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Awesome Lake Okeechobee - Orlando / Florida Guide
Florida Guide > Places to Visit
Many of you will have visited the Historic Old Kissimme and marvelled at Lake Okeechobee but I wonder how many of you are aware of its awesome size and history?
Lake Okeechobee was named by the Seminole Indian and it means ' big water' well it certainly is that! This lake holds 1 trillion gallons of water in it encompasses 730 square miles (540 square acres) A trillion is 3 times a million.
The lake was once part of the Atlantic Ocean until the seas receeded around 6000 years ago.
At it' s deepest it is around 12 feet but it averages around 9 feet deep. The colour is not the most attractive and this is largely due to the rich lands that surround it. However, there are seriously concerns about how polluted the lake is as well.
The Colahatchee, New River, Miami and Kissimmee Rivers all flow into this giant lake.
The first inhabitants of the ares surrounding the lake were of course the Native Americans and that would have been somewhere around 1000 years B. C.
The tribes who principally lived round Okeechobee were the Calusans and Tequestans.
Their centuries long communities were shattered when Ponce De Leon landed with the intention of taking slaves and finding gold.
However, when he attempted to take over the tribes land the Calusa people attacked and killed Ponce and killed and injured many of his party.
In times past this lake has often flooded and killed people and damaged lands. However, the U. S. army built a dike in 1928 which is 6 metres high. During this process a canal was formed which at some parts of the lake is separate from the lake and at other parts is not.
Intermittettently over the years they improve these fortifications.
Lake Okeechobee is the 7th largest lake in the United States and the second largest to be entirely contained within a single State.
The floor of the lake is composed of limestone and the top of the water is above sea level.
During the drought of 2007 thousands of lorry loads of toxic waste was removed from the base of the lake and then the following year there was record rainfall which carried pollution from the farmlands into the lake that killed thousands of fish.
At this time the lake level rose by 4 feet.
This lake currently provides most of the water for the surrounding areas but unless they can solve the toxic problems the water will not even be fit for irrigating the land.
The locals call this lake ' The Big O' or simply ' The Lake'
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Please register now as important mid-term elections are this fall.
Read below. If you agree that H.R. 620 is a step back towards the time when disabled individuals were segregated Call your Representative and tell them vote no. Call your Senator and let them know that you are opposed to any similar bill in the Senate.
H.R. 620, "ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017" has 108 cosponsors (97R, 11D) and is likely to come up for a vote this week.
While the bill requires the Department of Justice to educate businesses on their failure to comply with a quarter century old ADA Standards of Accessible Design, updated with much fanfare in 2010, its key provision significantly restricts the ability of individuals to enforce their civil rights in court.
The bill's proponents have forgotten the everyday experiences of millions of people with disabilities who cannot shop, transact personal business, or enjoy recreation as most Americans take for granted because so many public accommodations across the country have ignored the reasonable requirements of the ADA. Many new parents learn this when they find that stroller access is often impossible. For people with disabilities, it's the difference between participation and exclusion, and happens to many on a daily basis. For example, why should a wheelchair user be unable to join her family at a restaurant, just because the owner has resisted installing a ramp for over 25 years?
The ADA is already very carefully crafted to take the needs of business owners into account. Compliance is simply not burdensome. But this bill would remove any reason for businesses to comply. Instead, they can take a "wait and see" attitude, and do nothing until they happen to be sued or sent a notice letter.
H.R. 620 would require a person with a disability who encounters an access barrier to send an exactly written notice, and gives the business owner 60 days to even acknowledge that there is a problem-and then another 120 days to begin to fix it. No other group is forced to wait 180 days to enforce their civil rights. Even then, the business would face no consequence for violating the law for months, years, or decades, if it takes advantage of the months-long period to remedy the violation before a lawsuit is permitted.
Establishing and running a business necessitates compliance with many laws and rules-this is the cost of doing business. It is unthinkable that we would eliminate consequences for small businesses that failed to pay taxes, or meet health and safety codes, unless they received an exact notice from the public, with extensive timelines to comply. Violating the rights of people with disabilities-and denying us access to places of public accommodation that others take for granted-should be treated no differently.
H.R. 620 calls for education by the Department of Justice. But there are already extensive federal efforts to educate business owners about their ADA obligations, including the in-depth DOJ ADA website (http://ada.gov), the DOJ ADA hotline, extensive DOJ technical assistance materials, etc. and by the 10 federally-funded regional ADA Centers (www.adata.org) that provide in-depth resources and training in every state. Yet a great many of the millions of public accommodations in the U.S. have made no effort to comply with the ADA. Twenty-six years since the ADA was enacted, businesses should be expected to comply with their legal obligations. Those that violate the law should be held accountable.
Proponents of this bill have raised concerns about money damage awards. But that has nothing to do with the ADA, because the ADA does not allow money damages (*1 - see footnote). Such damages are only available under a handful of state laws. This bill will do nothing to prevent damage awards under state laws.
The ADA accessibility standards are extremely important. They are not minor details or picky rules, but rather, are essential to ensure true accessibility. For example, a doorway that is too narrow can be the difference between accessing a business or not. A too-short bathroom grab bar can be the difference between using a restroom or being forced to go without a restroom.
Supporters of this bill have cited concerns about frivolous lawsuits or serial litigants. However, courts and state bar associations already have extensive power to deal with any frivolous litigants or their attorneys. We should use those existing legal mechanisms, if needed, rather than denying the civil rights established by the ADA.
It is troubling that this bill blames people with disabilities for public accommodations' failure to comply with the ADA. Why should disabled people pay the price of an inaccessible environment, where we cannot live our lives like everyone else?
Please do not place additional barriers in the path of people with disabilities! We urge you to reject this bill.
1 Money damages are not allowed for private plaintiffs under Title III of the ADA, which applies to privately operated public accommodations, commercial facilities, and private entities offering certain examinations and courses. See 42 U.S.C. § 12188; 42 U.S.C §§ 12182 and 12181(7); 42 U.S.C. §§ 12183 and 12181(2); and 42 U.S.C. § 12189.


text:
Sixers' Ben Simmons, Jonah Bolden Among Australian NBA Players Donating $750,000 To Fight Devastating Brushfires In Australia
Filed Under:Australia, Local, Local TV, Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/CNN) — Sixers' Ben Simmons and Jonah Bolden are among Australian NBA players contributing $750,000 to aid brushfires devastating Australia. Simmons tweeted about this issue Tuesday, saying "there is still so much devastation but I am proud that we could all come together w/ help from [the National Basketball players Assocation] & [the National Basketball Assocation] it is truly appreciated."
There is still so much devastation but I am proud that we could all come together w/ help from @TheNBPA & @nba it is truly appreciated. There is much more to be done #AustralianBushFires pic.twitter.com/V3Xy13AxQv
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) January 7, 2020
Simmons and Bolden are joined by the Suns' Aron Baynes, Ryan Broekhoff of the Mavericks, Matthew Dellavedova and Dante Exum of the Cavaliers, Joe Ingles of the Jazz, Thon Maker of the Pistons and Patty Mills of the Spurs.
"We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland," expressed the players in a joint statement. "Our thoughts are with our families, friends and all of the people of Australia. We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can."
The blazes, which have been burning across Australia for months, have razed homes and wiped out entire towns. Across Australia, nearly 18 million acres of land have been burned — much of it bushland, forests and national parks, home to the country's beloved and unique wildlife.
Nearly half a billion animals have been impacted by the fires in NSW alone, with millions potentially dead, according to ecologists at the University of Sydney. That figure includes birds, reptiles, and mammals, except bats. It also excludes insects and frogs — meaning the true number is likely much higher.
The total number of animals affected nationwide could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, the University of Sydney ecologist who led the report.
rebuild when the fires have stopped.
Australia is a strong and resilient country and I urge you all to be brave, kind and compassionate to each other through this extremely hard time. 3/3
Fires are nothing new in Australia, but they have been growing more intense and becoming more destructive in recent years, a problem that has been exacerbated by climate change. And animals have been on the front lines — Australia has the highest rate of species loss of any area in the world, and researchers fear that rate could increase as the fire disaster continues.
"The scale of these fires is unprecedented," said Dieter Hochuli, an environmental sciences professor at the University of Sydney. "There are substantial concerns about the capacity of these (ecosystems) to rebound from the fires."
(©Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company contributed to this report.)


Cool Air Max LTD Nike Running Fitness Men Black - Nike Running Paris. Nike Air Max Ltd Cheap has flexible grooves to improve the articulation and flexibility. In addition, it also has solid rubber and herring bone for extra support. Go to Nike Shoe Store and find the best pairs.


Comic 044 - Who the hell are you?
I took a fairly long hiatus between this strip and the last, and made a couple of changes. Hopefully, not too detracting!
The original version can be found here if you'd like to see the old layout.
As a few things off the top of my head.
Yep! :) His kind have a very keen sense of smell.
:O!!! O my..... didn't see this one coming!


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That's a new record. Seven years with an option for an 8th.
I thought this was interesting. Must be nice to have that much cash.
Between Verlander's reported terms, plus Fielder, Cabrera, Sanchez, #Tigers will have just over $90 million committed to 4 players for 2015.
One more number for them to retire.
I hope this ends up like the Joe Mauer deal and hurts the Tigers in the long run.
As long as Illitch is alive and breathing he's going to spend and do whatever it takes to win a World Series. It's his white whale.
They have failed it so far.
And as someone mentioned, 4-5 players for a total $90 million per season? I'm sorry, the Tigers cannot operate like the Yankees. Detroit is not the same revenue market as NY. Not even close.
Illitch is richer than God. He can afford to pay whatever he needs to. Market size / TV deal means nothing in this case. He is using his personal fortune and he's got a lot of it.
Forbes says the Tigers lost 400K last year... to a billionaire that's tip money.
He's due $20 million the next 2 years. Signed a 5 year extension worth $140, with a vesting option for a 6th at 22.
Scherzer won't be back. He'll get Sanchez money. They've got to save their pennies for Cabrera's next deal.
There was a tidbit where in spring training someone asked an ex Tiger what he thought would happen with Verlander, he said "He'll sign.... he wants a statue."
Illitch is very old. There is no guarantee his kids will run the Tigers as a leisure as oposed to a business.
As a fan that's what has me worried. The Ilitch organization has been very open about how everything else is a family business. Yet it's made very clear that the Tigers are Mike's and MIke's alone. He doesn't run the team to make money he runs it to win. He has no investors to satisfy and no profit margin to reach.
I'm glad to see a player of Verlander's caliber staying with the same team his whole career. Still, I can't see why Detroit wants to pay that kind of money to lock up someone who is already 30 years old. It will be good for the Sox in a few years for a good portion of their division rival's salary to be locked up on a no longer effective pitcher (I hope).
That's true which is why I made my statement that "as long as Illitch is alive and breathing he's going to spend and do whatever it takes to win a World Series. It's his white whale."
The best thing to happen to the Sox in the next 3 years is the Tigers winning the World Series.


Tuesday 1/31/17 Yummy Recipe from #beingbrigid and #trainwithjf!
1. Insert the zucchini into a spirilizer or spiral slicer to create zucchini noodles/zoodles.
2. In a large size pan heat the coconut oil until it melts.
3. Add the zucchini noodles and lightly sauté over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes.
garlic powder, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
5. Mix ingredients together and portion into meals for the rest of the week.
MONDAY 9/12/16 Try out this great healthy recipe that your kids will love!!
• Then add coconut flour, cinnamon, baking soda and powder and a pinch of salt and mix well.
• Using a silicone muffin pan or greased and lined muffin pan, scoop a large spoonful of the muffin mixture into 9 cups, filling the cups about half way. Then use a small spoonful (a little over 1 teaspoon) of the jam and put in the middle of each cup. Use the rest of the batter to cover each jelly filled cup.
• Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely before eating!
children should be taught how to make the best food and drink choices possible and that appropriate sleep and recovery are just as important as exercise; these are lifestyle lessons than can be learned at home and within a CrossFit Kids program.


This logo I designed for a cannabis company, Caloosa Organics, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Logos can translate to many promotional products, and I can help you get those fabricated. Think about all the places your logo would be useful, like printed materials- business cards, invoices, and your website.


Most Jamaican track and field fans, even the diehards, might be forgiven if they can't identify Remona Burchell in a line-up of female sprinters despite her holding one of the best records at the NCAA by any Jamaican female sprinter of recent vintage.
In her two years at the University of Alabama she won three NCAA titles, two Indoors 60m and the 100m in 2014 and second in 2015 while chalking up an impressive list of accolades.
The 24-year-old Burchell last competed in Jamaica at the ISSA Girls' Championships five years ago in 2011 when she took a pair of silver medals in the Class One 100m and 200m.
It was her second and final season competing for Herbert Morrison Technical after transferring from Cambridge High and she ran 11.73 (-1.0m/s) in the 100m to finish behind Vere Technical's Deandra Whitehorne, and was also second in the 200m to Yanique Ellington of Holmwood Technical in 24.18 seconds (-0.5m/s).
Two Saturdays ago she was fifth in the 100m at the JN Racers Grand Prix in a season's best 11.24 seconds (0.6m/s) and said, "It feels great to be back."
She could have meant both back home or back on the track after battling injuries last year and earlier this season.
"I wanted to compete at (the JAAA) Trials last year but had a hamstring injury," she reported but said, despite another setback this year, she was making progress. "I am getting better each race, I was out of practice and just getting back."
Burchell, who is based in Austin, Texas, and is under the guidance of coach Matt Payne, has a personal best 11.03 seconds done in 2014, her first season at Alabama after leaving Butler County Community College in Kansas.
She just missed improving her personal best a year later in a truncated season, but is hoping to pick up where she left off earlier last year and says the JAAA Olympic Trials could be the meet she needs to get back on track.


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When you're applying for a mortgage from a bank, your mortgage affordability will be used to calculate the maximum mortgage size you can take out. This is often done using a simply bank calculation, e.g. 4 x your salary. But if your income isn't straightforward – say because you have bonus income – it can be difficult to know what the maximum mortgage you can borrow will be.
Bonus income can often make up large parts of an employee's salary, and it's not only bankers and other finance industry professionals who receive them. Solicitors, accountants and even doctors can receive bonus income by way of a rewarding successful year and/or an incentive to keep a good employee at a company.
Many high-earning individuals therefore look to use their bonus income when calculating what size mortgage they can afford. However, this can be a complicated process as mortgage lenders have different criteria as to what/and how much bonus income they will accept when calculating your mortgage affordability.
If you have been with the same company for a long time and have a good bonus history it is likely most lenders will look upon this favourably, and be prepared to take a large amount of your bonus into consideration. Most high-street lenders will want to see a 3-year history; however some lenders will look favourably on 2-year history or even just one year's bonus.
What if my bonus income has been disrupted?
Not all clients who receive bonuses have a perfect track record. It may be that you have recently moved company and you only have one year's bonus at your new company, but a good track record elsewhere. Most high-street lenders will not look favourably at this scenario, but there are specialist building societies and lenders for professionals that have the potential to look at the bigger picture and look more positively at your requirements.
How much of my bonus do mortgage lenders take into account?
If you want to make your bonus stretch as far as possible to afford that dream home, different lenders will use different percentages of the bonus in their multiples. Most lenders will max out at 50% of a bonus as it isn't guaranteed income but again, due to our relationship with specific lenders we can look to use 75% or even 100% of a bonus being paid.
Whether you have just been paid your first bonus and are looking to get on the housing ladder, or have been with the same company for some time with a bonus track record, speaking to a broker can help to maximise your bonus when applying for a mortgage. Enness has developed excellent relationships with numerous lenders in order to make sure our clients make the very most out of their specific bonus and bonus history.
We have a proven track record of doing so. We've helped clients secure mortgages with complex bonus income, and also assisted clients who needed to take 75% of their bonuses into account. We've even helped clients who were anticipating bonus income. For example, the Enness Private Office team recently helped a client who had recently started a job in which he could expect to earn significant bonus income, which would be needed to support the high level of borrowing he required.
For a consultation on how we can make your bonus work best for you when applying for a mortgage, please get in touch with one of our expert brokers.


text:
Q: Suggestion to solve the equation Suggestion to solve the equation:
$$T(n)=2T(n-1)+\frac{1}{n}+1?$$

A: $$T(n) = 2. T(n-1) + \dfrac{1}{n}$$
$$T(n) - 2. T(n-1) = \dfrac{1}{n}$$.
Divide both sides by $2^{n-1}$, we get,
$$\dfrac{T(n)}{2^{n-1}}-\dfrac{T(n-1)}{2^{n-2}} = \dfrac{1}{n.2^{n-1}}$$
Let $g(n) =\dfrac{T(n)}{2^{n-1}}$. Then, the above equation can be rewritten of the form,
$$g(n) - g(n-1) = \dfrac{1}{n.2^{n-1}}.$$ Summing this from $n=2$ to $n=k$, we get,
$$g(k) - g(1) = \sum_{n=2}^{k} \dfrac{1}{n.2^{n-1}}.$$ So,
$$g(k) = g(1) + \sum_{n=2}^{k} \dfrac{1}{n.2^{n-1}}. $$ $g(1)$ can be found using $T(1)$. Hence,you can obtain the equation for $T(k)$.
NOTE: $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n.2^{n-1}}$ converges.
Consider $\sum \dfrac{x^n}{n}$. Then, $$\dfrac{d(\sum\dfrac{x^n}{n})}{dx} = \sum_{n \geq 1}x^{n-1}.$$ We know $\sum x^n = \dfrac{1}{1-x}$ for $|x|<1$. So, $\sum \dfrac{x^n}{n} = - log(1-x)$. In your case, just plug in $x=1/2$.

A: I'd rather rewrite it as
$$T(n)=2^{n-1}+2^n\sum_{k=2}^n\frac1{k2^k}$$
where $j=n-k$. Now notice that we have
$$\sum_{k=2}^n\frac1{k2^k}\le\sum_{k=2}^\infty\frac1{2^k}=\frac12$$
and hence
$$T(n)\le2^n\implies T(n)\in\mathcal O(2^n)$$
As far as closed form goes, you can rewrite this in terms of the Lerch transcendent:
$$T(n)=2^n\ln(2)-\frac12\Phi\left(\frac12,1,n+1\right)$$

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text:
Mayday for the New Left
By Joseph El-Khoury
2004 was a good year for the Left in Lebanon. After years of peripatetic confusion, previously disparate groups and individuals came together to found the first viable alternative to the symbolic heavyweight that is the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP). The result was the Democratic Left Movement in Lebanon (DLM). The attendees came from a variety of background, from the young westernised students to ex-party apparatchiks in addition to intellectuals and civil society activists. They had in common two main things: A problematic love and hate relationship with the communists and an antagonism towards the Syrian occupation and its Lebanese apparatus. During this process the organisers failed to notice the absence of any significant representation of the working classes or the rural sectors. That omission would be at the root of a major flaw in the party's identity.
The name itself appears to have been chosen in order not to offend but also to reassure a mainstream section of a weary Lebanese public. Political parties and militant movements of various denominations had been struggling to regain popularity and were widely blamed for the demise of the pre-war prosperous and conservative merchant Lebanese republic. The emphasis on democracy was in opposition to the Soviet model of 'democratic centralism' still operational within the ossified LCP but also to reinforce the new party's social-democratic credentials, which were clearly stated in the mission statement. The Leftist banner is at best a colourless one in the context of the Lebanese scene where well-defined words such as socialism and nationalism are routinely recycled to suit the narrow interests of feudal warlords without the hint of accountability. Nonetheless it at least denotes a progressive attitude motivated by the interests of the majority and a concern for human and social rights while distancing itself from any Marxist heritage. The term movement is fluid and reflects the intention to import a flexible internal, almost federalized, model which allows for official currents to form and fight it out within the boundaries of the party.
In essence, the DLM was modern and keen to break with the past. A 21st century party for a 21st century country. Until the assassination of the ex-prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, the DLM remained embryonic and engaged with school ground skirmishes with its more powerful cousin to the left. It emerges to the public eye through its charismatic leader Samir Kassir and his role in the Beirut Spring movement which ends with the departure of Syrian troops from the country. Unfortunately Kassir is assassinated a few months later, leaving the organisation headless and directionless. Elias Atallah, former military commander within the LCP, takes centre stage and wins a seat in the Lebanese parliament carried by the sectarian weight of the pro-Hariri Sunni electorate in North Lebanon. From that point onwards the story of the DLM is that of the Anti-Syrian Alliance known as March 14th. Repeatedly Atallah fails to act as a promoter of secular, social and democratic values, preferring to align his positions to those of his old friend the Druze leader Walid Joumblat. While voices of discontent emerge within his own party, crystallizing in 2007 in the 'Keep Left' faction, they remain unable to formulate a strategy or a vision for their movement.
In 2008 the DLM is in disarray stuck in the moving sands of sectarian alliances that have defined the political scene for the past 3 years. Shaken by an identity crisis and hostage to a leadership taught at the school of organisational Stalinism this experiment is in need of a shake-up and productive soul searching. Only then will it be able to redefine its mission and sell it to a Lebanese people eager for a way out of the labyrinth.
Labels: Joseph El-Khoury, Lebanon, politics
Morcos said...
As a founding member of the Democratic Left I value your opinion and the effort of dedicating your article to the proceedings in the party since its inception. I do believe it is an unfinished story and experience for the left in Lebanon.
You did mention in one statement: "During this process the organisers failed to notice the absence of any significant representation of the working classes or the rural sectors. That omission would be at the root of a major flaw in the party's identity." Unfortunately, we did notice, especially with the representation of the OLD-LCP guard who were used to the idea of unions and workers being organizers, yet by 2004 there was no labour movement or organization that could be recruited. We did have high ranking unionists with us in the teachers, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, and doctors but it was small groups.
The labour element which you aspire to I can argue does not exist in Lebanon as the labour movement was crushed particularly after the end of the war.
As the labour movement rebuilds itself, I'm sure the Democratic Left will be a prime sponsor and activist in its ranks.
It Works with Donkeys, not with Serious Countries
Mabrouk (or the silly euphoria)
The Gun of Joseph Samaha
The Lebanese Delusion
Our apologies, Palestine!
أن يموت الخونة... وتنتصر المقاومة
Dear Mister PM of the Lebanese Republic
لكم لبنانكم ولي ... غربتي
Dear Sayyed Hassan
Hezbollah!Peek-a-Boo...You are not the Shiites rep...
تجاوزوا الحواجز النفسية الاخيرة... انها الحرب الاه...
Egypt & Jordan: Where Strikes Fail


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text:
China escalates tit-for-tat trade war with USA with new laws
in Asia, News, The Americas
US and China leaders Trump (left) and Xi Jinping (right)
China has introduced tough new laws which restrict the export of "controlled items".
The rules primarily focus on the export of military technologies and other products that might harm China's national security.
The export controls are widely believed to be in response to similar actions by the US.
TikTok, Huawei and Tencent are among the casualties of Washington's Chinese technology crackdown.
There are concerns the new regulations, which came into effect on Tuesday, could escalate the ongoing trade war with the US.
Trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies began in 2018 but have ramped up this year.
Tech cold war
President Donald Trump's administration has introduced executive orders against a range of Chinese firms arguing they could share data with the Chinese government.
China's new export laws are "a reaction to this escalation of the tech war and it's China looking to cover its own advantages", said Alex Capri, visiting professor at the National University of Singapore.
Donald Trump has waged a trade war with China
Speaking on BBC's Asia Business Report, Mr Capri added: "The other thing I find really interesting is China has placed AI and algorithms under these export controls.
"This was prompted by the US ban on TikTok. The Chinese government does not want to share this AI."
Mr Capri believes the ongoing trade war between the US and China will follow the "same trajectory" under Joe Biden. "We're in a cold war with China – it's a tech cold war," he said.
What do the new laws do?
The Export Control Law establishes several categories of "controlled items", which include nuclear, military items and "dual use" items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The law also covers items that are considered vital to the protection of China's national security.
Exporters must apply for a license in order to export any item listed on a control list or subject to temporary controls.
Data associated with the controlled items is also covered by the law.
The law imposes penalties of ten times the value of the offending transaction up to $760,000 (£569,000).
It also allows for the punishment of overseas organisations or individuals, suggesting Beijing might attempt to use it to restrict the sale of sensitive technology globally.
Prices for rare earth minerals have increased in anticipation that the law could affect their export.
China is the world's biggest supplier of rare earth minerals, which are used in products ranging from consumer electronics – like smart phones – to wind turbines.
"China has a massive overwhelming advantage when it comes to rare earths," said Mr Capri. "Essentially, over the past 30 years, the ability to extract rare earths lies with China. It's going to be hugely important when it comes to jet fighters, automotive, etc."
Tags: copyright fightnew lawssanctionstechnologytrade warus china trade war
U.S official wants Uganda slapped with sanctions over police brutality, human rights abuse
by Jonah Kirabo
Eliot L. Engel, the chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday called on the Trump...
Biden likely to continue hardline policy toward China on security issues
Trump maintains bank account in China, says NY Times
Genocide survivor reunites with family through the "miracle" of WhatsApp
TikTok rejects Microsoft bid at eleventh hour


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Pieces like the 120 Stool celebrate the beauty of natural wood.
The Ladder Back Chair, shown in sapele, has an angled back.
The Taper Sideboard combines bi-fold doors and handmade brass hardware.
The Rippled Dresser, in walnut, boasts sculpted drawer pulls.
Intricate joinery, a trestle base and locking drawers distinguish the Taper Desk.
Daniel Rickey creates one-of-a-kind furnishings in his Richmond studio. Photo: Adam Ewing.
Fine Furniture, In Studio, Interior Design, September/October 2018
The Art of Restraint
Richmond woodworker Daniel Rickey creates clean-lined pieces that withstand the test of time
By Donna Cedar-Southworth
A ripple evoking sculpture, the patina of fine wood grain and unexpected details all are hallmarks of Daniel Rickey's
handcrafted furniture. Rickey's work is elegant in its sheer simplicity; clean lines and simple forms make their creation appear deceptively effortless. His chairs, tables, desks and storage pieces are distinctly functional yet decidedly unfussy—demonstrating a masterful art of restraint.
Refreshingly unpretentious, Rickey infuses something extra into each piece; heart might very well be the word. It's clear he loves making furniture and respects the medium of wood. "A beautiful piece of wood can be intoxicating," he reflects. "It's unique and dictates what it wants to be. In many cases, I'm the first one to see the grain of a board. I feel it's my duty to give that piece its best life."
The life of his products is of supreme importance to the 33-year-old woodworker. "I'm inspired by making something beautiful but simple, something that's going to last," he reveals. "I love putting the date on a piece I've made because I want somebody years from now to know how old it is. I want them to see that its maker is speaking through it."
Whether working with walnut, white oak, maple or cherry—all personal favorites—Rickey factors in how the wood will age when he conceives his designs and handles the material. "Wood is constantly alive and moving—it's changing with the seasons," he explains. "So when I'm taking material off the face of it, I do it over the course of several days or a week to make sure the wood has a chance to acclimate to its surroundings without cupping or bowing."
Rickey has nearly two decades of experience. The award-winning designer was born in Cleveland and moved around with his family, eventually settling in Richmond. His father first introduced him to woodworking as a youngster; Rickey fondly remembers building tree forts with his friends. He went on to study woodworking at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he fell in love with the craft. After apprenticing under Andrew Flint, he completed a two-year program in fine and creative woodworking at Rockingham Community College and opened his own studio in 2009.
Tracing his inspiration back to modern Danish and Scandinavian design, Rickey feels those genres influenced his dedication to traditional home design craftsmanship, comfort and a pleasing aesthetic that will endure trends and the passage of time. Ideas for new designs often wake him up at night. He makes notes and sketches while they're fresh in his memory.
Whether he's embarking on one of his own design concepts or on a commission for a residential or commercial client, Rickey sketches the piece multiple times. He then merges his sketches with computer drawing programs that enable him to execute his final draft with the greatest precision. With the computer, he says, "I can visualize it, move the camera around and see it from all angles—it's like building the piece without actually building it."
He goes through as many renditions as possible to get it right, then makes a prototype or scale model. He might even build a life-size prototype out of cheap lumber before going final. When certain his piece will work, he moves on to finer, premium wood.
In his 7,000-square-foot, flat-brick warehouse studio in Richmond's up-and-coming Scott's Addition neighborhood, Rickey is surrounded by tons of lumber, heavy machinery and hand tools; fans whir overhead. It is here he mills raw timber into smooth board and makes templates for the parts in order to replicate them. Depending on the piece, he cuts the joinery before cutting the parts to ensure everything will mesh seamlessly. And though the joinery fits tightly together, he still adds glue as a precaution. "A piece of furniture gets moved around a lot," he observes. "It's all about the life of the product."
With the joinery done and the parts cut, the piece is ready for assembly and finishing. Unless a client requests a darker finish, stain or paint color, Rickey says, "I strive to make my pieces look as though they have no finish on them. They're silky smooth, but you can still feel and see their wood grain. I prefer not to impart color into the finish."
The craftsman has an affinity for local wood. On a recent project, a client wanted a 42-by-96-inch walnut table that would open to 120 inches. He designed it with a trestle base and a butterfly leaf so one person can easily enlarge it. He found engineering the piece as exciting as seeing the tree from which it was cut. He selected the walnut from a millworker in Richmond who saws his own walnut logs. "It was perfectly matching Virginia walnut," he recalls, "and I could tell the client I shook hands with the sawyer."
For more information, visit danielrickeyfurniture.com; 804-687-2313.
Rockville Revival
When a fire destroyed their home, the owners turned to designer Wendy Danziger to help them rebuild it--along with their lives
The Maryland Green Designer Show Home debuts in September


Hahah congrats on your reading! There have been times when its Sunday and I'm like, "Wait a minute. I haven't showered since Wednesday. But why? I'm confused as to why this is happening." I've missed you on WordPress lady.
Pretty please with vodka on top, partake in my holiday contest! I need a good Alanna story to get me through the rest of the year.
Haha okay I definitely will!! I read your post the other day and was about to contribute but got distracted lol I'll get on that right now. And side note, did you see the PLL 5 years later thing last week?
Hahah why do they do this?! I hate when they give everything away.
That's dedication. The most I will give up for writing, is skipping an event I wouldn't have gone to in the first place. Congrats on speaking out loud to others about your novel!
That is some dedication. Good for you!
Congrats on the reading! That's awesome and so brave of you. I'd be way too nervous to read something I wrote in front of a group of people.
Please, please, please figure out how to upload the video! I desperately want to see it. What about using the USB cord to connect the phone to a computer and upload it that way? YOU CAN DO IT!
You may not be Rain Man, but I'll bet you're an excellent driver.
I am indeed an excellent driver and I've even got a pretty decent IQ. Counting just isn't my bag.
A week? That's solid. I haven't gone that long but recently went 4-5 days because…kids. And sleep. I don't think I stunk, although my kids complained that my face was scratchy since I shave in the shower as well.
Congrats on your reading. As a parent myself I can understand your mom gasping at certain personal revelations or swear words. I'm sure it's because she loves you so much. Good luck on your novel.
Two months. Literally. No lie.
With a fear/hatred of the feeling of water, extreme laziness, and bipolar and anxiety, showers happen a lot less around here than normal people'd expect. And guess what? They have no idea. If I look dirty (which is only after a long time), they assume it's been like two days. I do try to make it once a week, though. That's what my mom does and she NEVER looks dirty.
Yesss, exactly!! (You totally win the record by the way, haha) But yeah, it's hilarious how little people notice if you've showered. And it's too easy to fall into a routine of not showering if you don't really leave your house like myself lol. So with a fear/hatred of water do you ever go swimming or anything like that?
I didn't. And I live in a beach town, so my friends got super annoyed with me. Haha. Now that I have a kid I go swimming with him, occasionally. My mom knows I hate water so during the summer she usually takes him to the beach and pool, but sometimes I'll join them. It's not so bad once I'm IN the water, it's the initial part that I hate, and then drying off. It's really weird to explain. I wrote a post about what it feels like to me.. lemme try to find it.
Next Next post: Coming Clean Into 2016: I Finally Showered!


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Boddingtons
(thing) by pjd Thu Jan 25 2001 at 11:23:37
This is an ale brewed by Whitbread Leasure PLC. Brewed in Strangeways, Manchester (yes near the prison with the riots).
The current mascot is a male cow(with udders) and a Lancashire rather than Manc accent.
(thing) by resiak Mon Mar 17 2008 at 0:48:16
Boddingtons is a golden bitter with a light, creamy texture and a malty flavour. Despite being served through lager-style pumps, it's quite flat and tastes relatively good (which is fortunate as it seems to be the only vaguely proper beer in several venues I frequent). It's not bad from a can, either.
It was first brewed in 1778 by the Strangeways Brewery, which was built just outside Manchester's city boundaries of the day to avoid a tax levied by the Manchester Grammar School on grain grinding. It gained its current name in 1852 when Henry Boddington became the sole owner of the brewery, having become a partner in 1832. It was taken over by Whitbread in 1989, who were subsequently bought out by Interbrew in 2001; in 2005, Interbrew closed the Strangeways brewery, and the brewing of the cask version of Boddingtons was contracted out to Hydes Brewery. The keg version is brewed in Interbrew's breweries in Preston, South Wales and Glasgow, which is a slightly unfortunate state of affairs for a beer advertised as the cream of Manchester , but such is life in the world of mass-market beer. Of the Strangeways brewery, only the landmark chimney sporting the brand name remains.
Its current logo, introduced in the 1970s, features a cask drawn in white, black and yellow, with a pair of bees sitting on it. At first glance, their presence seems pretty incongruous; what association with bees does Boddingtons have? When I noticed them, I only knew of one other beer with bees in its logo, whose defining ingredient is, logically enough, honey. But Boddingtons is in no way nectar-tinged, so that's no explanation. As it turns out, the floor of Manchester Town Hall is a mosaic of bees, and the city's coat of arms is topped with them; they became a symbol of the city during the Industrial Revolution, when it was considered a hive of industry . The bee motif is also present on the city's bins and other street furniture. Given its strong ties to the city, the design is not as strange as it initially appeared.
That said, I prefer to think of it as a homage to the Poddington Peas…
Newcastle Brown Ale There are no male cows, moron Spiders Nightclub London Pride
Boddingtons Pub Ale default brandnames Melanie Sykes Chiswick Bitter
Haircut 1000 Cheetham Beckett's Fatline to the Gods
I was a homeless bum Ealing Strangeways, Here We Come Spitfire
web browser GSM Carlsberg Bitter
ale Zen theme Can't she just carpool or something? Spotted Apocalypse


The pompano can weight more than 30 kg, it is quite difficult to fish them with artificial bait. This is why they are considered one of the greatest Delta's trophies.
The bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) can be easily fished with artificial bait. It jumps dramatically testing the fishermen skills. The regular weight is between 3 and 6 kg. but they can reach 10 kg.
The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), are far more difficult to fish. Only a few experts as our guide are able to find them regularly. If we have the opportunity to find one, we will enjoy the stunning bait taking and struggle. It pulls deeply and abruptly.
The world famous bluefin tuna is a fascinating large saltwater fish; some of them can reach up to 680 kg. Electronic marking studies have shown that the bluefin tuna is a highly migratory species: it can migrate 3000 km in less than 2 months.
In Spain people get more and more addicted to the bluefin tuna fishing. The Mediterranean Sea is home for this giant fish during the summer months, especially in July, August and September.


victims of Communist despot Pol Pot's quest for a perfect agrarian society.
to keep her children out of trouble and in school.
well in the United States because of their strong "family values" and work ethic.
need in order to get ahead.
which government handouts only encourage.
into the United States just as racial tensions were at a fever pitch.
Shortly thereafter, articles like "Success Story of One Minority in the U.S.,"
Americans and 23 percent of Latinos were poor.
employee of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
death on two bowls of rice a day," Askulraskul told me recently.
boat out of fear that his weight would sink it.
make it" -- he paused, drawing a ragged breath -- "because the boat sank."
and went to school without incident.
daughters' deaths -- proved enormously helpful once he was in the United States.
But the majority of refugees from Southeast Asia had no such advantages.
women and U.S. soldiers -- had lived for years as pariahs.
45 percent of Latinos, and 15 percent of the general Asian-American population.
neighborhoods, with the attendant crime, gang problems, and poor schools.
going on to higher education."
cultural barrier, and serve as a bridge to their parents."
director. "And unfortunately, immediate money concerns often win out."
largely ignored the needs of Southeast Asian communities.
crimes" place Southeast Asians "at risk for emotional and behavioral problems,"
according to the U.S. surgeon general's 2001 report on race and mental health.
stress disorder and 51 percent suffered from depression.
English-language ability, and U.S. connections helped level the playing field.
translators effectively denies them many public services.
even one without Khmer-speaking counselors, she would have escaped much earlier.
gain them citizenship and the right to public assistance.
"We achieved welfare reform on the backs of newcomers," Frank Wu said.
and assistance with navigating government bureaucracies.
philanthropy think [that Asians] are doing so well, they don't need help,"
starting out," she said. "They understand the refugee-immigrant experience.
someone who is truly aware of the meaning of freedom to speak out."


NST published my letter today and I wanted them to mention that the bad guys who caused the riot at Parliament Square early last week were from UMNO and they did!
IT is most unfortunate that some parliamentarians from both sides of the divide are behaving like thugs. Not only that, some even complement their bad behaviour with colourful language in Parliament and do not show any decorum during debates. They don't seem to be ashamed of themselves.
As lawmakers elected by the rak-yat to represent us, aren't they are supposed to show exemplary conduct and be role models for the youth? It's never a good thing to watch rude members of parliament when they are debating serious matters.
Early last week, video clips went viral on social media of a very ugly incident where the son of one MP, along with nine others claiming to be Umno members, attacked an opposition MP.
Whatever their reasons, they should not have taken the law into their own hands.
Of late, it seems that many people are trying to be brave for the wrong reasons.
For the public, this is a very scary development. There may come a time when it will no longer be safe to walk on the streets.
Nevertheless, the police deserve praise for quickly getting the group to surrender. Quite surprisingly, there was a woman among them.
I only hope that they all will be punished accordingly, regardless of who they are.
How did that group of 10 people enter the parliament compound when it is supposed to be guarded? Isn't security supposed to be tight at all times? I dread to think of what would have happened if they had been armed terrorists.
Whoever is in charge, please get everyone to toe the line. We do not need recalcitrants doubling up as lawmakers; worse, if they behave like thugs.
Discipline now seems to be a thing of the past and many are taking matters into their own hands. Drastic action must be taken against such offenders.
It's time all party leaders exercise their authority. Leaders should be thinking of the people and the country; parliament is not a place for them to push their personal agendas. They should not be selfish.
Let us see order again in Parliament and in the country.
The gentlemen and ladies we elect into Parliament to represent us should behave themselves and carry out the duties and responsibilities expected of them.


I came to lectures you gave at GSA and the CCA in Glasgow and I don't think I've ever been so enthused by an art talk before. I couldn't think of a question at the time that I felt had any point in me asking, and it's taken me until now to formulate a line of thought that I feel justly calls to your well of knowledge. I suppose my question is more a collection of ramblings/musings that were set-off by the novel way you approach the Art World - energetically lambasting its institutionalization and the idea of running your curatorial practice like a salon, where the artists just drop by for tea/food and a creative dialogue emerges.
It's chimed a lot with how I've been thinking about the setup of art education in the UK, which seems to isolate and formalise art into a process of production and within which I find it difficult to cultivate any of the creativity I thought should be inherent in making. Art school seems to make a duty out of an 'art' way of thinking, allotting time and records and outcomes to prove that Art has been done. Say even in a geographical sense: the school provides a studio space for us to produce and work in to complete our degree in Art, separate to our private dwelling place where we fulfil our lives, this therefore prescribes a dichotomic art production/private life mode of living, the equivalent of the expected office/home system of economy that divides human existence into two separate parts, working and leisure. It's here that I've been struggling to find the singing heart of making art, the poetic life of functionless creation.
I feel so distanced from myself as a child, when drawing, playing, talking, being just happened without having to consciously think 'I am now going to make art'. I can't help but now think in this living/working dichotomy, separating creativity from the chores of daily life, where once a bus ride would have been a tour through my imagination. Clearly this is part of having to take on more adult responsibilities, and part of the fallout from growing up is realising the extent to which I was privileged with having no responsibilities in childhood. But I don't think they are necessarily mutually exclusive, it couldn't be true that creativity is a luxury that only a few can afford to admit to their mind.
One of the best examples I've found of where this sort of spirit of cultivating a refreshed outlook is used as the ideology of an art education was with Norman Potter - a cabinet maker who established the Construction school in 1975 to work out a radical non- hierarchical education structure focused on making, where students worked in "families" and awarded their own degrees. A tale goes that on sensing a lull he bandied a group of students into a boat and to sea, to become blustered and enlivened by the storm and sea waves. This energetic pedagogic style seems to me to be trying to dissolve the distinction between that which has been established as the formal production of art (and artistic disciplines for that matter) and everyday life. The same goes for the Tembe Art studio that you showed us. Tembe, being in Suriname, I suppose has the advantage in having little by way of a formal educational precedent to dictate its form. There is a lack of a history of established art centres as we know them in Western Art education ( hence the complicated tradition of hegemony, specialisation and political wielding).
It seems that in the Caribbean maybe you have the opportunity to see an art scene emerge that is more in conversation with why humanity is creative? I find that what could be intuitive in Art is fettered by its aloof and austere status here in the European establishments, Art markets and galleries,it is honed for white gallery spaces and deemed to make grand statements. All of this makes the theory of art very interesting and rich to study but confuses my understanding of creativity. As you pointed out in the talk there is a serious lack of investment in the arts in Jamaica, and I wouldn't want to fetishise this nor the mindset of the counter-public, however I would love to know if what you've seen in Jamaica gives insight into why people make art.
Say if an artist's piece was a line of Lego men stuck to a gallery ceiling I would hate its veneration by the expanse of white space, it's lazy provocation and the way it demands to be read as Art, as a statement. If someone were to just offhandedly place the same line of Lego men on the ceiling of my flat I would like this un-austere, unpretentious, little bit absurd and un-emphasised interlude on my ceiling. I feel that in the western Art world artists are wrapped up with egoism as a consequence of the way the market venerates artistic individuals as genius's, elite figures with a special aura about them; that in some ways people are drawn to being artists as an aspiration to this character, that this societal/market attitude moulds what once was intrinsic motivation into a performance about the reception and consumption of art. But maybe this is just a really cynical mode of thinking that I've fallen into, performativity is maybe a desire to share an artistic enthusiasm and way of seeing with other humans, a way of creating a universal pool for other people to dip into and swim in some energy external to themselves? Does seeing artists emerge out of a culture without a system of art training or much gallery space demonstrate to you that some people have an inherent compulsion to create, to work with materials and colour and to manipulate them into some form of expression? Like an itch they have to comply with? Do they have a sheer joy for creating that is worth chasing despite the practical difficulties that must emerge without the infrastructure to support them?
Do you consider your curation as a sort of way of going about creating art? Does art have to exist physically, or is it more of a mindset, and could that this enthusiastic approach to functionless things in life be less a matter of authorship and record and instead become de-institutionalised, less distinct and consequently more globally accessible? I really like the way you talked about your approach to curation as more of an engagement rather than just a mediating arrangement between the individual artist and the public, that curation can be less compartmentalising than that.
Sorry that I have just divulged the sludge of soup that was in my brain into an email, but it feels very nice to have the soup now more coherent and solid, so here we are.
Thanks for coming to speak to us!
Becky Brown has studeied Architecture and Communications Design at GSA. She is currently studying for a MA (Hons) in History of Art.


Micawber' is probably one of Keith's most famous trademark guitars and is a 1953 Fender Telecaster Blonde. Micawber is named after a Charles Dickens character, no one is exactly sure why. Keith's had this guitar since Exile On Main St. This guitar is kept in Open G tuning (G,D,G,B,D) low to high with no capo, and of course has the famous 5 strings with the 6th string removed (as do all his open G tuned guitars).
For sale- 1994 Made In Japan Fender Telecaster Keith Richards Sonny tribute, model #TL67-SPL. The guitar is in pristine condition, with no dings or scratches other than a small nick on the 2nd fret that does not effect playability. The frets are in very good shape with little wear. The neck position humbucker is a PU-2 from a Greco EG800C Les Paul, and sounds awesome. The bridge pickup and brass bridge plate are original. This is a very versatile guitar. It twangs and does smokey blues equally great, but it can rock out too. The build quality is as good or better than a USA Fender. Comes with hard case.
There are several ways to use a Telecaster, but the most logical of which is to play music.
But many years back, Keith Richards took a different approach.
During a 1981 performance in Hampton, Va., a fan ran up to Stones' singer Mick Jagger in the middle of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and Richards was there to subdue the person with his guitar.
We've blogged about this incident before, but the clip resurfaced through the Rolling Stones' official YouTube channel last week.


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text:
Times recommends: For a better Florida Legislature
The Florida Legislature faces familiar challenges, from improving transportation to expanding access to health care to enhancing education at all levels. Voters have several strong candidates to consider in the Aug. 30 primary.SCOTT KEELER | Times
Darryl Rouson
Rena Frazier
Dianne Hart
Ben Diamond
Wengay Newton
Published August 4 2016
Updated August 4 2016
The Florida Legislature faces familiar challenges, from improving transportation to expanding access to health care to enhancing education at all levels. Voters have several strong candidates to consider in the Aug. 30 primary.
Florida Senate
District 19, Democrats
After eight years in the House, Darryl Rouson is a lawmaker who knows the Tampa Bay region and how to work with Republicans as well as Democrats. In this crowded field, he is best prepared to represent all portions of this district that covers substantial portions of St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Rouson, 61, has experience representing a district crossing county lines. He has been effective in bringing state money home for public schools, summer jobs for teens and other needs. He has frustrated fellow Democrats by voting for some Republican priorities, but he also has gotten legislation passed on issues ranging from grandparents' rights to backyard gun ranges. The St. Petersburg lawyer's priorities include eliminating nondriving infractions that result in driver's license suspensions, reforming the prison system and raising the minimum wage.
Ed Narain, 39, of Tampa is completing his first term in the House and is a regional director for AT&T. Narain is a strong candidate, but he says a top priority would be to keep pushing legislation he sponsored last year that would keep secret the names of witnesses to murders. That would be a serious erosion of the state's public records laws, and it reflects a lack of understanding of the courts and of the importance of open government. Narain also supports Gov. Rick Scott's financial incentives for corporations that pledge to create jobs, which the Legislature refused to fund last year and amount to corporate welfare.
Betty Reed, 75, of Tampa, served from 2006 to 2014 in the House. She knows her community well and understands the issues, but she was not a forceful presence in Tallahassee.
Augie Ribeiro, 52, is a St. Petersburg lawyer and an attractive first-time candidate. He is passionate about social justice issues, and he has raised topics such as payday lending and utility regulation that affect low-income residents. But Ribeiro does not have the legislative experience or the deep community roots of the other candidates.
Rouson has the experience and track record to represent voters on both sides of Tampa Bay, and his ability to work with members of both political parties would be an asset in the Senate. In the Democratic primary for Florida Senate District 19, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Darryl Rouson.
Both candidates in this race are bright and accomplished, and their understanding of the growing pains of this suburban Tampa district could better balance the alternate demands for urban and rural amenities. Rena Frazier seems better poised to build relationships and make a mark in Tallahassee.
Frazier, 37, is a real estate attorney and a Hillsborough native who lives in Brandon, the heart of a district that includes Valrico and Riverview. This fast-growing area has experienced urban problems from clogged traffic to demands on the environment. Frazier and Naze Sahebzamani, a high school social studies teacher, both support more affordable access to health care, including expanding Medicaid, and better job-development efforts. Frazier has broader community experience that would be helpful in pushing this agenda.
Frazier is pragmatic about what a freshman Democrat in a Republican-led House could accomplish. But she sees opportunities to use area colleges to expand job training and apprenticeships. Poised and thoughtful, Frazier has a solid grasp of health care and social services issues through her civic work with Brandon Regional Hospital and local development and legal aid agencies.
Sahebzamani, 46, was raised in Brandon. Her focus on helping small businesses and meeting the evolving needs of a growing minority community reflect an awareness of local issues.
These are two strong candidates, but Frazier has the edge with more varied experience. In the Democratic primary for Florida House District 59, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Rena Frazier.
District 60, Republicans
The choice for Republicans is between a first-time candidate with a record of service and a repeat candidate with another empty agenda. Rebecca Smith is founder and president of the construction firm A.D. Morgan Corp. Her business experience, civic involvement and broad political contacts make her the strongest candidate.
Smith, 56, hews largely to conventional Republican priorities, opposing Medicaid expansion and new taxes. She has a good feel for the needs of the district, which includes South Tampa, Apollo Beach and parts of Town 'N Country. Her work with the Tampa-area expressway authority, and with business and civic boards at the state and local levels, gives her an understanding of complex issues from regional transportation and job growth to social services.
Jackie Toledo ran a clueless campaign last year for Tampa City Council, and she offers nothing more substantive this time for a position of greater responsibility. Toledo, 40, a civil engineer, has no specific plans for transportation, education or other major issues. She also lacks an appreciation for the scrutiny that comes with elected office.
Smith talks in generalities, and she is unable or unwilling to take a firm position on key issues. But she is sharp, committed and willing to reach out. Her rounded civic experience shows a genuine commitment to her hometown and her profession. She could be a leader on small business issues and an advocate for opportunity in the district's more challenging corners. In the Republican primary for Florida House District 60, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Rebecca Smith.
District 61, open primary
There are no significant policy differences among the three Democrats seeking this inner-city Tampa seat. What sets Dianne Hart apart is her lifelong advocacy in the community, firsthand knowledge of its needs and tireless work in bringing voters into the political process.
Hart, 61, a small business owner who was born and raised in the district, would focus on better access to health care, improved housing and job opportunities, support for at-risk children and seniors and programs to build safer neighborhoods. Her work in building affordable housing and organizing get-the-vote-out efforts reflects her seriousness in addressing big challenges in this heavily minority district, which includes Sulphur Springs, east Tampa, Seminole Heights and Riverside Heights.
Sean Shaw, 38, an attorney, has become active in the community since moving to Hillsborough six years ago. His political contacts and energy level would make him effective in Tallahassee. A third candidate, Walter L. Smith, 43, a civil engineer who conducts vocational training programs in the area, would address the roots causes of poverty.
Hart has the same progressive agenda and for years has been the go-to person elected leaders seek out. Her focus on early childhood programs could make for better schools, healthier families and a safer community. As a legislator, Hart could make a bigger impact in the level of constituent service she already provides.
Because only Democrats qualified for this race, this election is open to all registered voters. In the open primary for Florida House District 61, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Dianne Hart.
Democrats in this district that covers northeast St. Petersburg and eastern Pinellas Park will choose between two thoughtful, energetic St. Petersburg lawyers who have deep local roots and are well-qualified. The edge goes to Ben Diamond, who is more familiar with state government.
Diamond, 37, is a first-time candidate who has a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Florida. He served as counsel to Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink from 2007 to 2011 in Tallahassee and knows how the state capital works. He worked as a pro bono lawyer to support Amendment 1, the environmental land-buying amendment that voters approved in 2014, and would make it a top priority to see its goals fulfilled. He wants to improve early childhood education and develop a more robust renewable energy policy.
Eric Lynn, 38, is a first-time candidate who has a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a law degree from Georgetown University. He returned from Washington to St. Petersburg two years ago after serving six years in the Obama administration as an adviser to three secretaries of defense. Lynn was running for Congress until he switched races shortly before the qualifying deadline. His top priorities are improving public education, Medicaid expansion and improving job creation.
Diamond and Lynn agree on key issues, ranging from supporting Medicaid expansion to requiring jury recommendations to be unanimous in death penalty cases to opposing open carry of firearms. Diamond's Tallahassee experience gives him an advantage.
In the Democratic primary for Florida House District 68, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Ben Diamond.
Wengay Newton is passionate about education and jobs programs for youths, and he is the candidate with the best grasp of the needs of this district that is centered in St. Petersburg but also includes parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Newton, 52, is a professional photographer with deep roots in the poor neighborhoods in south St. Petersburg. He served eight years on the St. Petersburg City Council, where he gained a better knowledge of budgets and economic development. He would focus on education funding, Medicaid expansion and affordable housing issues.
Dan Fiorini, 60, owns a frame and mirror store in St. Petersburg. He served two years as a legislative aide and is well-versed on most issues. His top priorities are the automatic restoration of civil rights for felons who have completed their sentences and closing the so-called gun show loophole.
Christopher John "CJ" Czaia, 56, is a lawyer who has offices in Tampa and Minnesota and once led the local Democratic Party in Manatee County. Czaia recently moved to St. Petersburg, and he talks broadly about equal treatment for minority residents, immigration issues and tax fairness.
As a City Council member, Newton often frustrated colleagues with his rambling discussions and lost plenty of 7-1 votes. He would have to adapt to the fast pace of the Legislature, but his commitment to helping young people succeed and creating jobs is unquestioned.
In the Democratic primary for Florida House District 70, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Wengay Newton.
Condo owners need protections from deep-pocket buyers | Editorial
A 2007 law has unintended consequences. Big companies force owners to sell at low prices and take full control of developments.
Billions in profits and no income tax bill? That's not fair. | Editorial
A lower tax rate may be good, but there are too many loopholes.
How do we reduce money's influence in politics? Here's how. | Paula Dockery
Florida lawmakers can't accept gifts from those who lobby them. Stacks of cash through political committees? No problem.
Save the manatees ... by boating safely | Editorial
The 89 manatees killed by boats as of July 9 are just 33 short of the record — for the entire year.
The meaning of the moon landing, 50 years later | Editorial
We went to the moon and discovered something about ourselves.
What's going on in CFO Jimmy Patronis' office? | Editorial
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement should find out. Look at everything, not one incident.


Great companies might not be able to predict the future, but they are ready for whatever fate throws their way. The FTI Journal examines best practices from a region familiar with crises.
nyone who predicted in the beginning of 2008 that some of the world's leading financial institutions would be wiped out, that others would require rescuing via massive government bailouts or that the global economy would teeter on the brink of a new Great Depression would have been laughed at.
The size and speed of the financial tsunami last fall illustrated how ill-prepared the corporate world was for such a meltdown.
While there are now some early encouraging signs that the worst may be over, uncertainties still abound. This is precisely when organizations should assess their ability to handle the unforeseen and to make wise decisions in crisis environments.
• Man-made events – including arson, sabotage, terrorism, aggravated labor issues and the public exposure of substantial corporate fraud or corruption, resulting in threats to the enterprise.
In Asia, we are routinely exposed to all of these risks. Natural disasters have occurred and continue to occur in South Asia and elsewhere in the region, and there is always a threat that Tokyo or Osaka will experience a major earthquake.
China is particularly vulnerable to health-related problems, given its explosive growth and attendant environmental problems. Over the past year, China has experienced widespread chemical-related problems and issues involving tainted milk and other food products. These incidents have had a global impact since China is increasingly the workshop of the world. Within China, it was recognized that these issues could potentially pose a threat to the legitimacy of the ruling party, and possibly impact internal stability.
From a corporate point of view, these crises issues require careful planning, execution and sensitivity.
In Asia, one of the most common 'man-made' crises is in the area of significant and sudden corporate fraud. In the coming months, we are likely to see further disclosures and significant failures, particularly related to corporate malfeasance. Companies need to be able to react swiftly and effectively in order to preserve their brand, reputation or market valuation.
Many companies have developed plans to deal with business interruption and continuity plans, perhaps following the occurrence of a 'set piece' event (e.g. a natural disaster or environmental crisis). Unfortunately, most organizations are ill-prepared to deal with the practical implications of substantial corporate fraud, terrorism or other man-made crises. Our experience is that the larger the company, the less likely it will be able to respond effectively and in a timely fashion to avert the fallout of a major crisis.
Larger companies frequently seek to identify risks and combat them by utilizing risk registers and other mechanical measures. These are helpful but not sufficient. The key after having conducted this process/exercise is to develop practical and realistic plans to actually deal with the problem in a hands-on manner.
How Prepared is Your Company to Handle a Crisis?
• Do we have systems and protocols in place now?
• Have they been tested?
• Can we respond quickly and efficiently to a crisis?
• Do we have an effective infrastructure in place?
• Can we find the designated people who are part of our crisis containment team?
Directors need to know that in times like these, the company has sufficient resources, both internal and external, to respond to any major corporate emergency or challenge.
In the experience of FTI-International Risk, the first 48 hours from the onset of any crisis or emergency is the most critical period. The key to success is to support senior management in mobilizing resources, focusing them on resolving the core issue while also minimizing the impact to personnel or disruption to day-to-day operations. It is important, therefore, that the crisis containment team is activated at the earliest possible opportunity.
Where it is evident that management does not have the necessary knowledge or experience 'in-house,' organizations should seek the support of an independent risk mitigation consultant. For the first few days of the crisis, there is a need for someone, often an external firm, to act as the 'aggregate' to hold together the various disparate elements involved in the corporate response to a crisis situation. Organisations with matrix management structures are often ill-suited to deal with sudden and unpredictable events, which to be correctly addressed require a defined leader, and a clear chain of command with no room for equivocation, internal politics or finger-pointing.
While the size and composition of crisis containment teams in corporations varies according to their size and geographic disposition, they are usually comprised of elements of senior management, finance, operations and legal. Externally, specialist consultants in both crisis containment and crisis communications are often retained. Many public relations firms are not specialists in crisis communications, and it is important to make this distinction.
The collective goal of the team should be to facilitate well-informed decisions that are implemented in a consistent and timely fashion. While crises come in all shapes and sizes, the response tends to follow a classic pattern: the initial step is to comprehensively assess 'Ground Zero' and to realistically estimate the damage or likely future or continuing damage to the entity. For example, in the event of a catastrophic fraud or corruption issue, this is often determined via the swift examination of relevant documents, including phone records, emails and other computer files, meeting schedules, travel patterns, and so forth.
Ninety-five percent of the world's business records are estimated to be in some form of electronic medium. Therefore, electronic evidence recovery and e-discovery protocols are vital in the support of almost any corporate crisis.
CEOs are unlikely to be able to manage a significant corporate crisis and their normal business for more than five days, without failing at both.
Once the team has a better understanding of the situation, efforts can be made to identify possible options, and the relative merits and disadvantages of various courses of action can be discussed.
• Is this an enterprise-threatening issue?
• Do we have sufficient resources in-house to deal with it?
• What is the likely long-term financial impact on the bottom line?
• Have we plugged all immediate and identifiable gaps to prevent further losses?
• Can the losses be recovered, or are they covered by insurance – fidelity policies, bankers' blanket bonds or a directors' and officers' policy?
• Which controls failed and are we still exposed?
• Who was involved / what damage has been done / what are we doing about it?
• Should an immediate report be made to the police or to other local authorities?
• Is there a requirement to report to regulators?
• Crisis communications – are we prepared to deal with the media even if we have not yet had time to plan?
Crises are, by their very nature, unpredictable, but with a well-designed and tested structure in place, companies can mitigate the damage to their reputations and their share value, while also preserving the loyalty of their customers and staff.


reasons why a gap year is benificial.
1. High school can be a very difficult time contrary to popular belief.
obligation rather than something fun that will take you many places.
sharpen them up for college.
campus, so their attitudes toward gap years are far from unfavorable.
will most definitely be what stands out on your resume.
payments, no significant other, no kids, no homework and no worries? Never.
Angelica Burleson is passionate about Social Justice, Activism and Music. She is involved in spreading awareness about women's rights and systemic racism in urban cities, teaching others about social activism, and fortifying bridges between people that come from different backgrounds. Her goals for the year are to immerse herself into the culture of Brazil, learn about the issues they face and try to help out as much as she can; not only within her community but everywhere she steps foot upon.


Today is Thanksgiving in the US. It's a holiday with dubious origins but still celebrated by enough people in New York that a lot of shops are closed and people who work in offices usually take at least two days off work.
My friends Chris and Cathy invited me to their house for Thanksgiving meal. This is the fourth time I've spent the holiday in New York and the second time I've been over to their house to celebrate. Chris makes a turducken, amazing mac & cheese, sweet potato that he infuses with LSD or something (coconut milk and Sriracha) to make it taste extraordinary, a dirty rice and, this year, potatoes cooked in goose fat. We drink wine and tell stories and plead with the children to play nicely.
I like the idea of the holiday. Taking a moment to think about what is good in one's life might help put the complaints that hound us daily aside for a while.
I caught a taxi to their house in Brooklyn. Sometimes I enjoy talking to taxi drivers and I'll usually let them make the first mood. I hate when people talk to me when I'm working but I'll give them a couple of hints that I'm friendly to let them know the opportunity for a chat is there.
My guy today was originally from Rwanda. He's been in New York for five years and he loves it here. He said that as long as someone isn't lazy they can make a living here. He told me this story.
In Rwanda someone might make three dollars a day. Nobody owns a car unless they are super wealthy or in politics. The two often coincide. Most transport is by foot. A few people are lucky enough to have a bicycle. When he arrived in the USA he had never driven a car before.
He worked as a cleaner for a while and then got a job as a bicycle delivery guy. That's how he learnt all the streets. He couldn't believe his fortune when he was earning $200 a week.
He shares a place in the Bronx with several other people. So many of them share the house that he only has to pay about $150 per month in rent. They eat together and look at the most economical way to do so. Large sacks of rice and whole chickens bought in "three-fer" specials keep them sustained for a long time. They waste nothing. Everything is used.
When Rwanda was in civil war, he applied for refugee status. This, he told me, with no emotion. It was a matter of fact that Rwanda was a bad place and a terrible place for the poor, which included him.
The emotion came when he started telling me about the refugee camp in Nairobi where he spent 18 months. The conditions were appalling. He said something about going to the toilet and getting then people getting sick and dying. I chose to connect my own dots rather than ask details. The dots weren't pretty.
In the refugee camp he was forced to wear the same clothes every day. The only time he was provided a change of clothes was when a UN official was due to arrive. Someone taught the refugees songs with synchronised clapping to entertain the UN officials and the camp was cleaned up.
Clean clothes, clean camp and singing refugees: The UN officials never saw the true nature of the camp.
My taxi driver thinks very little of the UN. He yelled and flicked his hand towards the passenger-side window, telling me that Kofi Annan is not a great man and that the Africans who go to the UN do so with little concern for their home but great concern for the guaranteed several years of money and entitlements.
After 18 months he arrived in the USA and was, along with fellow refugees, put into a hotel in Connecticut. There, in the hotel room, were food and beverages for them to enjoy at their will. They didn't touch them until one of the people in charge asked if they were sick and maybe that's why they weren't eating.
The assumption was the food wasn't for them. Even when told they could eat what they wanted, they disbelieved. When it was made absolutely clear that there would be no retribution for eating the food, joy came into their lives. He said the word "meat" with such delight that it made me slightly embarrassed for how much I take for granted.
When he was working in bicycle delivery, a friend told him that driving a taxi was a much better job. They taught him to drive. He said he couldn't believe how easy it was. "This was the gas and this was the brake, and you go."
Through that series of events I arrived at Chris and Cathy's house, aware that it's important to remember how I got to wherever I am, to make me thankful for what is available to me now.


text:
Channel Column - August: Taking care of business
The economy, infrastructure and health were all hot topics for discussion at a public meeting I hosted for National Leader Simon Bridges in Campbell's Bay recently.
More than 250 residents turned out to the Pupuke Golf Club to chat with Simon over a cuppa about the issues that matter to them. Our morning tea was part of Simon's three-month-long tour of New Zealand, where he connected with over 10,000 Kiwis at 70 public meetings.
His message to the people of the Shore was that this government is borrowing more, taxing more and spending more, but they're delivering less. In the process, they're driving up the cost of living and making it harder for businesses to grow.
After the morning tea, Northcote's new MP Dan Bidois, Simon and I were given a tour of the B:Hive, a co-working space for start-ups and tech companies located at Smales Farm in Takapuna, which will be home to over 100 businesses and 900 workers once it is fully occupied. It's a genuine hub of enterprise and it has to be said, it's rather more productive than the Beehive in the capital is currently.
Grow North's goal is to accelerate the growth of local technology companies. The project is supported by Massey University, BNZ, and Auckland Council in partnership with Smales Farm, Shore Junction, ecentre, and the North Shore business community.
The innovation district encompasses Auckland north of the bridge, and is home to 20% of the country's highest revenue technology export businesses. With Grow North's help, tech companies on the Shore are able to grow faster than the rest of New Zealand.
One of the biggest threats to business growth on the Shore and around the country is this coalition Government's proposed employment law overhaul. The changes will result in fewer jobs, higher inflation, and increases in the cost of living, which will inevitably be accompanied by more strikes.
If you're worried about a return to union-dominated collective bargaining please join me and north-of-the-Harbour-Bridge MPs Erica Stanford and Dan Bidois on Friday 7 September at 7:30am for a business breakfast with Hon Scott Simpson, National's spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety.
Our complimentary breakfast meeting will be held at Netball North Harbour. For more details and to book, please call my office on 09 486 0005 or email northshore@parliament.govt.nz by Monday 3 September.
Public hearings for the End of Life Choice Bill, which seeks to change the Crimes Act to allow culpable homicide and assisted suicide, are now in full swing and as deputy chair of the Justice Select Committee I've been travelling around the country listening to the thousands who have asked to have their views heard.
The committee has heard from people with disabilities who are frightened by the complete lack of adequate safeguards for vulnerable people. We've heard from medical professionals, the vast majority of whom are opposed to euthanasia and assisted suicide. We've heard from youth mental health workers who are convinced that this bill will make their jobs harder because it sends a message that suicide is an acceptable response to suffering.
Supporters say the law is about choice, but the so-called right to die would swiftly become a duty to die for many. In my view, a better way to achieve death with dignity is to invest more in world-class end of life palliative medicine. That's why I've drafted my 'Access to End of Life Palliative Care' member's bill which is currently in the ballot. It would put obligations on the Minister of Health and DHBs to ensure New Zealanders have a right to palliative care wherever and whenever they need.


text:
In Python, [`if`][if statement], `elif` (_a contraction of 'else and if'_) and `else` statements are used to [control the flow][control flow tools] of execution and make decisions in a program.
Unlike many other programming languages, Python versions 3.9 and below do not offer a formal case-switch statement, instead using multiple `elif` statements to serve a similar purpose.

Python 3.10 introduces a variant case-switch statement called `pattern matching`, which will be covered separately in another concept.

Conditional statements use expressions that must resolve to `True` or `False` -- either by returning a `bool` directly, or by evaluating ["truthy" or "falsy"][truth value testing].

```python
x = 10
y = 5

# The comparison '>' returns the bool 'True',
# so the statement is printed.
if x > y:
    print("x is greater than y")
...
>>> x is greater than y
```

When paired with `if`, an optional `else` code block will execute when the original `if` condition evaluates to `False`:

```python
x = 5
y = 10

# The comparison '>' here returns the bool 'False',
# so the 'else' block is executed instead of the 'if' block.
if x > y:
    print("x is greater than y")
else:
    print("y is greater than x")
...
>>> y is greater than x
```

`elif` allows for multiple evaluations/branches.

```python
x = 5
y = 10
z = 20

# The 'elif' statement allows for the checking of more conditions.
if x > y:
    print("x is greater than y and z")
elif y > z:
    print("y is greater than x and z")
else:
    print("z is great than x and y")
...
>>> z is great than x and y
```

[Boolean operations][boolean operations] and [comparisons][comparisons] can be combined with conditionals for more complex testing:

```python

>>> def classic_fizzbuzz(number):
        if number % 3 == 0 and number % 5 == 0:
            return 'FizzBuzz!'
        elif number % 5 == 0:
            return 'Buzz!'
        elif number % 3 == 0:
            return 'Fizz!'
        else:
            return str(number)

>>> classic_fizzbuzz(15)
'FizzBuzz!'

>>> classic_fizzbuzz(13)
'13'
```

[if statement]: https://docs.python.org/3/reference/compound_stmts.html#the-if-statement
[control flow tools]: https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/controlflow.html#more-control-flow-tools
[truth value testing]: https://docs.python.org/3/library/stdtypes.html#truth-value-testing
[boolean operations]: https://docs.python.org/3/library/stdtypes.html#boolean-operations-and-or-not
[comparisons]: https://docs.python.org/3/library/stdtypes.html#comparisons

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This effect refers to the very high water repellency (superhydrophobicity) exhibited by the leaves of the lotus flower. Dirt particles are picked up by water droplets due to a complex micro- and nanoscopic structural design of the surface, which minimizes adhesion, thus rejecting all foreign particles.
Biomimicry of this phenomenon led to invention of nanocoatings based on this lotus effect. There are various applications for these coatings. They protect surfaces from corrosion and abrasion, preventing unwanted particles from adhering to the coated surface. The properties of these coatings make them resistant to extreme temperature. Nanocoatings reduce surface friction, thereby also enhancing the ability of a coated surface to resist scratches.
Our nanocoating contains self-organizing, ceramic nanostructures with a size of approximately 10-50nm, which once coated, form a seal on the surface.
The coated surface is displays a very high ability to reject water, oil and dirt, which is known as the Easy-To-Clean effect. The sealed surface is highly resistant to acids and cleaning products.
The coating is UV-light stable, highly resistant mechanically, but still retains a breathable transparent surface.
The coated areas are resistant to high pressure (60 bar) and temperatures up to 450°C.
The process given below depicts how the coating organizes itself on a surface upon application.
Application Areas: Glass, Ceramics, Stone, Concrete, Metal, and Plastics and Automotives.