a unique set of strengths, skills and experiences and only by embracing these strengths and differences can we deliver the best possible service to our clients."
29. Liz Male Consulting = Liz Male, director: "The property industry has always been more about people than assets, architecture, construction or finance. We are an industry full of smart, vibrant and colourful characters, and the thought of more diverse people still to be celebrated fills me with joy. We'll all be the happier for it, and richer in every way."
30. London Legacy Development Corporation = Rosanna Lawes, executive director of development: "The sector needs to embrace the opportunity and will be far better for it.."
Unconscious Bias in Focus
Why are the 'best' job candidates overwhelmingly white and male? The experts call this unconscious, or cognitive, bias; our personal assessment of what constitutes the 'best' candidate is influenced by the internal wiring of our brains. Of course, on occasion it could just be prejudice, but either way awareness is the starting point for doing something about it.
There are some startling examples of unconscious bias. For example, a 2009 study by the Department for Work and Pensions found that when sending out fake CVs of candidates with identical qualifications and experience to a range of employers, the candidates with the white British-sounding names received a positive response on one in nine occasions. For ethnic minority names, the rate was one in 16.
And this unconscious bias also leads to some of the more familiar headlines such as the 28% gender pay gap revealed by the most recent Property Week salary survey.
Get more insight from Mark Allen
31. Make = Ken Shuttleworth, founding partner: "We believe that having a diverse practice brings value to our employees, clients and working environment. A culturally and socially diverse workforce broadens our ability to find the right solutions on projects, which fundamentally improves the service we offer our clients. Ultimately, diversity helps us create an inclusive environment that fosters honesty, mutual respect and openness among employees."
32. MHBC = Antonia Belcher, partner: "We are signing up because on any measure we are a very diverse SME, and have been since the first day of our formation in 2007. We believe strenuously in the power of being inclusive, and have practised the charter principles from our inception."
33. Nabarro = Ciaran Carvalho, head of real estate: "Diversity is not only important for our people; it makes business sense too. We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring different perspectives, new ideas and connections to clients who are increasingly diverse and global. We could and should be doing more, of course. That's why signing up to the Diversity Charter is an important next step for us."
34. Osborne Clarke = Suzanne Nethaway, senior associate, real estate team: "Osborne Clarke is continuing its very real and serious journey towards becoming a more diverse organisation. We recently welcomed our first dedicated diversity and wellbeing manager and we have established a network of diversity and wellbeing ambassadors throughout the business."
35. Page Group = Roberta Barlow, operating director, property and construction: "We're committed to promoting inclusion at work and to continually improving our own working environment. We're determined to lead the way on inclusion within the recruitment industry and work closely with our clients sourcing and recruiting from a truly diverse talent pool in order to support their diversity strategies and provide them with the best possible candidates."
36. PLP Architecture = Lee Polisano, president: "We believe that diversity is an essential ingredient to any successful business."
37. PwC = Craig Hughes, head of real estate: "We need to truly value the difference in perspective, thinking and skills that a diverse workforce can add to our businesses and we wholeheartedly support Property Week's commitment to spearhead change in the industry."
See which other companies have signed the Diversity Charter: A-C; D-H; R-Z
The Open Plan Diversity Charter
We will monitor diversity in our workplace and provide Property Week with data and information on company policies designed to support a more diverse workforce.
We will share resources, including best-practice guides and case studies, with other signatories via Property Week's Diversity Charter online portal.
We will strive to appoint senior 'diversity champions' within our organisation to act as the main contact with Property Week on matters relating to the charter.
We will provide mentoring to support employees' career development, both at entry level and mid-career.
We will endeavour to work with at least one state senior school in each town or city in which we operate to promote careers in the built environment to young people from diverse backgrounds.
Where possible, we will offer – and advertise externally – paid internships and apprenticeships.
We will use a blind recruitment process where appropriate to prevent unconscious bias in the shortlisting process.
We will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on homophobia, sexism, ageism and any other form of discrimination and encourage employees to report instances of prejudice to the diversity champions.
We will ensure all our buildings are fully accessible and provide appropriate equipment and support to allow employees with disabilities to play a full role in the workplace.
We will make diversity a key criterion when procuring services from other companies to help ensure the example we set is followed by others.
Sign up to the charter here
Analysis Features
Presidents Club to close down after sexual harassment allegations
The all-men's club at the centre of a sexual harassment storm following an undercover sting by the Financial Times will not host another event and has shut its doors.
Diversity Charter - Meet the signees R-Z
Property Week launched its Diversity Charter in April 2016 and has since seen a phenomenal 53 companies and organisations sign up - see the list R-Z.
Diversity Charter - Meet the signees D-H
53 companies and organisations have now committed to the 10 principles of PW's Diversity Charter. See which organisations D-H are part of our list.
How SEGRO is kickstarting a multi-storey warehouse push
SEGRO's Andy Gulliford talks to Property Week about the new Paris warehouse being hailed as the first of a 'new generation of multi-storey' sheds.
The Belgian city showing how high street regeneration should be done
In recent years, a small Belgian city has gained a worldwide reputation for retail innovation. Property Week finds out why.
Is it the end of the PDR gold rush?
Property Week asks what has caused the rapid decline in prior approval applications for office-to-residential conversions – and whether there are still opportunities for investors.


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Hungry for Dividends? Consider These 3 Companies
The Motley Fool Singapore » Company Analysis » iFAST Corporation Sets Its Sights On An Ambitious S$100 Billion Target
iFAST Corporation Sets Its Sights On An Ambitious S$100 Billion Target
Chin Hui Leong | July 30, 2018 | More on: AAPL GOOGL GM AIY S63
"Even if you fail at your ambitious thing, it's very hard to fail completely"
-- Larry Page, CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company
"Even if you fail at your ambitious thing, it's very hard to fail completely"
— Larry Page, CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company
You can't say that iFAST Corporation (SGX: AIY) is short on ambition.
Last Saturday, the Motley Fool Singapore team was invited to the company's results briefing, and a Fintech Vision presentation. During the event, the iFAST management team shared for the first time, as far as I can tell, an ambitious long-term target: The company wants to achieve S$100 billion in asset under administration (AUA) by 2028. In Singapore, iFAST is targeting an AUA of S$35 billion by the same year.
The company's goals are audacious, as the target amounts to 12 times more AUA than what it has now (S$8.33 billion).
Building The Business For The Long-Term
"Investors worry about how we are doing each quarter," said iFAST CEO Lim Chung Chun.
As an investor himself, Lim added that he can understand why investors are concerned about the company's short-term results. At the same time, Lim felt that the bigger picture vision has not been as clear for shareholders.
As such, iFAST decided to lay down what its is aiming for in the next ten years.
For the number crunchers out there, the S$100 billion AUA is not a forecast or profit projection. But Lim feels that that all business builders need to have clear targets for the long haul. He chose a ten-year time frame as he opined that businesses cannot be build within one or two years. In that spirit, the S$100 billion AUA target is one that the management team has set for itself.
A Long, Long Way To Run
According to a Monetary Authority of Singapore survey in 2016, the AUA size of authorised and recognised collective investment schemes in Singapore was at S$82 billion in 2016. The figure is even larger in Hong Kong where the assets under management (AUM) is estimated to be over US$800 billion.
Compared to the overall size of the wealth management industry, iFAST believes that its current AUA of S$8.33 billion is just a small drop. The company believes that it has substantial growth potential.
The size of the wealth management market is obviously huge, but Lim opined that most fintech companies are likely to fail. He sees three requirements for a fintech platform to gain traction: regulatory licenses, a strong ecosystem, and a strong in-house IT capability. The iFAST ecosystem has to be built bit-by-bit over the years, Lim said, while the company has kept on developing its own IT capabilities. He believes that the two factors will allow the company to move faster in rolling out new products.
Future Markets And Future Products
iFAST has a presence in Singapore, China (including Hong Kong), and Malaysia. The company also owns an associate in India.
At the moment, China and India make up only 2.2% of iFAST's AUA, but the company believes that the two markets will play an increasingly important role in the future. Moreover, it is still early days in China, and iFAST is still absorbing short-term losses as it works its way to establishing itself in the Middle Kingdom.
Speaking of licenses, iFAST also announced that it has applied for a virtual banking licence in Hong Kong. There is no assurance that the company will secure the licence. But if it does, iFAST believes that the approval could lead to a substantial enhancement of its wealth management platform.
Google's Gospel For 10x Improvements
On October 2010, almost eight years ago, Google revealed one of its most audacious projects: cars that can drive themselves, now known as autonomous cars. Back then, critics panned the effort as an indulgent distraction.
Fast forward to today, there is no shortage of companies racing to test autonomous vehicles on the road, ranging from traditional carmakers such as General Motors (NYSE: GM) to ride hailing companies such as Uber and technology firms like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). Local firms, such as Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (SGX: S63), are working on autonomous buses. Nanyang Technological University is testing mini-buses that pilot themselves while areas like one-north, Buona Vista, National University of Singapore, Singapore Science Park, and Dover have been earmarked as trial areas.
In short, what seemed to be audacious back then is accepted as a common occurance today.
iFAST's audacious goal is nothing like the world-changing potential of autonomous cars, of course. It is also not a guaranteed bet that all of the company's business plans will work out. However, iFAST's target shares the same spirit as Google's audacious goals. The investment platform company is aiming high, and as Larry Page notes, it is hard to fail completely when you do so.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be personalised investment or financial advice. The Motley Fool Singapore has a recommendation on Apple and iFAST. Motley Fool Singapore writer Chin Hui Leong own shares in Alphabet, Apple and iFAST.


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Congratulations to James Fletcher, Rebecca Hill, Louisa Collins & Mark Smith who have been appointed to the Attorney General's list of civil panel counsel
Click here to view our Judicial Review & Public Law Pages
We are pleased to announce that James Fletcher has been appointed to the A list of panel counsel, alongside Rebecca Hill and Louisa Collins, who have both been appointed to the B panel, and Mark Smith who has been appointed to the C panel.
They join Ben Keith (A panel) and Natasha Draycott (C panel).
Counsel appointed to the panel undertake specialist civil and EU work for all government departments. The appointments last for 5 years'.
James Fletcher
Natasha Draycott
Louisa Collins


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Home Opinion/ViewPoint
Kill Corruption Not Humans
in Opinion/ViewPoint
Sylvia Akpan
Corruption is the single greatest obstacle preventing Nigeria from achieving its enormous potential. It drains billions of dollars a year from the country's economy, stymies development, and weakens the social contract between the government and its people. Nigerians view their country as one of the world's most corrupt and struggle daily to cope with the effects. Yet few analytical tools exist for examining the full range and complexity of corruption in Africa's largest economy and most populous country.
Corruption in Nigeria appears to be ubiquitous and takes many forms: from massive contract fraud to petty bribery; from straight-up embezzlement to complicated money laundering schemes; from pocketing the salaries of nonexistent workers to steering plum jobs to relatives and friends. Some officials enjoy perquisites so excessive that they are widely seen as a form of legalized corruption.
Nigeria is seen as one of the world's most corrupt country.
Political Party Corruption
Kleptocratic capture of political party structures is a sine qua non of gaining power and thereby unlocking corruption opportunities across a range of other sectors. Little distinguishes Nigeria's two main political parties—the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party and the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP)—in this regard. Both are constellations of fluid national, state, and local elite networks. Both are almost identically structured, non-ideological organizations. Both rely on misappropriated public funds to finance election campaigns.11 Neither values internal party democracy, allowing money and high-level interference to corrupt candidate selection processes.12
Individual political gladiators jockey to secure high-level backing for their ambitions or to be granted lucrative public appointments. Working-level party operatives, meanwhile, seek to monetize their influence over internal party processes by soliciting cash from or seeking to be co-opted by aspiring politicians. According to the chairman of a national political party, "Party officials are not supposed to receive money for expenses and allowances but they make money, sometimes in many, many crooked ways. The party sells membership cards but party officials at that level keep the money for themselves. People who want to run for office virtually bankroll the parties in their localities.
"Sometimes they even decide who becomes the chairman in their ward or the secretary of the party. They actually pocket the person, they take care of his daily needs. Party officials have no other business other than running the party. They also have to find a way of running their families, so the way they do it is through this very indecent manner." he added
Media Corruption
Although Nigeria has a vibrant and mostly free press, brown envelope journalism is rife: for both media moguls and the journalists who work for them, accepting or even soliciting cash from politicians is a perquisite of the job. Over 85 percent of journalists admitted to accepting such financial gifts, euphemistically referred to as "transport money," "matter," "load," and "kola nut."
When journalists are not paid, they are prone to being compromised. This boils down to the popular aphorism that says "the music that hunger plays in your stomach makes you deaf to reason." You don't begin to preach ethics to a hungry man.
Above the working level, editors and publishers often receive even bigger bribes to manipulate their coverage and quash stories that might embarrass their political patrons.
Such grand corruption not only erodes press freedoms and fuels media bias, it also sustains many fly-by-night media outlets that rely on brown envelope journalism to stay in business.
Electoral Corruption
In Nigeria, electoral corruption is not merely a means to an end that being the perquisites of public office, it is also a lucrative pursuit unto itself.
Each of Nigeria's thirty-six states also infuse millions of dollars each year into State Independent Electoral Commissions tasked with conducting sham local government elections on behalf of the governor in power. This undermines Nigeria's democratic development right at the grassroots level.
Although corruption has been a defining feature of Nigerian elections since 1999, one recent example stands out. According to EFCC prosecutors, former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke used $115 million to bribe INEC officials to secure victory for the PDP in the 2015 election.
Although electoral corruption did not alter the outcome of the presidential poll, it almost certainly skewed many gubernatorial and legislative races. Likewise, as Ayisha Osori's election memoir, Love Does Not Win Elections, illustrates, corruption pervades political parties' primary and candidate selection processes—much to the detriment of Nigeria's democratic development.
Legislative Corruption
Nigeria's national assembly and thirty-six state legislatures are supposed to be a first line of defense against executive branch corruption. Like its U.S. counterpart, Nigeria's legislative branch is empowered to act as a check on executive power, approve and adjust budgetary expenditures, confirm key appointments, and undertake rigorous oversight of government activities.
Bureaucratic Corruption
In the Nigerian context, the term "bureaucratic corruption" groups together several idiosyncratic examples of official corruption that awkwardly occur outside of the clear-cut sectors outlined above.
Auto-Corruption
While most of the aforementioned kinds of corruption involve two or more people, "auto-corruption" defines activities that create a one-way flow of benefits to a corrupt official. These include various types of embezzlement as well as property misappropriation, salary fraud expenses, and revenue diversion.
Unreported revenues. The failure to report revenues―or remit them to the Treasury Single Account (TSA)―has historically been a major avenue of official corruption.
Misappropriation of property. Officials at all levels of government are free to use government property―vehicles, computers, smartphones―for their own personal needs with impunity. After they leave office, ministers, legislators, and other top government officials often misappropriate vehicles and even official residences.
Salary and pensions fraud. Employing ghost workers is a common form of official corruption at all levels of government. In March 2018, Nigeria's accountant general discovered the government was losing ₦14.3 billion ($39.7 million) in corrupt payments to ghost police personnel annually.
Re-looting. Although only a small percentage of stolen public funds are ever recovered, those that are seized domestically or returned by international partners are vulnerable to being re-looted by serving officials. These stolen assets—whether in the form of cash or property—are not handled transparently nor are they governed by clear cut policies or laws.
Granted, corruption is a global menace. Still, it is quite prevalent in African countries, Nigeria included. For many years, Nigeria has earned a considerable sum of money from its natural resources, such as gas and oil, with a considerable portion going down the cesspool created by corruption.
Basically, a considerable portion of the money the country earns finds its way into the pockets of a few, leaving millions impoverished. As a result of corrupt leaders, Nigerian society has gradually become more and more corrupt. There are numerous institutions and departments where one cannot be served without parting with a bribe. This has made the menace one of the biggest problems facing Nigeria today.
Tags: Corruption in NigeriaHow Corruption is killing Nigeria's systemMedia corruption in NigeriaPolitical Corruption in Nigeria
Press Freedom: Inside Nigeria's Tertiary Institutions Where Campus Journalists Are Facing Repression
Motorists Lament Poor State Of Road, Seek Government's Intervention
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Motorists Lament Poor State Of Road, Seek Government's Intervention


This website is dedicated to my photography. I mean, it's in the name! Still, I have other interests that I'd like to share. The one's I'm talking about are at least 'artistic' in nature. I have plenty of other interests that I won't get into on this page as they have nothing to do with anything remotely creative.
Most of what I'm going to share in this article began as photographs, so really, this isn't that much of a departure.
It's important to note that the works I'm going to share in this post were made in 2010. I bring that up only because I'm planning to get back to this and I'd like this site to serve as a journal of sorts and to document my (hopeful) progress!
With photographs as a reference (usually), I gathered the supplies and instructional books on the subject and set out to see what I could do. Admittedly, these first attempts are probably juvenile, but we all have to start somewhere.
I'm sure an experienced artist would scoff at these sketches, but again, I'm just a beginner at this point.
Ok, I've stalled long enough. Without further fanfare, here are a few of the sketches that I produced (again – in 2010).
I'm not sure what prompted me to want to pick this up again. I would also like to start painting again and, well most paintings begin with a sketch. Perhaps that's the reason. Plus, my wife and I just watched the movie "Big Eyes" and it's possible that the movie got me thinking about getting into it. In any case. There ya go. I hope you found this of interest. Until next time!


One of life's great joys is to see the fulfillment of something we have dreamed of, longed for and worked towards. With the new additions to our worship and ministry centre only weeks away from completion, we are at last experiencing this dream-realized joy. It's hard to believe that about 12 years have passed since the first serious discussions about expanding began. I distinctly remember a meeting with Steve Oswald in early 2007 when, before I became pastor, he excitedly shared with me the church leadership's vision to expand. Frankly, this was one of several things that God used to attract me to West Highland - the vision of the leaders for an expanded witness for Christ. As we begin a new chapter in our church's history, it's important for us to refocus again on what God has called us to. Yes, it's time again to refocus on our mission. So for these three remaining Sundays in September I want to preach again about the mission God has entrusted to us and take a peek again at the heart of the One who loved the world so much that he gave his One and Only Son.


Causality: School Librarians and Student Success: American Association of School Librarians National Research Forum, White Paper, December 2014. This white paper reports on this unprecedented convening of the nation's leading school library and educational researchers and furthers the development of a national agenda to demonstrate the positive influences of effective state-certified school librarians and quality school library programs and learning spaces on student learning. The CLASS Forum reflects the diversity of voices in the educational field.
Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards. Denver: Library Research Service, 2000. Executive summary of the second "Colorado Study" conducted by Keith Curry Lance and the Library Research Service.
School Library Media Centers: Selected results from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 The U.S. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recently released some of the findings from a longitudinal study of 10th graders. Among the findings are that students in the lowest quartile of composite test scores make less focused use of library resources, while students in the middle and highest three quartiles of composite test scores reported higher use of library resources for assignments, in-school projects and research papers.
Todd, Ross J. (2003) Irrefutable Evidence: How to prove you boost student achievement. School Library Journal. Todd, director of the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries at Rutgers University, introduces systematic approaches to documenting school library program impact on student achievement.
California: Siminitus, Jackie. California School Library Media Centers and Student Achievement. Government, Education and Medical Markets, SBC Pacific Bell, 2002.
Florida: Baumbach, Donna. Making the Grade: The Status of School Library Media Centers in the Sunshine State and How They Contribute to Student Achievement. 30 October 2003.
Illinois: Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study. Illinois School Library Media Association, 2005.
Pennsylvania: Lance, Keith Curry and Bill Schwarz. How Pennsylvania School Libraries Pay Off: Investments in Student Achievement and Academic Standards. Greensburg, Pa.: Pennsylvania School Library Project, 2012.
A 2013 "White Paper" titled Future Learning and School Libraries from Australia describing the importance and impact of teacher/school librarians in the 21st century, and pedagogical shifts to student-centered learning.
"Research from 21 studies between 1990 and 2008 shows a positive relationship between adequately staffed and resourced school library programs and student achievement, reading scores, and literacy, regardless of socioeconomic or educational levels of the community."
Scholastic Library Publishing report highlighting findings from studies conducted in 19 States and one Canadian Province between 1999 and 2008 on the impact of school library media centers on student achievement.
Why are school libraries essential? Visit I Love Libraries for answers.


Leonie Freeman has a simple plan to solve the housing crisis. Will she be allowed to put it into action?
Fixing the housing crisis in Auckland is simple, according to Leonie Freeman. She knows how to do it. But, asks Simon Wilson, will anyone let her?
Leonie Freeman wears a Fitbit on one wrist and a watch on the other and she talks in the same way as Helen Clark – not the deep voice but the same extremely broad Kiwi vowels and long sentences. She's a woman itching to get moving, doing her best to sit still. And what's made her so antsy, so keen to get up and make stuff happen, is this: she's solved the housing crisis.
Well. Not actually solved. But the next best thing. She's worked out how to solve it. And all she wants now is for all the participants – the developers, the financiers, the community groups and all the other NGOs, the government and its agencies, the council and its agencies, the builders and designers and planners, the churches and the other charities – all of them, all she wants is for them to commit to her plan, stage one, which means funding her to get started.
Is she mad? Well, as it happens, no she isn't.
Leonie Freeman is an entrepreneur. She's worked in housing a long time and she's been all over: in the private sector with start-up companies, property management and venture capital; in the public sector as departmental manager and consultant, for central and local government. She's a company director and a member of the businesswomen's group Global Women. She was chosen by finance minister Bill English to lead his review of social housing late last year.
And having done all that, she's come up with a plan. A plan "to solve Auckland's housing crisis". Four steps, each with a set of identified and measurable targets.
We know all about disruption now. Changing the way something is done so profoundly that the old way pretty much disappears. Using the new way of doing things to make possible something that was not possible before. Using that thing to solve a problem that could not be solved.
She has six key targets. One: address the shortage of housing by building 125,000 new homes by 2025 and 420,000 by 2045. That's the same goal as in the council's Unitary Plan. Freeman wants 50 per cent of them to be "affordable homes".
Step 2: Raise home ownership levels to 65 per cent by 2025, including among Māori and Pacific Islanders. Three: improve the quality of existing homes so that 95 per cent of them are "classified as warm, safe and dry". Four: create 3000 more social housing dwellings by 2018, ensuring that by 2025, 20 per cent of social housing is provided by the community housing sector and also that the needs of the elderly are fully met.
Enough big goals already? Leonie Freeman hasn't finished. Five: eliminate homelessness in the city by 2022. Hamilton, she points out, has largely achieved this over the last two years. And six: strengthen communities with better tenure options for tenants. Also this: she wants 80 per cent of residents in every part of the city to rank their community as "highly desirable".
If only. It means, as she puts it, to have "all the groups – government, non-profit, philanthropic and private sector" – work together as partners. Agreeing the goals, coordinating to achieve them. She points to similar projects in Canada, Chicago and other parts of the US. The way to make Collective Impact happen, she says, is for the groups to set up a new non-for-profit organisation to sit in the middle of it all. She wants to call it Housing Connect.
Step 3: Create a Housing Framework, a way of seeing the issue that allows the initiatives of the disparate groups to be coordinated. She's got a wheel diagram, moving from demand in the centre out to influencers like regulations and market forces, then out to delivery mechanism and finally to communication. Always important to sell the story.
Step 4: The action plan. She hasn't got that plan yet, because that's not how the process works. Housing Connect and its constituent groups have to create it and own it, not her.
Leonie Freeman doesn't say it and possibly doesn't think it, but what she wants to do is new politics. It goes like this. There's consensus we have a complex and far-reaching problem. There's consensus that central and local government, the private sector and the not-for-profit sector have to solve it together.
There's consensus we need to build more homes, especially for those who struggle to buy a home and those who cannot even find a decent place to live. Freeman's vision, putting housing at the heart of communities, is probably universally shared.
So if we have all that consensus, why would we leave it to adversarial party politics to get everything done? In the new politics, you do indeed get everyone in a room, to work on solutions acceptable to everyone. It's constructive engagement, and because the decision makers and the money and the people who will actually do the work are all there, the outcomes can be profoundly effective.
Not that it's easy. You need to have the range of political forces in the room, because the Opposition has things to contribute and because you don't want the decisions undone next time there's an election. And it's not perfect. Inside that room, the politicking is going to be intense and the outcomes can be skewed to one side or another – we saw some of that in the report of Auckland Council's Consensus Working Group on the port earlier this year.
But this is a problem we have to solve. For the sake of all of Auckland's citizens, for everyone's health and wellbeing and aspirations, we have to solve it. What we do about housing is the test of who we are.
Leonie Freeman has thrown down a challenge. She's said, we can solve this and here's how we go about it. Next move: all those affected groups, they need to engage. Freeman's been talking to them all and she's given them a deadline of the end of this month.
She doesn't expect them to do everything. She simply wants, at this stage, for them to fund her next step, which is a six-month detailed feasibility study. She's waiting for the money. You can find out more at thehomepage.nz. Good name, right? Good project too.
Meanwhile, she is not alone. The 18 For 4 Campaign was launched in Auckland this month by a group of 16 housing providers under the umbrella of the Auckland Community Housing Providers' Network (ACHPN). Mayor Phil Goff was there and he made a speech: he said he doesn't want to be mayor of a city that puts up with 20 per cent of its citizens paying 60 per cent of their household income on rent. Developers like Mark Todd from Ockham were there, along with ACHPN members like the Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, VisionWest Community Trust and Whai Maia, the iwi development arm of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Eighteen for 4: the name declares the strategy. Four houses on large sections can become 18 homes. And of those 18 homes, the formula is that eight will be social housing units for rent, four will be affordable homes for purchase and six will be homes for "assisted ownership", which means rent to buy.
Do this badly, as we saw in Glen Innes, and you attack the very community you're trying to help. Do it well and we have a city worth living in. Community housing providers in Auckland are determined to do it well. They've got success stories, like Kāinga Tuatahi, which is Ngāti Whātua's affordable housing project on Kupe St in Ōrākei, designed by architects Stevens Lawson and landscapers Boffa Miskell.
But they don't have scale. Currently, among them, the 16 ACHPN members are making a new home available every two days. To hit Leonie Freeman's target of 125,000 new homes by 2025, half of them affordable, that needs to become at least 20 every day.
Daunting, for sure. But there's something going on here. Freeman is an entrepreneur who can't stand it anymore. ACHPN is a bunch of community groups who want to make it work, if only they can be unleashed. Is the council going to take it seriously? Is the government? Is the private sector? Watch this space.


Whole Life is kind of permanent life insurance that does not expire after a certain time or term, but lasts for the rest of your life. One of the benefits to a whole life insurance policy is it provides the security that you will always have insurance for the same premium rate. On the other hand, the policy can be inflexible and the premium rates will be higher than short term life insurance plans, particularly if you are young and healthy.
TIP: There are benefits of whole life insurance that may appeal to you, but you should take the time to get multiple quotes and compare the benefits of a term life plan before purchasing either.
Cash Value: Whole life insurance policies accrue cash value. The cash value grows tax deferred the longer you keep the policies. The accrued cash value can be borrowed against in times of need, although you will need to repay with interest. If you ever surrender your policy, you usually will receive the cash value. If the person dies, the death benefit is usually the face amount of the policy plus the cash value.
Dividends: Dividends are payouts from your life insurance policy that can occur as the value grows. Not all whole life policies pay dividends, but if your insurance company does than these dividends can be directed to purchase more insurance or to accumulate a greater cash value. Ask an agent when you get a whole life insurance quote, if the insurance company pays dividends and how you should direct those dividends.
Fixed Premium Rates: Another benefit of this permanent life insurance is the fixed premiums. Whole life insurance policies usually come with fixed premiums. Therefore, if you take out a whole life policy at the age of 20 for $100,000 for $25 a month, the premium will still be the same at age 70, regardless of your health. This premium rate will be higher than term life premiums for people who are young and healthy.
Pay Up Premiums: Another benefit of a whole life policy is the ability to pay up the premiums. Ask your agent when you are getting a whole life insurance quote if the insurance company gives a paid-up option. This option allows you to pay a little more monthly, however you will be finished paying for the policy early, say in year 20. At that point, the insurance policy will pay for itself with the accrued cash value and dividends paying the premium. You will still have same coverage for life but you will no longer have to pay monthly premiums.
CAUTION: Whole life insurance has its benefits, but is just one of the many types of life insurance policies that consumers have in their portfolio. Whole life might be appropriate in some situations, but a majority of buyers could get more coverage or greater death benefit for less money by choosing a term life insurance and investing the difference in their personal portfolio. Take the time to compare term life policies and whole life policies, and find the right one to fit your personal and financial goals.
If you have any questions, do not be afraid to contact a life insurance agent with questions. Have your agent conduct an insurance needs analysis review to determine what type of life insurance is best for your situation, your age and your family. Be clear about what you want out of your life insurance, and don't buy a policy until you know it is right for you. To get a life insurance quote from a reputable agent in your area, click here for the Free Advice quote center.


9" x 5" x 13"
This Square Metal Mantel Clock Is Finished In Antique Black and Features Rounded Corners, Round Ball Feet and a Decorative, Faux Bell On top Of The Case.
An Aged Dial with Charcoal Arabic Numerals and Minute Track Features Charcoal Gray Finished Spade Hour and Minute Hands and Sits Behind a Glass Crystal.
(W x D x H): 9" x 5" x 13"


When it is said that the practice of the Buddha's teaching starts with taking refuge, this immediately raises an important question. The question is: "What need do we have for a refuge?" A refuge is a person, place, or thing giving protection from harm and danger. So when we begin a practice by going for refuge, this implies that the practice is intended to protect us from harm and danger. Our original question as to the need for a refuge can thus be translated into another question: "What is the harm and danger from which we need to be protected?" If we look at our lives in review we may not see ourselves exposed to any imminent personal danger. Our jobs may be steady, our health good, our families well-provided for, our resources adequate, and all this we may think gives us sufficient reason for considering ourselves secure. In such a case the going for refuge becomes entirely superfluous.
To understand the need for a refuge we must learn to see our position as it really is; that is, to see it accurately and against its total background. From the Buddhist perspective the human situation is similar to an iceberg: a small fraction of its mass appears above the surface, the vast substratum remains below, hidden out of view. Owing to the limits of our mental vision our insight fails to penetrate beneath the surface crust, to see our situation in its underlying depths. But there is no need to speak of what we cannot see; even what is immediately visible to us we rarely perceive with accuracy.
The Buddha teaches that cognition is subservient to wish. In subtle ways concealed from ourselves our desires condition our perceptions, twisting them to fit into the mould they themselves want to impose. Thus our minds work by way of selection and exclusion. We take note of those things agreeable to our pre-conceptions; we blot out or distort those that threaten to throw them into disarray.
From the standpoint of a deeper, more comprehensive understanding the sense of security we ordinarily enjoy comes to view as a false security sustained by unawareness and the mind's capacity for subterfuge. Our position appears impregnable only because of the limitations and distortions of our outlook. The real way to safety, however, lies through correct insight, not through wishful thinking. To reach beyond fear and danger we must sharpen and widen our vision. We have to pierce through the deceptions that lull us into a comfortable complacency, to take a straight look down into the depths of our existence, without turning away uneasily or running after distractions. When we do so, it becomes increasingly clear that we move across a narrow footpath at the edge of a perilous abyss. In the words of the Buddha we are like a traveler passing through a thick forest bordered by a swamp and precipice; like a man swept away by a stream seeking safety by clutching at reeds; like a sailor crossing a turbulent ocean; or like a man pursued by venomous snakes and murderous enemies. The dangers to which we are exposed may not always be immediately evident to us.
Very often they are subtle, camouflaged, difficult to detect. But though we may not see them straightaway the plain fact remains that they are there all the same. If we wish to get free from them we must first make the effort to recognize them for what they are. This, however, calls for courage and determination.
On the basis of the Buddha's teaching the dangers that make the quest for a refuge necessary can be grouped into three general classes: (1) the dangers pertaining to the present life; (2) those pertaining to future lives; and (3) those pertaining to the general course of existence.
Each of these in turn involves two aspects: (A) and objective aspect which is a particular feature of the world; and (B) a subjective aspect which is a corresponding feature of our mental constitution.


Much time has elapsed since the Victorian age. However, the elegance of a Victorian dining room décor is still admired. Dining rooms often become the epicenter of family festivities where all the members and guest gather and savor the best of delicacies and spend some quality time together. And a Victorian dining room décor, with its ostentatious display of the china, crystal, floral arrangements and subtle lighting, exudes charm and elegance through every inch in that room that adds a great sparkle to any gathering. However, this particular design underwent a metamorphosis through the entire 19th century. During the reign of Queen Victoria, in its primitive stage, the décor was more solemn and restrained. However, by the end of the nineteenth century, owing to the inclusion of playfully brighter colors and other lighter elements, the styles assumed a delicate femininity. The most prominent feature of Victorian dining room is that it adds a royal, classy touch to the entire decor. If you are looking for tips to decorate your dining room in the Victorian style, go through the following article.
Victorian décor extensively used ornate dado rails to divide the wall into two halves, horizontally. Use some simple patterned wallpaper in tasteful prints to cover the area above the dado rail. Doing so won't just add elegance to your decor, but also give your dining space more sophisticated and aristocratic look. For the section of the wall lying below the dado rail, opt for a dark color in the shades of brown, green, or even dark pastel shades. You may opt for wood paneling for the corners of the walls. This is, however, best suitable for large dining rooms, as they tend to make a room appear smaller. As far as the curtains and drapes are concerned, go for heavy fabric with a velvety look in rich contrasting colors like rust, copper or even light golden.
Until the advent of electric lights, candlelight was used for most ordinary activities. However, since the 19th century, chandeliers, wall-scones and big candleholders had come into vogue. Chandelier offer abundant light and can be used when there are guests at your home. Otherwise, for mild and balmy ambience, hidden lights and wall-scones are better options. To add some magnificence to your dining room décor, you can place a candle stand in iron or silver on the center of the table. During the Victorian period, candles had shades, some with frills and tassels, others plain, perhaps made of paper. Place the candles on candle stand and watch the room glow when lit!
Victorian style décor, which was heavily influenced by the Imperial, Gothic and Renaissance styles, is marked for its typical use of huge, robust furniture. Mahogany, walnut and rosewood were the most preferred choices in wood during that era. From tables to sideboards, every piece of furniture was tastefully varnished to create a regal look. As flamboyance was an important feature of this décor, therefore the table just accommodated a few important dishes like condiments, leaving an ample space for embellishments.
Floral display was an indispensible part of a Victorian dining room decor. Though flowers were perhaps the principal embellishing element for the entire home, the very best display was saved for the dining room. Rare and exotic flowers were grown in greenhouses. The more expensive and exotic they appeared, the more likely they were to be put on display in the dining room for all to see. Poinsettia, bouvardia, scarlet plume euphorbia, eucharis lily and cattleya orchid were some of the all-time Victorian favorites. Often, a tiny bouquet was placed at each setting with the intention of the guest taking it home with them at the end of the evening. To bring in the same flamboyance, place the flowers on a large ornamental silver tray or a mirror with an ornamental rim or galley. An epergne can be used as an alternative centerpiece for larger tables.
Follow the above-mentioned tips and get ready to bowl your guests over with an elegant Victorian dining room.


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BJP Moves Supreme Court As Calcutta HC Dismisses Appeal Seeking Deployment Of Central Forces In KMC Polls
|18 Dec 2021 5:07 AM GMT
The West Bengal state BJP has moved the Supreme Court against the order of the Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court.
The Calcutta High on Friday rejected an appeal by the BJP against a Single Bench's order directing the state police and not central forces to provide security for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) election on December 19.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj directed that the State Election Commission (SEC), with the help of the state authorities, will take all possible measures to boost the confidence of voters.
The Division Bench said that area domination and route march be conducted in a planned manner and directed the state government to fully comply with its earlier order on installation of CCTV cameras in each polling booth.
It observed that the SEC has assured the court of conducting free and fair polls and directed respondents to submit a report of compliance before the next date of hearing.
The state unit of the BJP filed a petition before the High Court on December 14, seeking deployment of central forces for Kolkata civic polls, expressing apprehensions that its candidates and workers might be subjected to threats and attacks.
Rejecting the prayer, the Bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha on Thursday directed that the commissioner of Kolkata Police will take care of all complaints by candidates or others during the election process
The party then moved the Division Bench against the order of the Single Bench.
The BJP had earlier moved the Supreme Court with the same prayer, but was asked by it to approach the High Court.
Calcutta High Court Supreme Court


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Anna Alexandrowna Wyrubowa (, wiss. Transliteration , geborene Танеева/Tanejewa; * 16. Juli 1884 in Oranienbaum; † 20. Juli 1964 in Helsinki) war Hofdame und engste Vertraute der Zarin Alexandra Fjodorowna.

Leben
Anna Alexandrowa, Tochter des Komponisten Tanejew, war eine Hofdame der Zarin Alexandra Fjodorowna. Als Kind war sie eine Spielgefährtin von Felix Jussupow, dem späteren Drahtzieher der Ermordung Rasputins. Jussupow äußerte sich abfällig über sie:

Am 30. April 1907 heiratete sie Leutnant Wyrubow. Sie schrieb später, Rasputin hätte ihr eine unglückliche Ehe vorausgesagt. Seine Briefe an sie aus dieser Zeit beweisen jedoch das Gegenteil. Er beglückwünschte sie und nannte ihren zukünftigen Ehemann "ein goldenes Kreuz". Die Ehe hielt aber nur einen Monat. Als kurz nach der Hochzeit die Eheprobleme nicht mehr ignoriert werden konnten, riet Rasputin der unglücklichen Gattin schriftlich zur Geduld und versprach ihr ein gutes Ende. Doch es kam anders. Anna Wyrubowa, die später ihrem Ehemann sexuelle Impotenz und einen Hang zu Sadismus vorwarf, wurde von ihm brutal zusammengeschlagen, und die Ehe wurde nach einem Jahr geschieden. Rasputin bot der geschiedenen Frau nun Trost an und versprach ihr in einem Brief vom 1. Juli 1908, dass sie, die "Leidende", deren Gatte sie "verleumdet" hätte, Frieden finden werde, wenn sie "ihre Qualen vor dem Throne des Allmächtigen ausgießen werde". Die schmerzvolle Ehescheidung stärkte ihre religiöse Leidenschaft und brachte sie noch näher zur Zarin und zu Rasputin.

Anna Wyrubowa hat nicht, wie oft behauptet, Rasputin am Zarenhof eingeführt. Dies besorgte die Großfürstin Anastasia, verheiratet mit dem Großfürsten Nikolai Nikolajewitsch. Sie gehörte aber zur ständigen Begleitung der Zarenfamilie, besonders der Zarin, und hatte als Bindeglied zu Rasputin eine herausgehobene Stellung. Anna Wyrubowa wollte der Zarin wie auch Rasputin dienen; politischen Einfluss wollte sie nie ausüben, und er wäre ihr auch nie zugestanden worden.

Im Ersten Weltkrieg war sie zusammen mit der Zarin und deren ältesten Töchtern Olga und Tatjana Krankenschwester beim Russischen Roten Kreuz. Am 2. Januar 1915 verunglückte Anna Wyrubowa bei einem Eisenbahnunglück schwer. Nachdem sie bereits die Sterbesakramente empfangen hatte, wachte sie nach einem Gebet Rasputins wieder auf. Für die Zarin wie für Anna Wyrubowa war dies ein weiterer Beweis für die Auserwähltheit Rasputins.

Nach der Februarrevolution 1917 wurde sie wegen ihrer Nähe zur Zarenfamilie wiederholt von der Provisorischen Regierung und der Tscheka verhaftet. Im Dezember 1920 gelang ihr die Flucht nach Finnland. Sie veröffentlichte im Exil Erinnerungen aus ihrer Zeit mit den Romanows.

Sie verstarb 1964 in Helsinki und liegt auf dem dortigen orthodoxen Friedhof begraben.

Werke
 Seiten aus meinem Leben. (Страницы из моей жизни/Stranizy is mojei schisni) Riga 1923.
 Glanz und Untergang der Romanows. Amalthea, Zürich 1927.
 Hoffräulein ihrer Hoheit. (Фрейлина ее величества/Freilina jejo welitschestwa) Orient, Riga 1928.

Literatur
 Frank N. Stein: Rasputin – Teufel im Mönchsgewand? Tosa, Wien 2003, ISBN 3-85492-738-X.

Einzelnachweise

Weblinks

 Memories of the Russian Court by Anna Vyrubova
 Later Memoirs by Anna Vyrubova
 1917 Interview with Anna Vyrubova by an American Reporter, Rheta Childe Dorr.

Hofdame (Russland)
Russe
Geboren 1884
Gestorben 1964
Frau

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Best Celebrity Cameo On WWE?
Ronda Rousey and Snoop Dogg have been two of the more recent participants, but the WWE, going back to when it was the WWF, has an extensive history of notable guest stars. The original WrestleMania in 1985 included Mr. T, Muhammad Ali and Liberace, and throughout the years, Pete Rose, Mike Tyson, Pamela Anderson and Lawrence Taylor are among those who have gotten involved at some level. On this edition of The Rundown, WWE executive (and occasional performer) Stephanie McMahon gives her picks for most memorable celebrity cameo.


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Quentin Tarantino's eighth film, "The Hateful Eight", is some sort of twisted game of Clue in the style of a Western, set ten or so years after the American Civil War. Add a stellar cast and a beautiful original score written by Ennio Morricone and we've got ourselves a good movie that's entertaining as hell.
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text:
Suncor Energy announces 2022 production outlook and capital program
December 13, 2021 7:00 AM Globe Newswire
CALGARY, Alberta – Suncor released its 2022 corporate guidance today which supports the previous announcements of doubling the dividend, increasing share buybacks and lowering the capital program by $300 million. The 2022 guidance reflects strong operational performance across all assets and continued capital and cost discipline. Highlights include:
Upstream production of 750,000 to 790,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), approximately 5% higher than the expected 2021 levels, supported by the Fort Hills ramp-up to full rates and partially offset by the sale of Golden Eagle;
Record Synthetic Crude Oil (SCO) production capturing the additional upgraded crude value, approximately 5% higher than 2021 expected levels;
Refinery throughput in-line with 2019 levels and highest anticipated sales in the company's history from our industry leading downstream business, positioned to capture strong and improving consumer demand, and;
Capital program of $4.7 billion, 6% or $300 million below the previously announced $5 billion planned capital program ceiling.
"Our strong execution in 2021 and confidence in our plan enabled us to double the dividend, increase the buyback program to 7% of the public float, and reduce net debt at the highest annual pace ever," said Mark Little, president and chief executive officer. "We enter 2022 with strong momentum and remain steadfast in our focus on operational excellence, capital and cost discipline, increasing shareholder returns and delivering a more resilient future for Suncor."
Production & Operating Cost Guidance
Suncor's expected upstream production of 750,000 to 790,000 boe/d represents an approximately 5% year-over-year increase from expected 2021 levels supported by the Fort Hills ramp-up to full rates, partially offset by the sale of Golden Eagle.
Suncor's Oil Sands operations production of 395,000 to 435,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) and cash operating costs(1) per barrel of $25.00 – $28.00 reflects a larger proportion of production being higher margin SCO as well as planned maintenance at Firebag – its first major turnaround in 10 years.
Fort Hills production of 85,000 to 100,000 bbls/d, net to Suncor, represents a two-train operation for the year and expected utilization of 90%. This production increase and focus on costs is expected to result in an approximately 40% reduction of Fort Hills cash operating costs(1) per barrel to $23.00 – $27.00 compared to the midpoint of 2021 guidance. Fort Hills will ramp up imminently in late December 2021 to a stable two train operation.
Under the first year of Suncor operatorship, Syncrude's production guidance of 175,000 to 190,000 bbls/d is approximately 5% higher than 2021 expected production and cash operating costs(1) per barrel are expected to reduce by 3%, to $31.00 – $34.00 per barrel when compared to midpoint of 2021 guidance, as a result of previously announced synergies.
The downstream business is expected to deliver throughput on par with 2019 levels as consumer demand in 2022 is expected to continue to increase from current levels as demand recovers.
(1) Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this news release.
2022 Full Year Outlook
Suncor Total Production (boe/d) (1) 750,000 – 790,000
Oil Sands Operations (bbls/d) (2) 395,000 – 435,000
Fort Hills (bbls/d) Suncor working interest of 54.11% 85,000 – 100,000
Syncrude (bbls/d) Suncor working interest of 58.74% 175,000 – 190,000
Exploration & Production (boe/d) (1) 75,000 – 85,000
Suncor Refinery Throughput (bbls/d) 430,000 – 445,000
Suncor Refinery Utilization (2) 92 % – 96 %
Refined Product Sales (bbls/d) 550,000 – 580,000
1) Production ranges for Oil Sands operations, Fort Hills, Syncrude and Exploration & Production are not intended to add to equal Suncor Total Production.
2) Oil Sands operations production includes synthetic crude oil, diesel, and bitumen and excludes Fort Hills PFT bitumen and Syncrude synthetic crude oil production. These ranges reflect the integrated upgrading and bitumen production performance risk.
3) Refinery utilization is based on the following crude processing capacities: Montreal – 137,000 bbls/d; Sarnia – 85,000 bbls/d; Edmonton – 146,000 bbls/d; and Commerce City – 98,000 bbls/d.
CAPITAL GUIDANCE
Suncor's 2022 capital program is $300 million below the planned corporate capital ceiling enabled by efficiencies across the business. This capital program is largely focused on sustaining capital ($3.2 – $3.4 billion) which addresses planned maintenance and tailings optimizations. The remaining 2022 capital program is allocated towards – the $2.1 billion free funds flow growth initiatives, including the Base Plant Cogeneration and Forty Mile power project, Terra Nova Asset Life Extension and In Situ well pads.
Capital Expenditures (C$ millions) (1)
December 13, 2021 % Economic
Upstream Oil Sands 3,200 – 3,350 25 %
Upstream E&P 400 – 450 95 %
Downstream 700 – 850 10 %
Corporate 200 – 250 75 %
Total 4,700 30 %
(1 ) Capital expenditures exclude capitalized interest of approximately $180 million.
(2 ) The balance of capital expenditures represents Asset Sustainment and Maintenance capital expenditures. For definitions of Economic Investment and Asset Sustainment and Maintenance capital expenditures, see the Capital Investment Update section of Suncor's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated October 27, 2021 (the MD&A).
Suncor's corporate guidance provides management's outlook for 2022 in certain key areas of the company's business. Users of this forward-looking information are cautioned that actual results may vary materially from the targets disclosed. Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on this guidance.
For more detail on Suncor's outlook and capital spending plan, see suncor.com/guidance.
For an updated Investor Relations presentation and the third quarter Investor Relations deck, see suncor.com/investor-centre.
Advisories & Contact
Legal Advisory – Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include references to: Suncor's belief that its strong execution in 2021, strong momentum in 2022, focus on operational excellence, capital and cost discipline will deliver higher shareholder returns and a more resilient future for Suncor; Suncor's expectation that consumer demand will continue to recover in 2022; the expectation that Suncor's capital spending program will be approximately $4.7 billion (sustaining capital of $3.2 to $3.4 billion), and expectations of where that spending will be directed, and will remain flexible and agile depending on commodity prices; Suncor's expectations around production, including planned average upstream production of 750,000 – 790,000 boe/d and planned ranges for Oil Sands operations (395,000 – 435,000 bbls/d), made up of Synthetic Crude Oil (310,000 – 330,000 bbls/d) and Bitumen (85,000 – 105,000 bbls/d), Suncor's working interest in Fort Hills (85,000 – 100,000 bbls/d), Suncor's working interest in Syncrude (175,000 – 190,000 bbls/d) and Exploration & Production (75,000 – 85,000 boe/d); Suncor's expected Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, projected to be in the range of $25.00 – $28.00 (US $20.00 – $22.40) per barrel; expected Fort Hills cash operating costs, projected to be in the range of $23.00 – $27.00 (US $18.40 – $21.60) per barrel; expected Syncrude cash operating costs, projected to be in the range of $31.00 – $34.00 (US $24.80 – $27.20) per barrel; Suncor's expected Refinery Throughputs (430,000 – 445,000 bbls/d) and Utilization (92% – 96%); Suncor's expected Refined Product Sales (550,000 – 580,000 bbls/d); the expected impacts of planned maintenance, including the major planned maintenance turnaround at Firebag; the expectation that Fort Hills will be operating at two train capacity throughout 2022; the expectation that synergies will be realized with Syncrude operatorship; and the expectation that Terra Nova will start production before the end of 2022. In addition, all other statements and information about Suncor's strategy for growth, expected and future expenditures or investment decisions, commodity prices, costs, schedules, production volumes, operating and financial results and the expected impact of future commitments are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "guidance", "outlook", "will", "expected", "estimated", "focus", "planned", "believe", "anticipate" and similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements are based on Suncor's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by the company in light of its information available at the time the statement was made and consider Suncor's experience and its perception of historical trends, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the accuracy of reserves and resources estimates; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the status of the pandemic and future waves and any associated policies around current business restrictions, shelter-in-place orders or gatherings of individuals; commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates; the performance of assets and equipment; capital efficiencies and cost-savings; applicable laws and government policies; future production rates; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations to Suncor; the development and execution of projects; and the receipt, in a timely manner, of regulatory and third-party approvals.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to Suncor. Suncor's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward- looking statements, so readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them.
Assumptions for the Oil Sands operations, Syncrude and Fort Hills 2022 production outlook include those relating to reliability and operational efficiency initiatives that the company expects will minimize unplanned maintenance in 2022. Assumptions for the Exploration & Production 2022 production outlook include those relating to reservoir performance, drilling results and facility reliability. Factors that could potentially impact Suncor's 2022 corporate guidance include, but are not limited to:
Bitumen supply. Bitumen supply may be dependent on unplanned maintenance of mine equipment and extraction plants, bitumen ore grade quality, tailings storage and in situ reservoir performance.
Third-party infrastructure. Production estimates could be negatively impacted by issues with third- party infrastructure, including pipeline or power disruptions, that may result in the apportionment of capacity, pipeline or third-party facility shutdowns, which would affect the company's ability to produce or market its crude oil.
Performance of recently commissioned facilities or well pads. Production rates while new equipment is being brought into service are difficult to predict and can be impacted by unplanned maintenance.
Unplanned maintenance. Production estimates could be negatively impacted if unplanned work is required at any of our mining, extraction, upgrading, in situ processing, refining, natural gas processing, pipeline, or offshore assets.
Planned maintenance events. Production estimates, including production mix, could be negatively impacted if planned maintenance events are affected by unexpected events or are not executed effectively. The successful execution of maintenance and start-up of operations for offshore assets, in particular, may be impacted by harsh weather conditions, particularly in the winter season.
Commodity prices. Declines in commodity prices may alter our production outlook and/or reduce our capital expenditure plans.
Foreign operations. Suncor's foreign operations and related assets are subject to a number of political, economic and socio-economic risks.
Government Action. This guidance is subject to any production curtailments imposed by the Government of Alberta. Further action by the Government of Alberta regarding production curtailment may impact Suncor's corporate guidance and such impact may be material.
COVID-19 Pandemic: This guidance is subject to a number of external factors beyond our control that could significantly influence this outlook, including the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and future waves, and any associated policies around current business restrictions, shelter-in-place orders, or gatherings of individuals. As a result of the volatile business environment and the uncertain pace of an economic recovery it is challenging to determine the overall outlook for crude oil and refined product demand, which remains dependent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MD&A, together with Suncor's most recently filed Annual Information Form, Form 40-F and Annual Report to Shareholders and other documents Suncor files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities describe the risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results and such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these documents are available without charge from Suncor at 150 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3E3; by email request to invest@suncor.com; by calling 1-800-558-9071; or by referring to suncor.com/FinancialReports or to the company's profile on SEDAR at sedar.com or EDGAR at sec.gov. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Suncor disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs and Syncrude cash operating costs are not prescribed by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures are included because management uses the information to analyze business performance, including on a per barrel basis, as applicable, and it may be useful to investors on the same basis. These non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are defined in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of the MD&A and, for the period ended September 30, 2021, are reconciled to the comparable GAAP measure in the MD&A. Oil Sands operations cash operating costs of $25.00 – $28.00 (US $20.00 – $22.40) per barrel is based on the assumptions that: (i) Suncor will produce 395,000 – 435,000 bbls/d at Oil Sands operations (of which 310,000 – 330,000 bbls/d will be synthetic crude oil and 85,000 – 105,000 will be bitumen); and (ii) natural gas used at Suncor's Oil Sands operations (AECO – C Spot ($CAD)) will be priced at an average of $3.80/GJ over 2022. Fort Hills cash operating costs of $23.00 – $27.00 (US $18.40 – $21.60) per barrel is based on the assumptions that: (i) Fort Hills production (net to Suncor) will be 85,000 – 100,000 bbls/d; and (ii) natural gas used at Fort Hills (AECO – C Spot ($CAD)) will be priced at an average of $3.80/GJ over 2022. Syncrude cash operating costs of $31.00 – $34.00 (US $24.80 – $27.20) per barrel is based on the assumptions that: (i) Syncrude will produce 175,000 – 190,000 bbls/d of synthetic crude oil (net to Suncor); and (ii) natural gas used at Syncrude (AECO – C Spot ($CAD)) will be priced at an average of $3.80/GJ over 2022. The Syncrude cash operating costs per barrel and Fort Hills cash operating costs per barrel measures may not be fully comparable to similar information calculated by other entities (including Suncor's Oil Sands operations cash operating costs per barrel) due to differing operations.
Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro‑Canada brand. A member of Dow Jones Sustainability indexes, FTSE4Good and CDP, Suncor is working to responsibly develop petroleum resources while also growing a renewable energy portfolio. Suncor is listed on the UN Global Compact 100 stock index. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
For more information about Suncor, visit our website at suncor.com and follow us on Twitter @Suncor
Investor inquiries: Media inquiries:
1 800-558-9071 1-833-296-4570
invest@suncor.com media@suncor.com
Suncor Syncrude


text:
Somali Head of National Security Agency and 13 Troops Killed in IED Blast
by Steve Balestrieri Feb 12, 2021
Photo of earlier roadside bombing by al-Shabaab in Somalia
At least 13 Somali troops were killed in a roadside bombing when their vehicle hit an IED. They were part of a military intelligence unit's convoy.
The convoy had been traveling near the town of Dhusamareeb in Galmudug State. Among the killed troops was Abdirashid Abdinur, the commander of the National Security Agency (NISA) in Dhusamareb district, located about 250 miles north of the capital of Mogadishu.
"We are getting terrible reports that 13 security men are all killed in the blast which destroyed their vehicle in the Galmudug province," said General Masud Mohamud.
The Islamic terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on its Andalus radio station.
In a report from The Defence Post, Abdiweli Adan, a Somali security officer, said the soldiers were conducting security operations in the area when their vehicle was destroyed by the IED. "The blast ripped through the vehicle and killed most of those onboard. One or two soldiers survived with serious injuries," he added.
Emergency talks over Somalia's delayed election are being held in Galmudug State with Somalia's President Mohamed and regional leaders in attendance. Politicians haven't been able to come to a decision in choosing a new president.
With many of the country's leading politicians meeting in Dhusamareeb, the area has come under increased attacks from the terrorist group. Two days prior to this attack, al-Shabaab forces had fired mortars at the town.
The political impasse has put the country in the midst of an impending constitutional crisis. Information Minister Osman Dube said that the politicians weren't able to come to an agreement on how to proceed.
"No agreement was reached," said Dube. "The government offered to negotiate and settle all the disputed issues, but some brothers have failed to understand, and refused to resolve the issues."
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's term is set to expire and he is seeking another term.
Back in September, he had come to an agreement with the five semi-autonomous regions to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by early 2021.
Somalia has been wracked by violence perpetrated by al-Shabaab. In 2012, the terrorist organization had pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda. Three years later, several of its members deflected and switched allegiances to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Government forces had forced the terror group nearly out of the country several years ago and contained it in outlying areas.
But that hasn't stopped al-Shabaab from carrying out bombing attacks in Mogadishu, the country's capital. In 2017, a twin bombing killed over 500 people. On January 31, a bombing and terror attack at a hotel in Mogadishu, used by military and government officials, resulted in five deaths including a former general.
On February 8, a military convoy, which was escorting trucks transporting goods to large urban centers, was hit with a roadside IED resulting in the death of six soldiers and two civilian drivers.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has kept up a steady series of airstrikes against al-Shabaab and in support of the internationally recognized government forces in their fight against the terrorist group.
About Steve Balestrieri View All Posts
Suicide Car Bomb Explodes Near Parliament in Somalia
Somali Army targets al-Shabaab terrorists in order to curtail violence
Ugandan Military Kills 189 al-Shabaab Extremist Fighters in a Raid
Two Somali Bases Attacked by al-Shabaab Insurgents
Hotel in Mogadishu Attacked by al-Shabaab, At Least 9 Dead
American soldier wounded by Islamic terror group in Somalia