text:
Cari Thomas on the inspiration behind her debut novel Threadneedle
Threadneedle Inspiration: The Freedom and Fear of Magic
I remember the old family stories about my Great Aunt Mary. A fiercely independent, enigmatic woman who was said to be a witch. Stories about how she could perform spells, tell the future, speak with spirits is there anything more riveting as a child than stories about magic? About a family witch? Not for me.
Perhaps it was these early stories seeping into my subconscious, perhaps it was devouring The Worst Witch, or growing up in rural Wales surrounded by myth and fairy tales, or maybe it was just me, but from a young age I developed a fascination for all things witches and magic. In fact, my very first story was about a witch who descended upon my school and attempted to kill the headmaster. I fear it ended with and then I woke up and it was all a dream but I was young, let's just hope my series doesn't follow the same route (spoiler: it doesn't.)
By the time I was a teenager, I was watching Practical Magic and The Craft and convincing friends to try out spells at sleepovers, and on one occasion in the school classroom at lunchtime. We got caught. It was weird. As I grew older my fascination developed. While working as a journalist in London in my 20s I would spend my spare time researching magic and the occult in all its forms, slowly weaving together the magic that appealed to me the kind of magic that evokes something ancient, natural, visceral and instinctual, that belongs to the domain of the household witch. The old woman in the fairy tale wood, spinning spells, weaving stories, turning keys, threads, mirrors, toads and bones into ingredients of magic.
But let's not forget that the witch's hut always sits outside of the village for a reason. In my research, I became just as obsessed with magic's opposite forces repression, fear, suspicion and prejudice. After all, if my Great Aunt Mary had been alive a few centuries earlier she may well have been burnt at the stake.
Witch hunts became an area of fascination for me and the more I read the more outraged I became how powerful, outspoken women and men, or people of the pagan faith, or simply outsiders, have time and time again been suppressed, silenced and extinguished from society. How the power structure of the day meant that it was near impossible for them to have a voice and to defend themselves. Why was it such people terrified those in power? Why were we not taught more about this dark period of history? Why did the themes feel like they still resonated so strongly today?
I explore these tensions in Threadneedle the freedoms of magic set against a fear of witches and feminine power. My main character Anna is caught between these forces, on one hand taught by her Aunt that magic is sinful and must be bound and on another tempted by the wonders of magic when she is lured into a coven at school. Yet her fears are only heightened when she realises that old enemies may be stirring and new prejudices may be rising ¦ The theme of stories feeds into these tensions the way a story can set us free or diminish us. Anna is forced to face the most belittling of stories rumour, gossip and whispers; spiteful, shaming stories that have so often been used against witches (and women). And yet, stories can be used to fight back too. Anna's journey begins when she receives a book of fairy tales. Initially she discards them as nothing but childish stories but slowly begins to understand their significance…
Having researched fairy tales from many perspectives, I'm fascinated by the idea that they aren't reductive, instructional scriptures used to disempower women but actually grew from women's oral tales. Tales told while women worked cooking, cleaning, spinning and weaving by the fire conjuring stories of wonder and freedom in a stand or an escape against the futility of their lives. That fairy tales may even have stemmed from ancient initiatory rites of the old Goddess religions or, older still, from the first venerations to female fertility and the moon. I discovered ancient rites in Sleeping Beauty, secrets spells in Little Red Riding Hood, and buried Goddesses hidden behind the guise of Old Mother Goose.
Then there are spells themselves. Are they not miniature stories? Tiny explosions of the imagination? A way to rewrite the narrative to your own will? Weaving everyday objects and words into something that can transform us.
The sheer joy of writing Threadneedle came in spilling this ancient cauldron of ideas into the modern world. Several years ago I quit my job and became a part-time copywriter, freeing up my days to wander around London and finally write this book. Spending my time imagining how magic could be threaded into the very world around me embedding old spells into a modern setting or creating a magical world within the London we know, whether a hidden library beneath The British Library, a vintage shop stocked with magical memories or a witch club complete with maypole. Or, in darker moments, envisioning the resurgence of an age-old battle between an ancient feminine power and a repressive force; a disturbing sect of witches who fear their own magic as much as their enemies; schoolgirls forced to take on the injustices of the world one spell at a time.
Ultimately this is where the heart of the story lies. In feminine power and sisterhood. In Anna joining a coven of witches, an unlikely set of outsiders, who together must navigate their way through the light and dark of magic and the light and dark of being a young woman in today's world. A world that is more complex than ever and yet still plagued by many of the same issues that my Great Aunt Mary would have faced, and all the witches who came before her.
Magic and love. Love and magic. They destroy everything in the end ¦'
Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic.
Anna's Aunt has always warned her of the dangers of magic. Its twists. Its knots. Its deadly consequences. Now Anna counts down the days to the ceremony that will bind her magic forever.
Until she meets Effie and Attis. They open her eyes to a London she never knew existed. A shop that sells memories. A secret library where the librarian feeds off words. A club where revellers lose themselves in a haze of spells.
But as she is swept deeper into this world, Anna begins to wonder if her Aunt was right all along. Is her magic a gift ¦ or a curse?
Author Q&A: Jay Kristoff on Empire of the Vampire
Emilia Hart introduces Weyward
R.F. Kuang talks Babel
Sue Lynn Tan introduces Heart of the Sun Warrior
Cecile Pin on her debut novel, Wandering Souls
I wanted to spotlight the lives of those who had been shuffled offstage: I wanted them to be seen. Finally, I sat down at my desk and began typing. Read More
Ross Welford and The Monkey Who Fell From The Future
It's ridiculous, really, isn't it? That is, for something so utterly impossible – and never, frankly, likely to be possible – time travel remains a mesmerising 'what if?' Read More
Holly Jackson introduces her new YA thriller, Five Survive
When it came to writing my first book Post-Pip, the blank page was more intimidating and the blinking cursor loomed even larger. Read More


Friday evening UKI trial from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
NON-ASCA registered dogs, including mixed breeds may compete. A Q Tracking number must be applied for if you wish to have your qualifying scores and titles tracked. If you do not wish to have scores tracked then you do not need a Q Tracking number.
All Levels Dog Agility Fun Match taught by AAC world team member, Tara LaBelle.
Spitfire Dog Sports Club is holding a Gary White Agility workshop on July 19-20-21. Details coming soon.
Friday night UKI agility trial from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
So far today Canuck Dogs has had 114,974 visitors.
Since March 26, 2010, Canuck Dogs received 623,126,445 visitors.


Like it or not, your dining room table will be the focus point on every dinner that you'll give at your home. The most difficult and most unachievable goal is to create the perfect table set that you will make your dinner the most refined one. But, don't worry, we are here to help you.
There are a dizzying number of elements to consider: serve ware, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. Do you have a tablecloth? A runner? Placemats? All of the above? While we can't claim to have all of the answers for every situation, we do have 15 dining table tips that will impress even the most jaded guests. Ready for them?
This is a great example of a perfect match between a table runner and dinnerware. This is an outsized floral pattern which is the best backdrop for bold geometric dinnerware and accents of gold.
A Greek-key trimmed plate and charger rest atop a bright pink printed tablecloth. Ikat polka dot napkins in a complementary lime hue round out this preppy place setting. Perfect for the spring, don't you agree?
This table decoration was inspired by Indian celebrations matching the pink and orange tones.
Traditional dinnerware rests atop a Pierre Frey velvet tablecloth in a mesmerizing shade of teal. Horn-handled flatware and hand-printed napkins add dynamism to each place setting.
Round woven placemats offset transferware; a jaunty napkin and playfully arranged flatware set the tone of the meal.
A sleek and refined place setting lets fluted and hand-etched glassware steal the show.
This polka dot tablecloth is a sweet setting for classic white china.
Platinum nesting bowls rest atop linen placemats to create a serenely Scandi-chic place setting that wows.
A leopard-print charger is an unexpected—but entirely welcome—twist in this sophisticated setting.
Nothing says coastal living like handwoven placemats and hurricane glass.
You can always match your dinnerware with the table runner, the centerpieces or even same pieces of your dining room decoration like the color or texture of your dining room chairs, walls or even some art piece that you may have.
These are our dining room decoration tips that we have for you. We hope that your table set steals the show in your next dinner! Let us know what was your favorite!
Download our FREE E-Book for more inspirations, follow us on INSTAGRAM and get yourself inspired on PINTEREST.


Our website address is: https://ela.edu.gr/wp. You may find detailed information regarding our organization, by clicking here, and here.
Should you have any questions or wish to view, receive or delete the information we have about you on our site, please use the contact form here.


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Scoring balance, defense spark Mackinaw City girls in home victory over Onaway
Jared Greenleaf
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
MACKINAW CITY – For almost one quarter of play, the Onaway Cardinals hung right in there with the high-powered Mackinaw City Comets.
But as we've seen a lot from the Comets over the years, they can impose their dominance at any given moment.
On Thursday, the talented and experienced Comets used two of their best qualities – balanced scoring and suffocating defense – to overwhelm the young Cardinals the rest of the way in a 68-33 non-conference victory.
"Another great team effort tonight," said Mackinaw City coach Jake Huffman. "I'm so proud of how hard these girls work defensively and rebounding, and just the overall team effort, four girls in double figures again tonight, and our ball movement is so good. I think that really makes us solid offensively on that end of the court as well.
"(Onaway coach John George) has got a really nice team, some good athletes, and I was really happy with the game plan we executed. He's got some really nice players."
Both teams set the offensive tone instantly, with Mackinaw City's Gracie Beauchamp and Onaway's Charlotte Box connecting on made 3-pointers. The Cardinals stayed red hot from the field and took a 10-8 lead with a mid-range jumper from Madilyn Crull.
But in an instant, the undefeated Comets transformed back into the well-oiled machine they've been this season, erupting with a 15-3 run to close the quarter and taking a 23-11 advantage into the second.
The overall length and defensive ability of the Comets continued to overwhelm the Cardinals in the second, while Mackinaw City's offense saw several players contribute. As a result, the Comets outscored the Cardinals by a 16-6 margin and took a commanding 39-17 lead into the break.
While they looked terrific on offense for most of the first quarter, the Cardinals struggled to make shots and take care of the ball against the well-organized and aggressive defense of the Comets for the rest of the half.
"I think we just were a little too timid, we were intimidated," said George. "They got (Madison Smith), who is a rim protector in the middle, and when you try to drive it through there, and before you know it you're getting blocked every time, and then you start second-guessing yourself. That was pretty obvious what was going through our heads there at some point."
As for the scoring balance, the Comets saw four players reach double figures on the night, with Marlie Postula's 23 points, three steals and two assists leading the way. Larissa Huffman recorded 12 points, nine rebounds, seven steals and six assists, while Smith tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, three assists and three steals. The last Comet to hit double digits was Julia Sullivan, who had 10 points, five boards, three steals and two assists.
"I think at this point this year we've had six different leading scorers in different games and all sorts of types of games, and a lot of that is attributed not only to the effort and time that these girls have put into the gym, but the piece that they truly enjoy is playing with one another, and they share the basketball," Huffman said. "At the end of the night, I don't think any one of them is running up and down that court thinking about, 'Oh, I've got to get mine.' They're more like, 'I've got to make sure to get the right shot, I've got to make sure I get the great shot,' and if we continue to share the basketball like that, that makes us tough to defend offensively."
Rounding out the Comets offensively were Gracie Beauchamp (seven points, five assists, five steals, three rebounds), Jersey Beauchamp (four points, six assists, five steals, one rebound) and Carla Blake (one rebound).
Leading Onaway's offensive attack was Box, who finished with 12 points, while Kailyn George added nine, Crull scored seven, Aubrey Benson registered three, and Ema DeMaestri chipped in with two.
"It was (a great start) until they really closed us down," George said. "It just shows that our potential is there. That's what we look for. We look for little goals and little victories throughout a night like this, but it wasn't our night. I don't know if we run with them on our best night, but that's definitely what we aspire to be in the future.
"We got all our sophomores and freshmen and everybody else and a couple upperclassmen going up against a bunch of seniors. That's what I told them in the locker room is, 'Hopefully this is what our program looks like in 2-3 years.' They (Mackinaw City) didn't miss, it's hard to beat that. We didn't create enough offense.
"I don't know what else to say. They're good."
Huffman had plenty of praise for the Cardinals, a team he believes could make some noise in the postseason.
"Our girls, like I said the other night, they want to get out and see that tough competition and play good athletes, and Onaway's got a bunch of good athletes," Huffman said. "They've beaten (Johannesburg-Lewiston), they were 8-2 coming into tonight, and even their two losses were quality losses where they competed with (Gaylord) St. Mary's and Inland Lakes.
"To be play that level of competition does us a lot of good."
Mackinaw City (11-0, 5-0) returns to Northern Lakes Conference play when it travels to Boyne Falls on Monday.
Onaway (8-3, 6-2 Ski Valley Conference) heads to Pellston for a league game on Tuesday.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home News Morocco Moroccan captain of Islamic State brigade killed in Syria last week
Moroccan captain of Islamic State brigade killed in Syria last week
Rabat - During days of fighting in the Syrian countryside near Aleppo last week, a Moroccan national heading an Islamic State battalion was killed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Rabat – During days of fighting in the Syrian countryside near Aleppo last week, a Moroccan national heading an Islamic State battalion was killed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF, an alliance of Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, and other groups, recently gained control of two villages in the region. Yesterday, the Syrian Organization for Human Rights reported that one of al-Baghdadi's field commanders, a Moroccan national, was killed in the fighting last week.
The Organization did not provide information about the commander's identity, but noted that 30 other Islamic State fighters were killed in the battle.
The exact number of Moroccans that have died in the fighting in Iraq and Syria is unclear.
The Arabic speaking news website Al-Yaoum24 reports that 1,579 Moroccans have traveled from the kingdom to fight for a range of organizations in Syria. 758 of these citizens have joined the ranks of ISIS, while 52 are fighting for Jabbat al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Of these fighters, 499 have died.
The newspaper Aabbir reports that there has been an increase in recent days in the death toll of Moroccan combatants as the fight against the Islamic State intensifies.


I am with Karasek on this. The Frauenkirche seems too polished to me, it lacks the patina that a really old church has - like the cathedral in Meißen. I wouldn't say the Frauenkirche feels like a train station, to me it's more like a concert hall. In fact I'm gonna see a Christmas concert there 26 Nov and another 17 Dec. But a church? Not really. It also doesn't have a local congregation.
MLF611, I guess we will never make you a fan of Meissen then, but to each their own!
No, probably not. And I know there are places I really like that others don't. That's fine, to each their own. But I do find it annoying when someone takes my dislike to Meissen and then leaps to the conclusion that I probably didn't care for it because I find architecture and history boring.
One of the things that I like most about Frauenkirche is not its beauty, but the spirit and dedication of the people who rebuilt it. When I was there on Easter Sunday (2010), several locals talked to the visitors about what having the church back meant to them both as Christians and as Dresden residents. I found what they had to say very moving - but to each his own.
I loved Bamberg and I liked Nuremburg. The Nazi sites were very interesting.
FYI, Nuremburg's sausages were exceptional, and I am not that fond of sausages.
BTW, 2 nights in Bamburg were sufficient for our purposes.
"danon, how many hours of the 45 h did you sleep? ;-)"
I am sure there are many local joint that 'rock" late at night, but the "tourist" area ( close to the Church) was kind of dead after 10:00 PM .
And this was in July!
Agree, danon. The area around the Frauenkirche used to be dead in the evenings. It's not as bad as before anymore, but still ... and just a few steps away, near Kreuzkirche in the lanes around Weisse Gasse, locals and tourists gather and sit in front of dozens of restaurants/bars.
In July we use to hang out in the beergardens along the river, though ... and of course in the (Äußere) Neustadt.
Again thanks to you all. It is appearing that I should cut some time out of the earlier part of the trip and add some more time in Dresden. Gorlitz sounds interesting, looks like 1.5h from Dresden via train. A shorter tip on the Elbe also sounds great.
Still have plenty of time to firm up our itinerary so your ideas are very helpful.


text:
using UnityEngine;
using UnityEngine.Events;
using VRTK;

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public class VRTK_UIPointer_UnityEvents : MonoBehaviour
{
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    private void SetUIPointer()
    {
        if (uip == null)
        {
            uip = GetComponent<VRTK_UIPointer>();
        }
    }

    private void OnEnable()
    {
        SetUIPointer();
        if (uip == null)
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            Debug.LogError("The VRTK_UIPointer_UnityEvents script requires to be attached to a GameObject that contains a VRTK_UIPointer script");
            return;
        }
        uip.UIPointerElementEnter += UIPointerElementEnter;
        uip.UIPointerElementExit += UIPointerElementExit;
    }

    private void UIPointerElementEnter(object o, UIPointerEventArgs e)
    {
        OnUIPointerElementEnter.Invoke(e);
    }

    private void UIPointerElementExit(object o, UIPointerEventArgs e)
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    private void OnDisable()
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        {
            return;
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        uip.UIPointerElementEnter -= UIPointerElementEnter;
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}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The name Von Braun originated from the German engineer, Wernher Von Braun. Von Braun is known for being one of the most important weapons specialists to work on rocketry and jet propulsion in the United States. In 1945, after signing a contract with the U.S. Army, Von Braun was brought to Huntsville, Alabama from Germany. While in Huntsville Von Braun took on elite roles. His first was as the technical director of the U.S. Army Ordnance Guided Missile Project. Soon after Von Braun officially moved to Huntsville and became a U.S. citizen. He continued his work as the technical director but went on to hold the titles Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Marshall Space Flight Center and Vice President at the aerospace company Fairchild Industries, Inc. He even founded the National Space Institute. Von Braun is also responsible for several satellites and rockets you may be familiar with such as Explorer I, Saturn IB, Saturn V and Saturn I, which is the rocket that was used for the Apollo 8 moon orbit in 1969. The U.S. Space program played such a huge role in Huntsville that Huntsville became known as the "rocket city." Due to the efforts of Von Braun and the success he made of Huntsville it only seemed appropriate we be named the Von Braun Center.
Tickets for opening weekend attractions went on sale February 24, 1975. Opening day was highlighted by the Beaux Arts Ball sponsored by the Arts Council on March 14. March 15 was the premier performance of "Galileo Galilei" conducted by Dr. Marx Pales which had been commissioned by the Huntsville Symphony Association for the grand opening of the Concert Hall. Notable Huntsvillians that performed that night were Ken Turvey, Albert Lane, Lady Shivers Tucker and Mike Sheehy.
Rounding out the first month of operation were Holiday on Ice, Huntsville Little Theatre's "Barefoot in the Park" and Johnny Cash. Also appearing the first year of operation were Truman Capote, Linda Ronstad, Merle Haggard and Van Cliburn. The iconic Elvis Presley appeared May 30 through June 1 for an unprecedented five performances. It was the first time Elvis had played that many consecutive performances in a venue outside of Las Vegas. The Arena's first rock show featured the Electric Light Orchestra with Sugarloaf and Jo Jo Gunne. Other rock groups appearing that year were the Doobie Brothers, the Jackson Five, Jimmy Buffett, the Allman Brothers and Jethro Tull. Country fans also enjoyed such acts as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride and Chet Atkins. In its first six months of operation, the Civic Center drew over a half million attendees. Later that year Fantasy Playhouse, a local theatre, began its 1975-76 season with a production of "Puss 'N Boots" in the new VBC Playhouse. Other locally bred performances included Community Chorus with "Brigadoon" and Broadway Theatre League with "Gene Kelly's Salute to Broadway," starring Ken Berry and Mimi Hines.
Iconic artists continue to perform here and is why people return to the Von Braun center time and time again. Recent performers include Harry Connick Jr, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Weird Al Yankovic, Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, Little Big Town, Elton John, Kid Rock and much much more!
In 2015 the Von Braun Center celebrated their 40th anniversary. In light of the celebration the VBC hosted the Von Braun Music Run & Open House. It took place on March 21st, 2015 at 9am and had over 2,500 people in attendance. The 5K included live music and entertainment throughout the route. Once participants reached the finish line they we able to enjoy a live band and other family friendly activities at the Von Braun Center in similar fashion to other great family friendly events the VBC hosts. It was at this event when Mayor Tommy Battle proclaimed March 2015 as Von Braun Center month in honor of the 40th anniversary.
The demand for space in the Civic Center quickly overwhelmed supply. To meet the demand in late 1980 additional exhibition and meeting room space was added with the addition of the West Exhibit Hall. Under the direction of Chef Tommy Armstrong, the center became "the" place to hold banquets. A much larger and more modern kitchen was added shortly thereafter. During the Tupperware Convention the civic center's catering staff fed one thousand people a splendid prime rib dinner.
The ever-increasing popularity of the Center for banquets, conferences and receptions necessitated yet another expansion. The new North Hall was to be a stylish, well-appointed place of public assembly. Highlighted by oak trim and 18 chandeliers, the North Hall opened with fanfare in 1987. Due to budgetary constraints, the landscaping of the North Hall was done by the Civic Center staff. The final touches were completed only moments before guests arrived.
The demand for space escalated, and larger exhibitions and tradeshows gradually outgrew the available space. For instance to accommodate the Intergraph Graphic Users Group, meals were first served in a large tent which quickly became inadequate. Food service then moved to a makeshift dining hall created in the Monroe Street parking garage. During the typical five-day conference, over twelve thousand lunches alone were served. The logistics of food service in the City parking garage brought home the need for larger convention space. With the opening the South Hall, the Center could now accommodate these conventions as well as draw others of national significance. The new South Hall opened in January 1997, ahead of schedule and under budget, and was to have been inaugurated by the American Bowling Congress, a six-month event drawing bowlers from all across America. However, the early completion date enabled the Boat show to open first. To establish the center as a regional site for convention trade, the name was changed from Von Braun Civic Center to Von Braun Center.
Originally constructed in 1975, renovations were completed in 2010 transforming the VBC's Arena into a dynamic modern venue. A $5 million donation from Bill Propst helped make renovations to the VBC Arena possible. The renovation changed the facade of the Arena to a modern glass frontage overlooking Big Spring Park and expanded the lobby adding more pre-function space and a pub. The project added over 1,000 seats to concert setups, VIP suites, and additional restrooms. The Arena was renamed the Propst Arena in honor of this considerable donation made by Huntsville businessman Bill Propst. Propst is well known in Huntsville for the success of Propst Drugstores and his entrepreneurial ventures in the marketing and manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals.
Thanks to a generous $3 million donation from the Linda and Mark Smith Family Foundation the VBC Concert Hall underwent a major renovation completed in 2010. The gift given by the family of late prominent businessman, Mark C. Smith brought the Concert Hall up to date with the 21st century Propst Arena.
Time and time again talented Huntsville citizens have stepped forward to share their expertise in leadership roles of great responsibility. They serve for no personal gain and motivated by a sense of community service and the desire to enhance the quality of life in the Huntsville community. The airport, public library, Huntsville Hospital and the botanical gardens are results of this kind of leadership and The Von Braun Center is no exception.
In the early 1960's certain members of the community felt that Huntsville could do better than the meager arts facilities available at the time. Martha Rambo affiliated with the Symphony, Elvira Glover of the Art League, Martha Hamm with Community Chorus, Dexter Nilsson of Little Theatre and others began to voice the need for housing and performance space for the arts. City Attorney Charles Younger and Councilman Joe Peters embraced the cause. Charles Younger got the idea to fund the arts by way of a liquor tax. Huntsvillians traveled to Winston-Salem to observe, and Art Hanes, a member of the Hanes family of Winston-Salem where a successful Arts Council had been created, was invited to Huntsville to advise. As a result the Arts Council was born.
The Public Building Authority was able to make the old West Huntsville School available for an Arts Center. However, Arts Council members were careful to refer to it as the "temporary" Arts Center in fear of opposition to the proposed building project.
Today it is hard to imagine the city of Huntsville without the VBC but only a few decades ago to enjoy your favorite entertainment you had to travel to various venues around Madison County. Local theatre productions were presented in the auditorium of the old West Clinton School at the corner of Church and Clinton Street. Broadway Theatre League and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra played at the Huntsville High School Auditorium. For rock and country music, one could enjoy the ambiance of the Madison County Coliseum which could only seat approximately 2,000 people. For elegant banquets the Russell Erskine Hotel and the Dunnavant's Mall (now Medical Mall) were often the premier choices.
The want for a cultural center continued to increase and finally gained momentum in 1965 when The Public Building Authority, under the direction of Nathan Porter, contracted with Booz-Allen-Hamilton to make plans for a civic arts center. The original concept was for a large and small theatre along with an exhibition space and an art museum. In 1969 the Civic Center Advisory Board (CCAB) was chartered by the Huntsville City Council. Their mission was to advise the council on all aspects concerning the design, financing, construction and operation of a new facility to be called the Huntsville Civic Center. They were further charged with developing a master plan that included an auditorium that would seat 10,000. The council confirmed the belief that a large arena would be necessary to support the other facilities. One of the final recommendations of the CCAB was that a permanent Civic Center Board be established to oversee all aspects of the new facility. Original plans allowed for the building to be built in five increments but The Board insisted on all or none, as they deemed any negotiation for incremental development would jeopardize the overall project. As the building neared completion, famous Huntsville artist Ed Monroe offered to donate a portrait of Wernher Von Braun to the center. Dr. and Mrs. Von Braun were visibly moved at his stunning work.
The arts in Huntsville has never faced easy times. Its success in Huntsville is due primarily to the efforts of individuals who have inspired, challenged and motivated all of us to contribute our time and devotion to this great endeavor. The arts have not flourished because of the Von Braun Center; rather the VBC has succeeded and will continue to succeed because of those who firmly believe in the importance of the arts. Thank you for continuing to support the arts and Von Braun Center.


Properties of Matcha Essential for Proper Identification There are various types of green tea available in the market today. However, they are various types of green in the market, and that which has numerous health benefits is the matcha green tea. Many wholesalers are dealing in matcha because it is popular and you can find it at lower rates. Matcha is available in different qualities, and therefore the dealers can sell it at various prices depending on the type of quality that you want. High-quality Matcha will go at high prices while low quality is cheap. Matcha comes from Japan, and for this reason, you can directly access matcha from Japan by placing an early order, and you get the advantage of using it from the source. In Japan, matcha processing has various stages to its completion, and this makes it a finished product by the time you have it in your hands. However, there are so many factors that affect the quality of match green tea, and some of these factors may be cultivation method, the location of the plantation with regards to climatic conditions and processing technique. Additionally, the quality of match can also vary in each harvesting period. There are various places in Japan known to produce best quality matcha. However, matcha from other parts of the country can also be of high quality.
Matcha is available in many brands which are available in shops for sale. If you are attempting the use of matcha for the first time, you should be cautious, and you should not take the premium grade of matcha green tea. You should use other categories so that you become familiar with the tea as you find your preferred flavor and choice. It will take some time before you adapt to the taste and aroma of the tea. As you go on with the tests, you find the type of matcha and quality that is most appropriate for you. Consider the following factors before you purchase matcha green tea.
Do not buy matcha which is packed in tea bags. The form of processing that it undergoes does not allow it to be packaging in tea bags. Refrain from purchasing matcha tea bags as it may be some other kind of green tea with an added flavor of matcha to confuse the buyer. If you can know when harvesting was done, then go for fresh harvest matcha. Early harvest matcha gives the best quality than that from the late harvest so you should be keen on the harvesting time of matcha. Consider the color of the green tea you intend to purchase, and you should go for that which appears to be bright green. If the matcha on sale has other colors apart from bright green, then that is a red flag, and you should not purchase it because it may contain additives which make it poor quality. Color variation may also be due to sun exposure. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure to maintain its color and quality.


text:
#include "StdAfx.h"
#include "DiamondVectorPart.h"

namespace DecoratorSDK {

//################################################################################################
//
// CLASS : DiamondVectorPart
//
//################################################################################################

DiamondVectorPart::DiamondVectorPart(PartBase* pPart, CComPtr<IMgaCommonDecoratorEvents>& eventSink,
									 long diamondWidth, long diamondHeight):
	VectorPart(pPart, eventSink, diamondWidth, diamondHeight)
{
}

DiamondVectorPart::~DiamondVectorPart()
{
}

// New functions
void DiamondVectorPart::InitializeEx(CComPtr<IMgaProject>& pProject, CComPtr<IMgaMetaPart>& pPart, CComPtr<IMgaFCO>& pFCO,
									  HWND parentWnd, PreferenceMap& preferences)
{
	VectorPart::InitializeEx(pProject, pPart, pFCO, parentWnd, preferences);

	ASSERT(m_coordCommands.size() == 0); // if this ASSERT fails, InitializeEx was called twice
	SimpleCoordCommand* leftMost	= new SimpleCoordCommand(LeftMost);
	SimpleCoordCommand* topMost		= new SimpleCoordCommand(TopMost);
	SimpleCoordCommand* rightMost	= new SimpleCoordCommand(RightMost);
	SimpleCoordCommand* bottomMost	= new SimpleCoordCommand(BottomMost);
	ComplexCoordCommand* centerx	= new ComplexCoordCommand(LeftMost, 0.5);
	centerx->AddCommand(RightMost, 0.5, CoordAdd);
	ComplexCoordCommand* centery	= new ComplexCoordCommand(TopMost, 0.5);
	centery->AddCommand(BottomMost, 0.5, CoordAdd);

	m_coordCommands.push_back(leftMost);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(topMost);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(rightMost);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(bottomMost);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(centerx);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(centery);

	AddCommand(VectorCommand(VectorCommand::BeginPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(leftMost,	centery,	centerx,	bottomMost,	VectorCommand::AddLineToPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(centerx,	bottomMost,	rightMost,	centery,	VectorCommand::AddLineToPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(rightMost,	centery,	centerx,	topMost,	VectorCommand::AddLineToPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(centerx,	topMost,	leftMost,	centery,	VectorCommand::AddLineToPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(VectorCommand::EndPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(VectorCommand::CopyShadowPath));
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(VectorCommand::CastShadowPath));
	AbsoluteCoordCommand* fillColorCmd = new AbsoluteCoordCommand(m_crBrush);
	AbsoluteCoordCommand* grayedCmd = new AbsoluteCoordCommand(COLOR_GRAYED_OUT);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(fillColorCmd);
	m_coordCommands.push_back(grayedCmd);
	AddCommand(VectorCommand(fillColorCmd, grayedCmd, VectorCommand::StrokeAndFillPath));
}

}; // namespace DecoratorSDK


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text:
The Varuna River is a minor tributary of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. It originates at Phulpur in the Prayagraj district and merges into the Ganges near Sarai Mohana in the Varanasi district. The  stretch between Sarai Mohana and Sadar , Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is prone to flooding. The name 'Varanasi' is originated from the name of two rivers, Varuna and Assi.

According to the Vamana Purana, the river was created by the gods alongside the Asi River. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata.

References

Varanasi
Rivers of Uttar Pradesh
Tributaries of the Ganges
Rivers of India

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


You'd think memorizing your speech would be the thing to do.
I mean, you don't want to stand up in front of twenty-three or two-hundred or ten-thousand people reading your presentation notes. We all know that's not the right idea.
So memorizing is the only other option. Right?
Speech coach Patricia Fripp pulled some quotes from Rob Biesenbach's new book 11 Deadly Presentation Sins to highlight why not to memorize your speech.
Lisa B. Marshall of Quick and Dirty Tips agrees.
In her piece Read, Memorize, or Use Notes?, Marshall reviews the three main options for public speaking delivery: reading (not really an option, unless word for word is a must), memorizing (nope, still not something to consider), or using notes (ding, ding, ding).
Wait, wait, wait . . . how can you use notes without just reading them?
One more time. All together: practice.
As you practice running through your speech, you'll internalize the material and be able to present everything in a conversational tone. Having all your points in your head will help you keep your eyes off your notes or slides and on your audience, which is critical for connection.
And if you have to refer to your notes to get back on track, do it. Check your slide or your 3X5 card. Then get right back into conversing and sharing, conversing and sharing.
You'll rock your public speaking gig because you've put in the work and practiced.
Want more awesomeness like this? Try our article Keep Your Audience Awake with this Unforgettable Presentation Secret. You can also subscribe to Drop the Mic, our communication newsletter.


Typically we don't invite nor do we have a "prayer requests" board. I can almost feel the awkwardness and the silence of the large group regarding his request.
Yet, at most meetings we hear: "Please Jehovah, protect our brothers in _______(fill in the country of the persecuted)_____ so that they remain faithful under duress...."
Either we should or we should not. There is not middle ground here. One is truth. Right?
Jesus prayed for those he did not know.
(John 17:20) "I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word,"
Jehovah will even answer our sincere prayers when we do not know what to specifically pray for.
(Romans 8:26, 27) "In like manner, the spirit also joins in with help for our weakness; for the problem is that we do not know what we should pray for as we need to, but the spirit itself pleads for us with unuttered groanings. 27 But the one who searches the hearts knows what the meaning of the spirit is, because it is pleading in harmony with God for the holy ones."
So there is no dilemma....Thankfully!
we don't invite nor do we have a "prayer requests" board.
I'd say that was right.
Jehovah greatly blessed Job for his faith and endurance !
14 "For this reason I bend my knees to the Father, 15 to whom every family in heaven and on earth owes its name."
We are thankful to Jehovah that he has a communication channel where he never closes.
18 "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit."
4 "The king then said to me: "What is it that you are seeking?" At once I prayed to the God of the heavens."
Nehemiah, governor of the Jews in the fifth century B.C.E., did his best to please God. He spearheaded the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls despite enemy opposition.
He enforced God's Law, cared for the oppressed, and sought to build up the faith of his fellow Israelites.
Did God notice the good that this faithful man had done? Did Nehemiah have Jehovah's approval? We can discern the answers in the closing words of the book that bears his name.
What, then, is he asking God to do? One reference work notes that the Hebrew term translated "remember" implies "the affection of the mind and the action which accompanies recollection." With full faith in the power of prayer, Nehemiah is asking God to remember him with affection and to bless him.—Nehemiah 2:4.
Will Jehovah answer Nehemiah's prayer for remembrance? In one respect, he already has. The very fact that Jehovah saw fit to have a permanent record made of Nehemiah's prayer, making it part of the inspired Scriptures, assures us that he remembers Nehemiah with affection. But the "Hearer of prayer" will do more to answer Nehemiah's heartfelt request.—Psalm 65:2.
Prayer Helps Us No Matter What We Need! ~ Thank God We are Alive, for Our Needs and Everything He Has Made! For His Kingdom that Will Soon Rid the Earth of all Wickedness and Pain and Sorrow! What a Wonderful God Jehovah We Have! Don't Forget to Give Thanks, He Knows What We Need So We Need to Have More Faith that He Will Do What is Best for Us! Maybe it is Not the Answer We Want? He Will Help Us Through it All!
Try it and You will Draw Closer to God cause He Cares for You!


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text:
Feature Editorials
Crouching Fascism, Hidden Media
Saturday, 22 November 2008 19:00 Brian Fitzpatrick
A wave of quasi-fascism has descended upon California and touched several other states. But instead of exposing the abuse, the media are ignoring it.
On November 4, California voters approved Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment declaring that only marriages between a man and a woman are valid in the Golden State. Since then, militants have vandalized property, threatened individuals and mailed white powder to Mormon churches.
Most Americans probably are not aware of this fascistic behavior, because the media – the people who are supposed to be the first line of defense against domestic tyranny – are absent.
Fascism is a powerful word, but often used imprecisely, so let's define our terms. The following definition comes from former Columbia historian Robert O. Paxton, author of The Anatomy of Fascism:
Omar Khadr: The War On Teen Terror
Friday, 12 September 2008 19:00 Jo Becker
The Bush administration's treatment of juvenile prisoners shipped to Guantánamo Bay defies logic as well as international law.
When Mohammed Jawad took the stand in a courtroom at the U.S. Naval base here late last week, he described a litany of abuse he has endured while detained at Guantánamo, including a sleep deprivation regime known colloquially as the "frequent flyer" program.
"Day and night, they were shifting me from one room to another room," Jawad said. "I don't remember how much time I slept, but it was only a short time before they were knocking on my door and shifting me from place to place. No one answered me why they were giving me this punishment."
Military records showed that during a 14-day period in May 2004, Jawad was moved from cell to cell 112 times, usually left in one cell for less than three hours before being shackled and moved to another. Between midnight and 2 a.m. he was moved more frequently to ensure maximum disruption of sleep.
Uighurs at Guantanamo
Sunday, 06 July 2008 20:00 Joanne Mariner
In a ruling that is years late, but is nonetheless brave and important, a federal appellate court held last week that a prisoner at Guantanamo has been wrongly deemed an "enemy combatant." Huzaifa Parhat, the prisoner whose fate was at issue in the case, has been in US custody at Guantanamo for over six years.
Parhat is an ethnic Uighur, part of a Muslim minority from western China.
Like the 16 other Uighurs who remain in military detention at Guantanamo, Parhat claims that he was never a combatant and that he ended up in US custody by mistake. Parhat says that he was living with a group of other Uighurs in Afghanistan when the 2001 war started, that his group was led across the border to Pakistan, and that the Pakistanis sold them to the United States for a bounty.
The Food Crisis: Part 1 and 2
Monday, 23 June 2008 20:00 Ian Angus
Part One: 'The Greatest Demonstration of the Historical Failure of the Capitalist Model'
"If the government cannot lower the cost of living it simply has to leave. If the police and UN troops want to shoot at us, that's OK, because in the end, if we are not killed by bullets, we'll die of hunger." - A demonstrator in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Part Two: Capitalism, Agribusiness, and the Food Sovereignty Alternative
"Nowhere in the world, in no act of genocide, in no war, are so many people killed per minute, per hour and per day as those who are killed by hunger and poverty on our planet." - Fidel Castro, 1998
In Haiti, where most people get 22% fewer calories than the minimum needed for good health, some are staving off their hunger pangs by eating "mud biscuits" made by mixing clay and water with a bit of vegetable oil and salt.[1]
Beyond the Dalai Lama: What's the Tibetan Protest All About?
Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:00 Monica Hill
The media has been bursting with headlines about Tibet in recent months. There were anti-Chinese riots in the capitol city of Lhasa in March. Then pro-Tibet/anti-China demonstrations faced off with Olympic torch processions in a number of countries. Meanwhile, U.S. politicians warmly welcomed the visiting Dalai Lama, exiled god-king of Tibet. Anyone leery of anti-communist China-bashing has to wonder who's on the right side in all this furor.
It's difficult to dig out the hard facts. Little is known of the views of Tibetan workers and peasants. Most information comes from two opposing sets of reportage.
One is the Dalai Lama's embittered, anti-communist Tibetan exile movement, which organizes and propagandizes against the People's Republic of China and is funded by the U.S. government.
The other source is the Chinese Communist Party, which overstates Tibet's social advances, understates the failures of Stalinist policies in Tibet, and is now restoring capitalism that bodes no good for Tibetan or Chinese workers and peasants.
Race and Policing: Inquiry into Police Killing of Frank Paul
Monday, 09 June 2008 20:00 Ivan Drury
On December 5, 1998 a Vancouver police officer dragged Frank Paul, a 47-year-old Mik'maq man, soaking wet and unconscious, from the downtown holding cells and dumped him in an alley across town. He was drunk and could not stand or speak clearly. His body was found at 2:30 am in the same alley by a passerby.
According to the pathologist's report, Paul had died of hypothermia accelerated by acute alcohol poisoning. He was likely already dying of hypothermia when Sergeant Russel Sanderson ordered the rookie wagon driver Constable David Instant to dump Frank Paul into the night.
How the police investigate the police
If Frank Paul's death is tragic, the investigation process that followed is frightening and infuriating. The death of Frank Paul was investigated by Detective Robert Douglas Staunton – one single officer. Staunton later said that he pursued his investigation "in a way I thought would be neutral." At the recent inquiry Staunton testified that "neutrality" meant he did not seek to find fault. In fact, he worked to obscure evidence of the criminal actions of the police. In contravention of police regulations, Staunton did not perform any of the routines normal for a homicide investigation.
This break with routine is the norm for police investigation of police crimes. Between 1992 and 2007, 52 people died at the hands of members of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Not a single one of these deaths resulted in charges being laid against a single officer.
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text:
Your Local Sinn Fein Team
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Cllr Kenneth Flood
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Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú
Cllr Edel Corrigan
Cllr Antóin Watters
Tag Archives: Adams
"Nurses strike direct response to bad government policy" – Adams
Posted on January 10, 2019 by Fiona Johnston
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Gerry Adams has warned that "failure by the government to address glaring fialings in its healthcare policies will only make the crisis in the health service and the impact of the nurses strike even greater." The Louth TD said: "The onus is on the government to resolve this worsening crisis within the health service.
"The announcement on Monday by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) that its 40,000 members will hold a 24 hour work stoppage on 30th January is a direct consequence of bad government policy.
"The Union has also stated that if necessary further work stoppages will occur on February 5th, 7th , 12th, 13th and 14th. "The working conditions for our nursing staff have become increasingly stressful and difficult due directly to Government's wilful neglect of the public healthcare system, including its failure to retain existing staff and recruit new staff..
"Sinn Fein is also worried about the effect any strike will have on the provision of health cover in Louth. "Currently there are thousands of patients across this constituency who are already on long waiting lists for medical appointments, procedures and therapies at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and The Louth Hospital, Dundalk.
"Both I and Councillor Ruairí Ó Murchú spoke to the INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheagahda and north east representative David Miskell shortly before Christmas.
"They indicated to us that in the event of strike action all non-life-saving services will be withdrawn for 24 hour periods, there would be no normal ward services, all outpatient appointments and elective surgeries would be cancelled and there would be no respite services."
Councillor Ó Murchú added; "The Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure must meet with the INMO to avoid this devastating industrial action.
"In addition the Minister for Health should immediately implement the recommendations of the recently published 'Taskforce on Nurse Staffing' which demonstrated, through a pilot project in Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, that patient mortality levels in the hospital decreased by 50%."
Posted in News	| Tagged Adams, O Murchu
Strategy needed to fill vacant consultant posts – Adams
Posted on August 6, 2018 by Fiona Johnston
Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has expressed his serious concern at the number of vacancies for consultant posts in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. His concern follows the publication of figures released to his party colleague Louise O'Reilly about vacant consultant posts in hospitals across the state.
Teachta Adams said:
"Sinn Féin and hospital consultants and their representatives have been stating for some time that there is a recruitment and retention crisis within the health service. The figures released to Deputy O'Reilly confirm that this is a real issue that affects every hospital across the state.
According to the figures there are at least 349 vacant consultant posts in hospitals. In some areas the number involved is deeply worrying.
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is among the better resourced but nonetheless there are currently 7 vacant consultant posts within the hospital. All of these impact on essential health services provided in OLOL. There is one consultant less than the number required covering each of the speciality services of dermatology; emergency medicine; geriatric medicine; intensive care; orthopaedic surgery; child and adolescent psychiatry, and psychiatry.
With 2,700 children in the state needing access to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry the lack of 13 such consultant posts in the state, one of which covers Louth and Meath, is a serious concern.
The HSE has tried to paper over the cracks by employing doctors not on the specialist register as consultants and employing locum/agency consultants, but its short term solutions are not working.
The government must urgently address the recruitment and retention crisis affecting consultants and the Minister for Health and the HSE need to engage with representatives of the consultants and draw up a properly resourced plan to fill these posts. The gap in consultants is placing patients and staff under stress and at risk."
Posted in News	| Tagged Adams, Drogheda, OLOL, posts
Adams calls for decent rents for students
Posted on May 30, 2018 by Fiona Johnston
Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has called on the government to support a Sinn Féin Bill that will provide protection for students in student accommodation by bringing them under the Residential Tenancies Act and give them access to the Residential Tenancies Board.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday evening the Louth TD highlighted the difficulties faced by students attending the Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Gerry Adams said:
"The Residential Tenancies (Student Rents, Rights and Protections) Bill 2018 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will give students in student accommodation the protection of the Residential Tenancies Act. It will allow students access to the Residential Tenancies Board and ensure that they are included in the rent pressure zones.
"If the Dáil really believes in access to education at all levels then all obstacles must be removed so that our young people, in particular, can reach their full potential and that includes student accommodation with decent rents and conditions.
"In my own constituency of Louth USI representatives at DkIT tell me that the lack of affordable accommodation is affecting the numbers able to take up courses. Accommodation and its cost can also badly impact on educational attainment and course completion rates.
"In its 2017 student accommodation report, Cushman & Wakefield reported that there were sixty thousand students chasing thirty-five thousand spaces. It is estimated that this number will increase to almost seventy thousand students looking accommodation in the next 5 years.
"The reality is that there is not adequate student accommodation, especially in border constituencies like Louth.
"A year ago there were 11 student accommodation projects under construction, ten of these are being built by private developers. This means that this is seen as an opportunity for profit.
"For students it is a nightmare as they try to find somewhere to stay and pay exorbitant rents. Most students at DKIT can expect their current student accommodation to cost almost 500 euro a month, with many paying significantly more than that. This is generally for a single room.
"We know that in Dublin the costs are even greater with some students being expected to pay over 900 euro a month in rents. The Residential Tenancies (Student Rents, Rights and Protections) Bill 2018 is one way of tackling this. It does what it says on the tin. It's about including student licences under the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act.
"This ensures that properties in the affected areas are covered by the rent pressure zones and provides access for those living in student properties to the Residential Tenancies Board. It's a common sense proposal that has been welcomed by student's groups. It can assist students to stay in full time education by ensuring that they are not being charged exorbitant rents".
Posted in News	| Tagged Adams, Louth, rents, Students
Adams calls for mandatory reporting
Speaking in Tuesday night's Dáil debate on the Sinn Féin Private Members Motion, Sinn Fein Louth TD Gerry Adams called on the government to end its insistence on fighting every compensation case exhaustively through the courts.
He also said that there is now an "imperative on the government to urgently introduce, before the summer recess, strong legislation requiring mandatory open disclosure in the HSE."
The Louth TD said:
"A Cheann Chomhairle, the daily drip feed of revelations around the cervical cancer smear scandal, and the reports into the deaths of babies in the Portiuncula and Portlaoise hospitals, have undermined confidence in the health care service. They have also added to the trauma of the families affected.
Without the remarkable courage of Vicky Phelan, the cervical smear scandal might never have become public. Her rejection of a demand that she sign a confidentiality agreement was a hugely courageous and selfless act. Her example demands that this Oireachtas be equally courageous and resolute in how we confront and tackle this scandal.
There is now an imperative on the government to urgently introduce, before the summer recess, strong legislation requiring mandatory open disclosure in the HSE.
Nothing less will do. Nothing less will work. Nothing less is acceptable.
The distress and grief of Stephen Teap, Paul Reck, Emma Mhic Mhathúna, and of so many others demands that this government take all of the steps necessary to ensure there is no repeat of this, or any of the other scandals that have bedevilled the health service over the years. Sadly, there have been too many.
In the 1990's over a thousand people, mainly women, were infected with contaminated blood products. The Blood Transfusion Service Board were warned about this but failed to tell those who had received the products. A report published three years ago revealed that at least 260 people who were infected with Hepatitis C had died in the 20 years since the facts first emerged.
Another victim of the culture of secrecy and cover-up is Louise O'Keefe. It took her 15 years to win her legal battle forcing the government to pay her compensation for the abuse she had endured as a pupil.
There are many elderly women victims of symphysiotomy who are still fighting for truth and compensation. And none of us can forget the women victims of the Magdalene Laundries or the mother and baby homes, or Savita Halappanavar or the countless others.
Nor should we forget that this government and previous governments have forced many of these women to fight long, expensive, stressful legal battles. The government approach is to fight every case tooth and nail.
This too has to change. The government has said it will not oppose our motion. That is not the same as supporting it. I am therefore appealing to every Teachta Dalaí to support the Sinn Féin motion, and the need for justice and support for the women affected, and for the families of those women who have tragically died.
And I am appealing to government to go beyond its position tonight by speedily introducing the legislation needed for mandatory open disclosure. This is a necessary and immediate step in rebuilding confidence in the healthcare service".
Posted in News	| Tagged Adams, Louth, mandatory, Reporting
Adams questions May's Commitment to no hard border
Speaking in the Dáil today on his Brexit Bill Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams expressed concern at claims of 'new thinking' by the British in dealing with the issue of a hard border said that the "Irish government carries an onerous responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens on this island, both in relation to Brexit and the future of the Good Friday Agreement".
The Louth TD expressed his disappointment that the government rejected a Sinn Féin Bill which called for additional formal reporting by the government to the Dáil on the Brexit negotiations.
Commenting on recent developments in the Brexit process the former Sinn Féin leader expressed his concern at the commitment of Theresa May to ensure that there will be no border controls. Teachta Adams specifically raised the issue of rights for EU citizens in the North. The EU Legal Text published on March 1st was very explicit on this but thus far we have seen no progress.
Addressing Minister Coveney, Teachta Adams said:
"Today, following his meeting with Theresa May, the Taoiseach reports that the British will now table a new proposal on a future customs relationship within the next two weeks. This is new thinking he said.
We were told that in December when the EU/British joint agreement was achieved only to have the British Prime Minister repudiate the EU legal text in February. Remember her blunt: "No UK prime Minister would ever agree to it." Why should this time be any different?
This is the same British Prime Minister who last week claimed that only British soldiers are being investigated in relation to legacy matters. As the Minister knows this is a patent untruth.
This is the same British government that refuses to provide information on the role of its agents in the Dublin-Monaghan bombs which took place on this date 44 years ago.
And this is the same British Prime Minister who has done a deal with the DUP which is taking precedence over her obligations in respect of the Good Friday Agreement.
The EU legal text accepts that the alignment option contained in the December agreement means that the North shall be "considered part of the customs territory of the EU". It explicitly states that there should be "no diminution of rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity as set out" in the Good Friday Agreement. And it definitively demands that the Good Friday Agreement and its subsequent implementation agreements "should be protected in all its parts". There is significant concern at the British commitment to this.
In his response to the joint agreement in December the Taoiseach addressed northern nationalist and said: "There will be no hard border on our island. You will never again be left behind by an Irish Government".
The Irish government therefore carries an onerous responsibility to live up to this commitment and to protect the rights of all citizens on this island, both in relation to Brexit and the future of the Good Friday Agreement.
If an agreement is reached in the upcoming negotiations between the EU and the British government, it cannot fall short of the position that the legal text has established".
Posted in News	| Tagged Adams, Border, Brexit, Teresa May
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Adams Commends Ludlow Family - t.co/izdVcc1lwa via @shareaholic Time ago 20 Days via Twitter for iPad
Imelda Munster introduces bill to stop nursing home charges for medical card items and services - t.co/3BYwyP0Nmx via @shareaholic Time ago 20 Days via Twitter for iPad
Follow @SinnFeinLouth on twitter.
Lá breithe shona duit Pat! t.co/Cwd067pVx1 Time ago 6 Hours via Twitter for iPhone
This is a great book. Joseph 0 Connor is a wonderful writer. Made me cry in the end. t.co/b0YIe9ajLY Time ago 7 Hours via Twitter for iPhone
Follow @GerryAdamsSF on twitter.
Munster warns government not to attempt to close respite facility Sruthan House in Louth
Cllr Pearse McGeough: 'Tenants have Rights Too'
Rent Pressure Zone not working – Adams
Assaults on hospital staff in Louth worrying – Adams
Imelda Munster TD welcomes appointment as party Spokesperson for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and appointment to PAC
Adams Anne Campbell Antóin Watters Ard Dealgan Ardee beds Border Brexit budget council Crime Crisis Dail David Saurin Drogheda Dundalk Edel Corrigan Epipens Garda gardai Gerry Adams Government homeless Hospital housing HSE Imelda Munster Irish Water Jennifer Green Joanna Byrne Kenneth Flood Louth Louth County Council Louth Sinn Fein Minister OLOL Palestine Pearse McGeough residents Ruairí O Murchú school services sharkey tom cunningham Water
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text:
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus är en måreväxtart som beskrevs av Karl Moritz Schumann. Lasianthus kilimandscharicus ingår i släktet Lasianthus och familjen måreväxter.

Underarter

Arten delas in i följande underarter:

 L. k. glabrescens
 L. k. hirsutus
 L. k. kilimandscharicus
 L. k. xanthospermus

Källor

Måreväxter
kilimandscharicus


I saw her profile on Shaadi.com and sent her the request. She accepted and we starting talking after exchanging the numbers. communication over phone eventually led to meetings. After couple of meetings we fell in love and started to realize that we are made of each other. We spoke to our parents and arranged the family meet. From there the things went ahead and we got married last month. We are grateful to Shaadi.com for being the medium and uniting us as it is said that Marriages are made in heaven and performed on Earth !
"Shaadi.com Team congratulates Harshit & Axita. We wish you both a happy future."


Lil Muallimah and I have dabbled in popsicle stick crafts. After making some typical geometric shaped baskets using a glue gun, we went in popsicle craft frenzy. Infact Lil Muallimah started craving to make things on her own. So I opened pinterest for ideas and voila! Following are some of her copied and original ideas…. Mashallah!


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Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay More Than $6 Million to Settle Overbilling Allegations
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Virginia-based Information Innovators Inc. (Triple-I) has agreed to pay the United States $6.05 million to resolve allegations that a predecessor company, Creative Computing Solutions Inc. (CCSi), violated the False Claims Act by knowingly overbilling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for work performed by CCSi employees who lacked required job qualifications.
Triple-I, which provides IT services and solutions to federal agencies, acquired Maryland-based CCSi in 2015. CCSi formerly provided IT services to DHS pursuant to an Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions Contract (EAGLE Contract). The settlement resolves allegations that, from October 2007 to April 2014, CCSi knowingly submitted claims for payment to DHS for work performed by CCSi employees who lacked required job qualifications. CCSi allegedly violated the terms of the EAGLE Contract by using under-qualified personnel who were billed to DHS at higher rates reserved for more qualified employees.
"Contractors that knowingly overcharge the government will be held accountable," said Acting Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "The department will ensure that that those who do business with the government, and seek taxpayer funds, do so fairly and in accordance with their contractual commitments."
"Defense contractors are required to bill for costs actually incurred, and to be truthful in the claims they submit to federal agencies," said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner for the District of Maryland. "The U.S. Attorney's Office and our partners are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring integrity and compliance with federal agency standards."
"DHS OIG remains committed to protecting government programs, and American taxpayers who contribute to them,
from fraudsters," said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. "Our agency, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to root out these unlawful contracting fraud schemes."
The settlement was a result of a joint investigation by the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General's Major Frauds and Corruption Unit. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
DHS Office of the Inspector General, www.oig.dhs.gov
International Technological University Pay $1.17 Million Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related Student Visa
On January 8, 2021, the International Technological University (ITU) in Santa Clara, California, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to pay $1,170,000 under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, in order to settle allegations related to student visa fraud.
ITU, a non-profit educational institution, participates in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, the component within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that manages the certification process for U.S. educational institutions seeking to enroll nonimmigrant students. To qualify for a visa under the program, a foreign national must apply and be admitted to an approved U.S. educational institution, and then submit a visa application to the Department of State.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated this investigation based on allegations that between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015, ITU did not comply with federal immigration laws governing the issuance of student visas. Specifically, ITU is alleged to have knowingly submitted false forms for foreign nationals seeking to qualify for a student visa, depriving the United States of visa application fees.
This matter was jointly investigated by DHS OIG, HSI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, Civil Division, San Francisco, California.
"Greed-driven schemes to manipulate U.S. visa laws will not be tolerated," said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. "Working with our law enforcement partners, our investigators will continue to protect the integrity of U.S. visa programs and related resources."
"Homeland Security Investigations will not allow fraud schemes to go unchecked," said Homeland Security Investigations (NorCal) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. "Institutions of higher learning should always set the example and teach students the importance of their civic responsibility to obey the law. When an institution participates in fraud schemes, it degrades the integrity of the institution and jeopardizes the individuals the institution has been entrusted to teach at an impressionable time in their lives. HSI is grateful for the contributions of our partners with DHS OIG, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, and USCIS on this important settlement agreement."
Officers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Office of Fraud Detection and National Security assisted with the early investigation in 2010 and subsequently spent thousands of hours identifying hundreds of students who were not attending class as required. USCIS San Francisco District Director John Kramar stated, "USCIS takes integrity of our immigration system seriously and will pursue fraud and misuse with enforcement agencies."
This settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Concepcion Saenz-Cambra, Ph.D., an ITU employee. Under the False Claims Act, private parties can sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of the recovery.
The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Saenz-Cambra v. International Technological University. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only.
Canadian Company to Pay U.S. More Than $1 Million Related to Sale of Defective Bullet-proof Vests
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WASHINGTON - Lincoln Fabrics Ltd., a Canadian weaver of ballistic fabrics, and its American subsidiary, have agreed to pay the United States $4 million to settle the United States' lawsuit against Lincoln for violations of the False Claims Act in connection with their role in the weaving of Zylon fabric used in the manufacture and sale of defective Zylon bullet-proof vests, the Justice Department announced today.
Using Zylon fiber manufactured by Toyobo Corp., Lincoln wove ballistic fabric for the body armor industry. Lincoln's woven Zylon fabric was used in the manufacture of Zylon bullet-proof vests sold by several companies, including Second Chance Body Armor Inc., First Choice Armor Inc. and Point Blank Body Armor Inc. These vests were purchased by the United States, and by various state, local, and/or tribal law enforcement agencies, who were partially reimbursed by the United States.
The United States alleged that the Zylon in these vests lost its ballistic capability quickly, especially when exposed to heat and humidity. The United States further alleged that Lincoln was aware of the defective nature of the Zylon by at least December 2001, but continued to sell Zylon for use in ballistic armor until August 2005, when the National Institute of Justice issued a report that Zylon degraded quickly in ballistic applications. At that time, all American body armor manufacturers stopped using Zylon in body armor.
In October 2009, the United States filed suit against Lincoln for violations of the False Claims Act and related claims. The settlement announced today resolves this lawsuit.
"Companies that knowingly sell the government defective bulletproof vests not only commit fraud, they put the lives of our law enforcement women and men at risk," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "We will pursue vigorously allegations that these or any other companies manufactured flawed vests, knew about their problems, yet sold them anyway."
This settlement is part of a larger investigation of the body armor industry's use of Zylon in body armor. As part of today's agreement, Lincoln has pledged its cooperation in the Government's on-going investigation. The United States previously has settled with six other participants in the Zylon body armor industry for over $54 million. Additionally, the United States has pending lawsuits against Toyobo Co., Honeywell Inc., Second Chance Body Armor, Inc. and First Choice Armor Inc.
Today's settlement with Lincoln was the result of an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department's Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, the General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Contracting Audit Agency.
This settlement is part of the government's emphasis on combating fraud. One of the most powerful tools in that effort is the False Claims Act. The Justice Department's total recoveries in False Claims Act cases since January 2009 have topped $3 billion.
Article Link: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/canadian-firm-and-us-subsidiary-pay-4-million-settle-lawsuit-connection-sale-defective-bullet
U.S. Sues First Choice Armor & Equipment for Providing Defective Bullet-Proof Vests to Law Enforcement Agencies
The United States has filed a False Claims Act lawsuit against First Choice Armor & Equipment Inc. and its founder, Edward Dovner, for submitting false claims for bullet-proof vests purchased by the United States for federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, the Justice Department announced today.
First Choice, which manufactured and sold bullet-proof vests containing Zylon fiber from 2000- 2005, marketed its vests to law enforcement agencies as a thinner and more lightweight alternative to other bullet-proof vests. The United States alleges that at the same time First Choice was selling its Zylon bullet-proof vests, the company and its founder knew of significant manufacturing and degradation problems in the Zylon fiber that rendered the material unsafe for ballistic use. In fact, when the Justice Department's National Institute of Justice tested eight of First Choice's bullet-proof vests in 2005, all failed.
The United States has also sued Mr. Dovner and Karen Herman, Mr. Dovner's wife and First Choice's president, for a fraudulent conveyance – a transfer of property that is made to swindle, hinder or delay a creditor, or to put such property beyond his or her reach – in violation of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. The government alleges that after learning of the investigation into Zylon bullet-proof vests, Mr. Dovner and Ms. Herman removed more than $5 million from First Choice. Mr. Dovner then purchased a Ferrari, a Maserati and a private jet through various shell companies.
"By providing defective bullet-proof vests to the nation's law enforcement officers, First Choice put the lives of those officers at risk," stated Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "The government's investigation has determined that bullet-proof vest manufacturers, such as First Choice, wasted taxpayer dollars by failing to address these problems even after they were warned about them."
The United States is already pursuing lawsuits against Toyobo Co., the manufacturer of the Zylon fiber used in the First Choice bullet-proof vests, as well as Second Chance Body Armor and Honeywell International Inc., two other companies that manufactured Zylon vests or components for those vests. The government has previously settled for more than $47 million with five other entities that allegedly were involved in the manufacture or sale of defective Zylon vests.
Assistant Attorney General West acknowledged the cooperation between the many government agencies participating in this ongoing investigation, including the Justice Department's Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, the General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Contracting Audit Agency.
Article Link: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-sues-first-choice-armor-equipment-providing-defective-bullet-proof-vests-law-enforcement
United States Settles False Claims Act Allegations Against Importer
SAN FRANCISCO – Bizlink Technology, Inc. (BTI), an importer of computer cable assemblies located in Fremont, California, has paid $1.2 million to settle allegations that it violated the civil False Claims Act by underpaying customs duties owed on goods imported from China, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Brian J. Humphrey, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations, San Francisco.
The United States alleges that, from 2006 through 2008, BTI underpaid customs duties on goods that BTI imported into the United States from Bizlink International Electronics Co., Ltd., a factory in Shenzhen, China. BTI allegedly obtained two sets of invoices for each shipment from the Chinese factory: one true invoice that BTI paid, and a second invoice falsely stating a lower cost. The false invoices were allegedly used to calculate the customs duties that BTI paid on the imported goods, resulting in substantial underpayments.
"This office remains committed to fighting fraud against the federal Treasury in whatever form it appears. When a company fails to pay the customs duties it owes, it takes from the federal government, and unfairly burdens honest individuals and companies who pay their fair share." U.S. Attorney Haag said.
"Customs and Border Protection enforces U.S trade laws that protect our nation's economy and the safety of our citizens. Customs Duty helps control the flow of legitimate foreign manufactured goods entering the country. Attempting to circumnavigate those requirements by fraud carries serious repercussions," said Brian J. Humphrey, CBP's Director of Field Operations in San Francisco.
The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. A manager who formerly worked at BTI filed the case pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, private citizens, known as "relators," may file lawsuits on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the proceeds of a settlement or judgment. The relator will receive $252,000 as his share of the government's recovery from BTI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Winslow handled the matter on behalf of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, with assistance from Financial Fraud Investigator Michael Zehr and Legal Assistant Kathy Terry. The matter was investigated by the DHS Offices of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Article Link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/united-states-settles-false-claims-act-allegations-against-importer
Company Pays Over $500K to Settle Overbilling Case
RE/MAX Allegiance Relocation Services, a Virginia-based move management company, has agreed to pay the government $509,807 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overbilling for transportation services, the Department of Justice announced today.
"Today's settlement demonstrates our continuing vigilance to ensure that those doing business with the government do so legally and honestly and that taxpayer funds are not misused," said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Stuart F. Delery. "Government contractors who seek to profit at the expense of taxpayers will be held accountable."
The settlement relates to allegations involving contracts to transport personal property of federal employees relocating duty stations within the United States and between the United States and Canada. The government alleged that the defendant charged for move management services that were not provided and overbilled agencies on other moves by charging inapplicable tariff rates.
"We encourage whistleblowers to provide us with useful information to help us combat all manners of fraud on the U.S. Government," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente.
"We will continue to investigate allegations of federal contractors fraudulently maximizing their profits at the expense of American taxpayers," said U.S. General Services Administration Acting Inspector General Robert C. Erickson.
The settlement resolves allegations filed in a lawsuit by Michael Angel, a former employee of RE/MAX Allegiance Relocation Services, in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action, as it did in this case. Angel will receive $86,667.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and NASA Office of Inspector General.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Michael Angel v. Franconia Real Estate Services, Inc., d/b/a RE/MAX Allegiance Relocation Services; No. 1:12cv764 (E.D.Va.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Article Link: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/virginia-based-move-management-company-pays-more-500000-settle-overbilling-claims-connection
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"Into Horticulture" is in hiatus and not accepting new subscriptions at the moment.
Meanwhile, check out Get Results Gardening (SEQ Edition) for the inexperienced, time-poor or reluctant gardener. Free trial subscriptions are now available.
Issue 21 (Oct 2016) Latest!


text:
Quest Diagnostics Announces Early Tender Date Results of Cash Tender Offers for Up to $250 Million Combined Aggregate Principal Amount of Certain of its Outstanding Notes
MADISON, N.J., March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced today the early tender results of its previously announced cash tender offers (each, an "Offer" and, collectively, the "Offers") to purchase up to $250 million combined aggregate principal amount (the "Maximum Tender Amount") of its 6.950% Senior Notes due 2037 (the "2037 Notes") and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2040 (the "2040 Notes" and, together with the 2037 Notes, the "Notes"). The terms and conditions of the Offers are described in the Offers to Purchase, dated March 5, 2015 (as amended, the "Offers to Purchase"), and the related Letter of Transmittal.
As of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on March 18, 2015 (the "Early Tender Date"), the principal amounts of validly tendered Notes that have not been validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offers and that have been accepted for purchase by Quest Diagnostics in accordance with the terms of the Offers are as set forth in the table below:
Early Tender
Reference U.S. Treasury
Fixed Spread
(basis points)
Accepted for
Base Offer
Consideration (1)(2)
Total Offer
(1) Excludes accrued interest.
(2) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date and at or prior to the Expiration Date.
(3) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.
(4) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase; inclusive of the Early Tender Premium.
Quest Diagnostics will pay the "Total Offer Consideration" to the holders of the Notes that have been accepted for purchase, namely $1,348.59 for each $1,000 principal amount of the 2037 Notes and $1,208.97 for each $1,000 principal amount of the 2040 Notes, which in each case includes an early tender premium of $50.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase (the "Early Tender Premium"). In addition, Quest Diagnostics will pay any accrued and unpaid interest on such accepted Notes up to, but not including, the payment date for the early tendered Notes, which is expected to be March 19, 2015.
Acceptance of Notes for purchase in the Offers is subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and the order of priority set forth in the table above and in the Offers to Purchase. All Notes that were validly tendered for purchase prior to the Early Tender Date will have priority over any Notes that are validly tendered for purchase after the Early Tender Date. Accordingly, as the aggregate purchase price for Notes validly tendered for purchase prior to the Early Tender Date equals or exceeds the Maximum Tender Amount, no Notes tendered for purchase after the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase and Notes not accepted, including Notes not accepted because of proration, will be returned promptly. Validly tendered Notes may no longer be validly withdrawn.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quest-diagnostics-announces-early-tender-date-results-of-cash-tender-offers-for-up-to-250-million-combined-aggregate-principal-amount-of-certain-of-its-outstanding-notes-300053050.html


Chef and cookbook author Regina Charboneau specializes in New Southern Cuisine with a Louisiana twist. She is a dear friend and frequently sends me recipes for featuring on my television shows and website.
She recently paid a visit to the Garden Home Retreat where she prepared some divine Bacon and Thyme Biscuits topped with this Orange Marmalade Butter.
Place the butter in a mixing bowl and whip with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.
Add two tablespoons of orange marmalade and continue to whip until marmalade is blended into the butter.
Put the orange marmalade butter in serving bowl and chill.