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The repercussion of the downfall of Thomas Cook tour operator
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Bankruptcy in Lehman Brothers-style?
The 23rd of September will be a memorable day in the tourism industry in Europe. It is when the biggest and the oldest British tour operators, which tradition dates back to 1841, declared bankruptcy. After 178 years of running its activity, Thomas Cook will go down in history in the atmosphere of bewilderment and upheaval.
Is it another bankruptcy in a Lehman Brothers earthquake style but this time in the hospitality sector?
Perhaps, we should finally learn a lesson as this time Canary and the Balearic Islands "all-included" tour operators' business model is at risk.
The repercussion of Thomas Cook's bankruptcy on the European hospitality sector
Unfortunately, the downfall of Thomas Cook has had its consequences not only on holidaymakers, millions of which were left stranded in holiday resorts in Spain, Greece and Turkey but it has also reverberated in the hospitality sector and the European economy. According to the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourism (CEHAT) only in Spain, about 500 hotels will go bankrupt until December. The Spanish Government has passed a special fund of 700 million euros (loans and direct aids) to cover the loss of the potential historical bankruptcy evaluated for 200 million euros. Since Tuesday, 23th of September hundreds of hotels have already been closed in Ibiza, Mallorca, Catalonia, Andalusia and it's not over yet. The next avalanche of bankruptcies is expected in 2020 (in accordance with the President of CEHAT).
About Thomas Cook
Every year Thomas Cook sent around 19 million tourists abroad- 3,6 million of which chose the Canary and Balearic Island. According to the "El Pais", the clients of the British tour operator in Balearic Island amounted to 15% and on the Canary Island even more- 25% of all tourists of the operator. The British giant operated in 16 countries, in 60 destinations and owned around 200 hotels across 46 destinations as well as its own airlines.
Problems of the company
The problems of the company began years before they declared bankruptcy and there were many factors that contributed to the fall of the Thomas Cook tour operator. Not only the uncertainty related to Brexit, a decline in the value of sterling but also a political situation in countries such as Turkey and Egypt left a mark on the number of reservations. The growth of online competitors such as booking.com and Airbnb and the fact that flying has become more affordable and possible to a countless number of destinations also had a significant impact. In addition, there are some controversies related to extra salaries and bonuses granted by the management board despite the deteriorating condition of the company. A series of misfortunes of Thomas Cook reached a point where in order to survive in the market, the company had to sell three million tours a year only to cover the debt interest.
Impact on the Spanish economy
In order to imagine the scale of the problem and the impact of the downfall of Thomas Cook on the tourism sector in Europe, it is necessary to understand its monopolistic character. While operating in 16 countries, Thomas Cook hired almost 21,000 people worldwide (in accordance with the financial report from 2018), owned 100 aircraft as well as operated 186 own-brand hotels and resorts. Only in the Canary Islands, the company owned 20 hotels, 29 in Turkey, 3 in the Gambia and more than 10 in Tunisia. Despite its own activity, the company also cooperated with Expedia- a travel booking website used to book holidays, cruises, accommodation, flight tickets or event rent a car.
Among many available destinations, sunny resorts in Greece and Spain were especially popular.
How will the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook affect the Spanish economy?
Until the very last moment, Thomas Cook tried to reach an agreement with banks and shareholders which would prevent the company from its downfall. Regardless of the efforts, the plan failed, and the British giant was forced to initiate the process of liquidation of the company, seriously jeopardizing the European tourism sector.
The most immediate victims are a myriad of small hotels that used to sell the whole season holiday in advanced but were paid after the guest stays. Usually, the high season payment (July and August) was to be paid in September. The payment has never been received despite the fact that clients covered all expenses for their holiday. This is a calamity for small hotel owners which poses at risk their activity.
At a macro level, considering that tourism in Spain constitutes 14,7% of all employment, it is easy to predict the repercussion of the bankruptcy on the Spanish economy. Not only employees and tourists are victims of the crisis. Also, the companies from the sector such as Aena, Amadeus, Meliá or NH Hotel Group has suffered a loss on the stock market those days.
The downfall of Thomas Cook affected the most popular Spanish resorts in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands including las Palmas, Tenerife, Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca but also Catalonia and Andalusia. Therefore, a Spanish Federation of Tourist Hotels and Accommodation (CEHAT) requested the Spanish government to prepare a rescue program for hoteliers, and above all emergency tax breaks or exemption from some of the fees related to employee social insurance. The lobby has already obtained some of them.
This event must be carefully considered as a warning and an urgent call to reconsider the business model based on all-included, tour operators, and being competitive only based on price.
Rabí Rubèn, 14 Prta 3 08004 Barcelona
T. +34 936 675 430 - exnovo@exnovo-rehs.com
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When we go to the cinema, or switch on the TV, what kinds of stories are we hearing about the diverse communities within our country?
What communities are we excluding from our national cinematic landscape, what stories are being perpetuated in the media and how is this impacting on the communities themselves?
A few months ago, I chatted to a young man from a youth organisation based in western Sydney, that assists with helping refugee youth adjust to a new life in Australia. I was keen on seeing if I could interview some of the youth for a research project, however the initial reaction I got was hesitant – as it turns out, many of the youth the organisation works with have been hurt by the media and the way their communities have been portrayed within the press. Many teenagers had been troubled by the way their communities had been generalised, blamed for crime, and publicly labeled as 'a problem'. These impressionable teenagers were being told by a powerful force, the media, that their people are a problem, and the question has to be asked, how do those messages impact on their identity? It troubles me to think just how much of a psychological effect this could have on youth trying to adapt to a new life. Particularly after fleeing from the threat of death and violence in their homeland.
It's not the first time I've found people hesitant to talk to me due to the hurt and fear they have felt as a result of the way their community has been represented in the media.
In 2013 I endeavored to make a short film that could shed light on the settlement experience of young South Sudanese refugees. My first contact that I made to gain connection with the community, was a friend of the South Sudanese community, warned me, that many people would be hesitant to talk, due to ongoing negative representations of the community in the news and media.
Upon conducting a large amount of primary research, I found it to be true. The South Sudanese community had been negatively stereotyped in news reporting for the last ten years, and the damage of negative news reporting had left an emotional scar on many of the community members living in Australia.
Research into the effects of media representation on minority communities within news reporting and how this reporting shapes public preconceptions and prejudice, is plentiful. According to Kuhar's paper "Media Representation of Minorities," media representation, is a key factor in helping to 'co-create' or 'shape', public ideas and images of minority groups and ultimately, can result in a greater or lower tolerance towards particular minority groups.
It's easy to understand how prejudice can be influenced by the media, however, let's not also forget, that such representation is very damaging for the individuals who are a part of those communities.
I loved 'Go Back to Where you Came From' because as a television show it told people's stories and, has been the perfect example of how storytelling can be used as a tool, not only for entertainment but also, for social advocacy.
Moving away from news reporting in the media, what about cinema? Having discovered how news reporting effects diverse and marginalised communities, it should come as no surprise that the same effects can be felt through the representation of minorities in fictional cinematic storytelling within feature film and television formats.
For the past seven years I've worked creatively within the disability community, putting to screen, stories that I believe, represent people with a disability in an empowering way whilst also exploring some of the issues many people with a disability face. This has been a conscious decision of mine, because upon completing a film and showing it to an audience, I want the members of the community, of which the film is about, to feel that the film has either given them a voice, has empowered them in some way, or, has at least, put some ideas into the world that can challenge pre-existing prejudices and stereotypes.
During my time bringing these stories to life, I've had the opportunity to hear the opinions of various people and their thoughts on the representation of disability in film and the media. Some of the recurring concerns I've heard voiced over the years include the idea that people with a disability are often portrayed in film and T.V as a victim of their disability, that their disability provides an obstacle for them to 'overcome'. I've heard lectures and keynote speeches on the 'superhuman-syndrome' in film, by that I mean, people with a disability are often stereotyped as 'inspiring' and that their disability is used as a mode of inspiration for the people without a disability around them. There's also the debate that people with a disability should be cast in roles where the character has a disability.
Needless to say, there are incredible amounts of academic research on the subject of disability representation in film, as well as many opinions, and my little summary is extremely brief. However it goes to show that representation in cinema is important to communities because it shapes societal perceptions of the individuals who belong to them.
As a writer/director, I have been most satisfied when I've watched the films I've made with the members of the community that the film is about. When people have said 'that film was spot on' or 'yes, that's what it's like' or 'I identified with that character'… my heart sings. Comments like this remind me of what I want to do. They remind me again and again about the power storytelling has to either heal or hurt communities.
We see our culture and our nation on display within our cinematic stories. If we have groups missing from our cinematic landscape, what does this do to our understanding of who makes up our national tapestry? We can forget that we are not just a nation of only white middle class men and women. And I question, does this cause pain to those who are left out? Exclusion, no matter what it looks like, hurts. Whether people realise it or not, I believe that mis-representing or not representing our maginalised and diverse communities within our cinematic landscape, widens the divide between the majority and our minorities. And, I believe the result of this divide can be detrimental to an individuals identity.
On 21st of June, I hosted a community screening of my short film, 'I Am Emmanuel' at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta along with a question and answer time at the end. 'I Am Emmanuel' is the film I began and finished in 2013 about a South Sudanese refugee's experience of settlement. Various members of the South Sudanese community were in attendance, along with three Blacktown councillors, one councillor from Parramatta, members of the Blacktown police force and John Robertson MP, Member for Blacktown, Leader of the Opposition, and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney.
Here we were, bringing together the community to give a voice to the experience of migrants, and help people of influence in the community further understand the settlement experience.
In order to hold the screening I had turned down a grant to attend Palm Springs International Film Festival, 'I Am Emmanuel' had been accepted and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend as a filmmaker that same week. However, I felt that the community screening would be far more important and emotionally satisfying. I was right.
Tears flowed, the Q and A went for a half-an-hour and could have kept going. Members of the community were overjoyed; they had a film that they felt represented their experience in a humanising way. People who didn't previously understand the settlement experience, understood. One woman from Kenya commented, that many Kenyan's have prejudice towards the refugees who seek safety in their country; through tears she admitted that she finally understood the experience of a refugee and in her words "what it means to be a refugee". Three women from the wider African refugee community also commented how the film had showed their experience in a way that brought 'relief'. My heart was overjoyed. I saw a community being healed, given not just a film, but the opportunity to express themselves and feel validated and supported.
So what's my overall point?
My point is, it's good for us to be aware of just how powerful storytelling is. In my opinion cinematic storytelling can bring great healing to people but can also do great damage. As a filmmaker, I think we should endeavor to keep this in mind if we are telling stories that involve people from diverse and marginalised communities. We have a responsibility as storytellers to understand the power our films can have on communities, and we must explore ways in which these stories can benefit and empower the communities we are representing on screen.
It's my belief that inclusion within society and the cinematic stories we tell, are intrinsically linked. Cinematic language is the strongest form of communication we have. When the elements of music, visuals, movement and dialogue come together, we can be profoundly moved both emotionally and in our thinking.
So, let's use that power to shape positive social change, to heal communities and build bridges of understanding and compassion through the art of storytelling.


Almost caught up in posting our LISTEN thoughts. These are from Saturday.
People seem to think that all women in the Bible and biblical culture were treated badly, like slaves or property. They use this against the Bible, in general, and against Paul, in particular. So I find it really cool that Luke records that "not a few prominent women" joined Paul's group in Thessalonica.
Rhodes was the home of the Colossus of Rhodes – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Paul was there to see its ruins.
Was it a sin for Paul to go on to Jerusalem after the Holy Spirit said to not go? How would the story have changed if he hadn't gone?
I also found it interesting that I missed the important/religious/respected women versus before listening. Acts 13:50, 17:4 & 17:12. Something to ponder!


Paul Allen, co founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, has died at age 65.
Due diligence in hiring Espanics and not just look at either a Visa or Green Card and accept it as a fact. But then, employer s tend to want to claim ignorance as a defense when they hire Espanics at far below the going rate. That's not the point that I was making. As soon as the killer was revealed as an illegal alien (I guess that those papers didn't fool the Police), the pro wall faction jumped on that as proof positive that all illegal aliens were potential criminals and possibility murders. All I'm saying is that only those with clean hands should be taken seriously.
It turns out that the alleged killer was living rent free on a farm owned by a big Iowa GOP contributor. I doubt if the hard lined anti immigration leaders will mention this fact.
Senator John McCain, U.S. navy pilot and POW during the Vietnam war and two term Congressman and six term Senator and the 2008 GOP nominee for President, died today. He said that he never received an apology from President Trump for disparaging McCain's military service. Trump can now say nice things about Senator McCain but if he were my father, there is no way that I'd allow Trump to attend the funeral or any family services for Senator McCain. RIP!!!
Trump's chief lawyer at the White House has been cooperating with the Mueller investigation. I wonder what dirt Paul Manafort has on Trump that Trump's lawyer doesn't have?
The CEO of Hong Kong airlines was nice enough to honor the mistake fare tickets. Once I saw the mistake fare on Facebook, I went over to Flyertalk and members were posting at an average of one post every 3 minutes over a 7 hour hour period. The concensus was that Hong Kong airlines would not honor the fare, so that shows how much most of them know. This ticket gives me less incentive to try to rent out my house. However, we have a second studio house in an orchard outside of Chiangmai which, while small, will be alright for a two week's stay. I just hope that the Chinese running the Hong Kong airport aren't like the pricks that run the airport in Shanghai.
I just saw a "mistake fare" on Facebook, for LAX to BKK for next March on Hong Kong airlines. For business class, it was $666 round trip. I have until the end of the day on the 18th to cancel with no penalties. There is also a chance that the airline will cancel the mistake fare. I've never flown Hong Kong airlines and have not flown through Hong Kong. I hated flying through Shanghai my last two trips. Is Hong Kong any better? I'm hoping that Hong Kong airlines is a better quality airline than China Eastern (who I'm suing over the "lost bag") I'm sure at the price that I paid that business class is worth it but has anyone flown it and could give me their observations? Is it worth it to schedule a 1 day layover in Hong Kong, since I've never been there?
Aretha Franklin, the Queen ofSoul, has died at age 76. RIP!
The only time that you have to re gesister to vote is if you move. I've lived at my present location since 2010 and haven't had to do anything but show up and present an acceptable ID to vote. There is a deadline before a Primary to change party affiliation, which is usually about a month before the Primary.
There's one more interesting race in my district. Our Congressman, Kevin Yoder, is solidly Republican, taking as much money from special interests for his re-election (so you know where his loyalty lies) and towing the line of the Republican leadership and Trump. In return, he was appointed chairman of a sub committee that appropriates funds to support agencies that enforce the immigration laws and funds for the wall. Kansas is at least 1,200 miles from the Mexican border, so his appointment makes little sense except as a payback for his support. Yoder isn't very subtle in making decisions to further his career. A couple of weeks ago, he came out in support for a Democratic proposal to ease separation of illegal kids from their parents at the border. The same day, he is blasted by Republicans for this stance, particularly by Laura Ingram on her Fox show. The next day, he retracts his support, saying that he is going to work with the Trump administration to solve the problem. Plans, for the last two years, he has refused to hold Town Hall meetings, which most Congressman and Senators of both Parties regularly do. His Democratic opponent is Sharice David's, a Native American and openly lesbian lawyer. Raised by a single mom in the military, he got her law degree, spent a couple of years as a martial arts fighter (I'd pay to see a martial arts fight between her and Yoder), worked on the Pine Bluffs Reservation for a couple of years and worked as an aide in the Obama Administration, then moved to Kansas, where she went to high school and community college when her mother was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth. She came out of a crowded 6 person Primary where one of the candidates was endorsed by Bernie Sanders, and won. Even though Kansas is a solid red state, most political prognosticators say that this district is up for grabs, as it went with Hillary in the last election. Yoder has the support of most Republicans in a Republican state. But there are a lot of Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans that can't stand Yoder for his towing the Republican leadership line and his caving to special interest that contribute 93% of the money that goes to his re-election campaign. As strange as it sounds, Kansas may have the first Native American Congresswoman this coming January.
To be an eligible voter, you have to register as either a Democrat, Republican or Independent. I tend to vote Democratic but Kansas is a solid Republican state, so I register Republican in order to screw up their Primary (as much as one voter can do that). All Primary voting in a State is done the same day. In my case, if I had registered as a Democrat, I would have voted in the same building that I voted at yesterday but would have voted for the Democratic candidates running for office. You can't vote more than once in an election and there are severe penalties imposed if you are caught voting multiple times. Plus, you need a nationally recognized ID, like Drivers license or passport, in order to vote. I know that the Democratic leadership in Kansas wanted Kobach to face the Democratic candidate for Governor because Kobach is an extremely polarizing figure in Kansas, they felt that he would be the easier candidate to beat. I just wanted to make sure that Kobach never reached the General election. I have no idea who will win the Republican Primary at this point and it will be at least a week before all ballots are cast. Longer if the losing candidate contests the results. And if the results are contested and there is a recount, guess who certifies the result? The Kansas Secretary of State, Kris Kobach.
My house 15 years ago was 15 minutes out of town, with nothing around it. Now, Chiangmai's growth reached my house and is working its way to Sankamphaene. When I finally do move back, driving into central Chiangmai will be about the last thing that I'll want to do with any regularity.
Between guns, immigration, being a voter fraud zealot and wanting to re-institute the Governor Brownback tax cuts that bankrupted Kansas, I can't see how Kobach could win a statewide election for dog catcher, let alone Governor. The Democratic leadership in Kansas would be happy if they could run their candidate against Kobach, figuring that his extreme views would cause voters to run to their candidate. That strategy really worked well for Hillary against Trump. Dueling isn't a half bad idea. Governor Colyer is a cosmetic surgeon and could make Kobach look as good as new afterwards. Except for counting absentee ballots, the election results are in. Kobach has a 191 vote lead. Hopefully, most of the 6,000 absentee ballots are from urban voters. In any event, I'd assume that there will be a recount. It may be weeks before this vote is decided.
Maybe it's time to move back to Chiangmai 8 years earlier than planned. It's still too close to call.


We have several Farmer's Markets right here in the middle of the city, which bring in local organic fruit, produce, & food products every Saturday. Bring your backpack to carry what you purchase, and let's shop the markets on our bikes!
We meet and then take an easy tour of 3 to 5 markets around the city. We use side streets, trails and residential roads for this 8 to 12 mile ride.
Not only will you learn the markets and get some exercise, you'll see beautiful areas you never knew existed in Houston and take home a bounty of beautiful produce, breads, sauces and jams!
No matter what day of the week it is, you can always find a Farmer's Market in Houston that is open and has fresh, organic food to keep you healthy.
"The Farmer Market ride from Onion Creek is one of my favorites. Never having road biked before, I found comfort on the road with 60 other people and a knowledgeable leader."
Don't have a bike? Don't worry!
Houston B-cycle is a bike share program in Houston Texas that is operated by Houston Bike Share; a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit whose mission is "To implement, operate and expand a bike-sharing program supported by the community that offers residents, commuters and visitors a choice of ecological and economical transport, ideal for short trips and resulting in fewer vehicle miles traveled, less pollution and congestion, better mobility and more personal health and wellness."
Use the bcycle app to find a station closest to you.
This is your guide to when each farmer's market is open, where it is located and a link to the website!
If you think the organic thing is for you, want to check out all the rave, or just want to bike around in Houston, come with us as we shop the local farmers market.
Lots of folks, hoping to enjoy the benefits of higher-quality, higher-nutrition foods, make the choice to go organic. More than 60 percent of Americans - nearly twice the number in 2004 - purchased organic food products last year, and organic foods are among the fastest-growing segments of the food industry. We've all been told we should buy organic. But how many of us really know why?
Not only is organic food proven to be healthier, with higher levels of vitamin C, iron and calcium, it also tastes better. Because those carrots aren't forced to grow quickly in time for the Sunday dinner rush, they can develop a depth of flavour not found elsewhere.
The lower water content (non-organic foods change structure through the use of agro-chemicals and retain 26 per cent more water) not only contributes to that flavour but may also mean that, pound for pound, organic food is really the more economical option.
And it's good news for those of us striving to be 'green'. The organic farming method produces less waste, and therefore less carbon dioxide into the environment. It also goes hand in hand with a higher standard of animal care and supports farmyard wildlife.
Is this just a way to charge more for a bit of dirt on my carrots?
Number one on any naysayer's list is the price of organic food. Studies show that your organic basket could cost up to 63 per cent more. And don't expect to buy exotic favourites all year round. Even if you can get your hands on an elusive boysenberry, chances are it will have clocked up thousands of air miles to get here.
Just take a look at the long lines you're likely to find in your local natural-foods market: It still amazes me to see just how many people willingly shell out top dollar for some sort of nebulous guarantee that we're buying better health for ourselves and our families. Are we making a smart choice?
A new study of US Department of Agriculture data conducted by Washington, DC-based Environmental Working Group that says particular fruits and vegetables contain substantially lower amounts of the pesticides and contaminants routinely found in conventionally produced items. Fewer chemicals equals lower health risks, making these purchases smart ones.


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K3Y is a Puzzle video game by Legacy Games for mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. It mixes the elements of Adventure, Strategy, Arcade, and Puzzle with a twist of match-3, offering realistic physics experience. The gameplay is simple, in which you have to launch the ball and hit three colored pegs to smash and clear the entire level using a similar method and open the door to the next level… read more
ArcadePuzzle
What are best K3Y Alternatives for PS3?
23 17 13 5 1 1 1 1 3 1
#1 Peggle
Peggle is a Casual, Arcade, Puzzle, and Single-player and Multiplayer video game developed by Electronic Arts. It offers exciting gameplay and lets you immerse yourself in arcade experience.
It has several modes, but Adventure is the primary mode, and the game contains up to fifty-five levels. Each level comprises at least one hundred blue pegs positioned according to the background of the stage. The ultimate goal is to clear the board consists of twenty-five pegs that will change into orange at the start of each level.
During the gameplay, you need to aim using a ball launcher and shot other pegs to earn rewards and clear them. Upon receiving a hit, the colorful dots will light up and fall to the bottom of the screen. If the ball falls into the bucket, the game rewards you with extra points.
Complete each level to score the highest points and challenge your friends to beat it. You can play solo or compete against buddies in online multiplayer mode. Fifty-Five Levels, Play with Friends, Replayability, save your Progress, etc. are the core features of the game.
More About K3Y
K3Y is a Puzzle video game by Legacy Games for mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. It mixes the elements of Adventure, Strategy, Arcade, and Puzzle with a twist of match-3, offering realistic physics experience.
The gameplay is simple, in which you have to launch the ball and hit three colored pegs to smash and clear the entire level using a similar method and open the door to the next level. The more pegs you match, the more scores you earn. The game includes bumpers, obstacles, switches, and more.
Dodge hurdles, and achieve a whole level, gather power-ups, and score the highest points to challenge the fellows to beat it. The game unlocks other levels as you complete its requirements, and you can immerse yourself in classic match-3 experience.
K3Y offers exciting features such as different Backgrounds, Complex Levels, Superb Gameplay, Upgrades, Spectacular Boosters, and more.
Match-3 Physics Single Player Skill

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


In the Great Basin Desert, we plant peas on Saint Patrick's Day. This is because the proper growing conditions for peas are met in mid-March, and linking that with a holiday makes it easier to remember. To keep the Great Basin gardening tradition for early spring, you too should plant peas and other cool season crops on March 17.
This gets peas into the ground about the time when soil temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit and before temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Peas grown in these cool soils taste sweeter.
The mild temperatures good for peas are also good for other cool season crops. Cool season crops include root and leaf vegetables. Like peas, they can be planted outside in mid-March. They germinate in soils 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can withstand light frosts and moderate snows common to Nevada springs.
Carrots – Plant in rich, well-drained soils away from too much organic matter and clay soils, soils with hard pan and soils with rocks and other debris. Plant in rows for easy thinning when seedlings reach 1 to 2 inches tall. Apply mulch, keep the soil moist, and make sure carrot roots are not exposed to light. For an extended harvest, plant more carrots every three weeks.
Lettuce – Plant in rows of single or mixed varieties, or broadcast seed to create solid blocks of mixed salad greens. Go for leaf lettuce since it yields a more productive harvest for a longer period of time than head lettuce. Leaf lettuce also has fewer pest problems, and it is more nutritious.
Onions – Plant sets or starts and bulbs in well-drained soil rich with organic matter. Space them with room to grow. Their small root system does not perform well with competition. If you have seeds instead of sets or starts and bulbs, do not plant them directly outside. Instead, start them indoors. Transplant them in the garden within a month after they germinate.
Peas – Plant seeds directly into a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Fashion trellises for their climbing vines.
Spinach – Plant cool season varieties now in soils rich with organic matter or in clay soils. Extend the harvest by providing filtered shade before plants begin to bolt or go to seed. The filtered shade will help lower temperatures back to preferred levels.
There are many different crops and varieties of those crops to choose from this Saint Patrick's Day. It is easy to over-plant since there are so many tempting options. As hard as it is to leave areas in the yard unplanted for now, do so in order to save room for warm season vegetables. You will start them indoors from seed soon, and they'll need room outside in the garden come mid-May or early June.
For more information, check out the related blog posts below.


LPG Cylinders are tested visually in case of any leakage on the welded parts or flange connections. LPG Cylinders are sunk into a pool full of water. Because it takes time to sink cylinder into water and wait for air bubbles appear, air leakage test machine is designed to test 5-10 cylinders at a time. After all cylinders are conveyed into cage, the beginning and end of the cage is closed, then cylinders are sunk into water sideways for better examination of air leakage visually.


In the early days of the Y2k problem, there were Pollyannas and Doomers. One side said "no problem!" the other side said "this is the end of the world as we know it." Neither side was right — we muddled through. Now the sub-prime mortgage problem looks a lot the same way to me, with very polarized opinion and little credible info in the middle. That's what I ruminate about in this Geezercast.
Uffdah. Pretty choppy month or so on the financial markets. I talk a little bit about debt, the dollar, oil and cars, and the future. No conclusions — just great opportunity for my unborn grandchildren to giggle over the irony of it all.
I took a week off from GeezerCast to head off to the Targeted Traffic conference in Florida. It's a great gang and I enjoyed myself no end, but I came away with an observation for you my unborn grandchildren. When there's a new industry, like this one, there's opportunity created as that industry matures. One of those opportunities, it seems to me, is to introduce the age-old notions of professional selling and sales management. I met a lot of people who either want to sell to me, or for me, at the conference and for the most part their marketing and sales techniques are pretty primitive. So I decided to devote a GeezerCast to those observations.
Back from my first trip abroad in a really long time. A few observations about how "un-different" New Zealand is, although there are other things that were different enough to make it interesting. Sorry about the long hiatus in GeezerCasts.
Well, I'm not gonna talk about Corp.com this time — at least, not directly. But, since I'm starting up a new business, I thought I lay a rant on you about why I don't like OPM (other people's money) and have never taken any.
I've had a few "15 minutes of fame" episodes and decided to share a few observations about getting/being a little bit famous. Nothing earthshattering. Pretty low-key.


Elon Musk's car brand Tesla has unveiled its latest and "safest" all-electric Model Y crossover SUV, which is expected to go on the market in Autumn 2020.
The fully electric, mid-size SUV is the company's second mass-market electric vehicle, following the Model 3.
It was unveiled by the billionaire entrepreneur during an event at Tesla's design studio in Hawthorne, California, last night, 14 March 2019.
"It has the functionality of an SUV, but it will ride like a sports car," Musk said at the event. "This thing will be really tight on corners."
More compact than the Model X SUV, and larger than the Model 3, the Model Y vehicle will be the electric carmaker's fifth model.
A high-efficiency powertrain and ultra-responsive motors will enable the car to reach zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of up to 150 mph. Prices for the Model Y will start at $39,000 (£29,400) for a Standard Range version, boasting a battery range of 230 miles.
However customers will have to wait until Spring 2021 before they can buy the standard model. More expensive versions of the car with longer battery range will go on sale first in Autumn 2020.
This includes the Long Range version for $47,000 (£35,500), which will be able to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive model for $51,000 (£38,500), and the Performance version for $60,000 (£45,300).


Motreanu, V V (2010). Uniqueness results for a Dirichlet problem with variable exponent. Communications on Pure and Applied Analysis, 9(5):1399-1410.
Motreanu, D; Motreanu, V V; Papageorgiou, N S (2009). Multiple solutions for Dirichlet problems which are superlinear at +∞ and (sub)linear at -∞. Communications in Applied Analysis, 13(3):341-357.
This list was generated on Fri Apr 26 18:52:32 2019 CEST.


This is a brand page for the DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark by Driven Solutions, Inc. in Carrollton, TX, 75006.
Write a review about a product or service associated with this DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark. Or, contact the owner Driven Solutions, Inc. of the DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark by filing a request to communicate with the Legal Correspondent for licensing, use, and/or questions related to the DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark.
On Friday, October 12, 2012, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for DRIVEN SOLUTIONS. The USPTO has given the DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark serial number of 85753182. The current federal status of this trademark filing is ABANDONED - NO STATEMENT OF USE FILED. The correspondent listed for DRIVEN SOLUTIONS is JENNIFER L. DEAN of DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP, 1500 K ST NW STE 1100, WASHINGTON, DC 20005-1209 . The DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark is filed in the category of Advertising, Business & Retail Services . The description provided to the USPTO for DRIVEN SOLUTIONS is tire warranty services, namely, arranging for repair and replacement of tires.
Mark Description: The mark consists of the word "driven" in lower case letters with the letter "d" encased in a circle above the word "SOLUTIONS" in capital letters.
Last Applicant/Owner: Driven Solutions, Inc.
Trademarkia-Network law firms can help you incorporate a business around your DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark in less than 5 minutes. Trademarkia makes the process easy and convenient, so start now!
JENNIFER L. DEAN is a correspondent of DRIVEN SOLUTIONS trademark.
DRIVEN SOLUTIONS is providing tire warranty services, namely, arranging for repair and replacement of tires.


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Home » Ayo Sokale
Ayo Sokale – Keynote Speaker
Civil engineer and BBC Presenter
Looking for fees and availability for Ayo Sokale?
Flood and coastal Risk Management
BIM – Building Information Modelling
BBC Bitesize Science Presenter Ayo Sokale possesses an array of talents and expertise, placing her at the cutting edge of the evolving scientific, environmental and media landscape.
Ayo is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Project Manager for the Environment Agency in Eastern England and is a popular Keynote Speaker on the environment and sustainability. She was a Graduate Civil Engineer on the Environment Agency's training scheme where she undertook internal and external placements which enabled her to sign off her ICE training agreement in 2.5 years and achieve CEng in 3 years.
Ayo was selected as one of Professor Lord Robert Mair's Future Leaders for his year as President of the ICE. She is one of the ICE's Water Superheroes aptly named Eco Warrior (previously Angel) and is an excellent Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Speaker, particularly when it comes to inspiring young people to pursue STEM subjects. Ayo is a STEM ambassador and mentor, encouraging others to take up careers in Civil Engineering. She was also nominated for the Top 50 Women in Engineering under 35 initiative run by The Telegraph in partnership with The Women's Engineering Society and is a popular Diversity and Inclusion Speaker.
In recent years, Ayo has felt more able to talk about being on the autism spectrum. She has a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome and is an empathetic and inspirational keynote speaker on neurodiversity, mental health challenges and how to overcome them.
Ayo loves the performing arts, fitness and is a presenter for BBC Reel. She has a passion for supporting great causes and has raised funds for a number of charities, using her platform as a beauty queen and finalist for Miss Galaxy England, Miss Earth and Miss Great Britain. She is also a Labour Councillor for Caversham on Reading Borough Council.
"Ayo was an excellent speaker for DVERSTY's Intentional Engineering series, we were humbled to have her. She represented her experiences as a Chartered Civil Engineer and Councillor extremely well. Delivering her presentation so eloquently, Ayo gave our guests an insight into the DNA of Civil Engineering. We'd like to thank Ayo for encourag-ing everybody to use their 'voice' to challenge injustices seen in their environment."
Joanna Tomlin -Co-Founder & Development Director- DVERSTY
"Very interesting - such a positive force of nature…People often say that change happens because people 'stand on the shoulders of giants'. Today, I think we've all just met a giant!"
NHS Network members
"Ayo, I just wanted to say thank you very much for the talk today. Your energy and pas-sion was incredible and you brought some very valuable insights and practical tips, for which we are very grateful. I truly don't know where you find the time to do it all, but the talk and what you are achieving was a real inspiration both for me personally and I know for the 120+ people listening in."
Paul Cuff, Chief Executive Officer, XPS
"The event was hugely successful and Ayo was truly inspirational! Could you please con-vey our thanks and appreciation to Ayo for a very engaging talk – feedback has been very positive."
Watch Ayo Sokale speaking
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Iowa Tuition Grant
loras college scholarships
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
Number of Awards & Eligibility: The number of awards offered varies annually.
Must be a resident of Iowa (as defined by the Iowa State Board of Regents).
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must be enrolled at an eligible private college or university in Iowa.
Must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll at least part time (three hours minimum).
Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
Description: This award is available to Iowa students who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at a private college or university in Iowa. Priority is given to applicants with the greatest financial need.
Application requirements for the Iowa Tuition Grant are:
Additional Information: Priority is given to applicants with the greatest financial need.
Award Amount: varies The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $1,000.
Deadline for this scholarship is Thursday, July 1, 2021
Program information is available from the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (ICSAC) website. To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and in college financial aid offices. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after Oct. 1 but before July 1 for award consideration for the upcoming award year.
Contact: Karen Misjak
Address: 430 E. Grand Ave., FL 3	Des Moines, Iowa 50309


...could mean orthopedic surgery at some point.
It's bad news when even the kid is complaining that his ankles and calves hurt. Today (Monday March 3) we headed to Sintra, outside Lisbon, home to Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace, and assorted other "lesser" palaces, all situated in a hilly wooded park. Uneventful train ride was followed by a rather harrowing bus trip up the hill in narrow, winding, cobblestoned roads. Pena Palace started life as a monastery, and was purchased in the early 1800s by the Portugese king, who added more palace-y bits.
The tilework is incredible, and everywhere. Even modern structures here are covered in tile on the outside...the palace wasn't any different. The views from the walls were fantastic - we lucked out on the weather, although high winds filled out too much hanging out on the walls on in the courtyards.
Note to self: install tiled courtyard in next house. Also, gargoyles.
After clambering around Pena, we hiked down to Mouros, the Moorish Castle. The original fort was restored by the Portugese royals, who also added some romantic period elements including winding pathways and gardens. Amazing views from the ramparts...and another workout. Really need to start using the Stairmaster at the gym, holy crap.
The kitchen at the National Palace.
Important side note: And the shoes these women were wearing! Boots, with heels, it's just craziness. I felt old and unfashionable in my sensible walking shoes, but also...self-righteous and smug, knowing that while I would need a glass of wine and a couple of ibuprofen at the end of the day, those women were going to need a boatload of alcohol and a morphine drip. Ha.
We chose not to walk down to the historic center of town, and hopped back on the bus (which is so going to be a terrifying amusement park ride, coming your way soon). Lunch of "toasts," aka "grilled cheese" followed by gelato fortified us enough to head to Sintra Palace, the national palace. The most notable feature here are the whopping double chimneys, which vent the whopping kitchen. This thing has meat spits for about 6 cows, and a "cooktop" that can accommodate a dozen huge copper pots at one time.
And if it wasn't hills and cobblestone roads, sidewalks and squares, it was stairs and stairs and more stairs. And more of the same in Lisbon itself. Ow.


Pursuant to the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (P.L. 103-3), the District hereby adopts the following policy relating to family and medical leave for eligible employees.
5. A "qualifying exigency" as defined by the United States Secretary of Labor, in which the employee's spouse, son, daughter or parent is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.
b. treatment by a health care provider on at least one occasion followed by a regimen of continuing treatment under the supervision of the health care provider. Over-the-counter medications, bed rest, taking of fluids, exercise, and other activities that can be initiated without a visit to a health care provider do not constitute continuing treatment. Serious health condition does cover conditions such as asthma and diabetes even if the episode of incapacity does not last more than three (3) days."
2. eighteen (18) years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability.
b. in the case of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, duty during the deployment of the member with the Armed Forces to a foreign country under a call or order to active duty under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of Title 10.
b. a veteran who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, for a serious injury or illness and who was a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves) at any time during the period of 5 years preceding the date on which the veteran undergoes that medical treatment, recuperation or therapy.
4. The term "Next of Kin" means, with respect to an individual, the nearest blood relative of that individual.
5. The term "serious injury or illness" in the case of a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, means an injury or illness incurred by the member in line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces that may render the member medically unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade rank or rating.
2. for at least 1,250 hours of service within the previous twelve (12) month period. Time paid (i.e., sick leave, vacation leave, etc.) will not be counted in calculating hours of service.
In the case of employees only employed for nine (9) months or one hundred eighty (180) working days out of each twelve (12) month period, this will require that they be employed for at least 1,250 hours of service during those one hundred eighty (180) working days, or whatever number of working days are actually worked during the twelve (12) month period.
Any eligible employee who is entitled to the leave referred to above shall be entitled to continuation of health benefits and all other insurance benefits, as well as accrual of sick leave and/or other leave benefits during the period of leave, under the same terms and conditions as are provided to the employee prior to taking the leave. Any increase in premiums or deductibles that apply to active employees shall also apply to employees on FMLA leave. Any employee who fails to pay his required share of premium may be dropped from coverage under the group health plan. The District shall provide the employee a notice that coverage will be dropped at least fifteen (15) days before coverage will cease.
Any employee who is eligible for this leave and takes the leave is entitled to an equivalent position with equivalent pay, benefits, and conditions of employment upon return to employment so long as the employee can continue to perform all the essential functions of the position.
This leave is not to be considered as leave in addition to other leave granted to the employee by School District policy for which the employee is otherwise eligible, but is intended only to supplement that leave to the extent it does not otherwise provide for twelve (12) weeks of leave. In other words, to the extent that any eligible employee would be entitled to receive sick leave, maternity leave, or personal leave pursuant to other applicable School District policies, then the eligible employee must use the sick/personal leave benefits granted under other applicable District policies and only in the event that it does not provide the eligible employee with twelve (12) weeks of leave would the employee be able to use the leave granted under this policy. The leave for which the eligible employee may qualify under the provisions of this policy will not exceed twelve (12) weeks inclusive of the leave utilized under other District policies for any of the above described leave situations. (For example, if due to the illness of an employee, an employee desires to take leave for a period up to twelve (12) weeks and the employee has available six (6) weeks of sick leave which could be utilized for this leave, then the employee would be required to use the six (6) weeks of available sick leave and thereafter would qualify for six (6) weeks of unpaid leave pursuant to this policy. If the employee had available up to twelve (12) weeks of personal/sick leave which could be utilized, then this policy would not apply).
The family leave benefit applicable to the birth, adoption, and foster placement for child care ends after (1) the child reaches age one; or (2) twelve months after adoption or placement.
When both spouses are employed by the School District, the combined amount of leave for birth, adoption, and illness of a parent may be limited to a total of twelve (12) weeks. This limitation is not applicable to leave for personal illness and illness of a spouse or child.
2. to transfer temporarily to an available alternative position offered by the School District for which the employee is qualified and that (1) has equivalent pay and benefits; and (2) better accommodates recurring periods of leave than the regular employment position of the employee.
b. the return to employment would occur during the three (3) week period before the end of such term.
b. the return to employment would occur during the two (2) week period before the end of such term.
3. If the eligible employee requests leave for any reason other than the employee's own serious health condition, which period would commence during the three (3) weeks prior to the end of a semester and the duration of the leave is greater than five (5) working days, the District may require the employee to continue to take leave until the end of such term.
4. Whenever a teacher is required to extend his/her leave as provided for in Sections 1, 2 or 3 above, the "extra" leave required by the District does not count against the employee's twelve (12) work week entitlement.
2. shall provide the School District with timely oral or written notice, such notice to be not less than thirty (30) days before the date the leave is to begin, of the employee's intention to take leave under such provision, except that, if the date of the treatment requires the leave to begin in less than thirty (30) days, the employee shall provide such notice as soon as practicable. "As soon as practicable" means the day the employee learns of the need for the leave or the next business day. If the employee does not give at least 30 days' notice, the District may ask for an explanation, and the employee must respond. If an employee fails to give proper notice, the District may delay or deny leave.
In any case in which the necessity for leave under the section entitled "Service member family Leave" is foreseeable, whether because the spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee is on covered active duty, or because of notification of an impending call or order to covered active duty, the employee shall provide such notice to the employer as is reasonable and practicable.
The District shall notify the employee of eligibility within 5 business days of the employee's request or of the District learning that leave may be covered by FMLA, unless there are extenuating circumstances. The notice may be oral or written, and must inform the employee if he or she is eligible. If the employee is not eligible for FMLA leave, the eligibility notice must specify at least one reason why the employee is not eligible. The District must also give notice to the employees of their rights and responsibilities.
The District may use a single form (including U.S. Department of Labor forms) for both the eligibility notice and the rights and responsibility notice.
The District may require that a request for leave to care for a relative with a serious health condition or because of the employee's own serious health condition, or a request for service member family leave, be supported by a certification issued by the health care provider of the eligible employee or of the son, daughter, spouse, or parent of the employee, or in the case of service member family leave, of the next of kin of an individual, as appropriate. The District must request the certification within 5 business days after the employee requests leave. The District must give the employee at least 15 calendar days to provide the certification. This may be done through the rights and responsibilities notice. It is the employee's responsibility to provide the District with a complete and sufficient certification. The employee shall provide a copy of such certification to the Superintendent, or his or her designee. The employee shall be responsible for the cost of such certification or re-certification.
If the certification is incomplete or insufficient, the District must notify the employee in writing of what additional information is needed, and must give the employee at least 7 calendar days to cure any deficiency in the certification. A certification is incomplete if an entry is blank, and is insufficient if information is vague, ambiguous or nonresponsive. The District may deny FMLA leave if the deficiencies in the certification are not corrected, or there is no resubmitted certification.
The District may contact the health care provider for authentication (i.e., verifying that the health care provider completed and signed the certification) or clarification (i.e., understanding the handwriting or understanding the meaning of a response) but only after giving the employee a chance to clarify. The District superintendent, business manager, human resources manager or leave administrator (but not the employee's direct supervisor) may contact the employee's health care provider.
6. in the case of certification for intermittent leave or leave on a reduced leave schedule for planned medical treatment, the dates on which such treatment is expected to be given and the duration of such treatment, and a statement of the medical necessity for the intermittent leave or leave on a reduced leave schedule.
Second Opinion: In any case in which the District has reason to doubt the validity of the certification provided by the employee for leave for medical care or for medical reasons, the District may require, at the expense of the District, that the eligible employee obtain the opinion of a second health care provider designated or approved by the District concerning any information certified under this section for such medical leave.
In any case in which the second opinion described above differs from the opinion in the original certification provided under this section, the District may require, at the expense of the District, that the employee obtain the opinion of a third health care provider designated or approved jointly by the District and the employee. The opinion of the third health care provider shall be considered to be final and shall be binding on the District and the employee.
The District can ask for recertification once every 30 days in connection with the employee's absence. If the original certification indicated that the condition will last more than 30 days, and the leave involves the absence of the employee, the District will not ask for recertification during the period specified in that original certification. The District may ask for recertification every six months, regardless of the period specified in the certification.
Within five business days of when the District has enough information to know whether leave is for an FMLA qualifying reason (e.g. after getting a sufficient medical certification) the District will give written notification to the employee that the leave is designated as family medical leave. The notice must state whether the employee has FMLA time available and whether leave does or does not qualify as FMLA leave. If the employee is out for a FMLA qualifying reason and the District does not learn of the reason until the employee returns, the employee must give notice within two (2) days of his return and the District will give notice of any FMLA designation within two (2) days thereafter. The District may also provisionally designate leave as FMLA qualifying leave while awaiting receipt of medical certification or a second or third medical opinion.
2. the employee fails to return to work for a reason other than (1) the continuation, recurrence, or onset of a serious health condition that entitles the employee to leave either to care for an individual or on account of the employee's own serious health condition, or (2) other circumstances beyond the control of the employee.


The Canadian Slovak League (CSL) established the scholarships to recognize the academic achievements of its youth members. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 CSL scholarships in the High School and University categories. There were no applicants in the College category.
The scholarships will be awarded to the winners during Christmas events organized by the CSL Branches in their own Slovak communities. These celebrations provide an opportunity for the Branch Executive Officers and members to show their pride and express their support for the accomplishments achieved by the scholarship winners.


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"There is no such thing as justice – in or out of court." The words are Clarence Darrow's. The same Clarence Darrow who once said:"Justice has nothing to do with what goes on in a courtroom. Justice is what comes out of a courtroom."
These are decidedly antinomian sentiments, warranting the H.G. Well's description of Darrow as a "sentimental anarchist." Taken to their extreme, they suggest that Darrow, lawyer, essayist, orator and social philosopher, was not above suggesting that the ends justified the means. If there is no justice in court, and justice is only what comes out of a courtroom, then isn't it just possible that he would justify such steps as bribing a juror to make sure that the verdict turned out right?
When he was in his mid-fifties, Darrow was tried twice for jury tampering in Los Angeles for his defense of the McNamara brothers, who had firebombed the Los Angeles Times building during a bitter labor dispute. The first jury acquitted Darrow as to claims he was involved in the bribery of a jury. A second jury deadlocked as to charges involving another juror. California agreed not to prosecute him a third time if he would leave the state and promise never to appear as counsel in a California court again. Darrow returned to Chicago a broke and broken man, resorting to the sale of cherished first edition books to pay the rent as he sought to recover from this humiliation.
Yet this is not the Darrow we remember. We recall the man who saved the lives of Leopold and Loeb in the infamous thrill-killing of a little boy, or the Darrow who defended Scopes in the "monkey trial" in Dayton, Tennessee, or the Darrow who defend Dr. Ossian Sweet's black family, one of whom – just who was never clear – fired lethal shots at a white mob trying to drive them out of their home in Detroit. We recall the lawyer, the author, the riveting speaker. Few know the man who one night arrived at his mistress's apartment in Los Angeles, a bottle of whiskey in one pocket, a revolver in the other, threatening to kill himself as he faced trial for jury tampering.
Donald McRae's, The Last Trials of Clarence Darrow, focuses on Darrow's relationship with Mary Field Parton, his mistress, and the trials that define his legacy. It is a worthy addition to all that has been written about Darrow, reminding, as if a reminder were necessary, that even the legendary among us struggle in the darkness to find their own distinctive and redeeming light. McRae's sympathetic treatment of Ms. Parton is a counterweight to earlier works, such as Irving Stone's, which tried to write Ms. Parton out of his life at the request of Darrow's wife, Ruby. The parallels between Ruby and Count Leo Tolstoy's wife in the effort to manage their spouse's literary estate and heritage are striking. Is there a tortured spouse in the wings of every man regarded as great?
I cannot read enough about Darrow, so I read this eagerly. Yet the book was tone deaf to the rhythm of trial. While McCrae reports lavishly about Darrow's trials, he is not a trial lawyer. Somehow the presentation of Darrow's legal battles lacked the angst every trial knows when presenting a case: trial is less about finding facts under the dispassionate rule of law that it is the creation of a narrative world ex nihilo, a world in which the currents nourishing life flow in but one direction. Every trial lawyer searches for these currents; all fear being drowned by the currents unleashed by an adversary. There are no confident trial lawyers. There are only men and women struggling to survive the day's torment and toil.
McRae's book can be read less for insight on the life of a trial lawyer than the life of a man who somehow chose to remain unlucky in love. For more than 20 years, he regarded Ms. Parton as a soul mate. Friends regarded them as a perfect match. Yet Darrow chose to remain married to Ruby, complaining about her, yet seemingly afraid of her. Ms. Parton married another man, whom she loved after a fashion, and regarded as kind; but her heart remained with Darrow. She followed his career and cases obsessively, meeting with him whenever possible, and, one senses, forever waiting for but the smallest signal to fall into his arms there to remain forever.
But they remained distant lovers and admirers. Darrow's flame flickered and then died. He slipped into silence with Ruby standing a jealous guard at the door of their Chicago apartment. She wanted the world to recall the giant's roar; she did not want the world to see him as his gaze lost focus, and he descended into senescence.
I wondered, as I read this sad yet compelling account of something like unrequited love, whether it did not express a deeper truth about life in the law. There is no justice on or our of court. I agree, of course. But I would go further. There is no redemption in this world of ours, a world filled with struggle, sorrow and tears. Yet illusion draws us forward, and some among us, the dreamers, the reckless, and sometimes simply the weak, stake all they have in their hopes for better life. That these hopes so often end in tragedy is the stuff that keeps trial lawyers busy. Perhaps the larger truth about Clarence Darrow is that much though he believe that the ability love is the only redeeming quality we possess, its capacity to redeem is limited. Didn't Paul write of faith, hope and charity, not just love? Perhaps we must abide in the presence of all three, and not just one, to have any chance at redemption. As soon as we settle into love, restlessness arises, almost inevitably. Perhaps distant love is what redeems. In the hard combat of life, there is but strife. In the end, there is not even that, there is, simply, nothing.
I wanted this book to tell me more about Darrow the trial lawyer. It didn't. It shed a little more light on him as a man. That was far more valuable, even if it shared a seemingly bitter and unsatisfactory truth.
maybe you'll just have to keep wondering about that distant love, as you apparently don't have one.
Meanwhile, you should run for probate judge, then just assign estates to yourself. This way, you don't have to move your office to new haven or waterbury.


text:
Warba Bank Wins Two Awards from Banker Middle East
18 May 2017 - 104 views
Warba Bank's corporate and investment banking efforts have resulted in the bank winning two prestigious awards from Banker Middle East, namely: "Best Corporate Bank in Kuwait" and "Best Investment Bank in Kuwait" for 2017. These awards are the result of the bank's pursuit of a development strategy in the corporate and investment sectors and its recent achievements in this regard.
The awarding magazine, Banker Middle East, is specialized in analyzing and providing comprehensive information about the global finance community in a precise, simple, and easy-to-understand way. The awards are based on the vote of readers and users of their website among the field of decision-makers in the business and finance community. It is a key reference that sheds light on market changes, giving them a clear idea of the complex economic processes taking place in the global business community.
Commenting on this achievement, Shaheen Hamad Al Ghanim, Warba Bank's Chief Executive Officer said: "Thanks to Allah's Grace, we are proud to say that Warba Bank has achieved a quantum leap in its operations in the corporate and investment sectors by providing them with Islamic banking solutions that meet their expectations and provide them with viable and consistent returns. This is in line with the bank's strategy that aims to support and enhance banking and financing operations. Our consistent performance has captured the attention of the business community, investors and long-standing rating institutions.
"Thankfully, the bank today enjoys the confidence of the business community and investors who find constructive, viable, and secure opportunities in its investment tools. We will continue to stick to this approach so as to make Warba Bank the first option for investors and businesses by injecting the necessary investments to provide global investment opportunities and develop our services to high standards; in addition to enhancing the bank's digital infrastructure", Al-Ghanem added.
Since the announcement of its new and ongoing development strategy from 2017 to 2021, the Bank has diversified its options and products for investors and companies. In the first quarter of this year, it achieved an unprecedented success in covering subscription with its USD 250M Sukuk - five times as the issued Sukuk - with an amount of USD 1.3B to enhance its capital to become the most competitive bank in these sectors in particular. In addition, the bank has successfully acquired a £-9M UK car import and export facility leased to Kia Motors with an irrevocable long-term contract until 2037.
As part of the Bank's commitment to provide innovative Sharia'ah-compliant financing solutions to its customers, Warba Bank has signed a renewable agreement with Al Mulla International Finance Company (AMIFC) whereby the bank will increase the amount of acquiring financing portfolios from AMIFC so as to reach KD 50M.
Al-Ghanem concluded, "During the beginning of the year, we promised our customers and investors that we will be the leading Islamic bank in the corporate banking and investment banking sectors, and will provide advanced digital services to individuals, in addition to provide advanced electronic services that mimic the most important needs of the customer. We are fully determined to take this position in the near future relying on developing our services and investment tools.
It is worth mentioning that Warba Bank's performance and success were the main reason for getting Banker Middle East's "Fastest Growing Bank in Kuwait" 2017 award for the third time in a row. Warba Bank received the same award in 2016.
During the first quarter of 2017, Warba Bank achieved a net profit of KD 1.3M - four times as what was achieved during the same period last year.
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Warba Bank - Kuwait
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A short trip in our sheltered estuary. Many birds to spot which vary throughout the year. A short sail is possible if the weather permits.
Bottom fishing and mid water fishing. We provide a drink and filled rolls during the 4 hour trip.
Gentle cruise in the morning giving you 4.5 hours to explore the historic town of Lagos. Plenty to see and do. See the rock formations and caves. Chance to swim.
Nice sail back weather permitting.
Gentle sailing and fishing. With more time we go snorkelling and cave exploring. If the tides allow we also make a second stop on the 'island' for some beach combing and wild life identifying.
A lovely way to start your evening.
Sail aimlessly across the bay watch the sun set. Relaxing music.
Normally with light winds, The mornings are cooler and we have an opportunity to fish as we sail to the headland. Chance for a swim.
Good chance of sailing with the North West Trade winds during the summer. Time for a swim in the sheltered coves. Maybe a race with the second boat.


Jorge Mas Canosa (21 September 1939 – 23 November 1997) was a Cuban-American immigrant who founded the Cuban American National Foundation and MasTec, a publicly traded company. He was regarded within the US as an effective lobbyist on Cuban and anti-Castro political positions, he was labeled a "counterrevolutionary" by the Cuban Communist Party.
Jorge Mas Canosa was born and raised in the city of Santiago de Cuba on September 21, 1939. As a young student leader, Jorge was an advocate for democracy and freedom, fighting against the dictatorial oppression of first Batista and eventually Castro. His patriotism forced him to seek exile in Miami where he remained resolute in pursuit of a free Cuba, volunteering to serve during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. In the states, he married his high school sweetheart Irma Santos and started a family of three sons: Jorge, Juan Carlos, and Jose Ramon.
His early days in the US were difficult ones as he washed dishes and delivered milk to support his family. But Jorge's humble beginnings would not be characteristic of his future. He achieved incredible success in business, turning a failing electrical construction firm, Church & Tower, into a multinational corporation, known as MasTec, which at one point was named the largest Hispanic owned business in the United States.
Throughout all of his success, Jorge's primary aspiration was always to liberate the people of Cuba from the tyranny of the Castro regime. In 1981, he moved one step closer to realizing that goal by establishing the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF), a non-profit organization, that since its founding has helped shape U.S. policy toward Cuba in ways that help promote a democratic and just society on the Island.
Much like the Freedom Tower, Jorge Mas Canosa became a Cuban symbol of liberty, a larger than life figure who represented the successes and hopes of generations of Cubans who had left the island but remained loyal to their home and determined to pursue its freedom. When he passed away in 1997, thousands of Cubans and those who were moved by his life's work gathered in Miami to attend his funeral, the largest ever held in the area.
Mas Canosa married Irma Santos, his high school sweetheart from Santiago, in Miami, Florida. They had three sons, Jorge Mas, Juan Carlos Mas, and Jose Mas.
At the age of fifteen, Mas Canosa spoke out against Batista's dictatorship and was briefly imprisoned. Released into his father's custody, his family sent him to the Presbyterian Junior College in Maxton, North Carolina. There, Mas Canosa learned English and studied the political philosophy of Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine, which would influence his outlook in the years to come.
Mas Canosa returned to Santiago to study law at the University of Oriente when the Batista regime was overthrown. As soon as he decided that Castro's new government was undemocratic in nature, Mas Canosa resumed his political activism. He was forced into exile under threat of arrest and arrived in Miami in 1960, where he joined the Brigade 2506 and participated in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961. He later graduated as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, but ultimately left the army when it became clear that the US was not developing any plans to attack or invade Cuba. Mas Canosa then devoted himself to his business career.
In Miami, Mas Canosa took jobs as a milkman, stevedore and shoe salesman, while also working energetically to build up the anti-Castro movement. The New York Times reported that he had raised money to obtain weapons and research locations in the Caribbean which could be used as a base for attacks on Cuba.
In 1969, Mas Canosa went into business with the owners of Iglesias y Torres, a floundering and overextended construction firm that constructed and serviced telephone networks in Puerto Rico. Renaming the company Church & Tower, Mas Canosa obtained a $50,000 loan and became a part owner. Managing Miami operations, he used his growing reputation in the exile community to secure lines of credit and was ultimately able to optimize his workers' construction methods and increase the company's productivity. The company grew from South Miami to Ft. Lauderdale with $40 million in annual revenues in 1980. Church & Tower became the basis for a telecommunications empire that made Mas Canosa one of the richest Hispanic businessmen in the United States; his net worth was estimated at more than $100 million when he died in 1997.
Following the incorporation of Mas Canosa's sons into the business became MasTec, Inc. in 1994 when Jorge Mas led a reverse acquisition by its former competitor, Burnup & Sims.
Today, MasTec, Inc. (NYSE:MTZ) is a $4.2 billion revenue infrastructure construction company with approximately 15,900 employees and 470 locations. MasTec is a leader in six distinct business lines. Power Generation and Industrial renewable, Natural Gas and Oil Pipeline, Electrical Transmission, Wireless, Wireline Utility Services and DirecTV install to the home. MasTec is one of the Top five largest Hispanic owned firms in the United States and was the first to reach the $1 billion revenue mark in 1998.
In 1981, Mas Canosa, along with Raul Masvidal and Carlos Salman, established the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF), at the suggestion of Richard Allen, Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor, and Mario Elgarresta, a member of Allen's staff. The group was founded as part of a broader strategy to sideline more moderate perspectives within the Cuban-American community, and to convert anti-Castro activism from a more militant to a more political strategy.
CANF was widely described during Mas Canosa's tenure as one of the most powerful ethnic lobbying organizations in the US, and used campaign contributions to advance its policy in Washington, DC. Carter administration officials believed that if not for Mas Canosa, the United States might have ended the Cuban embargo.
In the early 1980s, Mas Canosa urged President Ronald Reagan to create a radio station aimed at broadcasting news into Cuba. After the station (named Radio Martí, after José Martí) was created, Reagan named Mas Canosa chair of the advisory board of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which advised the president on the operation of the station. Station employees later accused Mas Canosa of interfering with station content, including accusations that he had complained that the stations did not give enough coverage to his personal activities.
Mas Canosa sued The New Republic for libel after a 1994 article in the magazine referred to him as a "mobster". The case settled out of court for $100,000, and the magazine issued an apology.
Mas Canosa repeatedly feuded with the Miami Herald, which he claimed had Cuban spies among its reporting staff. He accused the paper of fermenting "hate, disinformation and reckless disregard" of the Miami Cuban community. In 1992, after the Herald editorialized against a bill he supported, and the newspaper's Spanish-language Nuevo Herald wrote an editorial critical of him, he organized a boycott of the newspaper and posted advertisements on city buses which announced: "I don't believe The Miami Herald".
Mas Canosa died in Miami on November 23, 1997 from lung cancer, compounded by pleurisy and renal failure.
^ a b c d e f g h i Rohter, Larry (November 24, 1997). "Jorge Mas Canosa, 58, Dies; Exile Who Led Movement Against Castro". New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
^ a b "Few in Cuba Mourn Mas Canosa's Death". CNN. November 27, 1997. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
^ Steen, Edward (January 6, 1991). "Awaiting the fall of Fidel Castro". The Canberra Times. p. 15.
^ "Company History". MasTec, Inc. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
^ a b Walsh, Daniel C. An Air War with Cuba: The United States Radio Campaign Against Castro. 2011: McFarland. p. 114. ISBN 9780786465064.
^ Leogrande, William (April 11, 2013). "The Cuba Lobby". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
^ Moffett, George (June 9, 1995). "Clinton Shuns Potent Anti-Castro Lobby". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
^ "Mas Canosa's Legacy". News Hour. November 24, 1997. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
^ Pogebrin, Robin (September 17, 1996). "New Republic And Cuban Agree to Settle Libel Lawsuit". New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
^ Alex Stepick, ed. (2003). This Land is Our Land: Immigrants and Power in Miami. University of California Press. p. 49. ISBN 9780520233980. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
This page was last edited on 8 April 2019, at 20:06 (UTC).


Just when you thought you'd seen everything, someone tells you that there's green sand on the Big Island of Hawaii... We'll it's true. The sand here is actually green!
The color of the sand at this beach, located near the southern tip of Hawaii's Big Island, comes from a stone called olivine. Volcanic activity in this area created a cone containing large quantities of this mineral. As the power of the ocean takes apart the cone bit by bit, it crushes up the olivine deposits into fine green sand creating this amazing beach. Green sand beach is actually a mixture of the olivine sand mixed with black sand, so it's not pure emerald green. But it looks quite green none the less.
To get to Green Sand Beach, turn South off of Highway 11 between mile markers 69 and 70. The road is clearly marked with signs that say South Point. This road is off limits to most rental cars (though many people consider this more of a suggestion than a rule). Either way, the road is very drivable for just about any car. Just be aware of whether or not your rental company will bail you out if you get stuck for some reason. Some parts of the road are only passable by one car at a time, but there's plenty of room to pull off to the side.
I would suggest visiting the area around South Point (also known as Ka Lae) in the same trip as Green Sand Beach. Plan for a full day in this area.
South Point is not only the southernmost point on the Big Island, it's also the southern most point of the entire United States. As you drive South on South Point Road, the road will split. If you follow it to the right, you'll get to the boat hoist area with a beautiful view of the Pali (Cliffs) o Kulani, from which you can easily walk to the actual South Point.
To get to Green Sand Beach, take a left at the fork instead. You'll drive about a half a mile or so before you come to a makeshift "Visitor's Center". This is not any kind of official center and I wouldn't bother stopping there. You might be pressured into paying to park (you don't have to) and you might feel unwelcome because of the signs suggesting that Hawaii belongs only to the local people and ought to be given back. Access to South Point and Green Sand Beach is absolutely free; don't believe anyone who says different. In any case, just keep driving until you get to the end of the road. You'll see a gate to your left and probably some vehicles parked in this area.
Unless you have a 4 Wheel Drive, this is where you need to park. From here it's just over two miles to the beach (but it sometimes feels longer). The walk is quite pretty though. You're up on the cliffs above the ocean in a beautiful green, hilly field. Just take your time and enjoy the quiet beauty all around you. Be sure to take plenty of water along, especially if it's a hot day.
The dirt trails that lead to Green Sand Beach sometimes split off into many directions. You can't really go wrong here as all roads lead to green sand. Eventually, you'll come over a hill and you'll see the inlet of Green Sand Beach ahead of you. Keep walking until you get to the edge of the embankment. Rather than walking down at the nearest edge, continue around toward the back of the beach. It's easier to walk down from there. The path down isn't as obvious from the top as it is from the beach, but it's not as steep as it looks. Just be careful of your footing and take your time.
Once you get to the beach itself, you'll spend the first little while marveling at the sand and then you can settle in for whatever you came here to do. Swimming is Ok here, but only when the surf is calm. In higher surf, stay out of the water. Actually, the whole beach can be washed in high surf conditions, in which case I'd stay of the beach altogether and check it out from above.
Hopefully you'll have picked a day when the surf is not a problem and you can fully enjoy the beauty of Green Sand Beach. Because it's so out of the way, chances of a crowd are slim. Most likely it will be you and a few other peopple sharing this quiet spot.
In calm conditions, currents are not really a problem in the bay. I wouldn't recommend swimming outside of the bay where the currents are much more severe. Ocean conditions are always a judgement call. When in doubt, stay out of the water.
Make a green sand castle and enjoy yourself at this unique beach. But when you leave, only take with you the sand that gets stuck in your swimsuit. It may seem like the green sand is infinite, but it's not. It is disrespectful of this place to take sand with you. Enjoy it while you're there and take great pictures to remember it by.
Accessibility: Out of the way. A long drive from civilization and a half hour walk unless you have a 4-Wheel Drive.
Parking: Park at the gate and walk 2 1/4 miles, or leave your 4-Wheel Drive overlooking the beach.
Swimming: Good in calm conditions. Dangerous in high surf.
My Favorites Here: Being amazed at the green sand.
Watch Out For: High surf and strong winds.