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From left around table; Dana Brown-Davis, Districting Committee Clerk; Lisa McShane, Dr. Tjalling Ympa, Districting Master; Mike Estes, Mark Nelson, and closest to the camera with his back to us is Brett Bonner. photo by John Servais
Democrats proposal for the 5 county council districts.
Republican proposal for the 5 county council districts.
Districting Master proposal C for the 5 county council districts.
Districting Master proposal D for the 5 county council districts.
Districting Committee: Republicans lack legal compass
Republicans and Democrats remain far apart. Democrats have the legal high ground, but Republicans would go to court to challenge that if necessary.
By Ralph Schwartz • Mar 06, 2016
• Topics: Whatcom County, Elections, Law & Justice,
I don't know who is giving the Republicans on the Whatcom County Districting Committee legal advice, but they need to fire their lawyer.
The Republicans stumbled badly in the first substantive meeting of the committee on Feb. 22, invoking a legal argument that conservatives already tried unsuccessfully last summer. Republican committee members wanted to squelch the Democrats' proposal for five new County Council districts by claiming they were illegal. Turned out they were no more illegal in February than they had been in September, when a Skagit County judge let them pass on to the November ballot.
The progressives' five districts won the vote in November, and -- crucially -- a rough outline of what the map should look like was part of the ballot measure. This has been the linchpin of Democrats' argument all along: Our version of the map, or something close to it, has the most legal standing. It is now a part of the county charter, thanks to voter approval.
Also, it meets the requirements of state law, the Democrats say:
Each district is equal in population
Each district is compact
Each district is geographically contiguous (not broken into pieces)
The districts aren't gerrymandered. As the state puts it, "population data may not be used for purposes of favoring or disfavoring any racial group or political party."
Districts shall "to the extent possible," preserve "communities of related and mutual interest."
That "communities of interest" language is wide enough to drive a semi truck through, and Republicans are trying to do that, all the way down Mount Baker Highway from Glacier to Bellingham.
At least you can get from Glacier to Bellingham in a big rig.
At the most recent meeting, on Monday, Feb. 29, Republicans Brett Bonner and Mark Nelson argued the Democrats' version of a new five-district map for the county was illegal because you couldn't drive from one part of a district to the other without leaving the district.
Only problem was, state law doesn't require county districts to be driveable in this way. (See bullet points above.)
This prompted Nelson to conclude that the committee shouldn't be arguing this point but should just do it.
"It's not worth arguing about, especially when we could all be home petting our dogs," Nelson said.
While Republicans are shopping for new adivsors, maybe they could get a member of the conservative majority from the 2015 Charter Review Commission to explain why conservatives wanted to change county council elections in the first place. The commission's aim was to give rural residents representation by rural councilors.
Rural conservatives on the commission accomplished this by putting their successful district-only voting measure on the November ballot. Conservatives figured that rural District 2, which includes Lynden, and mostly rural District 3, which includes Ferndale and Blaine, would be more likely to elect a conservative if the votes were only counted within the district and not countywide.
Conservatives were willing to write off District 1 -- south Bellingham and the south county -- as a lock for progressive candidates.
The progressive response was to put the five-district proposal on the ballot, intending to create a two-district Bellingham enclave and three rural districts.
Republicans on the Districting Committee have strayed from the path blazed by their conservative forbears on the Charter Review Commission and have decided that all five districts should include an incorporated city. They also included a piece of Bellingham in four of the districts in their proposed map, which they introduced on Feb. 29. (Nelson had proposed a five-piece pie with a slice of Bellingham in every district, but his fellow Republicans rejected the idea.)
"I really fret as a 73-year resident of Whatcom County at the increasing urban-rural friction," Nelson said. "I think our map goes a long way towards trying at least to have urban centers in each one of the districts."
Conservative charter review commissioners last year weren't fretting over urban-rural friction. They were purely and simply trying to change the system to boost rural representation.
Republicans on the Districting Committee, meanwhile, are rewriting the rules to suit their not-yet-clear intentions. Nelson said the Republicans were following the "CCF" rule, as if that were a thing: compact, contiguous (in the sense of driveable) and "fair." While fairness is written in the state law such that races or political parties should not be disadvantaged, the Republican version of fair is about incorporated cities in every district -- a rule that has no law to serve as its base.
Republicans are also keen on stretching the Bellingham districts so they touch Lake Whatcom because that's where city residents get their water. This would be a version of the "communities of interest" argument. People who live on the lake are interested in Lake Whatcom for obvious reasons, and city residents are interested in the lake because it comes out of their faucet. It remains to be seen whether this argument can stand up to the loss of compactness; the Republicans' Lake Whatcom-central Bellingham district is stretched into something only a little thicker than a snake.
Are both sides trying to get away with political gerrymandering? Republicans made a good point when they challenged the Democrats' map for including Chuckanut Drive and Glacier in the same district. It's hard to picture the community of interest that would result from putting the likes of former Whatcom Tea Party officer Ellen Baker in the same room with Frank James and other members of Chuckanut's liberal, anti-coal elite.
The committee's map-drawing master, Western Washington University math department chair Tjalling Ypma, came up with two maps, scenarios "C" and "D," after the Feb. 29 meeting to reflect what the Democrats want, map C, (what Ypma calls a strict interpretation of the county ordinance), and the concerns raised by Republicans, map D. (Ypma had presented scenarios "A" and "B" on Feb. 29.)
At this point, Ypma, who will ultimately draw the map to be voted on by the committee, is leaning heavily toward the Democrats.
"I have some severe problems with the map that you've proposed," Ypma told the Republicans, "because it seems to me to conflict with my interpretation of the ordinance in so many ways."
Republicans appealed to the Democrats to negotiate toward compromise on the map. Bonner strongly hinted that refusal to do so would result in a lawsuit from Republicans.
"We live here. We know the dynamics," Bonner said. "For us to just sit here and not propose solutions and work together to try and find common ground -- I certainly do not want to get to the end of this process and go into this uncharted legal territory where we can't agree on something."
Democrat Lisa McShane (full disclosure: She's the wife of my employer, Dan McShane) said this was not a situation where negotiations are called for.
"We're charged with implementing what the voters asked for. … We can't compromise the voter intent," she said.
The committee meets again at noon on Monday, March 7, in the County Council conference room, suite 105 of the courthouse at 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham. If you show up a little late, be aware the meeting might move to the council chambers in the same building.
CORRECTION: The "geographically contiguous" requirement in state law for county districts was missing from the original version of this story.
About Ralph Schwartz
Posting Citizen Journalist • Member since May 23, 2014
After writing for NWCitizen for five years, Ralph Schwartz helped launch a new Whatcom County newspaper, Cascadia Daily News, joining the staff in December 2021 as government reporter. Before the Daily [...]
Walter Haugen
A quick glance at the maps indicates Scenario D is more fair. [At least from my macro view and without further research.] The main thing for me is that the City of Ferndale be included in the "coastal" strip, as well as Blaine. Sumas should be in the "foothills" section too, methinks.


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UAHT, Canva
The University of Arkansas Hope Texarkana has announced the 2022 Academic All-Star. Congratulations to Allison Bonner from Prescott, Arkansas.
Allison has already been awarded the Chancellor's Scholarship. She also serves as a Senator-At-Large in the Student Government Association. She is also a Campus Crusade for Christ member.
UofA Hope Texarkana
Eventually, Allison will be transferring to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and will study for a degree in Biology. Her long-term goal is to study at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and become a pediatrician. She wants to open her own medical clinic in southwest Arkansas.
Allison said in a press release;
"I am so excited to be named the UAHT Academic All-Star. I always strive to do my best and to prioritize good grades. It feels nice to see my hard work pay off!"
UAHT Main Building - Casey Curtis
The U of A Hope Texarkana Academic All-Star Program recognizes its students' academic and service achievements. The winner of the All-Star program receives a $500 scholarship for their final semester at their two-year college of attendance. Plus they also receive a full-tuition transfer scholarship to any Arkansas public four-year university they choose.
Congratulations to Allison Bonner. We look forward to seeing your success in the years to come.
."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":33554688,"11":4,"28":1}">
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Source: Congratulations to The 2022 Academic All-Star at UA Hope-Texarkana
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UN reacts over the video showing a couple having sex in its official vehicle (video)
The United Nations has reacted to a video of a couple having sex in one of its official cars in Israel.
In the viral video which was shot in HaYarkon Street, a major thoroughfare in Tel Aviv, a woman wearing a red dress was seen straddling a man in the back seat of a white SUV with UN markings. The video featured a 4×4 vehicle which is "likely assigned to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)".
The people caught on camera are believed to be staff members of a peacekeeping organization in Israel.
Couple seen having sex in a United Nations' official car in HaYarkon street in Tel Aviv, Israel . They are believed to be staff members of a peacekeeping organization in Israel . . Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN's Secretary-General who reacted to the video on Friday June 25, said they are "shocked and deeply disturbed" by the scandalous viral video. He described the behavior as "abhorrent" and further disclosed that an investigation into the matter was "moving very quickly." . . Read more on www.lindaikejisblog.com
A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) on Jun 27, 2020 at 1:04am PDT
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN's Secretary-General said they are "shocked and deeply disturbed" by the scandalous viral video. He described the behavior as "abhorrent" and further disclosed that an investigation into the matter was "moving very quickly."
Dujarric said;
"We are shocked and deeply disturbed by what is seen on the video.
"The behaviour seen in it is abhorrent and goes against everything that we stand for and have been working to achieve in terms of fighting misconduct by UN staff.
"We became aware of the video a little bit more than two days ago and our colleagues in the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) were immediately activated.
"Their investigation I know is moving very quickly. We know the location of the incident and the identification of individuals in the video, who are likely assigned to the UNTSO, is close to being completed.
"As part of the UN's commitment to transparency, the UN will provide updates on the conclusion of the investigation, and any further action."
BBC reported that the UN has strict policies against sexual misconduct by its staff members, and workers may be disciplined or possibly banned from peacekeeping operations if they are found to be in breach of the rules.
The inter-governmental organization has been plagued with allegations of sexual misconduct by its peacekeepers and other staff in recent years. In 2019, there were a total of 175 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against UN staff members. Of those allegations, 16 were substantiated, 15 were unsubstantiated and the others are still being investigated.
Sources: LindaiKeji blog
Tags: videoxsex
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Subject: Re: New Members, Welcome Aboard!
Well Guess it is time to jump in here my name is Tom and I am an official HD convert. After many years of looking at the Victory line I got on one for the first time last September looking for options on moving up in years from my then touring model. As they say: "Ride One, You Will Own One" As I say: True story!! Made the jump and not looking back for one second. Absolutely love my Vision for the comfort and power plant it provides. Not to mention everyone that walks by has to stop and ask about my Vision. Even the SOBs (some other brand) owners have very little bad to say about it.
As other have said the information here is an outstanding resource and big thank you to those that provide so much insight!
as far as my knowledge , there's the only one Hammer riding here, in fact I think there're only five, maybe six Vics in the islands.
I was a HD ( for twenty years) rider, until I tested the Victory cruisers . I use to ride between 300 km - 500 km per week, I use to say that the bike is my personal trainer.
Sorry about my poor english due is not my born language.
Tom13 - 2013-10-15 5:28 AM Well Guess it is time to jump in here my name is Tom and I am an official HD convert. After many years of looking at the Victory line I got on one for the first time last September looking for options on moving up in years from my then touring model. As they say: "Ride One, You Will Own One" As I say: True story!! Made the jump and not looking back for one second. Absolutely love my Vision for the comfort and power plant it provides. Not to mention everyone that walks by has to stop and ask about my Vision. Even the SOBs (some other brand) owners have very little bad to say about it. Anyone need some used tee shirts........LOL As other have said the information here is an outstanding resource and big thank you to those that provide so much insight!
Hey Tom, a little late but welcome to the Victory family. I see you are from Holmen, I'm over the hill in West Salem!
New Vision just north of Fort Worth.
Rode the Demo Tour and had to own one. Picked up the 2013 Vision two weeks ago and love it! Fixed the mirrors and added mud flaps so far.
Hey! Great looking VV and welcome!
Madrid, --- Spain Its time to introduce myself: I live in Madrid (Spain) and bought, two weeks ago the first Victory Vision bike, imported into Spain by Polaris back in July 2010. It's Cherryred, in inmaculate condition and now has only 32.000kms. It came with some extras like (1) lower air deflectors, (2) reverse gear, (3) GPS, (4) oil temperature stick, (5) stage one exhaust, (6) chrome front tipover protection and the (7) fairing rubber toe kick protector.
Nice looking ride Gerhard, welcome and be sure to post pictures of your rides around Spain! Would be cool to see some of the places you get to see over there.
Its time to introduce myself: I live in Madrid (Spain) and bought, two weeks ago the first Victory Vision bike, imported into Spain by Polaris back in July 2010. It's Cherryred, in inmaculate condition and now has only 32.000kms. It came with some extras like (1) lower air deflectors, (2) reverse gear, (3) GPS, (4) oil temperature stick, (5) stage one exhaust, (6) chrome front tipover protection and the (7) fairing rubber toe kick protector.
Glad to have you on the Vision Riders site and WELCOME!! As mentioned, be sure to post some pictures of your travels there in Spain so I for one can shake my head and be jealous. Take care. Vlad.
CASTRO VALLEY, CA United States I'm a new 2013 Vision owner for about 3 months and 2,000 miles. I've been on thie website on a daily basis to learn as much as I can about this incredible bike. After the first 500 miles, I had Arlen Ness put on the Big Honkers, frt/top perf filter, PCV and Autotune. The bike is like going from a scooter to a bike after the mods. It definitely have better low and mid range power now, but still nothing compared to a sports tourer. The pipes are a little louder than I expected, but I'm use to them now.
Out here in sunny northern California, I've taken the bike out when it was 36 degrees and the weather protection is phenomenal. Sorry, that's considered pretty cold here in CA.
Does anyone know how often the PCV and/or Autotune needs to be adjusted?
Welcome, good to have you here!
It's 6 degrees out and snow is on the ground, and I just became the owner of a new Cross Country Tour! It hasn't been prepped yet and until the weather improves I'll wait sort of patiently while the guys at 3A Motors put on the Premium Tour taller windshield, passenger grab handles, drivers backrest, and install the reverse kit.
I did get a 5 mile road test on it a few days ago when the weather warmed into the 30s here in MA. It seemed to be everything I want and the batwing really made for a turbulence free ride.
The one challenge I can see is to get some custom mods on the passenger seat area, raising it up 2-3 inches so my short wife can see over my tall shoulders and get a forward view.
Just joined I have an 04 Vegas I bought two years ago with 6000 miles on it and as of today it has 30,000+ miles. Been riding over 30 years and my motorcycle is my primary transportation.
Thank you glad to be here.
Oklahoma City, OK United States Hi all. I just picked up my '12 Vision last weekend in Denton TX. I've been wanting one since they came out but have just always had something else. Joined a while back so I could lurk, now finally have the bike. Will be selling a Yamaha Venture.
Well I suppose I need to post a picture of my ride here. The first picture was when I first got it heading towards the North Shore of Lake Superior (Spooner, WI). Oh yea that oil spot under it was from the HD that left just before I landed for some gas!! Then I found this artist here in North Texas that is nationally known for his work. He was the voice of the Monster Truck Jam for years and painted the original Grave Digger trucks. Well Tex talked me out of my bike for a month just got it back today!!
West Salem, WI United States Looks like Tex does good work!
San Antonio, TX Wow. That is really nice.
Hey, just joined. I've been on the other two sites, but didn't know about this one.
Got a 2005 Hammer (currently tearing apart to put on new headlight, dakota gauges, bars,heated grips, LED mirrors.


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The 2016 Mazda CX-3 vs. the 2016 Honda HR-V
For Vehicles With Several Similarities, the Mazda CX-3 Stills Comes Out on Top
Manufacturers are fervently contributing to the trendy subcompact-crossover segment. The 2016 Mazda CX-3 vs. the 2016 Honda HR-V near Sacramento, CA, are two such vehicles and both are brand-new for the 2016 lineup. Both fit in just below their popular older siblings, the Mazda CX-5 crossover and the CR-V crossover. Both come in a single engine configuration. So, which one stands out?
Well, the sub-header gave it away. The Mazda CX-3 wins this battle, but let's go over why. The Mazda CX-3 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 146 horsepower and 146 lbs.-ft. of torque. The HR-V comes with 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 127 lbs.-ft. of torque with an optional CVT. CVTs are usually known to produce better fuel economy but, in this case, it doesn't hold true. The Mazda CX-3 clocks in at 31 MPG combined1, breaking down to 29 MPG in the city1 and a whopping 35 MPG on the highway1. The HR-V clocks in a bit lower with only 28 MPG combined1, and 25/34 city/hwy MPG1. Round one has a clear winner in the Mazda CX-3.
Round two of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 vs. the 2016 Honda HR-V near Sacramento, CA, has everything to do with performance. Not to mention that you're probably never going to end up racing your Mazda CX-3 or your Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-3 would still win, which is all that matters here. In testing, the Mazda CX-3 went from 0-100 MPH in 23.8 seconds, while the HR-V lagged behind with 29.1 seconds2. Some more realistic comparisons would be 0-30 MPH, a typical traffic speed, and the Mazda CX-3 shined, again, here. The Mazda CX-3 was up to speed in only 2.8 seconds, whereas the HR-V took its sweet time, coming in at 3.7 seconds2. Faster up to speed means less honking behind you and a happier countenance when arriving at work. Going from 0-60 MPH, highway speeds, the HR-V took 9.3 seconds, trailing behind the Mazda CX-3, which was up to snuff at 8.1 seconds2. We could probably forgive all of this if the fuel economy on the HR-V was better, which is usually the trade-off for a CVT, but we've already determined that that's just not how this has all lined up. So, round two, once again, goes to the Mazda CX-3.
The Mazda CX-3 uses smaller tires which help contribute to the great fuel economy, but also lower the overall curb weight of the vehicle, which allows for better performance, a tighter turn radius, and higher turning speeds. The Mazda CX-3 can turn faster, at up to speeds of 42.1 MPH2 and the HR-V trails with a turning speed of 39.7 MPH2. With that final sucker punch, the Mazda CX-3 has knocked the HR-V out of the ring.
Reducing this battle between the 2016 Mazda CX-3 vs. the 2016 Honda HR-V near Sacramento, CA, can only do so much, though. Get on down to Mazda of Elk Grove and let the test drive do the talking. Elk Grove's top-notch staff will take care of you and make sure you walk out the door with the best vehicle.
1. EPA-estimated.
2. Information courtesy of torquenews.com.


Searching for hotels in L'Estartit (Spain) or L'Estartit accommodation? L'Estartit is a small resort town on the Costa Brava, in the south of Spain. It lies at the base of the Montgri Massif, in the area of Torroella de Montgri, and it was once a fishing village.
Ever since the 1960's however, a growing number of tourists have chosen to visit L'Estartit, thanks mostly to the beach, which stretches from the Badia de Roses to the Ter River estuary, and is a beautiful stretch of golden sand, with clear blue waters.
The Illes Medes archipelago, a protected area, lie just off the coast of L'Estartit, and are a world class scuba diving site, which is another reason why so many people flood into this little town every year. There is also a sports marina and several golf courses in the area, which should keep sailors and golfers very happy for the duration of their stay.
Having become such a major tourist hotspot, L'Estartit has sacrificed some of its original fishing village charm, however, since the development that tourism has brought means that there are luxury hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other attractions, some visitors may say that it's well worth it.
- Browse the L'Estartit Map or compare L'Estartit accommodation from Hotels, Motels, B&Bs, Lodging & Hostels to Holiday & Caravan Parks.
Resources, Information and guides on L'Estartit. For things to do, attractions, restaurants, holidays and sites refer below.
About Page: L'Estartit Motels, Family Packages, Holiday Stays, Caravan Parks, Apartments, Hostels, Last Minute L'Estartit accommodation, 5 star Luxury to 2 star Budget hotels and resort deals. Compare L'Estartit hotel reservations, bookings and cheap rates.


You might have walked through the Orchid Garden in Singapore's Changi Airport or shopped in Heathrow's duty free boutiques, but there's more to these places than their airports. Rather than dashing on to your final destination, a layover en route can really enrich your experience.
In a couple of nights you can explore the eclectic cultural landscape of Hong Kong or visit fertile valleys north of Muscat. Our specialists have chosen their top picks for a layover that offers far more than an airport lounge.
I struggle to decide between the fresh air and dramatic panoramas of the mountains, or the swash of waves breaking on a postcard-perfect beach. By stopping off in Oman en route to Zanzibar, I managed to incorporate both experiences into one trip.
Just a few hours' drive inland from Muscat is Jebel Akhdar, the northern section of the Hajar Mountains. The jumble of sand and rocks that surround Muscat may look devoid of life, but as you drive up the mountain passes, the landscape begins to look more verdant. Jebel Akhdar translates from the Arabic 'green mountains', in reference to the thousands of agricultural terraces cut into the mountainside.
Driving through the region with a local guide, we paused regularly to admire the walnut groves, grape vines and pomegranate trees, their boughs heavy with fruit. The derelict villages of the Bani Riyan Tribe, an Arabic farming people, cling to the side of the valleys. It's possible to visit some of the more accessible settlements where you can walk down the steep pathways to explore the empty houses and old irrigation channels.
Most locals have re-located to nearby Nizwa, one of the oldest cities in the country. Visit on a Friday and you'll catch the chaotic cattle market, otherwise you can trawl the souqs or visit the 17th-century fort. The men, including my guide, wore long white dishdasha (robes) while the women dress in the traditional abaya (a loose black dress) and headscarf.
A three-night stay in the area before flying onward gives you enough time to see the key highlights as well as to pause and appreciate the scenery. The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort might look a bit like a military base from the outside, but inside it's furnished with glittering chandeliers, carved sandalwood and Omani-inspired archways. The infinity pool is perched on the edge of an immense canyon.
Once an overseas holding of Oman, Zanzibar was used by the Sultan as a trading port en route to the west coast of India. Sat in the Indian Ocean, it's now part of Tanzania. The island still bears an Arab influence with Omani architecture, busy spice markets and fishing dhows lining the horizon. With uncrowded coral-white beaches, quiet fishing villages and some comfortable hotels, it's ideal for a beach break.
It's a fifteen and a half hour flight from New York to Muscat with Oman Air. From Muscat, it's a five and a half hour flight onward to Zanzibar.
Singapore's Changi Airport has just been awarded the title of World's Best Airport at the 2017 World Airport Awards. The free 24-hour cinema, rooftop swimming pool and butterfly garden make it an appealing stop between flights, but Singapore deserves to be a destination in its own right. The city boasts a concentrated wealth of sights and an easily navigable transport system, so you can pack a lot into a brief stay.
In the cool of the morning, I like to visit Little India, a vibrant district located east of the Singapore River. One of the oldest parts of the city, Indian migrants settled here to raise and trade cattle. The livestock are long gone, but Hindu temples, tandoori restaurants and incense-scented shops remain. Join a small group walking tour and, with your guide, sample Indian sweets, explore the markets and meet some of the local shopkeepers.
Singapore is warm year round, so to escape the heat and humidity of the afternoon, I suggest exploring the Gardens by the Bay. Two futuristic, air-conditioned conservatories have been built behind the Marina on reclaimed land, and filled with plants from across the world. An aerial walkway cuts through the outdoor space, with views across the Marina Bay skyline.
In the evening, I like to eat at Newton's Food Court, a quick metro ride to the north of the city. With a strong work ethic, Singaporeans usually work late and then meet friends in this huge food court. You can choose from Chinese, Indian, Malay or Peranakan dishes that have been influenced by the city's multicultural history. The chicken satay is a particularly popular delicacy.
If you're eager to continue, Chinatown comes to life in the evening with a lively night market. Shop houses are brightly lit, selling books, herbal teas and Chinese lanterns. You can sit out at a street-side table and enjoy a Singapore-brewed Tiger beer. As the night draws to a close you might want to have a night-cap at the Fullerton Hotel which sits proudly overlooking Marina Bay. This neoclassical building was once home to Singapore's General Post Office and government offices, but is now a luxurious heritage hotel with an infinity pool overlooking Singapore River.
Because you can't catch a long-haul flight direct to Borneo you'll need to stop en route and Singapore, only a two-hour flight away, works well. The futuristic, high-rise cityscape of Singapore is a stark contrast to the tangled jungles and rugged mountains of Borneo.
It's a twenty-one hour flight from New York to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. From Singapore it's then a two-hour flight onward to Kota Kinabalu with Silk Air, Singapore's regional airline.
If your flight has a layover in London and you want a whirlwind tour, just two days can give you a sampling of the best the city has to offer. If I've arrived at Heathrow, I like to take the express train from the airport to Paddington Station, which can get me into the heart of the city in just 15 minutes.
A 20-minute cab ride away from Paddington is Bloomsbury. The area offers a central location that's quiet but close to the key sights, including the British Museum. This vast 19th-century building stores cultural treasures from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, huge Assyrian lamassu (human-headed winged bulls) and the Mummy of Katebet (one of the most studied Egyptian mummies in the world). For a taste of more local history, I always like to visit the empty-eyed helmet and heavy golden cloak clasps that were found in the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, just a couple of hours from London.
Once you've had your fill of the spoils of empire, you can pause for lunch at one of the traditional cafes that are common in Bloomsbury. After you've eaten, make your way through Covent Garden — being sure to check out the street performers at the covered market — and on through Leicester Square and Chinatown to Trafalgar Square.
If you wander past 10 Downing Street, keep an eye out for Larry, the official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, before you continue on to Westminster Abbey. The cathedral's vast interior is sometimes overwhelming, so I suggest going with a private guide to help you focus your attention.
In the evening, a well-timed stroll down the South Bank of the Thames provides photogenic views of Parliament and Big Ben lit by the setting sun. From here, you can take the Tube from Lambeth North to Oxford Circus and enjoy dinner in Soho or a show in the West End.
The next morning, I suggest climbing to the gleaming white dome of St Paul's Cathedral to take in one of the best views in London. Ornately covered, Leadenhall Market makes a convenient and elegant spot for lunch before you walk to the fabled Tower of London for a tour. End the day by walking across London Bridge to the distinctive Shard skyscraper, where you can fortify yourself for your next flight with evening cocktails or afternoon tea.
Just as it was once the hub of a world-spanning empire, London remains a crossroads of the world and you can fly to almost anywhere from here. It's just a two and a half hour flight to Rome where you can visit masterworks of art and architecture spanning more than two millennia.
Flights from New York to London take a little less than seven hours, and it's ten and a half hours from Los Angeles.
With its mixture of Chinese culture and European influences, Hong Kong makes a good introduction to the Far East. It's definitely one of the cities I most enjoy visiting, where cosmopolitan bars and Michelin-star restaurants are found alongside traditional markets selling everything from electronics to jade-stone good-luck charms.
The city is an excellent stopover destination en route to Australasia. It's surprisingly compact and easy to get around, with the efficient, air-conditioned MTR (Mass Transit Railway) system able to zip you between different districts. The Airport Express line also means you can stay almost anywhere within Hong Kong and still be within a short distance of the airport.
I recently stayed for three nights, which gave me enough time to explore both the neon-splattered city streets and take a one-hour ferry ride over to Cheung Chau, one of the 260 outer islands, with a local guide.
On many of these islands, a more traditional way of life resumes. You can visit tiny fishing villages where people live in stilted houses raised over water. Forests provide hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities, and you can dip your feet in the sea from quiet sandy beaches.
Back in the metropolis, you can browse the many shops and markets. Temple Street Night Market is one of the best, a vibrant snapshot of Chinese culture as you pass the stalls of traditional herbalists, fortune tellers and jewellers. Afterwards, enjoy some dim sum or cocktails in a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
For an even better vista, take the Peak Tram up to the island's highest point, Victoria Peak. Not only will you get to travel on the world's steepest funicular, but once at the top you have panoramic views over the entire city and the surrounding forested hills.
Everyone heading to Australia gears themselves up for the long flight ahead of them. Stopping off at Hong Kong for a couple of nights makes the journey much more manageable, and adds a different flavour. Whether you're flying to Sydney or Melbourne, you can easily travel on to anywhere else in the country, from the Great Barrier Reef to the remote national parks of Tasmania.
It takes around fifteen and a half hours to fly from New York to Hong Kong. After spending two or three nights in the city, you can catch a nine-hour flight to Sydney or Melbourne with Cathay Pacific. Flights to other Australian cities are also available, with varying flight times.


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As iPhone sales level off, Apple has doubled its revenue from accessories since 2015
Prachi Bhardwaj and Jenny Cheng
Next year, Apple is reportedly planning to release a high-end version of its wireless AirPods, a second version of the HomePod smart speaker, and its first over-ear headphones, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
Consumers haven't seen Apple as an audio company in a while, as the iPhone ate the market for the iPod, and music streaming eat into downloads. But if Bloomberg is correct, this move would not only renew Apple's appeal to audiophiles, it's also perfectly on-target with the company's current revenue model, as this chart from Statista shows.
Apple's audio products are categorized under the company's "Other Products," a segment that also includes other devices like Apple Watch and Apple TV. It's basically made up of anything that isn't a smartphone, tablet, or laptop — all of which has been leveling off of late. Meanwhile revenue from "Other Products" has more than doubled since 2015. With the introduction of three new audio products in 2019, that number could go up even further.
Jenny Chang/Business Insider
SEE ALSO: AT&T's new WatchTV service is entering a fairly fragmented market, and it has the power to shake things up
More: Chart Of The Day BI Graphics Apple Revenue
AirPod
Former Bain & Co. and Sagard Capital partners are launching a small-cap-focused hedge fund


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Dollar Academy
Please click on the link below to view our Video Journey and find out what makes our school one of the most respected in the country.
Since 1818, Dollar Academy has been a place where young people have come to fully realise their potential. Our inspiring 70 acre campus sits in the picturesque market town of Dollar in Central Scotland and is home to around 1300 children aged 5-18.
Dollar is regarded as one of the top schools in the country, and we think you will struggle to find a school with a wider range of subjects and co-curricular activities. Our suite of excellent facilities and welcoming community form the perfect learning environment for day pupils and boarders alike.
Hard work is the basis of all success, and a strong work ethic is displayed by pupils and teachers at Dollar. Ambition and excellence are encouraged throughout the school. We want everyone to be as good as they can be.
Kindness is no trite playground buzzword and requires a higher level of behavioural expectation than merely tolerance or respect. We believe in a positive and generous approach, in collaboration and cooperation, and that leadership is about compassion and service.
We all know that a happy child learns more effectively than an unhappy one. There is a very wide range of subjects and activities on offer here at Dollar and teachers work hard to make lessons interesting. Involvement and participation in all aspects of school life build confidence and resilience.
Testimonials & Affiliates
There's a special mix of productive ambition and supportive camaraderie that comes from the school's ethos and its long history. We're grateful that our son can find stimulation and friendship daily in his peers, teachers, and houseparents.
J Mackay (Current Parent)
My time at Dollar, particularly the senior years, provides me with some of my happiest rugby memories. I believe firmly that without the values instilled in me then, I would not have represented my country at senior level.
John Barclay, Former Scotland Rugby Captain
Up there with the best, offering an authentic Scottish boarding experience, as well as catering for local kids. Set in a beautiful tranquil setting, it's a school with a solid, traditional ethos and top academic results.
Please click here to read the full review.
The Good Schools Guide 2020
See more of Dollar's News & Events >


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Film Screening: The Price of Sex
When: Wednesday, 6th June at 7.30pm
Where: The Sugar Club, map here
The Film: The Price of Sex
Facebook Event: here
The Irish Feminist Network and the Immigrant Council of Ireland invite you to the Irish premiere of the award-winning movie 'The Price of Sex', to be followed by a post-screening panel discussion on sex trafficking.
'The Price of Sex' is a feature-length documentary about young Eastern European women who've been drawn into a netherworld of sex trafficking and abuse. Intimate, harrowing and revealing, it is a story told by the young women who were supposed to be silenced by shame, fear and violence. Photojournalist Mimi Chakarova, who grew up in Bulgaria, takes us on a personal investigative journey, exposing the shadowy world of sex trafficking from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and Western Europe. Filming undercover and gaining extraordinary access, Chakarova illuminates how even though some women escape to tell their stories, sex trafficking thrives.
Film screening will be followed by a discussion with the following panelists:
Paul Maguire, reporter of the recent Prime Time programme 'Profiting from Prostitution'
Linda Latham, Co-ordinator of the Women's Health Project, HSE
Denise Charlton, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland
Una Mullaly, journalist and broadcaster
Chair: Keelin Shanley, reporter/presenter with Prime Time and the Consumer Show
Trailer and further details available from here: http://priceofsex.org/
Tickets available from here: http://entertainment.ticketsolve.com/shows/873481653/events
Any questions? Email us at: irishfeministnetwork@gmail.com
IFN Discussion Group - Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
You are invited to the second IFN Discussion Group!
Date: Tuesday, 15th May
Topic: Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
Guest: Sarah Benson, the CEO of Ruhama (which is part of the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign) will introduce the topic.
Location: the Exchange, (Exhange Street Upper, Temple Bar) an arts collective whose website can be found here: http://exchangedublin.ie/
To facilitate discussion, we'll have these ground rules:
-Everyone has the right to contribute to the discussion
-Refrain from personal attacks, criticise the idea and not the person
-Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, transgender status, religious belief, disability, membership of the travelling community, marital status or family status.
Disclaimer: While we understand that this is a divisive topic within feminism, the Irish Feminist Network supports the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign. As such, we will be aiming to discuss this campaign and how to contribute to its success.
Globalised nature of Irish sex trade revealed by Ruhama statistic
The exploitation of women in the sex trade is no longer an urban issue but is well established in smaller rural regions of Ireland, according to Ruhama.
Today (August 22nd) the Dublin-based NGO which supports women affected by prostitution published its Annual Statistics Report for 2010. Citing the increasing role played by mobile phones and the internet in advertising prostitution in Ireland the report observes that prostitution is no longer restricted to large urban areas but is a presence now in even the smallest rural communities. "It is happening in small communities in apartments, over shops and pubs – hidden in plain sight. Women are moved quickly and sometimes frequently and the criminals involved remain at arms length hiding behind a computer screen".
The report shows that Ruhama worked with women from 31 different countries during the course of 2010, highlighting both the globalised nature of the sex trade in this country and the fact that trafficking is playing an increasing role in forcing women and young girls into prostitution. Of the 140 women the NGO supported through casework, 80 had been trafficked into Ireland. 61% of those trafficked came from Nigeria with Romania, Cameroon, Albania, Moldova and Ghana the next significant cohort. Other women came from countries in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.
Commenting on the statistics CEO Sarah Benson said, "This truly exemplifies the global nature of prostitution and trafficking and reflects the complexity of a frontline response such as that offered by Ruhama. We are constantly adapting to ensure that we are mindful and respectful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the women accessing our services".
Intoducing the report, Sarah Benson observes that the focus has turned in recent times, from the women and girls, and the small number of men and boys who are in prostitution towards those who are profiting. In this regard, she calls for the criminalisation of those who purchase sexual services. "There are a minority of men in Ireland who buy sex", she said. "Most sex buyers are married or in relationships and will have a higher than average number of sex partners compared to non-sex buyers. The attitudes expressed by sex buyers surveyed, towards the women they buy are deeply troubling and indicate a total lack of respect and in some cases serious antagonism for the women involved."
Through a combination of casework and street outreach Ruhama worked with a total of 204 women last year, an increase on 2009 of 4%.
To read Ruhama's report in full click here.


The Redmi Pro comes with a 5.5″ Full HD OLED display with 2.5D curved glass and no mention of any protection to the screen but we reckon there will some kinda protection that we've seen on the Redmi Note 3. The screen also has a 100% NTSC color gamut for delightful display. The overall design of the phone follows the same tone as of the Redmi Note 3 with lots of metal in the build.
Under the hood, it is powered by a MediaTek Deca-core Helio X20/X25 SoC and a Mali T880 GPU, coupled with 3GB of RAM for the base variant with 32GB memory and a next variant with 64GB memory and a higher variant (this is what has the X25 SoC) with 4GB RAM and 128GB of internal memory. Just like Redmi Note 3, they have Dual SIM trays that are hybrid in nature and can add upto 64GB additional storage.
The phones come with MIUI 8 out of the box built off Android Marshmallow and a battery capacity of 4050mAh that is not removable and charged via a USB Type-C port. Another change is the position of the fingerprint scanner which will now be on the front bottom, like the way we've seen on the Mi5 earlier this year. The phones come with 4G VoLTE support and the same set of sensors that the Redmi Note 3 came with.
The camera is where things get a big bump with dual rear cameras. A pair of 13MP shooter with dual tone LED and PDAF support coming in from Sony IMX258 and a 5MP secondary shooter are stated to churn out some good bokeh effect pictures. A front 5MP shooter would also be included.
The phones for the prices look very lucrative. It would be interesting to see when will these phones come to India and they might mostly come with the Snapdragon 652 variant of Qualcomm as that is how Xiaomi has been doing until now. We shall wait and see!


Before diving into the information you need to know before hiring a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney, here's a quick overview of the medical malpractice situation in America today.
Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in America. This is revealed in several recent independent studies.
That means between 200,000 and 400,000 people die each year because of preventable medical mistakes. This does not account for the millions who suffer serious, often permanent injuries from medical errors.
In Florida the problem is probably worse. Florida has notoriously weak doctor discipline. Lots of doctors from elsewhere flock to Florida, for the good weather and lax standards.
Plus there are a lot of elderly in Florida which means more care is needed and Medicare funds flow freely.
Fort Lauderdale is one place where medical malpractice thrives. Located in Broward County on Florida's "gold coast," Fort Lauderdale is a major city with lots of neighboring suburbs. Retirees, tourists, working class and the wealthy all live in this bustling palm-tree metropolis.
As the county seat of Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is the home of the main courthouse.
This city of 165,000 has been the scene of many dramatic events, none more important than the vote count of "hanging chads" in the 2000 Presidential election.
Fort Lauderdale houses Broward General Medical Center and Imperial Point Medical Center, both of which are public hospitals under the control of Broward Health.
Broward General is the largest hospital in the city, as a Level 1 trauma center with a 716-bed acute care service.
Broward General also serves as a teaching hospital for medical students from Nova Southeastern University's Osteopathic Medicine School.
Imperial Point Medical Center is a smaller 204-bed hospital, and the city also has Holy Cross Hospital, with 571 beds operated by the Catholic Church.
What most people do not know is that medical malpractice cases in Florida are complex and expensive. Knowing the legal ins and outs in medical malpractice is no small feat.
Florida's Medical Malpractice Act, Florida Statutes 766, has been amended and changed on an almost annual basis.
It is perhaps the most complex assembly of medical malpractice laws in the United States. There are notice requirements, procedural rules, presuit screening, specific rules for expert witnesses and presuit affidavits, examinations of parties and admissions of liability.
Add to this the local issues that relate to Fort Lauderdale's unique mix of private and county hospitals, independent and captive physicians and an array of other health care providers like ambulatory surgery centers and imaging facilities and you have a complex array of health care in Fort Lauderdale.
Having a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney is essential to understand the hospitals, doctors, and insurance carriers who handle these complex cases.
You will need to have some idea about what malpractice or medical mistake you think happened.
Another important aspect of a malpractice case is figuring out what the damages (injuries or losses) are. That is, what damage did the malpractice case as compared to the original illness or condition that caused the patient to require some treatment.
Sometimes that is obvious, such as a known surgical mistake or being given the wrong medication. Sometimes it is more difficult to figure out. "Failure to diagnose" cases can present complex issues on proving the cause of the ultimate injury.
The defense will almost always claim that the outcome would have been the same whether or not the condition had been diagnosed earlier.
It is important to bring this to the attention of the medical malpractice lawyer you consult with so he or she can assess what the best strategy should be.
Almost all medical malpractice cases require the use of expert witnesses. In Florida the Medical Malpractice Act requires that before any malpractice goes forward, the claimant (plaintiff, or injured party) must have a verified affidavit under oath from a qualified expert witness that there was medical negligence and that it caused injury or harm.
In Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice cases, you should expect that an attorney handling your case would consult with one or more experts on the important issues of your case.
In all likelihood the experts will have to be from other parts of Florida or from out of state.
Physicians rarely want to be on record as testifying or providing expert opinions against other professionals in their own area.
After obtaining an expert witness opinion, the attorney handling your Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice case may begin the presuit screening process, which again is required by Florida Law.
statements taken by either party, and written answers to questions or documents requested.
At the end of the 90-day period the defendant(s) may admit liability and demand arbitration on damages, may deny liability or may do nothing at all (which is the same as denying liability). At this point the lawyer for a victim may be able to file the medical malpractice lawsuit.
The case would then proceed in a manner similar to other cases in litigation. There will be written questions known as Interrogatories, a request to produce documents, depositions of the parties and other witnesses, perhaps a compulsory examination of the plaintiff, if relevant, and other events.
Ultimately there will be a trial setting by the court and the parties will have to mediate the case (mandatory in Florida) or go to trial if mediation is unsuccessful.
A major issue facing Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice clients is that many doctors in the area do not carry medical malpractice insurance. It is not required in Florida and many specialties refuse to carry any at all.
Florida only requires that physicians comply with financial responsibility laws. That means that if you bring a case against a doctor, go all the way through presuit, discovery, trial and an appeal, assuming you win at each stage and obtain a judgment against a doctor, you can have their license suspended until they satisfy the first $250,000 of the judgment.
The most important thing to know before hiring a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney is what experience, success and abilities the lawyer has. Is the lawyer someone who is recognized as being at the top of his or her field?
Are they accomplished in successfully handling medical malpractice cases in Florida? Is this something they regularly do, or just a small part of their practice?
You want someone who really understands the complexities of medical malpractice cases in Florida.
Finally, look for a lawyer who provides personal attention and understands what you are looking for. Then you will have found the right Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney.


You may or may not have heard, but the Preservation Hall Band, along with Win Butler and Regine Chassange of Arcade Fire have put together a new Krewe, specifically to celebrate the Haitain culture and the influence it's had on countless musicians and artists worldwide, but especially here in New Orleans. As you can imagine, New Orleans and Haiti have a lot in common...Win Butler even described New Orleans as "Haiti with Whole Foods" and he's not far off. Trump probably considers both "shitholes", and that's fine with me.
In typical New Orleans fashion, it was a true celebration. Anytime people from different walks of life come together to play music, dance, and just have a good time, it's a special thing. And in New Orleans that happens a lot. This was the first ever Krewe du Kanaval, and I didn't quite know what to expect. I should have. Because no matter how many times I've seen something similar, I'm always left knowing exactly what it is that makes this city so special. It's the people, plain and simple. Always has been and always will be. The people here are special. We love to celebrate life, for really no reason at all. If you don't believe me just look at these photos and ask yourself, does anyone look unhappy?
A big thank you to Preservation Hall and Win and Regine. This was an amazing first run and I have no doubt it will only grow exponentially from here. Proud to say I was at the first one!
Check out their website here and listen to their new song for the occasion!


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Porječje () is a village in the municipality of Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

References

Villages in Republika Srpska
Populated places in Doboj

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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You can donate as much or as little as you like, and you can stop your donation at any time.
By donating through payroll giving, your money goes even further.
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Please ask your HR or Payroll Manager whether your company has a Payroll Giving Scheme, and if so, ask to sign up!


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President Obama to Welcome Israeli President Shimon Peres to the White House
The President will welcome Israeli President Shimon Peres to the White House for a working lunch on April 5, 2011. The President looks forward to discussing with President Peres the full range of issues of common concern, including U.S.-Israeli security cooperation, recent developments across the Middle East, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and its neighbors. The President last received President Peres at the White House in May 2009.
Tags: Office of the Press Secretary, Statements and Releases, The President, United States, Whitehouse
President Obama Signs Tennessee Disaster Declaration
Nominations Sent to the Senate, 3/31/11
President Obama Nominates George L. Beck to Serve as U.S. Attorney
President Obama Nominates David L. McNulty to Serve as a U.S. Marshal
President Obama Names Alison J. Nathan as Nominee for the United States District Court
President Obama Nominates Corinne Ann Beckwith to be an Appellate Judge for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Statement by the Press Secretary on U.S. contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament
President Obama Announces Ambassador Princeton N. Lyman as U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan
Office of the Press Secretary News
Presidential Proclamation--National Donate Life Month
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 1079
Presidential Proclamation--National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Readout of the President's call with Italian President Napolitano
Statement by the Press Secretary, 3/30/11
Presidential Proclamation--Cesar Chavez Day
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal, 3/30/2011
Andhra CM Rosaiah meets Antony, no decision taken on Jagan
NEW DELHI - Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah met Defence Minister A K Antony and Union ...
Surendra Sirsat appointed new Goa NCP chief
PANAJI - Surendra Sirsat has been appointed the president of the Goa unit of the Nationalist Congres...
India, Sri Lanka likely to launch defence dialogue next year
NEW DELHI - India and Sri Lanka are likely to launch a defence dialogue next year in the backdrop of...
Yeddyurappa awaits meeting with Gadkari, party decision
NEW DELHI/BANGALORE - Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, battling allegations of favouring h...
Taliban leader in secret Afghan talks was an impostor: Report
KABUL - The secret talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban to end the conflict in t...
Kingfisher Airlines, American Airlines to share codes
MUMBAI - Kingfisher Airlines Tuesday said it will enter into code-sharing and frequent flyer program...
Maharashtra builders seek to rectify anomalies in rules
MUMBAI - Builders in Maharashtra Tuesday asked the state government to remove discrepancies in the D...
India a nation of immense power and presence: UAE daily
ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to a large number of Indians, recognises that "Indi...


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Infodec Communications
Strategy, Content & Marketing Solutions
Grants, Tenders & Sponsorships
Tender opportunities in COVID-19 times
Fast tracking, flexibility and being prepared for a government led recovery.
Timely tender and bid applications are the key to getting your business involved in government projects aimed at Australia's recovery.
Projects are being launched now to support Australia through the pandemic months, and bigger infrastructure projects are planned to float the nation through the inevitably rugged economic rapids.
What can your business, big or small, do to be a part of the recovery?
Tendering during the immediate crisis
In April 2020 the NSW government announced that the COVID-19 pandemic qualifies as an 'emergency' for the purposes of the Public Works Procurement Act 1912 (NSW).
Government agencies that conduct procurement are given guidance on how to act under clause 4 of the Public Works and Procurement Regulation 2019 [Clause 4 PWP]. The clause allows government agency heads to authorise procurements with exemptions from the usual procurement requirements, including certain provisions and prequalification schemes.
The intent is to provide faster and more flexible procurement processes in response to a pandemic that has serious, disruptive and rapidly shifting consequences. For example, certain essential developments, such as COVID-19 clinics, can be carried out without any form of planning approval.
Tips for reviewing contracts and preparing tenders
For businesses that wish to tender for government work, or those who are currently working with government should consider these tips:
If you are preparing for a tender, check in now and confirm whether key dates have changed since bids might be fast-tracked or suspended as the government responds to circumstances.
Due to procurement opportunities being fast-tracked under the emergency regulations, it is more important than ever to have prepared responses you can readily put forward. To understand what government departments look for and what information your business can prepare, consult this guide to tendering in Australia.
Review existing contracts to understand the implications for your business, such as:
'force majeure' legal clauses regarding unforseen events that render performance of a contract impossible, and which include reference to a pandemic or epidemic
legally 'frustrating events' that make the contract incapable of being performed under current circumstances, such as under new international travel plans
Moving forward, check with a lawyer that your contracts have clear wording to cover pandemic-related impacts.
Be aware that the emergency procurement rules will end at some point, so your contract and business plans should allow for the emergency context to change.
Current crisis opportunities
Being flexible, quick acting and prepared will put your business in a good position.
For example, the NSW government is currently calling for manufacturers who can meet local demand to register with the NSW 'COVID-19 Emergency Supplies Registration portal SCM8821'
The NSW portal asks suppliers who "have the capacity to provide critical supplies, raw materials or manufacturing capability to produce critical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis."
More than 1800 NSW firms have registered with the portal, such as regional producer Junee Licorice and Chocolate, which "acted quickly to begin producing supplies of hand sanitiser needed by frontline emergency and medical workers to help prevent the virus spreading".
The portal is a solutions-focused approach to procurement that does not guarantee a supply contract but establishes a supplier list "to connect NSW government agencies and eligible buyers with suppliers capable of providing critical supplies within a range of categories."
A longer-term government-led recovery
In Australia there is strong support for a government-led recovery. According to an Australia Institute poll held in April 2020, two in three Australians believe the government should take the lead regarding economic recovery while just one in 10 say that role should be taken by big business.
Australia and the UK were most likely to say that "the government should take the lead in sustaining the economy" (both 64%).
In contrast in the USA less than half thought the government should take the lead in the months ahead. Misgivings about 'big government' are more entrenched in the USA. [The country has even been slow to utilise the US 'Defense Production Act', which gives the president authority to command the production of private industry, for the production of ventilators and masks.]
Australian expectations may have been influenced by important government infrastructure projects such as the successful Snowy Mountains Scheme that invigorated post-war Australia.
New infrastructure programs
Already there is public and government support for a range of large infrastructure projects.
The Victorian state government has green-lit four large-scale projects. Western Australia has started out strongly with Infrastructure Australia adding two major rail infrastructure projects to the infrastructure Priority List. [Utopia's fabled Fast Intercity Train concept may not be that far-fetched.]
The Australian Government is providing funding to fast track national water infrastructure construction in partnership with the state and territory governments. In NSW large infrastructure programs look set to include:
Dam projects, such as the new Dungowan Dam, the Wyangala Dam Raising upgrade and investigations for a third dam on the Mole River in the North.
Programs fast-tracked under the Planning System Acceleration Program – six schools, a university campus development and new housing, including social housing.
To keep tabs on planned procurement of interest go to the Aus Tender website and add them to your watch list. AusTender provides centralised publication of government business opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts awarded.
Putting plans in place now can be assisted by reading Jo Ryan's book How To Win Tenders an Easy to Read Guide for Small Business. Now available on Amazon.
If you would like to speak with us about getting ready to tender, get in touch.
Filed Under: Blog Posts, Uncategorized
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We use words every day. Most times we get so lazy that whatever comes to our head, we blurt it out.
I have had countless instances where I said things I wasn't suppose to say. Sometimes, I negotiate with God inside me when I am having a discussion and I have that impression inside not to say more or to not even start the conversation in the first place: I will say, "God let me just say this one, only this and I will keep quiet or other times I quickly rush to say it before I feel the nudge to keep quiet.
Have you ever taken the time to listen to yourself? I did and I didn't like what I was hearing. I also discovered when I am around certain people, to enable me flow with the line of conversation, I say and agree with things I don't even believe or agree with, in other not to be the odd one.
This spills over into words we say over our children, others children, spouses, relatives, neighbors e.t.c. I am learning how to watch the words I speak, in the heat of conversations, when tired or stressed. It takes conscious effort and I am glad I am more careful with my words now and getting better.
The bible that said "let the words of your mouth be acceptable in God's sight knew what it was talking about. I heard someone introducing her child (two years old) as: "this is…my trouble. Ha! Your trouble? Another person while trying to chastise her child said "you don't think you just behave like a fool. You are stubborn. You are thief (the intention was to describe the child's smartness). I will kill you before you kill me. Mumu, you don't know anything, and a host of WORDS carelessly thrown about.
The mouth used in calling someone 'stubborn' can twist itself to say 'active'. The same lips can be twisted to say 'inquisitive' rather than 'destroyer', 'area scatter'. It doesn't take anything off me to think of what I am saying to others and even myself. It's not a joke neither is it cute or funny, it's just wrong.
I have realized things I say, form my thoughts and this form me likewise my children and my husband. We say hundreds if not thousands of words everyday, which doesn't give me the luxury of spouting off everything that comes to my head.
What am I saying…to my husband, children, housemaids, staff, parents, friends, neighbours, e.t.c?
God spoke the world, you and I to being through words…what does my words do?
What fruit am I harvesting?


Your buyer persona is a character profile based on research about your ideal customers. The buyer persona should be as detailed as possible and include information on demographics, behavior patterns, motivations, and goals. Define your best marketing strategies by creating your buyer persona in minutes with our simple tool!
STEP 1: WHO IS YOUR PERSONA?
2. What's your persona's name?
Collecting demographics is the first place to start drafting your persona. It's easy to obtain and starts painting the picture of what matters to them.
4. What's their annual household income?
5. Where do they live and work?
6. Are they male or female? or both?
7. How old are they?
8. Where did your persona go to school and what did they study? Is it related to what they're doing today?
9. How did they get to where they are and what do they do?
10. What are they like? Describe their typical week, how you reach them, and how they spend their free time.
11. Where does your persona go for trusted information? Focus on brands, sites and publications in your industry.
STEP 2: LIFE AND WORK GOALS?
12. What do they hope to achieve in life or what are they currently planning for?
13. Where do they hope to be in 5 or 10 years professionally?
14. What industry do they work in? How big is the company in terms of revenue and employees?
15. What is their job title, role and responsibilities? How long have they had this role and title?
16. What metric(s) is your persona responsible for? What numbers and charts do they use to measure success?
17. Describe their work life. What do they do daily, weekly, monthly? What skills are needed to perform well?
18. What challenges does your persona face to get promoted? What are their obstacles to improving performance?
19. What solutions exist to solve these problems? What do they use, which are lacking, which may not exist?
20. Review your answers. How, where and why should you describe your product to your persona? This is your "Elevator Pitch".
We will help you build a vibrant brand identity.


You can play Clash of Goblins free online car games at fogames. It has tags: Action,Defense,Goblin,Monster,. It has 8792 total plays and has been rated 89.8% (120 like and 53 dislike), find the fun and happy day. If you want to play more car games, we find some of the game: Island Clash, Rocket Clash 3D, Clash of Avatars and Clash of Cakes. To play other games, go to the action games page, the defense games page, or just check out the new games or best games page.


text:
package org.keycloak.protocol.oidc.installation;

import org.keycloak.Config;
import org.keycloak.authentication.ClientAuthenticator;
import org.keycloak.authentication.ClientAuthenticatorFactory;
import org.keycloak.models.ClientModel;
import org.keycloak.models.KeycloakSession;
import org.keycloak.models.KeycloakSessionFactory;
import org.keycloak.models.RealmModel;
import org.keycloak.protocol.ClientInstallationProvider;
import org.keycloak.protocol.oidc.OIDCLoginProtocol;
import org.keycloak.services.managers.ClientManager;
import org.keycloak.util.JsonSerialization;

import javax.ws.rs.core.MediaType;
import javax.ws.rs.core.Response;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.net.URI;
import java.util.Map;

/**
 * @author Bill Burke
 * @version $Revision: 1 $
 */
public class KeycloakOIDCClientInstallation implements ClientInstallationProvider {

    @Override
    public Response generateInstallation(KeycloakSession session, RealmModel realm, ClientModel client, URI baseUri) {
        ClientManager.InstallationAdapterConfig rep = new ClientManager.InstallationAdapterConfig();
        rep.setAuthServerUrl(baseUri.toString());
        rep.setRealm(realm.getName());
        rep.setRealmKey(realm.getPublicKeyPem());
        rep.setSslRequired(realm.getSslRequired().name().toLowerCase());

        if (client.isPublicClient() && !client.isBearerOnly()) rep.setPublicClient(true);
        if (client.isBearerOnly()) rep.setBearerOnly(true);
        if (client.getRoles().size() > 0) rep.setUseResourceRoleMappings(true);

        rep.setResource(client.getClientId());

        if (showClientCredentialsAdapterConfig(client)) {
            Map<String, Object> adapterConfig = getClientCredentialsAdapterConfig(session, client);
            rep.setCredentials(adapterConfig);
        }
        String json = null;
        try {
            json = JsonSerialization.writeValueAsPrettyString(rep);
        } catch (IOException e) {
            throw new RuntimeException(e);
        }
        return Response.ok(json, MediaType.TEXT_PLAIN_TYPE).build();
    }

    public static Map<String, Object> getClientCredentialsAdapterConfig(KeycloakSession session, ClientModel client) {
        String clientAuthenticator = client.getClientAuthenticatorType();
        ClientAuthenticatorFactory authenticator = (ClientAuthenticatorFactory) session.getKeycloakSessionFactory().getProviderFactory(ClientAuthenticator.class, clientAuthenticator);
        return authenticator.getAdapterConfiguration(client);
    }

    public static boolean showClientCredentialsAdapterConfig(ClientModel client) {
        if (client.isPublicClient()) {
            return false;
        }

        if (client.isBearerOnly() && client.getNodeReRegistrationTimeout() <= 0) {
            return false;
        }

        return true;
    }

    @Override
    public String getProtocol() {
        return OIDCLoginProtocol.LOGIN_PROTOCOL;
    }

    @Override
    public String getDisplayType() {
        return "Keycloak OIDC JSON";
    }

    @Override
    public String getHelpText() {
        return "keycloak.json file used by the Keycloak OIDC client adapter to configure clients.  This must be saved to a keycloak.json file and put in your WEB-INF directory of your WAR file.  You may also want to tweak this file after you download it.";
    }

    @Override
    public void close() {

    }

    @Override
    public ClientInstallationProvider create(KeycloakSession session) {
        return this;
    }

    @Override
    public void init(Config.Scope config) {

    }

    @Override
    public void postInit(KeycloakSessionFactory factory) {

    }

    @Override
    public String getId() {
        return "keycloak-oidc-keycloak-json";
    }

    @Override
    public boolean isDownloadOnly() {
        return false;
    }

    @Override
    public String getFilename() {
        return "keycloak.json";
    }

    @Override
    public String getMediaType() {
        return MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON;
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


PRESIDENT Obama has deployed US special forces troops along Lithuania's border with "aggressive" Russia.
Tensions between Washington and the Kremlin have reached Cold War levels amid reports Vladimir Putin is deploying nuke-ready missiles in the Russian province of Kaliningrad – which borders Poland, Belarus and Lithuania.
And Lithuanian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Asta Galdikaite confirmed America has offered additional military support following Russia's annexation of Crimea.
She added: "US Special Operations Forces presence in Lithuania is one of the deterrents" against military threats by Putin's aggressive regime, reports the Express.
Will Rebecca Ferguson perform at Trump's inauguration and who else might perform?
US military chief General Raymond T Thomas told the New York Times that America has a "persistent" presence in the Baltic states bordering Russia.
He added that many former Eastern Bloc countries are "scared to death" of Russia and the vulnerable states are "desperate" for America's leadership.
The US and its Nato allies will send battalions of up to 1,200 to each of the three Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - and Poland by spring this year, reports the New York Times.
Lithuania's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius confirmed Russia's military activity in Kaliningrad is terrifying the region.
Linkevicius branded Russian behaviour in the region "military hooliganism" and called on Nato to take action and offer more support to beleaguered Ukraine.
In November, Putin's naval forces unveiled their latest super-stealth submarine which has been deployed in the Black Sea as a shocking new report revealed Russia is "taking over" the region.
Kremlin bosses promised Russia would never allow the sea to become a "Nato lake" and they firmly believe the military alliance would crumble if, as feared, the Americans pull out.
Relations between the outgoing Obama administration and Russia have soured following allegations that Putin ordered the email hack which helped scupper Hillary Clinton's presidential bid.
The White House has since expelled 35 Russian diplomats and has shut down two "spy" compounds in New York and Maryland in response to what it claims is a campaign of harassment by Russia against American diplomats in Moscow.


For residential practitioners, NAR's forecast for 2013 looks like a return to normalcy, with healthy price appreciation, an increase in both existing- and new-home sales, and a drying up of the shadow inventory. Interest rates are expected to remain low, though inflation could put upward pressure on both rates and home prices.
For commercial practitioners, the rise in renter households is good news for the multifamily sector. O;ce, industrial, and retail are all expected to inch back, with slight declines in vacancies and positive growth in net absorption and rents.
Own vs. Rent The number of owner households has been flat over the past several years.
number of renter households has increased from 35 million in 2007 to nearly 40 million today. Some renters who'd like to take advantage of today's favorable prices and interest rates are finding credit standards too tight to obtain financing. NAR warns that continued tight credit conditions threaten to widen the wealth gap between owners and renters.


Check for injuries, give first aid, and get help for seriously injured people.
Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage.
Remember to confine or secure your pets.
Call your family contact. Do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Listen to battery powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts. Certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
If you're sure you have time, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.


The new Verderflex Vantage 5000 is an advanced peristaltic cased drive pumps combining precision dosing (4000:1 turndown ratio) with high level of discharge pressures, and up to double the flow than its competitors.
The operating system of the Vantage 5000 is designed to be extremely user-friendly, featuring color-coded menus based on highly visible icons, plus on-screen status alerts and alarms. All programming and configurations can be set via the touchscreen. Up to 30 tasks can be stored internally, and pump histories and jobs can be backed up via USB.
The Vantage 5000 is stackable and the pump tasks can be transferred from one to another. This effectively makes the deployment very fast and easy. Additionally, various models are available for different remote control options, from analog, SCADA to digital protocols. For instance, the newest Vantage 5000 Modbus® can be networked over the license-free, industry standard Modbus® RTU protocol.
Verderflex Vantage 5000 is suitable for use in many fields, from aseptic, pharmaceutical environment to the harsh requirements of water treatment and mining. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.


If you have a toothache or other dental emergency in the Washington DC area, Emergency Dental Care USA in Arlington, VA has emergency dentists available for convenient same-day appointments. We accept most dental insurance, offer convenient hours and have several payment options if you don't have dental insurance.
Emergency Dental Care USA of Arlington is committed to getting you the care you deserve quickly, and at a price you can afford. Our office is located in Virginia Square, less than a block from the metro stop, and less than 15 minutes from downtown Washington DC by way of the metro.
If you're a new patient and you'd like to reduce your wait time, please print and complete our Patient Medical & Dental History Form below. If you've been to our dental clinic before, we already have your information, and we can update anything at the time of your visit.
Needed some emergency dental work on a Sunday. I was able to walk in and they took care of my issue very professionally.
© 2016-2018 Emergency Dental Care USA and Michael K Obeng, D.D.S., PLLC. All rights reserved.


positive social change in society.
Consider the women's rights movement; the civil rights movement; Alcoholics Anonymous; the world's first safe house for women and children (Refuge), set up by a child survivor of domestic violence – and the list goes on. But today, in modern society, why is the lived experience taking a backseat in social change thinking and social purpose work?
'The experience(s) of people on whom a social issue, or combination of issues, has had a direct impact'.
'Social change-makers who seek to use their lived experience to inform the work of social purpose organisations, to drive and lead social change, and/or to drive their social impact work'.
This report explores if, and how, social purpose organisations in the United Kingdom value lived expertise in social change work. It also looks at what meaningful opportunities, if any, there are for experts by experience to drive and lead social impact work in modern society.
The overarching conclusion is that lived experience continues to have little traction as a core concept in social change work and leadership, despite its proven impact in human history.
There is a glaring shortage of meaningful and equitable opportunities for experts by experience to be involved in the work of the social sector, and there is a pressing need for leadership and organisational development across the wider sector to ensure that social purpose work benefits from all forms of human wisdom, knowledge and expertise. Only then can we begin to remove the pervasive imbalance that currently exists in our social change equilibrium.
It is time to do better and to appreciate the truth at the heart of the social sector – that fundamentally it is people who create social change. It is time to collectively explore, value and celebrate the change-making and leadership capacity that flourishes throughout civic society, including people and communities with lived experience of the social issues we all seek to tackle.
As a starting point, there is an urgent need for universal cross-sector commitment to this broad agenda. I hope that this report will help achieve this and strengthen the case for sustained implementation of changes throughout the social change ecosystem, including the wider social sector.


text:
## fetch快速示例

` fetch(url,<request>) ` :参数:路径,请求 ,返回值是Promise对象

示例:

````JavaScript
fetch('https://mywebsite.com/endpoint/', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Accept': 'application/json',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    firstParam: 'yourValue',
    secondParam: 'yourOtherValue',
  })
})
````

````JavaScript
fetch('https://mywebsite.com/endpoint.php')
  .then((response) => response.text())
  .then((responseText) => {
    console.log(responseText);
  })
  .catch((error) => {
    console.warn(error);
  });
````

同步异步,例如使用ES7的async/await语法来发起一个异步调用

````JavaScript
async getUsersFromApi() {
  try {
    let response = await fetch('https://mywebsite.com/endpoint/');
    return response.users;
  } catch(error) {
    throw error;
  }
}
````

##  请求request

-  method - GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, HEAD
-  url - URL of the request
-  headers - associated Headers object
-  referrer - referrer of the request
-  mode - cors, no-cors, same-origin
-  credentials - should cookies go with the request? omit, same-origin
-  redirect - follow, error, manual
-  integrity - subresource integrity value
-  cache - cache mode (default, reload, no-cache)

例如:

````
var request = new Request('/users.json', {
	method: 'POST',
	mode: 'cors',
	redirect: 'follow',
	headers: new Headers({
		'Content-Type': 'text/plain'
	})
});

// Now use it!
fetch(request).then(function() { /* handle response */ });
````

##  返回response

### 属性

-  type - basic, cors
-  url
-  useFinalURL - Boolean for if url is the final URL
-  status - status code (ex: 200, 404, etc.)
-  ok - Boolean for successful response (status in the range 200-299)
-  statusText - status code (ex: OK)
-  headers - Headers object associated with the response.

### 方法

-  clone() - Creates a clone of a Response object.
-  error() - Returns a new Response object associated with a network error.
-  redirect() - Creates a new response with a different URL.
-  arrayBuffer() - Returns a promise that resolves with an ArrayBuffer.
-  blob() - Returns a promise that resolves with a Blob.
-  formData() - Returns a promise that resolves with a FormData object.
-  json() - Returns a promise that resolves with a JSON object.
-  text() - Returns a promise that resolves with a USVString (text).

###  例子

````javascript
  //Handling JSON
  fetch(sourceUrl)
      .then((response) => response.json())
      .then((jsonData) => {})
  //Handling html
  fetch(sourceUrl)
      .then((response) => response.test())
      .then((text) => {})
  //Handling BLOB
  fetch(sourceUrl)
      .then((response) => response.blob())
      .then((imageBlob) => {
			document.querySelector('img').src = URL.createObjectURL(imageBlob);
      })
````

##  更多高级技巧

###  合并请求
>  Promise.all可以合并多个请求

````javascript
var request1 = fetch('/users.json');
var request2 = fetch('/articles.json');

Promise.all([request1, request2]).then(function(results) {
    // Both promises done!
});
````

###  竞赛race
>   不知道什么场景用到这个,但是很有意思,多个请求,当一个通过或者reject,就立刻向后输出

````javascript
var req1 = new Promise(function(resolve, reject) {
    // A mock async action using setTimeout
    setTimeout(function() { resolve('First!'); }, 8000);
});
var req2 = new Promise(function(resolve, reject) {
    // A mock async action using setTimeout
    setTimeout(function() { resolve('Second!'); }, 3000);
});
Promise.race([req1, req2]).then(function(one) {
    console.log('Then: ', one);
}).catch(function(one, two) {
    console.log('Catch: ', one);
});

// From the console:
// Then: Second!
````

##  参考文章
-	[rn中文网-网络](http://reactnative.cn/docs/0.23/network.html)
-	[fetchAPI,这篇文章写得很详细](https://davidwalsh.name/fetch)
- [JavaScript Promise API](https://segmentfault.com/a/1190000004476610)
- [promise ES6文档](http://es6.ruanyifeng.com/#docs/promise)


Stock status is current as of 4/19/2019 6:51 PMET.
Essential to Lexmark� print system performance, Unison� toner's unique formulation consistently delivers outstanding image quality. Ensures long-life print system reliability and promotes superior sustainability. Innovative shake-free print system.


text:
State of the Reunion with Jeff Pilson
Posted: July 1, 2016 in Pilsonbrew
Tags: Dokken, Don Dokken, George Lynch, Japan, Jeff Pilson, Mick Brown, Reunion
Hey everyone – it's been a year since my last Q&A with Jeff Pilson, and I'm excited to run another "State of the Union" interview for you all. As usual, there is a lot to talk about, and I've done my best to cover the bases, but this one will certainly play heavier on the "State of the Reunion" due to the big announcement this week about DOKKEN! – Michael
Hey Jeff – it's hard to believe another year has come around since our last Q&A… I just want to start by thanking you for always being willing to update your fans like you do.
JEFF: No prob. It's all about communication these days. Glad you're helping out with it.
Let's dive right into the deep waters: Word is starting to spread that Don has finally agreed to an offer that brings back you and George with Don and Mick for a short run of six "classic DOKKEN" reunion shows in Japan this fall. How did this reunion finally come together after all these years?
JEFF: OK, full story. Tom Mayhue, (who in the 80's was our crew chief but went on to GnR where he's been ever since as Production Mgr) was contacted by Creative Man in Japan (the promoter). He was asked to contact us all to see about the possibility of a reunion. Once everyone agreed to the premise and their offer (which is quite lucrative), they then asked for my Foreigner itinerary to book the dates so it could work for me. How do you say no to that???? The problem really has been scheduling in our last couple attempts at a reunion, so this solved that problem and we went forward.
Wow – that's very cool! Clearly Creative Man knows Japanese fans have always been passionate about DOKKEN, and you guys had some amazing shows over there in the mid 90's. Did "DOKKEN Live '95" capture the best performance from that era?
JEFF: Not necessarily, but it was certainly a good one. We had several really magical shows on that run, but it was great to record in Japan and it was especially cool of Mr Udo to do that for us. He was always soooooo good to us!
Yes he was! Going further back, many fans hold "Beast from the East" in high regard as a live recording release. As time has passed, more and more bands have disclosed their studio editing to their live albums… how "live" was that DOKKEN release?
JEFF: Not as live as it probably could have been. Personally I think we may have gone a bit overboard in fixing it, but it did come out good. Funny thing is, I have the original live board tapes which, though there are mistakes, etc., actually have a better energy to them. Oh well.
You know fans would LOVE to hear those recordings, but I digress… Would a 2016 setlist revisit that "classic" setlist from BFTE, or can we expect a fresh mix of classics, deep cuts, and newer songs this time around?
JEFF: Well of course there will be the classics, but we have talked about trying to bring out at least one deep cut, perhaps one we've never performed or haven't in a very long time, but we'll see. I'd sure like to have an acoustic section, maybe 4 songs. We all agree it has to be a helluva show.
We know it will be! Here's an idea… Many bands are now featuring a classic album anniversary by playing it live all the way thru… has anyone suggested you guys playing all of "Under Lock & Key" to celebrate 30 years of that release?
JEFF: That hasn't been brought up, although it's not a horrible idea. I just don't see us doing that right out of the gate to start a reunion.
Fair enough. As you look ahead to the run of six shows in Japan, what are your plans to connect with Don, George & Mick for rehearsals here in the US prior to departure?
JEFF: We do have a plan and there will be rehearsals. Of course I'm the guy that feels there's never enough rehearsal, but we'll make the best of what we get. It's so hard with everyone's schedules.
I know you & George like to work together – what do you anticipate once you plug in again with Mick & Don at rehearsal?
JEFF: If I had to guess I'd say it'll feel pretty damn normal!!!!! Mick came over to play drums and sing backgrounds for the T&N record in 2012 and that felt absolutely comfortable… in fact it felt amazing! You gotta remember what a huge chunk of all our lives Dokken has been, so it really is a familiar place. Deep down we all have a love for each other that is undeniable, even though, like families, it can get abrasive at times.
I think most fans of this band believe that and understand the reality of the family dynamic. Once you get to Japan, do you and George have any Scrotum Sound Studio sessions planned back at the hotel for any creative work?
JEFF: Not really, but he did come over 2 days ago and we wrote the music to a new track that I sent to Don yesterday. The plan is, hopefully, to somehow record one song before the tour to include as part of the packaging. The song we wrote is awesome, I can't wait to hear what Don does to it.
Now that's what I'm talking about – a new song! You know fans & promoters around the world will be hoping for more, especially if the magic is back in Japan – is that something you are even considering personally?
JEFF: Well again it comes down to, for me, scheduling. Foreigner has our big 40th anniversary tour next year, so that's a factor. Plus Don is saying he's really only interested in doing it in Japan, so guess that's it. I'd certainly be open to doing more if it could work out, but if it's just Japan- I'm fine with that too.
Ok, but have you prepared yourself for what will happen if Don & George actually enjoy this and suddenly the light shines on you as the guy with too many commitments to keep this going?
JEFF: Actually no, I haven't even thought of that – LOL! Don has made it pretty clear he likes his current lineup of Dokken, and I get that. Hey if that did happen- wow! But I don't see that happening.
How did you explain this whole DOKKEN opportunity to Mick & Kelly, and how did they react to your plans for Japan?
JEFF: I only spoke with management so haven't actually spoken to either of them about it yet, but knowing it was conscientiously booked around Foreigner's schedule, I can't see them having a problem with it.
Could you foresee a future where it would be possible to balance touring w/DOKKEN & FOREIGNER, much like Mick has done w/Ted Nugent & DOKKEN?
JEFF: No.
That seems like a firm answer. What about recording with DOKKEN? Could that be a creative outlet for you & George to continue making great music with Don & Mick without the pressure of touring together?
JEFF: That's something I would truly enjoy and know George thinks that as well. But let's just take it one step (or song) at a time. I do hope this new song comes out as good as I imagine.
Speaking of recording, you also have built a solid reputation at Pilsound Studios as a dynamic producer. Some of your recent work – like Last in Line's "Heavy Crown" – has been your best yet. Any plans for new studio work lined up for this fall or winter?
JEFF: Warrant has asked me to do a record with them this winter, and I'm hoping that can work out. Plus when Last In Line does their next CD, I sure hope I'm involved. And of course George and I would love to do another T&N record if there isn't a whole Dokken record to do. Just so much I'd like to do and too little time to do it in.
What great problems to have, right? To bend a lyric from a Steel Dragon track, you seem to be living a life you were born to live. As you look ahead, what is your vision for your life in 10 years?
JEFF: A really really big garden!!!!! Actually, that is a fantasy of mine and fortunately Don Dokken happens to be an amazing gardener – so some brain picking coming soon!!!! But that's something I can't really let myself think too much about til I'm off the road so much – so no hurry on that. But on the musical front, if in 10 years I'm producing, writing, maybe doing TV and/or jingle work, I'll be a happy camper!
Your values about music seem to run deep and guide everything you do… what convictions would you say capture those deeply rooted values?
JEFF: Do what you truly feel in your heart. Do it to the best of your ability, and enjoy every second of doing it!
With this DOKKEN reunion booked – even if it is only six shows as an appropriate final chapter – do you have more audacious goals in your musical career?
JEFF: I'm still trying to write the greatest song of all time – that's all!!!!!! Until I do, gotta keep trying!
How do you make decisions today about what you will do to make sure you keep your dreams alive and your musical choices lined up with your vision of the future?
JEFF: I've learned to listen to my gut a lot more. It seems like when I've gone the most astray it was when I did what I was "supposed" to do or what, on the surface, was the "correct" thing to do rather than what felt right. If I have a regret, it's that.
Jeff – there will be so much more to talk about once you walk down the road in front of you this fall. I hope we can circle back around in the next 120 days and explore what you are experiencing with the band, the music, and the tour. Until then, keep up the amazing work you do that we all enjoy so much!
JEFF: Thanx – yes let's keep talking through all this. Let's follow up as we get closer to the tour.


text:
What's Happening - And Not Happening - At Ground Zero
Eight years after terrorists felled the World Trade Center towers in New York City, progress on rebuilding the site has been slow and mired in controversy.
September 11, 2009, 10am PDT | Nate Berg
"A glance at the World Trade Center site from Greenwich Street tells a lot about progress there: Eight years after the Twin Towers fell, a 10-foot-tall, barbed-wire fence still surrounds the 16-acre void in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Squabbles over designs and funding have caused severe construction delays. With the exception of the SOM-designed 7 WTC, a 52-story tower completed in 2006, the only discernible progress has happened below street level, on a museum and memorial planned for the site."
The memorial -- two pools -- are farthest along. The museum is also progressing, but above-ground work on the site of the former towers has not made much headway.
A Tale of Two Rebuilding Efforts at Ground Zero
Published on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 in Architectural Record
History / Preservation