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Home Archives for June 13, 2019
BREAKING: Abaribe is Minority Senate leader
Posted By: Editoron: June 13, 2019 In: News, Politics, Top StoriesNo Comments
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe(Abia South) is the Minority Leader of the Ninth Senate.
He emerged at an ongoing meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) at the Maitama residence of the National Chairman, Uche Secondus.
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba South was returned as Deputy Minority Leader while Senator Philips Aduda(FCT) was retained as the Minority Whip.
Homeowners accuse CMB Building Company, its CEO Mbagwu of fraud, petition EFCC
Posted By: Editoron: June 13, 2019 In: News, Top StoriesNo Comments
The residents of Pearl Garden Estate and Pearl Nuga Park Estate located at Sangotedo in Lekki/Ajah area of Lagos State have petitioned against the CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Ltd to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraudulent mortgage of some of their homes to secure unapproved bank loans.
Meanwhile, the association of homeowners in the estates have barred representatives of CMB, a building and maintenance firm owned by Kelechukwu Mbagwu from maintaining the homes at Pearl Nuga Park Estate and Pearl Garden Estate.
The separate petitions dated May 28, 2019 and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, were signed by Mr Patrick Olowokere, the President of Pearl Nuga Estate and Reverend Adesola Adebawo, President of Pearl Garden Estate respectively.
According to the petitioners, CMB obtained a mortgage from Wema Bank Plc using the affected homes at Pearl Nuga Estate as collateral without the knowledge or consent of the affected homeowners.
Image: Repossessed property at Pearl Gardens Estate from fraudulently-obtained bank loan
"The affected homeowners, namely; Bridget Eko, Osagie Aimiehnoho Jude, Mr Akinola Alabi, Mrs Oluwadara Alabi, Nosakhare Igbinobi and Amos Gaga, paid CMB for those houses to be built and had taken possession of their houses from CMB at different times.
"CMB and Mr Mbagwu fraudulently withheld the title deeds of the houses from the affected homeowners as it withheld those of several other homeowners within the estate," they alleged in a petition duly acknowledged and signed by the EFCC, copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
However, the bank has begun a recovery of the six houses within the estate following the failure of CMB, the property developer, to repay the loan, according to the petitioners.
Similarly, Pearl Garden Estate also accused CMB of using the homes of four of their members — Mr and Mrs Michael Bassey, Mr Oyeleke Jegede, Mr Larry Amaraibi and one Mr Felix — who had already paid in full to allegedly obtain a N10 million loan from Diamond Bank (now Access Bank).
Meanwhile, the association of homeowners in the estates have barred staff or representatives of CMB from Pearl Nuga Park Estate and Pearl Garden Estate.
The petitioners said, "We have no other choice but to believe that other houses of our members and homeowners within the estates may be the subject of similar fraudulent mortgages.''
Another resident, Mr A. Akeredolu, said: "Some of us have waited endlessly for the commencement of the 'fictitious' Pearl Royale Scheme, Pearl Garden Extension and Pearl Nuga Park.
"We paid for these in full since 2010 but have yet to be shown the location of our purchases, let alone the allocations.
"We know projects fail, but they have yet to make any official statement or promise of refund. These people are so bold and fearless, one wonders who is backing them!"
All efforts by our reporter to reach Mr. Mbagwu for his angle to the allegations proved futile as calls and text messages placed to his mobile line were not responded to as at press time.
Presidential panel probes Delta Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi over corruption allegations
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is in hot soup as the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has referred him to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Etsu Umar, for prosecution.
In its letter signed on behalf of the chairman of the panel, Okoi Obono-Obla, by Dr. Celsus Ukpong, urged the DPP to prosecute the senator on charges bordering on his failure to declare his assets before the panel in violation of section 3(i)(a) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act 2004.
The letter stated that the violation was punishable by the same provision of the Act.
It stated that it had forwarded draft charges to the DPP.
Accompanying the letter dated June 7, 2019, and received by the DPP office on June 10, 2019, were documents contained in the case file forwarded to the Ministry of Justice.
The letter read, "I am directed to you above-named case file for further action.
"The above suspect is under investigation before us for possession of suspicious assets far and beyond his legitimate earnings.
"He has refused to declare his assets before the panel after lawful demand by the special presidential investigation panel.
"This refusal is contrary to and punishable under section 3(i)(a) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act 2004. It shall be appreciated if a charge is brought against him for his offence pending the conclusion of the investigation."
South-south leads Nigeria's huge alcohol consumption, NBS data shows
Alcohol consumption is a big business in Nigeria with consumers spending just less than a quarter of a trillion naira in 2016. According to the latest data from the nation's statistics bureau, in 2016 alone, Nigerians spent at least N208 billion on alcohol – this amount was more than the budget of Ondo State for that year.
alcohol-consumption-in-n
A breakdown of the nation's sobriety pattern shows the South South zone is the least restrained community of alcohol consumers. There, N74.4 billion was spent on alcohol, making the states of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross Rivers the section of the country inhabiting the most enthusiastic drinkers in the year.
The seven states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto, and Zamfara, making up the North West zone, comparatively have the most restrained drinkers. But they still spent at least N2.6 billion to assuage the palate of alcohol drinkers.
Federal statisticians at the NBS say the South East with N44 billion, the South West with N37 billion, the North-central with N30 billion, and the North-east with N19.6 billion follow in that sequence of alcohol consumers in the country.
However, in terms of rural-urban divide, federal statisticians say there are way more drinkers in Nigeria's rural communities than in the urban areas. Rural communities spent N125 billion naira on alcohol consumption, whilst the urban spend N82.5 billion naira.
Abubakar Jimoh, director of special duties for the nation's food and drug agency, NAFDAC, blamed what appears to be the high level of alcohol consumption in Nigeria on factors that include the relatively unfettered access to the products, and a disposition of Nigerians to abuse the bounds of regulation.
"Many of this alcohol are stored in a sachet and as such it is predisposing people to more alcohol consumption which is injurious to public health, under the realm of packaging and trying to modernise things.
"We try to license people in packaging to make things easier for citizens, however, we just discovered that people have started abusing it," bemoaned Mr. Jimoh who hinted that the administration is in the process of addressing the problem.
"We are trying to see what we can do about that, the discussion is still on and I am not trying to preempt what decision will be taken at the ministerial level. The honourable minister is also involved, trying to see the regulations and how they can protect public health, because the small sachet thing is predisposing people to more alcohol. It is easier for people to buy in small sachets which increases the quantum of the consumed alcohol," Mr Jimoh told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview.
Though alcohol consumption differs among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, the contours of rituals, marriage ceremonies, and chieftaincy enthronement provide passage for it to find entry in the cultural demands of many communities and people.
What health experts say about alcohol consumption
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), one of every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria can be traced to alcohol, and 4.7 per cent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria last year can be attributed to alcohol.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said in 2014, Nigeria consumed an average of 23.1 litres of pure alcohol annually, while 50.1g of pure alcohol is consumed daily by drinkers aged 15 years and above.
In its Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, the WHO also estimates that in 2016 more than three million people died all over the world as a result of the harmful use of alcohol.
This represents 1 in 20 deaths. Men accounted for more than three-quarters of these deaths. Overall, the harmful use of alcohol causes more than five per cent of the global disease burden.
Expert speaks
Tavershima Adongo, a medical consultant with the medical journalism programme at the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, explained that "Alcoholism is the chronic condition that develops from uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol, leading to a physical and emotional dependence." He added that "this condition affects about 1.5 million Nigerians yearly, often progressing from a state of alcohol abuse were individuals consume alcohol in sufficient quantities that can be in infrequent periods as once a week."
Mr Adongo remarks that "immediate short term effects can include systemic effects such as nausea and vomiting, behavioural and mood affectation such as aggression, self destructive tendencies, hyperactivity and anxiety, to long term disease and personality changes that lead to disorganization with an overall effect on individual performance and interpersonal relationships.
"Dependence can occur as early as late teenage years -18, through mid adult life to old age >60 years. Studies have shown equal prevalence of consumption among this age range, indicating an early onset age of consumption in the country.
"Alcoholic liver cirrhosis, a disease that results from destruction of the liver cells, resulting from alcohol consumption by itself is reported to progressively lead to death, asides progressing to liver cancer.
"Other conditions such as acute pancreatitis with long term effects of pancreatic cancer have a higher tendency with increased intake.
"Drinking can be reduced with preventive strategies of regulation, and rehabilitation of victims which would involve the setting up of treatment centres in rehabilitative facilities. Discontinuing individuals from alcohol involves a programme of medical detoxification -which entails a gradual withdrawal process, as sudden lack of alcohol in the body can also cause mental confusion and emotional disruption and life threatening seizures.
"There exists no regulatory control on alcohol use presently in the country. The Ministry of health and the NAFDAC do not have any regulatory policy on alcohol. In the Northern part of the country Islamic sharia law prohibits consumption through forceful arrests of individuals, and confiscation of products. An expanded policy would be needed if consumption is to be regulated with an impact on health and the market," Mr Adongo stated.
Economic Implication
The issue with illicit production has always been an issue around alcohol. But in Nigeria, no data points to total monetary loss as a result of illicit production and consumption. However, Cameroon, which shares boundary Nigeria, lost 112 million dollars to illicit alcohol in 2014, according to IARD.
A 2017 study of 'The Illicit Production and Consumption of Ògógóró in Coastal Yorùbáland and the Niger Delta' by Dọlápọ` Olúpàyímọ of the Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo attributes the revenue leakage to the challenge of regulation because the products are "often traded through distribution networks that are semi-legal or illegal in other ways, usually because they have no NAFDAC registration and/or avoid taxation of Ògógóró (alcohol) and sometimes other traded goods."
Consumers reaction
David Opeyemi, who resides in Ilorin, Kwara State, and who says he "drinks to cool down the stress of the day," links preponderant drinking to a cocktail of factors that include aphrodisiac, recreational, peer pressure, and family history with addiction. He contrasted drinking patterns of the past which for him are moderate to modern drinking predominant among young people and adults within the age of 18 to 45 years of age.
Also, a Lagos-based vulcaniser, who identified himself as Mr Olamilekan, but prefers to be known as "Be Happy," said, "When I am troubled I take a minimum of 4 bottles of beer or a large bottle of Lord gin drink." Pointing to a can of energy drink, Mr Olamilekan said the range of preferred labels in the market now is expanding. He said the lacing of liquor with energy drink has now captured poor consumer imagination at the urban and rural areas. "That works best for us as the beverage of choice," said the happy vulcaniser. (Premium Times)
JUNE 12: Buhari renames Abuja Stadium after MKO
President Muhammadu Buhari Yesterday, Wednesday renamed the Abuja National Stadium after late Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election.
President Buhari made the announcement while addressing the nation on Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, noting that while alive, Chief MKO Abiola gave immense support to the development of sports in Nigeria and Africa so much that he was named and honoured as Africa's Pillar of Sports.
He recalled that Chief Abiola formed the Abiola Babes Football Club, which was based in Abeokuta and was one of the big teams that dominated soccer in the country between 1982 and 2001 before it was disbanded.
Buhari decried what he described as "injustice" meted to the winners of the 1993 Presidential Election, and assured that his administration would continue to correct injustices in the society.
"As we all know, correcting injustice is a pre-requisite for peace and unity.
"As part of the process of healing and reconciliation, I approved the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day and invested late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe with National Honours as I did with late Gani Fawehinmi.
"The purpose was to partially atone for the previous damage done in annulling the Presidential election of that year.
"Today, I propose the re-naming of the Abuja National Stadium. Henceforth it will be called Moshood Abiola National Stadium,'' he said.
On development of infrastructure, Buhari highlighted that dedicated agro-industrial processing zones would be developed on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) basis to increase farming yields, agricultural productivity and industrial output; and added that the over 2,000 kilometers of ongoing federal road and bridge projects across the country will be completed to reduce journey times and the cost of doing business.
"As I mentioned earlier, critical feeder roads will be built to facilitate easier transportation for people and goods from rural areas to major roads.
"We are at advanced stages of securing investments to modernize and expand our transmission and distribution infrastructure, ensuring that electricity is available and affordable for all Nigerians.
"Several rail, seaport and airport projects are at various stages of completion. We will open the arteries of transportation nationwide.
"It is a fact that Nigeria has more gas reserves than it has oil. Over the last four years, we have become a net exporter of urea, which is made from natural gas.
In his own contribution, the All Progressives Congress National leader, Senator Bola Tinubu has dedicated the maiden Democracy day celebrations to activists and students, particularly, the late Dr Beko Ransom-Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and many students that sacrificed their lives for the nation to have history.
Speaking at the at the Eagle Square, venue of Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja, Tinubu posited that the victory of MKO Abiola, at the June 12, 1993 presidential election defied tribe, ethnic and religious sentiments and the day marked the beginning of transparent and open democratic system.
According to him, the supreme sacrifice Abiola paid after his monumental victory at that particular period of history is the freedom of democracy we are enjoying, noting that democracy is the most difficult system of government to manage.
"I highly value human commitment to freedom and democracy, we did that and it took 20 years to recognize our efforts," he said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Mr Ita Enang stated that the June 12 was not only to celebrate democracy, but to call attention to the sacrifices made by Abiola. The significance of June 12 to Enang was the recognition of the day the first freest election was conducted in Nigeria.
"For the next generation of Nigerians, let the day be a history for them and let them know that civilian government is still better than authoritarian government," he said.
In Yenagoa, former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva on Wednesday described June 12 2019 Democracy Day as a moment of deep significance in Nigeria's history.
Sylva indicated this in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Julius Bokoru, noting that Nigeria has made significant progress over the years in spite of the daunting challenges.
"Nigeria's democracy, though still fledgling, has been hard fought and steep to come by.
"It has come at the wake of sacrifices from patriots, extraordinary selflessness from statesmen and above all, unflinching resolve in Nigerians to yearn and strive for a country tall and brave in justice, equity and fairness
In the meantime, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of June 12 struggle by not giving up on the nation's democracy.
Adams made the call at the commemoration of June 12 Democracy Day in honour of Late Chief MKO Abiola, organised by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), in Lagos, while speaking on the theme: "The Mantra of June 12 and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria."
Adwms said the actualisation of June 12 as Democracy day showed there was hope for a better Nigeria.
"Chief MKO Abiola died for democracy to be sustained in Nigeria and the June 12 struggle has been on for 27 years, but we thank God that our struggle ended in victory.
"One of the lessons of June 12 is that you do not give up on a course or a struggle and I urge Nigerians not give up on our democracy.
"With continued struggle, our needs and yearnings as a people will be met someday, just as June 12 has been eventually declared as Democracy day in Nigeria.
"Nigerians must continue to demand for good governance and social justice. In fact, that I'm an Aare Onakakanfo will not stop me from fighting for the rights of Nigerians.
"This is because I'm an Aare with a conscience," he said, commending President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria's rightful Democracy day.
He also urged him to take a step further in honouring the memory of MKO Abiola by recognising that restructuring was the way out of the country's current challenges, stressing that if Nigeria is restructured, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen crisis and insecurity will become history.
Also speaking, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Centre for Change Initiative, urged the Federal Government to make a posthumous declaration of MKO Abiola as a past President of Nigeria.
Okei-Odumakin said that entrenching the ideals of June 12 was the only way to properly immortalize MKO Abiola.
"When we have not restructured and decentralised powers in Nigeria, when we have not conducted free and fair elections, when there is insecurity of lives and property, when Nigerians are yet to be taken out of poverty, then we cannot say we have immortalized Abiola", Okei-Odumakin concluded.
First Bank manager arraigned for stealing N52.6m from bank
A customer relationship manager with First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Kehinde Adewuyi, was on Tuesday arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrates' Court for allegedly converting the sum of N52,628,000 from his employer's account to his personal use.
The 36-year-old suspect was arraigned on three counts bordering on stealing.
We learnt that the suspect was arrested by policemen from the Lion Building Police Division following a complaint by the bank's forensic auditors, Solomon Akhanolu and Owei Chris.
According to the police, the alleged fraud was discovered when the account was audited, which revealed that the accused had defrauded the lender to the tune of N52,628,000.
The police prosecutor, Reuben Solomon, told the court that Adewuyi committed the crime with two others at large between February and March 2019 at the bank's headquarters in Lagos.
Solomon also alleged that Adewuyi forged the signatures of the Relationship Manager, Mobolaji Sunmoni, and the Group Head, Ademola Adegbusi, to fraudulently withdraw the money from the bank's account.
Woman disguises as doctor, steals three-day-old baby
A woman, who disguised as medical doctor, has stolen a three-day-old baby girl, Gift Chukwuebuka, at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, Plateau State.
Gift's distraught mother, Mary Chukwuebuka (30), told journalists yesterday that the baby was taken from her on May 31, 2019, three days after birth by a lady who disguised as medical doctor, working in the hospital.
Mary added that the woman, who wore doctor's coat, went straight to her bed in the hospital and requested to carry the baby to Children's Ward for blood sample.
She said: "I initially declined and told her that a doctor had just left us after examining us. I told her that the first doctor didn't mention that the baby was sick or needed to do blood test.
"The 'doctor' insisted that she was directed by the Chief Medical Director to carry the baby to Children's Ward for a blood sample. It was at that point I released my baby. I thought she was a medical doctor, working in the hospital."
Mary said that she came to the hospital on May 28 and was delivered of the baby on May 29 about 3.47a.m., while the baby was stolen on May 31, 2019.
She added: "I have been coming for antenatal. I came to the hospital on my due date. The doctor asked me to go to 'Gyne Emergency,' but I told him that I needed to go home first and pick my things because there was nobody at home. He permitted me to go.
"When I came back, I was induced for several hours. I gave birth in the morning of Tuesday about 3.47a.m. after severe bleeding. I was told that I would have to undergo blood transfusion. My husband was not around, and I had to call my mother to go and look for money.
"Later, we got a donor, but his blood group was not the same with my own. A nurse agreed to help and she got some blood packs for us. The transfusion was done on Wednesday, Thursday and finished on Friday morning. I was hoping that I would be discharged that Friday, but the doctor said I would be given another blood. I told him I was okay, that I didn't have money to continue with a blood transfusion. The doctor came in the evening and said that they would run another test; but I told him that I was not given any form in respect to that and he left the ward."
Mary said that about 6.19a.m., another 'doctor' came into the ward and moved straight to her bed. She asked for Gift, Mary showed her where the baby was.
"The 'doctor' said that she would take the baby to Children's Ward for blood sample. I refused, but she insisted. I gave her the baby on the grounds that she was a medical doctor," she added.
Mary said that she heard her baby cries and thought they were collecting the blood sample. She eventually got tired of waiting for her baby to be returned.
"I asked my mother to go to the Children's Ward, but the baby was not there. I stood up and started looking for the baby. I informed the management of the hospital and they informed police. Since then, I have not seen my baby," she said.
Mary noted that the matter was reported to the police, but she had not received any concrete explanation from the police and the management of the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Dr. Philemon Golwa, said that the management contacted the police immediately they were informed of the incident.
Golwa added that the hospital couldn't disclose anything at the moment, until the police completed their investigation. He, however, promised that every step would be taken to recover the baby.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Matthias Tyopev, said that the police had commenced investigation into the matter, with a view to tracking the suspect.
Stanbic IBTC wins HR awards, consolidates its leading employer status
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, has been recognized for its robust and exceptional human resource practices, thus reaffirming its status as a leading employer brand at the HR People Magazine Awards 2019 Awards held recently in Lagos. Stanbic IBTC won the Best Training, Learning & Development Strategy 2018 and the Outstanding Employee Engagement Strategy 2018 Awards. This makes it the third consecutive year the organisation will be adjudged best among peers for outstanding employee engagement strategy, having received the award back-to-back for 2016 , 2017 and most recently 2018.
These awards come on the back of winning an unprecedented five of a total of nine categories at the same awards last year. Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has consistently received in the last couple of years a number of local and international HR related awards for its top notch and effective human resources strategy, best practices, employee retention, client testimonials and the organisation's reputation throughout the business and wider community, employee engagement and productivity levels, among others performance indices.
A representative of the HR People Magazine, a foremost magazine dedicated to the human resources and people development profession covering Nigeria and Africa, explained that the awards are evidence-based, and that the criteria used to select winners include: a demonstrable and effective strategy to drive the HR process in all the award categories, ability to show consistent best practice implementation within the organisation, evidence-based programmes and the impact of these programmes on the organisation.
Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr. Yinka Sanni, mentioned that winning awards in Human Resources underlines Stanbic IBTC's strategy of growing a responsible, disciplined, motivated and highly productive workforce. It also reinforces the company's strong management, systems and its leadership in the Financial Services industry.
According to Sanni, being selected for recognition is a constant reminder for us to always strive to epitomize one of our eight core values, which is to constantly raise the bar. He said that the organisation will continue to upskill its people and provide them with the most conducive environment, the right tools and adequate incentives to win their commitment as well as grow its people which is a testament to Stanbic IBTC's continuous investments in its human capital and the establishment of people-friendly procedures and practices.
"We are indeed grateful to the organisers for these awards and are delighted to be recognised for our strong human capital strategies and deliberate and consistent investments in our people. For us, a highly motivated workforce, one that can deliver better services, is a function of the level of investment in our human capital for professional and personal development that helps to create a productive workforce whilst fulfilling individual career aspirations," Sanni said.
Mr. Dapo Saheed, Editor-in-Chief of HR People Magazine, affirmed that the awards were instituted to celebrate the significant role of human resources in achieving both people and business excellence. Also, to create a platform which unites and supports the growth of HR in Nigeria and Africa at large. "These tributes were instituted to reward companies and HR managers who have strategies in place to engender a work-life harmony. They prioritise human capital as essential to delivering superior value to stakeholders and this is reflective in people-related investments, processes, policies and practices put in place."
Country Head, Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mrs. Olufunke Amobi, expressed her appreciation and thanked HR People Magazine for the recognition, even as she assured that the organisation will not rest on its oars in ensuring a productive and motivated workforce.
JUST IN: Atiku, PDP close case after calling 62 witnesses July 19, 2019


Bob and Sue Smith recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Kayla Marie Plybon and Brian Joseph Bacza wed on June 3, 2017, at Stonewall Jackson Resort.
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin D. Hamrick celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 7, 2017.
Robert and Karen Creamer of Lumberport celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 16, 2017.
Jack A. and Connie S. Moore celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner celebration at Oliverio's restaurant on Sept. 16, 2017.
Bernie and Linda Chelli celebrated 50 years of marriage on Sept. 2, 2017.
Jim and Sheila Ice of Lumberport celebrated 60 years of marriage Aug. 25, 2017.
Bennie and Rebecca Hollar will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 25, 2017.
The Rev. Dr. Marvin H. Carr and Sarah Lynch Carr are celebrating 60 years of marriage on Aug. 19.
Steven and Julia Randolph will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary June 11, 2017.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dodd of Clarksburg celebrated their 25th anniversary on June 6.
The Rev. Robert H. and Helen L. Wilson celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary May 2, 2017.


We've already spoken previously about the potential accident risk posed by certain stretches of roadways throughout the state. It would appear that drivers and local residents near more than one road in Maryland have reason to be nervous, based at least on recent news stories covering a fatal crash that killed one woman.
As personal injury attorneys serving individuals in Baltimore, Annapolis, Gaithersburg and the District, I and my colleagues travel on streets and highway along with thousands of other motorists every day; any danger to one's health and well-being is a legitimate concern.
Of course, passenger car and motorcycle accidents can occur any time without notice, but those crashes caused by a poorly designed roadway or badly regulated speed zone could potentially be avoided given the proper amount of attention. Sometimes all it takes is public outrage to bring the topic to the fore.
This is not to say that every car or commercial truck accident is the result of bad planning or poor road conditions; more than a few traffic collisions are simply a result of one or more drivers being inattentive, inappropriately distracted or just plain aggressive in their actions or driving style. In cases like those, it is not unusual to see one or more of the injured parties bring a personal injury lawsuit against the allegedly negligent driver.
But it is true that many people believe, whether based on facts, hearsay or simple suspicion, that a certain geographical area or portion of roadway is a danger to them and their families. More often than not, there is a logical reason for the cause of a traffic accident, be it a single-vehicle crash or a multi-vehicle wreck.
As we have said before, sometimes it takes a string of injury accidents or fatal car or truck crashes to raise awareness to the level needed for state road authorities to step in and make changes to improve the safety of a roadway. Local governments are also caught in the middle, as budgets have been squeezed so much, there is little in the way of funds to take on larger roadway modifications.
We bring this up since running across yet another news story of a fatal car crash, this time in Baltimore County along a stretch of Belair Road in not far from Perry Hall Rd. According to news articles, the crash occurred on a Wednesday when a Honda Accord, driven by a 30-year-old woman, apparently crossed over the centerline of the road from the south-bound lane and into oncoming traffic.
Based on police reports, the Honda grazed, or sideswiped, the first vehicle and then rammed head-on into a second northbound car. The driver of the Accord, Amy Thiess, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, according to a spokesperson for the Baltimore County Police Department. Another victim, a 42-year old female resident of Nottingham, reportedly survived the wreck; she was taken to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center with severe injuries.
While this is certainly a devastating event for the family of the deceased driver, this latest crash points up what local resident have apparently known for quite some time. This stretch of Belair Road, also known as Rte 1, has a bad reputation according to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). Based on data collected by the SHA over the past three years, the portion of this roadway from Forge Rd. to Miller Rd. has seen more than 30 traffic accidents.
It should not be surprising following this latest event that any safety-related changes to this road will come none to soon for some residents. One man, who reportedly has a home nearby the scene of this latest accident, voiced his concern to reporters essentially stating that he feels he could be T-boned every time he enters the roadway from his driveway, which is apparently right at the crest of a blind corner on Belair. "I can't count the number of accidents we've had, especially when it gets icy or it gets snowy," he said.


Saving Lucas Biggs, by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague (HarperCollins, middle grade, April 29, 2014), opens with an innocent man being sentenced to death. Margaret's father was a whistle-blower, a geologist who publicly decried the fracking that was poisoning the water of Victory. He was accused of murder and arson, and Judge Biggs, a company man through and through, had no qualms whatsoever condemning him.
The story of Joshua's life in 1938, alternating with Margaret's in the present, tells of all the suffering of the minors' families, and the heartbreak of how close things got to a peaceful resolution. Listening to Joshua talk of his old friend, and how he changed, it becomes clear to Margaret that the only way to save her father is to save Lucas Biggs.
And Margaret thinks she might be able to do this, for her family can time travel. So she goes back to 1938, and pushes against the weight of history, as she tries, with young Joshua's help, to keep the innocent from being killed.
Saving Lucas Biggs has memorable characters, an intriguing premise in which details keep getting added to the story back in the past making it kind of like a mystery, and there is tons of truly heart-touching emotion and shoulder-clenching suspense (shoulder-clenching because that's what happens when you read about it).
The time travelling came some ways into the book, but it was satisfying time travelling--the authors did a fine job of sending her back in time with her mission front and center, and, along with Margaret herself, they refused to get distracted by things irrelevant to the matter at hand.
In short, I can imagine lots of kids enjoying it lots as an exciting adventure story combining past and present danger.
But what I really want to say is Yes! for a book that tackles corporate greed and corruption and puts it in historical context! Yes for a book that uses a kid friendly premise and story to show the atrocities committed by the ruthless companies! (The atrocities are described--people, just sitting in the tent camp, are gunned down, and are killed and mutilated--but they are described in a factual, un-hysterical way that makes it possible to move through the horror without nightmares). And Yes for a book that advocates for non-violent resistance inspired by Quakerism!
Maybe it's not, you know, subtle, and the ultimate ease of the ending did kind of disappoint me more than somewhat, but still, how can I not say yes to a book that combines such powerful points with an engaging story?
"North Carolina legislators are considering a bill that would make it a crime to publicly disclose toxic chemicals that energy companies use in the hydraulic fracturing process, with offenders on the hook for fines or even jail time." It seems like even medical and emergency personal couldn't talk about the toxic chemicals used in fracking even if they were directly copying with their repercussions.
And continuing with the real world connections--here's a petition to ban fracking in the area of New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Historic Park.
Whoa, I didn't know Marisa de los Santos had ventured into the realm of YA fiction. Have you read her adult books? Falling Together was only so-so, but I absolutely love Love Walked In and Belong to Me, and I reread them all the time.
I have not read any of her books, but I'll look for the two you mention (is trusting).
Time travel AND history AND corporate greed. This would be a really hard sell in my school. There's been a big shift away from fantasy-- all the students seem to want is magical realism. I'll have to see what the new 6th graders will read next year. Why no fantasy sports books? Hmmmm.
Seems like a law that, if passed, would last as long as it took a federal judge to tag it on First Amendment grounds.
Sounds like an ambitious book. And yes, the current legislators in NC seem to want to do as much damage as possible.


Blooming heck - thats a full 7 months lurking!!!
Doh, I missed Yasterday. The 19th of April AND the 2nd of May. Whichever of the two it is.
For the record, if PS4 allows us to add as many friends as we want, I'm going to go back to using the Yaster PSN account.
oh I believe in Yasterdays!
Today could be tomorrows Yasterday.
Hope it's a good one or it was a good one.
Just here to wish myself a happy 10th Yasterday. Can you believe it's been that long? I remembered about this day because I was thinking back to what I was doing in 2006. I was nearing the end of a run as a mature student, about to change jobs, still 2 years away from starting to work at Sony. Now I have gotten quite comfortable in the place where I am and have no signs of slowing down. Choo choo! That's pretty peppy for me actually.
Things have been REALLY quiet in OAP this week , unless you like posting in the Battlefield forum. What's happened to all the banter? Anyone excited for Overwatch? Battleborn? Uncharted 4?
I knew id work out what this rusty old key was for in my pocket. Just thought Id pop by and say hi. Seems like ages since ive shown my face around here. Real life and all that.
Edit:Jeebus, I suppose id better get rid of that old banner too.
Indeed and you coined Yasterday.
I must have been on good form way back then.
Grats n the ten mate!
Yasterday.... all my troubles seemed so far away!


Discover the Subliminal Software Tool that Could Help Turbo-Charge your Brain!
New software tool works with your mind to reprogram your subconscious!
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A Senate inquiry has called for a reassessment of debts from Centrelink's controversial automated debt recovery system.
Senators say the system should be suspended until its many flaws are fixed.
The review was triggered by a litany of stories of false debt and disputed figures issued from an error-prone "income averaging" process.
Inquiry chair Senator Rachel Siewert said there were many serious flaws in the 'robo-debt' system.
"The evidence presented to the committee as it travelled across the country was compelling, consistent, and showed a program that was putting huge pressure on some of the most vulnerable members of our community," Senator Siewert said.
The system was introduced began in September last year, issuing about 220,000 letters in the five months to February 2017.
The 'robo-debt' system removed human oversight and relied heavily on a process of data matching that compared Centrelink and tax office records to detect discrepancies in reported income.
If a discrepancy was found, letters demanding explanations from welfare recipients were automatically generated and sent.
If no reply was received the department would crudely divided a person's yearly income by 26 fortnights, a process dubbed "income averaging", which often wrongly assumed people were working for the entire year.
Thousands of letters were sent to old addresses, and those that were received often asked people to explain the discrepancy in years-old documentation and income from past employers.
Almost half of the debts were referred to private debt collectors, and many assumed they were correct, and simply paid the undue debt without question.
The Department of Human Services has tried to highlight changes it made to the system, which it says resolved most problems.
But the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) says the system is still unworkable.
"Since its adoption 12 months ago, robo-debt has issued thousands of debt notices in error to parents, people with disabilities, carers and those seeking paid work, resulting in people slapped with Centrelink debts they do not owe or debts higher than what they owe," ACOSS chief executive, Cassandra Goldie said.
Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers urged the government to listen to people's complaints about the system.


Organized by Bike Monkey (who put on some of the best organized cycling events in Northern California), the inaugural Gravel Grinder was a tough day out! However participants couldn't have asked for better weather and course conditions.
The Gala dinner held on the Thursday night before the ride raised funds for the official non-profit partner Adventure Risk Challenge and the Specialized Foundation to help underprivileged children. Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) is a youth development nonprofit that integrates academic and outdoor programming for low-income and at-risk high school youth in the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada, bolstering their skills in literacy, leadership, and life.
Truckee, CA is located in the northeast part of the state near Reno and the courses headed out onto dirt roads and into the hills north of the city. Truckee is also home to cycling legend Katerina Nash, and the Clif Pro Team rider who joined in the race/ride.
The Sagan Fondo had three courses for all abilities including the 68-mile Boneyard, 54-mile Grinder and 23-mile Rollout. The courses were around 60% dirt, 40% pavement and one of the big highlights was the 1,500 feet climb on the Boneyard route which included some single track and creek crossings.
On the ride, Peter was joined by Bora-Hansgrohe teammates Daniel Oss, Michael Kolar, Maciej Bodnar, and brother Juraj Sagan.
On the competitive side of the Dirt Fondo, Geoff Kabush won the event overall in the mens category ahead of Jonathan Baker and Victor Sheldon. Geoff said afterwards "Now up 1-0 vs. the world champ! Put over 45min into him and pretty sure he was giving it 100%. Seriously though it was good too see Peter looking so relaxed and enjoying himself in town".
In the women's category it was Olivia Dillon who took the overall Women's victory ahead of Katerina Nash and Jennifer Schwarz.
Sagan fresh from his Paris-Roubaix win, finished in a comfortable 48th place, and in true style did a huge wheelie over the finish line!
In addition to Sagan's Dirt Fondo, last November 2017, Peter Sagan joined the King Ridge Foundation for the campaign to restore the community it lives in through the Sonoma Pride fundraiser #RideForSonomaPride and contributed more than $40,000. To-date, King Ridge Foundation has raised more than $3,000,000 for at-risk youth.
The event was sponsored by Specialized, the City of Truckee, 100%, Sportful, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Tropical Edge and Osmo Nutrition amongst others.
The AMGEN Tour of California starts in the Golden State in Long Beach on May 13, 2918 and Sagan is confirmed to be riding with his Bora-Hansgrohe team.
The Amgen Tour of California has always been a highlight in Sagan's season, he's competed for eight consecutive years since turning professional and he won the overall in 2015.
He holds the record for the most stage wins - 16. His annual pre-race altitude camp in Truckee inspired last weekend's event.
Look out for full details of Sagan's Fondo Road Edition on November 3, 2018 here on Gran Fondo Guide, courtesy of Bike Monkey.
Nov 09 2018 - NEWS: Super Sagan Road Fondo weekend with Garda Bike Hotel!


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Kylie Jenner And Travis Scott Are Having A Baby!
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed Jenner's pregnancy, as well as the fact that the father is rapper Travis Scott, to BuzzFeed News on Friday.
by David Mack
Updated on September 23, 2017, 12:30 amPosted on September 22, 2017, 9:16 pm
Kylie Jenner is pregnant, a source with knowledge of the situation told BuzzFeed News on Friday.
Carlo Allegri / Reuters
The source also confirmed that rapper Travis Scott, who has been dating the 20-year-old reality star since April, is the father, and that the due date is sometime in January or February.
Instarimages.com / INSTARimages.com
Here's a pic of the pair back in May.
The news was first reported by TMZ, which cited multiple sources.
Jenner has been posting old photos on Instagram lately. This pic she posted on Thursday is from at least last November.
Instagram: @kyliejenner
E! is set to air a special on Sunday night marking 10 years since Keeping Up With the Kardashians debuted. Here's to the next Jenneration!
Kylie Jenner Is Pregnant And Twitter Is Freaking Out
David Mack is a senior breaking news reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact David Mack at david.mack@buzzfeed.com.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Love Like Liam
by apple seeds co-founder Alison Qualter-Berna
The name Liam means strong-willed warrior or protector. When my friends Gretchen and Larry Witt named their son nearly 10 years ago, they could not know just how aptly that name would apply.
In Liam's life, he embodied the meaning of a warrior. He was a 3, then 4, then a 5 year old child fighting the beast that is cancer in a way that no adult could. He looked it in the eye, with his shield and sword, and fought his best fight. His enduring smiles told the world that he was doing ok, despite his tragic sentence. His enduring friendship told me and my girls that he was grateful for his life, despite his short window of opportunity to embrace it.
Sydney and Maddie
In Liam's death, he continues to be a protector. This is clearly apparent in the way that the kids and parents who knew him infuse his memory into their lives. I, for one, carry Liam with me every single day. It's hard to explain exactly how he runs so deeply within me; it's sometimes a subconscious feeling. I know and feel that I hug my children a little bit harder because of him as I know and feel that I seize each day a little more spontaneously as he did. And my heart?..it cherishes this world a little more passionately because he was in it.
That is why last weekend I wore Liam's photo on my back during the 2013 New York City Marathon.
Everyone chooses to race or run a marathon for different reasons…my reason was simply to experience it. I admit I did the marathon for me, as a personal challenge, as well as to provide a healthy example to share with my three kids. But as marathon weekend approached, I kept looking for strength to battle feelings of anxiety and I found myself turning to Liam. I kept thinking about life, how short it is, and how I want to make every day matter. I kept thinking about the people I surround myself with and how each of them plays a distinct role in the experience of my life. I kept wondering why certain people have to fight for their precious life and why cancer rips so many of those lives away. I thought about my friend Julie's daughter, diagnosed last month with liver cancer and my friend Reem's daughter, diagnosed last month with leukemia. Two children in one month, in my small circle of life, having to stand up with a shield and a sword to fight this #1 disease killer of children, the monster that is childhood cancer. I thought about the thousands and thousands of children who have to look at cancer directly in the face and fight it. Like a warrior. Like Liam.
The fact is we can all do our part. Together, we can actually make this better. There are too many kids fighting their brutal battle against cancer every single day. It is the #1 disease killer among children. These children are victims as cancer indiscriminately rips away the core of their innocence and childlike happiness.
What's apparent is that there is one thing that CAN help them – money. Money for research, money for trials that will test new treatments. Treatments that can and might save many children's lives, or treatments that won't cause the horrific secondary side effects faced by the lucky ones who survive.
It is up to us to help. All we have to do is give.
Liam guided me through those 26.2 miles and I believe that he carried me through the crowds. I found myself unconsciously touching Liam's photo on my back at various points throughout the run. I grabbed for him during the difficult moments, like that sneaky hill on 5th Avenue at mile 23. But I grabbed for him during the joyous ones too, like running off the 59th Street bridge onto 1st Avenue in Manhattan and feeling the throngs of this great city's energy surround me. He was there for it all.
Alison and friend at the NYC Marathon 2013
Liam continues to live up to his name, Prince Liam the Brave, warrior and protector. The marathon was a reason for me to properly celebrate his amazing life, but the marathon, I think, is somehow a microcosm of how we all live in this world. The ups and downs, the triumphs and travails, the mile 23 moments and the joyful finish line elation. Through it all, it's helpful to be reminded of the really big lessons the littlest people can teach us -- to love the life that we have, to appreciate those around you, and to always, always, Love Like Liam.
my new york marathon experience
My handstand BEFORE the race in Staten Island
Me with my friend and running buddy Katharina, right before the start. We crossed the starting line AND the finish line holding hands. I could not have done it without her!
The first mile. The Verrazano Bridge takes you from Staten Island into Bay Ridge, Brooklyn where the most amazing crowds begin and their energy doesn't end for 26 miles…
The kids waiting for Katharina and me in McCarren Park in Brooklyn.
Coming off the 59th st bridge was the ABSOLUTE highlight of the race. It's when you first enter Manhattan and is the stretch of the marathon where the fans are so loud and excited, their energy almost lifts you up off the asphalt and carries you down 1st avenue.
Pointing at my sweet friend Liam on my back. Since the day Liam died, I have not stopped thinking about him and incorporating his memory into my daily thoughts. His death makes me want to continue my support to fight pediatric cancer, but also to more fully appreciate my children and my life.
The hardest mile… mile 23… seeing my sister-in-law Erin was just the energy push I needed at that moment they call "the wall"….
With Bobby, Sydney, Maddie and Jack after I crossed the finish line in Central Park. Joy.
Maddie with the marathon medal…proud of her mama.
The after party and champagne celebration!
My dad is my running inspiration. I have strong childhood memories of him going for jogs and wearing his old Saucony sneakers!
My victory handstand after the race – my usual way to celebrate a moment is to go upside down!
Wednesdays with Wendy: Things I've Learned Since My Daughter Started First Grade
Welcome to this week's Wednesdays with Wendy!
by Wendy Bradford
There is a terribly frustrating phase toddlers go through when all they ask is "why?"
You have to sit in a car seat. Why? You can't eat all the cookies. Why? Spaghetti has to be cooked. Why? The umbrella keeps us dry. Why? You can't cook an umbrella. Why?
And there is a humiliating phase kids go through when they learn things you may have learned, let's say, 36 years ago. (I asked my daughter to double check my math.)
I have had to research the answers to many questions since my oldest started the first grade in September. Sometimes that is because she asks and I can't remember the answer. Sometimes it is that I have answered her, and I am pretty sure I was wrong. Sometimes we argue, and after I look up the correct answer, I try to distract her.
The following are not her questions. Rather they very closely resemble the Internet searches I did because I: a) didn't learn anything in school; b) have no short- or long-term memory; and/or c) drink more than I think I do.
Is the Milky Way the only galaxy?
What are "math fingers"?
Are all ballet terms French?
Does it always snow in the mountains?
How are cartoons made?
Are robots real?
Where is Iceland?
How do you grow rice?
What's the biggest TV you can have?
What happens if you never sleep?
How does a radiator work?
How is soda made?
Song lyrics from "Annie"
What happens if there is a tie for Mayor?
Does the Mayor have a plane?
Does the secret service let the President shower alone?
I was thinking about all these because yesterday the three kids accompanied me to vote in the New York City elections. We went midday, when many people were using their lunch break to vote. It was crowded, and I was a little confused--I never changed our address since moving last year. (This can be a big problem.)
The kids were fascinated with the process (they were with us when we voted for President last year after Sandy, traveling from our hotel in midtown back to the flood zone so that we could vote). They wanted to see what "all the other people" were doing. (This is also a big problem.) They wore their "I VOTED" stickers proudly, until they fell off in Starbucks.
The truth is that I almost skipped voting yesterday. With the three kids off for the day, I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. But the first grader asked, almost first thing after breakfast, "When are we going to vote?" (And I had to explain to my four-year-old son that there is no "boat." We are going to "vote.")
And I too, was proud that they saw once again our process of electing our leaders. We were thanked when we walked into the polling place. Just for coming to vote. Like so many of my friends who posted their voting pictures on Facebook last night, I too was choked up by the experience.
We stopped at the drug store on the way back. As we waited for a prescription to be filled, an elderly lady walked over, and we got up so she could sit. She said to my children how generous it was we offered her our seat in the waiting area.
"That is what we do when someone needs a seat, right?" I said to my three little ones, thinking I sounded like a good mother. The mother who teaches her children manners. The mother whose children behave among adults.
"Because we are lucky," they reminded me.
Support Cookies for Kids' Cancer on Sunday, October 20th!
Come out and support Cookies for Kids' Cancer this Sunday at Kids Day for a Cause, presented by Little Swappies! FREE classes & activities for the kids and a Pop-Up Marketplace for parents from 11am-5pm at Pier 57! 100% of your donations will go directly to Cookies for Kids' Cancer!
employee of the month: Will Rose!
Congratulations Will – you are the October employee of the month! Your dedication, hard work, and overall fearless leadership has not gone unnoticed over the past month. You were thrown into the role as front desk manager and took the position with great enthusiasm. You have shown superior organization and management skills already and within a few weeks, the front desk already feels back to normal. We can't image apple seeds without you. Thanks for being such a great role model to your fellow co-workers. Today you set a record being the first employee to receive the Employee of the Month award for a second time!
drop-in classes now available!
Drop-in classes are now available for $40/class per child. Membership, sibling and twin discounts apply! Wednesdays: move baby, move! @ 9a Saturdays: songs for seeds @ 9a & 10a It's not too late to sign up for fall I classes at a prorated rate. SAVE $25 when you register for fall II classes including NEW afternoon songs for seeds classes at 4p & 5p on Mondays! Visit our website for full class schedules.
Most Awesome Indoor Playspace 2013!
apple seeds has won Most Awesome Indoor Playspace in the 2013 Red Tricycle Awards for the second year! Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
FREE back to school event!
FREE back to school event at Oval Kids by apple seeds on Friday, September 6th! Open to all Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town residents!
book drive to support room to grow
apple seed is hosting a book drive to support Room to Grow now through September 20th! The mission of Room to Grow is to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development. Drop off your NEW or mint condition books at apple seeds Chelsea or apple seeds UWS today!
LAST CHANCE to VOTE!
apple seeds is the proud winner of the 2012 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS for Coolest Indoor Playspace and Most Magical Music Class. We have been nominated in the Red Tricycle's 2013 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS! VOTE for us to take first place again this year: • Best Kids Music Class (songs for seeds): http://awards.redtri.com/2013/music-classes/?location=ny-metro • Best Indoor Playspace: http://awards.redtri.com/2013/indoor-playspaces/?location=ny-metro Voting ends TODAY, August 15th and we need your help to WIN!
TOMORROW is the LAST DAY to VOTE!
apple seeds is the proud winner of the 2012 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS for Coolest Indoor Playspace and Most Magical Music Class. We have been nominated in the Red Tricycle's 2013 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS! VOTE for us to take first place again this year: • Best Kids Music Class (songs for seeds): http://awards.redtri.com/2013/music-classes/?location=ny-metro • Best Indoor Playspace: http://awards.redtri.com/2013/indoor-playspaces/?location=ny-metro Voting ends TOMORROW, August 15th and we need your help to WIN!
VOTE for apple seeds and songs for seeds!
apple seeds is the proud winner of the 2012 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS for Coolest Indoor Playspace and Most Magical Music Class. We have been nominated in the Red Tricycle's 2013 TOTALLY AWESOME AWARDS! VOTE for us to take first place again this year: • Best Kids Music Class (songs for seeds): http://awards.redtri.com/2013/music-classes/?location=ny-metro • Best Indoor Playspace: http://awards.redtri.com/2013/indoor-playspaces/?location=ny-metro Voting ends August 15th and we need your help to WIN!
Oval Kids by apple seeds is now OPEN!
We are so EXCITED to announce that Oval Kids by apple seeds in Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town is officially OPEN! We are thrilled to be joining this community and cannot wait to get to know a whole new set of families. We are thrilled to show you the BRAND NEW indoor playground exhibits and the colorful space. Come visit us and take a look. songs for seeds, our award-winning music program to newborn-5 years will begin on Tuesday, July 16th at Oval Kids by apple seeds. Ask us about dates, times and a FREE demo! For more information about membership and songs for seeds please visit our website at www.appleseedsovalkids.com or call us at 212.792.7590. We will see you on the playground and in songs for seeds class!
announcing OVAL KIDS by apple seeds!
apple seeds is thrilled to announce the opening of our third NYC location. On July 11, 2013 (just one short month away...) apple seeds comes to Oval Kids in Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town. The new "Oval Kids by apple seeds' operation, situated in the center of the property's Oval park area, is exclusive to PCVST residents (all 30,000 of them!), and will include apple seeds' signature playground exhibits and our totally addicting songs for seeds music program. The playground is scheduled to open just in time to provide an air conditioned retreat for kids and their adults this summer; and to kick off two four-week summer semesters of songs for seeds classes, which was named "Best Music Class 2010" by New York Magazine for children age newborn-5 years. We plan to offer an expanded selection of apple seeds classes in the near future. The space is now being renovated and prepped so that we can install an incredible new playground, complete with our signature apartment building climbing structure, NYC taxi and deli, flower shape sorter and mini obstacle course for babies, by the end of the month. We are excited to be partnering with PCVST. "Oval Kids by apple seeds" is a pivotal part of their expansion efforts to offer families exceptional amenities. Each time we visit PCVST we are blown away by the 15 incredible playgrounds, amazing park areas, basketball and ping pong facilities, outdoor programs and family events such as carnivals, concerts, and outdoor movie screenings for kids. With our new play space joining these amazing offerings, apple seeds and PCVST kids are about to have a really great summer. For pricing information and details visit our website: http://www.appleseedsovalkids.com/
see next posts
a note from apple seeds blog
Wednesdays with Wendy: Things I've Learned Since M...
Support Cookies for Kids' Cancer on Sunday, Octobe...


While all three are good units, we really like the Micro-Pro. In fact, our Professional kits now include the Beachtek unit instead of the unit from Microphone Madness. The Micro Pro is a stereo unit and works with both 3.5mm microphones that require "plug-in power" AND XLR microphones that require "phantom power." This allows our Equalized XLR microphone, which provides the best possible audio, to be used with a Sound Shark. This provides a very convenient, cost effective package that provides great sound for any DSLR. Even if you are using a camera with great audio quality, such as the Lumix GH series, the package will provide a more natural sound.
The JuicedLink unit is considerably more expensive and only works with XLR mics. I believe many of our customers would like to be able to use 3.5mm microphones on occasion as well. The Beachtek unit will allow you, for example, to record a Rode Video Mic on one channel and the Sound Shark with Equalized XLR mic on the other. This would be ideal for recording birds, or other animals, with the Sound Shark while using the VideoMic to record the narration.
Another benefit of using a preamplifier that is becoming more apparent to me all the time is recording a "safety" track. This amounts to recording the same audio at two different levels. If one channel is set lower than the other, you have usable audio even if the audio level jumps unexpectedly. This can be a real lifesaver.
An added benefit of using a good preamp, that was just pointed out to me recently, is that it allows audio to be monitored even if your camera does not have a headphone jack. I don't know how many modern cameras don't have a headphone jack but they are out there.


Serial returners, people who buy items and then return them, are on the rise, putting already struggling shops under pressure. But why do people do it and how should shops handle them?
Harriet Gordon, a recruitment consultant in London, reckons she only keeps around half of the clothes she buys online. She spends about £400 each month, but then returns £200 worth of items.
Mainly it's because the clothes don't fit in the way she expected, but often the colour or fabric disappoint, bearing little relation to the online images.
"You see models wearing things and it looks fantastic on them," she laughs, saying they don't look the same on her.
The fact that many of the shops she buys from will collect her returns makes it even easier. Despite working in Covent Garden, which is chock-a-block with shops, the 28-year-old says it's a lot easier to go online than face the queues and stress of shopping in stores.
It's a similar story for Hester Grainger. For an upcoming wedding the 41-year-old ordered seven dresses from online retailer Asos. She knew she'd only keep one, but wanted to make sure she got the right one.
When she needed new jeans, she did the same, ordering five pairs while only ever intending to keep one.
In total, she estimates she spends between £300 to £400 each month on clothes, but returns so much that her actual spend is around £70 to £80.
Hester, the founder of online mums' network Mumala Club, says she shops like this partly because she's short. At 5ft, it's hard for her to know how something will fit, meaning she often orders the same item in three sizes.
Shoppers like Harriet and Hester are not unusual, but pose an increasing challenge for retailers.
Recent figures from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation's credit and debit card transactions, say a quarter of retailers have seen returns increase over the past two years.
For online clothes and footwear shops, almost half of what consumers spend ends up being returned.
Are you a serial returner?
Social media is helping to fuel the trend with around 10% of shoppers confessing to taking a photo of themselves in a new item to post on Instagram or Facebook and then swiftly sending it back.
Geoff Beattie, a psychology professor at Edge Hill University, says it's surprising the rate of returns isn't even higher.
His research shows that a person's heart rate goes up when they buy something. This buzz lasts through taking an item home and showing it off, but then quickly wears off and we regret the money we've spent, or the fact that we won't wear the item much. Hence we return it, he says.
The rise of online shopping has accelerated the trend because there's "no shame or embarrassment" or a need to explain why you no longer want the item, Prof Beattie says.
Heavily promoted discount days, such as the recent Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, which encourage panic purchases, are even more likely to lead to buyer's remorse.
Processing and handling the returns can hit shops' profits. It's not just the delivery costs, but packaging and cleaning. It's also time consuming.
If an item you want is not in stock it may be because it's stuck in the returns cycle. To avoid this some shops order more stock than they expect to sell, adding to their costs.
Another problem for clothing chains is the fast fashion cycle. By the time an item is returned it's sometimes already on sale, meaning the shop can no longer sell it at full price.
Can the 'broken' fashion industry be fixed?
According to Barclaycard, a third of retailers have hiked their prices to cover the cost of returns.
Up until now, shops desperate to secure a sale have made it incredibly easy for customers to return items, typically not charging a fee for the service and in some cases, offering a "try before you buy" scheme, so you only pay for the item if you keep it.
Inevitably the system is open to abuse. Many people, for example, order extra items they have no intention of keeping just to qualify for the free delivery threshold.
But some retailers are now fighting back against the worst offenders. Online giant Amazon, for example, was reported to have started barring customers who had returned too many items.
"We want everyone to be able to use Amazon, but there are rare occasions where someone abuses our service over an extended period of time," a company spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.
Whatever Amazon does other retailers are likely to be tempted to follow.
But Vicky Brock, director of data innovation at ReBound Returns, a returns management software system, says it's wrong to assume serial returners are bad customers. She says a small proportion of shoppers will generate the majority of returns, but this group will contain both a shop's best and worst customers.
"Placing a ban on shoppers for repeatedly returning items overlooks the individual customer's lifetime value and reveals that the retailer actually doesn't understand their shoppers' return behaviour well enough," she says.
Data shows that the more orders customers make over time, the lower their refunds become per order as they get better at getting it right.
Other ways are to target marketing to individuals. So if a customer tends to keep trousers, but always returns shoes, targeting them with trouser adverts, for example.
Ultimately, Ms Brock says, returns are now as much a part of the shopping experience as buying things and shops need to act accordingly.
Hester says she has no intention of changing her behaviour. "I won't feel too sorry for the retailers. They're part of the problem as they offer free or cheap delivery. They need to get their sizing right," she says.
High Street shops don't have to accept a return, although many shops do offer a refund or exchange policy. If an item you buy is damaged then you are entitled to a full refund for up to 30 days.
But when you buy goods online you have additional rights to return. This is because your decision may be based on a brief description or a photograph, so what you receive is not always quite what you had expected.
You have the right to a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you receive the goods. You then have a further 14 days to return the goods, with the right to a full refund.
However, this doesn't apply in some situations, for example if the goods were personalised for you, were perishable, or are not in the same condition as when they were delivered.
Which? has a full guide here.


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What does Kona mean in Hawaiian?
What does the name Alea mean?
What is Kona short for?
Is Kona a girl name?
Is Kona a boy or girl?
Is Kona a good dog name?
What does Alea mean in Hebrew?
Where is the name Alea from?
Why do people name their dogs Kona?
What does Kona mean in different languages?
Why do people name their dog Kona?
What does the name Alexa mean for a girl?
What are the different meanings of the name Kona?
Where does the name Kainoa come from in Hawaiian?
Where did the Hawaiian name kahealani come from?
What do you know about the history of Kona?
Kona, North Carolina. Kona District, Hawaii, on the western coast of the island of Hawaiʻi. Kona means "Leeward" in Hawaiian.
Meaning of the name Alea A variant spelling of the name Hebrew and Arabic name Aliyah, meaning ' ascending', 'lofty' and 'sublime'.
Definition. Options. Rating. KONA. Korean Organization of Natural Approach.
Kona: It means "lady" in Hawaiian, so while the name can be used for boys or girls, it's more popular with the little ladies.
The name Kona is used as a baby name for both girls and boys in Hawaii. One of the translations of the word signifies "lady". This makes it a beautiful name for a baby girl. Moreover, the name also means "origin, popularity, and the world rule".
If your pup has a dignified or royal personality, this could be a great fit. Kona: Kona is located on the western side of the island of Hawaii, and is famous for its coffee. Kona coffee is grown on coffee farms here in rich volcanic soil. If you're a coffee lover, Kona may be a fitting Hawaiian name for your dog.
Alea is Hebrew Girl name and meaning of this name is "Exalted; High".
Alea derived from the Greek name Eulalia, but is as well a Frisian short form of names beginning with "Adel-" and a variant of the name Aaliyah.
Kona: Kona is located on the western side of the island of Hawaii, and is famous for its coffee. Kona coffee is grown on coffee farms here in rich volcanic soil. If you're a coffee lover, Kona may be a fitting Hawaiian name for your dog.
In Norwegian, "kona" means "the wife." Of course, that's not as bad as Portuguese or Polish. So, even if the Norwegian meaning isn't necessarily offensive, it does change the brand identity quite a bit from what was originally intended.
Alexa. Alexa is a female form of Alex. It is variously a given name in its own right or a short form of Alexandra, both of which come from the Greek, Alexandros. It can be broken down into alexo meaning "to defend" and ander, meaning "man"' making both Alexa and Alexandra mean defender of man.
The different meanings of the name Kona are: 1 Celtic – Gaelic meaning: World rule 2 English meaning: Short form of Donald 3 Hawaiian meaning: World rule
Hawaiian Submitted Names. KAINOA m & f Hawaiian This name can mean "sea of freedom," which would derive from kai meaning "sea, sea water" and noa meaning "freedom," or "the namesake," which would derive from ka, which is a definite article, and inoa meaning "name (sake).".
Meaning "the great work, the hard job". From Hawaiian ka "the", hana "work" and nui "big". KĀHEALANI f Hawaiian. Means "heavenly name" or "greet the sky," from kāhea meaning "to call, cry out, invoke, greet, name" and lani meaning "sky, heaven, heavenly, spiritual, royal, exalted, noble, aristocratic.".
One of the historical events you might know about Kona includes the final years spent by King Kamehameha in Kailua-Kona. In addition, many know about the arrival and eventually death of Captain James Cook in Kealakekua Bay. There are also two large national historic parks, Honaunau and Kaloko-Honokohau.


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Verano Holdings Raises $120 Million…
Verano Holdings Raises $120 Million and to Enter Florida through Acquisition
Verano™ Holdings Launched to Consolidate National Cannabis Assets with $120 Million Financing and Acquisition of Florida Licenses
Large M&A pipeline, talent and capital aligned for aggressive expansion
Consolidates ownership/management of Ataraxia, Zen Leaf, Verano, 3 Boys Farms, and other cannabis licenses, operations, management, and assets encompassing 45+ operating facilities and licenses across 6 states and Puerto Rico
150+ SKUs of branded products in market including some of the highest margin products in the industry
Attracts industry leading investors with Scythian Biosciences and Serruya Private Equity SPE
Actively pursuing public markets listing and financing to further fund national growth
CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verano Holdings, LLC Co-founders George Archos and Sam Dorf today announced an $120million financing comprised of $88 million equity investment by Toronto-based Scythian Biosciences Corp. (CSE:SCYB) (Frankfurt:9SB) (OTC – Nasdaq Intl:SCCYF), an additional private financing of $32 million, as well as acquisitions, transactions and executive hires that bring together numerous successful cannabis enterprises under the newly created Verano Holdings, LLC, and verano™ master brand. Headquartered in Chicago, Verano Holdings launches as one of the United States' preeminent, privately owned, vertically integrated cannabis companies with an aggressive expansion strategy underway to become one of the largest and most profitable cannabis companies in the U.S. in 2019.
As part of the financing and acquisition of 3 Boys Farms LLC in Florida, Verano is pleased to have the Serruya Private Equity (SPE) as shareholders. SPE is a global power-house with over 5000 retail concepts including restaurants and most recently cannabis operations across the US and Canada. This strategic shareholder will provide access to novel products, people and experience unmatched in this industry. This is a tremendous opportunity to be fully funded with experienced partners to grow and operate in Florida, one of the best US states to serve a fast growing patient population over the coming years.
This transformative investment will fast-track our long-term goal to dominate the most important growth industry in the United States. Even with our accelerated growth, we will remain focused on our core values of operational excellence with an unwavering commitment to producing safe, quality cannabis products for a consistent experience.
George Archos, Verano's Chairman and CEO
Key aspects of Verano Holdings include:
$120 million financing to fund new expansion initiatives including additional facilities in numerous states.
Tens of millions of dollars invested over the past five years in developing and operating facilities, creating precision dosed branded products, and acquiring licenses that have increased assets exponentially;
Operating Facilities – Consolidates ownership and/or management of 10 profitable operating licensed cannabis facilities developed by Verano management, 3 Boys Farms, and others into Verano Holdings, reaching a population exceeding 42 million:
Licenses Under Development – Consolidates ownership and/or management of 35+ additional provisional/pre-operational licenses in active development to reach an additional 25 million people in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and Puerto Rico
Cultivation and production facilities will operate under the verano™ master brand, with most dispensaries branded and operated as Zen Leaf™.
The Illinois, Nevada and Maryland facilities are on track to more than double revenue in 2018 over 2017;
Virtually 100% distribution penetration of branded products in Illinois and Maryland;
Current operating facilities managed locally, with 225+ local employees trained and empowered to build and lead their teams;
All divisions will operate under Verano Holdings' corporate mastheads.
"We have quietly applied our operating expertise and exceptional customer service to build a trustworthy brand that is scalable across multiple states and has attracted serious interest from the investment community," explained Archos. "With our operating concepts and business strategies proven through solid revenue growth, market penetration, and profitability across all of our facilities, we are now replicating our approach throughout the U.S. and beyond. America's next great industry is cannabis. Verano Holdings' ability to scale efficiently is providing endless opportunities to capture a significant share of the expanding legal market and raise capital to quickly execute our expansion strategy."
Clarus Securities Inc. acted as the sole agent in the financing. Closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about October 26, 2018.
Successful Entrepreneurial Management Team
Verano Holdings' management team of successful executives with diverse backgrounds in cannabis and other businesses supports the dynamics necessary to navigate the complex U.S. cannabis environment.
Co-founder, Chairman and CEO George Archos is a logistics and operations guru and highly successful founder and operator of award-winning Chicago restaurants. His vision, operations acumen and relentless commitment to quality enabled his original cannabis venture, Ataraxia Grow & Labs, to be the first of the 21 Illinois cannabis licensees to complete construction and open for business. He has an enviable record of opening facilities within 6-8 months from receipt of license and quickly bringing them to profitability – a testament to his operations and business prowess in this complex, highly regulated industry.
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Sam Dorf, Esq., one of cannabis' most successful merit-based application and merger strategists, is adept at building and managing local talent, coordinating funding and real estate assets and working with local municipalities to build strong applications teams. He was instrumental in raising tens of millions of dollars in funding and spearheading application wins and acquisitions in seven states. His masterful coordination of strategic M&A has dramatically increased Verano's market penetration and fuels future expansion plans.
"In an industry where so many companies are drowning operationally, Verano Holdings excels in its ability to scale because of its people," stated Archos. "We pride ourselves on our consistency in simultaneously managing buildout, hiring, training and operations. Our seasoned launch teams hit the ground running with SOPs, training programs and a meticulous launch plan. The result: doors opening for business in record time with locally hired and managed teams providing efficient, reliable production and supply of pure, highest quality genetics, effective precision-dosed branded products and superior service."
Scythian Biosciences Investment
Verano Holdings becomes the latest U.S. cannabis industry investment by Scythian after its initial U.S. investment in Florida-based Cannabis Cures Investments LLC, also known as CannCure, announced in July 2018. Scythian is an international cannabis company with a focus on legal U.S. states.
As part of the transaction, Scythian will contribute to Verano Holdings ownership of CannCure's recently acquired 3 Boys Farms LLC, subject to required government consents and approvals. 3 Boys Farms is an established Florida-based agricultural company with innovative, state-of-the-art facilities and a license to cultivate, process and dispense cannabis, and operate as a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center in Florida.
"Verano Holdings has a seasoned leadership team that has expertly navigated the cannabis operations, legal, and regulatory environments to build a fundamentally solid company that is evolving into a powerhouse in the fastest growing industry in the world," said Brady Cobb, Scythian CEO. "We pride ourselves on identifying emerging leaders in nascent markets. We've picked a winner in Verano Holdings as we continue to deliver on our promise to investors by investing in the most impressive emerging cannabis company in the U.S. marketplace."
Verano expands its medical and research capabilities with the addition of the 3 Boys Farms' team, anchored by Chief Scientific Officer Greg Gerdeman, Ph.D., an expert in cannabinoid research, and Medical Director Juan Sanchez-Ramos, M.D., Ph.D., a nationally-recognized neurologist and professor at the University of South Florida. Scythian's investment in Verano and contribution of certain of its assets is and will be subject to the receipt of all required governmental approvals, including any approvals mandated by the Florida Department of Health and/or the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, and stock exchange approval.
Who is Verano Holdings?
Verano Holdings is a national, vertically integrated operator of licensed cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and retail facilities dedicated to improving lives by providing safe access to effective pesticide-free cannabis products that profoundly impact the communities it serves. Verano develops and produces a well-rounded suite of limited edition, fashion-forward cannabis products, which offer superior medicinal therapies and inspirational product options. It designs, builds and operates unique Zen Leaf™ branded dispensary environments that ensure an exceptional shopping experience with unparalleled customer service and satisfaction in both medical and adult-use markets. Verano Holdings distributes cannabis concentrates, edibles, extracts, flower and topicals, many in precision-dosed THC and CBD formulations, under its trusted premium brands: GoldLeaf™, Menta™, Sweet Sins™, Encore Company™, Avexia™ and verano™.
Verano is a life-changing organization. We train and empower our local employees to run the facilities that enhance customer health and wellness through trusted, proven cannabis therapies they produce.
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Sam Dorf, Esq.
There is a tangible pride among our workforce as their lives and the communities around them are transformed through professional work environments and partnership programs that give back to the communities we serve. These fruitful relationships lay the groundwork for a bright future as we accelerate our expansion into new legal cannabis markets throughout the U.S. and beyond.
Archos concluded, "It is rare to be part of a revolutionary change that can have a profound impact on human health, wellness and happiness. We believe Verano Holdings is in a unique position to forge a brighter way forward – a brighter way for cultivating cannabis, producing better medicine, and delivering shareholder value — as it continues to expand its already significant share of this market."
For more information, visit http://verano.holdings/ and follow us on social media:
Twitter: @veranobrands
LinkedIn: verano-holdings
Florida, Illiniois, Maryland, Nevada, sCCYF, scyb, Scythian BioSciences, serruya, Verano Holdings
Cresco Labs to Enter Florida with $213 Million Bluma Wellness Acquisition
Vireo Health Announces Closing of Previously Announced Purchase of Cannabis Licenses in Nevada
Illinois Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Surge 15% in December to End First Year at $669 Million
Vireo Health Positions to Benefit From Regulatory Improvements and Transition to Adult-Use in Its Core Markets


In Christian theology charity, Latin caritas, is understood by Thomas Aquinas as "the friendship of man for God", which "unites us to God". He holds it as "the most excellent of the virtues".  Further, Aquinas holds that "the habit of charity extends not only to the love of God, but also to the love of our neighbor".
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines "charity" as "the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
A charitable Christian is wise to his own sin and therefore overlooks the motes in his neighbor's eyes. Furthermore, he trusts in God's justice which is why he blesses those who curse him, turns the other cheek, renders to Caesar with taxes, is not easily offended, forgives 70 x 7, etc. A charitable Christian is an easy neighbor. He's an industrious worker. He is not a braggart.
The church service, itself, is humbling. There's singing and worshipping. There's bowing one's head in prayer. There's being taught a high ethic — an unattainable moral standard where the practitioner can only be saved by God's grace. Finally, there's communion — the humbling recognition that all Christians are bound together and saved by the sacrifice of Christ.
What happens, though, if people stop going to church and receiving these reminders? Only 18% of American Liberals regularly attend church. Few more visit occasionally. Has the culture softened as the Left has left the church? There's much talk of #LoveWins but little actual love and less charitable giving, too.
Liberals, leftists, Democrats as a group of people feel free to express their political opinions. Furthermore, they don't mind preventing people who disagree with them from freely expressing themselves. According to Cato Institute's 2017 Free Speech & Tolerance Survey, a majority of Democrats feel that it's okay to punch Nazis, for employers to punish employees for offensive Facebook posts, and to force others to use certain kinds of pronouns. Eighty percent of Democrats believe it is hateful to say that illegal immigrants should be deported. Eighty-seven percent of Democrats say that it's offensive to say that women shouldn't be in combat roles. Ninety percent of Democrats believe that it's hateful to call homosexuality a sin.
To recap: using words is offensive and Democrats would like to ban this language but admit it would be difficult. Standards vary. Politics has taken on a religious fervor and Democrats have brought their zeal for righteous behavior into the political realm rather than the religious realm. This has made them intolerant of unbelievers and prosecutorial about political dissent. Esther Goldberg illustrates this point beautifully here at The American Spectator with a post about the liberal neighbors who ruined Halloween for the neighborhood. The joy-hating liberal puritans feel justified in their righteousness.
As Liberals have left the church, their Christian charity has left with it. There's a benevolent tolerance one holds when one sees personal fallibility and is reminded of it weekly. Self-awareness tends to take the fire out of one's self-righteousness.
Unfortunately for America, Republicans are following Democrats out of the church. There are more unchurched. More "spiritual" people. This is code for "Whatever I say is right is right." What can citizens expect in a Godless, non-church-going society? They can expect Republicans to become like Democrats: angry, intolerant, and seeking political power as an end itself. Political power trumps God's power to forgive, save, and redeem.
In Cato's same research, 53% of Republicans favor stripping U.S. citizenship from people who burn the flag. The flag is a canary in the coal mine. As Republicans leave church and start turning to the authority of the state to enforce mores, expect more meanness — as in base crassness.
Christian charity is an essential element of America's free society. The free exchange of ideas, the triumph of free speech, the tolerance for people of differing opinions and actions, even when viewing something as "sin" evaporates. A different moral code will be found and it will be made by people. People are fickle creatures. Righteousness will be defined by the latest slew of "right" ideas and laws will be made to enforce those ideas. Dissenting from those ideas will be forbidden. Friendships with apostates will cease. People will retreat to their ideological corners.
The church used to bind us. The synagogue. God's grace used to bind us.
Not now. God is no longer judge of all and Americans are much offended. Foibles become legislated against. The almighty state, run by offended people, is judge. Before the State, there is no communion, no salvation, little grace, and never charity. There is only force.
America will become coarser, meaner, less tolerant. As humility before God falls, the power of the state rises.


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Udrigle House ist ein Wohngebäude in der schottischen Ortschaft Achgarve in der Council Area Highland. 1971 wurde das Bauwerk in die schottischen Denkmallisten in der höchsten Denkmalkategorie A aufgenommen.

Geschichte
Das Gebäude wurde 1745 von Mitgliedern des Clans MacKenzie errichtet. Dies bestätigt die herzgefasste Inschrift "17 WMK I MK 45" auf dem Kamin. Eine weitere Inschrift auf dem Türsturz lautet "17 WMK L MK 56" und spiegelt einen weiteren Bauabschnitt 1756 wider. Die Holzarbeiten und Türen weisen stilistische Parallelen zu jenen an Flowerdale House auf, das ebenfalls den MacKenzies gehörte. Im Innenraum sind noch die originalen Treppen mit Holzbalustern erhalten.

Beschreibung
Udrigle House steht am Ostrand der Streusiedlung Achgarve an der Westküste der Gruinard Bay. Sein Mauerwerk besteht aus Feldstein mit einem massiven Fundament aus größeren Blöcken. Die Fassaden sind mit Harl verputzt. Die nordexponierte Hauptfassade des zweigeschossigen Gebäudes ist drei Achsen weit. Die zentrale Eingangstüre ist durch einen Vorbau mit Satteldach und Staffelgiebel aus dem Jahre 1756 verdeckt. Auf den äußeren Achsen der rückwärtigen Fassade sind auf beiden Geschossen längliche Sprossenfenster eingelassen. Auf der Zentralachse ist das Fenster höher eingelassen, um das Treppenpodest zu beleuchten. Das obere Fenster ist kleiner ausgeführt. In den seitlichen Giebel sind kleine Fenster eingelassen. Das abschließende Satteldach ist schiefergedeckt und mit Staffelgiebeln ausgeführt. Die Kamine mit Gesimsen sind giebelständig.

Einzelnachweise

Weblinks

Wohngebäude in Highland (Council Area)
Kategorie-A-Bauwerk in Highland (Council Area)
Erbaut in den 1740er Jahren

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Instagram is indeed a very popular internet based Photo Sharing Application that allows its user to share their beautiful moments with the world. This platform is a great place to share pictures and let them do speaking. Moreover, it also gives people a chance to showcase their photography skills. The best part about this app is that you can add loads and loads of hashtags to your pictures to add more meaning to your creative snaps.
This application has indeed taken image sharing to a whole new level. And yes! How can we even forget to mention about the wide range of filters that are made available to you before you actually post the picture on the Internet?Moreover, in today's era, it has actually become a necessity to maintain a fabricated social image of self. Social Platforms have now become a new way of self-expression! And Instagram being the most famous social platform has just revolutionized the way people use various social media platforms.
But, have you ever wondered why Instagram is so famous? Why are people so crazy about Instagram?
But, did you know that you could spy on someone's Instagram?
Yes! We are not kidding, you can actually spy on somebody else's Instagram account in order to keep a track of their online activities. And in order to do so, all you need is a cell phone spying application. There are actually several spying applications that are presently available in the market that you can buy and start spying on the suspicious user. No matter whether it's your lover, friend or your child, you can easily spy on them using these applications.
Are These Spy Applications Even Helpful?
Yes For Sure! These spy applications are indeed very useful in helping people track their cheating partners and notorious teenagers. These applications provide full privilege to user's to take full control over the targeted person's phone.Using these applications you can't just track Instagram messages but all other instant messaging applications along with location, call, text messages and web browser details.
How Does a Cell Phone Spy Application Work?
We definitely don't want you to get into the technical details, but surely would like to provide you information that would help you understand the mechanism of the software.
You just have to install the application on the targeted cell phone and start operating all the activities of a person through an online portal that is available on the service provider's website. This portal not only gives the advantage to use logs and features of the app but also allows uninstalling the app remotely from the targeted cell phone.
So, if you want to spy on someone's Instagram, then Cell Phone Spy applications are the best way to do so. So, don't wait anymore, just buy a reliable spy app right now and get a chance to read other's Instagram messages.
You must be wondering, why are we just emphasizing on Spy apps rather than other resources to do the same? The truth is that if you try to approach a hacker to track others' Instagram, then you would have to probably invest a lot of money and you can never completely rely on them to provide reliable services.
1.Many times, you are probably not sure about your child sexting someone or your partner cheating on you. So, if you contact some other person for the same, then you could lose your relationship with your loved ones.
2.To see and observe something yourself helps you come to a final conclusion. Rather than trusting someone else and believing their story, you could better handle the situation wisely by using your own resources.
There are many spy products available in the market that can serve your purpose, so you need to wisely choose it. Apparently, the best products in the market for spying on Android/iPhone right now are Spymaster Pro, FlexiSPY, mSpy, MobiStealth, Mobile Spy, and Highster Mobile. So, just don't wait for the situation to get out of control, take the wheel of your relationship in your hand by buying a suitable Spy app.