Zion National Park is only a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas and since we were spending an extended weekend in sin city, we decided to add in some nature hikes to our girls' weekend getaway.
We were planning on arriving at Zion National Park early around 9:30 AM but we didn't arrive until 11 AM because we had no idea that Utah was in a different time zone and an hour ahead of Vegas. Something to note if you're making the trip from Vegas like us.
We stopped by the Springdale Visitor Center to get some information and see what our options were for a day hike. The staff was very helpful and told us that the best option for us would be The Narrows, which would take about 4-5 hours for the full trip.
Since it was Labor Day weekend, the parking lots within Zion National Park were already at full capacity, so we had to park on the streets near the Springdale Visitor Center. From there, the Springdale shuttle bus takes you to Zion Outfitter where we had to get our hiking gear and transfer to the Zion Canyon shuttle bus.
Hiking The Narrows requires some special gear like water hiking shoes and a walking stick as you'll be walking through the Virgin River. You can rent these from Zion Outfitters and the cost is $25. You can leave your regular shoes in a locker for an additional $5. Since it was a busy holiday weekend, they were already out of walking sticks but we didn't think it was a big deal since we would be following a bunch of people in the river and could determine where the deep spots were by following them.
After we got our gear, we lined up for the shuttle bus to take the ride up to The Narrows which was the last stop, Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9). The ride took 45 minutes but it went by fast as you have grand views of the mountains all around you.
Once we got off at our stop, we started our hike to The Narrows. It was an easy 30-minute walk and on our way, we came across squirrels and deer. We were surprised at how friendly the squirrels were as we're used to the squirrels in Florida always scurrying away. You can get very close to them and they don't mind you touching them either (although I would advise against that).
Hiking The Narrows was such a unique experience. It's a lot harder than it looks because you have to walk on top of rocks (that you can't see) in the water so you have to be very careful. This is where the walking sticks would have come in handy but we managed without it.
The scenery around us was spectacular with dramatic cliffs on both sides that were a few hundred meters high. The water felt so good on our legs as the temperature was near 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the day we went. We waded the river for about 30 minutes or so to a little waterfall and then turned around and made our way back. You can actually hike the entire 16 miles of The Narrows starting at Chamberlain's Ranch but you will need a permit to do so.
We were a little worried about bringing our camera equipment with us but the deepest part of the water we encountered came up to our knees so we were safe there. However, you really need to be careful walking in the river as you can trip over rocks. We saw a few people trip and fall in the water and if that was us, we would have most definitely got our cameras wet. Just be cautious and careful. It might be a good idea to bring protective gear with you if you are really worried.
The walk back was a little miserable as our water hiking shoes were soaked and it was really difficult to walk in. I recommend bringing your own water hiking shoes instead of renting. We saw some hikers wear outdoor summer sandals that were perfect for this kind of hike.
We had such a great time at The Narrows and were so glad we chose to do this hike. It was a last-minute decision and we definitely made the right choice. Next time we're at Zion National Park, we might challenge ourselves to do the Angels Landing hike!


Attention, grantseekers! California Humanities is pleased to announce the launch of Humanities for All, a new two-tiered grant program that will support a broad range of locally-initiated public humanities projects. Developed in response to feedback you provided during the past year, and reflecting new organizational goals of increasing responsiveness and accessibility, these grants will support public humanities projects that address the needs and interests of Californians, encourage greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences, and promote understanding and empathy among all our state's peoples in order to cultivate a thriving democracy.
This new grant program will provide a means of support for many of the same types of projects previously funded through our long-running Community Stories program, which had its last deadline in February 2016. However, it will support a broader range of programming options and provide more encouragement for experimentation and innovation.
Quick Grants (between $1,000 and $5,000) will be awarded three times a year for small-scale public humanities activities and projects that will take place within a one-year period from the award date. Projects should be grounded in the humanities, show potential to provide high quality humanities learning experiences for participants and audiences, and demonstrate capacity for successful implementation. Appropriate formats include but are not limited to community dialogues, reading- or film-and-discussion groups, oral history or nonfiction writing or story-sharing workshops, and other types of activities. Any California-based nonprofit organization or non-federal public agency is eligible to apply. Note: A cash or in-kind match of the award is NOT required. Guidelines can be downloaded HERE.
Project Grants (up to $20,000) will be awarded twice a year for larger public humanities projects of up to two-years duration. Appropriate programming formats include but are not limited to interpretive exhibits, community dialogue and discussion series, workshops and participatory activities, presentations and lectures, conversations and forums, and interactive and experiential activities. An initial Letter of Intent, followed by a full proposal, will be required as part of the competitive application process. Eligibility is limited to California-based organizations and non-federal public agencies. Note: Awards must be matched with an equivalent amount of cash or in-kind resources over the life of the project. Guidelines will be available in Fall 2016 and the initial application deadline will be early in 2017.
Our first Quick Grant deadline will be October 25.
Interested in learning more? Please review the guidelines and sign up for an informational webinar HERE.
Guidelines are now available HERE for the initial deadline, October 25, 2016.


text:
<?php /*
================================================================================
BuddyPress Custom Settings
================================================================================
AUTHOR: Christian Wach <needle@haystack.co.uk>
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NOTES
=====

Custom settings for BuddyPress. See:
http://codex.buddypress.org/extending-buddypress/bp-custom-php/

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*/

// Set which blog ID BuddyPress will run on:
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// Disable the "You'll need to activate a BuddyPress compatible theme…" warning message in the WordPress administration screens:
define( 'BP_SILENCE_THEME_NOTICE', true );

// Enable support for LDAP usernames that include dots:
define( 'BP_ENABLE_USERNAME_COMPATIBILITY_MODE', true );

// Change the URL slugs of BuddyPress components:
define ( 'BP_ACTIVITY_SLUG', 'streams' );
define ( 'BP_BLOGS_SLUG', 'journals' );
define ( 'BP_MEMBERS_SLUG', 'users' );
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Well worth its price! Airoh Terminator is a safe and lightweight helmet with a really attractive design. It is made in two shell sizes to both save weight and get a more accurate fit. If an accident occurs, it is also equipped with Airoh's own "Quick Release" safety system. This allows you to easily remove the cheek pads while the solid helmet stays on the head, which has proven to be very good in practice. Its low weight is largely due to the fact that the helmet is made of carbon fibre. A light helmet relieves the neck and ultimately allows you to keep a high pace throughout the heat. Another really good thing is that the interior is removable and washable. That way you can keep the helmet clean and fresh throughout the season. In short, this is a really good helmet for the money. Low weight, awesome materials, high tech features and above all a cool look. Do you even need anything more? - Really good ventilation. - Shell of composite and carbon fibre. - Powerful D-ring bracket made of aluminium. - moisture transporting antibacterial interior - Customised to work together with neck protection. Weight: From 1020g. DOT, ECE 22-05 approved.
89570 Airoh Terminator Open Vision Carnage Orange https://pierceimages.imgix.net/ProdImages/prod_89570/p89570.jpg?ver=-62135596800&auto=format&lossless=false&q=35&sharp=10&w=600&h=600&fit=crop 259.99 GBP InStock motorcycle-gear/off-road-helmets/motocross-helmets-4 Well worth its price!
Airoh Terminator is a safe and lightweight helmet with a really attractive design. It is made in two shell sizes to both save weight and get a more accurate fit. If an accident occurs, it is also equipped with Airoh's own "Quick Release" safety system. This allows you to easily remove the cheek pads while the solid helmet stays on the head, which has proven to be very good in practice.
Its low weight is largely due to the fact that the helmet is made of carbon fibre. A light helmet relieves the neck and ultimately allows you to keep a high pace throughout the heat. Another really good thing is that the interior is removable and washable. That way you can keep the helmet clean and fresh throughout the season.
In short, this is a really good helmet for the money. Low weight, awesome materials, high tech features and above all a cool look. Do you even need anything more?
- Shell of composite and carbon fibre.
- Powerful D-ring bracket made of aluminium.
- Customised to work together with neck protection.


The darker origins of this holiday are primarily rooted in a Celtic festival, called Samhain, celebrated at the conclusion of each harvest season. Samhain – literally meaning "Summer's End" – was a time to reflect on the prosperities of summer and prepare for the dark, colder months ahead. During this time livestock would be slaughtered for the winter, and the carcasses of the dead animals would be set a blaze in large bonfires across the Irish countryside. Though not originally the intent, Samhain became known as the time at which the door to the "otherworld" was opened, and communication with the dead could occur. Souls of loved ones were beckoned to enter this world, which obviously gave rise to occultic activity. With this insurgence of demonic movement, many people in Ireland chose to disguise themselves during Samhain to "trick" the evil spirits. This custom was passed down through the centuries and became the festive tradition that it is today rather than the seemingly necessary ritual of medieval times. Unfortunately when most Christians today hear the word "Halloween" they are inclined to equate it to Samhain. However, while some would use this holiday to solicit the dead and perform works of darkness (as they would with any holiday), the majority of Americans, and more specifically Christians, would not.
It is strangely ironic to me that both Christmas and Easter actually have far deeper pagan roots than does Halloween, yet most Christians celebrate both of the former while boycotting the latter. While all three holidays, in their most tragic and oft celebrated form, pull folks in droves away from Jesus, all three can undoubtedly, with Gospel intentionality, point our kidos and a watching world to Christ.


What is a pro bono costs order?
How does donating client account funds work?
Why don't some people have lawyers and what is the Litigant in Person Support Strategy (LiPSS)?
Can I join the Litigant in Person Network?
What is s194 of the Legal Services Act?
What kind of organisations does the Access to Justice Foundation fund?
1. What is a pro bono costs order?
An order for costs made by the court where the legal representative was acting without charge. The Foundation receives all monies raised through pro bono costs orders. For more information about the types of cases which are likely to result in such orders and how to apply for them click here.
2. How does donating client account funds work?
Many solicitors firms have funds laying dormant in the client accounts where the clients cannot be traced. The SRA allows these funds to be donated to charity where the appropriate indemnity is given. We provide such an indemnity so there is no risk to you or your firm should the client resurface in the future. To find out more on how to donate dormant client accounts click here.
3. Why don't some people have lawyers and what is the Litigant in Person Support Strategy (LiPSS)?
Evidence indicates that the number of people appearing before the civil and family courts without legal representation (i.e. "litigants in person," or "self-represented litigants") has increased since Legal Aid became unavailable for many civil and private law children and family cases in England and Wales.
The Litigant in Person Support Strategy is a partnership between the Foundation, Bar Pro Bono Unit, Law For Life, PSU and RCJ Advice. We work together to help more litigants in person achieve just outcomes through the legal process. You can find out more about our work and how you can get involved here.
4. Can I join the Litigant in Person Network?
5. How can I make a donation?
You can donate to the Foundation online here using a credit or debit card.
6. What is s194 of the Legal Services Act?
The is the legal provision which brought pro bono costs orders into existence and was the reason the Foundation was set up nearly ten years ago by a group of lawyers from across the legal profession. You can read more about how the Foundation came about here.
7. What kind of organisations does the Access to Justice Foundation fund?
The criteria for each of our funding rounds are set out here. We fund a range of legal advice, support and public legal education charities, both national and local, depending on the focus of the particular round.
8. How else can I get involved?
The Foundation supports a network of legal walks which run events all over the country, we also work closely with the London Legal Support Trust who run the London legal walk and a number of other events. You can find out more about them here.
9. What is next in the Foundation's plans?


I am looking into buying a home and using the first time home credit. What is an appraisal and why do I actually need to have one in order to buy a home?
The appraisal is what determines the actual value of your property based on houses that are comparable to the one you want to buy. The appraiser will look for homes that have sold in the last 6 months to determine this. If property values are falling still in the area, this may have a negative effect.
I am getting a home inspection, is this the same as an appraisal?
The inspection is very different from the appraisal. The home inspection is for your peace of mind. You do not always have to get one unless your lender requires it. You will pay for it, normally they costs around $400.
I am not sure of the process and who to hire to do what. Do I have to find an appraiser or does my bank or real estate agent do that?
Your mortgage loan officer will be useful in helping you. Try to work with a direct lender and not a broker. There are lenders like Bank of America, Chase or even Flagstar Bank that are good ones.
The the loan officer and real estate agent will be able to guide you. Just interview them and work with people you like. You are their customer.
What do I need to do to make sure I don't get ripped off and buy a house that is falling apart?
I want to make sure I get the best deal I can on a home without having to make a bunch of repairs and have to wait to move in. I don't want to spend money on a bunch of people inspecting the house I want to buy if I don't have to. I just want to buy it and know that I got a good house for my money.
If you do not know much about building, the home inspector will be your best friend. Be there when he does the inspection and listen closely to what he says. He will be in the best position to tell you if the house is worth it or not.
Hope this helps, thanks for asking such good questions.
Comments for What is an appraisal?
These are some really good questions. They helped me with some of the questions I had myself.


text:
Worldwide car hire. Cheap worldwide car rentals.
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Reykjavik, Iceland Car Hire
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Any details for Reykjavik car hire location in Iceland shown here are up to date at the time of writing. You are advised to check with the car hire companies in case the details have changed subsequently.
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Currency UK Pounds US Dollars Euros
Driver's age 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Visual Studio Copy/Paste key mappings for linux, mac and windows out of sync I see the key mappings for Mac being Cmd-C/Cmd-V which makes sense.
I also see the key mapping of Ctrl-Shift-C/Ctrl-Shift-V on linux which also make sense.
But under Windows things get weird (although very convenient) For windows it says Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V which actually works and works for both WSL, WSL2 and native windows.
Would it be possible to setup Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V the same way under Linux? I.e. in windows Ctrl-C still sends a Ctrl-C to a process, but will work correctly for copy/paste without adding the Shift key.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Chat Show Thing at the Newcastle Stand | Rocket Steps. The art of communication.
On Easter Monday I'll be appearing on Steffen Peddie's Chat Show Thing at the Newcastle Stand Comedy Club. It's a chat show, live with no cameras and no censor. You might recall Steffan from the sitcom Hebburn where he played Big Keith. It's quite exciting and a chance for comics and performer from the North East to talk about their stuff. I'll be talking about Danny Pensive, Where I got started, showbiz anecdotes and other stuff. Also on the bill id Simon Donald from the Viz, so it should be a great night. Tickets are only £3 and you can get them here.


Post or read unbiased reviews and recommendations about New Hampshire based computer shops. Research the top ratings and make a more informed decisions. Submit your own opinions and help others.
These guys are brilliant! helped me out big time, great people had a great time while i was there! will def. be going back soon!
Sooooooo I'm kind of an Apple kid now. And by kinda, I mean I would totes make out with Steve Jobs for freebies.Thanks to the grand ol' state of tax free.
Great service, quick repairs to my iMac machine. Nice people, and for the price its definitely worth it! Thanks, guys!
When Cartridge World first opened up, I wondered how long a business just selling printer ink cartridges would last. Then a few months later I needed ink so.
VERY FAST SERVICE. JON IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPLAINS EVERYTHING PLAINLY. WE ALSO DEALT WITH HIM AT WORK. HE BUILT A NEW PC FOR US. UNIT IS VERY NICE. HAS EVERYTHING WE NEED AND MORE. PRICE WAS EXTREMELY REASONABLE.


"I really like the protein shakes and protein bars and love the convenience of these products when travelling."
I love competing in my sport, love travelling although often don't get to do much touring, love going to the markets, supporting my home country New Zealand and most of all I love my family, they are my life.
How did you get into shot put?
When I was at school and was 14, I was told to give shot put a try by a teacher so I picked one up and threw it in bare feet and broke the school record by two metres. The rest is history.
Biggest achievement so far and why?
Both my Olympic titles are very special. Also my world title in 2011 as it was a big one at the time for myself and my coach Jean Pierre, as I equalled the championship record and Pb 21.24m.


text:
Q: UNIQUE INDEX - Specified key was too long; max key length is 767 bytes I need save urls into a mysql table I also need to search rows by their url. In order to increase performance, I want to add UNIQUE index for url column.
CREATE TABLE `fp_feeds_in_records` (
  `id` bigint auto_increment NOT NULL,
  `url` varchar(1000) NOT NULL,
  `created_at` timestamp NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
  PRIMARY KEY (`id`),
  unique unique_url (val)
) ENGINE=InnoDB

But when I run CREATE statement I get error message: Error Code: 1071. Specified key was too long; max key length is 767 bytes.
urls I need save are too long so I can't use varchar(255) as other answers suggests. MySQL version is 5.6.35.
How can I solve it?

A: Unfortunately there is no real solution to this. Your only options are to either reduce the size of the column, use a different character set (like UTF-8), or use a different engine (like MYISAM). In this case I switched the character set to UTF-8 which raised the maximum key length to 255 characters.


Using your insurance policy documents, fill out the form below and click submit. Upon receipt of this claim report, we will assign a Claims Specialist to you. If you are having difficulty filling out this form, contact your insurance broker for hands-on assistance.
Once you have completed and submitted the form, one of our Claims Specialists will contact you. If you require immediate assistance, give us a call at one of our toll free numbers.
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, pdf, doc, txt, png, gif.
Attach any files relevant to your claim, for example: Invoices, photos, other documents.
Once you submit a claim, we assign a Claims Specialist to help guide you through the claims process, ensuring that your claim meets your policy requirements and that you understand what's needed from you.
When you have your insurance with Red River Mutual, you have the peace of mind knowing that if you have to make a claim, we will help you to get back to where you were before the loss as quickly as possible.
When you experience a loss, our goal is to help you get your life back to normal as quickly and smoothly as possible. We know that you want someone available to guide you through the claims process, someone who will be honest with you, support you, and understand that insurance can only replace the tangible items in a loss. Our Claims Specialists are here to do just that.
Loss of Personal Property – What Happens Now?


Whether you are going to a game at MetLife Stadium with friends or family members to see New York Jets, MasterTicketCenter has the best seats for you to choose from. With you in mind, we have made it very easy for you to find your seats with a very easy to use and interactive seating chart. This way you know where you will be sitting before purchasing your tickets. This way you will have a more enjoyable time while watching NFL Football.
New York Jets event tickets are easy to find when you buy them from MasterTicketCenter. With you in mind, we have made it very easy to navigate and find the best seats and the best date or dates for you.
Sit back and enjoy the tickets to the game from MasterTicketCenter when you see New York Jets and all their other fans.


Bond with your baby through nature and make connections with other parents/caregivers in this relationship-building focused program. Through music, movement, touch and talk, you'll create opportunities for your Littlest Critter to experience the unique natural setting and elements of the Zoo. You'll also have the opportunity to share and learn with other parents/caregivers through social time and guided discussions about appreciating animals and nature with your baby.
For children 0 – 6 months (babies in arms) and a caregiver. Programs take place indoors and outdoors.


1996 remains one of the great modern-day vintages for Champagne. The wines possess a combination of bright acidity and high sugars that is extremely rare. The best 1996 Champagnes are bold, racy and exuberant, in both absolute and relative terms, something that has also come across in numerous recent tastings, including verticals of Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Krug and Dom Ruinart. For all of these houses 1996 is one of the more powerful, extroverted vintages of the last 15 or so years.
To be sure, the vintage also has its critics. Those who are skeptical of the vintage claim that some producers harvested too early and that a number of wines possess excessively austere and lean personalities that will never soften. My experience with the Champagnes below and others, however, has mostly been extremely positive and I am convinced the best wines have enough balance of fruit and acidity to age gracefully, in some cases for decades.
Both 1996 Dom Pérignons are gorgeous and have the potential to continue to develop beautifully for many years. The 1996 Dom Pérignon shows all of the classic notes of this wine in an exuberant, big style. Smoke, spices and roasted nuts are some of the nuances that emerge from this classy and very complete Dom Pérignon. The 1996 Dom Pérignon Rosé is brilliant from start to finish, and this bottle is one of the finest I have had. Sweet, expansive and generous, the wine blossoms on the palate with extraordinary grace as layers of silky, perfumed fruit open up in the glass. This is a beautiful Dom Pérignon Rosé. The 1996 Dom Ruinart is particularly large-scaled for this generally subtle wine, an impression that was reinforced when I tasted a large number of vintages a few months ago. This is a bold, weighty Dom Ruinart that continues to change in the glass, revealing new shades of its smoke and mineral-infused fruit with every taste. The 1996 is a particularly good vintage for Dom Ruinart, and also one of the more accessible Champagnes of that year.
The two wines from Krug are simply breathtaking. The 1996 Krug Vintage is explosive on the palate, as layers of aromas and flavors meld together in a stunning display of elegance and power. This pure, sensual beauty is utterly rapturous. The relatively generous style of this wine makes it hard to resist today, but it will age for decades. This is a brilliant wine in every way. Hard as it may seem to believe, the 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil is even better. Still painfully young, the wine reveals incredible detail in a vivid expression of white peaches, flowers and minerals. While the Vintage is exuberant and expressive, the Clos du Mesnil is all about subtlety, finesse and an incredibly understated, feminine style of Champagne. This is surely one of the most profound wines that have ever passed my lips, and my only hope is that I will have an opportunity to taste it again at some point in the future. For now, the 1996 Clos du Mesnil remains a reference-point wine of the very highest level. This bottle of the 1996 Salon is like every other bottle I have had recently, which is to say tight, tight, tight. Still, this painfully unevolved, mineral-driven wine shows tons of potential in its floral, white fruits. In a recent tasting of the 1979 Champagnes, the Salon was one of the finest wines, but it needed several hours of air to open up. Although the 1996 is pure magic in a glass, it remains a wine for the exceedingly patient.
Philipponnat's 1996 Clos des Goisses is one of the more approachable wines in this vintage. Made in a slightly oxidative style, it reveals lovely complexity in a richly-textured, expansive personality, with a pretty vein of minerality that frames the long finish. The Clos Saint-Hilaire, Billecart-Salmon's old-vine, single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs, is another of the more accessible 1996s. Ripe pears, minerals and flowers appear in this generous, textured Champagne. This delicate, sublime wine is drinking beautifully today. Jacques Selosse's 1996 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is exotic and sweet, in a style that combines plenty of ripe fruit with the intensely mineral-driven style of the vintage. This is a beautiful, structured Champagne although it doesn't seem to match the profound level achieved by the finest wines of the vintage. The 1996 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill is an immensely rewarding, complete Champagne that is drinking well today but that also has the potential to continue to improve in bottle. Nothing in particular stands out here, but as is often the case with this cuvee, I am struck by the wine's awesome balance and supreme harmony. Simply put, this is a strikingly beautiful wine from Pol Roger.
Roederer's 1996 Cristal is gorgeous. The expressive, floral bouquet melds seamlessly into an expansive palate of sweet fruit. This is an exceptionally polished and finessed Cristal, but like so many vintages, it needs time in bottle, regardless of how rewarding it is today. Even after all of these great 1996s, the Cristal delivers the goods. The 1996 R.D. from Bollinger is another superb wine from this vintage. An expressive bouquet of spices, acacia blossoms and perfumed fruit emerges from the wine's silky-textured frame. This generous R.D. is drinking well today, but also has enough freshness to age well for years. It is a great version of one of Champagne's legendary wines.


CD review: "Raffi's Christmas Album"
Raffi's 1983 Christmas album is now out on CD. If you have rug rats about this house, you undoubtedly know about Raffi, the bearded wonder who can entertain the tykes for hours on end.
He's a one-man babysitting industry, with his CDs and videos of children's music. His approach is unchanged here, with favorites like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells" all performed with Raffi's inimitable ability to communicate directly to the little ones.
If you do indeed have small children, this is the perfect CD to keep peace in the house whilst you and the spouse sneak off to wrap gifts or spike the eggnog.


If there was anyone predicting the 'end of history' in Northern Ireland with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, they have been proved rather wrong. 'History', in terms of political history, has continued to take at least as many twists and turns as in the days of the Troubles and possibly more. And if 'the Troubles' have gone away then they haven't gone too far.
The killing of Jock Davidson and Kevin McGuigan in retaliation raised questions about the Provisional IRA and the extent to which it has, or hasn't, gone away. We are told it still exists but is not exercising any military might, and its weapons have generally been put beyond use. The question remains as to what involvement it, or members of it, had in the killing of McGuigan. Other questions remain about the management of a clandestine property empire owned by the IRA which is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
More generally there are questions about loyalist paramilitaries, and the fact that they still recruit and train, extort protection money, and only partially disarmed. But, as unionists might say, they are not in government and Sinn Féin is. No one should be the target of punishment attacks, shootings, death threats or in this case, an actual death sentence. But if you want take a moral stand and exclude people on the basis of the damage done by their military wing, then it would be the British government that is excluded first. The British Army has killed far more people in the last decade or so, including civilians, in Afghanistan and Iraq, and now through bombing raids in Iraq and Syria, than the IRA or loyalist paramilitaries ever has. This does not excuse any killing in Northern Ireland by members or former members of the IRA, or anyone else.
Of course there is an attempt by the unionist parties to 'get' Sinn Féin. And also now a jockeying for position between them as to who can come across as the sensible ones - the Unionist party in taking a principled stand, as it would project, in coming out of the Executive, while the Democratic Unionist Party says they are the sensible ones, standing up for unionists, in staying in but wanting a suspension for talks.
The problem with Stormont as it stands is that decision-making is currently impossible on disputed issues. One side or other uses its veto (e.g. in a 'petition of concern') and it is true that there are some real, ideological differences on policies and not just a sectarian division. But decisions on education, welfare, community relations and economic issues slide and slide forever because no agreement is possible currently, and there is no incentive, particularly for the DUP and Sinn Féin, to come to any agreement or compromise.
It is not a panacea but there is the possibility of using consensus voting mechanisms, such as those advocated by the de Borda Institute www.deborda.org as a means of decision making. Since these have a 'built in' bias, unlike the bias in current electoral and decision making mechanisms, in favour of those who 'reach out' to others, it is unlikely other modifying mechanisms would be needed to protect against sectarian decisions. Getting the Modified Borda Count, for example, past the political parties would be a major achievement but there is no reason that we cannot start with using it for 'some' decision making and take it from there. It was used for naming the new Rosie Hackett bridge in Dublin – and surely the North needs lots more bridges built than the Republic! If it can be used for relatively low level decision making initially, then people can learn to trust it to deliver on more major issues.
Such voting mechanisms are not a guarantee that a decision is possible but as well as coming up with the best possible consensus they can also alter behaviour among involved parties, promoting compromise and consensus. Unfortunately the two largest parties in Northern Ireland, as things stand, are very happy with the carve up of power that exists. However decision making and society is going nowhere and there is currently the very real risk of a return to direct rule by ministers from Westminster.
The mechanisms put in place by the Good Friday and other subsequent agreements are not delivering. They are not delivering policies and they do not facilitate the promotion of the positive vision or visions which are needed to inspire people to take things forward, and to want to continue living in the North – a shocking number of young people would leave Northern Ireland if they get the chance. Maybe there will be a period of forced reflection if the Assembly in Stormont fails and falls. Whether there is or not, creative and lateral thinking is needed about how to move forward.
Of course decision making at the centre is only one aspect of what is needed in Northern Ireland. But without a forward-looking centre to the political system it is very difficult for people on the ground to make headway. In the current situation, without a vision at the centre, the people who struggle at the grassroots have to struggle twice as hard for half the result. It is not impossible the current system could 'work' but it is not likely to do so effectively. The Good Friday Agreement was good in that it provided a relatively peaceful environment, and a focus and hope at the time but that has dissipated. It is time to move on.
The fact has been known for some time that Ireland is involved in the arms trade. The largest and most significant arms enterprise is the missile maker Thales, based in Castlereagh, Belfast and Co Down. But the Republic has had significant involvement, particularly through dual use products (those that can be used for civilian or military production) but with other weapon-related production as well, and these facts have been highlighted by Afri and others.
But Irish arms trade involvement may reach a new departure point if a plan by Minister for Defence Simon Coveney comes to fruition. Before now, the state permitted the arms trade involvement of different firms but was not actively involved in promoting it (such firms involved could avail of industrial development grants and the like in the same way as any other firm). There has also been limited Irish Army involvement with product development. However Simon Coveney wants Ireland to actively pursue the arms trade and use the Irish Army to assist them in testing and development, building on Irish government approval for such a direction dating from 2011. Coveney's plans will appear in a Defence White Paper to appear over the coming months. This is a new and unwelcome departure in a chronicle of increasing Irish military involvement generally, with the EU, with NATO (including US use of Shannon), and also with the arms trade.
It is difficult to know where to start in a criticism of the arms trade since there are so many negatives. For the purchasing country, the money is 'dead' money, finance which is not used for human need or development. Thus even if the weapon or product is never used there is a cost. And it unlikely that that arms products will only go to countries which can afford them without affecting their possibilities for human development. Many military products are used not just for 'defence' but for internal security thus propping up many dodgy dictatorships or corrupt regimes. Thales missiles go to nearly sixty countries which will include many corrupt and repressive regimes. It should also be clearly stated that even 'defensive' military products have 'offensive' uses; attackers need 'defence' capability against counter-attack, and even a humble armoured personnel carrier can be used as a vehicle of repression against popular protest and uprising. Vetting who can purchase military products does not work.
Simon Coveney was quoted in the Sunday Independent (12/07/15) as saying the plans would not involve the testing of weapons like guns or rocket launchers – "There's a kind of principled view....that we don't develop weapons here. We're not really part of the arms industry in this country." He then went on to advocate Irish IT involvement in exactly that arms industry! Either Coveney is totally naive or totally disingenuous. The arms trade is not just about guns or rockets. Guns and rockets do not fire themselves. They need all sorts of systems to support them, including the IT and drone technology which he would like to see Ireland utilising in the service of the arms trade. And drones are increasingly used as a means of achieving military attacks on targets with little or no risk to the attacker, thus further securing a benefit to the arms- and powerholder, with civilian death and suffering at the receiving end.
Coveney wants to have it all ways. In the Irish Times (26/7/15) he was quoted as saying that "Instead of seeing the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps and Naval Service – as purely a cost for the State and a user of funds, I actually think we should turn that around," he said. "Yes, it's something we need to invest in but it's also an infrastructure that can deliver back for the State in terms of job creation, in terms of providing an infrastructure for testing new technologies, new innovations." This, he stated, includes drones. He then went on to say, in the same interview, he would like to invest more in international conflict management and peacekeeping training. "One of the advantages of neutrality is that you can provide a platform for international training in an area where you have built a lot of credibility." So you try and profit from your good name while at the same time going the opposite direction.
If Ireland has a good name internationally then some of that is because the Republic is a small and previously neutral state, involved in military peacekeeping with the UN and having played an honest role in developing nuclear non-proliferation and the banning of landmines and cluster munitions. If Ireland goes down this route we will increasingly be known as agents of death, people who will sell their souls for a few jobs and a bit of profit.
The challenge is not to develop technology for death and repressive control but for life and making life worth living for all. Let Ireland use its IT capacity for enhancing life, for human development, not being part of controlling it or even taking it away. When Gandhi was asked what he thought of western civilisation, he is reputed to have said "It would be a good idea". We know what he meant. Such developments in military applications are the opposite of anything which could be called civilisation.
What a sad, sad day for Ireland and for our little bit of humanity.
Enormous changes in transport have taken place over the last fifty years. When I was a child few households in Ireland had a car. When my Dad parked his shiny new Austin Mini Van on Grace Hill Street in the Old Park area of Belfast in 1969 its novelty was such that it attracted the attention of nearly every boy in the street. Some spat on it in scorn while others wanted to experience what it was like to sit inside it. Today most households in Ireland have a car, many have more than one even in towns and cities with excellent public transport. When I was growing-up pupils walked to school, the pupil who walks to and from school today is the exception and liable to be given a certificate in acknowledgment. I took my first air flight when I was 18, which was from Dublin to Paris. As a signifier of the status attached to flying men would wear a dress jacket and tie. My 14-year old daughter took her first flight when she was in her mother's womb and today people wear crumpled casual clothes when flying.
Flying is an integral part of contemporary life, as common for most people as travelling by car. A growing number of Irish people commute daily from Dublin and Belfast to their job in London. Given the high cost of accommodation in London and the low cost of air-flights this makes economic sense. Airport Watch informs us that 2.5 billion people in 2009 took an air flight and that air flight represents 3% of the total amount of human sourced climate changing gasses. According to Airport Watch if aviation were a country it would rank as the 7th largest emitter of CO2 in the world. Worryingly it informs us that 16 billion people are expected to fly by 2050.
Most air journeys are taken as part of a holiday, they are in other words a luxury rather than a necessity. Given that it is the poor who suffer the most from climate change, caused overwhelming by the affluent, can a flight-based holiday ever be ethically justified? Even people for whom ethics and human well-being is a professional concern fly without a second thought - people such as solicitors, human rights campaigners, environmentalists and the clergy. Pope Francis whose environmental encyclical was published in June 2015 to widespread acclaim regularly flies to capitals around the world. He will visit three cities in the United States this September and I expect he won't travel from city to city on a Greyhound Bus.
A standard refrain many tourists offer to justify their climate changing, noise creating flights is that it benefits the poor in the countries they visit. This is rarely the case. Tourists spend most of their money on services provided by large corporations including insurance, airlines, hotels, car hire, restaurants and brand merchandise. Another justification is that travel enhances one's sense of well-being, challenges prejudices and stereotypes and through interaction with 'the other' be it cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna leads them to becoming better people, which in ripple-like fashion leads to a better world. This I would think is the experience of the few. What mostly happens is that overseas tourists remain in their own cultural bubble with conversations limited to waiters and shop assistants who are unlikely to challenge the values and views of their paying customers. If the aim is personal transformation of some kind then good literature or a well-made documentary can be more effective that a flight-based holiday and most certainly less environmentally destructive.
In some cases positive transformation is best realized through multi-sensory experiences, by leaving the familiar behind, and receiving the baptism of the new. One, however, does not need to emit a significant amount of greenhouse gasses to do this. One can find the new in one's own locale, be it a bus or train journey away. In Ireland for example one can walk on ancient pilgrim paths across the country, travel by bicycle avoiding major towns, experience Vision Quest type meditation in Neolithic sites, monastic ruins, on deserted beaches or a rarely visited river bank. Alternatively, one can spend time on an organic farm or take a literature or craft-based residential holiday. The reality of climate change means we have to rethink how we live every aspect of our lives including attempting to obtain a sense of personal renewal, which is often the aim of our annual two-week holiday.
For accompanying photo by Larry Speight of Blacksleen Waterfall, Co Fermanagh, taken on 1st September 2015 [Wonderful photo – Ed] 'Holiday at home'.


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Florence Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce 'di Firenze'
Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce 'di Firenze', Florence Fennel
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Foeniculum
Florence Fennel is the bulb type of fennel that is eaten as a vegetable, The crunchy, swollen stems have a sweet aniseed flavour. The feathery leaves and seeds are both edible and are used in many culinary dishes.
• Hardiness: H5 (-10 to -15C)
• Type: Perennial
• Height: up to 1.8m
• Spread: up to 1.5m
Florence Fennel is available to buy online as herb seeds.
• Aspect: Sun, Partial Shade
• Soil type: Light Loam
• pH: Neutral pH
• Habit: Upright
• Flowering colour:
• Flowering time:
• Uses: Culinary (Read Jekka's Guide To Culinary Herbs for more information)
• Attracts pollinators: No
• Container suitability: No
• UK native: No
• Caution: N/A
• Indoor Sowing: In spring, in prepared plug trays or pots. The roots hate being disturbed so plant out as soon as the roots fill the container. Plant out 30 cm apart.
• Outdoor Sowing: In mid spring sow directly into the soil, 15mm deep in rows 30cm apart, thin to 30cm apart. Earth up, mound the soil around the bulbs, as they start to swell from mid-summer until mid-autumn. This will blanch the bulbs and protect from early frosts.
• Propagation: N/A
• Maintenance: (See Jekka's Blogs on Early Spring, Late Spring, Summer and Autumn maintenance)
• Harvest: N/A
Click on the icon to navigate to the page:
Guide to Jekkapedia
How to buy our plants
Our herb plants are available for purchase direct from the farm at our Open days or by Collection, by prior arrangement, on a Wednesday between 10am and 3pm. However, if this is not convenient, please email us at sales@jekkasherbfarm.com and we will try and accommodate your request.
The Botanical Name is known throughout the world. It includes the genus and the species plus in some cases the cultivar. For example Agastache is the genus, rugosa is the species and Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee' includes the cultivar.
The Common Name is the name by which the herb is commonly known, for example thyme, sage etc. But please be aware that common names are often colloquial and relevant to the area in which you find them.
The Plant family is the group of plants which is more comprehensive than the genus.
- Annual a plant that lives for just one season.
- Biennial a plant that produces leaves in the first season and flowers in the second, then dies.
- Climber/Vine a plant that cannot grow without the support of other plants or structures.
- Deciduous a plant that drops it leaves in winter.
- Evergreen a plant that has leaves all winter.
- Herbaceous a plant that dies back into the ground in winter, becoming dormant, before reappearing in the spring.
- Monocarpic a plant that dies once it flowers; it can live for a number of years before flowering.
- Perennial a plant that lives for a number of seasons, most flower annually once established.
- Partial Evergreen a plant that holds some leaves throughout the winter.
- Shrub a woody stemmed plant that usually freely branches from the base.
- Sub-shrub a small, short, woody shrub, especially one that is woody only at the base.
- Sub-tropical a plant that can only survive in a warm, damp climate that does not drop below 10°C at night.
- Tree a woody plant that usually has a single stem.
- Tropical a plant that can only survive in a warm, damp climate that does not drop below 15°C at night.
Aspect / Sunlight
Recommended planting position in the garden or where to place a pot, e.g. sun, partial shade etc.
Plants grow in many shapes and forms:
- Upright: a plant that is very straight.
- Clump: a plant that grows in a neat compact shape.
- Bulb: a plant that dies back into a bulb.
- Mat forming: a plant that grows low to the ground and makes a neat mat.
- Creeping: a plant that grows along the ground and produces roots at intervals.
- Bushy: a plant that, in the main, tends to be a shrub which makes a bush-like shape.
- Arching: a plant that grows upright then the growth arches, ideal for growing over a wall or in a container.
- Prostrate: a plant that lies flat on the ground.
Height and Spread
This indicates the average spread and height that the plant will achieve in its life. It helps to know this when positioning plants in the garden. Bear in mind, that height and spread vary in definition according to the following plant types:
- Annual: this is the spread to which it will grow, and the height when in flower during the year.
- Biennial: this is the spread in the first year and the height of the flower in the second year.
- Herbaceous perennial and perennial: this is the spread the plant will achieve after a number of years once mature and the height when in flower.
- Shrub/evergreen tree: this is the average spread and final height after a number of years of growth.
All ratings refer to UK growing conditions and are based on the Royal Horticultural Society hardiness rating. The minimum temperature range, in degrees centigrade, are shown in the brackets below:
- H1a (15°C minimum): Under glass all year.
- H1b (10°C to 15°C): Can be grown outside in summer.
- H1c (5°C to 10°C): Can be grown outside in summer.
- H2 (1°C to 5°C): Tolerant of low temperatures but will not survive being frozen.
- H3 (-5°C to 1°C): Hardy in coastal and relatively mild, sheltered parts of the UK.
- H4 (-10°C to -5°C): Hardy through most of the UK.
- H5 (-15°C to -10°C): Hardy in most places throughout the UK, even in severe winters.
- H6 (-20°C to -15°C): Hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe.
- H7 (-20°C and below): Hardy in the severest European continental climates.
The soil is the engine of your garden, so it is important to know its condition before you start planting. Good plant growth is not only dependent on how much you feed the soil but it is also dependent on the structure of the soil. Soil can vary from acidic (pH 3.5) Sphagnum moss peat to alkaline (pH 8.5) Fine loam. Most herbs will tolerate a range of between 6.5 and 7.5 pH which is fairly neutral. There are always exceptions, for instance Rumex scutatus, Sorrel, will tolerate acid soils.
The pH of the soil refers to its acidity or alkalinity. It is a vital factor in the plant's ability to obtain, via its root system, all types of plant foods and essential chemicals. For example, an alkaline soil can produce stunted plants with yellowing leaves. This is because the minerals, especially iron, have become locked up in the soil. At a neutral pH of 7, most of the essential chemicals and plant foods become available to the plant so producing healthy plants.
The following 4 basic soil types are the most suitable for growing herbs:
- Clay 6.5 pH: This soil is composed of tiny particles that, when wet, stick together making the soil heavy and difficult for the roots to penetrate and in summer, when dry, sets rock hard. Even though it can be rich in plant nutrients, because of its characteristics it is improved by working in extra well rotted leaf mould or compost. This will improve the structure and allow young plants to become more easily established.
- Chalk 8.5 pH: This soil is light with lumps of flint or chalk, well drained and often shallow. It has a high pH making it very alkaline. It is possible to increase the nutrient content by adding loads of compost but it is difficult to lower the pH. A large number of herbs will tolerate chalk. However, considering the characteristics of this soil, to give it depth and help it retain moisture it may be easier to grow the herbs in a raised bed.
- Loam 5.5–8.5 pH: This is often considered the ultimate garden soil in which most herbs will grow. There are various types of loam depending on the content of clay or sand. A sandy loam is the best soil for growing the largest range of herbs as it is rarely waterlogged in winter, is dry in summer and it is naturally high in nutrients.
- Sand 4.5 pH: This soil feels rough and gritty when handled. It is very free draining, which means that the plant's nutrients are quickly washed away. A plus point to this soil is that it is quick to warm up in the spring so sowing and planting can be started earlier than in clay soils. To help it retain moisture it needs to be fed in winter with leaf mould to retain moisture and with well-rotted manure for an extra source of nutrients.
Checking the pH of the soil
To test your soil buy a soil testing kit from any good garden centre or store. The majority of amateur soil testing kits are very simple and rely on colour rather than a numerical scale. Acid soils turn a solution yellow- orange, neutral turn it green and alkaline turn a dark green.


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Review: Before She Knew Him
Summary: Catching a killer is dangerous—especially if he lives next door
From the hugely talented author of The Kind Worth Killing comes an exquisitely chilling tale of a young suburban wife with a history of psychological instability whose fears about her new neighbor could lead them both to murder . . .
Hen and her husband Lloyd have settled into a quiet life in a new house outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Hen (short for Henrietta) is an illustrator and works out of a studio nearby, and has found the right meds to control her bipolar disorder. Finally, she's found some stability and peace.
But when they meet the neighbors next door, that calm begins to erode as she spots a familiar object displayed on the husband's office shelf. The sports trophy looks exactly like one that went missing from the home of a young man who was killed two years ago. Hen knows because she's long had a fascination with this unsolved murder—an obsession she doesn't talk about anymore, but can't fully shake either.
Could her neighbor, Matthew, be a killer? Or is this the beginning of another psychotic episode like the one she suffered back in college, when she became so consumed with proving a fellow student guilty that she ended up hurting a classmate?
The more Hen observes Matthew, the more she suspects he's planning something truly terrifying. Yet no one will believe her. Then one night, when she comes face to face with Matthew in a dark parking lot, she realizes that he knows she's been watching him, that she's really on to him. And that this is the beginning of a horrifying nightmare she may not live to escape. . . -- William Morrow
I have thoroughly enjoyed every novel that I've read by Peter Swanson, so when I saw that he has a brand-new book out this week called BEFORE SHE KNEW HIM, I was definitely in! BEFORE SHE KNEW HIM is another intriguing suspense novel that's fast-paced and a terrific read.
BEFORE SHE KNEW HIM tells the story of Hen, an artist/children's book illustrator who has moved with her husband into a new house outside of Boston. She seems to be in a good place now -- she has a new home, a nearby artist studio, and her bipolar disorder is under control with her current meds. However when she visits her new next-door neighbors' house, she discovers that he has a trophy that reminds of her of a another neighbor -- one who was brutally murdered about two years ago!
Hen was fascinated with this murder but she has moved on... well kind of. When she sees this trophy and starts asking a few questions, she finds herself caught up once again in this murder. She begins to wonder if her neighbor Matthew killed this boy and if he's even a serial killer. The problem is that her husband and the police aren't sure if her concerns are based on reality or another manic episode in her life!
One evening, Hen decides to take matters into her own hands and follows Matthew. She catches him doing something unspeakable in the parking lot of a bar, and worse yet, he sees her watching him. Hen realizes that Matthew is a very dangerous man, yet she still tries to "understand" him despite putting her own life at risk!
I really enjoyed BEFORE SHE KNEW HIM! Mr. Swanson is a fantastic storyteller, and I found his characters to be extremely interesting and complex. Like his other books, this novel has terrific pacing and is a real page-turner. In fact, the only very slight issue I had was that parts of the story were a little predictable.
I think what I enjoyed the most about this novel were the characters of Hen and Matthew and the relationship between them. Matthew was certainly interesting and readers were given just enough of his backstory to explain how he became a crazy killer. Hen was intriguing in that she had a mental illness that made her behavior seem questionable at times. However, it was the scenes where they interacted that made this book so special to me. Their relationship was more than a little "off" to me, yet I appreciated how Matthew almost needed Hen and vice versa. It made for an unusual twist to what could have been a typical suspense novel.
I also enjoyed a few of the twists in this novel. While I did figure out a pretty major one (and I think most readers will!), I did like how there were many times when I wasn't quite sure what was coming next. Many of the chapters ended with mini cliffhangers which made the book hard to put down, and there were plenty of little surprises along the way. I'm not sure I'm doing a good job of describing the feel of this novel, but it was a very smart thriller that constantly had suspenseful moments.
All in all, I think fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy BEFORE SHE KNEW HIM. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel.
Labels: Advance Readers Copy, Fiction, Mystery, Review, Suspense, Thriller
I thoroughly enjoy his books, too, even though I had to suspend disbelief with this one. I had the big twist figured out but that didn't keep me from enjoying the story either. I thought this was another winner from Swanson.
This book sounds really good. I love serial/crazy killer novels and this one sounds really good.
Mailbox Monday
Kid Konnection: Most Marshmallows
Review: My Lovely Wife
Kid Konnection: I Used to be Famous
Review: Where the Crawdads Sing
Kid Konnection: Turkey's Eggcellent Easter
Guest Review: The Killer Collective
Kid Konnection: Life with My Family
Kid Konnection: Leo Lionni's Friends Books


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Misleading for Nadine Dorries to say Channel 4 is 'in receipt of taxpayers' money'
Channel 4 is in receipt of taxpayers' money.
This is not true in the usual meaning of that phrase. Channel 4 funds itself with commercial operations. Its debt appears on public accounts, but it also pays tax.
See the action we've taken as a result of this fact check.
Channel 4's been established as a public service broadcaster, and... it's in receipt of public money.
Nadine Dorries MP, 23 November 2021.
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, told a select committee hearing at the House of Commons that Channel 4 was "in receipt of public money". On another occasion during the same hearing she said it was "in receipt of taxpayers' money".
This is misleading—and potentially not true depending on your understanding of what it means to be "in receipt" of such money.
The Treasury itself classifies Channel 4 as a "self financing public corporation". In order to meet this definition, a public corporation "must trade profitably and not require subsidies or other financial support from its parent department".
Who owns Channel 4?
Channel 4 is a publicly owned 'public corporation', which entirely funds itself through commercial activities, mainly advertising. Indeed, the most recent year's figures show that the channel generated a pre-tax surplus.
In a tweet following the hearing, Ms Dorries elaborated on her comments by saying: "C4 borrowings sit on the Gov balance sheet. Gov has no money of its own, it's tax payer derived. This is part of the debate re privatisation decision/ future sustainability."
C4 borrowings sit on the Gov balance sheet. Gov has no money of its own, it's tax payer derived. This is part of the debate re privatisation decision/ future sustainability. https://t.co/502ECFf1SA
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) November 23, 2021
It's true that Channel 4's borrowing counts as government borrowing. However, we can find no evidence of the government ever having to cover the channel's debts. A plan to divert some money from the BBC licence fee to Channel 4 was scrapped in 2008.
Channel 4 also pays tax to the government, so it may even be a net contributor to the public purse.
And we have said, the Treasury does not consider the government's relationship with Channel 4 to be a form of "financial support".
Ms Dorries did not mention borrowing when challenged
Following Ms Dorries' remarks at the hearing, one of the committee members, Damian Green MP, said: "But Channel 4's not like the BBC. It's not in receipt of licence fee money. It makes its money from commercial operations."
In her response, she did not mention Channel 4's borrowing arrangements.
Later, in another exchange, Mr Green said: "The point about Channel 4 is that it is a commercial operation that does not receive licensing money and does not get taxpayer money, as it were. It makes its money from advertising.
Ms Dorries then replied: "What I meant was public money." To which Mr Green responded: "Yes, money from the public rather than public spending."
Full Fact asked the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to clarify what Ms Dorries meant, but it made no further comment.
We deserve better than bad information.
After we published this fact check, we contacted the DCMS Committee and Nadine Dorries to request a correction regarding this claim.
They did not take any action.
It's not good enough.
Will you add your name for better standards in public debate?
Yes, I'll join the fight for good information
Express overstates Brexit trade deal value, again
UK is fastest growing G7 economy by one measure, and fifth by another
Is income inequality falling?


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Syracuse University announces 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. Unsung Heroes
Syracuse University announces 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. Unsung HeroesJanuary 10, 2006Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu
The Syracuse University Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee has selected the recipients of the 2006 Unsung Heroes Award.
The award winners are Beyond Boundaries; SU employee Lonnie Reeder; Nottingham High School seniors Curtis E. Scrivens Jr., and Kimberly Wolfe; and SU junior Ryedell Davis. The winners are chosen for their work, which advances King's agenda in a significant way. They will be honored during the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner on Jan. 22 in the Carrier Dome. This year's celebratory dinner will include an evening program and a keynote address by Charles Ogletree Jr., Harvard Law School's Jesse Climenko Professor of Law and executive director of the school's Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice.
Beyond Boundaries: Building bridges between diverse people in CNY and beyond
Central New York residents who participate in cultural awareness trips arranged by Beyond Boundaries to selected areas in the United States, West Africa and Latin America are not expecting a Club Med experience. Rather, they look forward to an extraordinary opportunity to build relationships that cross cultural, racial, religious and class boundaries both within the Central New York community and beyond.
Founded in 1993, Beyond Boundaries is a Syracuse-based, grassroots organization that enables people from all walks of life to learn about each other, experience other cultures and, in the process, learn more about themselves. Thegroup, which has about 50 active members, is coordinated by Syracuse residents Mardea Warner and Agnes Lane."Dispelling stereotypes is vital to what we do," Warner says. "Our traveling groups may include people ranging in age from 10 to 80 years old. It's a rainbow group of people who would not normally be brought together in a social group, much less travel together."
Each year, members of Beyond Boundaries travel to one of four locations: Ghana, West Africa; Loiza and Cayey, Puerto Rico; the Gullah Island of St. Helena off the coast of South Carolina; and Native American territories. People who plan to participate in a trip attend monthly meetings to get to know each other's stories, plan the trip and help with annual fund-raising activities, which include cultural dinners and multi-cultural art auctions. Proceeds enable Beyond Boundaries to offset the costs for members who have limited resources.
"We are not a travel agency," Lane says. "You don't just pay your money and go on a trip. It's about the process of preparing for the trip, learning about who you will be traveling with and about the culture of the people and the history of places to which you are traveling."
Over the years, Beyond Boundaries has built lasting relationships with people across the United States and abroad. Those relationships are often established or nurtured by Beyond Boundaries members who have family or close friends living in the travel destinations.
In July, Beyond Boundaries will again be traveling to Ghana where the organization has built a relationship with the Ghanaian Centre for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CENSUDI), a grassroots organization in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region. Each year, proceeds from the Beyond Boundaries multi-cultural Silent Art Auction go to a scholarship fund to help CENSUDI's Education Improvement Programme, which supports girls' education.
"During the trip, we will be meeting with CENSUDI organizers, scholarship recipients and their families and representatives from other grassrootsorganizations to discuss how we can further help support their programs," Warner says.
A 1999 trip to Ghana resulted in the establishment of Bluetree Studios, a fair-trade business in Syracuse that purchases baskets made by weavers of the Single Mothers Association of Zuarungu and other Ghanaian groups. Bluetree sells the baskets at the Syracuse Regional Market on Saturday mornings and via the Web site: www.BluetreeStudios.com.
"The goal of our trips is not to spend time with the tourists," Warner says. "We go to local habitats, eat local foods and meet people we would normally never have an opportunity to come to know."
Lonnie Reeder: Random acts of kindness are a way of life
Syracuse resident Lonnie Reeder, 74, grew up on a farm in Alabama, the son of a sharecropper. The first pair of shoes and long pants that he wore as a young child were gifts from a "white lady from Detroit," who traveled to Alabama to help families like Reeder's. She was Reeder's guardian angel. He never forgot her random act of kindness and lives his life in service to others.
"My mother taught me that if you turn down somebody who needs help, you might be turning down an angel," Reeder says. "I learned that a long time ago."
Reeder is a general maintenance employee in SU's Housing and Food Services Maintenance Department. He has worked at SU for 32 years. He considers his co-workers, the students living in the residence halls where he works and his neighbors part of his family; their needs become his mission. Reeder rarely talks about the things he does for others, but his acts of kindness have spread quietly among his co-workers who have brought his story to light.
Reeder has a list of more than 40 elderly neighbors he regularly drives to the grocery store at the beginning of every month after their retirement checks arrive. He keeps a crate in his truck that he uses as a step to help his friends get in and out of the truck. If some run a little short on cash while shopping, Reedercovers the bill. Those who run out of food before the end of the month can counton Reeder to show up with a bag of groceries to hold them over. If a neighbor needs a ride to the doctor's office or help moving to a new home, he is there with his truck. He has put 40,000 miles on his latest truck, which he purchased just two years ago.
When a co-worker became ill and was on an extended leave, Reeder visited the family regularly and ensured they had food and other necessities. A while back, he learned that another co-worker had seldom celebrated a birthday with a party. Reeder threw a party for the co-worker, invited 60 people and provided the food. Last fall, a student's parents shipped a microwave from California to Syracuse, which arrived broken. Reeder responded to their call to FIXit, but he was unable to repair the microwave. The next day he showed up at the student's residence hall room with a new microwave. He simply says that he "got a good deal."
"Lonnie has no doctorates, no degrees; he's not director of this, nor chairman of that," says J.D. Tessier, director and zone manager for Housing and Food Services Maintenance. "But his generosity is a way of life for him. He lives that mission everyday. It's who he is."
Curtis E. Scrivens Jr.: An advocate for youth and diversity in his school and community
Throughout his youth, Curtis E. Scrivens Jr. has sought out and participated in numerous experiences that have made him a powerful advocate for both diversity and youth and given him both the inspiration and skills to take a stand and fight for what he believes.
A senior at Nottingham High School, Scrivens has served as president of the Syracuse Model Neighborhood Youth Council, governing youth activities in Syracuse, and as a youth representative to the Syracuse Model Neighborhood Board of Directors. "In that position, I was able to advocate for the thoughts and ideas of my fellow youths," he says. "As a young person myself, that was a unique and unforgettable experience."
At school, Scrivens has been an integral part of the InterReligious Council'sCommunity Wide Dialogue (CWD) program, facilitating dialogues between Nottingham and Fayetteville-Manlius High School. The CWD experience is intended to help students work toward eliminating stereotypes and ending racism. "In this capacity, Curtis has been a validation of the significance and important presence of diverse people in these discussions," says Karen Calenzo, Nottingham High School guidance counselor, who nominated Scrivens for the award. "He is a young man with a powerful message."
Scrivens has used his musical talent to reach out to others by serving as director of Children of Faith, Syracuse's first city-wide youth gospel choir. He is also the host of the Southwest Community Center's Youth Gospel Radio Show.
He won't take all the credit for his drive and his active involvement in the community. His mother, Annette Bryant, is a religious leader in Syracuse. Since Scrivens was a young child, his mother has encouraged him to make a difference by standing up for his beliefs and getting involved.
"Mom has always told me to 'do it,' and has always been there to support me in my endeavors," he says.
In 2005, Scrivens participated in the Civil Rights Connection, a program created by former State Sen. Nancy Larraine Hoffmann to help Central New York young people learn first-hand about the civil rights movement through a trip to Mississippi. It was an experience, Scrivens says, that both inspired him and taught him to be humble.
"It was an unforgettable experience in which I encountered many activists," he says. "I learned about what kept us as a people strong, and I also got to meet the descendents of former slaves and learn more about 'the struggle' that brought us to where we are now."
Scrivens' goal after graduating in June is to attend SU's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Kimberly Wolfe: Advancing dialogue between diverse communities
As the daughter of two Methodist ministers, Kimberly Wolfe grew up in a homewhere community service and bridge building within the community weren't deliberate acts-they were a way of life. Her parents, the Rev. Marilyn Wolfe, pastor of University United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Thomas Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, instilled in both Kimberly and her older sister, Erin, the importance of being involved in the social fabric of the greater community.
During the past two years, Wolfe's commitment to service has grown to include working with the Community Wide Dialogue (CWD), a program of the InterReligious Council of Central New York (IRC), which brings diverse communities together for frank discussion on stereotyping and racism and how society can work toward their elimination. Wolfe was a Nottingham High School participant in the program two years ago and now, as an intern with the IRC, has worked on bringing more participants–with their own voices and experiences–into the program.
Wolfe credits her parents as her inspiration. "My parents are both very involved in the community and they have been wonderful role models for me," says Wolfe. "The conversations we would have as a family at the dinner table would get me so motivated and excited."
Wolfe has been very involved in the community outreach efforts of her mother's church and serves as a literacy volunteer.
Two years ago, she became involved in the CWD program. As involved as she is now, it's hard to believe that Wolfe's initial impression of the experience was one of trepidation. "Tackling these issues is not easy," says Wolfe. "There are a lot of emotions and complicated layers to work through."
Wolfe continued with the program and moved from a participant to a group facilitator, leading a group of 14 teens through an exploration that breaks down stereotypes, helps the students to be learn to be allies to one another and explores the ongoing effects of racism in America. "Kim has done this with grace, dignity and humor," says CWD Director Beth Broadway.
This year, Wolfe accepted an internship with the CWD. In that role, she has planned the high school exchanges, assists with advisory board meetings, recruits participants for dialogue circles and has organized a dialogue for parents. "Kim is incredibly self-sufficient, always seeking new ways to contribute and is highly creative and motivated," says Broadway. "We feel so blessed to have her with us as we move the community forward to end racism."
After graduating in June, Wolfe plans to attend SU and is considering majoring in sociology and anthropology.
Ryedell Davis: Inspiring children to realize their full potential
Since he was 12, Ryedell Davis has been volunteering his time tutoring and mentoring in Syracuse youth centers, working to nurture the potential that lies in each child. "I do what I do because it is what feels good in my heart," says Davis. "The kids are what inspire me and what is important."
For Davis, the foundation of his work with youth was set early in his life. Growing up, he remembers many of his friends and fellow students who didn't like school and who thought that the only way to be successful in school was through sports. His older brother, Gerald Funderberg, was a particularly strong influence in his life, providing constant encouragement and support. Davis also found that from his mother, Annetta Peterson, who he describes as his backbone. "She has always taught me that nothing is impossible," says Davis.
Davis wants to set an example for the youth of the community that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination. For many years, he has volunteered at the Wilson Park, Central Village and Pioneer Homes Youth Centers, where he helps children with homework and other school-related assignments and facilitates activities. He has also participated in rallies to get government funding for the youth centers, and organized nonprofit dance parties to provide a positive recreational opportunity for children.
"Ryedell has always given his best to his community," says Virginia Donohue, executive director of the OnPoint for College Program, through which Davis is a student.
"It is important for me to work with these children because they are who I am," says Davis. "They are children who want to do well in school and they just need that push. I consider myself that push- it feels good to see a child run up to you and smile because you inspired them to do well on their test or papers."
Davis is currently a junior at SU, majoring in child and family studies and African American studies, and takes classes in inclusive and special education. After graduation, he will continue working with youth, following in the footsteps of his older brother who works with youth in Detroit. "I have been working in my community since I was 12 and plan to work in my community forever," says Davis. His future plans include opening a music studio so that the community youth can learn about music production and perhaps be inspired to become musicians. "My reward is the joy that these kids put in my heart by succeeding in school and in life," he says.


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WorldSBK bosses reveal 2020 calendar
21.11.2019 | Author: WorldSBK staff| WorldSBK
WorldSBK bosses have today revealed the 2020 calendar which sees Qatar move to after the season opener at Phillip Island and Jerez back on the schedule.
New for 2020, WorldSBK and WorldSSP will fly then to Qatar, a few weeks after Australia, to compete under the dazzling floodlights of Losail International Circuit for Round Two of the season from 13th-15th March. As usual, the Qatar Round will be held at night with action beginning on Friday and the three WorldSBK races taking place between Saturday and Sunday.
Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto will host the first European Round for 2020 from 27th-29th March, welcoming back WorldSSP300 to the action. From Spain, the paddock will move north to The Netherlands at the historic "Cathedral of Speed" of TT Circuit Assen for Round 4 from 17th-19th April.
More WorldSBK classic battles are expected in May as Round 5 will take place at the famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola in Italy, from 8th-10th May, before the Championship will return to Spain from 22nd-24th May at MotorLand Aragón.
The sunny Riviera di Rimini will host Round 7 at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli from 12th-14th June, a second chance for the Italian fans to enjoy the outstanding battles of the Championship in their country. After a short break, the returns to action for another "classic", the UK Round at Donington Park circuit from 3rd-5th July 2020.
Fans won't miss WorldSBK during their Holidays as a fresh addition on the 2020 Calendar will ensure more racing action in the Summer. From 31st-2nd August the Championship will return to Germany to compete at Motosport Arena Oschersleben for Round 9 of the year.
An action-packed September awaits WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 in 2020. From 4th – 6th September, Portimao in Portugal will welcome the series at its roller-coaster style circuit Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
Then from the 18th-20th September the championship makes its debut at the famous Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya, which will host the series for the first time ever. After Spain, WorldSBK will head straight to France a week later for the final European round of the year – and the last round for WorldSSP300 - at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.
The last chequered flag for 2020 will be waved in South America, as Circuito San Juan Villicum in Argentina will host the season finale. On top of this, there will be an official mid-season test, still to be announced.
2020 WorldSBK schedule
March 1 Phillip Island, Australia
March 15 Qatar, Losail
March 29 Jerez, Spain
April 19 Assen, Holland
May 10 Imola, Italy
May 24 Aragon, Spain
June 14 Misano, Italy
July 5 Donington Park, Great Britain
August 2 Oschersleben, Germany
September 6 Portimao, Portugal
September 20 Barcelona, Spain
September 27 Magny-Cours, France
October 11 San Juan, Argentina


Solicitor Ann Metherall of Burges Salmon has highlighted potential issues for designers under the long-awaited CDM 201x. See below.
The Consultation Document is expected to propose scrapping the CDM Coordinator role and placing project preparation stage coordination with the new position of 'Principal Designer' (PD). The HSE consultation is now expected to start in April 2014.
Ann Metherall suggests that design practices anticipating assuming the PD role should review their health and safety skills and training in advance of changes to the CDM Regulations.
A CDM Industry Guidance Steering Group is working on "a suite of industry guidance" aimed at smaller businesses which includes guidance on the role of the proposed Principal Designer under the new regulations.
"The recent case of MWH UK Ltd v Wise  EWHC 427 (Admin) has highlighted some issues that may result from directing the pre–construction co-ordination role away from CDM Co-ordinators to a Principal Designer.
In MWH, the court reiterated that one of the CDM Co-ordinator's duties is to check any pre-construction information and to advise the client regarding any gaps in that information. In this case, MWH UK Limited had failed to properly advise the client regarding the risk of the presence of asbestos and the absence of an asbestos survey.
The court also held that the CDM Co-ordinator was the key safety advisor at the pre-construction stage of the project and was expected to be able to identify the nature and level of detail of the hazards to be addressed.
The judge emphasised that the CDM Co-ordinator was not expected to have the expertise to make a detailed assessment of the hazards, but was expected to have sufficient expertise to understand whether they had been addressed, which was a matter of fact and degree in each case.
This case will undoubtedly raise concerns amongst design professionals who, under the current proposals, will be required to fill the role of Principal Designer.
Although the set of duties which will make up the role of Principal Designer are yet to be explicitly defined, it is clear from MWH that there are obligations currently performed by a CDM Co-ordinator that many designers would be unwilling or perhaps unable to fulfil.
Design professionals might consider using the continued delay in introducing new CDM regulations to review their health and safety skills and training to identify the duties they are willing and competent to take on when the changes to CDM arrive.
This article was posted on 13th March 2014 in ALL LATEST NEWS, CDM 2007, CDM 2015, CDM: COORDINATORS, CDM: DESIGNERS.