text:
Where's Waldo, Er, I Mean, Obama?
Filed under: Military,Politics — The Professor @ 1:43 am
Multiple stories provide a magical timeline from Benghazi on 9/11/12 intended to exculpate Obama from any responsibility for what went on.
Examples include Reuters, Bloomberg, the WSJ. I could go on. After being a non-subject for days, all of a sudden Benghazi is THE STORY for the MSM. Because now they have a narrative that absolves their hero from blame.
Except it doesn't. At all.
The basic story is that the CIA made heroic efforts to save Ambassador Stevens and the rest of the US people in Benghazi. But their efforts failed.
And Obama is not responsible for that failure:
Responding to accusations aired on Fox News and picked up elsewhere that officials in Washington had refused to approve military strikes or rescue efforts, the official said no one in the White House, the State Department, the Pentagon, the CIA or any other organization second-guessed decisions made in Benghazi, and there were no orders to anyone providing support to stand down.
Such bullshit. First, no one credible has accused anyone of second guessing decisions made in Benghazi. Straw man. Second. Stipulating the negative (there were NO orders to stand down), what was the affirmative? That is, what WERE the orders from the WH?
We read paragraph after paragraph about what the CIA did. We read nothing about what Obama did-or didn't do.
This is like Where's Waldo: Where's Obama? Isn't that kind of the point?
Seriously. Where was he? Simple question. No need for an investigation. Could be answered instantly.
But no. We get these stories about the CIA. We get the tragedy, but the prince is nowhere to be found.
Remind me again. Do we have a Defense Department? A military? What was the DOD, the military, doing when the CIA was trying desperately to improvise? Did they do nothing? That's what the stories imply. If they did nothing-why?
I'm waiting for the answers. MSM-not so much. Their curiosity has apparently been slaked by this revelation.
When you testify in court, the oath says "Do you swear to tell the truth, the WHOLE TRUTH, and nothing but the truth?" This is not the whole truth. It is a selective, quarter truth at best. It leaves out the most important participants and details. And partial truths can be more misleading that outright falsehoods.
As is the case here.
I said before this is meant to be exculpatory. Stipulating for a moment-I know, I know-that it is the whole truth, it is anything but exculpatory. Because if the only thing that was happening was that the CIA was improvising to retrieve a desperate situation that was careening from bad to worse, that means that Barack Obama was MIA. He did nothing. He left it to the CIA and did not strain every muscle to bring to bear every element of US military power that could possibly have saved some of those who died.
So, the choice tonight is: (1) Barack Obama was MIA, and sat by passively and left it to the CIA to deal with a total clusterf*ck, or (2) he consciously decided not to deploy US military assets to attempt to retrieve the situation.
Either way: Derelict in his duty as Commander in Chief. And BTW, I know he's CIC because "Barack Obama, Commander in Chief" is embroidered in a patch on that butch bomber jacket he's donned of late.
The narrative-obviously pushed by the White House-contains some interesting facts intended to be exculpatory, but which are really anything but. For instance, the Super Secret Source denies that the mortars that eventually killed the two ex-SEAL CIA people had been laser designated by anyone in the annex. But SSS does acknowledge that the the defenders of the complex DID point a laser at some attackers. Which means that there were eyes on the enemy. Expert, trained eyes. Which blows to hell Panetta's "no real time intel" defense.
I said before that the CIA people were improvising-valiantly so. Tragically so. How's this for improvisation?:
The officers attempted to rally local support to reinforce militiamen hired to guard the compound and obtain heavier weapons, and when they were unable to do so within minutes, they still risked their lives by going to the aid of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and his colleagues in the main part of the compound, the official said.
What? They're under attack, and they have to approach the locals and say: "Hey, can I borrow that 50 cal?" Seriously? (Locals, by the way, that were highly likely to be in sympathy with the attackers.)
And think a moment about the import of "rally local support." Is that like, I dunno, community organizing? That sounds right down Obama's alley. But again . . . he's nowhere to be found. Where's a crack community organizer when you need one?
It gets worse:
U.S. military, landed at the Benghazi airport, where they began negotiating for transportation into town.
So, the most powerful military in the world is reduced to negotiating for heavy weapons and transportation from the locals while its people are under attack.
There are three parts to the Benghazi story. The criminal negligence in preparation. The actions at the time of the attack. The coverup afterwards.
The image of Americans under attack negotiating under fire for weapons and transport speaks volumes about the complete lack of preparation. The fact that the response to the attack appears limited to local improvisation has damning implications for the actions of Obama and the DOD at the time of the attack. This incomplete story is a part of the coverup.
In other words, this story hits the trifecta.
In sum. This is intended to absolve Obama from any responsibility. To focus attention on the CIA.
But Obama's absence from the story only begs the question of what he was actually doing at the time. Again: What did he know? When did he know it? What did he do about it.
The stories answer the second question: the DOD and WH were informed of the attack around 4PM ET. Other than that, Obama's actions or inactions are a complete and utter mystery.
A mystery that could be solved instantaneously, and a mystery that a real media would be demanding to solve.
But not ours. After ignoring Benghazi for days when numerous leaks portrayed Obama in a very damning light, they now all trip over themselves to run this leak-a press release, really-front and center because in their little minds it absolves Obama.
But just because he doesn't appear in this story doesn't mean that he's off the hook. If he really wasn't a player (and no, that wasn't a reference to his campaign buddy Jay-Z), then he was utterly derelict in his responsibilities. If he was a player, what plays did he call? Why?
We need to know. Now.
PS. Why did it take 51 days for this story to get out? Hell, why did it take almost a week since the original allegations of a failure to act were first made for this story to appear? Has it taken them that long to figure out what to say? I could imagine, given the need to negotiate an official line that the WH, State, the CIA, and DOD could buy into. And the inference that I draw from the fact that the WH and DOD are totally missing from this narrative is that they are hiding because they have something to hide.


Daniel Maltzman was born in Los Angeles, California in 1963, the middle child of three boys. Maltzman initially pursued a successful career as a night club promoter and clothing manufacturer which he used to start his budding art career. After exhibiting his work in several galleries in the late 1990s, he began to receive recognition as an influential and controversial artist. Maltzman works explore the relationship between artistic expression, celebrity culture, and advertising that span a variety of media, including painting. The work consists of layers of paint and imagery that exude to energy and life. The viewer is drawn into a world filled with movement, a signature style illustrating Maltzman's ability to juxtapose abstract mixed media with the feminine figure. The appeal of Maltzman's work has drawn the attention of collectors including Scott Painter, Steve Tisch, Bill & Hilary Clinton Art Collection, The Galen Center, Eugenio Lopez and many others. Musicians, actors and celebrities also fawn to Maltzman's work, such as Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Bruce Springsteen's band, Bill Gross and Petra Ecclestone. Each one of his pieces is done meticulously with the most attention to detail, and are all one of a kind. Unlike most artists, sports play a large part in Maltzman's life. After adorning the walls of Travis Mathews Co. with his Golf inspired paintings, Maltzman was recruited to receive the honor of being the official artist of the 2014 AT&T Pebble Beach PGA Tour. Charity is also a high priority for artist Daniel Maltzman. This year alone, Maltzman donated paintings to over a dozen charitable events and causes. Maltzman teamed up with the Harlem Globe Trotters to co-paint a piece for the Susan G. Komen for The Cure. Currently, Maltzman is exhibiting with Coda Gallery in Palm Desert, Lisa Russell Collection in Austin TX , Buckhead Art in Atlanta, and Chloe Gallery in San Francisco, California.


Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed hit fighting half-centuries on Monday to thwart Sri Lanka and set up an enthralling finish to the second and final day-night Test in Dubai.
Shafiq scored an unbeaten 86 while skipper Ahmed was 57 not out as they lifted Pakistan from a perilous position of 52-5 to 198-5 at close after being set a daunting target of 317.
The pair added 146 for the unbroken sixth-wicket stand to leave Pakistan needing another 119 runs with five wickets in hand to level the series.
Sri Lanka won a nail-biting first Test in Abu Dhabi by 21 runs.
Both Shafiq and Ahmed batted confidently to raise hopes of Pakistan maintaining their unbeaten record in nine Test series in the United Arab Emirates, their adopted home since 2009.
Pakistan have been forced to play at a neutral venue since a 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore prompted authorities to suspend international cricket in the country.
Earlier, paceman Wahab Riaz grabbed four for 41 and left-arm spinner Haris Sohail took three wickets in a single over to dismiss Sri Lanka for 96 in their second innings, after they resumed on 34-5.
Shafiq brought up his 19th Test fifty with a well-timed cover drive off fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, his first 50-plus score in 12 innings.
Ahmed smashed part-timer Kusal Mendis for his fourth boundary to complete his 14th Test half-century.
Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur is hopeful his team can claw their way to a famous win.
"The first session will be fantastic," said Arthur, under whom Pakistan have lost 10 Tests and won six. "We have seven overs to the second new ball so we have to cash in on them and hope that Asad and Sarfraz see us through."
It was off-spinner Dilruwan Perera who ripped apart Pakistan with a triple strike in the second session. He dismissed Haris Sohail (10), Shan Masood (21) and Babar Azam (nought) to leave Pakistan in tatters at 52-5.
Perera could have claimed the wickets of Shafiq, on 26, and Ahmed, on 22, but both were dropped by Mendis at short leg off successive balls, leaving Sri Lanka to rue the missed chances.
Pakistan made a disastrous start when opener Sami Aslam fell for one, caught in the slips off Lahiru Gamage.
Masood and Azhar Ali (17) added 31 for the second wicket before the batting collapse began with Ali caught off fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep for 17.
Pakistan had needed to make early inroads in the morning and Riaz provided them with the important wicket of Niroshan Dickwella in the fifth over of the day for 21.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah dismissed Perera for nought to leave Sri Lanka in danger of being all out for their lowest ever total -- they were skittled for just 71 against Pakistan in 1994.
But Mendis (29) and Rangana Herath (17) added 35 for the eighth wicket to frustrate Pakistan before Sohail struck thrice in his only over to give his team hope of an upset win.


A blog about putting weird things in coffee.
If television and movies have taught us anything, it's that police officers subsist entirely on coffee and donuts.
It is only logical, then, to put the two together, and name it after cops. Here is copfee.
The first thing I tried was simply dipping a donut (sour cream glazed) in coffee. A curious thing happened: I held it there for a few seconds (to snap a picture), and when I tried pulling it out, it had disintegrated into mush, and a piece of the donut was breaking off, getting sucked into the coffee. It was like the coffee and donut wanted to become one, so they could be together forever.
It continued to liquify as I pulled it out.
The rest of the coffee had donut mush on top. It tasted kinda good once I got over the slimy texture. But surely there must be a better way to integrate these flavours.
I got myself more coffee and a vanilla dip with sprinkles, then went to work. By "went to work" I mean I put them in a blender.
I took the lid off, and immediately noticed the smell; it was like I'd walked into a donut shop. That smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee. It tastes much the same way. The main flavour that comes through is the breadiness of the donut, although the icing and sprinkles are hanging around too.
This is actually not bad. The baked dough taste is something I haven't yet experienced in my coffee creations, and it works. I'd do this again, but maybe with a slightly higher icing to dough ratio.
There is a sludge at the bottom as usual, but not much of one, presumably due to the aforementioned donut-liquifying powers of coffee.
Copfee needs a bit of work before I can label it a success, but it's close. And when I get there, expect to see me setting up a booth outside the local police station to fill cops' cups. I'll either be unimaginably successful or arrested for perpetuating cruel stereotypes.
Damn…that looks amazing. I would totally buy a Copfee frap.
I wonder if getting a creme-filled donut (say Boston creme) would solve the icing ratio issue?
Great idea! I think Boston creme would go great with coffee, as long as the gunk in the middle didn't go all curdly.
Back when Timmy's used to sell those nice, soft chocolate-caramel-pecan cookies, I used to dip those (like biscotti) into my coffee.
It was great, but because the cookies were so soft, chunks broke off, and sank to the bottom. I ended up fishing out the chocolatey-gooey goodness with a spoon, and just eating it.
The classic way to do the Copfee is with a plain, unglazed donut. And not from a Tim Horton's/Dunkin Donuts kind of place, but rather from the locally-owned mom & pop donut shop. They taste sooooo different—and way better. Give it a whirl.
Show your friends and co-workers that you're not afraid to go beyond cream and sugar (or at least read about someone doing it).
When you shop at the PWTIC Store, all proceeds go directly to buying more weird crap to throw in coffee.
"Please make the bad man stop."
"My research turned up a site from a person weirdo who adds random things to his coffee. For example bacon, blue cheese and bananas. I can't imagine how dull his life is to get that bored..."
"A good cup of coffee requires no additional ingredients."
- $15.00 - Get our own domain name.
- $20.00 - Some kind of fancy black velvet backdrop for photos.
- $25.00 - Trip to the Asian grocery store.
- $35.00 - Blender or food processor.
- $50.00 - Get our own web hosting and be a real web site.
- $??? - Hire a hand model.
Click below to donate. Every cent is appreciated so much. We would have a toast in your honour, but people don't really toast with coffee.
Unless otherwise noted, all text and pictures were created by Phronk. It's released under a creative commons license, but I'd appreciate if you sent me a note if you use this stuff for anything.
This work by Phronk is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Canada License.


text:
#ifndef ASSISTANT_EXTENSION_H
#define ASSISTANT_EXTENSION_H
#include <time.h>

#ifndef VECTORCALL
#if defined(_MSC_VER)&&_MSC_VER >= 1800
#define VECTORCALL __vectorcall
#else
#define VECTORCALL
#endif
#endif

#ifndef __cplusplus
//C++ nullptr is Built-in type
#ifndef nullptr
#define nullptr ((void *)0)
#endif
#endif

typedef unsigned short uint16_t;

typedef struct _TIMEEX{
	uint16_t sec;
	uint16_t min;
	uint16_t hor;
	uint16_t day;
	uint16_t mon;
	uint16_t year;
}TIMEEX,*PTIMEEX;

class SPTIME{
private:
	WCHAR cday[4];
	WCHAR chour[3];
	WCHAR cmin[3];
public:
	UINT GetTotalSecond();
	SPTIME(PWSTR pDay, PWSTR pHour, PWSTR pMin);
	SPTIME &operator= (SPTIME spt);
};

BOOL CALLBACK AssistantTimeShutdown(HWND hWnd,UINT time);

BOOL CALLBACK AssistantAbortShutdown();

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Premier eXtreme Plastic Lockers are designed to securely store bags, documents, laptops and other small to medium size items. They are ideal for schools, workplaces and public places. Constructed from hard-wearing polyethylene making them undentable and vandal resistant.


text:
Felipe Andrade > CMS Rodríguez-Azuero > Bogota, Colombia > Lawyer Profile
CMS Rodríguez-Azuero Offices
Select office Bogota
CMS Rodríguez-Azuero
CALLE 75 NO. 3-53
Email firm Visit website 57 1 321 8910 571 321 8910
Felipe Andrade
+57 601 3218910 felipe.andrade@cms-ra.com View profile View profile
Felipe is a Partner of the Firm and coheads the Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property practices.
Felipe is a Partner for the Firm and coheads the Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property practices. In the Dispute Resolution practice, he is an advisor and litigator in Arbitration and judicial proceedings regarding disputes related to contract and tort, civil and state liability, infringement of intellectual property rights and disputes in the infrastructure sector. In the area of Intellectual Property, he focuses his practice on advising on plant variety protection (Plant Breeders' Rights), handling and management of intellectual property rights, technology transfer, protection of intangible assets within organizations, as well as advising on issues related to the enforcement and defence of intellectual property rights.
Felipe is a lawyer from the Universidad Externado de Colombia with a postgraduate degree in Intellectual Property and Liability and Compensatory Damages; He has extensive experience in the areas of Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Litigation and has been an advisor in the area of legal consulting on Intellectual Property material, development of strategies for innovation and business development
Spanish and English
2011 – Course of Secretary of Arbitration Courts, Registered in the List of Secretaries of the Arbitration and Conciliation Center, Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá, Colombia
2011 – Specialization in Responsibility and Compensable Damage, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
2009 – Specialization in Intellectual Property, Copyrights and New Technologies, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
2008 – Legal English and Business Training Program, Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
2006 – Diploma in Intellectual Property, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
2005 – Lawyer, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
Colombia > Intellectual property
'A team that takes ownership of cases', CMS Rodríguez-Azuero impresses sources with its responsiveness and extensive practice knowledge. The group handles a comprehensive range of IP matters, with notable niche strength in the plant breeder's rights sphere. Karl Mutter co-heads the department and handles trade marks, patents, copyrights, industrial models and plant breeder's rights. Dispute resolution specialist Felipe Andrade now co-leads the team following his July 2021 arrival from Sanabria & Andrade. The group also includes associate director Lola Kandelaft, who specialises in IP portfolio management, protection and defence.
Colombia > Dispute resolution > Litigation
Satisfied clients of CMS Rodríguez-Azuero's litigation team assert it 'is definitely a winner!' The department is widely lauded for its thriving white-collar crime practice, but it also shines in commercial and civil litigation, administrative law issues and judicial bankruptcy proceedings. A strong performer in both domestic and cross-border cases, the firm enjoys close relationships with a diverse range of Colombian and multinational clients, with notable expertise in the financial services, telecoms and energy sectors. Founding partner Sergio Rodríguez-Azuero's robust regulatory experience in the banking and finance sphere equips him to advise on complex financial disputes; he is notably representing Fiduprevisora, as Trustee and administrator of the Fondo Nacional de Garantías, in a $12m claim initiated by Isagen in relation to the credits made when it was a public entity. Other senior names include Daniel Rodríguez, who is a prominent name for insolvency issues; Jacques Simhon, who spearheads the the corporate criminal law team; and TMT and competition specialist Lorenzo Villegas Carrasquilla. Additionally, the firm's merger with boutique firm Sanabria & Andrade in July 2021 saw the arrival of Felipe Andrade, who is particularly experienced in IP, infrastructure and state liability disputes, and Henry Sanabria, who is an expert in civil procedural law.
Litigation - Colombia > Dispute resolution
Intellectual property - Colombia
Compliance and white-collar crime
Dispute resolution > Litigation

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Ha lavorato per la divisione di ricerca ad alta quota della General Mills quando ha contribuito a lanciare la Raven Industries nel 1956.

Note

Collegamenti esterni

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Wrongful Death Lawyers Mesquite, Texas
When a person suffers injuries or illness due to another person's or party's negligence, the injured party can sue the negligent party in a personal injury lawsuit to secure compensation for his or her damages. However, if the victim dies from the negligent party's actions, the victim's family will need to file a wrongful death claim to pursue damages against the negligent party. Each state has unique laws concerning wrongful death claims, and the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Fielding Law can help you answer important questions to move forward with your claim and work fast to get you the results you need.
Why Choose Fielding Law Attorneys?
Our experienced Attorneys are available 24/7
Will contact you right away
We are a small firm with big firm power
Have won millions for our clients
What Is Wrongful Death?
Texas state law defines a "wrongful death" as any death resulting from negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous behavior. Generally, the same things that may lead to a personal injury claim can lead to a wrongful death claim if the victim perishes from his or her injuries. For example, if a person suffers severe injuries in a car accident due to a speeding driver, the victim would file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Talk to a Mesquite car accident lawyer for answers to your questions. If the victim dies from his or her injuries, then a family member or personal representative would file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver instead.
Wrongful death claims are very similar to personal injury claims, in that both types of civil action revolve around the concept of negligence. Plaintiffs in wrongful death claims can secure many of the same types of compensation as plaintiffs in personal injury cases, in addition to other types of compensation for the surviving family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Texas allows a surviving spouse, parent, or child of a wrongfully deceased person to file a wrongful death claim. If no such kin files a wrongful death claim within three months of the death, then a personal representative of the deceased's estate may pursue a claim instead. However, they may only do so if a surviving member of the family does not explicitly request that they do not file a claim. Adult children may file a wrongful death claim for the wrongful death of a parent, and an adopted child may pursue a wrongful death claim for the death of an adoptive parent. However, an adopted child may not pursue a wrongful death claim for the wrongful death of a biological parent. Adoptive parents may also file wrongful death claims for the negligent deaths of adopted children. Texas law does not allow siblings to file wrongful death claims.
What Is a Survival Action?
When the victim in a wrongful death case did not die immediately from his or her injuries, the estate may pursue a survival action for the damages the deceased experienced immediately preceding his or her death. For example, if a person dies immediately in a car accident, the family would file a wrongful death claim. If the person suffered extreme injuries but did not perish immediately, then the estate could pursue a survival action for the damages incurred between the accident and the victim's death. The damages in a survival action typically reflect the compensation the deceased would have likely pursued for his or her damages had he or she survived.
Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas
Texas law allows certain individuals to collect compensation on behalf of a decedent. These wrongful death claims help surviving family members gain compensation for their material and intangible losses resulting from a loved one's untimely death. Texas also imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. This means a claimant has two years beginning on the date of the death in question to file such a claim.
Proving a wrongful death claim requires proof of four essential elements:
The Defendant Owed the Plaintiff a Duty of Care
First, the party bringing a wrongful death action must show that the party they're bringing an action against had a legal duty of care to the decedent. Civil law requires that we all exercise reasonable care to one another. Motorists, for example, owe a duty of care to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers on the road. Similarly, a doctor owes a duty of care to his or her patients, a daycare worker owes a duty of care to children, and a university owes a duty of care to its students.
The Defendant Breached a Duty of Care
Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant breached his or her duty of care to the plaintiff. Most often, this occurs by establishing negligence. This legal term refers to the idea that the defendant failed to act in a manner that was reasonably careful. As an example, a reasonably careful motorist would not text and drive or speed, and a reasonably careful doctor would follow an established standard of care. When a defendant acts in a reckless or careless manner, he or she breaches his or her duty of care by committing negligence.
The Defendant's Breach Was the Proximate Cause of the Injury
It's not enough to show that a duty of care existed, and the defendant violated it; the plaintiff must also show that the breach of duty caused injury, or in this case, the death of the decedent. Under civil law, grounds for a suit only exist if an injury or some other damage occurs. A motorist may commit negligence and almost cause a car accident, but "almost causing an accident" is not legal grounds for a claim. A plaintiff must be able to show that a defendant's negligence directly caused the decedent's death.
The Plaintiff Suffered Damages as a Result
Finally, the plaintiff must be able to show that the death of the victim led to quantifiable damages. Examples of possible damages include hospitalization related to the final illness or injury, loss of income and earning potential, expenses associated with the funeral and burial, and intangible losses such as loss of partnership or guidance and any suffering the decedent may have experienced before death.
How Do You Prove the Four Essential Elements?
Establishing the four elements of a wrongful death case requires the assistance of an attorney. It demands strong and compelling evidence through eyewitness and expert testimony. Establishing damages in a wrongful death case, for example, is a highly complex process. It often requires talking to actuaries and economists to determine not only immediate costs associated with wrongful death, but also the projected amount of losses the surviving family members are expected to suffer as the result of the victim's death. Even things like child care, laundry, and transportation go into calculating economic damages.
Injury lawyers can help by demanding fair and full compensation for the tangible and intangible losses that a family experienced in light of a wrongful death. He or she will establish the four elements inherent in a wrongful death case and calculate the associated damages. He or she will prove to be an invaluable partner during the process and demand maximum compensation in light of a loved one's untimely death. If you lost a loved one and think that someone else may be legally responsible, contact us and schedule a free initial consultation.
What Damages Are Recoverable?
Each state outlines the damages recoverable through wrongful death claims. In Texas, a claimant may pursue compensation for lost earning capacity, including lost future earnings the decedent would have reasonably expected to earn had he or she survived. A Mesquite tx wrongful death claim may also pursue compensation for lost value of household and personal services, loss of affection and consortium, lost inheritance (if the deceased's retirement accounts and savings accounts lose any value due to the death), and the mental anguish the surviving family experienced because of the wrongful death.
Plaintiffs in wrongful death claims can secure various types of compensation, including:
The plaintiffs can sue for the medical expenses resulting from the victim's final illness or injury, including hospital treatment, palliative care, and any other costs associated with medical care.
The plaintiffs can sue for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish the deceased experienced leading up to his or her death. Additionally, the plaintiffs can sue for the loss of love, affection, guidance, moral support, and comfort the deceased provided.
Lost income
Plaintiffs in wrongful death claims can sue for the deceased's lost income during his or her final illness or injury, as well as future earnings. The plaintiffs can also sue for lost insurance coverage, investments, and other assets compromised by the death.
If the defendant's actions caused damage to the deceased's personal property, such as a vehicle in a car accident, the plaintiffs can sue for the cost of repairing or replacing said property.
If the death occurred due to criminal activity or gross negligence, the surviving family may receive punitive damages. As the name suggests, punitive damages serve as punishment to discourage similar behavior by others in the future.
An untimely death is always tragic, and surviving family members need reliable legal counsel to handle their wrongful death claims. The team of personal injury lawyers at Fielding Law has experience handling complex wrongful death claims. If you've experienced an unexpected death in the family due to negligence in Texas, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Mesquite at law firm Fielding Law to schedule a free consultation for legal advice. A Mesquite tx wrongful death lawyer will let you know what you and your family can rightfully demand through a detailed claim assessment.
Recent Review From Our Past Clients:
"Michael is extremely bright, hard-working and committed to getting the best possible results for his clients." -Joseph Callister
Commercial or Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer


How do you know you are ready to speak? How do you know if you are ready to add teaching into your business? What if you aren't ready but aren't willing to face that? Truthfully answering this question is going to push you and pivot your business to do the thing you are really supposed to be doing and not just have that shiny object syndrome.Take the time to figure out if you can you teach it. If you're not ready to teach it, it's okay! But give yourself the chance to fail without doing it in front of a big audience from a big stage.
You are either going to love this episode or hate it but I have zero apologizes here! This is a topic that needs to be discussed. It might give you the exact permission that you need today, or you might just be like all the praise, hands emojis behind your headphone saying, yes, girl, I'm right there with you. Either way, I know you will walk away with something valuable and actionable to your speaking journey!
There is a difference between being an education speaker and a motivational speaker.
Nobody is pushing you up against the wall and telling you that you need to be a speaker.
Just because somebody else is doing something doesn't mean your business needs to do it or that it would even work for your business.


Blouse :-The Blouse Comes Along With On Pure Banglori Satin Fabric With Heavy Embroidered..!
Lehenga :-The Lehenga Comes With 3 Mrts Flare On Pure Banglori Satin Fabric With Heavy Embroidered On Heavy Finish Thread Work.
Dupatta :- Dupatta Comes Along With 2.50 Mrts On Soft Net With Rich Heavy Finish Embroidered Work Border On Overall Four Sides..


text:
Isolona zenkeri är en kirimojaväxtart som beskrevs av Adolf Engler. Isolona zenkeri ingår i släktet Isolona och familjen kirimojaväxter. IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som sårbar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Kirimojaväxter
zenkeri


text:
Strong, Sydney, 1860-1938
Sydney Dix Strong Papers
Overview Sydney Dix Strong (1860-1938) was an outspoken pacifist and strong supporter of disarmament, war resistance, and organized labor. He was the pastor for churches in Ohio and Illinois and did settlement work in Chicago. For his peace stance made him unpopular during WWI and in Oct. 1917 he was expelled from membership in the Municipal League of Seattle because of a speech he had given before the National Council of Congregational Churches, in which he praised the I.W.W. (International Workers...
Found in: Swarthmore College Peace Collection / Sydney Dix Strong Papers
Lydia G. Wentworth Papers
Overview Lydia G. Wentworth, was a writer and ardent peace advocate who lived most of her life in Brookline, Massachusetts. Despite illness which confined her to bed for over thirty years, she carried on a prolific correspondence and contributed hundreds of articles to newspapers and magazines. Wentworth was on the advisory committee of the Women's Peace Society, and was a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the Association to Abolish...
Found in: Swarthmore College Peace Collection / Lydia G. Wentworth Papers
Civil rights -- United States -- History -- Sources 1
Congregational churches -- Clergy -- History -- Sources 1
Feminists -- United States -- History -- Sources 1
Flags -- Law and legislation -- United States -- History -- Sources 1
Socialists -- United States -- History -- Sources 1


text:
Could manual gearboxes become a luxury?
Matt Bubbers
Published August 12, 2019 Updated August 8, 2019
Open this photo in gallery
The only available transmission on the Porsche 718 Spyder is a six-speed manual.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
If you go to Europe this summer, you may be in for a horrible shock when you rent a car. They're usually quite cheap, unless – oh dear – you need one with an automatic transmission. You can't drive a stick shift? Well, in that case, the price to rent a dorky French microvan in which you're forced to sit with your luggage on your lap has suddenly doubled.
Meanwhile, here in North America, automatic transmissions are usually the default option, with manuals, once the bargain-basement choice, now being aimed squarely at more enthusiastic drivers.
The only gearbox on Porsche's new mid-range sports cars – the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 – is a six-speed manual. (An automatic will be made available, but not until next year. When it arrives, don't expect the manual to be cheaper. It will likely be the same price as the automatic, as it is on the 911 GT3.)
Across the entire Porsche lineup – which includes many SUVs and sedans – not many people want a stick shift. But the people who do really, really want one. Those GT3 and GT4 buyers are big spenders who are loyal and enthusiastic.
"We had a bet about manuals with Porsche Cars North America's CEO," said Frank-Steffen Walliser, vice-president in charge of the 718 and 911 sports cars at Porsche. Their bet was on what percentage of U.S. customers would choose the manual over the automatic in the GT3. "I think [the CEO] said 20 per cent. Andreas Preuninger [head of the GT3 project] said 30 per cent. They were both wrong. It was 70. It was way higher than expected."
Canadians want manual transmissions even more than our American counterparts, it turns out. Last year, 74 per cent of GT3 buyers opted to row their own gears, according to a Porsche Canada spokesperson. So far in 2019, it's even higher: 86 per cent opted for the manual.
"Human beings, the more senses are activated, the more you are thrilled," Walliser said. "If you buy something you do not need, you want something emotional." Ahhh, nothing better than the smell of burned clutch in the morning.
As for the pricing, Walliser said developing a stick shift is expensive. "The manual is a small sales volume [for Porsche overall] that, price-wise, costs out very close to the PDK [automatic]. We have to convince the supplier to keep the manual in production," Walliser explained. The vast majority of vehicles Porsche sells – which, these days, means SUVs – are automatic.
Porsche believes stick shifts could eventually become more expensive than automatic gearboxes due to their lower sales volume.
Eventually, Walliser said he could imagine manuals becoming the more expensive gearbox option. "One reason is production costs, low sales volume, research and development costs. On the other hand, you have market demand. On an enthusiast's car like 911 GT3 or 718 GT4, I could imagine something like that," he said. In other words, some sports car buyers – not many, but enough – are willing to pay more for the privilege of shifting gears the old-fashioned way.
If Porsche excels at one thing, it's figuring out what customers really want and then making them pay dearly for it.
It makes the decision to omit a manual option on the new Toyota Supra and midengine Corvette C8 – two of the most feverishly anticipated sports cars in recent memory – seem like a missed opportunity to fatten profit margins at both Toyota and Chevrolet.
On Toyota's more affordable cars, opting for a manual gearbox will save you a couple of thousand dollars. Buyers looking for a car to simply get them from A to B will pay extra for convenience of an automatic. Buyers of the new Supra, however, don't just want a car to get from A to B. They want something fun, engaging, exciting. They're already paying $65,000 for a sports car; how many would pay an extra $1,500 to add a manual transmission? Toyota missed an opportunity to find out.
Like Porsche, BMW has also seen there is money to be made off diehard manual fans. Markus Flasch, the CEO of BMW's hot-rod M Division, said manuals are here to stay.
"Not on every car, but on the cars where people ask for the manual shifter, they will have it," Flasch said in an interview in Munich. The compact M2 coupe has a nice, slick-shifting manual and Flasch has gone on record saying the next-generation M3 sedan and M4 coupe – due to be revealed later this year – will have a manual option as well.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the manuals could become more expensive. Currently, the manual is standard equipment, while the automatic costs nearly $4,000 extra on the M2.
"[The manual] won't be the entry gearbox any more, because it's a niche; it's expensive to develop," Flasch said. "Now, the mainstream is automatic, so the manual transmission, it's a premium thing."
Maybe none of this should come as a surprise. Have you seen what Leica charges for a 35-millimetre film camera today? Let's just say it's more than the price of my first car. Vinyl records are shockingly expensive too: the new Travis Scott album, $42; a Smashing Pumpkins remaster, $70. High prices for old technology. It taps into some deep desire for simplicity, for tactile mechanical devices that require concentrated interaction, the opposite of the mindless smartphone scroll.
All of which is to say, the next time you're on holiday in Europe and have to rent a car, try the stick shift. You'll certainly save some money and might just learn to love it.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
Stay on top of all our Drive stories. We have a Drive newsletter covering car reviews, innovative new cars and the ups and downs of everyday driving. Sign up for theweekly Drive newsletter, delivered to your inbox for free. Follow us on Instagram,@globedrive.
The Spyder and Cayman GT4 aren't your friendly neighbourhood Porsche 718s
Toyota's revived Supra is a worthy track competitor to the Z4, for $10,000 less
Follow us on Twitter @globedrive Opens in a new window


Air Liquide is pleased to announce their new site at Waterbeach in Cambridge.
In order to get closer to our customers and provide the service you require we are now closer than ever to your business.
Listening to you, Working with you, Supporting you, GROWING TOGETHER.


This document sets out the approach which the Data Governance Australia (DGA) will take in relation to the treatment of Personal Information. It includes information on how DGA collects, uses, discloses and keeps secure, individuals' personal information. It also covers how DGA makes the personal information it holds available for access to and correction by the individual.
1.1 DGA will only collect Personal Information where the information is necessary for DGA to perform one or more of its functions or activities. In this context, "collect" means gather, acquire or obtain by any means, information in circumstances where the individual is identifiable or identified.
• business planning and product development.
• via our social media accounts.
• the consequences (if any) for the individual if all or part of the Personal Information is not provided to DGA.
1.5 Where it is not practicable for DGA to notify individuals of all of the Collection Information before the collection of Personal Information, DGA will ensure that individuals are notified of the Collection Information as soon as possible after the collection. DGA will provide "post collection notification" in those circumstances where it is not practicable to notify individuals about the collection of their personal information before it is collected.
1.6 DGA will not collect Sensitive Information from individuals except with express consent from the individual and only where it is necessary for DGA to collect such information for an activity or function.
1.7 DGA will not collect Personal Information secretly or in an underhanded way.
1.8 DGA will take steps to ensure that individuals on purchased lists are or have been notified of the information as outlined at 1.4.
2.1 DGA will obtain an individual's consent for Use of non-sensitive Personal Information for Secondary Purposes at the time of collection, unless the Use is a related Secondary Purpose which would be within the relevant individual's Reasonable Expectations.
2.2 DGA Uses Personal Information primarily for the purposes listed in 1.2 above.
• if the individual Opts Out of all Direct Marketing the Opt Out will be respected by DGA and implemented free of charge.
2.4 DGA will not use Sensitive Information for Direct Marketing.
2.5 DGA may use Personal Information to avoid an imminent threat to a person's life or to public safety. It may also use Personal Information for reasons related to law enforcement or internal investigations into unlawful activities.
2.6 DGA will not use Personal Information without taking reasonable steps to ensure that the information is accurate, complete and up to date.
2.7 DGA will not attempt to match de-identified or anonymous data collected through surveys or such online devices as "cookies", with information identifying an individual, without the consent of the relevant individual.
3.1 DGA may Disclose Personal Information to related or unrelated third parties if consent has been obtained from the individual.
3.2 DGA may Disclose Personal Information to unrelated third parties to enable outsourcing of functions where that Disclosure or Use is for a related Secondary Purpose and has been notified to individuals or where such Disclosure is within the individual's Reasonable Expectations.
3.3 DGA will take reasonable steps to ensure that its contracts with third parties include requirements for third parties to comply with the Use and Disclosure requirements of the Privacy Act.
3.4 In the rare event that DGA is required to disclose Personal Information to law enforcement agencies, government agencies or external advisors DGA will only do so in accordance with the Privacy Act or any other relevant Australian legislation.
3.5 DGA may Disclose Personal Information to avoid an imminent threat to a person's life or to public safety.
3.6 If a Disclosure is not for a Primary Purpose; is not for a related Secondary Purpose; or upfront consent has not been obtained, DGA will not Disclose Personal Information otherwise than in accordance with the exceptions set out at 3.1 to 3.6 above.
3.7 DGA does not generally share its customer lists on a commercial basis with third parties but if it did, it would only do so if we had the appropriate consent of the individual involved.
4.1 DGA will review, on a regular and ongoing basis, its collection and storage practices to ascertain how improvements to accuracy can be achieved.
4.2 DGA will take steps to destroy or de-identify Personal Information after as short a time as possible and after a maximum of seven years, unless the law requires otherwise.
5.1 DGA requires employees and contractors to perform their duties in a manner that is consistent with DGA' legal responsibilities in relation to privacy.
5.2 DGA will take all reasonable steps to ensure that paper and electronic records containing Personal Information are stored in facilities that are only accessible by people within DGA who have a genuine "need to know" as well as "right to know".
5.3 DGA will review, on a regular and ongoing basis, its information security practices to ascertain how ongoing responsibilities can be achieved and maintained.
6.1 DGA will allow its records containing Personal Information to be accessed by the individual concerned in accordance with the Privacy Act.
6.2 DGA will correct its records containing Personal Information as soon as practically possible, at the request of the individual concerned in accordance with the Privacy Act.
6.3 Individuals wishing to lodge a request to access and/or correct their Personal Information should do so by contacting DGA, as per the details on the back of this document.
6.4 DGA will not normally charge a fee for processing an access request unless the request is complex or is resource intensive.
7.1 Contact with DGA via phone or web inquiry will be the first point of contact for inquiries about privacy issues.7.2 Any formal privacy related complaints should be directed in writing to the DGA Privacy Officer Level 6 50 Carrington Street Sydney NSW 2000.
7.3 DGA will endeavour to manage any privacy related complaint efficiently and in a timely manner.
8.1 DGA will not make it mandatory for visitors to its web sites to provide Personal Information unless such Personal Information is required to answer an inquiry or provide a service. DGA may however request visitors to provide Personal Information voluntarily to DGA (for example, as part of a competition or questionnaire).
8.2 DGA will allow its customers to transact with it anonymously wherever that is reasonable and practicable.
9.1 DGA generally does not send information overseas.
9.2 If Personal Information must be sent by DGA overseas for sound business reasons, DGA will require the overseas organisation receiving the information to provide a binding undertaking that it will handle that information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, preferably as part of the services contract.
10. GlossaryCollection Information means the information outlined in 1.5 notified to individuals prior to, or as soon as practical after, the collection of their Personal Information.
Direct Marketing means the marketing of goods or services through means of communication including written, verbal or electronic means. The goods or services which are marketed may be those of DGA or a Related Body Corporate or those of an independent third party organisation.
Disclosure generally means the release of information outside DGA, including under a contract to carry out an "outsourced function".
• other personal information about an individual collected in connection with the donation; or intended donation by the individual of his or her body parts or body substances.
DGA means Data Governance Australia, including its various brands and related entities.
• Use means the handling of Personal Information within DGA.


Our Puzzle Trivets Boards fit together in a multitude of arrangements with or without our Trivet Bowl. Our elegant Wine Coaster Cutting Board keeps wine from staining your counter.
Our entire collection of Kitchen Accessories is hand crafted from the finest imported and domestic laminated hardwoods - finished with lacquer or mineral oil.
Also in Kitchen Accessories, 6 coasters in a handsome box - a perfect match with these salt and pepper shakers. The Wine Balancing Holders are a novel, elegant way to display wine.
Our Knife Blocks and Magnets are made from laminated hardwoods with a durable lacquer finish and hold 10 to 12 knives each.
Our hand crafted Lazy Susans have a non toxic lacquer finish, safe for unpackaged food. Ball bearing swivels mounted beneath the trays allow them to rotate smoothly.
Enhance your work environment with the rich, warm beauty of wood. Our Desk Accessories are hand crafted from laminated imported and domestic hardwoods with a lacquer finish.
All of our beautifully designed Game Boards are hand crafted from the finest exotic and domestic hardwoods. No stains or dyes are used. The colors and patterns are derived from natural woods.
Each of our Game Boards is finished with lacquer for lasting luster and durability and make handsome gifts.
These elegant Game Tables will make a cherished addition to any room. Functional, fun and beautiful, they are all hand crafted from exotic and domestic hardwoods.
The woods in our Game Tables are cut and laminated in patterns that show off their vibrant colors and grain. No dyes or stains are used. A durable lacquer finish is used to protect and preserve them.
Our sculpted Bar and Counter Stools are made of exotic and domestic hardwoods. The base is made of solid veneers of maple and formed into a curve. The saddle seat is made to float above the base.
The Puzzle Table can be made into many configurations. You can take one table and use it by itself, or you can combine the different tables into many shapes.
Our handmade Hardwood Toys are a great gift idea for children. Finished with 100% non-toxic, water-based stains and finishes, they meet or exceed specifications of ASTM Toy Safety Standards.
Surround yourself in the rich beauty of wood with our collection of fun, artistic Hardwood Gadgets. All of these items are hand crafted from imported and domestic hardwoods and make novel, thoughtful gifts.
Hardwood Creations fashions its products using a wide spectrum of vibrant colors and wood grains. From the flaming red of African Padauk, to the rich black of Peruvian Walnut, we create unusual and durable objects that naturally compliment any decor.


Sanchalana group organised Second Rotary District 3182 Conference for 5-6-7 January 2018, Shimoga, Karnataka under the supervision of DR. R.D Prabhu, PDG, Chairman, programme Committee.
Criminal Psychologist Mrs. Anuja Kapur graced the occasion as a Guest Speaker and enlightened the audience of 1500 strength of people on the topic, "women empowerment and society" Mrs Kapur said, "There is the need of an hour to empower men as we empower women too. This will strengthen the bond between the two genders and will provide support system to the society. Creating awareness among women and men equally on gender sensitization strengthen the pillars of love and respect between them. To bridge the gap between the 2 genders these kinds of conferences are required for the betterment and upliftment of the society".
The conference was a huge success and created a benchmark for the future Rotarians to follow in the history of the Rotary Club. Mrs. Kapur thanked the eminent chair takers of the conference and extended her gratitude towards the hospitality shown by the Honourable Governor of Rotary District 3182 Mr. G.N Prakash and first lady Mrs.Vijaya for the hospitality and support.
2nd Test, Day 4: South Africa (335, 258 all out) set India (307) a target of 287 runs to win.
Winners are visiting Pyeong Chang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Seoul.


text:
Power Politics Trumps Democracy in U.S.-backed Ethiopia
Alex Stonehill Apr 11, 2008
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia—Dawn in the Merkato breaks over a tangle of streets jammed with shouting hawkers and towering pyramids of ripe produce from Ethiopia's fertile countryside. Today it is a popular destination for sunburnt foreign tourists, expensive cameras poised to capture lively scenes from one of Africa's largest open-air markets.
Few of them, unloading from tour buses today, know that less then three years ago these bustling streets were stained with the blood of murdered citizens who had flooded into the center of Ethiopia's capital city to protest the contested re-election of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
"People were pissed off," says Eskinder Nega, who was a columnist and publisher for several Ethiopian newspapers during the 2005 protests. "It was the first time we really had hope, and when the elections were stolen, people were angry. … It wasn't planned — people just started pouring into the streets," Nega said.
The government reaction was swift. According to Amnesty International, 187 civilians were killed during those demonstrations and thousands of others arrested.
Protesters, mostly young people and students, fell in the streets of the Merkato with bullets through their hearts and foreheads, a detail that led many to believe they were purposefully killed by specially trained military snipers, not regular riot police.
Ethiopian publications and journalists that covered these events, especially those that focused on mounting human rights abuses, didn't escape the wrath of the government either. At least 14 journalists, editors and publishers were arrested and all private newspapers that criticized government actions during or after the elections were shut down.
When they first saw their photos on the news, Nega and his wife, Serkalem Fasil, went underground. They were in hiding for almost a month until the authorities finally caught up with them in the fall of 2005. For Fasil, who was one month pregnant at the time, it was her first trip to jail for journalism deemed seditious by the Ethiopian government. It would be Nega's seventh.
The police were angry when they first captured the couple, explains Nega, sitting in an airy cafe in Addis Ababa nine months after their acquittal and release. Both of them were roughed up during their capture.
Nega recalls even harsher treatment during a previous stint as a political prisoner in Ethiopia.
"I was in an isolation cell at that time. They came for me in the middle of the night," Nega recalls, calmly explaining how one night he was blindfolded and dragged by his armpits into another room he can only refer to as the "torture chamber."
"They flip you over onto your back with your feet in the air, and then hit you on the bottom of your feet, and everywhere with an electrical cord. I couldn't move for weeks afterward."
Nega's story echoes accounts of intimidation, arrests and beatings recounted by journalists in many parts of the world. Alarmingly, these accounts of iron-fisted censorship emerge not only from the notoriously repressive regimes that often make the news such as North Korea, Burma or Iran. Just as often they come from the political darlings of the United States' foreign policy; places like Pakistan, Egypt and more recently Ethiopia.
The "War on Terror" has allowed U.S. leaders to re-introduce a Cold War-style paradigm, in which countries slip simply into the categories of democratic and undemocratic. But most of the world eludes these dogmatic categorizations — with many countries caught in a web of geopolitical forces and troubled histories manipulated by authoritarian leaders who are tolerated, if not supported by the "democratic world."
These countries linger in the great swath of gray ignored by the black and white rhetoric of the "War on Terror"; leaders here are often seen as strategic to the Western world in ways that allow for a blurring of democratic expectations. A kind of collective squinting obscures some of the brutal realities that threaten to muddy the path on the way to larger strategic goals.
DEMOCRATIC DREAMS DASHED
"I want a democratic country for Ethiopia, I want to contribute to that. I am a child of the First Amendment," says Nega, who spent his formative years in Washington, D.C., after his parents fled the communist Derg regime that ruled Ethiopia during the 1970s and 1980s.
When the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), led by current Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, drove out the Derg in 1991, Nega returned armed with democratic values he says he picked up in the United States, and began a career in journalism. But the end of communisim, it turned out, did not automatically signal the beginning of democracy.
"[Before the 2005 elections] we had press freedom not because the ruling party wanted it, but because we paid the sacrifice" says Nega, referencing his previous stints in prison as well as those served by scores of fellow Ethiopian journalists. Those who dared to ask for more from their government, using the press to push for reforms, representation and accountability, or even tried to amuse readers by poking fun of their leaders in political cartoons, would often receive a late-night visit from the police.
Over the course of seven years Faisal and Nega owned three different Amharic-language papers all of which were criticized for having an "anti-government bias" and later even inciting violence. Nega rebuffs these claims, saying their papers were independent, having no association with specific opposition parties, and that they attacked the government primarily for its human rights record, which he insists is a nonpartisan issue.
But any illusions Nega might have still held that his country was on a rocky but progressive march toward democracy were shattered after the 2005 elections.
With political alliances and development aid from Western countries on the rise, the Ethiopian government was under pressure to produce internationally-endorsed election results. Ninety percent of registered voters in the country showed up eagerly at the polls in May 2005 — but how they actually voted is still a matter of contention.
When early returns indicated a surprising amount of support for the opposition, the vote counting was disrupted and eventually the ruling party declared itself the victor. Angry voters responded in two waves of protests that shook Addis Ababa over the course of the next six months.
As the blood of protesters was spilled in the streets of Addis, and many of their colleagues were swept up in mass arrests, Nega and Fasil knew this wasn't just another routine round of political intimidation.
They hid, watching their photographs flash on the government TV station as charges of genocide and high treason were leveled against them. In fear for their lives, they tried to flee to Kenya, but their location was given away before the proper travel plans could be made.
As horrified as Nega was with the actions of his own government, his disillusionment was only deepened by the reinforcement the EPRDF received from the leaders of a country he'd admired for so long. While the European Union decried widespread irregularities in the 2005 elections and condemned violence and arrests, The Carter Center (officially representing the United States) expressed concerns over alleged irregularities but supported the National Election Board's declared results.
As Nega and Fasil sat in prison over the next 17 months, Ethiopia's relationship with the United States was only strengthened. Today, a year after their release, the ties that bind the two governments are as strong as ever.
PROXY WAR IN SOMALIA
The rise of the "War on Terror" has turned a nation of 77 million people defined in the West by poverty and famine into a powerful military force strategically situated in the tumultuous Horn of Africa. While Ethiopia received only $928,00 in military aid from the United States from 1999 to 2001, it received $16.8 million in assistance from 2002 to 2004, according to the Center for Public Integrity.
When Islamist judges in neighboring Somalia emerged from a decade of warlord driven chaos as a unified force in the summer of 2006, the United States and Ethiopia found themselves with a common enemy.
For the United Sates, still smarting from its military misadventure in Somalia in 1993, the idea of an Islamist government in the Horn of Africa, and a possible safe haven for terrorists, was unacceptable. For Ethiopia, looking to solidify its regional hegemony, and already battling an insurgency by its own Somali population in the Ogaden region, the reunification of Somalia under the banner of Islam was equally unpalatable.
Even with alleged support from Egypt, Eritrea and foreign Islamist fighters, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) government was easily driven out of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, within a matter of weeks by thousands of Ethiopian troops trained and supported by the U.S. military to an extent that neither government has disclosed to date. But in the year since, Ethiopia's military dominance has proven susceptible to guerilla tactics in the same way American forces have in Iraq, and a continuing series of suicide bombings and insurgent attacks have led Mogadishu to be dubbed "Baghdad by the sea."
Meanwhile, Ethiopian troops have also had their hands full on the other side of the border in the Somali region of their own country. Last April rebels from the Ogaden National Liberation Front attacked Chinese oil workers who were doing exploratory drilling in the region. In the ensuing military crackdown, Ethiopian forces have been accused of war crimes, including killing and raping civilians and burning villages thought to sympathize with the rebels.
But on the streets of Addis, it's hard to imagine you're in a country in the midst of two wars (and possibly on the verge of a third with neighboring Eritrea). Since the crackdown in 2005, the independent press has all but disappeared. The private newspapers that are left are careful to vet news of Ethiopia's engagements in Somalia or Ogaden. Expatriate websites are blocked on the government controlled Internet server, so they can't be accessed from inside the country without use of proxy servers.
A COUNTRY GRIPPED BY FEAR
But if Prime Minister Zenawi has been able to hide the realities of Ethiopia's military entanglements, there is no mistaking that his is a country gripped by fear. In Addis Ababa, politics are spoken of in whispers, and many Ethiopians say they'd prefer to abstain from the topic entirely, at least for now.
Most attempts to engage Ethiopians in political conversations are rebuffed. The few willing to talk, such as a taxi driver who had been arrested during the 2005 protests or a young businessman trying to make enough money to start a family, did so only on repeated promises of complete anonymity.
Even once anonymity was guaranteed, their trepidation was palpable. In one case a young man reached for this reporter's camera with shaking hands asking for reassurance that his picture had not been taken.
One of the elements most confounding to reporting on, or even just talking about, political issues in Ethiopia is determining how far the government's reach really is into the private lives of citizens who disagree with its actions.
It's unlikely that the government actually has the capacity to check up on random dissenting opinions, but, regardless, the effect is the same. Images of students shot dead in the streets and mass arrests have stifled political opposition in the population.
As one frustrated citizen admitted, "I don't care for politics, politics is for only a few people in Ethiopia; 98 or 99 percent don't have any say, so why should I extend my hand to politics?"
For Nega's part, he says he still believes the United States could become a positive force in democratizing Ethiopia, and his unwavering faith in the democratic process strengthens his conclusion that he will see the pendulum swing back from the Bush administration's hard-line "War on Terror" policies.
Still, he comes across as calmly disappointed with the political maneuvering that resulted in the double betrayal of being imprisoned by the country of his birth and overlooked by the country that nurtured his belief in democracy.
"The U.S. policy is a calculated complicity with tyranny because of the 'War on Terror,'" he says. "Nothing matters except for the war. The democratic cause here is expendable."
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa claims that the U.S. government is advocating press freedoms in Ethiopia through "ongoing human rights discussions with senior leaders."
In the meantime Nega remains hopeful and sees signs that suggest the tide may be turning in America's policy toward Ethiopia. A resolution calling for limited sanctions on Ethiopian officials involved in the 2005 killings has passed through the House, and is now under debate in the Senate.
Nega and Fasil's tenacity stand in stark contrast to the disillusionment that hangs in the cool air of Addis Ababa. Following their eventual release from prison, they filed for a license to start two new papers, which was rejected by the government. Other Ethiopian newspapers won't risk publishing their work. Fasil's baby was born in jail in the summer of 2006, and their blacklisting has forced them to support the family on savings, as they refuse to be forced into exile.
To hear Nega tell it, speaking loudly in a café on Addis' busy Bole Road, the struggle may be difficult, but the goal is inevitable: The people of Ethiopia will eventually win their freedom.
"Democracy is the destiny of all humans," he smiles "That's why I'm still here."
Funding for this article provided by the Pulitzer Center On Crisis Reporting, (pulitzercenter.org).
Photo by Alex Stonehill


text:
H.R. 4981 (114th)
H.R. 4981 (114th): Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act
Apr 18, 2016: Introduced May 10, 2016: Reported by House Committee May 11, 2016: Passed the House May 12, 2016: Referred to Senate Committee
(Select Other Version) Apr 18, 2016: Introduced May 11, 2016: Passed the House May 12, 2016: Referred to Senate Committee
(Select) S. 524 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (ENR) H.R. 4599 Reducing Unused Medications Act of 2016 (RFS) H.R. 5189 Opioid Abuse Crisis Act of 2016 (IH)
The text of the bill below is as of May 10, 2016 (Reported by House Committee).
Union Calendar No. 435
2d Session
H. R. 4981
[Report No. 114–561, Part I]
Mr. Bucshon (for himself and Mr. Tonko) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Additional sponsor: Mr. Rokita
Reported from the Committee on Energy and Commerce with an amendment
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
The Committee on the Judiciary discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April 18, 2016
To amend the Controlled Substances Act to improve access to opioid use disorder treatment.
This Act may be cited as the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act .
The Congress finds that opioid use disorder has become a public health epidemic that must be addressed by increasing awareness and access to all treatment options for opioid use disorder, overdose reversal, and relapse prevention.
Opioid use disorder treatment modernization
Section 303(g)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)(2)) is amended—
in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) and inserting the following:
The practitioner is a qualifying practitioner (as defined in subparagraph (G)).
With respect to patients to whom the practitioner will provide such drugs or combinations of drugs, the practitioner has the capacity to provide directly, by referral, or in such other manner as determined by the Secretary—
all schedule III, IV, and V drugs, as well as unscheduled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration, for the treatment of opioid use disorder, including such drugs and medications for maintenance, detoxification, overdose reversal, and relapse prevention, as available; and
appropriate counseling and other appropriate ancillary services.
The total number of such patients of the practitioner at any one time will not exceed the applicable number. Except as provided in subclauses (II) and (III), the applicable number is 30.
The applicable number is 100 if, not sooner than 1 year after the date on which the practitioner submitted the initial notification, the practitioner submits a second notification to the Secretary of the need and intent of the practitioner to treat up to 100 patients.
The applicable number is 250 if the practitioner is a qualifying physician meeting the requirement of subclause (VI) and, not sooner than 1 year after the date on which the physician submitted a second notification under subclause (II), the practitioner submits a third notification to the Secretary of the need and intent of the physician to treat up to 250 patients.
The Secretary may by regulation change such total number.
The Secretary may exclude from the applicable number patients to whom such drugs or combinations of drugs are directly administered by the qualifying practitioner in the office setting.
(VI)
For purposes of subclause (III), a qualifying physician meets the requirement of this subclause if the physician—
holds a special certification in addiction psychiatry or addiction medicine as described in clause (ii) from the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Addiction Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, or such other organization as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for purposes of this subclause; or
(bb)
has completed not fewer than 24 hours of training, with respect to the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients, addressing the topics listed in subparagraph (G)(ii)(IV).
The Secretary may review and update the requirements of this subclause.
In the case of a third notification under clause (iii)(III), the qualifying physician maintains and implements a diversion control plan that contains specific measures to reduce the likelihood of the diversion of controlled substances prescribed by the physician for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
In the case of a third notification under clause (iii)(III), the qualifying physician obtains a written agreement from each patient, including the patient's signature, that the patient—
will receive an initial assessment and treatment plan and periodic assessments and treatment plans thereafter;
will be subject to medication adherence and substance use monitoring;
understands available treatment options, including all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder, including their potential risks and benefits; and
understands that receiving regular counseling services is critical to recovery.
The practitioner will comply with the reporting requirements of subparagraph (D)(i)(IV).
in subparagraph (D)—
in clause (i), by adding at the end the following:
The practitioner reports to the Secretary, at such times and in such manner as specified by the Secretary, such information and assurances as the Secretary determines necessary to assess whether the practitioner continues to meet the requirements for a waiver under this paragraph.
in clause (ii), by striking Upon receiving a notification under subparagraph (B) and inserting Upon receiving a determination from the Secretary under clause (iii) finding that a practitioner meets all requirements for a waiver under subparagraph (B) ; and
in clause (iii)—
by inserting and shall forward such determination to the Attorney General before the period at the end of the first sentence; and
by striking physician and inserting practitioner ;
in subparagraph (G)—
by amending clause (ii)(IV) to read as follows:
The physician has, with respect to the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients, completed not less than eight hours of training (through classroom situations, seminars at professional society meetings, electronic communications, or otherwise) that is provided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Psychiatric Association, or any other organization that the Secretary determines is appropriate for purposes of this subclause. Such training shall address—
opioid maintenance and detoxification;
appropriate clinical use of all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder;
initial and periodic patient assessments (including substance use monitoring);
(dd)
individualized treatment planning; overdose reversal; relapse prevention;
(ee)
counseling and recovery support services;
(ff)
staffing roles and considerations;
(gg)
diversion control; and
(hh)
other best practices, as identified by the Secretary.
; and
The term qualifying practitioner means—
a qualifying physician, as defined in clause (ii); or
a qualifying other practitioner, as defined in clause (iv).
The term qualifying other practitioner means a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who satisfies each of the following:
The nurse practitioner or physician assistant is licensed under State law to prescribe schedule III, IV, or V medications for the treatment of pain.
The nurse practitioner or physician assistant satisfies 1 or more of the following:
Has completed not fewer than 24 hours of initial training addressing each of the topics listed in clause (ii)(IV) (through classroom situations, seminars at professional society meetings, electronic communications, or otherwise) provided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, or any other organization that the Secretary determines is appropriate for purposes of this subclause.
Has such other training or experience as the Secretary determines will demonstrate the ability of the nurse practitioner or physician assistant to treat and manage opiate-dependent patients.
The nurse practitioner or physician assistant is supervised by or works in collaboration with a qualifying physician, if the nurse practitioner or physician assistant is required by State law to prescribe medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician.
The Secretary may review and update the requirements for being a qualifying other practitioner under this clause.
in subparagraph (H)—
in clause (i), by inserting after subclause (II) the following:
Such other elements of the requirements under this paragraph as the Secretary determines necessary for purposes of implementing such requirements.
by amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act, the Secretary shall update the treatment improvement protocol containing best practice guidelines for the treatment of opioid-dependent patients in office-based settings. The Secretary shall update such protocol in consultation with experts in opioid use disorder research and treatment.
Recommendation of revocation or suspension of registration in case of substantial noncompliance
The Secretary of Health and Human Services may recommend to the Attorney General that the registration of a practitioner be revoked or suspended if the Secretary determines, according to such criteria as the Secretary establishes by regulation, that a practitioner who is registered under section 303(g)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)(2)) is not in substantial compliance with the requirements of such section, as amended by this Act.
Opioid defined
Section 102(18) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(18)) is amended by inserting or opioid after The term opiate .
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act and not less than over every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and experts in opioid use disorder research and treatment, shall—
perform a thorough review of the provision of opioid use disorder treatment services in the United States, including services provided in opioid treatment programs and other specialty and nonspecialty settings; and
submit a report to the Congress on the findings and conclusions of such review.
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of—
compliance with the requirements of section 303(g)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)(2)), as amended by this Act;
the measures taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure such compliance;
whether there is further need to increase or decrease the number of patients a waivered practitioner is permitted to treat, as provided for by the amendment made by subsection (a)(1);
the extent to which, and proportions with which, the full range of Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for opioid use disorder are used in routine health care settings and specialty substance use disorder treatment settings;
access to, and use of, counseling and recovery support services, including the percentage of patients receiving such services;
changes in State or local policies and legislation relating to opioid use disorder treatment;
the use of prescription drug monitoring programs by practitioners who are permitted to dispense narcotic drugs to individuals pursuant to a waiver under section 303(g)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)(2));
the findings resulting from inspections by the Drug Enforcement Administration of practitioners described in subparagraph (G); and
the effectiveness of cross-agency collaboration between Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration for expanding effective opioid use disorder treatment.


text:
Search result for "Scarlet Bond"
Recommendation to Watch Scarlet Bond Watch amazing movies and TV shows for free. No subscription fees, and no credit cards. Just thousands of hours of streaming video content from studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM and more.
Corporate worker Mikami Satoru is stabbed by a random killer, and is reborn to an alternate world. But he turns out to be reborn a slime! Thrown...
Cast: Miho Okasaki


text:
Lenovo, Intel kick off Legion of Champions III 2019
Leave a Comment on Lenovo, Intel kick off Legion of Champions III 2019
PC and smart device manufacturer Lenovo has announced the kick-off of its Legion of Champions Series III (LoC III) grand finals. In partnership with Intel, the eSports competition will bring together over 60 gamers from 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific, in their quest to become the 2019's LoC III champions.
This year's tournament will include first-time competitors from India, Japan, and Korea, in addition to Hong Kong/Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. After multiple elimination rounds at the local level, in-market winners will face-off in the international showdown at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok, on Jan. 25-27.
"LoC is a testament to Lenovo's ongoing commitment to foster Asia's gaming community," said Ken Wong, president, Lenovo Asia-Pacific. "With eSports' meteoric rise in legitimacy and influence in the region, our initiatives seek to further connect like-minded enthusiasts and empower the next generation of gamers. Lenovo Legion was designed with gamers' needs in mind and we will continue to provide the most exciting and relevant gaming experiences and devices."
"With the rapid growth in eSports and gaming in Asia, Intel continues to support the industry through partnerships with the ecosystem, including global and regional gaming leagues such as Legion of Champions with Lenovo, and provide the gaming community with the best-in-class gaming experience powered by Intel technologies," said George Chacko, global account director for Lenovo, Asia Pacific and Japan.
During the previous LoC held last year, the tournament welcomed participants from close to 7,000 gamers and 20,000 on-site attendees. Such events have become crucial and valuable moments for Lenovo to interact with the community and better understand their gaming needs and motivations.
"Competitive gaming has become a hallmark in the Asia-Pacific region and we are happy to say that the LoC has become a major annual highlight that is wholly anticipated and supported by both gaming organizations and fans alike," said Michael Ngan, country general manager, Lenovo Philippines. "We're proud to be part of our local teams' eSports journey by providing them a platform to enhance and hone their skills."
Representing the Philippines in the LoC grand finals is the team ArkAngel composed of Cedrik "Ivalice" Santos, Nickelson "Nickstah" Yanga, Robert Dan "Trebor" Mansilungan, Keefe Jyro "Zensho" Pascual, and Christopher Jordan "Raux" Pamintuan. The group topped the five-round qualifying tournament that saw a total of 98 participating teams.
At the end of the tournament, the winning team will walk away with $7,000 cash and $5,000 worth of Legion Y530 notebooks, while the first and second runners-up will take home $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.
The total combined prize pool of the entire Legion of Champions III tournament is $35,000 (approximately P1.9 million), the largest of any LoC tournament yet.
Those who wish to be part of the excitement may also take part in the Rise of Legion walk-in tournaments, LAN party, and cosplay contests. Follow the epic journey at https://www.legionloc.com/.
Tags: Legion of Champions Lenovo LOC 2019
Previous Entry Singapore privacy watchdog fines healthcare provider for cyberattack
Next Entry Malaysian firm edotco signs MOU with DICT to advance mobile connectivity in the Philippines


There's More to Life than Chasing Skinny! 3 Short Minutes to Change a Life – Raw. Real. Reflections.
I feel freedom in the air as we approach this July 4th. Gratitude beyond words grips my soul as I think of the sacrifices men and women made so you and I can live free.
I'm sure you or someone you know receives regular attacks from the Body Image Bandit. By the age of 17, Americans have watched over 250,000 ads. Most of the ads shout, "Thin is beautiful, and beauty is almost everything." This is why I am committed to helping women recapture their true callings. There's more to life than chasing Skinny. Readers of Tooshie will experience glorious freedom through the book. It is a collage of humor, faith, stories and the psychology of food and body image.
Here is a short video – only 3 minutes – that explains the core of what freedom from the Body Image Bandit looks like. I recorded it with the vision of setting the captives free. I hope you enjoy it. If you don't have body image issues, consider sharing with someone who does.
After all – there's more to life than chasing Skinny!


text:
Swoxid proposes a reusable antiviral mask
EPFL-spin-off Swoxid developed photoactive and nanoporous ceramic filters that may be sterilized upon UV-lamp illumination multiple times. With these filters face masks could be reused up to 1000-times. Swoxid is now looking for partners to accelerate the industrial production efforts to combat the CoronaVirus outbreak and to end the threat of face mask shortages.
Photo of a 30x40 cm Swoxid nanoporous ceramic filter, from which the active part of the personal mask is tailored (Source: Swoxid).
Each month, it is estimated that about 89 million medical masks, 76 million examination gloves, and 1.6 million goggles will be required globally for health care workers to properly respond to the outbreak. In the same time, we see an increasing number of countries putting export bans on certain medical supply such as face masks in place. Public health officials are warning that these restrictive trade measures may put poorer nations more vulnerable to cope with this pandemic.
Swoxid, a pre-launched Swiss-based clean-tech start-up, anchored at the Laboratory of Physics of Complex Matter at EPFL believes their advanced filtration technology could help combat the spread of coronavirus. They have recently fabricated the first prototypes of a reusable antiviral mask.
Their innovative filter combines three important functions in one: small pore size to filter out viruses; anti-viral gold-silver-copper particles; and it is sterilized by exposure to UV light, enabling reusability. The pores of their patented ceramic filter are smaller than 100 nm. The size of the COVID-19 corona virus is somewhat larger, 120 nm, and would become stacked within the pores of the filter. Recently, the researchers have shown that their filter illuminated by UV for couple of minutes, by creating reactive oxygen species, kills all living microorganisms.
It is estimated, that the Swoxid light-sterilizable mask may be reused more than 1000-times. The proposition of Swoxid clean-tech start-up not only addresses an impending mask shortage crisis, but would reduce the environmental and public health issues related to the millions of masks discarded daily worldwide outside of medical environment, where infectious and hazardous medical waste is properly treated and disposed.
The Swoxid air filters are not commercialized yet, but the special patented aerogel raw material which the filters are composed of can be produced in scalable quantities. Only in laboratory conditions, today it could allow a filter production capacity about 100-200 m2/week, enough to fabricate 40'000-80'000 reusable masks monthly. If 3-times sterilized and reused daily for a month duration, this would be enough to replace 120'000-240'000 disposable masks monthly.
The whole team will endeavor to put these reusable masks on the market in the coming months. The Swoxid-team is now seeking research and industrial partners, foundations willing to help and investors active in health care to speed-up the R&D and commercialization efforts of their reusable anti-viral mask.


text:
My Hero, Chris Kiernan.
Tags: HeroStories
Here is Chris's story:
Chris Kiernan, born in Charlotte North Carolina and raised in Virginia Beach, made his way around the world as a soldier in the United States Army. He was a soldier in his heart, in his mind and in his soul. The kind of soldier that wanted to teach others, help them, train them, and want them to succeed. Whatever Chris experienced, he wanted to teach others, he wanted them to be the best they could be. SSG Chris Kiernan was known as "The General". On a long hot day in the field, on manuevers, a soldier new to the company ask "Who is that guy that is shouting out orders". the response was "Oh, that's the General", the young soldier responded with, "Oh, one star or two star", with laughter, the guys told him, ...."nope, he's SSG Kiernan"!
The Hero braclets worn by his soldiers, friends and family list is name, "SSG Christopher The General Kiernan". Chris really never said much about his nickname, he just grinned about it. When the uniform came on, so did his "war face" which consisted of a dip of Copenhagen, and a sturn, focused look. Any soldier that needed their class A unform set up with their ribbons and medals, it ended up under the contruction of SSG Kiernan. Chris knew Army protocal! His knowledge of properly executing a mission, esorting a dignatary or setting up a pair of class A uniform pieces went from one end of the spectrum to another. Chris was comfortable talking to the Chief of Staff of the Arny, right on to coaching a private on getting the best deal on buying a car. Chris was an example, beyond belief, he was considered when he had suggestions and he was respected throughout the ranks.
Married for only 5.5 years, but wanting to grow old with his wife was a dream that would not come true for either. The marriage between Chris and his wife was unlike most, they were happy, they had fun together, the wanted to grow old together. The couple lost 2 babies, but decided to have pets and take care of as many abandoned animals as possible. It was their dream to buy land, and get all of the animals they wanted. Chris wrote these words in a letter to his wife, to be opened only in the case of death. The letter was open at about 7:00pm, May 6, 2007. His wife read his request, and within a year bought land and built a farm. The end of his letter asked his wife to find a burial place where she could be buried next to him.
He told her to rest assured that when it was her time, be certain that he would be waiting for her with open arms. She wai
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 4:36 AMBy Herobracelets


text:
Interview with Libby – a Brit living in Sydney
Updated 29 Nov 2016
Two years ago, Libby Daniels made the leap from England to Sydney and hasn't looked back since. Read on to learn more about her favourite things about Sydney and the unexpected culture shock she faced after the big move. For more expat tales of life down under, see Expat Experiences in Australia.
About Libby
A: Born to English parents in Melbourne, but quickly ran home to the UK, living in the heart of Bedfordshire. Don't be jealous.
A: Sydney, Australia.
Q: When did you move here?
A: June 2014
Q: Did you move here alone or with a spouse/family?
A: Alone
A: The stereotypical mid-twenties crisis – that's a thing, right? I was 24 then, and running to try and keep up with London. However, I felt it time for a change (it was definitely that 'now or never' feel) so I shut my eyes, and jumped.
Living in Sydney
Q: What do you enjoy most about Sydney? How would you rate the quality of life compared to the UK?
A: It goes without saying that Australia is beautiful, and Sydney is arguably the crowning jewel. The wonderful thing about a city on the water is that it can never feel crowded – no matter how hectic you feel China town is on a Friday night, you can always head to the harbour and look out into the ocean.
Sydney-siders are also a good deal more laid back than Londoners, and there is no oppressive stigma about eye contact on the tube – here it's okay to share a mutual joke with a stranger, which surprisingly takes some getting used to. I also like the frankness of Australians – Brits, especially Londoners, have perfected the exasperated sigh and eye roll, whereas Aussies say it like it is. Once you've got over the initial reaction that seems to be common to all Brits ("You can't say that, it's rude!") then it can be quite refreshing.
A: Sydney doesn't know what to do with itself when the weather is bad – it's all about the sunshine. In the winter, Sydney-siders look hopefully at the sun and wait for the season to turn. Often, my suggestion to do something active when it's raining has been met with looks of abject horror. England knows how to suit up and front up, even when it's raining
Q: What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into expat life in Sydney? Did you experience any particular elements of culture shock?
A: I think I experienced culture shock more than most because I wasn't expecting it. Just because there is no language barrier doesn't mean there are not cultural differences – it pays to be prepared. The Aussies are direct and straight forward – here it pays to say what you mean. Also be prepared for the occasional dose of chauvinism – some men here can be a bit dismissive of women in certain contexts. Give as good as you get.
Q: What's the cost of living compared to England? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A: Sydney can be incredibly expensive – almost on par with London. Eating and drinking can cost you a small fortune in the CBD, but many places have particularly aggressive happy hours you can take advantage of. I've found you can rent a place closer to the CBD for less money than in London, but buying is out of reach for many people. Up-and-coming suburbs in the inner west are the place to look if you want to buy – anything within spitting distance of the beach is out of reach for most income brackets.
Q: How would you rate the public transport in Sydney? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car?
A: If you're near a train line, you are 'sweet'. Trains are regular, air-conditioned and not too expensive. The challenge comes if you live away from a train line – the eastern beaches are a prime example. Though buses do run regularly, they can be time-consuming and take a while to get anywhere. If you regularly travel north or west a car can be a great option, but parking can be a nightmare in the city.
Q: How would you rate the healthcare in Sydney?
A: I have had great experiences with the Medicare system in Sydney – I've never had a problem getting an appointment and if you go to a 'bulk billing' clinic and have registered for Medicare then all appointments are free. In the last year I have also joined a private health insurance scheme (mainly because dental is not covered by Medicare) which I've also had great experiences with.
Q: How do you rate the standard of housing in Sydney? What different options are available for expats?
A: Sydney is expensive – there is no getting away from that. However public transport is affordable, so if you're on a strict budget I'd suggest living somewhere close to a train line in the west of the city.
Q: Any areas/suburbs in Sydney you'd recommend for expats to live in?
A: If you can afford it, I'd suggest Surry Hills, Darlinghurst or Redfern over Bondi – controversial (the old adage 'Brits in Bondi' is not for nothing) but the public transport is a nightmare from the beach if you work in the city. More affordable Annadale or Glebe are both also nice options.
Meeting people and making friends in Sydney
Q: How tolerant are the locals of foreigners? Is there any obvious discrimination against particular religions or women etc.?
A: Australia is generally a friendly and open country; however it's not without its flaws. As a woman I can personally say there is a chauvinistic current that runs through some areas. I've also heard from friends that in some areas there is prevalent racism or Islamophobia, as is unfortunately more the norm than the exception in large western cities at the moment.
Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends in Sydney? How did you go about meeting new people?
A: As a Brit, I've found it's pretty easy to make friends. The language is the same, there are lots of people like you, and the locals are friendly. I went to an organisation called 'meet ups' and met one of my best friends here – it's basically events for people with no friends. I just read that back, and I'm not selling it – but honestly it can be helpful if you know no one and want to meet others in the same boat. One tip – avoid anyone that has grown up locally at a 'meet up'. There is a reason they are there.
About working in Sydney
Q: What's the economic climate like in Sydney? Do you have any tips for expats looking to find a job there? Which resources did you find most useful?
A: I'm in comms, and in my industry the Sydney and London industries are closely linked, with lots of cross-pollination. I'd recommend doing your research from home but also getting the word out amongst your current colleagues – you never know who they might know that could get you an in.
Q: How does the work culture differ from home? Do you have any tips for expats doing business in Sydney?
A: Australians are straight talkers. What could be perceived as rude or overly direct in the UK is actually welcomed here. I remember being confused as why people in my new workplace weren't meeting deadlines set – it soon became clear they had no idea I was actually requiring them to do something! It can be easy to assume that if there is no language barrier there is no issue – this is not the case. Be prepared to watch and understand the nuances of communication before you can truly embed.
– Interviewed in November 2016
►Read more Expat Experiences in Australia


Alexandria — For those who give a whisker about all things furry, clay artists have dedicated handmade wares to the animal kingdom at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Through Aug. 26, Scope Gallery features Kiln Club's "Ode to Animals," a show featuring fuzz-friendly statuettes, chow crocks, water dishes and more. Potters welcome all friends feathery, wooly, wild, domestic and doggy, elevating them to high, functional art.
Artisan piggy banks, handpainted hen tableware and kitty dishes have come out of Kiln Club workshops. Potters have created ceramic birdhouses with natural construction and an organic bamboo front perch. For those who like the wild side, adopt a wolf plate, moose vase or fish platter. Other pieces of functional art include a squirrel food dish or a rabbit appetizer tray, teapot or statuette. Embrace insects with dragonfly and butterfly plates and cups.
Whether it be for birds or bees, Scope Gallery's high-fire tableware is food-safe and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher and oven.
"Ode to Animals," runs from July 30 to Aug. 26. Scope Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays until 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 105 North Union Street, ground floor Studio 19. Call the Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288 , visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm.