text:
COMMON GROUND, COMMON SENSE
I believe in practical, no-nonsense solutions to problems. I believe in the value of a face-to-face conversation where facts matter, and solutions, not headlines, are the goal. My professional career and my personal life have given me many opportunities to meet interesting people from all over the state of Indiana. But there are key issues facing the people of Indiana's 69th House District that often get lost in the noise.
Issues like rural poverty, where we need programs that provide more than just money, but also create pathways towards a sustainable workforce. Our focus on this effort would help both small businesses address labor shortages and assist Hoosiers in developing skills that will benefit families for generations to come.
Issues like opioid addiction and mental health, which quietly destroy lives and families that lack access to healthcare and treatment options that could make a difference in the lives of so many. We need to rebuild our small businesses, who are still struggling to rebound following a year of immense challenge.
These are the real, non-sensationalized, issues facing we Hoosiers today, and I would love to bring the conversation in Indianapolis back to things like this that truly matter. The challenge is that the real Indiana is not being well-represented in Indianapolis right now. The common-sense, practical roots that conservatives and progressives in Indiana used to share have been abandoned by the wealthy folks we are left with now claiming to represent Hoosiers in Indianapolis.
But they don't truly speak for the Hoosier voices I hear around our district. Our political discourse has been taken over by those who shout the loudest, with all the money to buy the biggest megaphones. Other, more progressive voices and even common-sense centrists are left out of the conversation, as people fail to look beyond single-party ticket voting to consider each candidate on their own merits.
With this campaign we want to break through that noise. I will be a representative that shares the experience of growing up in a small Indiana town and understands that there is common ground between rural and urban voters, who are all fundamentally seeking ways to improve our schools and infrastructure, and to protect our environment and civil liberties.
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Chad Harmon for Indiana House District 69
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COVID-19 Has Forced More Than Three-Quarters of Banks to Change Their Future Banking Strategy
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 13, 2020–
Marqeta, the global modern card issuing platform, today released a report that examines how banks intend to change their strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the findings, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on almost all (96%) European banks, with over three-quarters (78%) planning to change their future banking strategy to adapt to changes in consumer behaviour, such as the accelerated adoption of digital banking services and cashless payments.
The study of 200 banking executives found that, as a result of growing demand for digital services, 80% of banks have accelerated their plans to digitally transform. Banks also predicted that digital transformation projects will need to be delivered in two-thirds (69%) of the time, with 89% saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the speed of change in banking from years to months. The study also found that:
Three quarters (75%) of banks "weren't prepared" for the scale of change that COVID-19 has triggered in consumer behaviour.
88% of banks were overwhelmed by the demand for online and mobile banking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, banks say that digitally transforming to improve the online and mobile banking experience (76%), offering new, differentiated payments services (70%), investing in security and anti-fraud solutions (70%) and modernising core banking and payment platforms (66%) have all increased in priority.
"The future of banking has come around quicker than most expected. The onset of COVID-19 accelerated many trends in consumer behaviour, with more people moving away from cash and adopting digital services such as online and mobile banking," comments Ian Johnson, Managing Director Europe at Marqeta.
"These are all trends that were set to slowly change over time and banks would gradually transform to adapt. But COVID-19 has drastically moved up the timescales, with 36% of banks saying COVID-19 has "opened up the floodgates" to modernising core banking and payment systems. Attitudes to modernisation have clearly changed. Banks are now speeding up efforts to transform because they know that the winners of the next age of banking will be determined by who can best adjust their strategy to adapt to the new normal."
Future banking strategies are changing
Over three quarters (76%) of banks say that the impact of COVID-19 has meant that the business models they used to follow have changed forever. As part of their future banking strategy, more than half (54%) of banks plan to reduce their physical branch network. Banks are also set to increase the number of digital services offered in branch (72%), the provision of specialist payment services (68%), their investment in digital banking and services (66%) and their digital innovation capabilities (61%).
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 92% of banks say that innovation has become more important than ever. When it comes to innovation, banks say they need to:
Improve their use of data analytics to gain insights into customers that will allow them to make lending decisions in real-time (91%)
Improve their technology capabilities to better use contextual data to make judgements on fraud as transactions are being processed (91%)
Implement technology and processes that enable them to control what loans are spent on (90%)
Banks have to change quickly, or risk falling behind.
With COVID-19 driving a broad shift in consumer behaviors and adoption of new technology, all banks surveyed acknowledged plans to increase investment in tokenized card technology and modern card programs and said that the dangers of not being able to keep up were real. A significant portion (38%) said that without innovation in payments they would be unable to scale their existing services to offer new features and capabilities, while more than a third (34%) said they feared losing market share to competitors.
"COVID-19 has ushered in a new age of digital banking. Banks need to ensure they are prepared to adapt for this world, and many are set to double down on digital services and capabilities. But to do this, they need to overhaul legacy technologies that don't provide the agility required to respond to the needs of the market. To adapt and thrive, traditional banks need to be supported with modern core banking and payment platforms that can support the requirement to digitally transform and provide the flexibility needed for their future banking strategies," concludes Johnson.
To download part 1 of Marqeta's COVID-19 European Banking Survey: Will COVID-19 be a watershed moment for banking?, please visit: https://www.marqeta.com/resources/european-banking-survey
The findings are from 200 interviews with Heads of Digital Transformation, Chief Technology Officers (CTO), Heads of Innovation and Chief Innovation Officers (CIO) at traditional and challenger banks in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The study was conducted by Coleman Parkes and commissioned by Marqeta.
About Marqeta
Marqeta is the first global modern card issuing platform, providing advanced infrastructure and tools for building highly configurable payment cards. With its open API, the Marqeta platform is designed for businesses who want a simple and tailored way of managing payment programs so that they can create world-class experiences and power new modes of commerce. Marqeta is headquartered in Oakland, California. For more information, visit www.marqeta.com, Twitter and LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201013005291/en/
CONTACT: Tom Reynolds / Robert Fretwell
Spark Communications for Marqeta
KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM EUROPE CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FINANCE BANKING ACCOUNTING
SOURCE: Marqeta
Copyright Business Wire 2020.
PUB: 10/13/2020 04:00 AM/DISC: 10/13/2020 04:01 AM
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201013005291/en
Tags: Banking, Banks, change, COVID19, forced, Future, Strategy, ThreeQuarters
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Amazon, J&J, Apple and JPMorgan – 5 Things You Must Know

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Parents and teachers rally against cuts to special needs funding
by Daisy Lester/ November 14, 2019/
Michelle Hopkins and her son, Jacob. Pic: SEND Crisis Tower Hamlets
Parents and teachers in Tower Hamlets are leading an emergency campaign to fight £1m cuts to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding in the borough.
The #SENDcrisis campaign is urging people to support and sign a petition to refuse the planned council cuts in the borough, which the council say is a consequence of wider social care cuts by the Conservative government. Campaigners say the proposal will jeopardise the access to education and crucial specialised support within schools for over 8000 young people.
Tower Hamlets mother Michelle Hopkins struggled to find an adequately funded school in the borough to educate and support her son Jacob, four, who has severe cerebral palsy. Jacob eventually gained a place in a school in September but the council and SEND is increasingly struggling with rising demands and limited funding.
The planned cuts to Support for Learning and Behaviour teams will result in less inclusive schools in Tower Hamlets, and children such as Jacob being rejected from institutions due to a lack of services, claim the campaigners.
Alex Kenny, National Education Union's District secretary for Tower Hamlets and the City, said in a statement: "As usual, the most vulnerable will lose out."
The planned cuts would see up to a 7 per cent reduction in 'top-up' funding to schools to support pupils with educational needs. Around 37 per cent of children with SEND funding in Tower Hamlets would suffer from these cuts to specialist care in schools.
A meeting of Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet last night agreed a motion callling on the Government to "urgently invest" in its SEND services and to ensure that funding kept pace with "rising demand, complexity of need and additional responsibilities."
The plans would cause a further 40 per cent reduction in funding to Support for Learning Service, the Behaviour Support Team and the trusted, specialised teachers supporting and training children in schools.
Hopkins said: "When we were coming to terms with his severe cerebral palsy, the support services in the borough were crucial and the visual impairment team have become a huge support to us as a family and a counsellor to me when times are tough."
Learning services in education are imperative to children with needs ranging from sensory, physical, medical, language, communication, learning and mental health.
A statement from the campaign said: "This is a national crisis that threatens to compromise the human rights of the country's most vulnerable children. These new cuts, if implemented, will fundamentally undermine inclusive provision."
Previous eras of cuts have seen parents resort to court action to protect their children's right to education.
Labour parliamentary candidate for Tower Hamlets, Rushanara Ali, and NEU Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney, will meet with Councillor Dannu Hassell and Amanda Elliot from Hackney Special Education Crisis to discuss the cuts and take questions from parents and teachers in an emergency public meeting on November 19 at Oaklands School, Bethnal Green.
For further information visit the SENDcrisis Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SENDCrisisTowerHamlets/
Sign the petition here:https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stand-up-and-fight-for-children-with-special-needs/
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stand-up-and-fight-for-children-with-special-needs/
Tower Hamlets population set to be fastest rising in London
by Fernanda Berlinck/
NHS whistleblower case postponed until September
by Thu Maria Tran/
Good deeds in Hackney, Lewisham, Croydon and Tower Hamlets during lockdown
by Eastlondonlines/
Supermarkets rapped for checkout sweets [Audio]
by Stephanie Davies/


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Baring Vostok welcomes the decision to release Michael Calvey to house arrest. At the same time, we believe that it is illegal and unjustified that Ivan Zyuzin, Vagan Abgaryan, Philippe Delpal and Maxim Vladimirov remain in pre-trial detention and we await similar motions regarding their transfer to house arrest.
We are confident that our colleagues are not guilty and that this will be established in the course of the investigation. We continue to maintain that this entire case is the result of a commercial conflict, which should be resolved in arbitration.


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Juvenile Instructor
The Role of Friendship and Community among Romantics
By Ben PJune 3, 2008
Just in case you didnt get enough on Emerson back in February (see here and here), this is an encore performance.
In my ever-expanding quest to try and place Joseph Smith within the larger nineteenth century Romantic movement, I have come upon some very important diverging views among those who can be termed "Romantics". One of these ideas is a topic which I find as one of Joseph's most cherished idea's (at least to me): the role of family, friendship, and community. What follows is a brief excerpt from a larger comparative analysis between who I see as examples of two diverging expressions of American Romantic thought, Joseph Smith and Ralph Waldo Emerson, focusing on their views of community.
Both Smith and Emerson held a deep appreciation for friendship. Emerson once wrote in his journal that he "awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. Shall I not call God the Beautiful, who daily showeth himself to me in his gifts?"[1] On a similar strain, Joseph once recorded, "How good, and glorious, it has seemed unto me, to find pure and holy friends, who are faithful, just and true…"[2] But beyond the acknowledgement of the general benifits of friendship, Smith and Emerson disagreed on why it was important.
For Smith, it was not to be understood as mere pleasantry. As one writer has put it, friendship "was central, rather than peripheral, to his personal life, his public philosophy, and his deepest theological reflections."[3] In his mind, frienship was one of the most important elements of the restored gospel, and he once claimed that it was his endeavor "to so organize the Church, that the brethren might eventually be independent of every imcumbrance beneath the celestial kingdom, by bonds and covenants of mutual friendship and mutual love."[4] Elsewhere he stated that "friendship is the grand fundamental principle of Mormonism," and that it was destined to revolutionize and civilize the world.[5] When Joseph visioned heaven, he pictured it as a continuation of the friendships and relationships already present today. He taught that "that same sociality which exists amongst us here will exist among us there only it will be coupled with eternal glory which we do not enjoy now."[6] To Smith, friendship was not just meant for comfort; it was an eternal principle which was to last through the eternities.
Emerson, however, was not as willing to enter strong relationships with others. While he relished his aquaintances, and was always expanding his circle of influences, his ever-present principle of self-reliance restricted him from relying on others and allowing others to rely on him. He wrote "the condition which high friendship demands is the ability to do without it," [7] meaning that friendship is at its best when both sides can still get along without the other. He believed that "all association must be a compromise, and, what is worst, the very flower and aroma of the flower of each of the beautiful natures disappears as they approach each other."[8] As one author put it, "Emerson believed that friends were fine as long as one did not depend on them."[9] When laying out what he believed to be the common beliefs of transcendentalists, he wrote that they believed "it is better to be alone than in bad company."[10] His idea of self-reliance was perhaps the main reason he never took part in the communitarian attempts of his transcendental associates, as well as the reason Hemmingway noted transcendentalists were more likely to go to strangers for help rather than their friends.
Smith, on the other hand, loved to rely on his friends as well as have his friends rely on him. A journal entry from Smith's last year gives a good counter-example to Emerson.
Took dinner in the North room. I was remarking to Bro[ther] Phelps what a kind, provident wife I had. That when I wanted a little bread and milk she would load the table with so many good things it would destroy my appetite. At this moment Emma came in and Bro[ther] Phelps in continuation of the conversation said, "You must do as [Napoleon] Bonaparte did [and] have a little table, just large enough for yourself and your order thereon." Mrs Smith replied, "Mr. Smith is a bigger man than Bonaparte. He can never eat without his friends." I remarked, "That is the wisest thing I ever heard you say."[11]
Connected to JS's view on friendship was his belief in the eternal duration of families. For him, friendship, family, and society were not just help to joy in this life, but they were crucial to exaltation in the next.
Emerson, however, saw no reason for friendship beyond a temporary elevation of the individual. He defined proper friendship as "inspiring each party to become his or her best self–a higher goal than friendship itself, finally to be pursued on one's own."[12] He hoped that friendships would help him grow as an individual, but he did not feel growth within a friendship necessary. He desired distance, and backed away from the idea of a tight, personal bond. Perhaps a passage from his essay "Friendship," explains his views best.
Why insist on rash personal relations with your friend? Why go to his house, or know his mother and brother and sisters? Why be visited by him at your own? Are these material to our covenant? Leave this touching and clawing. Let him be to me a spirit. A message, a thought, a sincerity, a glance from him I want, but not news, not pottage. I can get politics and chat and neighborly conveniences from cheaper companions…To my friend I write a letter and from him I receive a letter. That seems to you a little. It suffices me.[13]
He would later say that "I do then with my friends as I do with my books. I would have them where I can find them, but I seldom use them."[14]
Emerson feared that by spending too much time with others, it would take away from his own personal growth and development. He compared relationships and conversations to mixing water, explaining that whenever you mix water you end up losing your own individuality.[15] Joseph, in contrast, felt it crucial to mingle and share ideas. He was quoted as saying, "It is my meditation all the day & more than my meat & drink to know how I shall make the saints of God to comprehend the visions that roll like and overflowing surge, before my mind."[16] To him, it was something to strive over and find a way to connect his intellect with others'. To Emerson, this came at a cost of your own ideas: "I cannot afford to talk with them and study their visions, lest I lost my own."[17]
While this is not a major point in itself, it gives a glimps to the different ideological frameworks Joseph Smith and Ralph Waldo Emerson exemplified.
[1] Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essential Writings, 203.
[2] Joseph Smith, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 560.
[3] Steven Epperson, "'The Grand, Fundamental Principle': Joseph Smith and the Virtue of Friendship," Journal of Mormon History 23, no. 2, 80-81.
[4] History of the Church 1:269.
[5] Ehat and Cook, The Words of Joseph Smith, 234.
[7] Emerson, Essential Writings, 210.
[9] Barry Hankins, The Second Great Awakening and the Transcendentalists, 34.
[10] Emerson, Essential Writings, 90.
[11] Joseph Smith, An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, 437-438.
[12] Lawrence Buell, Emerson, 90. Buell would later note that Emerson "convinced himself that the purpose of relationships was elevation of the respective parties to a plane of existence where live contanct became less necessary, became indeed a hindrance to pursuit of the idea" (168).
[13] Emerson, Essential Writings, 210-11.
[14] Emerson, Essential Writings, 213.
[16] Ehat and Cook, Words of Joseph Smith, 196.
Article filed under Categories of Periodization: Origins Comparative Mormon Studies Cultural History
I'm an Emerson-Smith Friend.
I don't get close with many but I do believe in bouncing ideas off people to make mine better and I have grown personally because of this. I also am fine with dependence on me by friends sometimes and have had to learn to depend on others at times as well.
Ben, were Emerson and Joseph always this opposite or did they ever come to the middle because of varying life experiences?
Comment by Catherine — June 3, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
Ben: Looks like a good dissertation topic for you: A History of Friendship in America (or trans-Atlantic if you want to rope in the Romantics). This could be an interesting topic by which to look at those seemingly opposing strains of individualism and communalism that were both so prevelant in the developments of 19th century America.
You bring up several good points about Emerson's aversion toward communal experiments and Smith's soteriological reasons for relying on friends. I think you have hit on another really good example of where Emerson and Smith part ways. What really seems interesting to me is how the two had such different views on so many things and yet are so often associated with each other as kindred spirits. Emerson and William James (though not contemporaries) are another example to two thinkers who are polar opposites in so many way yet at the same time somehow seem to both be singing in the same strain. There's a similarity there I can sense but just can't articulate. So there's a challenge for you, Ben.
Comment by stan — June 3, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
You'll be wanting to read Don Bradley's Sunstone essay on the Grand Fundamental Principles of Mormonism. He contextualizes the friendship theme somewhat differently than you have done here.
Comment by Chris — June 3, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
Good point Chris. Bradley's article is really interesting and quite provocative (in a very Emersonian way); particularly of interest here is the connection it makes between Masonic ideals of friendship and Smith's own views, suggesting some significant influence of the former on the latter. (I read it awhile ago: hope I'm remembering correctly–feel free to correct me Don.)
Brings up a side-note question in my mind: what were Emerson's views on freemasonry? Did he ever flirt with it? or deride it?
Catherine: Good question. I think that JS and Emerson, just like everyone else, were not always consistant with their ideals. JS was at times quick to anger and to break off friendships, but he was often just as quick to forgive and reconcile at any sign of repentance (though there are some notable exceptions).
Emerson, on the other hand, seemed to try and live by his principle of self-reliance when it came to friendships. However, he at times would grow very attached to friends, and would then draw back feeling that he was becoming weak. Both Emerson's wife Lydia and his good friend Margaret Fuller, among others, both lamented at what the saw as a lack of reciprocated love coming back from RWE.
Chris: I have read through Bradley's essay, and it is fairly intriguing. While he touches on much broader issues than just friendship, he does give it some context within JS's overall thought. I don't agree with him entirely, and I take him to task on a few points in my longer paper, but his essay is very insightful. The main problem I find in his essay is he does not take into account JS's views on friendship that were present well before the 1840's.
Stan: I agree; the idea of friendship in this time period is very interesting. I'll add it on to my list of potential thesis/dissertation topics…
As for RWE's involvement with freemasonry, you can imagine his views by understanding his overall ideology. He was involved a tad, even delivering a series of lectures in a Masonic hall (including his "The Transcendentalist," where he layed out what he saw were the tenants of transcendentalism). He loved the idea of social gatherings to learn from other intellectuals. However, he was not big on a big brotherhood or fraternity which the Freemasons offered, so he kept his association at arms-length.
Comment by Ben — June 3, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Ben, I'm with Stan … you should really consider a dissertation topic on the history of friendship in America/in transatlantic thought. That would allow you to include literature and religion in your analysis, and seems like it would be an important contribution.
Has anything been written on Emerson's attitude toward freemasonry? I'd be interested in reading anything available.
Comment by Christopher — June 3, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
>>The main problem I find in his essay is he does not take into account JS?s views on friendship that were present well before the 1840?s.
I believe he affirmed that when he was interviewed in sunstone podcast # 13.
Ha, glad to know I read him correctly.
To clarify, I mean that Don affirmed that JS was interested in the theme of friendship prior to the Nauvoo period. I didn't mean to say he admitted to having omitted that fact in his written essay. I doubt that in the essay he meant to imply that the friendship theme was new to Joseph in the 40's.
Comment by Chris — June 5, 2008 @ 12:49 am
Comments for this post are closed.
Book and Journal Reviews
Reassessing the Classics
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Women in the Academy
Rachel Helps on Digitized Publications Available from: "BYU also scanned the Exponent II and it's available on archive.org."
Kent S Larsen II on Digitized Publications Available from: "It's not just the Scandinavian, German and Dutch publications that are available. Almost all the foreign language publications in the Church History Library are available…"
Matt Harris on Digitized Publications Available from: "C. Terry & J. Stapley: Thanks for these outstanding posts!"
Gary Bergera on Digitized Publications Available from: "This is great and deserves wide circulation. (And J. Stapley's amazing.)"
C Terry on Digitized Publications Available from: "Thanks for all those helpful additions, J Stapley!"
J. Stapley on Digitized Publications Available from: "...and one last one. All of the relevant University digital collections are worth checking out (though as you note BYU's is the most impressive…"
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Thanks to the folks at St. Martin's Press, I have a copy of Orphan X, Gregg Hurwitz's newest thriller, to give to one lucky reader. There's already talk of a movie version even though the book won't be released until January 19.
Gregg Hurwitz is the author of a number of critically acclaimed thrillers, including THEY'RE WATCHING, TRUST NO ONE, THE CRIME WRITER and TROUBLESHOOTING. International bestsellers, his novels have been finalists for several awards, including the Crime Writers of America Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and the ITW Best Novel of the Year awards. In addition to his novels, he has also written comic books and screenplays, developed television series for Warner Brothers and Lakeshore, published scholarly articles on Shakespeare, and is currently a consulting producer on ABC's "V." He has taught fiction at the University of Southern California and guest lectured for UCLA and Harvard. Hurwitz grew up in the Bay Area and earned his B.A. from Harvard and a master's from Trinity College at Oxford. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
To enter to win a copy of ORPHAN X, simply fill out the entry form. Contest is open to those with a U. S. or Canadian address only – one entry per person, please. I will use random.org to determine the winner. Contest ends at midnight EDT Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Comments are welcome (and appreciated) but will not get you an entry in the contest.
I see so many books optioned for movies but then the movies never appear – or maybe they do but by the time they do I have forgotten about them! Hope this one works out for the author!
I can definitely see this as a movie. Sounds like a thrilling read!
Got this on my TBR list as I love this author.
Ok…this book sounds really good plus I love movies like this!
This sounds like it will be action-packed!
Kathy, thank you for hosting this giveaway! I'll add it to my blog's sidebar.
I hope this movie option becomes a movie. Great giveaway!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Kathy. I do love a good thriller.
I think my dad would love this one!


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text:
Measures taken by authorities to combat drug-trafficking; involvement of police officers in drug-related criminal activity (2003-2005) [VCT100499.E]
According to United States (US) government sources, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was the "largest producer [and exporter] of marijuana in the Eastern Caribbean" and a "storage and transhipment point for narcotics, mostly cocaine, transferred from Trinidad and Tobago and South America" in small boats (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005; US Sept. 2003). Moreover, the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 mentioned that the drug trade's influence on the national economy "made some segments of the population dependent on marijuana production, trafficking and money laundering" (Mar. 2005). In June 2005, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that "an estimated 2,500" farmers aged between 15 and 45 cultivated marijuana throughout the country (16 June 2005; see also St. Vincent June 2003). The Associated Press (AP) reported that "[s]ome farmers have begun to grow marijuana in an attempt to recover lost income after tropical storms destroyed their crops" (17 June 2005).
State efforts to combat drug trafficking include legislation, eradication, seizure of drug shipments, and the apprehension of suspects involved in the drug trade (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005; OAS 2004; St. Vincent June 2003). According to a 2003-2004 evaluation of progress in drug control, published by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), Saint Vincent has ratified a number of international conventions, including the 1988 United Nations (UN) Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (OAS 2004, 1; see also International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005). However, the CICAD report also noted that Saint Vincent "has not enacted any legislation or regulations in accordance with the international conventions that were signed" during the period of evaluation, and has not ratified other agreements such as the 2000 UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (OAS 2004, 2).
The Special Services Unit (SSU) of the Royal St. Vincent Police Force is largely responsible for marijuana eradication efforts (St. Vincent June 2003, 13). According to information provided by Saint Vincent authorities, the SSU carries out drug "eradication exercises" three to four times a year and also conducts larger joint operations with US law enforcement (ibid.). Statistics published by the US State Department's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs show that St. Vincent law enforcement personnel eradicated 108,758 marijuana plants in 2002 (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2002 Mar. 2003), 36,000 plants in 2003 (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2003 Mar. 2004) and 175,025 plants in 2004 (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005).
Vincentian authorities indicated that law enforcement measures to combat drugs are coordinated mainly by the police, customs and coast guard (US Sept. 2003). Statistics outlining the number of drug seizures made by law enforcement varied (OAS 2004, 6; International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005). For example, in 2004, the CICAD noted that law enforcement seized 9,694 kilograms (kg) of cocaine and 460,328 kg of marijuana (OAS 2004, 6), while the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 stated that by the end of November 2004 police had seized 28 kg of cocaine and about 2,027 kg of marijuana (Mar. 2005). According to the CICAD, while a "system for exchanging operational information among national entities and international counterparts" exists, there reportedly "is no formal mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of this system" (OAS 2004, 6). In addition, the CICAD reported that the government of Saint Vincent noted a "lack of coordination between relevant and responsible agencies" related to information exchange on drug control measures (ibid.).
Apprehension of suspects connected to the drug trade was another measure law enforcement used to combat narcotics trafficking (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005; OAS 2004, 6). In the mid 1980s the police reportedly created a drug squad to execute search warrants and conduct random raids and operations with "information received from local intelligence" (St. Vincent June 2003). In 2004, the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 noted, 375 individuals (Mar. 2005) were arrested for drug-related offences, in comparison to 340 persons in 2003 (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2003 Mar. 2004). Additionally, the CICAD reported that in 2004 a total of 261 suspects were charged and 170 convicted for drug trafficking and possession, in comparison to 682 charged and 494 convicted in 2003 (OAS 2004, 6).
News articles of May and June 2005 reported on an international dispute in which Barbados accused Saint Vincent of doing a poor job in combating drug trafficking (BBC 16 June 2005; FBIS 15 June 2005; ibid. 7 May 2005). In particular, the Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur claimed Saint Vincent was not doing enough to curtail the flow of marijuana that was reportedly threatening Barbados' national security (ibid. 15 June 2005; BBC 16 June 2005). Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves "angrily refuted the allegations" and Deputy Police Commissioner Cyril Doyle noted that "marijuana-related arrests" occur daily in Saint Vincent (ibid.). However, Commissioner Doyle also mentioned that law enforcement faced a difficult task in trying to patrol all the islands that make up St. Vincent and in accessing the "mountainous areas where the marijuana is grown" (ibid.). Another factor that hindered law enforcement of marijuana was the perception of sympathy that many, including the police, have towards people who grow marijuana because of the country's difficult economic conditions (ibid.). While Prime Minister Gonsalves noted that "contrary to popular belief," the majority of citizens in Saint Vincent are against drug trafficking, he did acknowledge that many people were tolerant of personal marijuana use (FBIS 7 May 2005).
Information regarding police involvement in drug-related criminal activity was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. In 2004, the CICAD stated that the government was unable to provide information about its efforts to address acts of police corruption related to the drug trade (OAS 2004, 10). However, Freedom House did mention that after US authorities had accused "high-level government officials [of being] involved in narcotics-related corruption," in 1995, the Vincentian government has reportedly made greater efforts to cooperate with the US to curtail drug trafficking (23 Aug. 2004). One element of this improved bilateral collaboration was the endorsement of a 1996 extradition treaty with the US (Freedom House 23 Aug. 2004). Subsequently, US authorities have reportedly "received good cooperation" from St. Vincent law enforcement (International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 Mar. 2005). For example, the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005 described Saint Vincent police as "extremely cooperative in executing search warrants pursuant to a U.S. MLAT [mutual legal assistance treaty] that resulted in approximately U.S. $350,000 worth of confiscated property" (ibid.).
AP also reported that the US had made helicopters available to assist local law enforcement access areas of difficult terrain where the majority of marijuana is grown (17 June 2005). In addition, Prime Minister Gonsalves noted in June 2005 that his government was in the process of purchasing US$1.5 million "worth of equipment to help the coast guard combat drug trafficking" (AP 17 June 2005).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Associated Press (AP). 17 June 2005. Duggie Joseph. "St. Vincent Denies Barbadian Leader's Allegations that It is Soft on Marijuana." (Factiva)
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Caribbean. 16 June 2005. "Vincy Ganja Swamping Barbados." http://bbc.co.uk/caribbean [Accessed 11 Aug. 2005]
Foreign Broadcast Infromation Service (FBIS). 15 June 2005. "Highlights: Caribbean Islands Press 15 Jun 05." (WNC/Dialog)
____. 7 May 2005. " Highlights: Caribbean Islands Press 6 May 05." (WNC/Dialog)
Freedom House. 23 August 2004. "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines." Freedom in the World 2004. http://www.freedomhouse.org/research/freeworld/2004/countryratings/stvincent-grenadines.htm [Accessed 15 Aug. 2005]
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2005. March 2005. United States (US) Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs http://www.state.gov/g/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2005/vol/html/42365.htm [Accessed 3 Aug. 2005]
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2003. March 2004. US Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs http://www.state.gov/g/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2003/vol1/html/29834.htm [Accessed 16 Aug. 2005]
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report 2002. 31 March 2003. US Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs http://www.state.gov/g/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2002/html/17945.htm [Accessed 16 Aug. 2005]
Organization of American States (OAS). 2004. Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD). "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines." Evaluation of Progress in Drug Control 2003-2004. (OEA/Ser.L/XIV.6.1 MEM/INF.2004 Add.28) http://www.cicad.oas.org/MEM/ENG/Reports/Progress_2003-2004/Hemispheric%20-%20ENG.pdf [Accessed 3 Aug. 2005]
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. June 2003. National Drug Information System. Annual National Report 2002. http://www.unodc.org/pdf/barbados/st.vincent_grenadines_report_2002.pdf [Accessed 10 Aug. 2005]
United States (US). September 2003. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Intelligence Brief: The Drug Trade in the Caribbean: A Threat Assessment. http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/intel/03014/03014.pdf [Accessed 9 Aug. 2005]
Additional Sources Consulted
Internet sites, including: Amnesty International, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI), Factiva, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World News Connection (WNC).


The notorious twitter leak specialist "evleaks" has yet again done his job by posting what looks like the successor to the first 1080p device on market – HTC J Butterfly( also known as Droid DNA in USA and HTC Butterfly in rest of the world). HTC J Butterfly had one of the best specifications and looks at the time of its release, packing a water resistant body and eye-popping 1080p display. The leaked device, codenamed B2, looks strikingly similar to the predecessor and tipped to come with dual speakers, IP57 certification and Android 4.4.3 OS. The rumored specifications include a 5.2″ QHD 2K resolution, IP57 certification, Snapdragon 805 processor with Adreno 420 Graphics. The device is said to sport similar Onscreen buttons as found in HTC One M8 and come with a 5 MP front facing camera and said to pack a 13 Megapixel rear camera.
The HTC J Butterfly was highly regarded and critically acclaimed for its top-of-the line specs and stunning looks, but it never materialized to be as successful as it was meant to be, due to a lack of marketing and vague strategy by HTC. Here is hoping that HTC sorts out its issues and push this aggressively across different markets. If the rumors turn out to be true, we have a very interesting device at hand that will compete with the similar offerings from Samsung and LG.
Company is expected to announce the new B2 along with the Google Nexus 2014 tablet by HTC by the end of this year. Taiwan smartphone giant has completely redesigned the new Google Nexus tablet in terms of both power and design[Read More] . The rumor that Google has entrusted HTC with their next Nexus tablet has been confirmed by xda-developers as they dug deep into the Android 4.4.3 MR2 change list. Earlier, Myce discovered about the new Nexus tablet codenamed as "Flounder" in the Chromium issue tracker. Google uses fish names (Manta, Tuna, Hammerhead) for its Nexus range and therefore they suspected that "Flounder" must be Nexus 8/9 and they were bang on target. This does not come as a surprise since earlier leaks suggested that Google is looking to get a "high-end tablet" in the market this summer and who better than the HTC to add a premium touch to its Nexus line-up.


Dental cone beam 3D CT scans enable dentists to view anatomic structures not easily seen on 2D dental x-rays, including bifid mandibular canals, which is a common variation of the mandibular canal. The mandibular canal may split along different positions of the mandibular nerve; one branch may be smaller than the other (1-2). Langlais et al reported a 0.95% prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (3) while Sanchis (4) reported an incidence of bifid nerves as 0.4%, finding 7 out of 2012 mandibles that were studied. Many authors have investigated the incidence of bifid canals using panoramic or CT 3D images or both, and have concluded that while uncommon, they need to be identified when surgical procedures, such as removal of impacted third molars, insertion of dental implants, and osteotomies, are to be performed (5 - 9). Once multiple (bifid) canals are identified, the local anesthetic injection technique, prosthetic design, and surgical procedures can need to be modified to prevent pain and discomfort during treatment procedures (10) in order to insure better outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of bifid and/or multiple branches emanating from the inferior alveolar canal in 500 consecutive patients using cone beam 3D CT imaging.
CT scans of the dental arches from five hundred (500) consecutive patients taken in nine (9) centers located in three (3) states were uploaded to the main processing center of a single dental radiological practice (i-dontics, llc., New York, N.Y.), which is limited to taking and processing 3D CT images for the dental community. Scans were taken on either i-CAT scanners (8 centers) or on a (1) NewTom 3G scanner. All studies were converted to SimPlant™ (Materialise, Glen Burnie, MD). When not specified, the data was converted to SimPlant™ version 10.
In Part I of the cone beam 3D CT study, the following parameters were recorded for each patient: age, gender, reason for the CT scan, which dental arch was to be studied, the format for the delivery of the data, and whether or not a radiographic guide was used. These results were published in Part I of the study. Parameters relative to the prevalence, location, and diameter of the lingual artery were measured and reported in Part II. The value and relevance of 3D imaging was also discusse din this paper.
In this study, Part III, the incidence of bifid nerves of the inferior alveolar canal were recorded by viewing images from a 3D dental cone beam CT scan. The position of the second canal was noted and listed as posterior to the teeth, within the body of the mandible but posterior to the mental foramen, coincident with the mental foramen, or anterior to the mental foramen. Multiple branches (more than two) were identified and recorded. All CT studies were made into 1.0 mm slides and viewed both in the coronal and transaxial planes. To be counted as a bifid canal, each offshoot had to be continuous with the main inferior alveolar canal in each slice. For consistency, all CT studies were examined for bifid or multiple branches that were offshoots of the inferior alveolar canal by one examiner.
Two hundred and ninety-six (296) mandibles were included in this 3D CT dental cone beam study. Of these, 186 patients or nearly sixty-three percent (62.84%) did not demonstrate evidence of a bifid canal. In contrast, 110 patients or more than thirty-seven percent (37.16%) had one or more bifid canals.
Figure 1. Nearly 63% of the mandibles studied did not have evidence of a bifid canal. However, 37,16% of the patients had one or more bifid canals.
Of the 110 patients demonstrating bifid canals, 56 or 50.9% had one bifid canal. Two bifid canals, as noted on CT scans, were demonstrated in 37 or 33.6% of the mandibles and 17 or 15.45% had three or more canals.
Figure 2. Of the mandibles demonstrating a bifid canal, more than half (50.9%) had one canal, while 33.6% had two canals and 15.45% had three or more canals.
Fifty-five (55.45%) of bifid canals were unilateral. Two thirds (67%) of the unilateral bifid canals were on the right side of the mandible; one third (33%) of the unilateral bifid canals were on the left side of the mandible. Nearly 46% (45.55) of the bifid canals were bilateral. These findings were determined by viewing 3D CT images.
Figure 3. Fifty-five percent of the bifid canals were unilateral while nearly 46% were identified bilaterally.
In addition to identifying if a bifid canal was present, if it was in only the right or left side of the mandible or if they were bilateral, the location of each bifid canal was noted in the following manner: did it end at the mental foramen, posterior to mental foramen, or continue anterior to the mental foramen. Nine (9) bifid canals (8.18%) ended at the mental foramen, 94 or 85.45% ended posterior to the mental foramen and 7 or 6.36% continued anterior to the mental foramen.
Figure 4. The majority of the bifid canals (85%) ended posterior to the mental foramen, with 8 percent ending at the mental foramen and 6% extending beyond (anterior) the mental foramen.
The relative incidence of bifid canals has been reported as less than 1% (3,4) while it has been shown that the split of the mandibular nerve may be of unequal sizes (1,2). Regardless of the frequency of identifying bifid canals, various authors have identified the surgical risks and complications that may be experienced when they are encountered, including an inability to obtain profound anesthesia using a local anesthetic (5-9), injury from dental implant insertions, removing impacted wisdom teeth, and more.
In order to achieve standardization and consistency, the authors agreed as to what constitutes a bifid canal as identified on the 3D image: any branch that appeared as a continuous radiolucent canal extending from the inferior alveolar nerve. All 3D CT slices were 1mm in thickness and all bifid canals were viewed and appeared to emanate from the IAN in three planes: axial, coronal, and sagittal. Once the parameters were defined, one researcher examined and identified all of the bifid canals noted in this study, which were then verified by a second author.
Based on these parameters, the incidence of identifying bifid canals in this study was greater than in previously reported studies: 37%. The concept of bi- means "two," and bifid means forked or cleft. While the purpose of this CT cone beam study was to identify the incidence of bifid canals, more than two canals of the IAN were identified in 17 patients or 15.45% of the cases. In most instances, 3 branches were identified; in one case, 8 branches were identified.
A relative few bifid canals ended at the mental foramen or extended anterior to it: 16 patients in total, or 14.54%. More than 85% of the bifid nerves identified in this study, as determined by 3D CT cone beam images, ended posterior to the mental foramen.
The significance of the findings in this study matters relative to the size and location of the bifid canals, and what clinical procedure is anticipated being performed. When it comes to operative dentistry, it has been postulated that bifid nerves may explain why anesthesia is not as profound as it should be when employing a local anesthetic. When encountered, infiltration of the local anesthetic to anesthetize these extra branches of the IAN may help achieve greater local anesthesia.
When planning dental implant surgery, it is helpful to identify if bifid canals exist in the surgical site. Encountering these extra canals may not only contribute to unwanted local paresthesias of the gingival that these aberrant nerve branches may serve, but may explain unusual bleeding that emanates from the alveolar bone (10-11) during periodontal osseous or dental implant surgeries.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an example of multiple canals as they were identified in this study. While the widest branch, which is anterior to tooth #18, is evident on the panoramic slice, smaller canals are highlighted in Figure 6. Note the arrow in Figure 5 that highlights another bifid canal. Careful inspection will note additional canals emanating from the right IAN.
Figure 5. Arrow indicates a small bifid canal that starts and ends distal to tooth #31. A larger canal can be seen anterior to tooth #18.
Figure 6. The canal is highlighted in red, illustrating 3 bifid canals.
Mention must be made of the value of 3D images identifying normal and abnormal structures when compared to 2D images. Figure 7 is a panoramic image (formatted in a 15 mm trough) taken on a patient that was referred to the CT lab after an implant was inserted that resulted in paresthesia in the patient.
Figure 7. Patient presented after an implanted was inserted in the #30 site resulting in paresthesia.
Figure 8 highlights a bifid branch of the IAN that was traumatized by the implant. This aberrant branch was not evident in the panoramic view due to the dense cortical bone. Traditional 2D imaging - both panoramic or periapical film - is limited in revealing key anatomic structures that are obscured by thick buccal and/or lingual bone. In this example, using 3D imaging prior to implant insertion would have identified the bifid (aberrant) branch and altered the surgical site.
8. A bifid nerve rises from the IAN and was traumatized by the implant insertion.
It is suggested that more studies be undertaken to identify bifid canals and their clinical significance.
Utilizing 3D cone beam CT scanning images, this study identified bifid canals in 110 out of 296 patients. The incidence (37%) was greater than reported in other studies. The clinical implications of bifid canals were discussed, as well as an appreciation for the value of utilizing 3D CT cone beam scanners.
1. Mardini S, Gohel A. Exploring the Mandibular Canal in 3 Dimensions.
An Overview of Frequently Encountered Variations in Canal Anatomy. AADMRT Newsletter, Fall 2008.
2. Jacobs R, Mraiwa N, vanSteenberghe D, Gijbels F, Quirynen M. Appearance, location, course, and morphology of the mandibular incisive canal: an assessment on spiral CT scan. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology 31:322-327, 2002.
3. Langlais RP, Broadus R, Glass B. Bifid mandibular canals in panoramic radiographs. Journal of the American Dental Association 110:923-926, 1985.
4. Sanchis JM, Penarrocha M, Soler F. Bifid mandibular canal. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 61: 422-424, 2003.
6. Naitoh M, Hiraiwa Y, Aimiya H, Gotoh M, Ariji Y, Izumi M, Kurita K, Ariji E.
Bifid Mandibular Canal in Japanese. Clinical Science and Techniques Implant Dentistry. 16:24-32, 2007.
7. Claeys V, Wackens G. Bifid mandibular canal: literature review and case report. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology 34, 55-58, 2005.
8. Auluck A, Ahsan A, Pai KM, Shetty C. Anatomical variations in developing mandibular nerve canal: a report of three cases. Neuroanatomy; 4: 28-30, 2005.
9. Dario LJ. Implant placement above a bifurcated mandibular canal: A case report. Implant Dent 11: 258-261, 2002.
10. Auluck A, Ahsan A, Pai KM, Mupparapu M. Multiple mandibular nerve canals: Radiographic observations and clinical relevance. Report of 6 cases. Quintessence International. 38:781-787, 2007.
11. Winter AA. Bleeding from a Nutrient Canal: A Case Report. NY State Dent J 46:646, 1980.


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Q: Language with error. Let $L \subset \{0, 1\}^∗$ be regular language.
$$L_e = \{ w | w = uxv, x \in  \{0, 1\}, u\overline{x}v \in L\}$$, where $\overline{x} = 1 − x$
Prove $L_e$ is regular language.
For example: If $10 \in L$, then $11, 00 \in L_e$ $.
I am thinking about it many hours but nothing works. I try use Nyhill-Nerode's theorem but it doesn't help.
Please hint me.

A: HINT: Let $M$ be a DFA that recognizes $L$. Make two copies of $M$, say $M_1$ and $M_2$; we'll modify them to make an NFA $N$ that recognizes $L_e$. $N$ starts in the initial state of $M_1$. Each state of $M_1$ has all of the transitions of $M$, and each also has two extra transitions, one for $0$ and one for $1$, that go into $M_2$. There are no transitions from $M_2$ back to $M_1$.
The idea is that in order to be accepted, a word must drive $N$ into $M_2$, and it can do this only by pretending – just once! – that an input of $i$ is actually $1-i$. I've left more of the details in the spoiler-protected block below, but see if you can come up with $N$ on your own first.

 Specifically, if $q\overset{i}\longrightarrow q'$ in $M$, then $N$ has an $i$ transitions from the copy of $q$ in $M_1$ to the copy of $q'$ $M_1$ and a $1-i$ transition from the copy of $q$ in $M_1$ to the copy of $q'$ in $M_2$. $M_2$ just has the transitions of $M$. Finally, the acceptor states of $N$ are those of $M_2$, which are the same as in $M$; $M_1$ has no acceptor states.

A: Assume the existence of an automaton $M=(\Sigma^*,Q,q_0,'.',\{q_f\})$ recognizing $L$, the very important observation here is :$w$ is an element of $L_e$ if there exists some words $u$ $v$ $x=0,1$ such that $u(1-x)v$ is accepted by $M_e$, the idea is to memorize the state of all words of this form,consider the following automaton $M'=(\Sigma^*,Q',q_0',T,Q_f)$ defined by:

*

*$Q'=Q\times2^Q$

*$Q_f=\{(q,S)\in Q'\big/ q_f\in S\}$

*$q'_0=\emptyset $

and the transition function is defined by: $T((q,S),x)=\left(q.x,\left(S.x\cup \{q.(1-x)\}\right)\right)$
If $M'(w)=(q,S)$ this means that $M(w)=q$ and the set $S$ contains the set of all final states of all words of the form $u(1-x)v$ when $uxv=w$, so if $S$ contains the final state $q_f$ then $w$ is accepted by $M'$ and this is exactly what means $w\in L_e$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Chinese consortium to build new container terminal in Hamburg?
Posted on July 21, 2017 | By Julia Louppova	| No comments
OOCL vessels in Hamburg. Source: Port of Hamburg / Dietmar Hasenpusch
Hamburg port community strongly opposes the results of the 5-months international ideas competition initiated in January 2017 by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) with the view to develop the 42-hectare area Steinwerder-Süd. The competition has been won by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) with the project to construct a container terminal in that central port area.
The area offered by HPA for the market consultation process includes 1,100 meters of quay wall with three berths for large vessels as well as the production of terminal space at Oderhafen and new water areas as manoeuvring space. The participants were to submit their "realistic and future-oriented development concepts" supplied with costs, funding and timing of the projects as well as the conditions under which the private service providers can operate the area. Upon assessment of the submitted concepts, HPA plans to integrate the result into the comprehensive port planning and to determine the future operator or investor in the course of the Europe-wide award procedure.
As it has recently become known to The Loadstar, the port authority has awarded the competition to CCCC, a Chinese construction conglomerate, although no official press release has been published neither by HPA nor by CCCC. The Chinese company submitted the turnkey project of a new container terminal at Steinwerder. This has caused a storm among the Hamburg port operators and shipping community.
HHLA, the port's biggest container terminal operator, has reacted strongly to the announcement, insisting that it would be "more cost-effective" to use existing capacity reserves at the HHLA terminals rather than build another automated container terminal. The company's spokesman commented: "The city has a 68% stake in HHLA, whose share price dropped sharply when the tender announcement was made."
The Hamburg port employers' association, UVHH, described the decision as "incomprehensible", as HPA's own port development plan had estimated that "existing terminals and their projected expansion programmes are able to cope with forecast volumes up to 2025 and beyond", said UVHH's President Gunther Bonz (Eurogate). According to him, Hamburg port does not need another container terminal, but should make the area available for industrial use with associated storage and ship capabilities.
Responding to the critics, Port Senator Frank Horch said: "As part of our responsibility we have to look into the future and consider all possibilities for port development. All Hamburg companies were free to participate in the tender procedures."
Second place in the ideas competition went to the C Steinweg Group, with a proposal to develop a shortsea terminal at the site.
CCCC was founded in 2006 with the headquarters in Beijing. It is listed at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is one of the 500 largest companies in the world, with investors including Chinese internet billionaire Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba. It is the parent company of ZPMC, the global market leader in container gantry cranes manufacturing.
Category: News	| Tag: China, Europe, port projects, terminal operator


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Biographies ⁄ Genealogy Information
BIOGRAPHY; Ebenezer Pond ( May 3, 1799 – June 3, 1878)
May 3, 2019 November 1, 2020 by Donna R Causey
EBENEZER POND
BIOGRAPHY and GENEALOGY
(May 3, 1799- June 3, 1878)
Vermont, Georgia, Macon, Montgomery, Elmore and Coosa Counties
(Excerpt from History of Coosa County: by the Rev. George Evans Brewer, 1887)
Ebenezer Pond, a native of Vermont, 1799, May 3rd. He first came to Richmond, Va., then to Columbia, S. C., and then with M, L. Bulger came early to Alabama from Georgia after a short stay in Macon, and lived about Montgomery from about 1823 or '24 to 1835, when he came to Wetumpka.
He had a brother, Isaac Pond, who preceded him to Wetumpka, and was a man of prominence in the place for a good while. Ebenezer Pond was married to Caroline Cleveland by Judge B. Bibb near the Haggerty neighborhood, in the upper part of Montgomery County. (He) Was postmaster at Wetumpka. Upon the resignation of Dawson as judge of the County Court, he was appointed to fill the vacancy December 8th, 1837, and continued in the office until 1848. Upon being made judge he moved to Rockford, and made that his home until his death on June 3rd, 1878, when he was nearing his ninetieth year.
His first wife (Caroline Cleveland) was a daughter of Larkin Cleveland, by whom he had three sons, Larkin, Joseph, and Henry (commonly known as Dick), and two daughters, Frances who married Isom Lee, and was postmistress at Rockford for a number of years, and Cynthia, who married a Mr. McClain (James Fleming McLane) of Talladega. The boys made good Confederate soldiers, except Larkin who died before the war. After the war Joseph went west. Henry has continued to live at Rockford. He became a Republican, and has been a leading man in the party in the county.
Judge Pond was remarkable in more respects than one. He was considerably over six feet tall, a large, well-rounded frame, but not fat. He continued erect, and with good action through life. He had a fine grey eye that never failed so as to need glasses, and could read without difficulty to the last. He was a Methodist, and an ardent Mason. He drew people to him by his social nature.
He loved fun, and was a practical joker. Neither man or boy knew when the Judge would have a laugh on him. Some of his pranks were not enjoyed by the victims, but it was impossible to stay out of humor with him. A boy standing near, listening to the Judge tell a story, was likely to have a mouthful of amber spit on his bare toes. But he would soon be appeased by the Judge.
There was usually a crowd sitting about the stores, and the Judge was generally one of them. If the day was cold the group would be around the fire. If he saw one ride up looking cold, he would put the handle end of the iron poker in the fire, get it hot, and set it up just before the cold man came in. As usual when one comes to a fire cold, the first thing is to punch up the fire. The unwary rider would get the hot poker, but it was dropped before the fire was punched, and a hand rubbing would be the next performance. Sometimes he would heat an iron ball, and with protected hands throw it near some person, with the request to please throw it back. The accommodating party would pick it up to toss back, but would immediately regret his accommodation. If others paid him back in his own coin he would take it pleasantly. Once after the war the Judge was on a visit to Montgomery. Walking up the street nicely dressed, and with a shining pair of boots on, George McDonald, whose feet had been practiced on by the Judge, was standing on the sidewalk, and just as the Judge came near, he spit on his boots. The Judge turned and asked what he meant. George replied, "Just paying back old scores." He then told the Judge who he was, for from boyhood he had outgrown the Judge's memory, and they had a good laugh over it while George was having his boots put in good order again.
He generally had something to say to every passing boy. One morning Tom McDonald was late, and hurrying on to school with a bird in his hand, just taken from his trap. As he passed the Judge, he asked, "Tom, what kind of bird is that?" Tom answered as he walked on, "A Joree." On coming to the school house he did not notice that the school was in session, and turned the bird loose in the schoolroom. It, of course, flew about excitedly, and the children became almost equally excited, and studies were neglected for the time. The teacher, John Hannon, gave Tom a flogging for interrupting the school. In going back from school, as he passed where the Judge and others were, the Judge called out, "Tom, what did you do with your Joree?" Tom quickly responded, "Swapped it off for a thrasher."
Late in life he married a second time, a widow (Violet on Aug. 28, 1856) Horton, who had been the wife of John Horton, the Rockford merchant and owner of a mill and farm on Swamp Creek. There were no children by this marriage.
It would not be fair to leave out of the history of Coosa a negro belonging to Judge Pond, known as "Uncle Frank." He was given to Mrs. Pond by her father, Larkin Cleveland, and was one of the negroes bought from Redmouth, the Indian. He was a good negro, and in giving him to his daughter Mr. Cleveland requested that Frank should never be sold out of the family. He was a prominent figure about Rockford until his death, which occurred after the war. He was intelligent, and spoke both the Indian and English language, and was therefore used in the early days of the county very much as an interpreter. It was interesting to talk to him about the Indians and their habits, which he retained to some extent, and his talk was much sought after by the whites. But he did not seem spoiled by the notice given him. He was popular with the boys because of the bows and arrows, and blow-guns, of Indian fashion, that he made for them. The blow-guns were made of large canes, about six feet long, well seasoned, with the pith of the joints burned out smoothly. The arrows were of strips of cane, heated while green so as to be twisted and made tough. The end was sharpened, and the other end was muffled with cat-tail or some other feathery substance, that filled the barrel of the gun so as to catch the air blown into it, the propelling force which drove the arrow to the mark. These arrows were very hard after cooling, and the points would penetrate almost like metal points. Birds, squirrels, and other game could be killed with them, when used by an expert.
History of Coosa County: by the Rev. George Evans Brewer, 1887)
Where Do I Start?: HINTS and TIPS for BEGINNING GENEALOGISTS with ONLINE RESOURCE (Paperback)
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I doubt you ever heard about these amazing people in your history class
PATRON - Sept. 16, 1899 - Aged Man Found Dead- Two Tax Assessors Die- Deal for Reservoir Sites
PATRON + MONDAY MUSINGS: My ancestors disappeared! What should I do?
Sometimes simple objects have stories of their own like this one
Patron+ Amazing story of courage of some early settlers of Alabama
General Buckner's (Confederate General) Farewell Address to his soldiers
Whole Territory Of Alabama Was An Immense Wilderness
Do you believe this account of DeSoto's march across Alabama is correct?
I wonder what the settlers felt when they saw the empty Indians homes
Injured, robbed and traveling on foot and still they made it to Alabama in 1791
Tags: Alabama historyCOOSA COUNTYGENEALOGYGEORGIAMACON COUNTYmontgomeryVermont
PATRON+ RECIPE WEDNESDAY – Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
A brutal massacre occurred in Clarke County during the Creek War of 1813
Biography: Elisha Cottingham, Sr. born ca. 1755
Biography: Nathaniel Brown Linder born September 23, 1822 – photograph
Biography: William Augustus Bowles born 1763, a young Tory
Jackie Windsor McGough November 2, 2020
I clicked on it and got a phishing scam. Re-clicked and was able to see the original post. Just letting y'all know.
Susannah Hughes November 2, 2020
Jackie Windsor McGough I get the same thing half the time on this site.


Ageless beauty: Anti-ageing make-up tips | HELLO!
Skin and therefore your features soften as you grow older - which requires a few changes to your make-up routine to keep you looking your best… * Hormonal changes make skin drier, meaning it grabs moisture from foundation and leaves it also looking dull and dry. Apply a light moisturiser before your base to counteract the problem. * Flat, matte make-up absorbs light. And using it on ageing skin that might already be losing its light-reflecting tautness and starting to look duller is an unnecessary double hit of ageing. Add moisturiser to foundation or go for more liquidy formulations. * Skin can also start to look a little greyer with age – particularly next to hair losing its pigment. So blush becomes a lot more useful than it may have done in the past. A little on the apples of the cheeks will make you look rosier, healthier and more youthful, while as skin loses a little of its firmness, cheekbones may also need defining. Add it to the tips of cheekbones to help lift the eyes. * Eyes start to recede as we grow older and will also need defining, even if just with a smudge of grey or brown liner and a swash of neutral colour. But mascara does the most to make eyes stand out and thicken lashes as they, too, lose pigment. * Straggly, thick brows can make skin over the eyes look more hooded. On the other hand, keeping them neat, with an arch two-thirds of the way through, lifts the whole face. Eyebrows lose pigment, too, so keep them defined with pencil or eyeshadow.
Is this the key to anti-ageing?


Everyone knows that the dryers at a hair salon are akin to Sanctuary, and no one under a dryer is to be disturbed. Besides, you can't hear what anyone says to you when you're under one of those giant heat spewers anyway.
I planted myself under Dryer #1. I was alone in the dryer area for the first few minutes, then a woman I'd never met planted herself under Dryer #4. Consistent with the Rules of Sanctuary, Woman Under Dryer Number 4 and I did not interact.
Now, I don't know if God was testing me, or he just wanted to share a laugh, but at the very moment I happened to turn my head toward Woman Under Dryer Number 4, she sneezed.
It wasn't a dainty little sneeze like many women do. Nor, was it a more feminine version of the male free-for-all explosion. No, this was more along the lines of what a blue whale does when it suddenly needs to clear its blow hole after 2 hours beneath the deep blue sea.
The force of her sudden nasal explosion created, as all the physicists might have expected, an equal and opposite reaction, causing her head to make a rapid acceleration toward the back of the dryer.
It didn't even take a second for her velocity backward to be suddenly, and noisily stopped by the back of the drier hood, as signaled by a loud "thunk!" and a tremoring of the drier and chair.
Before I could open my mouth to ask if she was OK, the force of her head hitting the back of the dryer resulted in what I can only assume was some sort of rebound effect, causing her head to jolt forward, where it, predictably, collided with the front of the drier hood, as signaled by another loud "thunk!" and an increase in the tremoring of Dryer Number 4 and its chair.
I'm not proud to admit that every fiber of my being screamed out for me to laugh.
And, it was not just tempting to laugh. It was almost impossible not to. After all, a sneeze-induced, double head whacking is way past funny. It's hilarious!
I tried not to laugh. Really, I did. I bit my lip. I thought about that horrible commercial about the abused animals. I remembered that time my grandpa wore his Speedo to the beach. But, nothing, no matter how sad or horrifying, could remove my need to giggle.
The more I tried not to laugh, the more I felt my body shake. Soon, tears were escaping my eyes. The fact that I shouldn't laugh was making it nearly physically impossible not to do so.
The shell-shocked Woman Under Dryer Number 4 wrangled out from under Dryer Number 4 without touching the hood. I couldn't help but think she had developed a fear of it, after having suffered through 2 rapid-fire collisions with the plastic crown. I wondered what the word was for a fear of hair dryers. This caused my need to giggle to increase even more.
At that point I realized that The Hair Whisperer had returned to check my warming tresses and was standing next to me. Her mouth was open, clearly indicating that she had witnessed the sneeze-off, as well.
I knew if I made eye contact with The Hair Whisperer I would dissolve into a laughing heap, so I focused on the floor and continued to bite my lip in an effort to maintain control until Woman No Longer Under Dryer Number 4 was well out of earshot.
As Woman No Longer Under Dryer Number 4 crossed in front of me on trajectory toward the restroom, I lost my mind. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sure, looking back, that if I had simply followed the rules of Sanctuary, everything would have been fine. But, I couldn't do it. I don't know why. I just couldn't help myself.
She stiffened, and glared at me.
I might have been more taken aback by her giving me the evil eye had I not been so distracted her smock.
The salon staff outfits each client in a black smock upon arrival. The smocks make you feel like you're at the height of fashion, and they're great at hiding any wayward blobs of goo during the miraculous transformations the various aestheticians make.
When Woman No Longer Under Dryer Number 4 turned to give me the look I suddenly became aware of another effect of her nostril work out. Not only had the explosion released a tremendous amount of energy, resulting in her double-head-whacking, it had also apparently released an artful display of her nasal…er uh…productions.
It looked as though someone had airbrushed a delicate, glistening map of the cosmos on the front of Woman No Longer Under Dryer Number 4's smock, and had dropped a couple big blobs into the mix. The bright lights shining from the ceiling made the strands and blobs glisten against the black background.
I almost expected to hear Carl Sagan telling me which heavenly body each splotch on her smock represented.
But, she did, and I'm not proud to admit that I lost the battle to keep from giggling. I lost it big time. I didn't just giggle. I laughed. I snorted. I laughed again. I hee'd. I haw'd. I totally lost it.
I never saw Woman No Longer Under Dryer Number 4 come out of the restroom. That might be because I was nearly blind from crying due to laughing so hard. Or, she might still be in there. That's a shame, though, because I wanted to apologize to her.
So, Woman Under Dryer Number 4, if you're reading this, I apologize for laughing during what was likely a mortifying and traumatic experience for you.
I admit I thought it was funny at the time.
But, I see now that it's snot.
Have you ever done something hugely embarrassing in a public place? Have you witnessed someone else embarrassing themselves? How did you handle it? Shoot me a comment. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.
Be sure to get first notice about my humor writings by subscribing to my email notices by clicking that lovely box at the top, right of this page. You'll receive convenient updates when I post on this blog. I promise not to do anything weird or annoying with your email address.
And, as always, thank you for sharing my humor with your friends and family on your social media platforms. I already paid for those buttons at the bottom of the page, so I'm happy when you use them.
And, as always, I appreciate all of your support.
LOL … well, I'm pretty sure that I would have reacted the same!! 🙂 I once was skiing with a friend. We were going into the lodge when we saw a couple walking on the slope. They were inappropriately dressed (high heels, skirt, etc.). We both commented on how they shouldn't be there and then, just like a cartoon, their legs flew out from under them and they went flying, landing on their behinds. I couldn't help it … it struck me so funny … I burst out with a belly laugh. Ohhhhh … how rude was I! But it was seriously funny! Thank you for sharing your embarrassing moment with us!


I use a Bluetooth device to link my phone to my car's speakers, and when this works, it's great. Driving is one of the times I love listening to music: without studying this year, I've realised I'm listening to far less music. And actually, thinking back, I'm not sure I've ever driven in the car without music on. At least, not on my own for sure.
When was the last time I chose silence? I was struck how little we're ever in silence. Does 'silence' even exist in today's world?
I'm not sure it happens often. I studied to music, there's the continual chatter of everyday life, and even when those things stop, I'm pretty sure there's always some other noise going on in the background.
Are we scared to turn off the noise?
In some ways, it's almost like we're scared to turn off the noise. As if silence is something to be feared, or to shy away from. And to some extent, I can understand that.
I can be scared that when all the other noise stops, I'm left with my own thoughts. There's nothing else to distract me from the whirlwind that can be rampaging through my mind. And sometimes, that's not somewhere I want to be. I almost think that if the noise keeps going, I can escape it. Or maybe, it doesn't even exist.
Yet I feel like there's a good kind of silence. I'm starting to discover a silence that is healthy. One that is sustaining. And ultimately, one that is God-focused.
It's that 'still small voice' that I'm looking for. That can be found in the silence: if only we take the time to stop and listen. How? How do I intentionally look for silence? Look for the quiet?
By making that choice. It's a weird choice to make – because the world we live in is a noisy one. There are sounds blaring and noises interrupting 24/7. But I think, that if we try hard enough, there may be somewhere quiet we can find.
Back in the car, and I'm surprised by the fact that part of me quite likes that silence. I wouldn't have chosen it, but having it happen was actually a blessing. As I drove, I started talking, (not to myself, however much I do that in reality), but to God. Started having a conversation like He was in the passenger seat. It felt normal. And easy.
There's quite a lot of verses that speak of finding God in the silence.
And this is why that I've realised that however much I've decided that I want to, and need to slow down, I also need to be actively seeking to find silence too. I can't help but feel that it's in those moments – the ones where there's nothing in the way, and all that's left is honesty, openness and vulnerability: those are the moments that grow deeper relationships.
I'm choosing to actively seek silence.
Finding silence in a busy, noisy world may be difficult, but I've decided it's worth the challenge. Is anyone up for joining me?
Next Post Throwing a Potter Party!


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Wack these little guys on your pick set for instant comfort. Comes with nine PVC pick handles which will fit most bare picks.
A common problem among lock pickers is the soreness experienced when picking over a long period of time. Generally, this soreness is reduced once the skill level is increased as you learn to feel the feedback and reduce the pressure. This set of nine-piece PVC handles is a quick and forgiving upgrade to your pick set.
A great addition to our PickPals Intro Lock Pick Set and PickPals Expansion Pick Set.
These handles are designed to be tight, allowing maximum feedback through your picks so they can be difficult to put on. We recommend using a bit of vaseline, methylated spirits onto a cloth and wipe the handle.
These handles will also work with bare handled picks from Sparrow such as the Sparrows E.O.D.


text:
Women can foot the bill too - Men want equality when out on dates
Romardo Lyons - STAR Writer
In recent times, women have been demanding equality, whether in the workplace or society at large.
However, some men believe that women forget about equality when it's time to pay the bill on a date.
Shemar Shand told THE WEEKEND STAR that it wouldn't hurt if women decided to pay every now and then.
"I don't think they should pay for themselves on every single date, but they can start paying a little more nowadays, cause they are screaming for equality on all fronts. In Jamaica though, if she starts paying for meals regularly, best believe she's going to start treating you less than."
Shand says girls do expect him to pay on a date regardless of whether they are both students.
"They may not say it out loud, but their body language is always telling of the fact," he said. "I don't have a problem with that ... I think it was how I was grown, to always be a provider. Apart from being cultured like that though, I've been in situations where females have paid the bill and it was quite refreshing. A little emasculating, but quite refreshing."
It's kinda tricky
He said that if he invites a girl out on a date, he assumes that he'll be taking care of the bill.
"In the reverse, it's kinda tricky because some women, even after inviting you out, still expect you to take care of the bill. I do believe birthdays are an exception though. I'm not paying for my meal on my birthday," he said.
Obrian Lamoth says being required to pay can sometimes be hectic.
"I have a problem with it sometimes, depending on the situation," he said. "If you're trying to impress a girl or go out of your way to ask her out, I guess it would be appropriate to carry the burden. But if we are together and decide to go out, I feel the cost should be shared."
Jevaughn Johnson says it depends on the type of woman and her personality.
"I don't have a problem with paying, because I still believe that even though there is equality, as men, we are still the breadwinners," he said. "I would definitely allow a girl to pay for my meal at a restaurant. Suppose she's carrying me out for my birthday? She's carrying me out so yea, pay for the meal."
Romario Burke believes society has programmed females into believing that a man should cater to them at all times.
"If you a mi woman and mi spend money pon yuh, you better spend money pon me," he said. Gender specialist Indi McLymont-Lafayette said that she believes in equality between the sexes.
"And if both persons in a relationship are getting equal or similar salaries, I don't see why the bill shouldn't also be equally divided," she said. "That would be equal, fair and that would be gender equity. There's no discrimination based on sex. I would support that. That is if the salary is close."


On January 12th, 2019, I was blessed to have God give me direction with a particular situation, at that particular moment. I am a lieutenant with a local police department. I've been in law enforcement for 28 years. On the evening of January 12th, 2019, a close friend of mine sent me a text, asking me to stop by his home. It was his birthday and he was having friends and family over for dinner. I was working that evening, and my friend Paul lives in the city next to the city I work in. So, I was able to leave my office for a bit and pop in at Paul's party. After a short visit, I told Paul and his wife it was time for me to get back to work.
Paul, who is a retired police officer, asked me to take 6 trays of food (meat, rice, beans, salad, pita bread, etc.) back to the police station for the officers who were working. Cops will eat anything…anytime. Paul and his wife, loaded up all of the food in nice chef style bags, and sent me on my way. As I drove from Paul's home and got on the freeway, I got a craving for a black iced tea lemonade. Normally, this wouldn't be that unusual, but on this evening it was very cold. I exited the freeway, and picked up my iced tea.
As I drove back towards the freeway, the Lord asked me to find out if there was a "cold weather shelter" in the city. I don't know how to describe this experience. It wasn't an actual voice, but on the other hand it wasn't just a thought or intuition. Up until then, I hadn't thought about a "cold weather shelter" in the city at all. The feeling I had was strong and deliberate. There was no question about what I was to do. I immediately pulled my car over and contacted police dispatch. "Dispatch, would you please get a hold of the fire department and see if we have a 'cold weather shelter' in the city?" My thought was that the fire department would know because of occupancy limits and such.
Now, where I pulled my car over was basically a business area. There is a florist, a sandwich shop, Auto Zone…). Police dispatch radioed me back, "There is one shelter in the city. It's at Santa Barbara and Lake." I couldn't believe it. I was parked directly in front of the small church, who was helping the cold and hungry. I got out of my car and walked around the small building. I located about 20-30 people waiting in line to check in. I asked one of the people in line what time the doors opened. He told me 8:00 (pm). I looked at my watch and it was 8:01. I then walked to the front of the line and talked to one of the volunteers. She directed me to one of the church staff. I introduced myself and told her God told me to bring food to the shelter. She smiled and said they would love to take whatever I had. I replied back, "I'm serious. God told me to find this shelter." As it turned out, once the homeless checked in, dinner was being served. God placed me there at the exact moment.
After I left the food, I walked back to my car and began to pray. I felt blessed that God worked through me this way. The whole sequence of events were at the direction of the Lord. Oh, there's a cherry on top. The previous Sunday, Pastor Jim preached about really trying to listen to the Lord. Sometimes we don't listen, or want to go about our own business. On this night, God opened my ears.
Newer PostReal Life Stories: "The Miracle of Valley Center"
Older PostReal Life Stories: "I've got this."