text:
require "sinatra"
require "json"

configure do
    set(:deploy_config) { JSON.parse(File.read("config.json")) }
end

post '/deploy' do
    body = request.body.read
    payload = JSON.parse(body)
    repo_name = payload["repository"]["full_name"]
    halt 404, "Unknown repository" unless settings.deploy_config.has_key? repo_name
    verify_signature(body, settings.deploy_config[repo_name]["secret"])
    case request.env['HTTP_X_GITHUB_EVENT']
    when 'pull_request'
        if payload["action"].eql? "closed" && payload["pull_request"]["merged"]
            deploy repo_name
            puts "Done with pull"
        end
    when 'push'
        if payload["ref"].eql? settings.deploy_config[repo_name]["ref"]
            deploy repo_name
            puts "Done with push"
        end
    else
        halt 400, "Bad Event."
    end
end

def verify_signature(payload_body, token)
    signature = 'sha1=' + OpenSSL::HMAC.hexdigest(OpenSSL::Digest.new('sha1'), token, payload_body)
    halt 403, "Failed to verify signature!" unless Rack::Utils.secure_compare(signature, request.env['HTTP_X_HUB_SIGNATURE'])
end

def deploy(repo_name)
    pre_pull_script = settings.deploy_config[repo_name]["pre_pull_script"]
    pull_script = settings.deploy_config[repo_name]["pull_script"]
    post_pull_script = settings.deploy_config[repo_name]["post_pull_script"]
    system("bash #{pre_pull_script}")
    system("bash #{pull_script}")
    system("bash #{post_pull_script}")
end


Blogging about history - my favorite thing to do.
While I relinquished the full-time reins of the Sun Valley blog last year when I moved from Idaho to Charleston, I still pop in from time-to-time with posts in my favorite area of expertise Sun Valley's unique history (I'm actually writing a book about the history of Sun Valley, shhh!).
Last week, I delved into the story behind the annual Wagon Days parade, the largest non-motorized parade in the West, and unearthed a fascinating tale of bare-knuckle survival in the original Wild West.
Read The Wagons of Wagon Days here.


text:
RAF Tarrant Rushton.
Tarrant Rushton airfield was situated to the east of Blandford Forum, Dorset, set on the top of a hill with expansive views across Blandford Camp and Badbury Rings (Iron Age hill fort). The building of the airfield that was to become the home of 'C' Squadron commenced in May 1942, the airfield being intended for the use of airborne forces of 38 Wing RAF. On 17 May 1943 the base was handed over while still unfinished. Glider operations finally started in October 1943 and continued until 1945.
Horsa gliders from Tarrant Rushton left for France on the eve of D-Day, to begin Operation Tonga with an action that would later become known as Pegasus Bridge. Among the glider pilots was Jim Wallwork, on a Horsa nicknamed Lady Irene. The Tarrant Rushton gliders landed in occupied France shortly after midnight. Wallwork's aircraft was the first to touch down, but it landed heavily: the force of the impact catapulted both Wallwork and his co-pilot John Ainsworth through the front of the cockpit. Although stunned, this made them the first Allied troops to touch French soil on D-Day.
Hamilcar gliders from Tarrant Rushton arrive on Drop Zone 'N' carrying Tetrarch tanks, 6 June 1944.As part of Operation Tonga, a few Tetrarch tanks of 6th Airborne's Reconnaissance Regiment were also flown from Tarrant Rushton in Hamilcar gliders, towed by Halifax bombers, to land on the French coast near the mouth of the Orne river.
Other gliders were later flown from the airfield to Arnhem to take part in Operation Market Garden. During the closing stages of World War II, aircraft were used for SOE operations.
In September 1946 the airfield was placed on Care and Maintenance status until abandoned in December 1947.
Hamilcar Prangs!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
ORGANIZING LITHUANIAN YOUTH IN CANADA – FIRST STEPS 1950-1974
The World Lithuanian Youth Association celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It was established during the Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress in 1972 and the Canadian Chapter was formed in 1974. How did Canada's Lithuanian youth organize and then eventually become part of the world-wide umbrella youth association?
FIRST WAVE
Immigrants from Lithuania to Canada prior to the end of World War II, in the late 1940's organized themselves into benevolent societies. Their aim was to address immediate concerns regarding employment, housing, maintenance of culture, and promotion of social activities. Although not numerous, youth had opportunities to attend local Lithuanian language/heritage schools, join choirs and folk dancing groups, as well as sports clubs. Social events and commemorations organized for them by community elders provided opportunities for further youth social interactions.
The largest wave of immigrants from Lithuania occurred in 1947-48 when the 'Displaced Persons' (DP) or refugees fleeing from the horrors of WWII started arriving in Canada. In one of the earliest editorials published in the weekly newspaper, The Lights of Homeland (established in Toronto, Ontario in 1949), E. Genaitis focuses on the importance of education and proposes that a fund be established to support students wishing to attend universities. This wave of new immigrants had benefitted from the educational and cultural institutions of an independent Lithuania and from the many high schools and cultural clubs that functioned in German DP camps as well as from the Baltic University established by Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian refugee professors in Hamburg, Germany. E. Genaitis viewed education as most important for survival of the Lithuanian nation in the diaspora.
Lights of Homeland 1950.VI.01
Post WWII immigrants found that a number of organizations, Lithuanian language heritage schools, sports clubs, and choirs were already established in larger Canadian centres. Unlike the earlier wave of immigrants whose focus was on integrating into their new homeland and less so on higher education, their focus was on promoting education and maintaining their language and heritage. The newcomers had little in common with the earlier immigrants and established a number of organizations focused on academic pursuits:
Lithuanian Organization of Academics (A. Bajorinis, Pres.)
Established in 1948-49 in Toronto with 5 members
Organized a few lectures, discussions, picnics, concerts
Ceased functioning in the summer of 1950
Lithuanian Academic Youth Group
Established in 1949 in Montreal
Engaged in the same activities as the Toronto group, but in addition, set up a literary prize and a scholarship fund
University of Toronto Lithuanian Students Association
Established in 1950 in Toronto by a group of students
Existed for one year
University of Toronto Lithuanian Student Club (TULSK)
The Club replaced the previous University of Toronto Students Association
A Group of 12 students organized lectures, discussions, social events that were open to everyone
Canadian Lithuanian Students Association (CLSA) (G. Šernas, Pres.)
Established in 1953 – it was a first attempt to coalesce student activities
Chapters were established in Montreal, Toronto, and London
The Central executive's mandate was:
to build membership by increasing contact with all the chapters as well as individual students
to establish statutes for the organization based on those of the Lithuanian Students Association in the United States
to give voice to Lithuanian students in the Lithuanian Canadian and Canadian communities
Canadian Lithuanian Youth Association bylaws, 1950's
LMAC archives 675-D.1
CLSA Chapters started attracting new members. Activities included maintaining the Lithuanian traditions of gatherings to mark "initium semestri" and "finis semestri", organizing public lectures as well as social events that provided opportunities to promote and showcase rising new talents.
Independent Lithuania 1960.IX.21
FIRST STUDENT CONFERENCE IN CANADA
Honey Harbour, Ontario, in the summer of 1955 was the scene of the first student conference/camp weekend organized by the Canadian Lithuanian Student Association (CLSA). Students from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, gathered to discuss issues, set guidelines for future activities and to strengthen personal and organizational ties. B. Vaškelis was elected as the new President and outlined issues that needed attention:
CLSA activities are not engaging people enough. There is little sharing of information and activities are too localized. This results in low interest and lack of enthusiasm to join or to participate.
Generally, students are passive, immersed in studies and want to blend into their university communities.
To help solve these issues, we must: 1) elect enthusiastic people to lead the local chapters, 2) organize events and share information across chapters to broaden interest, and, 3) to establish a financial accountability mechanism at the central executive level of the CLSA.
Lights of Homeland 1955.VIII.18
The central executive of the CLSA worked in conjunction with the Lights of Homeland newspaper to establish a monthly column - "The Student's Path" as a venue for expressing concerns, to share information and to answer questions of interest to students. In addition, they kept close ties with the US Student's Association and with their Latvian and Estonian counterparts. In the 1950's, the CLSA competed with other organizations to get the attention of students and for membership. These included the ideological and cultural organizations: Lithuanian Scouts and the Catholic Students Association "Ateitis", as well as sports clubs and a variety of folk-dance groups and choirs.
Lights of Homeland 1955.II.10
MOCK STUDENT TRIAL
In 1956, the CLSA Montreal chapter (V. Bruzgelevičius, Pres.) organized for the public, a mock trial whereby 'typical' Lithuanian university students were charged with being too passive towards the Lithuanian community in Canada and towards the Lithuanian nation. The students were asked if they understood that they were Lithuanian and what obligations this identity carried with it – to them as 'refugees' from Lithuania and also, what obligations they would have in the event that Lithuania became free and independent again. The students had an opportunity to defend themselves with the help of 'legal' representation and to call witnesses to plead their case.
Students: M. Bilevičiūtė
V. Šipelis
Judges: J. Žmuidzinas
A. Gražys
H. Nagys
Prosecutor: Mr. Viliušis
Defence: Dr. Daukšas
Witnesses: Miss Ciplijauskaitė
Miss Kibirkštytė
Mr. Lukoševičius
Mr. Mališka
Mr. Balsys
Over 200 people attended the "trial". The students were accused of 10 'crimes' and were convicted of 3 offences. They were found 1) guilty of not attending higher level Lithuanian academic courses, 2) not publicizing the political situation in Lithuania within their university community and 3) of losing the use of the Lithuanian language. The sentence stipulated that the students had one year to correct the three offences they were found guilty of and that because of inconclusive evidence the remaining charges were dismissed.
Independent Lithuania 1956.III.14
Lights of Homeland 1956.IV.19
SNAPSHOT OF CANADIAN LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS 1956-57
Per Bronius Vaškelis, CLSA President
Number of University Students
Canada total 80-90
Montreal 25
In 1957, the CLSA objectives were clear:
To unite all Lithuanian Canadian students
To foster social interaction and promote Lithuanian cultural heritage
To work with the Lithuanian Canadian Community (LCC) by having a youth representative on the executives of local LCC chapters (3 CLSA members were elected to sit on the LCC National Council)
To liaise with and represent Lithuanian students in Latvian, Polish and Ukrainian student organizations
Relations with the US Students Association were close. Both groups recognized the need to share information through a newsletter and to organize common events such as the North American Youth congress of 1957. However, they stopped short of forming a federation.
Of the known number of Lithuanian students across Canada, approximately 60 belonged to the CLSA and were active in the Lithuanian community and youth organizations.
Some had graduated from high school in Lithuania or Germany (the 'older group) but the majority graduated from high schools in Canada (the 'younger' group).
The younger group participated less in the Lithuanian community and had less contact with Lithuanian students in general.
Men focused on studies in engineering while women focused on biology, psychology, or sociology.
Students in Toronto demonstrated a higher degree of acceptance of Canadian cultural influences and maintained weak or no ties with the older students.
In Montreal the Student Group of Academics maintained Lithuanian student traditions enthusiastically and effectively.
Students in London Ontario showed little interest in Lithuanian activities.
Draugas 1957.V.18
Draugas 1957.VII.20
Efforts to recruit new students to join CLSA continued on a Canada-wide basis. Canadian Lithuanian Student Days were organized in the fall of 1962. The Lithuanian Canadian Community's national executive also began to focus on unifying student and non-student youth activities and in 1963, they established a Youth Section on the National Executive of the Lithuanian Canadian Community (LCC) (V. Piečaitis, Representative. LCC Youth Section).
Student dance 1964, in Toronto
L to R: Antanas Rinkūnas, D. Tamulionytė, H. Steponaitis
LMAC collection
Independent Lithuania 1964.II.12
YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
At the Lithuanian Canadian Community National Board's annual meeting, Nov. 28-29, 1964, the focus on youth is reflected in the topic chosen for the main symposium, "The Younger Generation and its Role in the Preservation of Lithuanian Culture in Canada". There were three guest speakers:
Fr. Dr. P. Gaida (Editor-in-Chief, Lights of Homeland weekly newspaper)
"Youth in the Crossroads of Two Cultures"
He suggested that the older generation needs to balance the inevitable influence of Canadian culture on our youth with Lithuanian culture by presenting Lithuanian culture as a vibrant, dynamic, attractive option, rather than as a stagnant relic of the past to be studied by archaeologists.
Raised in the crossroads of two cultures, Lithuanian youth enrich themselves and as a result, enhance their identity.
Giedra Rinkūnaitė (Youth Representative, Lithuanian Canadian Community National Executive)
"Lithuanian Organizations and Youth"
She maintained that youth finds it difficult to comprehend the older generation's expression of Lithuanian culture and finds the over-abundance of organizations in the community confusing and superfluous.
There are 62 Lithuanian organizations in Toronto alone. This results in many conflicts. This turns the youth away from the community.
University students have a multitude of options open to them in Canadian society - they can meet many academics other than Lithuanians during their studies and can find an affinity with other ethnic groups to keep them busy.
Audrius Šileika (President, Toronto Lithuanian Students Association)
"Integration of Youth into Lithuanian Life"
He stated that the older generation with its out-of-date organizations and varied ideologies is not understood by youth. The older generation shows no interest in discussing issues of concern to Lithuanian youth, for example, the fact that youth finds itself to be a small minority in an environment that is not conducive to maintaining the Lithuanian culture.
Existing organizations should focus on maintaining Lithuanian culture and let ideologies become more current by evolving over time. Political discussions should be more modern and the number of ideological organizations in the Lithuanian-Canadian community should be reduced.
Youth, even if they speak in imperfect Lithuanian, should be allowed to express their ideas, without criticism of the use of the language. They should be respected and they should be given more meaningful and substantial roles to play in the community.
Correspondence from the Canadian Lithuanian Community President, Dr. P. Lukoševičius regarding the Youth Symposium and the Youth Congress
LMAC archive collection
WORLD LITHUANIAN COMMUNITY FOCUSES ON YOUTH
Focus on youth became a priority for the LCC's parent organization, the World Lithuanian Community (WLC) in the 1960's. The President of the WLC J. Bačiūnas, raised the idea of having a worldwide congress of Lithuanian youth. At the same time the Lithuanian Students Association (LSA) was planning a North America-wide youth congress and became interested in the WLC's idea of holding a larger scale congress. In the summer of 1964, the LSA organized meetings at Camp Dainava in Michigan and invited youth organization representatives and youth press representatives for brainstorming consultations. By December of 1964, with the support of the Lithuanian Student Association, the WLC developed a plan to proclaim and celebrate 1966 as the Year of Lithuanian Youth with the following objectives:
To assess the current situation of Lithuanian youth
To find ways to engage more youth in Lithuanian activities
To inspire youth to fight for Lithuania's independence
To encourage social networking
To invite the entire Lithuanian community to attend the First World Lithuanian Youth Congress to be held in Chicago and Toronto June 30- July 3, 1966
There was a schedule set up suggesting themes for your activities for each month of the year:
Moteris 1965.VI.16
The plan also tasked the WLC to establish a First World Lithuanian Youth Congress Committee to organize the Congress. It suggested the Committee start by organizing a series of regional conventions, hold various events throughout the year in preparation for the Congress, and culminate with the First World Lithuanian Youth Congress in Chicago and Toronto in July. The first regional convention was scheduled for October 8-10, 1965 in Canada, followed by Australia in January 1966 and the United States in July 1966. The Congress Organizing Committee included Giedra Rinkūnaitė, the youth representative from the Lithuanian Canadian Community national executive and Audrius Šileika, President of the Toronto Lithuanian Students Association.
Implementing the objectives outlined by the WLC, the Lithuanian Canadian Community (LCC) formally established a Youth section on its national executive. The Youth Section established its own central executive and had youth representatives in all LCC chapters across Canada. The Youth section was to help organize the First World Youth Congress by fundraising for South American delegates and by collecting signatures for a petition to the United Nations to denounce Soviet colonization in Europe and restore Lithuania's independence. The Youth Section worked in conjunction with the Canadian Lithuanian Students' Association, and met their target of signatures for the petition in time for the Congress's opening in July.
FIRST CANADIAN LITHUANIAN YOUTH CONGRESS
First Canadian Lithuanian Youth Congress poster
The Youth Section of the LCC was established in early 1965 (Giedra Rinkūnaitė, Pres.) and immediately began organizing the First Canadian Lithuanian Youth Congress. As a communication vehicle, they published a newsletter, "Dūmai ", (Dalia Skrinskaitė and Vida Tamulaitytė, editors). Together with the CLSA, they organized Canadian Lithuanian students to participate in various political demonstrations in the USA. The objectives for this group were: to energize youth, to increase youth activities and participation in the Lithuanian community and to be a source of succession for the executives of the national LCC and its local chapters.
Canadian Lithuanian Community Youth Section newsletter "Dūmai", first issue, 1966
The organizing committee for the Canadian Congress was mainly composed of youth. The itinerary for the Congress included a Talent Showcase, Art Exhibition, and an Academic Session. The Congress Program booklet included an overview of youth activities across Canada.
Organizing Committee L to R: S. Masionis, A. Bušinskaitė, H. Steponaitis, E. Daniliūnas, D. Skrinskaitė, Prof. R. Vaštokas, A. Šileika, R. Stirbys, G. Beresnevičius, A. Rinkūnas, St. Kairys, G. Rinkūnaitė, E. Čuplinskas, Fr. J. Staškevičius, Dr. J. Sungaila
Congress Information Brochure
Lithuanian press headlines
Invitation to the Congress
Click below to see the full program.
At the same time, the Canadian Lithuanian Students' Association (CLSA) asked a fundamental question: should we establish the CLSA as an organization independent from the United States Student Association? This was a serious question as the number of university students in eastern Canada had reached 250-300. By January 1966, the student conference in Toronto confirmed that CLSA is re-established with chapters in Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa and that there is a need to work closely with the US student's association. Toronto was chosen to host the 16th North American Lithuanian Student Association annual meeting in November 1966.
FIRST WORLD LITHUANIAN YOUTH CONGRESS, CHICAGO/TORONTO 1966
First Lithuanian World Youth Congress Poster
The Congress schedule was ambitious and included:
an academic component (lectures, meetings, discussions) analyzing issues for the Lithuanian community worldwide and locally
cultural components: concert, literature and poetry evening, art exhibition
a religious component: special services for Catholics, Protestants
a political component: Petition to the United Nations supporting Soviet decolonization and independence for Lithuania
a social component: banquet/dance
sports components: basketball, volleyball, table tennis tournaments
FINALE North American Lithuanian Song Festival in Chicago, IL with 1,000 choristers
Click below to see the programs.
First World Lithuanian Youth Congress Event Programs
CLC Youth Section members and Canadian Youth Representatives to the Congress
L to R: Renata Jankutė, Živilė Šleikytė, Giedra Rinkūnaitė, Audrius Šileika, Aušra Sapijonytė, Rimas Navikėnas, Alius Viskontas, Paulius Žygas (LSS Pirm.), V. Čegytė, Vida Tamulaitytė
At the end of June, 120 youth representatives from 13 countries attended a leadership camp at Camp Dainava, Michigan. Canada was represented by Giedra Rinkūnaitė, Dalia Skrinskaitė and Audrius Šileika. The rest of the Congress was open to students/youth from 17 countries including 2,000 from the United States and 300 from Canada. On July 8th, there was a march to the United Nations in New York and demonstrations at the Soviet Embassy. The Canadian youth delegation attended the demonstrations and met with Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations to present the Canadian petition condemning Soviet colonization in Europe and to request the restoration of freedom and independence to Lithuania.
Leadership Camp program
Rinkuniene018 comp 1000w
PJ vadovu stov Dain66005 comp 762h
PJ vadovu stov Dain66003 comp 1000w
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PLJ II Kongresas011 comp 1000w
Scenes from the Leadership Camp, at Dainava
Congress Closing events: (L) Giedra Rinkūnaitė and Rita Narušytė lead the Canadian delegates (R) Giedra Rinkūnaitė reads the Congress Resolutions which were translated to Lithuania via the Voice of America
The First World Youth Congress delegates worked hard to analyze the issues facing them and presented their Declarations and Resolutions to the World Lithuanian community:
This was the first time the focus was on the Lithuanian youth diaspora worldwide and the delegates requested the WLC continue these Congresses.
Youth delegates in the diaspora declared their allegiance to Lithuania and proclaimed its right, as stated for all nations in the UN Charter of Human Rights, to practice its cultural, religious freedoms and free speech.
The Congress pronounced that these rights and freedoms apply to Lithuania which has a long history as a country with its own culture, and traditions.
The World Lithuanian Youth Congress considered the current occupation of Lithuania resulting from a secret pact between Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany as an illegal, forced act which has turned Lithuania into the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic - a satellite of the USSR with all of the consequent components of colonization – exploitation, eradication, loss of national identity and moral devaluation.
To hold World Lithuanian Youth Congresses in the future as the venue to draw youth to meet, develop plans and objectives for its activities across the diaspora. The Congress asked the WLC to continue to be the organizer.
To acknowledge the critical role of the Lithuanian press and express special support for the publication of the academic journal - "Lituanus" as well as the Lithuanian Encyclopedia in English.
To establish youth groups wherever possible.
To establish a World Lithuanian Student Association. Activities to be coordinated by a World Lithuanian Student Representative Group.
Click below to see the full text of the resolutions.
First World Lithuanian Youth Congress Resolutions
In fulfilling the mandate from the Congress, the World Lithuanian Community established a Youth Section and a committee to organize the Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress. A series of meetings were held to consult with organizers of the First Congress, WLC executive members, representatives from youth organizations in the United States and Canada. Representing Canada: E. Sičiūnas, B. Čeponkus (chair of LCC's Youth Section), G. Breichmanas, J. Kuraitė, J. Čeponkutė (LCC Executive). By 1970, the committee was ready to organize the Second World Youth Congress.
Establishment of the World Lithuanian Community Youth Section
SECOND WORLD LITHUANIAN YOUTH CONGRESS CHICAGO/TORONTO, 1972
Jaunimo darbas ir širdis -
Lietuvių Tautos ateitis!
The Chair of the Second LWY Congress organizing committee, R. Sakadolskis outlined the rationale for holding a second world youth congress. The First LWY Congress illustrated how important it was to bring Lithuanian youth together and include them in Lithuanian community activities. The Second LWY Congress should evaluate what has been achieved since the First Congress, and based on that experience, set new objectives for the future. The First Congress showed that a large-scale mobilization was possible and necessary while the Second Congress needed to bring in even more delegates, especially those from outside of North America. The date was set for June 30-July16: Opening weekend in Chicago, Study Days in Kent State University in Columbus Ohio, Lithuanian Heritage camp at Camp Romuva in Huntsville Ontario, Canada, and the Closing weekend in Toronto. Canadians Gediminas Breichmanas from Hamilton Ontario was tasked with organizing the camp program while Joana Kuraitė from Windsor Ontario, was a member of the Presidium of the II PLJ Congress.
Organizing Committee of the Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress
First row L to R: V. Kleiza, Z. Acalinaitė, A. Zaparackas, R. Kviklytė, V. Samoška Second row L to R: V. Kamantas, A. Aglinskas, R. Staniūnas, G. Rinkūnaitė, R. Sakadolskis, K. Sabalauskaitė, A. Razgaitis, A. Kubiliūtė, G. Gedvila, Kun. K. Trimakas, D. Tallat-Kelpsaitė, P. Razgaitis
Like the First Congress, the program included academic, cultural, religious, political and sports components and Congress attendees were also invited to the Fourth North American Lithuanian Folk-Dance Festival held on July 2nd in Chicago.
Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress Event Programs
TZ photo arch025 comp 500h
Scenes from the Congress Camp, at Romuva
Closing ceremonies in Toronto
Just as at the First World Congress, so at the Second Congress, political activism was encouraged. During the Congress, a project to collect signatures by delegates in each country participating in the Second Word Congress, was begun. The petition for presentation to the United Nations demanded independence and the right to self-determination for Lithuania.
We protest the injustices perpetrated against the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by the Soviet Union as crimes against national self-determination, world peace and freedom. From the forced occupation of the Baltic States in June, 1940, and continuing to the present day, Soviet dealings with the Baltic States have been in flagrant violation of international law and human rights.
We therefore demand that the question of the illegal Soviet occupation and subsequent annexation of the Baltic States be brought before the United Nations General Assembly immediately, and that the Human Rights Committee of the U.N. begin an investigation of the continuing violations of human rights by the Soviet Union in the Baltic States.
A smaller number of elected delegates from participating countries attended the Study Days at Kent State University in Ohio. Of the 250 elected representatives, 90 were from the United States, 35 were from Canada, 61 from South America, 42 from Europe and 22 from Australia. After much hard work, the delegates concluded with the following:
The Congress establishes the World Lithuanian Youth Association (WLYA) that will function according to the constitution and bylaws of the World Lithuanian Community. The Association will encompass Lithuanian youth organizations as well as individuals.
Each country will establish a division of the WLYA. Where possible, the local country will include the president of the Lithuanian Youth Association as a member on its Executive.
A central WLYA information centre will be established in Chicago, IL.
The Third World Lithuanian Youth Congress will be held in South America in 1975.
Per request of the delegates from South America, teams of volunteers will be established by the executive of WLYA and WLC to help organize the Third World Youth Congress in South America.
Support for Lithuanian families with young children.
WLYA's executive was asked to put a greater focus on Lithuanian heritage education.
Increased financial support for efforts to maintain Lithuanian culture was requested.
WLYA's executive was tasked with establishing a committee to work specifically on political issues.
WLYA was asked to establish study groups to study various issues as they come up
Click to see additional pages
Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress Resolutions
Lights of Homeland 1972.VII.27
LAST PHASE – THE CANADIAN LITHUANIAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION FORMS
Many of the II World Youth Congress delegates now took on the task of establishing the new WLYA organization within their country. The new and first WLYA president, Fr. Antanas Saulaitis SJ ensured that the Information Centre, under the leadership of Mindaugas Pleškys, was established in Chicago. It started publishing a newsletter broadcasting local youth activities across the diaspora.
Over time, the result of successes in establishing the World Lithuanian Youth Association (WLYA) chapters locally, was the demise of some student groups. For example, the North American Students Association reduced its activities to an annual meeting. Whereas, there was a re-establishment of others, e.g. the Toronto University Lithuanian Students Association was re-established in 1972. There was no effect on many others, such as the Lithuanian Scouts or Lithuanian Catholic Youth Association "Ateitis", etc., as dual membership did not present too many time constraints or ideological barriers.
World LC President, Bronius Nainys (on the right) accepts a donation to the Third World Lithuanian Youth Congress from Almis Kuolas, President of the Canadian LYA (on the left)
As a follow-up to the Second World Lithuanian Youth Congress, many of the delegates to the Congress from Canada and the US as well as other interested youth convened for a meeting in Cleveland Ohio on December 28-31, 1973. The objective was to work out in more detail the role for the newly created World Lithuanian Youth Association that would replace the current Youth Sections as representatives of youth and to develop a process to integrate the Youth Association into activities of North American youth. The final Resolutions clearly established both the Canadian Lithuanian Youth Association (CLYA) and Lithuanian Youth Association of the United States. The Lithuanian Canadian Community (LCC) national executive's Youth Section representative at the time - Almis Kuolas of Toronto Ontario was tasked with organizing a convention of Canadian Lithuanian youth and with establishing a protocol and bylaw changes by which a new Canadian Lithuanian Youth Association would become the "spokesperson" for youth concerns and its president would become a voting member of the LCC national executive. This work was completed by 1974 when the first executive of the Canadian Lithuanian Youth Association (CLYA) was elected and the statutes were adopted by the Canadian Lithuanian youth convention. Almis Kuolas was elected as the first President of the newly established CLYA and in that role joined the national executive of the LCC. Local chapters of LCC followed suit, and where possible CLYA youth representatives joined local LCC executives, thus becoming spokespersons for Lithuanian youth in Canada.
Prepared by: Lithuanian Museum-Archives of Canada
Editing and translation: Gabija Petrauskienė
Gaida Pr. Et.al., "Lithuanians in Canada", Toronto, 1967
Canadian Lithuanian Community, Canadian Lithuanian Days commemorative programs
Canadian Lithuanian Community, Kanados lietuvių organizacijos, Toronto, 2002
Spauda.org digital newspaper and magazine repository
(Independent Lithuania, Lights of Homeland, Moteris, Draugas)


text:
Home [english] Issues Human Rights Defenders China: Huang Qi sentenced (...)
China: Huang Qi sentenced to 12 years in prison
CHN 001 / 0119 / OBS 005.1
Sentencing / Arbitrary detention /
Denial of medical care
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and FIDH, has received new information and requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in China.
New information:
The Observatory has been informed by the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders (NCHRD) about the conviction and ongoing arbitrary detention of Mr. Huang Qi, founder and Director of the "64 Tianwang Human Rights Center", which documents and publishes reports on human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and trafficking [1].
According to the information received, on July 29, 2019, the Intermediate Court in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, convicted Mr. Huang Qi, who is seriously ill, of "intentionally leaking State secrets" and "illegally providing State secrets to foreign entities" and sentenced him to 12 years in prison and a 20,000 RMB (2,605 EUR) fine. The court did not inform Mr. Huang's mother of the hearing and sentencing. It is unclear if Mr. Huang had access to any legal counsel during the sentencing hearing.
The conviction and sentencing of Mr. Huang come after a closed-door hearing on January 14, 2019, which violated international standards of fair trial (see background information).
The Observatory strongly condemns the ongoing judicial harassment and arbitrary detention of Mr. Huang Qi, which seems to be merely aimed at punishing him for his legitimate and peaceful human rights activities. The Observatory remains deeply concerned about his conditions of detention and health, which has seriously deteriorated while in detention (see background information).
The Observatory urges Chinese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mr Huang Qi and to ensure his psychological well-being and physical integrity. The Observatory also calls on the authorities to immediately provide adequate medical treatment to Mr. Huang.
Mianyang city police in Sichuan Province initially detained Mr. Huang Qi on November 28, 2016, and arrested him the following month on charges of "illegally providing State secrets to foreign entities." A trial scheduled for June 20, 2018, was suspended without any official reason provided. In October 2018, police added an additional charge of "intentionally leaking State secrets".
For the first 10 months of his detention, police did not allow Mr. Huang any access to a lawyer. Once granted access to legal counsel, Mr. Huang reported to his lawyers different forms of torture and other ill-treatment, including extended interrogations, prolonged periods of being forced to stand, and beatings in attempt to force him to confess.
On January 14, 2019, Mr. Huang Qi was secretly put on trial before the Mianyang City Intermediate Court in Sichuan Province on charges of "illegally providing State secrets to foreign entities" and "intentionally leaking State secrets". The Observatory was greatly concerned that, in clear violation of Mr. Huang's right to a fair trial, court proceedings were held behind closed doors, no information about the trial was made public, and his lawyer was never informed about the hearing.
Moreover Mr. Huang Qi is not receiving adequate medical care in detention and his health has seriously deteriorated. Mr. Huang suffers from a chronic kidney disease which requires daily medication, hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain), heart disease, and dangerously high blood pressure. In October 2018, Mr. Huang told his lawyer that Sichuan authorities had purposely understated the dire state of his health and had tried to cover up his actual condition. Authorities have repeatedly rejected applications for his release on medical bail.
The Observatory recalls that in April 2018, the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued an opinion [2] that declared Mr. Huang's detention arbitrary. However, Chinese government continues to ignore the Working Group's recommendation that Mr. Huang be released and compensated. In December 2018, four UN Special Rapporteurs further expressed serious concerns about his deteriorating health [3].
Lawyers representing Mr. Huang Qi have also faced retaliation. Two of his lawyers, Mr. Sui Muqing and Mr. Liu Zhengqing, were disbarred in reprisal for their work. During the January trial, Mr. Huang dismissed his other lawyer, Mr. Li Jinglin, to protect him from reprisals. Moreover, authorities denied lawyer Zhang Zanning, hired by his mother in February 2019, the right to meet with Mr. Huang.
Mr. Huang Qi established China's first-known human rights monitoring website in 1998, disseminating reports about Chinese individuals who had been trafficked and subjected to enforced disappearance. In the past he served two prison sentences, totalling eight years, in reprisal for his human rights work, and was often tortured and subjected to ill-treatment.
Actions requested:
Please write to the authorities in China, urging them to:
i. Guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical integrity and psychological well-being of Mr. Huang Qi as well as of all human rights defenders in China;
ii. Immediately give Mr. Huang Qi access to adequate medical treatment and ensure that adequate conditions of detention and medical services are guaranteed to all persons that have been deprived of liberty and detained in China, in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners;
iii. Immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Huang Qi as his detention is arbitrary since it only seems to aim at punishing him for his human rights activities;
iv. Put an end to all acts of harassment - including at the judicial level - against Mr. Huang Qi and all human rights defenders in China, and ensure in all circumstances that they are able to carry out their legitimate activities without any hindrance and fear of reprisals;
v. Conform to the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 9, 1998, in particular with Articles 1 and 12.2;
vi. Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments ratified by China.
• Mr. Li Keqiang, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, Fax: +86 10 659 611 09 (c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Email: premier@mail.gov.cn
• Mr. Guo Shengkun, Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, Fax: +86 10 63099216, Email: gabzfwz@mps.gov.cn
• H.E. Mr. Zhaoxu Ma, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Fax: +41 22 793 70 14, E-mail: chinamission_gva@mfa.gov.cn
• H.E. Mr. QU XING, Ambassador, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Brussels, Belgium, Fax: +32-2-7792895; Email: chinaemb_be@mfa.gov.cn
Please also write to the diplomatic representations of China located in your country.
Geneva-Paris, August 21, 2019
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (the Observatory) was created in 1997 by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and FIDH. The objective of this programme is to prevent or remedy situations of repression against human rights defenders. OMCT and FIDH are both members of ProtectDefenders.eu, the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism implemented by international civil society.
To contact the Observatory, call the emergency line:
• E-mail: Appeals@fidh-omct.org
• Tel and fax OMCT + 41 (0) 22 809 49 39 / + 41 22 809 49 29
• Tel and fax FIDH: + 33 (0) 1 43 55 25 18 / +33 1 43 55 18 80
[1] http://www.64tianwang.com/
[2] https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Detention/Opinions/Session81/A_HRC_WGAD_2018_22.pdf
[3] https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24036&LangID=E
Member organisations - China
China Labour Bulletin
HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA (HRIC)
appelobs
China: Closed-door trial and arbitrary detention of Huang Qi
China: Immediately and Unconditionally Release Huang Qi & Ensure Access to Prompt Medical Care for all Detained Human Rights (...)
FIDH at the UN
Submissions to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR)
Dangers of China's counter-terrorism law for Tibetans and Uyghurs
GUATEMALA: One year after President Giammattei took office, violence against human rights defenders continues to...


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HomeNewsFG declares Monday 3rd of May as a Public Holiday
FG declares Monday 3rd of May as a Public Holiday
The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 3rd as a public holiday to mark this year's International Workers Day Celebration.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore and released on Thursday April 29.
Read: The Former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha Has Been Reportedly Arrested by Men of the EFCC
Aregbesola congratulated Nigerian Workers on witnessing this year's celebration, and also commended them for their patience, understanding and support in driving the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in its determination to move the country to the next level of socio-economic development.
Calling for more dedication and patriotism from all Nigerian Workers and the Labour Unions, the Minister stated that the challenges of the moment will soon be over as the government is committed to the security of lives and property of all Nigerians.
The statement read;
"Government is putting all strategies in place to curb the challenges of insecurity in the country. I therefore call on the Labour Force and all patriotic citizens to be fully committed to the task of putting insecurity to a permanent end as much as possible.
"Ogbeni Aregbesola wishes all Nigerian Workers a peaceful May Day Celebration."
Worker's Day


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Dorsey Partner Thaddeus Lightfoot Named President-Elect of the Hennepin County Bar Association
Thaddeus R. Lightfoot
International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced today that Thaddeus Lightfoot, a partner in the Firm's Minneapolis office, has been named President-Elect of the Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA). He will begin his term as President of the HCBA on July 1, 2017.
For nearly three decades of practicing environmental law, Mr. Lightfoot has represented clients in numerous private party environmental litigation matters and governmental enforcement actions. He also advises clients regarding compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws. Mr. Lightfoot has represented corporate clients in a variety of sectors, including the mining, forest products, paper, steel, manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceutical, real estate development, and ethanol industries, as well as governmental units and other public entities.
Mr. Lightfoot is a former Trial Attorney with the Environment Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was lead counsel in numerous civil actions brought by the government to enforce federal environmental statutes. He was a Legislative Assistant for energy and environmental issues to Representative Thomas S. Foley, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and helped draft the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986. Mr. Lightfoot is the author of numerous articles addressing environmental law and litigation, and has lectured on such issues at nearly 50 seminars. He has also made frequent appearances before committees of the Minnesota Legislature to offer testimony on environmental regulation and litigation issues, and has been an adjunct professor of environmental law at the William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) in St. Paul for over a decade.
"Thad is a superb lawyer who is also dedicated to providing leadership to the profession and community, as demonstrated by his active role in numerous organizations, including the Hennepin County Bar Association," said Dorsey Managing Partner Ken Cutler. "We know that Thad will bring great energy and judgment to the important work of the HCBA."
The Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA) is the local bar serving more than 8,000 lawyers who live or work in Hennepin County -- the metropolitan area surrounding and including Minneapolis, Minnesota. HCBA is the largest local bar association in the state; more attorneys practice in Hennepin County than anywhere else in Minnesota.
Media Mentions Q&A: Dorsey Partner Thaddeus Lightfoot Unpacks Trump's Proposed NEPA Rollback
Client Alerts/eUpdates/Alerts FERC Asks a Federal Court to Enforce Civil Penalties against a Marketer and Trader
Media Mentions Dorsey Partner Thad Lightfoot Comments on Offshore Drilling Easier With Rollback Environmental Standards


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Both Major League Soccer and the National Women's Soccer League are the longest-running top-division soccer leagues in American history for their respective genders. Read about past, failed leagues, though, and both MLS and the NWSL seem less like success stories and more like echoes of the not-so-distant past. It's worth wondering — could either league still fail?
Some of the similarities between MLS and the 1968-1984 version of the North American Soccer League (think Pelé and the Cosmos) are hard to ignore. The NASL grew quickly through expansion, even as its established teams struggled; several MLS sides have fallen behind, as the league adds new teams virtually every season. Enthusiasm for a few of the NASL's teams was counterbalanced by apathy among others. Likewise, several MLS sides draw enormous crowds while others, irrespective of the product on the field, struggle to draw fans.
The similarities are even more striking on the women's side, which saw two leagues close shop in less than a decade. Both the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA, 2001-03) and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS, 2009-11) began with optimistic visions of being the best women's league in the world. Both leagues had trouble attracting sponsors, fans and committed ownership. Both had to close down when the money ran out. Even though the NWSL has lasted into a sixth year and is thriving in several cities, the league last offseason lost two franchises that were unwilling to continue losing money.
The biggest difference on the MLS side is the money at stake. NASL teams flitted around the map, folding at the drop of a hat, because their owners had invested so little that folding or moving a team made perfect financial sense. The Minnesota Kicks' second, less-involved owner famously folded the team over the phone. Today's MLS owners have franchises worth hundreds of millions of dollars and most have soccer-specific stadiums to host the teams — investments too large to let fail.
The NWSL, though, is more concerning. Costs are more controlled than the WUSA or WPS, which is a positive. The league also has five teams that share ownership with MLS teams, plus the United States and Canadian soccer federations paying salaries for their national-team players. Those are helpful backstops to prevent a sudden end to the league.
But the NWSL is still struggling to attract major sponsors, and its TV deal — one game of the week on Lifetime — is nothing to get excited about. Except in Portland, attendance has flatlined. As the Boston Breakers and FC Kansas City showed this offseason, owners have no trouble writing off their investments and closing their doors.
Ultimately, franchise instability doomed other leagues, and it's the biggest threat to the current ones. Fans, sponsors and broadcasters will have a hard time getting on board when any team might vanish. Stability has to be the main goal for both leagues. MLS, with its ever-rising costs, probably has accomplished that. The NWSL, though, is still searching.
• The opening of Los Angeles FC's new stadium last week was marred by fans who, in the manner of so many Mexican team fans, hurled a homophobic slur in unison toward the opposing goalkeeper after every goal kick. To LAFC's credit, the club immediately announced it would eject any fans doing the chant and cancel their season tickets— a zero-tolerance policy that hopefully stands as an example for teams south of the border.
• By any measure, it's been a bad season for Arsenal, which capped the ugly run by losing in the Europa League semifinals this week. How bad? So bad that Paddy Power Betfair, an Irish bookmaking company, blamed its poor quarterly financial results in part on Arsenal losing so many games that discouraged customers simply gave up betting.
• The relegation battle in the Premier League is heating up, and if you're looking for a dog in the fight, you could do worse than throwing your support behind Huddersfield Town. The newly promoted side is managed by German-American David Wagner, who played for the U.S. men's national team in the late 1990s. The only American manager in the league has his team in 16th place, three points out of the relegation zone.
WEEKEND WATCH GUIDE
MLS: New York City at New York, 12:55 p.m. Saturday, ESPN. NYC makes the trip for the first of three Hudson River Derbies this season. Los Angeles vs. LAFC got plenty of press this year as MLS's second crosstown rivalry, but the cross-river rivalry out East has already established itself as one of the marquee MLS games every season.
NWSL: Seattle at Portland, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime. The natural Pacific Northwest rivalry isn't quite as contentious when it comes to the women's game, but there's still no doubt that Portland's huge crowd will want to see the Thorns put a beating on their neighbors. It should be a showpiece game for a league that's short on close-together teams.
Liga MX: Morelia at Toluca, noon Sunday, Univision Deportes. Toluca, which won the spring-season title in Mexico, had a run of nine consecutive victories down the stretch. But in the first leg of this playoff quarterfinal, the top seed could register only a 2-2 draw at Morelia. Toluca is favored to go through, but Morelia could spring a shock.
La Liga: Real Madrid at Barcelona, 1:45 p.m. Sunday, beIN. The Spanish league might be the best one in Europe, which makes it even more impressive that Barcelona is undefeated so far this year. Barca has the title wrapped up, but the undefeated streak is on the line — not that El Clásico really needs any extra excitement.
A plow-made ice skate path along the Warroad River extends five miles now connecting the east and west side of town, because we Minnesotans can't let Vermont beat us in this competition.
Minnesotans in the 2022 Winter Olympics
As of Monday, the Minnesota contingent includes 28 athletes in sports from curling to biathlon.
LJ Cryer scored a career-high 25 points in his second start of the season, and No. 5 Baylor snapped a two-game losing streak with a 77-68 victory over West Virginia on Tuesday night.
The Minnesota Vikings have added Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to their candidate list for head coach.
Voting legislation that Democrats and civil rights leaders say is vital for protecting democracy appeared headed for defeat as the Senate churned into debate Tuesday, a devastating setback enabled by President Joe Biden's own party as two holdout senators refuse to support rule changes to overcome a Republican filibuster.
Soccer weekend watch guide, May 5-6
Jon Marthaler's soccer short takes
Rising ticket prices at Allianz Field worry some longtime Loons fans
Blaine workouts will mark start of Loons' trek to season opener • Loons
U.S. men's team to play Feb. 2 World Cup qualifier at Allianz Field • Loons
Loons get midfielder Jacori Hayes in trade with Dallas • Loons
Gameday preview: Minnesota United at Real Salt Lake • Loons
Loons hope Quintero starts scoring in new formation • Loons


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18 September 2019 28 March 2021 OG NICK MARSH
Rating Open Mike Eagle's Discography
After hearing Open Mike Eagle's discography, he really became one of my favorite rappers. I actually bumped Ab-Soul from the list to replace him with OME. I still love Ab-Soul, but he's not as consistent as I want him to be, so that's my reasoning for that. Anyway, Open Mike Eagle is one of those rare artists who has multiple projects that I personally think are amazing. Not only are his solo projects amazing, but even the shit he does with groups is fantastic. The only project that I won't be rating here is that Swim Team mixtape that dropped in '08 because it's not on streaming platforms, and I was unable to find a decent download of it. But yeah, I'm a huge fan. He's also one of the few artists whose work I have on vinyl. I got A Special Episode Of on vinyl late last year. Or maybe it was early this year. I can't remember. It's currently my favorite record though because it's red. It's the only colored record I have at the moment, so it stands out a lot. Oh, I forgot; there's another project I wasn't able to hear. Last year, he dropped a demo compilation called The Dark Dark Purple Tape exclusively on cassette. It was an extremely limited release, and the only way to get it was to have a monthly subscription to Starburns Industries Press. So yeah, I obviously wasn't able to hear that shit. Maybe there's a way to download the MP3 files online, but I didn't look into it much. It'd be cool to own, but I don't even have a tape deck, so I wouldn't be able to listen to it. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to whatever the fuck OME does musically in the future, despite my lack of zeal for The New Negroes. One thing I'm wondering is if we'll ever get another Thirsty Fish or Cavanaugh project. I think that'd be really cool…
Open Mike Eagle Albums
Unapologetic Art Rap
Favorite Song: I Rock
Score: 87 (A-)
Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes
Favorite Song: Exiled from the Getalong Gang
Score: 92 (A)
4NML HSPTL (with Awkward)
Favorite Song: Black Clouds
Favorite Song: Big Pretty Bridges (3 Days Off in Albuquerque)
Hella Personal Film Festival (with Paul White)
Favorite Song: Check to Check
Score: 79 (B)
Brick Body Kids Still Daydream
Favorite Song: Brick Body Complex
Score: 85 (B+)
Anime, Trauma & Divorce
Favorite Song: Asa's Bop
Open Mike Eagle Extended Plays
Art Rap Afterparty
Favorite Song: Haircut
Score: 70 (B-)
Extended Nightmares Getdown: The Dark Blue Door
Favorite Song: Four Days
Rent Party Extension
Favorite Song: Rent Party Revolution (Taco Neck Remix)
Sir Rockabye.
Favorite Song: Mef's Lament
A Special Episode Of
Favorite Song: Ziggy Starfish (Anti-Anxiety Raps)
What Happens When I Try to Relax
Open Mike Eagle Soundtracks
The New Negroes: Season 1 Soundtrack
Favorite Song: Woke as Me
Score: 60 (C)
Thirsty Fish Albums
Favorite Song: Snuggleberry Bushes
Favorite Song: Working the Numbers
Thirsty Fish Extended Plays
Favorite Song: G4TV Freestyle 101
Cavanaugh Projects
Time & Materials
Favorite Song: Screen Play
Quarantine Recordings
Favorite Song: Pinky's Revenge
Open Mike Eagle Albums: 86 (A-)
Open Mike Eagle Extended Plays: 84 (B+)
Open Mike Eagle Projects: 83 (B+)
Thirsty Fish Albums: 79 (B)
Thirsty Fish Projects: 80 (B+)
Cavanaugh Projects: 78 (B)
Group Albums: 83 (B+)
Group Projects: 79 (B)
Cavanaugh
Psychosiz
Thirsty Fish
Previous Tardy EP Review | Open Mike Eagle – The New Negroes: Season 1 Soundtrack
Next Tardy EP Review | Benny the Butcher – The Plugs I Met


DUBLIN — The Dublin school board Tuesday night formalized plans for a second comprehensive high school, but angered many in the capacity crowd who said not enough money was set aside to build the campus.
At a sometimes contentious five-hour meeting, the board voted 3-2 to spend $100 million of Measure H bond money on the high school, to be built in eastern Dublin. Board President Megan Rouse said she is confident with that figure, as district staff devised it and recommended it as being enough to build a school that can handle 1,000 students. The high school, at buildout, would serve 2,500 students.
Trustees Joe Giannini and Dan Cherrier voted "no," saying a school to serve 1,000 students in its first phase would cost more, perhaps $160 million. The two said they favored taking some of the $162 million earmarked for expanding and modernizing other schools, most notably their science classrooms, and using it for the high school.
"$100 million … in my opinion, will not build a comprehensive high school," Cherrier said.
Rouse and district Superintendent Leslie Boozer countered that the district has dire needs at every grade level, and that the expansions and modernizations aren't simply "nice-to-have" amenities, but "truly significant needs," Boozer said.
Board members and audience members alike acknowledged all Dublin schools need expansion, and that most need modernization. Rouse made it a point to say several times that most of the district's schools are 50 years old.
But many were emphatic that the high school deserves priority. One of them was Brian Anderson, installed a few hours earlier as the board's student member, who said he has to "swim through the halls" between classes at crowded Dublin High. There are about 2,500 now enrolled at Dublin High, and there could be up to 4,300 by 2024 without a second school, according to district projections.
"High school is the most important thing before you move on to college," Anderson said.
Several people, including Cherrier, said the campaign to pass Measure H in June 2016 was predicated on making the new high school the unmistakable priority; some speakers from the audience said that's why they voted for it.
The decision not to funnel more money toward a new high school, Cherrier said, could well alienate local voters when it comes time to seek another school bond measure. There were, in fact, board mentions Tuesday about the need for another bond issue in the near future; trustee Amy Miller called the overcrowding/capacity issue a "crisis" for the district.
Much of the crowd left unhappy, some shouting "recall" as they left.
Of the original $283 million in Measure H bond money, only about $22 million had been allocated before Tuesday night — $15 million to complete Cottonwood Creek Elementary, a K-8 school expected to open in Fall 2018, and another $7 million has been earmarked for completing Dublin High's science and engineering building.
Rouse said she hopes a Community Review Committee tasked with finding a new high school site will now do that as soon as possible, and bring a recommendation back to the board so a property purchase can be discussed. The longer the process takes, many in the room said Tuesday, the less the bond issue's money will buy.


A remake of the iconic 1990 West Germany soccer football jersey that took them to victory in the Italia 1990 World Cup. This classic kit was worn by Matthäus, Brehme, Völler and Klinsmann.
This jersey has been remade with impeccable attention to detail. The badge is fully embroidered and the stripes are sublimation printed which means the colours won't fade over time. Printing is done in the authentic style 1990 font.
The jersey was well designed, fit to the size and makes a perfect gift for any soccer lover.
Very nice quality, i love it!
It was a Christmas present for my brother and he loved it.
I saw this shirt and thought wow this is to good to be true!! It came and it looks fantastic awesome in fact, the only problem is the shirt is a small XL so its like a cycling top on me. Great shirt and if I was a smaller I would now buy the dutch shirt but it is not a UK US XL.
Took about 3 weeks for delivery but it's a beautiful shirt, very happy with it. If you're slithering between two sizes, go with the larger of the two.
Nice quality, the design is awesome. The delivery took longer than predicted (3 weeks instead of 10 to 14 days), therefor just 4 stars.


Judged by Tony Broom CPAGB.
Judged by Ken Hudson CPAGB BPE3*.
Judged by Jon Baker MFIAP EFIAP/p.
Judged by David Gibbins ARPS APAGB AFIAP BPE3*.
Judged by Ralph Duckett MPAGB APAGB EFIAP.
Judged by Derek Doar DPAGB.
Subject: New Work, Any Subject.


What Is A Non Qualified Mortgage What Is a Direct Rollover? – A better option, therefore, is to roll your existing retirement account into another qualified plan, typically an IRA. Just as importantly, it'll eliminate the temptation to use that money for.
How long hard inquiries Stay on Your Credit – Better Credit Blog – How long hard inquiries remain on your credit report. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to remove the negative items. For this I suggest you.
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Here's what Jeb Bush really did to public education in Florida – Now that Jeb Bush is officially. t mention a 2014 report that Florida charter schools had math and reading test scores that were either no better or worse than traditional public schools. Or that.
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Did CFPB Target Mini-Correspondents in HMDA Warning Letters? – In a sample of the letter the. that currently do not report HMDA data will be required to, resulting in a net increase of about 300 lenders. Most of the increase will come from lenders with more.
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Qualified Vs Non Qualified Interest Description of bank qualified bonds – Muni – In contrast, banks have a strong appetite for bank qualified bonds that are in limited supply. As a result, bank qualified bonds carry a lower rate than non-bank qualified bonds. interest rate differential . Any rate differential between bank qualified and non-bank qualified bonds only impacts the maturities purchased by banks.
Veterans aren't getting GI Bill payments because VA's 50-year-old computer system broke – But the Department of Veterans Affairs has thrown his fall semester into chaos by underpaying him without notice or explanation. VA was six months late with a required progress update. "[VA].
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Feedmee is a food discovery app coined as 'the Tinder for food'. It introduces you to some hero food dishes close enough to get to within a hop, skip and a jump. Alternatively, their partnership with uber means you can even get your meal delivered to your door. Or book a table at the restaurant and have a car pick you and take you there! Never more will you go hungry. This high performance, great tasting app will make you slap your lips and do lots of clicks.
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"Simply put, [the rock layers] are not impermeable," said the study's author, Tom Myers, an independent hydrogeologist whose clients include the federal government and environmental groups.
Several scientists called Myers' approach unsophisticated and said that the assumptions he used for his models didn't reflect what they knew about the geology of the Marcellus Shale. If fluids could flow as quickly as Myers asserts, said Terry Engelder, a professor of geosciences at Penn State University who has been a proponent of shale development, fracking wouldn't be necessary to open up the gas deposits.
Myers likened the shale to a cracked window, saying that samples showing it didn't contain fractures were small in size and were akin to only examining an intact section of glass, while a broader, scaled out view would capture the faults and fractures that could leak.


TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - AuRico Gold Inc. (TSX: AUQ) (NYSE: AUQ), ("AuRico" or the "Company") today announces preliminary fourth quarter and annual operational results. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
AuRico reported its sixth consecutive quarter of production growth, with the Young-Davidson and El Chanate operations continuing to report solid production results that are in-line with expectations.
The shaft hoisting infrastructure at the Young-Davidson underground mine was commissioned in October, which facilitated the declaration of commercial production on October 31. The shaft hoisting system has, and will continue to, facilitate significant increases in underground productivities and corresponding cost efficiency improvements. During the first two months of commercial production, underground unit mining costs were approximately $39 per tonne resulting in underground production cash costs of $663 per ounce.
1. Prior to commissioning the underground mine at Young-Davidson, cash costs were calculated on ounces produced from the open pit only. All underground costs were capitalized, and any revenue related to underground ounces sold was credited against capital. Subsequent to the declaration of commercial production in the underground mine, cash costs are calculated on ounces produced from both the open pit and underground mines, and revenue related to the sale of underground ounces is recognized in the Company's Statement of Operations as revenue.
2. Cash costs are prior to inventory net realizable value adjustments & reversals, and are estimates only and subject to change. See the Non-GAAP Measures section on page 20 of the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Underground cash costs per ounce and open pit cash costs per ounce do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS" or "GAAP"). They are therefore considered to be non-GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Underground cash costs per ounce and open pit cash costs per ounce are determined by allocating production and refining costs to the underground and open pit tonnes mined and processed, and then dividing by the relevant ounces produced.
3. Includes pre-production gold ounces from the Young-Davidson underground mine prior to the declaration of commercial production in the underground mine on October 31, 2013.
"We are pleased to report our sixth consecutive quarter of company-wide production growth and annual production results that are in-line with guidance estimates. Young Davidson is well positioned to drive continued growth in company-wide gold production as the underground operations continue to ramp-up productivity levels over the coming years," stated Scott Perry, President and CEO of AuRico. He continued, "Underpinning our asset base is a strong balance sheet and a management team that is focused on creating shareholder value."
Commercial production of the underground mine was declared on October 31, 2013, following the commissioning of the shaft hoisting system, which will facilitate significant increases in underground productivities and ongoing unit operating cost improvements.
During the quarter, the Company averaged 2,590 tpd from the underground mine (approx. 3,000 tpd in November and December), exceeding the year-end targeted level of 2,000 tpd with mine grades being in-line with reserve grade estimates. Underground productivity for the first quarter of 2014 is expected to remain in-line with overall fourth quarter levels (approx. 2,500 tpd) and increase steadily throughout the remainder of the year to reach a productivity target of 4,000 tpd by the end of the year.
The paste backfill plant has been commissioned and the first pour was completed in early January. In 2011, the mine plan was re-engineered to utilize paste backfill to allow for significantly improved mining recovery and reduced dilution.
During the first two months of commercial production, underground unit mining costs were approximately $39 per tonne resulting in underground production cash costs of $663 per ounce. In the first quarter of 2014, unit mining costs are expected to average approximately $45 per tonne, reflecting the inclusion of paste fill operations following the commissioning of the paste backfill plant in early January. The unit mining costs are then expected to decrease steadily throughout the year, corresponding with planned quarter-over-quarter increases in underground productivity.
As at year end, development advance exceeded expectations with 75% of the 2014 mine plan already laterally accessed and 100% vertically accessed. In 2014, the Company will continue to advance underground development to optimize available ore inventory and thereby position the mine for sustainable, period-over-period, productivity increases in 2014 and beyond.
Open pit cash costs were $983 per ounce due to the higher operating strip ratio that resulted from waste movement in the quarter being ineligible for capitalization given the open pit mine life of less than one year. The stripping ratio during the quarter was 3.44:1 versus a year-to-date strip ratio 1.49:1 and is scheduled to average 2:1 for the remaining four to six months of open pit operations.
Open pit mine productivities remained at targeted levels and averaged 35,299 tpd during the quarter. As anticipated in the mine plan, the open pit will be fully depleted in coming months at which time approximately 3.0 million tonnes of open pit ore will be stockpiled ahead of the mill facility for future processing.
The mill facility continued to operate above nameplate capacity and averaged approximately 6,969 tpd during the fourth quarter.
The El Chanate open pit mine returned to targeted material movement levels, mining an average of 98,487 tpd during the quarter as compared to 87,366 tpd in the prior quarter as contractor equipment availability returned to normal levels.
Crushing and stacking rates remained in-line with targeted levels and averaged 17,462 tpd.
On January 3, 2014, the Board of Directors declared the Company's quarterly dividend payment of $0.04 per share for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013, payable on January 29, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 14, 2014. Further information on the Company's dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) is available through the following link: www.auricogold.com/DRIP.
Due to the lower metal price environment currently being experienced, the Company will be conducting net realizable value testing on ore inventories. These tests may result in the need to recognize a net realizable value adjustment on these inventories at December 31. In addition, the Company will be performing its annual impairment test utilizing updated economic and operational factors, which may result in the need to record impairment adjustments.
The Company will complete a final assessment by its fourth quarter and annual 2013 results release.
AuRico Gold is a leading Canadian gold producer with mines and projects in North America that have solid production growth and exploration potential. The Company is focused on its core operations including the Young-Davidson gold mine in northern Ontario and the El Chanate mine in Sonora State, Mexico. AuRico's project pipeline also includes advanced development opportunities in Canada and Mexico. AuRico's head office is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined under Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "will", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, production plans, projected cash flows or capital expenditures, cost estimates, projected exploration results, reserve and resource estimates and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including: uncertainty of production and cost estimates; fluctuations in the price of gold and foreign exchange rates; the uncertainty of replacing depleted reserves; the risk that the Young-Davidson shaft will not perform as planned; the risk that mining operations do not meet expectations; the risk that projects will not be developed accordingly to budgets or timelines, changes in laws in Canada, Mexico and other jurisdictions in which the Company may carry on business; risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits or approvals for operations or projects such as Kemess; disputes over title to properties; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; risks related to aboriginal title claims; compliance risks with respect to current and future environmental regulations; disruptions affecting operations; opportunities that may be pursued by the Company; employee relations; availability and costs of mining inputs and labor; the ability to secure capital to execute business plans; volatility of the Company's share price; continuation of the dividend and dividend reinvestment plan; the effect of future financings; litigation; risk of loss due to sabotage and civil disturbances; the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; risks arising from derivative instruments or the absence of hedging; adequacy of internal control over financial reporting; changes in credit rating; and the impact of inflation. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including assumptions about: business and economic conditions; commodity prices and the price of key inputs such as labour, fuel and electricity; credit market conditions and conditions in financial markets generally; revenue and cash flow estimates, production levels, development schedules and the associated costs; ability to procure equipment and supplies and on a timely basis; the timing of the receipt of permits and other approvals for projects and operations; the ability to attract and retain skilled employees and contractors for the operations; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates; the impact of changes in currency exchange rates on costs and results; interest rates; taxation; and ongoing relations with employees and business partners. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


Barcelona is a very kid-friendly city with plenty of parks and beaches, wide footpaths for strollers and much of the beautifully historic Barri Gotic area is pedestrians only.
When you are deciding what to do in Barcelona for 3 days, La Sagrada Familia must be at the top of your list. Because it is not just a famous church like so many others in Europe. This is where the heart of Barcelona beats. Where you can experience Barcelona's passion for creativity, its love of modernist art, where Gaudi's unusual style is celebrated. And kids are very welcome!
Barcelona is a bold and sophisticated city, where eye-catching architecture and modern art surrounds you. It wears its culture on its sleeve. Artwork will surprise you as you round a corner or look up as you walk. Sculpture looms over you from the roadside, drawing your attention with its vibrancy. It is not locked away in formal galleries.
This is a city with an artist's view of the world. Where interesting is more important than beautiful.
While Sagrada Familia is a definite must-see, there are many other sights and experiences that are well worth fitting into your short stay.
We arrived in Barcelona after flying from Sydney via Dubai. We had travelled for about 30 hours and moved 7 hours back in time zone, so one of our main goals was to get over our jet lag before beginning our Mediterranean cruise.
With only 3 days in Barcelona, the "essentials" were enough for us.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (The Basilica of the Holy Family) was absolutely everything that I hoped for – Gaudi's inspiringly beautiful combination of nature and religion.
Standing amongst its vast forest of columns lifts up your heart. Less due to any religious fervour than to the joy of its uniqueness.
It is this simple beauty on a grand scale which gives this church an inclusive, welcoming feel. It is a spectacular building whether or not it has any religious meaning to you.
The west wall of stained glass with its oranges, yellows and reds looked like it was on fire.
I didn't want the kids' memories of Europe to be being dragged through endless churches, so I chose only this one to visit. I explained this to the kids so they would understand how important this visit was to me and they were brilliant. They truly really enjoyed it.
For them the highlight was going up the Nativity tower, which I will go into in more detail in another post, but the audioguide was really helpful too. Although there wasn't a specific children's guide and the kids were not allowed to have their own, we could share the adult ones and the brief, simple commentary meant that it held their interest.
The Nativity Facade faces Carrer de la Marina and represents Christ's birth. This is where you enter the church.
The Passion Facade faces Carrer de Sardenya and represents Christ's passion, death and resurrection. This is where you exit the church.
Make sure you book your tickets online before you go to get your choice of entry time and to avoid queuing when you get there.
The playground and park across the road is a good way to keep the kids occupied while waiting for your entry time.
We got there on the Hop On Hop Off Bus from Placa de Catalunya, but when choosing your entry time keep in mind that the first bus doesn't leave Catalunya until 9am. We also had to wait half an hour to get back on the bus after our visit because it was so busy. A taxi may be a better idea.
Make sure you dress "appropriately". While we saw all sorts of outfits being worn and plenty of flesh on display, these are their clothing guidelines.
Wandering the winding laneways of the old town is the best way to experience many European cities and Barcelona is no exception. We loved staying at our Barri Gotic hotel (Gothic Quarter) and exploring on foot.
Getting a little bit lost is half the fun!
With its impressive and colourful displays, La Boqueria fresh food market is a fascinating spot to discover. Just off La Rambla and full of friendly stall holders and cheap snacks.
We enjoyed giant empanadas (more like a pastie), freshly squeezed juice and a huge range of fruit neatly packaged up with a fork to enjoy on the go.
Barcelona is an ideal city to explore via the Hop On Hop Off Bus. It is enjoyable to sit and relax and listen to the commentary and, with three different routes to try, it covers all the sights you will want to visit.
Placa de Catalunya at the top of La Rambla is the start and finish point for the two main routes – red and blue. You can buy tickets here or buy them online beforehand like we did.
We bought a two day ticket and did the red route on the first day and the blue on the second. Our main reason for getting the two day ticket was to use it to get to Sagrada Familia, but in retrospect a taxi may have been easier due to the timetable restrictions and crowds mentioned above.
The red route is the best for driving past the main sights, but at a 2 hour round trip, we found the kids got a bit bored eventually. I recommend choosing at least one or two spots to get off so they can have a run around. We chose to get off at Barceloneta and went for a walk around this beach area.
There's a couple of different bus brands, but we chose Bus Turistic which is connected to the City Sightseeing brand that is well known in many cities. They even have a retractable roof for the top deck if it rains.
This was as close as we got to Parc Guell. Notice we're on the wrong side of the fence?
We decided to visit this Gaudi-designed garden at the last minute and weren't overly disappointed to miss it, but it was annoying to do the long, steep walk from the bus stop only to find the next available entry time was 6.30pm (it was 2pm).
So if you do want to visit, then definitely buy tickets online beforehand.
Pans is a handy coffee shop chain that we came across regularly. Perfect for a coffee, pastry (filled croissant, donut) or sandwich on the go. There's even one around the corner from the hotel above.
These are particularly great for when you need a toilet. There are no public toilets, so use the facilities when you purchase a snack or meal.
This casually cool burger cafe is half Spanish and half Australian. There's even an Australian burger with beetroot on the menu and Coopers beer is served.
Super friendly and helpful staff serve absolutely delicious burgers. There are several locations, but we went to Ferran (Carrer de Ferran, 10), just off La Rambla near Placa Reial.
This is the most amazing old school churros place in the Barri Gotic, just around the corner from the hotel above (Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8).
Take-away only – churros with nutella 2 euros each, sugar-covered churros 1.20 euros for 5.
We visited many times during our 3 days!
Although tapas is typically eaten much later in the evening, we tried the wonderful Tabarlot just off La Rambla for dinner at around 6.30pm (Carrer de San Pau, 4). At that time most people were just drinking, but we felt very welcome for a meal.
They serve delicious fresh tapas with lovely service. Miss 10 could not get enough of the chicken strips!


The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Established in 1975, IFPRI currently has more than 600 employees working in over 50 countries. It is a research centre of the CGIAR, a worldwide partnership engaged in agricultural research for development. IFPRI's vision is a world free of hunger and malnutrition. Its mission is to provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.
Established in 2006 by IFPRI in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), leading regional economic communities (RECs), and Africa-based CGIAR centres, ReSAKSS is the leading platform for tracking the performance of CAADP indicators through its web-based knowledge products and its flagship Annual Trends and Outlook Reports (ATORs). It is the main tool to inform CAADP planning, dialogue and review processes.
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), established by ten Vice Chancellors in 2004, is a consortium of 105 African universities operating within 37 countries spanning the African continent. RUFORUM is coordinated by a Secretariat hosted by Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The organization evolved from its predecessor, the Forum on Agricultural Resource Husbandry (FORUM) program of the Rockefeller Foundation.
Established in 1988, the African Economic Research Consortium is a capacity building institution to inform economic policies in sub-Saharan Africa. AERC has three primary components: research, training and policy outreach. The organization integrates economic policy research, postgraduate training and policy outreach within a network of researchers, universities and policy makers in Africa and worldwide.
The AWARD Fellowship is a career-development program that since 2008 has, through tailored fellowship, equipped top women agricultural scientists across sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate agricultural gains by strengthening their science and leadership skills. AWARD is a catalyst for innovations with high potential to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of African smallholder farmers.
Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan, UI as it is fondly referred to, is the first University in Nigeria. Until 1962 when it became a full-fledged independent University, it was a College of the University of London in a special relationship scheme. The University, which took off with academic programmes in Arts, Science and Medicine, is now a comprehensive citadel of learning with academic programmes in sixteen Faculties namely, Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Agriculture, the Social Sciences, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Technology, Law, Public Health, Dentistry, Economics, Renewable Natural Resources and Environmental Design and Management. The Faculties of the Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health and Dentistry are organised as a College of Medicine.
The Centre for Sustainable development (CESDEV) was established by the University of Ibadan as a demonstration of the University's commitment to Sustainable Development. It was based on the need to provide intellectual platform for identification of issues germane to sustainable development, critically analyze them, and provide leadership in finding enduring solutions that will enhance sustainable development.
Jokkolabs is a professional shared workspace with a community atmosphere. It is an open space, which welcomes any entrepreneur seeking to develop his network, meet new contributors, discuss his practices and develop his professional projects. It is designed to meet the needs of micro-businesses, self-employed workers, homeworkers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, digital economy workers, writers, designers and other new media or digital art professionals whose work do not fit in a classic office model.
WÀTU Digital Lab is a leading consulting firm of expertise in communication and ICT project management, specialized in agriculture and sustainable development in Africa, which helps to achieve the impact of your projects through communication supporting services.


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