Is Pompeo's Iran Action Group Admission to Defeat?
Alwaght- The US Department of State has recently formed the so-called "Iran Action Group", to more seriously continue its decades-long unceasing campaign of pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave the news to the media on Friday, during a press conference that saw him unveiling the head of the group. He told the media that Brian Hook, who serves as Director of Policy Planning and Senior Policy Advisor to Secretary of State, will be in charge on top.
Pompeo added that the task of the body, directly operating under his supervision, is coordinating all of affairs in relation to Iran.
"The Iran Action Group will be responsible directing, reviewing, and coordinating all aspects of the State Department's Iran-related activity," he was quoted as saying.
The American diplomacy chief continued that the US will press ahead with its policy of putting strains on Iran until it sees signals of substantial change in the Iranian behavior both at home and abroad.
US announced formation of the anti-Iran action group on the 66th anniversary of the US and Britain-orchestrated military coup against the democratically-elected Iranian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mossadegh.
In 1953, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) sent to Iran suitcases full of dollars asked for by Department of State's Dulles Brothers, John Foster and Allen, and the Kermit Roosevelt, who at the time served as the CIA's Near East and Africa chief, for a secret operation, with the final aim being toppling the popular Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and restoring to the rule the fugitive monarch Mohamad Reza Shah Pahlavi who fled the country to Italy three days before Mossadegh was ousted. The coup, codenamed Operation Ajax, was launched on August 16, 1953, against the prime minister but it failed at the first attempt, only to succeed three days later.
In 2013, the CIA for the first time in six decades declassified the documents, admitting that Washington secretly planned the operation and supported the coup plotters. To date, the coup remains a bitter pattern of the foreign intervention in the memory of the Iranian people.
After 65 years on the anniversary of the ousting the popularly-elected PM, the US appears to play the old game as the State Department has decided to launch its Iran Action Group for pressing Tehran. The group appears to have a mission similar to the 1953 operation: to break Iran's resistance to the West's excesses and neo-colonialist meddling. But Iran of 2018 is way different from that of 1953. Political, social, and structural differences between two periods of Iran makes the American group's plan stillborn.
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted criticism of Washington's anti-Iran move, saying "Now an action group dreams of doing the same through pressure misinformation and demagoguery -- never again."
From another aspect, the Action Group is created in the second year of the Trump administration. This issue, the analysts suggest, is expressive of the White House's inability to press Tehran to change its policies. Despite the anti-Iranian threats and warnings, over the past two years, the only practical steps the White House could take were pulling out of the nuclear deal, reached between Iran and six world powers in 2015, and forming the Iran Action Group whose job is never new to the American foreign policy.
Trump during his campaign-time speeches only threatened that he will withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), once he is elected president of the US. In early May, he signed a law moving the US out of the JCPOA and re-imposing the sanctions. And now and three months later, he has formed an expert body at the State Department, announcing that the sanctions are to reach their peak in November. So, until the embargo is fully reinstated, two years of the Trump presidency life had gone. In the remaining two years, he will throw his maximum weight behind the accurate implementation of the anti-Tehran sanctions.
Trump said he wants to reduce the Iranian oil exports to "zero." But he faces practical obstacles. The European Union top members, France and Germany, along with China and Russia, four of which are signatories of the nuclear deal, said they oppose the US sanctions and work to keep the deal running. Iran's neighbors Iraq and Turkey said they are not committed to the renewed ban and will continue trade with Tehran. All these make the White House find it a trouble implementing the embargo to get the desired results.
Clear enough, the group is formed to create a milieu of psychological pressure against Tehran using a fierce media campaign. So, at least in the first term, Trump will not do anything but verbal threats. The Action Group comes a few days after Iran's Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei asserted Iran will not talk to the "treacherous" Trump administration.
The new group is never new to a string of anti-Iranian measures taken by the US, and is believed not to be the last. Former President Bill Clinton formed "Special Iran Desk". His successor George W. Bush created "Iranians' Affairs Office", and Trump's predecessor Barack Obama formed "Network for Communication with Iranian Elites." All of these pursued a single objective: Changing Iran's behavior. Pompeo also set the similar goal for his group, perhaps unconsciously signaling in advance that this is a failed attempt tried by the past administrations.
Therefore, founding the expert body in the second year of the Trump administration, the most anti-Iranian of all, is an admission of failure of the past attempts to obtain Iran-related goals.


I wrote a blog post earlier today about the national decision to increase the weight limit in 11 of the 14 high school wrestling classes and eliminate one class below 160 pounds in order to add one above it. I said the decision was unnecessary and against what wrestling stood for (giving talented athletes of any size a chance to compete on a level platform), but didn't have a huge problem with it.
Two of our best local high school coaches agree. Pete Alber, who coached Dakota to a state team title a few years ago, would be expected to take that view as a former 98-pound state champ. But Hononegah coach Justin Wieman, who wrestled 152 his junior and senior seasons at Hononegah, said he voted against the weight changes and also agreed that the most talented wrestlers are often in the lower weight classes. He singled out Harlem's Jordan Northrup, second in the state in Class 3A at 103 pounds this winter, as an example.
"They are trying to even out the weight classes, but the lower weights are where you see some of the best wrestling," Wieman said. "They have an amazing caliber of wrestlers. Look at Northrup at Harlem; he's only a sophomore, but he's one of the best technical wrestlers in the state.
"How many teams have to forfeit heavyweight? Big guys are hard to come by. And how many are filled out as physical specimens in the same way you would see at those lighter weights?"
The greatest wrestler in NIC-10 history, Harlem coach Cal Ferry, won the first of his three state titles at 103 pounds in 1998.
Dakota four-time state champ Seth Milks won his first title at 103. Dakota's Josh Alber, Pete's nephew, was an undefeated 103-pound champ as a freshman last year. Pete and his two brothers all won state titles at 98 or 105. Next year, the lowest weight class will be 106 pounds.
This is part of wrestling's ever-present dream to attract more football players. Wrestling coaches say that the best thing football linemen could do to improve their footwork is to wrestle. "But you have to convince them of that," said Pete Alber, adding that most would prefer to simply lift weights in the winter.
The National Federation of High Schools said it did a four-year study of more than 200,000 wrestlers and said that the new weight classes would mean that roughly 7 percent of them would now be equally divided into the 14 weight classes. Supposedly having more wrestlers at higher weights is why the IHSA added the 215-pound weight class in 1998, a class that has generally been one of the weaker ones in the state. Alber has heard the argument that there are more wrestlers available to fill the highest end of the weight scale than the lowest one for years, but remains skeptical.
"When I was on the IHSA board, they had statistics about how many kids were at 103, but they were always higher than 215 and heavyweight," Alber said. "Always."
Again, I say bumping up each weight class three or four pounds and eliminating one of the bottom three weights won't hurt wrestling that much, either as a sport or those who make up the sport. But it certainly won't help.


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SBI Savings Plus Account Review: Interest Rates, Minimum Balance
by Sushma Singh
Are you confused about what to choose? A regular SBI Savings Account or SBI Savings Plus Account? This article is an extensive SBI Savings Account Plus Review – Find out everything you need to know.
The country's most infamous bank, State Bank of India (SBI) offers various types of accounts, where the account holders can invest their hard-earned money with worrying about any sort of fraud. Other than regular Savings Account, SBI also offers Fixed Deposit (FD), Recurring Deposit (RD) and Savings Plus Account.
Well, SBI's Savings Plus Account is linked with MODS.
In simple terms, A Savings Plus Account is a Basic Savings Account that is linked to MODS (Multiple Option Deposit Scheme). Now, in the Multiple Option Deposit Scheme, the surplus fund above the threshold limit in the savings account is automatically transferred to Term Deposits opened in multiples of Rs.1000.
Key Details and Features:
You can open the MODS account through online SBI or by Visiting your nearest branch.
The eligibility for SBI Savings Plus Account is the same as it is for a Regular Savings Account.
The minimum term of the deposit is 1 year, and the maximum term of the deposit is 5 years.
The minimum term deposit amount for MOD creation is Rs.10,000, and after that, it is done in multiples of Rs. 1000 each. However, there is no limit for the maximum term deposit amount.
The tax is deductible at source if you have earned Rs. 10,000 in interest during the financial year
You can use it to secure a loan
Auto-Renewal is not applicable
Nomination facility is available with the SBI Savings Plus Account.
If you are living in a Metro and Urban area, then you are required to maintain a monthly average balance of 3000. But if you are living in a semi-urban area or a rural area, then you are required to maintain a balance of Rs.2,000 and Rs.1000, respectively.
A passbook is issued to record all your transactions.
Penalties on Saving Plus Account in SBI
After 5 long years, SBI is again implementing penalties on all accounts without a minimum balance. However, the penalty amount will vary from one place to another.
In metro:
Rs. 100+ service tax for accounts with less than 75% of the minimum balance.
Rs. 50 + Service tax for accounts with less than 50% of the minimum balance.
Also Read: 7 Best SBI Credit Cards In India
Interest for SBI Plus Savings Account:
Tenure Interest Rate p.a. (General Public) Interest Rate p.a. (Senior Citizen)
7 to 45 days 5.75% 6.25%
46 to 179 days 6.25% 6.75%
180 to 210 days 6.35% 6.85%
211 to less than 1 year 6.40% 6.90%
1 year to less than 2 years 7.00% 7.50%
2 years to less than 3 years 6.75% 7.25%
5 years to up to 10 years 6.60% 7.10%
Transaction and withdrawal Charges:
SBI charges Rs.50 for each transaction after the first three transactions you have made. While for current accounts, the penalty can go up to Rs. 20,000.
The first three transactions from other banks and the first 5 transactions from SBI will be free. Exceeding this, SBI levies a charge of Rs.10 per transaction from SBI ATMs and Rs. 20 per transaction from other banks' ATMs.
However, in case of an account having a balance of Rs. 25000, no charges shall be levied on withdrawals from SBI ATMs.
Every debit cardholders with an average quarterly balance of Rs.25,000 gets the facility of receiving SMS alerts and shall be charged Rs.15 every quarter. There is no charge on UPI/USSD transactions of up to Rs.1,000.
How to open SBI Savings Plus Account with MODS?
This scheme works in all SBI branches; you can visit any nearest and submit an application to convert your regular Savings Account into Savings Plus Account with MODS by giving a signed undertaking to maintain the minimum balance of Rs.10,000, or you can even open separate Savings Plus Account.
Also Read: SBI mVisa New Mobile based payment solution
If you already have a regular SBI Savings Account, then no extra formalities are required. However, they may ask you to provide your identity proof, address proof, and passport size photograph.
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Taking HSE to the next level
Jotun's has maintained a strong record in Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) performance over the years, but with a zero tolerance policy for accidents, fires or environmental damage, "good" is never enough.
Jotun's 'I Care' Concept
Building a stronger HSE record is not just a good business decision, but a way of demonstrating that Jotun cares about each and every penguin, says Morten Fon, President and CEO
Jotun's rapid growth has seen the company expand into new markets and grow its global workforce. While this growth is critical to the company's future, it exposes the company to higher risks related to HSE. "The more personnel, factories, offices, and warehouses we add, the greater responsibility we have to secure our employees' right to a safe workplace," says Morten Fon, President and CEO.
It is with this in mind, and to enforce the message, that Jotun introduced an ongoing Group HSE concept entitled 'I Care' that in addition to encouraging continuous improvement affecting workplace safety is aimed at working to improve the health and welfare of employees, even when they are not at work.
From Group Management to the Board of Directors, Jotun has consistently made HSE a top priority. In 2014 the CEO visited all of Jotun's 36 production sites worldwide to meet with local management and personnel to raise awareness on issues related to HSE and to rubber stamp "I Care".
The 'I Care' concept is designed to involve important themes relevant to specific topics of HSE. It will be mandated to be both introduced and to appear prominently at each Jotun site for all employees to understand the aims and content. Workplace discussions and active participation in the actual topics will ensure full understanding of practical safety tips for both business and personal. "Our aims are to create awareness whilst at the same time creating serious considerations for risks associated to work and everyday aspects of life", added Group HSE Director Una Cecile Haug.


Last Friday I had foot surgery to correct arthritis damage to two toes. I have had day surgeries before and in general they go well, just as this one did. But as I waited to be taken in to surgery I began to think of the consequences of my doing this. The benefits are easy to name, the primary ones are, being able to wear my shoes comfortably again and being able to walk without pain in my feet. But there are also consequences and benefits I hadn't considered.
For example, I wasn't going to make an InterPlay group on Saturday that I really wanted to attend, and I wouldn't be able to make it to church on Sunday. In fact not until next Thursday will I be able to leave the house.
In addition to being stuck in the house my foot hurts, a lot, and because I can't take the more popular pain killers, I have a pain medicine that, while it works well, has some drawbacks like extreme dizziness and fatigue. However, I have begun to see some real benefits, other than walking, that I hadn't taken into consideration.
First of all I have to slow down, something I don't often do, and think if what I want to do is really important and necessary. I have been surprised at how much I do during the day that really is busy work. Simply letting go of those fussy details has been a great relief and I think I am going to continue with that. The things I am able to do right now have real importance, mean something to me, and are getting done better and with less effort.
There are benefits of saying no such as more the time for meditation, and pausing to take the time for myself. I don't mean a short meditation I mean sitting down, which is all I can do anyway right now, for a couple of hours and meditating over a passage of scripture, or something I've just read. Instead of worrying about what I can't do I have been rediscovering the joy of what I can do in the moment, the return of silence and quiet peace. Holding Suzie, my Chihuahua, in my lap I have been reconnecting with the Divine in art, literature and music and letting all of it wash over me and renew me.
I have also relearned the joy of receiving the generosity from others. From hospital staff, to friends, to family, especially my beloved husband John, I have been graced with an amazing amount of love and care. These lovely people have helped me slow down and have given me the space to be right here, right now without feeling guilty.
I am grateful that I am not seriously handicapped or so ill I am unable to learn from this slow time. I am learning to accept with joy the gifts others give me and not feel embarrassed or feel I don't deserve such grace. I know at some point I will grow impatient with being unable to do exactly what I want, but right now I am grateful for this time of rest and recovery.
Now I know I am not the only one out there who has difficulty in accepting gifts. Therefore, I offer this spiritual practice of saying "thank you" for the gifts you receive this week. Simply say thank you, don't elaborate, just accept. Allow someone to do something for you, or do something for someone else and receive their gratitude with grace. Recognize the joy of being in the moment and offer a thank you. Offer your gratitude to the Holy for this time, this place, the people, creation that is the now. Let the gifts of others to you renew your spirit and let the grace shine out from your heart to those around you.
May your week be filled with joy of gifts unforeseen, and may they bring you peace.
I returned home yesterday from a week of traveling. John and I joked that we could now give recommendations for 4 hotels and 4 different beds if anyone wanted such a thing. It is not that we didn't have fun, the Turner Lecture's in Yakima was very informative, with lots of insight and just plain good conversation, we loved visiting the Maryhill Museum and had a delightful time at the Maryhill winery (if you like winery's this is one not to miss). And, I couldn't ask for a better end to the trip than the wedding of my beloved cousin Sally to the love of her life, Maggie. However, I agree with Lin Yutang, home is best for a good rest.
When we returned home we were greeted with barks of joy and two wiggly furry bodies, screeches of mom and dad are home from two excited parrots and the inviting comfort of our own bed. I am grateful for the comfort of my own bed, the steamy warmth of my own shower, and the cozy comfort of husband and dogs on the couch. But most of all I am grateful for a silence that feeds a soul drained of its energy by activity and the presence of others who, while I love them all, are a bit needy. Here at home I am grateful for being alone, but not lonely, for silence that speaks to me, and for rest that feeds me.
So today I am asking you to spend time each day in the coming week with, at least, one gratitude for home. Every day offer up a prayer of gratitude for something about your home that you are grateful for and let your heart soar with thankfulness for that space you call home.
May your journeys always be so eventful that you are grateful for the return home.
We are at that strangely wonderful place, between summer and fall. The temperature feels like summer, but, the air and light tells us that fall is just beyond the next horizon. The grand harvesting of vegetables is well on its way, with too many zucchini and not enough ripe tomatoes. Fresh Washington apples are appearing in the stores and those lovely peaches are becoming rarer. Oh how I will miss this summer!
But time rolls on to the next season and the joys of copper colored leaves and yellow pumpkin faces crookedly grinning at me from front porches. Each season has its own joys and Fall calls us to a time to celebrate the abundance of G-d's world while preparing us for the rest and renewal of winter.
On this Prayerful Tuesday I invite you to join with me in reflecting where you have felt G-d's presence in the past summer, how are you feeling the joys of G-d today, and what hopes do have for the future. Take just a few moments today and contemplate what it is that fills you with remembrance of pleasures past, joys of the moment, and hope for future renewal.
the blessings of good company be on you.
on you and all creation.


Easy steps for customizing your Blackberry email signature, or removing it altogether.
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Question: I noticed recently that my computer runs in the middle of the night. I turn it off before I go to bed, but it starts up at around 3 in the morning. What is it doing and how do I turn it off? Do I have a virus?


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Rodrigo Maroni (born 21 July 1981)  is a Brazilian politician, as well as a yoga instructor and animal rights activist. He has spent his political career representing Rio Grande do Sul, having served in the state legislature since 2019.

Personal life
Rodrigo Maroni was born on 21 July 1981 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He identifies as a Buddhist and was a yoga instructor prior to entering politics. In 2019 he married public defender Isabel Wexel. Previously he had been in a relationship with journalist and politician Manuela d'Ávila.

Maroni identifies as an animal rights activist, a key theme in his political campaigns.

In 2017 Maroni claimed to have been a victim of an assassination attempt. While he was driving to deliver a dog from an animal shelter, a couple on a motorcycle followed him and started shooting at him. After speeding up to avoid them he ultimately crashed his car, and hid behind a group of trees until he was sure the assailants were gone.

Political career
Maroni first entered politics in 1998 when joining the Workers' Party. He remained a party member until 2005.

Maroni ran for the municipal council in his home city of Porto Alegre in 2012, as a member of the Communist Party of Brazil. He won 2,861 votes but was not elected. In January 2015, he was appointed to the municipal council of Porto Alegre to fill the vacancy of fellow Communist Party member João Derly, who had been elected as a federal deputy.

In March 2016, he joined the Party of the Republic with the intention to run for mayor of Porto Alegre. However, in July 2016, federal deputy Giovani Cherini assumed the state party's leadership, removed Maroni from the municipal directory, and forced him to abandon his candidacy for mayor. In reaction, Maroni angrily classified Cherini as "a colonialist and authoritarian". In the 2016 municipal election he was reelected to the position of councilor, coming in as the fourth-place candidate with 11,770 votes.

In September 2016, Maroni courted national attention and controversy when he presented a bill proposing life imprisonment to anyone who is found guilty of cruelty to animals. He also submitted bills proposing that animal killers and rapists use electronic collars, and that humans who commit sexual violence against animals be forcibly chemically castrated. Maroni's proposals were widely criticized as unrealistic and extreme, with many legal experts noting that life sentences and forced castration were deemed illegal under the Constitution of Brazil.

In May 2017, Maroni announced that he would be running for president in the 2018 election, claiming that "animals can have their first candidate for President of the Republic". However, his campaign for president never formally materialized. In September 2017, Maroni again switched parties to join Podemos. In the 2018 elections, he was elected as a state deputy to the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul with 26,449 votes.

In September 2019, he was elected to be the regional president of the Podemos party in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In late November 2019 Maroni once again announced his intention to run for mayor of Porto Alegre. However, in March 2020, the national president of Podemos, Álvaro Dias, removed Maroni from his position as president of the state's party, and replaced him with Lasier Martins. After being deposed as state party's president, Maroni left the party to join the Republican Party of the Social Order.

References

1981 births
Living people
People from Porto Alegre
Brazilian animal rights activists
Brazilian Buddhists
Workers' Party (Brazil) politicians
Socialism and Liberty Party politicians
Liberal Party (Brazil, 2006) politicians
Podemos (Brazil) politicians
Republican Party of the Social Order politicians
Members of the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Australian family rescues multiple koalas from wildfires
Published January 7
FOX 13 News
Carload of koalas rescued from Australian wildfires
Multiple koalas were rescued from wildfires on Kangaroo Island in Australia by Micah Lovegrove and his family, who loaded the animals into their car and brought them to safety.
KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia - A family in Australia rescued at least seven koalas on their property as wildfires ravaged the area.
Micah Lovegrove and his family set up an impromptu rescue operation in the area where his uncle's house had once stood on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
While checking out the destroyed property, Lovegrove spotted a koala huddled beside a tree nearby.
Related: 24 people charged with intentionally setting Australia fires this season
He threw a towel over the animal and brought it to a car, then began looking for other distressed koalas in the surrounding blue gum plantations.
"Just trying to collect as many live ones as we can," Lovegrove can be heard saying in a video uploaded to YouTube, which showed several rescued koalas dotted around the car.
"We'd move the car, go running again, pick up some. Rinse and repeat. We grabbed one last guy who was super feisty so we didn't position him in the car. Well, he's the one on the seat," he said.
Related: Irwin family treating animals injured in Australia wildfires
Lovegrove brought the koalas to his neighbors, who he says have a permit to care for native wildlife. But he said one of the koalas in the car, seen on its side on the passenger seat, died on the way there.
Fires have burned through nearly 400,000 acres of land on Kangaroo Island alone, according to local news outlets.
The wildfires have been raging since September, and have been fueled by drought along with the country's hottest and driest year on record. At least 25 people and millions of animals have been killed.
4PM Weather - 1/17/2020
Arizona Senator who called CNN reporter 'liberal hack,' now selling T-shirts
Glendale Police: Suspect sought after father killed by a hit-and-run driver


Right and wrong— who's to say, which we should refuse? All we know, love survives either way we choose. Where, you ask, do we go when the world's not right? The answer here won't rhyme, because it's really hard to rhyme things with "Chesapeake Arts Center's Black Box Theatre." But when the world's not right— and there is so much not right in the world right now, Stand Up For…Theatre has an answer. The theatrical arm of How Do You Like Me Now Productions, whose mission draws awareness to bullying of all varieties in an attempt to stop it, is presenting a musical comedy that illustrates through humor and iconic characters how important it is to embrace your true self, no matter who that is, and love yourself and others for who they are. Directed by Ed Higgins, with Musical Direction by Brandon Seehofer and Choreography by Katie Sheldon and Kristen Rigsby, The Addams Family is inviting you to snap along and move toward the darkness this February.
It's an unforgiving space, the little black box studio tucked away at the back of the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, both in its layout and its acoustics (or lack thereof) but Stand Up For…Theatre manages a quality production all the same. Director Ed Higgins works along Set Designer Joshua Anderson and the entire Set Construction Team to create the creepy-kooky mysteriously spooky Addams' Family house and ancestral crypt in the confines of the space. Anderson, who doubles up as the show's Lighting Designer, adds the ominous effects lighting that would be expected to accompany any production featuring those ookie-Addamses.
While there are a few things here and there that fail to 100% land their mark, across the board most of the stylistic and design elements are even with one another, creating a solid production. Most notable is the Cosmetic Design and Make-Up Plots crafted by Bambi Galore, whose expertise flourishes in the eerie lighting, creating ghastly and ghostly pallor in the Ancestor Ensemble. Costumes, as assembled by Producer Grant Myers and Jenifer Hollett, look the part, which is always a challenge when mounting to the stage characters that are previously known from movie and television incarnations. The basic black is all over the Addams Family characters while more, sprightly and inviting colors can be found amongst the Beineke Family. But all the white costumes for the ghostly, crypt-dwelling ancestors are most impressive, especially when it comes to capturing the era which these five ensemble players represent.
Though the script calls for at minimum eight Ancestors, Stand Up For…Theatre is working with just five. Michaela Saul, Nettie Morgan, Autumn Gebhardt, Carly Winter, and Nikolai Skwarczek play the Bride, Cave Person, Conquistador, Saloon Girl, and Soldier respectively. Saul, as the Bride is particularly entertaining to watch in the background of Wednesday's solo "Pulled" as she gets funky and groovy dancing all around in celebration of the fact that Wednesday has found love. All of the ancestors find the fun in their roles, and it's well-evidenced during one of the "But Love Reprises" where they have cute little step-toe booty-kiss moves.
With powerful pipes and a real knack for being mischievous, Nyah Lampasone makes for the perfect Pugsley. With just one proper solo, "What If?" Lampasone wins over the hearts of the audience with charm and panache. Lampasone's interactions with Grandma Addams (Jenifer Hollett) are not only catalytic converters of the plot, but really give the Grandma character a purpose ever since the post-Broadway script rewrite. Hollett, who's over-the-top animated portrayal of the batty old granny is practically indescribable, definitely brings the kooky to the Addams Family mix.
Define Normal: The Beineke's think they're normal, after all. The Beineke's being the gruff and grumpy Mal (Don Lampasone), the dotty and detached Alice (Spencer Kate Nelson) and the twitter-patted and completely love-struck Lucas (Jake Schwartz.) Together the trio create one odd family, at least by Addams' standards. Lampasone doesn't really get to belt out his true vocal prowess until "Crazier Than You" a coupled duet that he sings opposite of Nelson, and the Wednesday-Lucas couple. Lampasone's overall characterization of Mal is striking and it makes his character transition hearty and rewarding. Nelson, as the saccharine, rhyming Alice, is delightfully dotty and has an abrupt character shift right at the top of the second act. Playing these polar opposing side of Alice showcases Nelson's performing fortitude and her vocals radiate through "Waiting" with great pluck.
As for the adorkable and convivial love-struck Lucas, Jake Schwartz has mastered all the angst and emotion of a young not-quite-teenage boy in love with his first ever girl. Schwartz has a strong voice, well-suited for the way Lucas' musical numbers are written. Schwartz presents the character's emotions sublimely, really letting the audience see what a Lucas Beineke is all about. More importantly, he's got good scenic-timing and a keen understanding of his scene partners, whether they be Wednesday, his primary paramour, or more imposing characters like the sword-wielding Gomez. His solo during "One Normal Night" is a fierce battle cry for love, as is his anthem-verse during "Crazier Than You." He imports a great deal of functional chemistry into Lucas's relationship with Wednesday.
Dark, deadpan, and definitely not a bursting ball of sunshine, Olivia Winter is the epitome of every incarnation of Wednesday Addams one could hope to see. She even dons Wednesday's original braided pigtails (a whole process that was literally cut from the pre-Broadway run of the show) and maintains the expressionless slate upon her face even when showing enthusiasm. Winters brings a feisty fire to the character, that itchy blaze of teenage emotional junk that blasts out whenever she can't keep it in, which in this show is often. Doing a solid justice to the number "Pulled" and her half of "Crazier Than You" Winters has the audience eating out of her dark, demented hand from start to finish.
In the post-Broadway rewrite, many of the characters' functionalities were retooled, the prime example being Uncle Fester (Sean Miller.) Now seen as a guiding narrative force and overall conduit to the audience's Addams Family experience, Uncle Fester is that quirky and irrepressible ball of shenanigans that has his hand, foot, head, and nose in everything. Miller does an extraordinary job vocally affecting the character to sound as quirky and strange as most would hope to remember him. He sings delightfully, he swoons with grace over the moon, and really gets engaged with the audience all throughout the show. Miller's rendition of "The Moon and Me" makes this filler song, despite its lovely score and melody, truly worth something. And Director Ed Higgins had the good sense not to fall for the theatrical trappings of attempting to replicate the Broadway effects of this number, simply letting Fester dance simply with the ancestors. Miller is an all-round winner in this production and really brings some electricity to this performance.
The matriarch and patriarch of the Addams Family are unique forces to be reckoned with in their own rights. Morticia (Bryce Kylie) and Gomez (Joshua Anderson) have a curious chemistry that works exactly the way Morticia and Gomez ought to. They each bring their share of strengths to the table, they each brings a startling familiarity to their respective characters, and they play well off of one another, especially during moments of tense conflict. Their "Tango de Amor" dance of passion is exquisitely amorous, just as their moments of terse disagreement are laid with heated intensity.
Anderson does not demonstrate the strongest of singing voices but what he lacks in strong belts and intonation he more than makes up for with his perfect timing and spoken approach to several of his numbers. It's almost more impressive to see the way he finagles his way through some of these numbers like "Trapped" and "Not Today" with impeccably timed rhythmic deliveries in short staccato verses which are more spoken than sung. But when he does sing a number fully through, as he does with "Happy/Sad" it is quite the song, and filled with a soothing sound. Anderson should also be commended for his superb ability to improvise and ad-lib, which occurs often throughout the production, but not without due cause. Unfortunately, in this performance, a great many tech cues were misaligned and sometimes missed entirely, but all were covered with lightning-quick witty quips, primarily from Anderson. Truly understanding Gomez, he infuses these moments with the essence of the character and makes this added lines and moments feel as if they were always penned into the script. Bravo to Anderson for this impressive skill.
Picture perfect in her likeness, Bryce Kylie— though an insanely young choice for Morticia (though it makes that line "I'm much too young to have a married daughter" that much funnier)— becomes Morticia Addams incarnate. Statuesque facial features, an imposing sense of deadpan humor, and an overall rigid and ominous grace to her movements, Kylie is every Morticia and any Morticia all rolled intone. With killer vocals, that at times slip just a bit more modern than the score intends, Kylie masterfully delivers "Secrets" and "Just Around the Corner" and really puts a conflagration of feeling into these number. While her exterior is corpse-like and her facials follow suit, it's the subtle inflection in her voice (and those extreme belts in her songs) that really reanimate Morticia as a living, breathing character in the show.
Director Ed Higgins has assembled a strong team, both on and off the stage, and keeps the show moving, despite technical hiccups and a challenging space. Keep your eyes and maybe your ears (and possibly every other part) open for Lurch (Kyle Cardozo) as well. Higgins has given him more of the television version of Lurch, but it works just as well for this production. So do as you're told, move toward the darkness, embrace all that's good inside, and see The Addams Family with Stand Up For…Theatre this weekend.
The Addams Family plays through February 3, 2019 as a Stand Up For…Theatre production in the Black Box Theatre space of The Chesapeake Arts Center— 194 Hammonds Lane in Brooklyn Park, MD. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance online.


Liver Cleanse is a procedure that involves liver detoxification to remove toxins from liver. It can be done through effective natural home remedies for Liver Cleanse and liver cleansing diet.
Moreover, Liver Cleanse procedure can be followed by parasite cleanse to get rid of intestinal parasites. To make the process more effective, it is suggested that one should have bowel movements for at least three days before following Liver Cleanse therapy.
It is recommended that pregnant or nursing women and individuals suffering from cirrhosis of liver, tumors in liver, cancer and other chronic ailments should avoid the process though.
Those suffering from weakness of heart, diverticulitis etc should take adequate precautionary steps before starting with Liver Cleanse home remedies.
The process of Liver Cleansing or Liver Detoxification helps a great deal in facilitating healing process for liver problems and gallstones. Nonetheless, the Liver Cleanse can not completely cure liver damage caused by issues like alcoholism, autoimmune diseases etc.
Hence, Liver Cleanse natural remedies help reduce symptoms like headache, nausea, indigestion, fatigue, loss of appetite, age spots, abdominal pain due to gallbladder disorders and so on.
The procedure helps improve digestion, boosts the metabolism reduces allergies and avoids number health problems that can be caused by liver congestion.
In addition, liver flush assists in purifying blood and cleaning bile ducts by improving liver functioning. Nonetheless, the process may also cause side effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Home remedies for Liver Cleanse natural treatment requires you to drink two glasses of organic apple juice after every two hours and continue this procedure for two days. During these two days you supposed to eat easily digestible fruits and vegetables only.
Finally, quickly drink a cup of warm water mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt after the passage of two days and have 3/4th cup of cold pressed light virgin olive oil mixed with two tablespoons of lemon juice, orange juice or grapefruit juice before bed time. Preferable, try to sleep on the right side.
• Prepare a solution by mixing four ounces of lemon juice/orange juice and equal amount of water. Next, add one tablespoon of olive oil, 1-2 garlic cloves and blend the mixture. Finally, consume the resultant mixture regularly in the morning flush out toxins from liver.
• Another popular Liver Cleanse home remedy is to have a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cayenne pepper and some lemon juice in the morning on empty stomach, followed by eight ounces of juice for breakfast and the same amount of juice or broth for lunch.
You can have combination of nutritious juices like that of apple, pineapple, berries etc mixed with a pinch of ginger and cinnamon.
Broth can also be prepared from a variety of fresh vegetables such as cabbage, beet, carrot, cucumber, parsley, spinach, broccoli, kale, celery and so on along with some onion and garlic to enhance the flavor.
• You can make use of therapeutic herbs like chicory, rosemary, milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion, ginger, burdock root etc to get encouraging results from application of natural home remedies for Liver Cleanse.
• Combination of three cups grapefruit juice and four tablespoons of Epsom salt is another widely used Liver Cleanse recipe. Divide the solution in four parts. Follow the process by taking light fruits and vegetables in the morning.
Do not eat anything after 2 pm and start the Liver Cleanse after four hours by taking one part of the Epsom salt recipe. Then, take another serving after a couple of hours. Then, again after the passage of two hours, take half a cup of grapefruit juice mixed with olive oil, enough to get watery consistency.
Gulp it down quickly and then lie down to sleep. Take the third part of Epsom salt recipe at 6 am next morning, followed by the last one after two hours to complete the process. Eat normal though light diet after a couple of hours.
• Mix juice of two grapefruits, two tablespoons of olive oil and squeeze the juice of half lemon in this combination. Drinking this solution at night before going to sleep serves as a good natural cure for Liver Cleanse.
Pure water enema can be carried out after completing the Liver Cleanse process. Needless to add, be prepared for several trips to the bathroom during Liver Cleanse. Moreover, it is better to take advice of a qualified professional before going ahead with the procedure.
Fasting is considered to be beneficial in the process of liver cleansing. However, do not make it a habit. Plus, make sure your body does not remain bereft of essential nutrients while fasting.
Individuals suffering from low blood sugar, diabetes, heart condition and other such issues should not go for Liver cleanse diets or fasts, unless approved by doctor.
It is suggested that you prepare the body for liver detox before starting the procedure. Thus, try to have fresh fruits, vegetables, fat-free foods and avoid having packaged and processed foods, margarine, pickles, animal foods etc. Stay away from alcoholic, caffeinated and carbonated beverages as well.
Liver Cleanse diet should focus on inclusion of fresh, fibrous and protein rich fruits and vegetables like apples, papayas, grapefruit, Brussels spouts, cabbage, artichoke, cauliflower, kale, ginger, fennel etc.
In addition, consume plenty of liquids like water, natural juices, herbal teas etc to enhance the effectiveness of natural home remedies for Liver Cleanse.
my wife has a stone in the bile duct and doctors want to operate her because they say that the stone is blocked there. The stone is about 17 mm. Is that true? Is not there any possibility for the stone to move from there and be ejected naturally?


Be You Perfect - even as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matt 5:48). This is an instruction all Christians are striving to achieve. How can we even get close to the perfection that is God?
Thy Kingdom Come After Christ was resurrected He was asked if He would at that time restore again the kingdom to Israel. Have you ever thought about those words? The question is not asking when Israel is to be restored, but when the Kingdom is to be restored to Israel. What Kingdom were they asking about?
Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength We are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. The fact that we are commanded to love Him indicates the importance of love to God. Obviously by this command He demands more than merely liking, or having a warm feeling of affection toward Him, but just how much more and why?
The Spirit of Truth and Light vs. the Knowledge of Evil - by our Guest writer Jim Patterson (Shepherd's Voice Magazine). Our adversary the devil is tempting the Church to forsake its calling. He is using an old tactic used from the beginning with Adam and Eve and he is using it again to give us a false sense of wisdom with the knowledge of evil. Help protect yourself and the people you love by reading what follows in these pages.
Kingdom Misconceptions - by our Guest writer Jim Patterson (Shepherd's Voice Magazine). Since the time of Jesus Christ, mankind has held various misconceptions of the Kingdom of God. Our own ideas of government and organizations that are born out of worldly experience can lead us to conceive God's Kingdom is a glorious ideal of the same form. This article brings us to the conclusion that there is a fundamental difference between the Kingdom of God, and all that we can conceive of or experience in any man-made organizational structure.
Coveting - the Hidden Sin The law that forbids coveting is perhaps the least understood of the Ten Commandments. Most of us accept that the word 'covet' means an inordinate desire for something that is not ours. Indeed this meaning is correct but falls woefully short in revealing the full impact of this sin that has invaded the lives of so many.
Getting to Grips with Grace Do you really understand what God's grace is and why we need it? Do you know what it means to be under the law and what role the law plays when we are under grace?
God's Unfailing Promises Why is a righteous life cut short? How can persecution and martyrdom of the righteous occur when God has promised protection, good health and prosperity? Why do we suffer financial problems, sickness and grief when the Bible says that it is the unrighteous who will suffer?
Grow Your Faith Most of us require proof before we believe anything. We are sceptics by nature. Disbelief comes easy in this modern society where truth is so often obscured by smoke and mirrors, lies and deception. So it seems completely contrary to our nature when we 'dyed in the wool' sceptics are so ready to believe and trust in a God whom we have neither seen, nor heard. Where did we get the faith to do this?
Our Calling Are we called because we are special or more worthy than others? No! In fact the opposite is true.
He Whom We Serve We have been called into royal service. To serve a serve a King who is above all kings! Never has there been a King, or conqueror like him. He is coming with great power to defeat all the nations on this earth and will rule over them. It is he whom we now serve!
Ambassadors for Christ God has a plan of salvation. He is going to save humanity from the spiritual captivity we have experienced for the last six thousand years. If you have been called to Christ then you have an important role to play in that plan. You need to know about that role and what is expected of you.
Watch and be Ready Christ said he would return. He warned us to watch and be ready. We won't know the exact hour. But we will be able to determine when the time is nigh. Have you been watching? Have you been preparing? Are you ready for his return?
A Tale of Two Cities Jerusalem and Babylon were two contemporary cities in the ancient world. Both are mentioned in the Book of Revelation as having modern counterparts - Babylon the Great and New Jerusalem. What do these cities represent? And how do these things impact on you?
The Creation Groans A well-known and internationally-famous naturalist once said that he didn't believe in God as there is too much cruelty in nature. Then I began to think about what he said. Would a loving, merciful and caring God create any creature with such innate cruelty? I had to say no. Then how did this come about?
Our Approach to Prophecy Would you build a house without planning permission? Would you use second-hand materials? Would you proceed without plans, or design specifications? What about a foundation? Would you simply lay bricks directly on the ground and cement layer upon layer of bricks without checking that the walls are plumb, corners squared or floors level? Your house would not stand the test of time, nor would your reputation as a builder. So why use this approach when building an understanding of prophecy?
Greater than Man We humans have an intellect that makes us greater than any other form of life on this planet. Our brains have the ability to think, reason and achieve things far beyond the capabilities of our fellow creatures. But are we the ultimate in intellectual ability, or is there some-one greater than man?
Growing Up When most of us were called we were mere 'babes in Christ'. God expected us not only to 'grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' but also to come to 'the fullness of the stature of Christ'. Have we reached the fullness of his stature, or are we still 'babes in Christ'?
The Truth About Matthew 18 What should we do when someone offends us? Many point to the instruction in Matthew 18 and advise that we go to our brother, or sister to resolve the issue directly. Others say we should just forgive them. Matthew 18 mentions both options - so which one should we use? To find the answer we need to look at what Matthew wrote in context.
Catching the Vision Abraham sought a city built by God, Ezekiel was shown a vision of a future city and John saw, also in a vision, the New Jerusalem descending from Heaven. Three men, three cities! Is it possible these three cities were one and the same?
A Living City Abraham was promised that his family would be blessed. And much has been written about those blessings. But Abraham could see the bigger picture. He knew it wasn't just about his family. He looked forward to what God had promised for all families including yours!
Go For It! We all have dreams of who we want be. Where we want to go and what we want do. But how many actually accomplish those dreams? How many end up with the fame and fortune they hoped for? It's easy to live in a dream world, but not so easy in the real world.
Examine Yourself Have you examined yourself lately? It is important that we do especially as we prepare to celebrate the Lord's Supper. We do not want to appear before God in an unworthy manner. Best to judge ourselves than to be judged.
Abolishing the Law Many preach that Christ abolished the law. They say he took the commandments and nailed them to the cross. Consequently the law has no power over us anymore. They say that Christ has achieved God's purpose by bringing us to God through the cross without having to keep the law. But what does the Bible say?
Every Thought When we came out of this world we made changes to our lives. We made many behavioural changes as we came to associate with other believers. But have we gone deeper than that? Have we dealt with the innermost thought processes and imaginations of our minds? Changing the innermost working of the mind is perhaps the greatest challenge we all face.
From Jericho to Pentecost From the Bible we trace Christ's journey from Jericho to Jerusalem where he spent his final days and examine the events that occurred during those days and the seven weeks that followed up until the Day of Pentecost. What God accomplished during that time impacts greatly on all humanity. This is a 'must read' prior to celebrating the Lord's Supper!
Church Doctrine - The Role of the Apostles What is an Apostle? What was the role of an Apostle in the early Church? Does that role have any relevance for us today? Does it have anything to do with our salvation?
The Truth About Passover Is the Lord's Supper the same as Passover? Was Christ restoring the Passover to its correct date, or was he introducing an entirely new ceremony for his followers? These questions have been debated in religious circles for centuries without agreement. How can you be sure that you have the truth? What does your Bible say?
"And he said - Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God"
The material on this site is provided for educational purposes. We do not distribute printed articles, but you may copy them unaltered for your own use.
We neither accept donations nor financially support other groups.
The Calgary Church of God is a culturally diverse Sabbath keeping community who endeavour to hold fast to the truths of the original Christian church.


DENVER (AP) — Colorado is joining a growing list of states that allow unaffiliated voters — the state's largest voting bloc — to participate in the major party primaries, thanks to a voter-passed initiative that coincided with disenchantment with the polarization of the 2016 election.
The 2016 initiative allows Colorado's 1.2 million active independent voters to cast ballots Tuesday in either the Democratic or Republican party primaries on Tuesday. The initiative passed in a year that saw presidential candidate Bernie Sanders defeat Hillary Clinton in Colorado caucuses and yet a strong vote for Donald Trump in the general election, though he lost the state.
Early mail and drop-off ballot returns suggest that more independents are voting Democratic in a tight gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper. It's too early to predict independents' turnout or impact on the campaigns, advocates said.
"What this means for the races will take time to see," Josh Penry said, a political consultant and former Republican state Senate minority leader who campaigned for the initiative. "As the parties self-immolate and people flee them, it's important that they can vote in the semi-finals."
"The reality is the GOP and the Democrats should be thinking about how to appeal to the people in this enormous bloc," Penry said.
But there's little sign that the major party gubernatorial candidates are reaching out in this swing state where Democrats and Republicans each have roughly 1 million registered voters.
Presumed Democratic front-runners U.S. Rep. Jared Polis and former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy espouse universal health care, their public schools credentials, protecting public lands and promoting renewable energy. Republicans, including Treasurer Walker Stapleton, a cousin of President George W. Bush, generally embrace President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and income tax cuts and promote Colorado's oil and gas industry.
It's that polar opposite, take-it-or-leave-it campaign buffet that prompted Alex Leith, a Denver civil engineer, to abandon the Democratic Party and become an unaffiliated voter two years ago.
"I was seeing a lot of hypocrisy coming from Republicans and Democrats," Leith said. "I wanted to see a return to a common sense ability to actually govern and work across party lines."
The 27-year-old cast his gubernatorial primary ballot this year for Republican businessman and former state Rep. Victor Mitchell. "He's willing to not totally align himself with Republican dogma," Leith said, citing Mitchell's support for a "red flag" law that would allow the seizure of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others.
As of early Friday, more than 598,000 Coloradans had voted — including nearly 139,000 independents. Democrats had returned more than 231,000 ballots and Republicans had returned more than 228,000.
"Our data and our experience points to how philosophically diverse Colorado is. There is no such thing as a generic independent," Kent Thiry said, the CEO of Denver-based dialysis firm DaVita Inc., who spearheaded the 2016 initiative.
"I've been an independent most of my adult life," Thiry said. "To not have a voice until the final election in a country where the primary has become the final election ... that is very frustrating to me."
Thiry's group released a poll this week suggesting that education, health care, jobs and the economy are the top issues for Colorado's unaffiliated voters.
"A lot of states allow some version of this, and honestly the research suggests it doesn't make that much of a difference whether (the primary) is open or closed," Masket said. "The nominees end up looking like the ones the parties would choose themselves."
Also running to succeed Hickenlooper are former Democratic state Sen. Mike Johnston and Democratic Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne. Republican businessman Greg Lopez and investment banker Doug Robinson, a nephew of Utah Senate candidate Mitt Romney, want their party's nomination.
Colorado hasn't elected a Republican governor since 1998, when Bill Owens was elected. He was re-elected in 2002.


corporation (the "Company"), and CARLO ZEZZA (the "Executive").
Effective Date and expiring on March 12, 2001.
indicated by the Board without the need for an amendment to this Agreement.
shall be made in good faith.
of his duties hereunder .
expiration of this Agreement had this Agreement not been Terminated.
the survivorship provisions of Section 13 of this Agreement.
such action, suit or proceeding.
or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.


GLYTONE was built upon the innovation of Free Glycolic Acid. The foundation for GLYTONE's future started back in 1943, when 2 pharmacists began making exclusive topical dermatological skincare products.
GLYTONE is a unique, customized approach developed into Pierre Fabre's founding principles partnering health and beauty. The brand's expertise provides exclusively to physicians and their patients solutions to safe and effective skincare regimens through in-office procedures combined with at-home treatments.


January 2, 2016 • When you call an ambulance, you expect to go to the nearest hospital. But patients are often diverted to more distant emergency rooms. Cleveland wants hospitals to stop the practice.
December 30, 2015 • A big study finds the risk that the baby will die soon after delivery is twice as high if the delivery was planned for home or a birthing center versus the hospital, but such deaths are very rare.
December 28, 2015 • Most hospitals don't require neurologists, neurosurgeons or even fully trained doctors to make the ultimate call.
December 10, 2015 • More than half of the hospitals punished this year were also dinged in 2014. The government has used financial carrots and now sticks to improve the quality of care.
December 10, 2015 • When well-known performers receive health care, the details of their cases can leak. Electronic medical records make peeking easier — and also make it easier to catch the staffers who looked.
December 7, 2015 • Young doctors being trained at dozens of hospitals around the country are being asked to work up to 30 hours straight as part of a study. Critics say the study is risky and unethical.
December 1, 2015 • Over 300 hospitals and clinics have been hit with bombs and missiles. Nearly 700 medical workers have been killed. Only Syrian President Bashar Assad has the air power to conduct these attacks.
November 23, 2015 • Tourists love California's Mendocino coast for its redwoods, surf and charm. But the battle to keep the area's only hospital afloat is pitting hospital administrators and doctors against each other.
November 16, 2015 • Doctors were once unquestioned authorities on how aggressively to treat the sickest and most premature babies. Then parents started pushing back for more say. The responsibility can be excruciating.


Port Alucroix lies on the southern shores of the island of St. Croix in the United States' Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority governs Port Alucroix. The Wilfred Bomba Allick Port and Transshipment Center at Krause Lagoon is called "The Containerport" of the Virgin Islands.
The center is located on an 18-hectare tract next to the Molasses Pier. The Wilfred Bomba Allick Port and Transshipment Center is near the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport and an industrial park, and it is just 19 kilometers from the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility on the Island of St. Croix.
Port Alucroix is the center for industrial and commercial marine activities on the island, and it serves as an important transshipment center for the Caribbean region.
The dock at Port Alucroix is 304.8 meters long and can berth vessels with drafts to 9.1 meters. Accommodating vessels carrying containers, the dock also handles roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off cargoes. The pier is equipped with a 30-ton capacity gantry crane.
Port Alucroix includes a 2.8 thousand square meter warehouse for non-containerized cargoes and large open areas for storing containers, other large cargoes, and equipment.
Port Alucroix is about 7 kilometers southwest of the Port of Christiansted where most of the cruise vessels visit the Island of St. Croix. For a list of scheduled cruises to St. Croix, visit the Cruise Compete website.


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Home / Products / ICC-WCO Covid Statement
ICC-WCO Covid Statement
In late 2019, the first outbreak of what has now become known globally as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported. On 11 March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was categorised by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic.
The speed with which the pandemic crosses borders demands an urgent and agile response in relation to the international movement of goods in general and essential medical equipment and food supplies in particular. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) call for a coordinated Customs response to the COVID-19 crisis, including through active participation in multilateral efforts and an open dialogue with neighbouring countries.
ICC Business Actions For Conserving Biodiversity Free
ICC Business Actions For Conserving Biodiversity
Despite being highly vulnerable to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, businesses' commitment to biodiversity conservation has remained to be fairly low. As biodiversity loss has gradually turned into a critical...
ICC Business Actions For Mitigating Climate Crisis Free
ICC Business Actions For Mitigating Climate Crisis
ICC United Kingdom published a new report with over 50 case studies from more than 20 countries to demonstrate practical business actions to mitigate #climatecrisis. Businesses around the world are...
United Kingdom - Creating Modern Digital Trade Ecosystem Free
United Kingdom - Creating Modern Digital Trade Ecosystem
ICC is calling on national governments to create a modern digital trade ecosystem by reforming laws to digitise trade documentation and align legal frameworks to the UNCITRAL Model Law on...


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MUSIC INTERVIEW: Crossfaith
Crossfaith are breaking new ground with their latest SPECIES EP, experimenting with 90s rave elements on the likes of Endorphin and even surprising fans with their first ever Japanese lyrics, courtesy of Jin Dogg who guests on their latest single None Of Your Business. We caught up with the band to discuss their new EP, what it's like to release music during a global pandemic, live stream plans and more.
Hey, thank you for taking the time to chat to us today. You released your brand new SPECIES EP last month, what has the reaction been like so far?
I've been excited to see the reactions from our fans since we released SPECIES EP. A lot of people were surprised with None of Your Business. I think it's because Jin Dogg sings in Japanese, which is the very first Japanese lyrics ever in Crossfaith. We can't wait to hear our fans sing that part with us in the show too.
What influenced the SPECIES EP, both musically and lyrically?
This time we brought 90's rave vibes on Endorphin, you can hear an acid bass sound because 90's are my generation and I grew up with it. I felt more excitements from the 90's such as PlayStation, The Matrix, and music of course. The 90's music industry had some big moments that were something of a singularity and that's what we want, so we won't stop exploring music. We didn't have a specific concept this time it was free for me to write, that doesn't mean it was easy though. Of course there are individual concepts of lyrics in each song, and I guess this time it's more personal and emotional compared with previous records.
None of Your Business sees you team up with Japanese rapper Jin Dogg, how did the collaboration come about?
The first time I knew of him was in the documentary of Jin Dogg, it's called Dirty Kansai and he smashed the crowds the same as a proper hardcore show, we then invited him to our own event called NITROPOLIS. His musical roots are classic hip-hop and rock music. He said "I'm not a rapper" and I agree with that, he crosses the border between hip-hop and rock music. He is a super funny and chill guy off stage, and I still can't believe that he becomes a demon when he is on stage. It's something we feel we can relate to.
Is there a standout track on the record for you, that you think will connect most with your fans?
I want to sing Your Song with my fans. It has a huge chorus so it's gonna be beyond beautiful.
How did it feel to release an EP during the COVID-19 pandemic? Did you face any difficulties in the run up to the release?
Of course, we had some problems releasing the EP during the corona crisis. Everything took more time than usual and our distributor advised us to delay the schedule, but we decided to release the EP as we planned because we didn't want to stop, and that's the only way to encourage people with our music at the moment. Everyone needs some gasoline to move forward in this dark time, and I can still say that was the right choice.
Usually a release is paired with touring, in the current climate that's not possible. Are there any other ways that you're promoting the record that fans can get involved with?
We are planning on streaming a live show in the near future. I know it's totally different with real shows but in this situation, we can both get more feelings than we do in normal life. Also we always love to be your first experience, so we don't want to make it in a proper way.
There's still a lot of uncertainty regarding live shows, and festivals that were meant to go on throughout the summer have been cancelled and postponed. What can fans do right now to keep the music industry alive throughout the pandemic?
Please go buy merchandise! It's the best way to support bands, and shopping is the best way to soothe your mind too!
You've said that you're already working on more new music, can we expect your next record to follow in a similar direction to SPECIES?
I can't say anything at this stage, but this moment in time is great to work on music because we are always touring and it's hard to find the time to write the music, so now we are experimenting with music to update Crossfaith's sound.
Do you have any final messages for our readers?
Hope you guys are safe and don't forget to bang your head to the SPECIES EP! See you guys in da pit!
Crossfaith's SPECIES EP is out now via UNFD, available to stream or purchase HERE.
Tags : CrossfaithUNFD
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Caemlyn is the capital city of the kingdom of Andor, from which Rand now rules and plots.
Cairhien is the capital city of the kingdom of the same name, and one of the cities over which Rand holds reign. Cairhienin, especially the nobility, are especially concerned with politics, leading to a subtle system of politics called the Game of Houses.
Tar Valon is the island city where the White Tower is, where Aes Sedai are headquartered and teach female students the art of channeling. It is a prime target of the Whitecloaks, who despise magic considering it a dark art.
Illian is a southern, seaside kingdom, now ruled by "Lord Brend," who is the evil Forsaken Sammael in disguise. This kingdom is Rand's next target, and its conquest takes up much of Rand's thoughts and planning in LORD OF CHAOS.


Can i get admission for MBA after completing B.Com from Delhi university?
how i get admission in mba in iim ahmedabad after after passing the b.com from delhi university?
Eligibility to get admission for MBA in Delhi without fighting CAT?
How can i get admission in LLB in Calicut University after completing B.com and MBA?
Can i do correspondence M.Com or MBA after completing B.Com from Delhi university with 54.81%?
Procedure and eligibility criteria to take admission at Delhi University for MBA IT?
Re: Can i get admission for MBA after completing B.Com from Delhi university?
YES,you are eligibile for admission in MBA in IIM Ahmadabad (rather any other IIM or top MBA school) after after passing the B.com from Delhi University.
1)The minimum eligibility criteria for admission to PGP is at least a 3-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)/ All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as eligible for Post-Graduate Studies in Management.
2)The candidates applying must hold a bachelor's Degree with a minimum percentage of 50%( 45% in case of SC/ST/People with disabilities).
3)Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's course or equivalent or those awaiting results of their graduation exam may also apply.However you must provide a certificate from the Principal/Head of the Department/Registrar/Director of the university/institution certifying that the candidate is currently in the final year / is awaiting final results and has obtained at least 50% marks or equivalent (45% in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD category).
4)Students with pending Backlogs are not eligible and should not apply.
To get admission into the IIMs you must appear for the Common Admission Test or CAT which is held at an all India level to select the capable candidates into the IIMs.
CAT comprises of an online examination at various centers around the country. If you score a good percentile then you may get a call from the various IIMs for an interview.
If you get an interview call, you have to go the respective IIMs where you have go through Group Discussions, One on One interview and various other selection processes.
If you manage to do well, you get selected to study in these B-Schools.
Ya of course you can get admission in the MBA course.MBA is a master degree program with the duration of two years.To be eligible for this one must have a bachelor degree from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks.As you are telling that you have a bachelor degree in B.com So you are fulfilling the first and basic eligibility criteria of the MBA course.
So If you have more then 50% marks in your graduation aggregate or equivalent marks in the graduation aggregate then only you will be eligible to do the MBA course.
relaxation will applicable for sc/st candidates for 5% Percentage Marks..
-You should score Minimum of 50% of marks.
--Relaxation is there in percentage of marks upto 5% for the candidates of SC/ST category.
-There is no specific age limit required for MBA course . You can join MBA course at any age.
To apply for this Entrance Examination you should complete graduation in any discipline with Minimum 59% percentage of marks from recognized university .. .
The Master of Business Administration ( MBA ) is one of the most coveted Post Graduate Qualifications across the world. Graduates of all types - Engineers, Science, Arts, Commerce, Doctors - aspire to this qualification. The following MBA Entrance Exam are used for getting MBA admission in Top B school.
Common Admission Test ( CAT ) is a Computer Based Test conducted by Indian Institutes of Management ( IIMs ) for selecting students for the Business Administration Programs. The test is conducted every year by one of the IIM\'s based on a policy of rotation.
Management Aptitude Test ( MAT ) is an Entrance test for admissions into MBA programs in various top B – schools and other institutes across the India. It is conducted by AIMA ( All India Management Association ) New Delhi. MAT is conducted 4 times in a year ( in February, May, September & December ).
The XLRI Admission Test prominently known as XAT is an All India test conducted by XLRI ( formerly known as Xavier Labour Relations Institute ), a business school in Jamshedpur, India, as an Entrance Test for its Management Programs as well as to many other reputed Top B - Schools in the country such as XIM ( Xavier Institute of Management ) Bhubaneswar and many other reputed B – Schools.
1. As you have complete your graduation from delhi University you just require to have minimum 50% marks in your bachelor in any manner that means BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, and other bachelors too.
2. If you belongs from some SC/ST Category you just require to have minimum 45% marks in you bachelor.
Eligibility to take CAT entrance test a candidate must have minimum50-60% marks in his bachelor from any recognized university & college.
Candidate who belongs from any SC/ST/PD category are just require to have minimum 45% marks in their bachelor.
A final year candidate and result awaited candidate may also apply for the same.
If you fulfill this criteria you can get admission in MBA college in IIMs and others with good CAT score.
How do i get admissin to MBA at KICM ?


Philipp Khaitovich, born in Moscow, Russia in 1973.
Philipp completed undergraduate studies in molecular biology at Moscow State University in 1995 and PhD in biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999.
From 2000 till 2006 Philipp worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology at the department of Evolutionary Genetics headed by Prof. Svante Pääbo.
In September 2006, Philipp took a faculty position at the Institute for Computational Biology jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck Society in Shanghai China. In 2012 Philipp was promoted to an institute director position.
From 2012, Philipp is a fellow member of Max Planck Society of Germany, as well as adjunct Professor at ShanghaiTech University in Shanghai, China.
Philipp joined Skoltech as a Full Professor in April 2014.
Collection of unique human and non-human samples.
Use of novel high-throughput data generation methods, including high-throughput sequencing and high precision mass spectrometry to generate comprehensive datasets covering gene structure (splicing) and activity (expression), as well as cellular and organismal physiology estimated using concentrations of thousands of biochemical markers: metabolites and lipids.
Use of novel analytical tools and algorithms to analyze data and intergrade heterogeneous data types.
Use of classical laboratory approaches, including microscopy and immunohistochemistry, as well as cell culture and organism-level experiments, to verified specific results obtained by the analysis of large datasets.
Evolution of cognitive abilities unique to humans or particularly advances in humans.
Metabolic and structural organization of the human brain, its evolution and variability across human populations.
Molecular features of natural and artificial selections in humans and domesticated species.
The course will introduce students to the hands-on practical analysis of novel biological "omics" data with a specific focus on the state-of-the-art analysis of the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome. The course will integrate various types of omics data generated by new generation sequencing technologies and will include the following parts: genome assembly, genotyping and GWAS analyses in the genome section; histone modifications, DNA methylation and 3D chromatin organization in the epigenetics section; transcriptome assembly, splicing analysis, RNA editing, differential transcription, non-coding RNA analysis and functional characterization in transcriptome section. In addition, the course will integrate various types of omics data, including data generated by mass spectrometry-based approaches, as well as axillary data new generation sequencing technologies.The course will include practical data analysis work conducted by the student in front of a computer, but also introductory lectures into principles of data analysis and basic elements of statistical analysis of large-scale biological data.At the end of the course, students would be expected to accomplish an independent data analysis project on a model dataset including several heterogeneous types of biological "omics" data.


Below is the released transcript from Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford to the recent Urbanism Conference held in Wellington on Monday and Tuesday.
The rather silly $850 conference attending fee aside (which gives rise to equity issues) I was keeping somewhat of a tab on the conference and felt very confused. From the first speaker that was from Sydney promoting that we should protect heritage, limit height and scale (so basically defies the concepts of the Unitary Plan) to others either not realising (?) the Auckland Plan and Unitary Plan set out clear specifics on what and how Auckland develops (hence we need an Urban Development Act) it seems things ended up in a muddle.
I want to thank the organisers of the conference Wellington City Council and the Urban Design Forum. It could not be more timely.
We are at an exciting moment. The planets are aligned. If we grasp the opportunity we have the chance to change the way this country thinks about our build environment, our homes, the public and private realms, and our towns and cities.
Humanity is undergoing a transformation. Instead of living close to the land, we are choosing to live close to each other.
This is the Urbanisation Project. It started around 1800 when about 56,000,000 people living in cities. It will finish around 2100 with about 6 billion people living in cities.
In NZ we are already there. The great irony of our agrarian national mythology is that we are highly urbanised.
And yet we have never really embraced the city. We are only now beginning to grapple with density – the very essence of the city.
All the contemporary symptoms of the urban problem – homelessness, a punishing rental market, cold damp homes, traffic gridlock, unaffordable housing, social isolation, crumbling infrastructure – reflect our collective fracture to understand how cities work and invest in their success.
These reforms are underpinned by the insight that you must at least from one angle understand the city as a market, and pay attention to how it behaves, and intervene when necessary, otherwise you get some pretty perverse outcomes.
The second insight is that a city designed around the needs of people rather than the car is a happier and more successful place.
Our cities are to a large extent the product of a particular economic, social and spatial model from the 1950's: The nuclear family living in a single-storey standalone home with a garden, connected to other suburbs by motorways, with a heavy reliance on the private car.
The failure of the car dependent city is plain to see, here and around the world.
Which is why our Government's transport policy puts a great deal more emphasis on public transport, rapid transit, walking and cycling.
We believe cities of any scale cannot be liveable or prosperous without modern rapid transit and plentiful opportunity to get around on foot and by bike.
We also believe transport drives urban form so we take a joined up approach to transport, housing and urban development. We must invest in transport to drive the urban form we desire.
In Auckland, with the Council and Auckland Transport, we recently landed a 10 year fully funded $28 billion transport plan, and we are about to roll out light rail. We also have a plan for Wellington.
Investing in modern urban transport to support growth and give people the transport choices they want.
The third big area of reform, and I concede it is the least developed, is unleashing the power of great design.
It is time for a qualitative shift in how we design our cities.
Good design is not some nice to have. It is not some pretty veneer. Good design is stuff that works. And because form follows function, stuff that works is so much more likely to please the senses.
Good design has in the last two decades shown us, with the Wellington waterfront and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and in Auckland, the Britomart and Wynyard Quarter – how the quality of the public realm can lift our spirits and make a city liveable, and that in turn attracts people and investment.
We need good design to help build houses that are affordable, warm and dry, without compromising liveability and giving people great spaces to live in.
We can draw inspiration from the successful efforts of the first Labour Government to lift the standard of the housing stock through its mass house building programme, and in the decades that followed a tradition of modernist New Zealand architecture.
Now is the time to apply that tradition to housing for all of us, not just high end bespoke architecture.
In the same vein of democratising design, we should be applying great design in our forgotten suburbs and small towns – not just on the waterfronts and downtowns of our biggest cities. Porirua and Invercargill deserve great built environments too.
I am conscious as Christina van Bohemnen has reminded me that while we have been going hell for leather to set up Kiwibuild and start building homes, we haven't yet done the work on design standards and how exactly we use a mass procurement programme like Kiwibuild to lift design standards. That is work we must now do.
Good design is also the key to doing density well. Designing the spaces in between our homes will help us build desirable liveable density and it's probably the only thing that will ease the fears of the NIMBYS.
I want to mention Zavos Corner not far from here in Mt Victoria as a great example of medium density suburban design.
It's odd you know. We are only contemplating the kind of density Sydney has had for 50 years, and yet for some people it's a scary thing, even though when we visit Sydney we love it's urban feel.
Finally, good design meets digital technology and industrialised production to give us the best opportunity to shake up and disrupt the residential construction industry. I'm talking about modern pre-fab, off site manufacturing.
It's a happy coincidence that the very policies we need to make our cities more liveable and economically efficient (more public transport, more walking and cycling, better thermal efficiency in our homes, more intensification) are the same policies that will reduce our carbon footprint and help us become carbon neutral by 2050.
So we have an opportunity here.
But to be honest, government doesn't have much capability in this area. One of my jobs is to build capability and expertise in the public service for urban development, urban design and the built environment.
We do however have the political will to work with you – the private sector, the design practitioners, local government, academia, the campaigners and advocates.
It is not too late to start.
The new grid with the neighbourhood ring in green. In grey the 30km/h streets. Number 1, 2 and 3 indicate the main points where traffic can get from the arterial roads to the neighbourhood ring. Number 4 is the blockade that was cancelled. Number 5 is the blockade that is planned to be implemented at a later stage. There are no other points where motor traffic can access the neighbourhood.
Auckland and New Zealand has struggled with this but we are making headway.
Urban Geography: The Ultimate Expression in Inter Regional Spatial Planning, Developments and Behaviours which looks at inter-regional spatial planning and behaviours around it.
Urban Geography, Urban Planning, Urban Design and Engineering: We are in a Mess Folks which looks at how we landed ourselves in the mess and how we can answer Twyford's statement on Design mentioned above.
I can't wait for the Housing Commission – the central Urban Development Authority to fire up (though needs to be quicker than the 18 months Twyford said it would take to establish) and get going on some large urban developments especially in Southern Auckland and the northern Waikato!


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Q: Deleting Android App I have a couple people using an Android app that I made, report: "It won't let me delete the app"
Is that possible? I didn't think that you could prevent the app from being deleted.
I use this in my manifest. Could that be causing some people's problems?
android:installLocation="preferExternal"

EDIT:
I should clarify. I have a contact form in my app for people to report bugs & send comments. In the last 3 days I had two different people tell me they couldn't delete the app from their phone. So, it's literally a few of my users that are telling me this.
I'm not sure whether they just don't understand how to uninstall an app or if there might possibly be something in my code that's causing a problem.

A: If the application has the Device Admin Right Enabled then the application can not be uninstalled. And it also not shows such message. There may be other cases, but if is to then you can check this by Settings -> Location and Security -> Select Device Administrator and see if there in the list the application appears. If it so then uncheck the application to disable the  DeviceAdmin right. Now you can uninstall the application successfully.

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