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How Pearl Jam Became The Final Grunge Band to Stay Alive!
Pearl Jam Would Have a Difficult Decade in the 90's But Bounced Back With 1998's Record "No Code."
Today we take a look at Pearl Jam's return to fine form with their 1998 release "No Code." The band had a difficult decade dealing with fame, fighting with Ticketmaster, almost breaking up as well as becoming more mature. The band would release their fifth studio record "Yield" in 1998 and to many it provided a fine return to form for the group. Check out the story of the album below!
In other PEARL JAM news, the band is ready to release a new album and has put out two new singles already.
PEARL JAM Releases New Song "Superblood Wolfmoon."
With PEARL JAM's 11th studio album, Gigaton coming out, the band has released a second single from the record today called "Superblood Wolfmoon." You can check it out below! The song is more straight forward than the first single "Dance of the clairvoyants." which sounded much more experimental and was released during the middle of January.
The lyrics to the song are below via AZ Lyrics)
Superblood wolfmoon
Took her away too soon
I can hear you
Singin' in the distance
I can see you when I close my eyes
Once, you were somewhere
And now you're everywhere
I'm feelin' selfish and I want what's right
I'm mad at myself
Feelin' angry, now get off the scale
Right now I feel
A lack of innocence searchin' for reveal
Hypnotonic resonance, I feel
Not much of anything
And the cause is life or death
Throughout the hopelessness
Focus on your focuslessness
I've been hopin' and I hoped I'd last
I don't know anything
I question everything
This life I love is goin' way too fast
Both my eyes are swollen
My face is broken
And I'm hopin' that I hurt ya
Hopin' that I hurt ya
Hopin' that I hurt ya [?]
She was a stunner and I am stunned
And my first thought or second thought was "could be the one"
I was a prisoner, of keys and of cuffs
Yeah, I was feelin' fortunate to be locked up
But the world kept on spinnin'
Always felt like it was endin'
And love not withstandin'
We are each of us
I'm in danger
Deliver hopelessness
Gigaton comes out on March 27 and Pearl Jam will be doing a headlining tour around North America starting on March 18th. You can check out tour dates below and pre-order Gigaton here.
Pearl Jam 2020 North American Tour Dates
March 18 – Toronto, Ontario @ Scotiabank Arena
March 20 – Ottawa, Ontario @ Canadian Tire Centre
March 22 – Quebec City, Quebec @ Videotron Centre
March 24 – Hamilton, Ontario @ FirstOntario Centre
March 28 – Baltimore, Md. @ Royal Farms Arena
March 30 – New York, N.Y. @ Madison Square Garden
April 02 – Nashville, Tenn. @ Bridgestone Arena
April 04 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Enterprise Center
April 06 – Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Chesapeake Energy Arena
April 09 – Denver, Colo. @ Pepsi Center
April 11 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Gila River Arena
April 13 – San Diego, Calif. @ Viejas Arena
April 15 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Forum
April 18 – Oakland, Calif. @ Oakland Arena
1998, brendan o'brien, eddie vedder, jeff ament, no code, pealr jam, stone gossard
GUNS N' ROSES Selling "Designer" Towels & Whisky Cubes For Ridiculous Price!
Whatever Happened to the 90's Alternative Rock Band Local H?


text:
package org.terasology.particles;

import org.terasology.entitySystem.Component;
import org.terasology.module.sandbox.API;
import org.terasology.particles.functions.affectors.AffectorFunction;
import org.terasology.particles.functions.generators.GeneratorFunction;
import org.terasology.particles.rendering.ParticleRenderingData;

import java.util.stream.Stream;

/**
 * Component system responsible for keeping track of all ParticleSystem components and updating them.
 * Also maintains a registry of generator and affector functions to be used when processing generators
 * and affectors during a particle system update.
 */

@API
public interface ParticleSystemManager {

    void registerAffectorFunction(AffectorFunction affectorFunction);

    void registerGeneratorFunction(GeneratorFunction generatorFunction);

    Stream<ParticleRenderingData> getParticleEmittersByDataComponent(Class<? extends Component> particleDataComponent);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


As the leaves begin to turn and the temperature begins to fall, the urge to throw on a big coat may arise. A dapper alternative to big bulky coats is layering. Layering gives you the ability to take light peaces and layer them on top of each other for comfort in the fall and winter months. Items such as sweaters, vests, jackets and overcoats are excellent items that maintain that dapper feel, but keep you warm. Accessories such as hats, scarfs, and gloves can also be used to add layers and depth to your look.
This month I was fortunate to be a part of a campaign that is aimed at spreading awareness of breast cancer and the need for early detection. The Women's Appreciation Project and Beauty n Strength Magazine put out a calendar that is designed to boost breast cancer awareness. This year's installment of the calendar features men in suits, so you know I had to be a part of the project.


Saturn's captivating cloud bands display a number of interesting features in this narrow angle camera image taken by the Cassini spacecraft on May 20, 2004. On close inspection, the sub-equatorial bands at around 20 degrees south latitude have a braided rope-like appearance. Also noteworthy are swirls and vortices around 60 degrees south latitude. The moon Mimas (398 kilometers, or 247 miles across) is visible just below and to the right of Saturn's South Pole.
The image was taken when Cassini was 22 million kilometers (13.7 million miles) from Saturn through a filter centered at 727 nanometers. The image scale is 131 kilometers (81 miles) per pixel. Contrast in the image was enhanced to aid visibility.
This image from NASA's Dawn spacecraft of asteroid Vesta shows Eusebia crater, which is the large crater in the top right of the image.
An area along the rim of the crater at the center of this view from NASA's Dawn spacecraft, has collapsed, producing a lobe-shaped feature where the material settled.


text:
Not Everyone Is Happy That Hugh Hefner Is Being Buried Next to Marilyn Monroe
By Joseph Hincks
Marilyn Monroe's nude image occupied the centerfold of the first ever edition of Playboy magazine in 1953. And now Hugh Hefner, the man who put it there, is going to be buried beside the Hollywood icon that jumpstarted his career.
"I'm a believer in things symbolic," Hefner, who died aged 91 Wednesday, once told the LA Times. "Spending eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet to pass up."
But not everyone regards Hefner's burial next to his first cover girl as sweet. While some Twitter users deemed it "the most badass thing" and "the right thing to do," others have called have called it creepy and exploitative.
Hefner purchased the plot next to Monroe's for $75,000 in 1992 and although he never met her in person, the two have considerable history. "I feel a double connection to her, because she was the launching key to the beginning of Playboy," he told CBS Los Angeles in 2012. "We were born the same year."
But according to author Sady Doyle, Monroe was embarrassed by the photos Playboy published without her consent. She received $50 for posing for the nudes a year before hitting the big time with The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve. When Hefner paid a Chicago calendar $500 for two pictures four years after the shoot and put them in the magazine, Monroe reportedly feared for her career.
"I never even received a thank-you from all those who made millions off a nude Marilyn photograph. I even had to buy a copy of the magazine to see myself in it," the late actress wrote in Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words.
Write to Joseph Hincks at joseph.hincks@time.com.
Hugh Hefner: A Look Inside the Wild Life of Playboy's Founder
What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Brexit weekly: 5 things
We need to talk about Russia
With the battle over Brexit terms (mostly) on hiatus during parliamentary recess, the Government has found fresh cause for disagreement with European ministers over the response to Russia's alleged involvement in last week's chemical weapons attack in Syria. After cancelling his trip to Moscow at the eleventh-hour, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson sought to turn the screw on the Kremlin, by calling for the G7 to green light economic sanctions. Unfortunately for Johnson, the Group instead decided to condemn Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad and voted for an investigation into last week's events.
The call for an investigation was seen as a win for Germany, which has advocated more caution in responding to Russia's ties with the Syrian Government. Meanwhile the "very painful" sanctions envisaged by the UK Government will not come to pass without further evidence from the investigation given opposition from Germany, Italy and the EU high representative for foreign affairs at the G7, Federica Mogherini.
We may also need to talk about Russian involvement in the EU referendum, according to a report by the House of Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee (PACAC). The link is tenuous at this stage, and barely an allegation given the Committee chose not to directly accuse the Kremlin of causing the voter registration meltdown on 7 June. However, the report noted repeated claims over Russian involvement in the US and French elections and cited a link to the "cognitive approach based on understanding of mass psychology" used by both Russia and China in cyber operations. The Cabinet Office was quick to reject any foreign interference in EU voter registration.
Is all alright with the City?
Remember when the British financial services industry was going to hell in a handbasket after the vote to leave the EU? Not anymore, according to the policy chief for the City of London Corporation policy. Mark Boleat sought to downplay prospects for a mass bank exodus, saying that only a few jobs were likely to move and that the outlook for the City has actually improved since Brexit was officially triggered. Meanwhile City recruiter Robert Walters claims that banks are "bored with Brexit" and have launched a hiring blitz, aiding a 27% rise in net fees across the financial service sector.
The French aren't buying this, though. Finance Minister Michel Sapin said that the City should expect to lose lucrative euro denominated trading operations after the UK's departure from the EU, and that "clearing" activity should be relocated within the currency bloc. The European Commission appears to be weighing its options for tackling this issue over the next two years, but the pressure from Sapin is nothing new, as France has long sought to 'repatriate' financial activity to the continent.
Tough Tusk gets approval
Donald Tusk's tough stance on Brexit negotiations is set to be green-lit by EU member states, according to the Financial Times (I said Brexit terms were mostly on hiatus). The Council President's negotiation guidelines state that Britain will have to accept the EU's laws, court rulings and budgetary arrangements if it chooses to seek a gradual departure from the single market. Serious talks on the negotiations will take place among the 27 remaining member states on Tuesday, but senior diplomats involved in the process are being quoted in approval of the former Polish Prime Minister's approach.
A quick agreement among the 27 doesn't spell good news for Theresa May's government, which will be seeking to lean on those European allies more amenable to compromise on 'red-lines' over free movement and market access.
A not so global Britain
The Prime Minister has made much of her Government's aim to create a "truly global Britain" in the wake of Brexit, but a Next Generation Study commissioned by Demos and the British Council suggests there is some work to do. While half of young people surveyed said they felt European, only 13% of 18-30-year-olds have worked abroad, and only one in 10 have travelled overseas for three months. While the study doesn't tackle the concept of a "global Britain" in a comprehensive manner – indeed, this is more likely to be pursued through a series of bi-lateral free trade agreements in the first instance – the socioeconomic divide it highlights is disconcerting, with disadvantaged young adults less able to travel and found to be more negative about their global place.
Among the four nations, Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of 18-30-year-olds who feel European (59%), whereas Wales has the lowest proportion (35%), broadly reflecting how the two countries voted in the EU referendum.
Out with the British, in with the Scottish
The Next Generation research found that 59% of Scottish people feel British, and current polling suggests that more than half of the voting population will opt to stay in the UK in the event of a second Scottish independence referendum. However, if – by some miracle – the polls prove to be wrong, and Scotland departs the Union, Nicola Sturgeon's Government can take solace in the support it has from a small grouping of politicians across the EU.
This week a cross-party group of 50 European politicians, with MEPs and MPs from 10 countries including Germany, France, and Italy, argued that Scotland would be "most welcome" as a full member of the EU, should it choose to break away from the UK. In the letter organised by Green MSP Ross Greer and German Green MEP Terry Reintke, the group said it would offer its full support to "ensure the transition is as swift, smooth and orderly as possible."
Convergence criteria aside, campaigners for Scottish independence will be happy to get support for their hypothetical membership bid wherever they can find it. Meanwhile, the European Parliament convened this Tuesday to discuss for the first time the fate of the 73 MEP seats held by British representatives in the assembly after Brexit. The ultimate decision will be taken by the European Council.
Finally (and speaking of the British), Slovak media outlets are facing fines of up to €6,600 for saying "Britain" rather than the official "United Kingdom" during coverage of the EU referendum. Apparently, the agency in charge of ensuring technically correct coverage in Slovakia has chosen to at last crack the whip, with the chief of the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority, Maria Fridrichova, saying, "We have never fined anyone in the past but we are (now) ready to enforce the law".
Well then. BBC, eat your heart out.


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(£) GBP	($) AUD	(€) EUR	($) USD
Albania, Kosovo & Macedonia Tour
Hidden Europe
Home > Destinations > Albania / Kosovo / Macedonia > Hidden Europe Tour
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia – Hidden Europe Tour – a 16 day Small Group Tour from £1950 per person.
Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe lie Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, three charming and delightful countries that few people know much about.
Wander through Ottoman citadels and travel through traditional villages where the rhythm of life has changed little over centuries. Visit spectacular Roman ruins, long abandoned cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and wander through picturesque historic towns with lively bazaars.
This Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia small group tour takes in the highlights of this neglected part of the continent.
For years Albania was a closed society, ruled by the iron fist of Communism, but since the end of the Cold War it has been showing curious travellers its many charms, while as Europe's newest state, Kosovo is best known for its terrible war that it suffered in the last years of the 20th century – not the best image for outsiders to have of it.
The location of these countries between some of Europe's most important empires has left them well endowed with a wealth of attractions from the Greek, Roman and Ottoman eras. The region is home to a wealth of old Ottoman architecture which sits side by side with elaborately decorated Orthodox churches and from more recent times the civic buildings of Communist Yugoslavia, as well as impressive Roman ruins and well-preserved historic towns.
This part of Europe is also blessed with incredible scenery with imposing mountains, pristine lakes and traditional villages tucked away in pretty valleys. But as with many countries it is the people who leave perhaps the most lasting impression – having come through recent strife there is an overwhelming sense of optimism about the people that cannot fail to raise your spirits. Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia are some of the last frontiers of Europe, complex and fascinating destinations imbued with history.
Discover them for yourself on a Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour which takes in the highlights of each. You may also wish to extend your stay in the Balkans with a scenic journey through the enchanting nation of Montenegro.
Tour ratings.
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you'll return home feeling you've really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you'll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Day 1 – Tirana
Start the Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour when your arrive in Tirana and transfer to hotel accommodation. Depending on flight schedules there may be time to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Austria or similar
Day 2 - Tirana - Kruja – Shkoder
(Approximate driving time: two-and-a-half-hours)
Today we explore Albania's capital, visiting Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to the country's national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the archaeological museum. Afterwards we head to Kruja, important due to its historic role in resistance to the Ottoman occupation. Here we visit the Skanderbeg Museum, the castle and the old bazaar. Lunch in Kruja offers an opportunity to try some traditional specialities. Later we continue to Shkoder, once a capital of the Illyrian state. There's time to explore the old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa Castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and surrounding mountains. Overnight Hotel Tradita or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Shkoder – Lake Koman – Valbona
(Approximate driving time: three-hours. Approximate journey time by boat: two-and-a-half-hours)
Today we travel from Shkoder to Valbona via Lake Koman. The two-hour ferry journey is described as, 'One of the Great Boat Trips of the World' by Bradt's Albania guidebook. Certainly, the scenery is stunning. Between 1979 and 1988 the Drin River was dammed flooding its most mountainous passage to create today's lakes. Through glassy, clear water, the ferry twists and turns through deeps gorges and past silent mountain peaks. Leaving the ferry at its terminus of Fierze, we continue by road to Valbona. Overnight Hotel Margjeka or similar. (BD)
Day 4 - Valbona - Junik - Gjakova
(Approximate driving time: three-hours)
This morning we cross the frontier into Kosovo, driving to Junik where we visit the famous Kullat e Junikut (Junik Tower). These strong houses display a characteristic style of architecture, constructed at the end of the 18th century using white rock, they have sheltered Albanians through many conflicts. Later we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Decan Monastery. Here, among beautiful grounds, we'll find some of the best-preserved frescoes in the Balkans. Afterwards we drive to Gjakova on the banks of the River Erenik, arriving in time to explore the town's Old Bazaar and clock tower. Overnight Hotel Çarshia e Jupave or similar. (B)
Day 5 - Gjakova - Rahovec Vinery – Prizren
(Approximate driving time: two-hours)
A highlight of the Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour, Kosovo's wines are little-known. However, today we visit a local winery, tour the cellars and taste the produce. You will be pleasantly surprised. Afterwards we drive to Prizren, probably the most attractive town in Kosovo, known for its well-preserved Ottoman buildings. Sunset views over the town's old houses as golden light catches the rooftops are a particular highlight. Overnight at Hotel Prizren or similar. (B)
Day 6 - Prizren - Pristina
After breakfast we drive to Pristina, arriving in time explore the capital's main sights, including Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Carshi Mosque, the earliest building in the city, dating from the early 15th century. Later we head to the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient city once one of the most important Roman centres in the Balkans. Overnight Begolli Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 7 - Pristina - Skopje
This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo's most beautiful sights, containing impressive frescoes. Afterwards we continue to the frontier with Macedonia, stopping en route at the impressive and only partly explored Gadime Cave. Crossing the border, we drive to the capital city of Skopje. Upon arrival a city tour includes the Ottoman market, the monastery of Sveti Spas and the ancient Kale Fortress, dating from Illyrian and Roman times. Overnight Hotel Aristocrat Palace or similar. (B)
Day 8 - Skopje - Mavrovo National Park – Ohrid
(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)
After breakfast we drive through Mavrovo National Park, at 73,000 hectares it's the largest protected area in Macedonia. Following the Radika River, we stop at monasteries and churches en route. Continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ohrid, on arrival we explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture, including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th Century church of St Sofia and the Roman amphitheatre. Overnight Hotel Villa Sofia or similar. (B)
Day 9 - Ohrid
The day is free to explore the beautiful town of Ohrid independently and relax before the second half of the tour. Overnight Hotel Villa Sofia or similar. (B)
Day 10 - Ohrid - Sveti Naum Monastery – Voskopoje – Korce
Before crossing back into Albania we visit Sveti Naum Monastery, a truly atmospheric site with impressive views over Lake Ohrid to Albania. Having crossed the border we continue to the historic village of Voskopoje. Here we visit the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, dating from the 15th century. Afterwards we drive to the town of Korce and explore the Old Bazaar. Overnight Hotel Regency or similar. (B)
Day 11 - Korce - Benja – Permet
(Approximate driving time: four-hours)
Today we drive though spectacular scenery to Permet. The road might be generously described as bumpy in parts but the views offered over this remote part of Albania are incredible. We visit Benja, close to Permet, relaxing at the village's famously efficacious natural thermal pools where water temperatures range from 25°C – 28°C. Later we briefly call in at the nearby Ottoman bridge of Katiu, over the Langarica River. Overnight Hotel Permeti or similar. (B)
Please note: Hotel Permeti hotel is quite basic, but comfortable enough for a one-night stay and its location is very central. Rooms have private bathrooms.
Day 12 - Permet - Gjirokastra
From Permet we continue our scenic drive to Gjirokastra, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Ottoman architecture that populates cobbled streets spilling down the mountainside. On arrival we visit the local museum which occupies the building where Albania's former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, was born. Afterwards we head to the pre-Ottoman era citadel which as well as affording spectacular views houses an impressive range of artillery, and bizarrely a USAF reconnaissance plane forced to land in 1957 after engine failure. Overnight Hotel Gjirokastra or similar. (B)
Day 13 - Gjirokastra - Blue Eye Spring – Butrint – Llogara
(Approximate driving time: six-hours)
This morning the Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour travels to Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye National Monument) where startlingly clear blue water wells up from over 50 metres amid the Bistrice River. Afterwards we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Butrint, Albania's most important Graeco-Roman archaeological site. Highlights here include an impressive basilica, acropolis and theatre. Later we drive along narrow coastal roads through picturesque seaside villages to the Albanian Riviera. Our destination is the Llogara National Park, situated at over 1,000 metres above sea level overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Overnight Hotel Alpin or similar. (B)
Day 14 - Albanian Riviera - Apollonia – Berat
Today we visit the ancient Greek city of Apollonia, dating from the 6th century BC. Afterwards we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat, known as 'the town of a thousand windows' where the architecture of the town's superbly preserved historic centre bears witness to several historic influences. Later we visit a nearby vineyard to sample some excellent local wines, afterwards enjoying a traditional dinner in the historic old town. Overnight Hotel Osumi or similar. (BD)
Day 15 - Berat - Durres – Tirana
This morning we spend more time exploring Berat, including the mosques, museums and churches of the ancient fortified citadel, the latter containing notable remarkably preserved frescoes. We also visit the Iconographic Museum of Onufri located inside the castle walls. Later we drive to the coastal city of Durres visiting the region's largest Roman amphitheatre, dating from 2nd century. Afterwards we head back to Tirana for our final night where we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Austria or similar. (BD)
Day 16 - Tirana
The Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour ends today after breakfast when airport transfers leave to meet onward flights. (B)
Optional Montenegro Extension
The following days can be added on to the Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia tour to include an extension to Montenegro.
Day 16 - Tirana – Skadar Lake – Sveti Stefan – Budva
(Approximate driving time: four-and-a-half-hours)
After breakfast we journey towards Montenegro, crossing the border and stopping at Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkan Region, known for its exceptional biodiversity. We take a boat ride on the lake and spend time enjoying the scenery before continuing our drive to Budva. En route we stop to take in a panoramic view of the fortified island of Sveti Stefan, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and one of Montenegro's most recognisable images. We spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town of Budva, later taking a walk on the promenade. Overnight in Budva at a centrally located mid-range hotel. (B)
Day 17 - Budva - Njegusi Village – Cetinje – Budva
(Approximate driving time: five-hours)
This morning we drive the mountain route described locally as 'the serpentine road'. We stop at the village of Njegusi, located on the slopes of Mount Lovcen at an altitude of 900m. The village is known for its well-preserved traditional folk architecture and its contributions to Montenegrin cuisine. At a local restaurant we taste homemade cheese and hams accompanied by local wines. Afterwards we drive to Cetinje, the old Royal Capital of Montenegro and the official residence of the country's president. Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje has a rich historical heritage with numerous significant sights including Cetinje Monastery. Later, after some time to explore, we return to Budva. Overnight accommodation in Budva. (BL)
Day 18 - Budva - Perast – Kotor – Budva
After breakfast we drive along the Boka coast observing small towns and settlements along the way. Stopping at the mediaeval town of Perast, weather permitting, we take a boat to visit Our Lady of the Rock church, one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture on the Adriatic. The adjacent museum is small but houses a collection focused on maritime history including local arts and crafts. Afterwards we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor and spend time enjoying its atmospheric mediaeval streets, visiting points of interest including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Overnight accommodation in Budva. (B)
Day 19 - Budva – transfer to the Podgorica or Tivat Airport and Departure
Dates & Price.
Tour Code
Trip Status
Tour Code 21-01
Start Thursday	May 6, 2021
End Friday	May 21, 2021
Available Seats: 12
Adult ( 1 - 12 Pax	)
Trip Extras:
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia – Hidden Europe (ALD) Montenegro Extension 2020 and 2021
£ 735.00 / unit
Extend your stay in the Balkans with a four day stay in tiny but charming Montenegro. We travel from Albania via Skadar Lake to the coastal towns of Budva where we will be based and Kotor, situated on a spectacular natural bay. We also head into the mountainous interior of the country to explore traditional towns and villages and enjoy delicious local cuisine. As well as admiring its natural beauty, Montenegro is steeped in rich history and interesting culture. The price is based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. Solo occupancy rooms on this extension cost an extra £95 in addition to the £735 per person.
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia – Hidden Europe (ALD) Single Supplement
Single travellers - we understand that in our busy world many people travel alone. Although we do charge a single supplement, if you are willing to share with another traveller then please contact us and we will do our best to match you up. Otherwise please select the applicable single supplement below.
Start Thursday	June 3, 2021
End Friday	June 18, 2021
Start Friday	September 10, 2021
End Saturday	September 25, 2021
Start Thursday	October 7, 2021
End Friday	October 22, 2021
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia – Hidden Europe (ALD) Montenegro Extension 2022
Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia – Hidden Europe (ALD) Single Supplement 2022
Start Friday	September 9, 2022
Tour Notes
Minimum Group Size
This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.
Single Supplement from £235
Return flights from London to Tirana start at £245. Contact us for a quotation.
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Tirana costs from £25 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £40 per person in a solo occupancy room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Travel to Albania by Train and Ferry
We know that for many of our destinations flying cannot be avoided. But we believe that for some of our tours, taking the train is a practical, affordable and most of all a very enjoyable alternative. Even flying in just one direction will have a very positive benefit on the environment. To compare the emissions for your next trip take a look at this easy to use emissions calculator – https://uic.org/ecopassenger.
You can travel by train to join the Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia Tour. One-way fares from London to Tirana by train and ferry or vice versa start at £200.
Please note that the journey will normally involve an overnight stop in Milan. The cost of accommodation is not included. We can book a wide choice of hotels and will be pleased to provide further details.
For a quote to travel from a European city other than London please contact us. We will advise you of the options, including routes and fares.
Contact us for further details about how we can help you plan the perfect environmentally friendly addition to your holiday. As well as train tickets, we can arrange stopovers along the way, including hotels and guided tours.
Hidden Europe - Private tour option
If you prefer not to travel as part of a group then this tour can be arranged on a private basis. The price starts from £2995 per person based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room. Private tours with larger group sizes or a solo person can also be arranged – please contact us for details.
Undiscovered Destinations can also tailor a tour to your requirements in the Balkan region. Please contact Mark Huggins to discuss your requirements and to organise your perfect Balkan tour.
Hidden Europe and Balkan Explorer group tours back to back!
Kindly note that our Balkan Explorer group tour comprising Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia can be taken before the Hidden Europe tour for an even more in-depth look at the fascinating Balkan region.
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well-travelled team.
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Tour inclusions.
Arrival and departure transfers
Transport throughout
Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) as shown in the itinerary
Services of English speaking guide – small groups will be driver/guide
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
Any airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Tips (discretionary)
In short, I loved this trip. I liked the small group, loved the guide, loved being able to see so many different places, meet people, be exposed to the local culture. I have already recommended it to all of my friends. This was my first trip with Undiscovered Destinations, but it will not be my last. I think it's great value to great locations.
Nancy Gray, UK
Read more about Albania and our other tours
A holiday exploring Albania
April 11, 2015/by Undiscovered Destinations
A tour of Bulgaria – both delightful and enchanting
September 23, 2019/by Undiscovered Destinations
Where Are The Best Places To Visit in Georgia
May 24, 2020/by Undiscovered Destinations
Best Things to do in Armenia
July 8, 2016/by Undiscovered Destinations
Be like James Bond on this tour of Belarus
May 4, 2016/by Undiscovered Destinations
Data, Privacy and Terms & Conditions
Tynemouth Travel Agency
Undiscovered Destinations
1b St Oswins Place, Tynemouth, NE30 4RQ, England
© 2020 | UNDISCOVERED DESTINATIONS
Albania Explorer – Small Group Tour
Pristine Guyana – Small Group Tour


text:
Skip to main content World Africa Americas Asia Europe Middle East Foreign Correspondents
In Japan, prime minister pushes ahead with controversial 'anti-conspiracy' bill
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the media at his official residence in Tokyo on May 14 about reports of the launch of a North Korean missile. (Toru Hanai/Reuters)
By Anna Fifield
Anna Fifield
Former Beijing bureau chief
TOKYO — The Japanese parliament appeared ready Monday to move toward approval of a sweeping new "anti-conspiracy" measure that the government says is needed to stop terrorist attacks but that critics worry will be used to create a surveillance state.
The bill is part of a broader push by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — who faces only weak political opposition — to advance a broad legislative agenda that includes tougher law enforcement powers. A vote in favor of the bill by lawmakers was expected Tuesday.
Abe also wants his Liberal Democratic Party to come up with a concrete plan to amend the pacifist constitution, written by Japan's American occupiers after its defeat in World War II.
"These moves show both Abe's arrogance and his weakness," said Koichi Nakano, a professor of political science at Sophia University and an outspoken critic of the Abe government.
"He has no rivals and is at the height of his power, so it feels like he can do anything. We're seeing the personalization of power, and it's not all that different from what we see in the Trump administration," Nakano said.
But the moves are also an attempt to divert attention from simmering rumors of corruption, he said. The prime minister has been implicated in two shady deals but strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Against this background, Abe has been pressing ahead with an ambitious legislative agenda.
His government's "anti-conspiracy" bill, as it is known here, would make 277 offenses subject to conspiracy charges and is designed to stop people who are preparing to commit crimes, including terrorism, the government says.
The offenses include catching endangered animals, running an unlicensed motorboat race and stealing plants from a forest reserve. The justice minister was asked in parliament if picking mushrooms could be considered funding terrorism. He said yes.
Only organized crime groups need fear it, proponents of the bill say. It is needed so that Japan can sign the U.N. Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and to prevent terrorist attacks at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they say.
[ Japan's government takes first step toward allowing emperor to abdicate ]
But some experts and civil liberties activists say that the provisions of the bill could be used to keep tabs on normal people.
"If an investigation into someone's mind is allowed in order to punish preparations for a crime, it will limit freedom of thought," Masatoshi Ohara, chairman of the Osaka Bar Association, said at a protest over the weekend, one of several that took place around the country.
Amnesty International and Greenpeace said the bill "could threaten freedom of expression, a core principle of democracy," and the U.N. special rapporteur for the right to privacy wrote a letter to Abe saying it "may affect the exercise of the right to privacy as well as other fundamental public freedoms given its potential broad application."
Abe's top aide Monday called the letter "clearly inappropriate" and said the government had protested to the United Nations.
Japan's powerful lower house of the Diet, or parliament, is set to pass the bill on Tuesday in what looks likely to be a raucous vote.
A committee hearing last week turned into a yelling match, as opposition lawmakers accused the government of ramming through the bill without sufficient discussion.
But the coalition led by Abe's party has a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament, so the measure is expected to pass easily. After the vote in the lower house Tuesday, the government wants it approved in the upper chamber before the current Diet session ends on June 18.
At the same time, Abe is pushing ahead with his plans to amend the constitution, the first time the document would be changed since it took effect 70 years ago.
He is widely considered to be trying to do what his grandfather, postwar prime minister Nobusuke Kishi, failed to manage: revising a constitution that put "shackles" on Japan.
Abe said in an abrupt announcement this month that he wants the revision to take effect by 2020, and on Sunday he set a year-end deadline for his party to put forward a proposal.
[ Japanese Prime Minister Abe accused of giving secret donation to far-right school ]
The conservative prime minister has made no secret of his desire to change Article 9, which bars Japan from maintaining a "war potential" and renounces the use of force except to defend itself when it comes under direct attack.
Instead of a military, Japan has a "self-defense force."
Abe has been promoting an amendment to the article to recognize the self-defense forces, essentially making them a bona fide military. But the prime minister has been widely criticized as being too vague.
Abe's approval ratings have taken a hit, although they remain relatively high.
Support for Abe's cabinet fell three points to 55.4 percent this month, according to a Kyodo News poll published Sunday.
More than three-quarters of respondents — 77 percent — said the government had not sufficiently explained the anti-
conspiracy bill. Still, more than half — 56 percent — said they supported Abe's proposal to acknowledge and legitimize the self-defense forces in Article 9.
For vulnerable high school girls in Japan, a culture of 'dates' with older men
A Japanese artist takes on a country that despises tattoos
Pence pushes Japan to start trade talks, tells South Korea to brace for review of current deal
Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news


The Park of Four Waters tour will take you on a tour through undeveloped, natural desert to the ruins of some of these canal systems. The Hohokam people lived in the Salt River Area from approximately 450AD to 1450AD. They were an agricultural society, growing corn, beans, squash and cotton. In order to support their extensive agricultural system, the Hohokam people constructed miles of canals in order to direct water from the Salt River to their fields. This is a first come, first serve tour. Space is limited, sign up at the front desk. Note: Tour is $5 in addition to regular museum admission. Also, this tour is outdoors, and requires standing and walking through natural desert areas with no established trails away from public accesible areas.


Michelle and Harry, some say they're the best.
Well, after that, it's safe to say the Speech Bubble was a success.
Ok, maybe I should leave the poetry to the professionals and get on with the review, but this just shows the effect that the Speech Bubble has; it encourages everyone to join in. With a friendly audience and the laughter and japery, featuring novices to professionals a like, everyone can perform all kinds of poetry to a live audience and have a fun, enjoyable experience.
The night kicked off with the host, Liam Peoples, performing a sacrificial poem to introduce the event. The host set up the general tone for the rest of the night and the Loughborough students and local residents picked up where Liam left off. Poets from all shapes, sizes and backgrounds took on the stage, where they each had a three-minute slot to perform any original piece they wished. Some even involved audience participation, which allowed for a more engaging and entertaining performance.
As the night unfolded, the audience was treated to the first headliner, award-winner Michelle 'Mother' Hubbard. Michelle performed at December's Speech Bubble, where she clearly had an emotional impact on the crowd. This time, her performances included many political and social correctness elements towards them. They addressed the underlining problems that we as a society tend to turn a blind eye to because it is usually easier. Amongst these were some more lively upbeat performances that covered all sorts of topics, which kept the audience on their toes. To name a few of her poems: 'Guinness Punch,' 'I am Woman,' 'Gone,' 'Perfect Timing' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'.
After the break, the audience saw the final student take to the stage before the final headliner of the night, World Champion, Harry Baker. Harry was an exceptional talent. With his charismatic style, he had the audience laughing throughout his performance. Along with demonstrating different styles of competition poetry formats, he performed his own poems, 'Sunshine King,' 'A poem about Phil,' 'It's Complicated' and a complete reworking of Ed Sheeran's popular song, 'A Team', into a pun-tastic song about desserts. The audience was also lucky enough to hear his world winning poem, 'Paper People', which made for an amusing performance.
Well done to all those that took part at the Speech Bubble this St Patrick's Day. If you are interested in taking part or watching the next event, join the Speech Bubble Facebook page or contact Liam Peoples at l.peoples-11@student.lboro.ac.uk.
Last night's Speech Bubble performers were Liam Peoples, Sophie Hyde, Charlie Staunton, Chris Bates, Jim Safford, Oliver Bragg, Louis Wood, Harry Ash, Barton Matthews, Mike Green, Dominique Eguren, Steven Thomas, Steve Carrol, Kerry Featherstone, Danielle Ballard, John Wittle, Michelle 'Mother' Hubbard- Headliner, and Harry Baker- Headliner.


The greatest traditional custom of the farmer community of the nation, "Aluth Sahal Mangallaya" was held in front of historical Jayasiri Maga Bodhi in Anuradhapura today (7).
The farmers presented the first reap of paddy to the sacred temple at the ceremony organized at Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Govi Jana Sewa under the instructions of Atamasthanadipathi Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero.
This traditional custom, which commenced since Sri Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi was planted in Anuradhapura, was conducted with the sounds of traditional magul bera, hewisi, and traditional culutral items. The procession entered through the Eastern Wahalkada and worshiped the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and then the gold-plated chalice kept at the special stage of Welimaluwa decorated with a Viyana at the top and Pawada at the bottom was filled with the new reap pf paddy.The first heap of paddy was filled to the chalice by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven.Pallegama Siri Niwasa Thero and the Minister of Agriculture P.Harrison.
The farmer community attending from all regions of the Island added paddy to the chalice midst chanting of pirith. President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe and other distinguished guests too joined the Aluth Sahal Mangallaya and engaged in filling the chalice with paddy.
A number of farmers has attended to this ritual descending from ancient times and prayed for timely rains to harvest the paddy fields for the country to be prosperous with the progress in agriculture.
The bee honey, which is traditionally offered to the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi, was presented to the President by the Vedda Chief, Wannilaththo.
Covering all the nine provinces of the Island the local paddy categories related to those provinces were presented to the farmers by the President.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe, Minister P.Harrison, Governor of North Central Province Sarath Ekanayake, Members of Parliament, Duminda Dissanyake, Weerakumara Dissanayake and the Commissioner General of Govijana Development and other officers were present in this event.
Meanwhile the milk-rice offering of Aluth Sahal Mangallaya was held under the patronage of the President today (7) at the premises of historical Ruwanweli Mahaseya in Anuradhapura.
The rice made out of the fresh paddy reaped from the Mahaweli "H " belonging to Anuradhapura district from the areas of Thabuththegama, Galnewa, Nochchiyagama, Meegalewa, Maheilikpallama was offered for the Ruwanweli Mahaseya.
The President engaged with the farmers for the event offered rice for the Ruwanweli Mahaseya and participated in religious rituals.
The Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Mahaseya, Ven. Pallegama Henarathana Thero delivered a special sermon at the event.


text:
The following five entries received seven Honorable Mentions in five professional categories in the 2012 International Photography Awards.
"Tripping the Light Fantastic"
Honorable Mention : Fine Art (Abstract)
"F1 to the Future"
Honorable Mention : Deeper Perspective / Editorial (Other)
India's growing position as a rising economy was further enhanced when it joined the global fraternity of nations that host the glamorous and big money extravaganza of Formula One racing. Held near New Delhi, the inaugural Indian F1 Grand Prix took place in October 2011 at the Buddh International Circuit, spread over 874 acres and estimated to have cost $215 million to build. Designed by renowned German architect and racetrack designer, Herman Tilke, BIC was praised by F1 drivers and observers as a state-of-the-art facility. While construction was still ongoing, I had the rare chance to photograph the site as an army of workers were speeding up to finish the project on time. With F1 fever in full swing, promotional events included a special run of the Red Bull racing car on one of New Delhi's historic boulevards, Raj Path, near the colonial landmark structures of India Gate and the President's estate. The F1 race and BIC went on to dazzle both India and the world. But I was drawn to the unique intersection of two cultures – the high-speed and high-tech world of F1 and the timeless traditions and social reality of India. The shimmering bangles of a newly married Indian bride posing with an F1 car made for a unique visual statement. But photographing a lone worker gazing into infinity, sitting under the barricades of the freshly built BIC track made me wonder – Will F1 take him to the future too?
"Toons to the Future"
Honorable Mention : Editorial (Other) / People (Other)
As India increasingly becomes part of the global village, the cultural evolution is obvious, especially amongst urban society. India now has its own Comic Con, a festive event celebrating all manner of comic book culture and geekdom, complete with fanboys and fangirls in costume competitions, portraying their favorite cartoons and superheros. But its not just Hollywood imports and western icons that are omnipresent. Indian heritage offers a universe of possibilities, just as a new breed of creative talent are unleashing a rich variety of homegrown characters, thus powering toon culture into the future. Move over Superman, here comes Superkudi ("Kudi" being the North Indian Punjabi word for girl). Dressed in a striking blue salwar kameez – a traditional Indian outfit – with a flourishing red chunni (scarf) styled as a cape, the buxom Superkudi served as the mascot for Comic Con India and easily bedazzled Superman who posed in front of his female avatar. But when I spotted a lone worker cleaning the shiny display stall for The Avengers, I wondered, can the magic of toons take him to the future too?
Honorable Mention : Editorial (Personality)
One of India's most popular actors with a career spanning three decades, Anil Kapoor arrived on the international scene with his appearance in "Slumdog Millionaire". As one of the rare actors to have his feet firmly planted in mainstream commercial Bollywood cinema while making inroads into Hollywood, Kapoor is constantly balancing two worlds. And thus going global in the process.
"Lady Gaga's Delhi Durbar"
Honorable Mention : Fine Art (Portrait)
Pop royalty holds court (or as the Mughals would say, Durbar) in Delhi during Lady Gaga's first visit to India in October 2011.
2012 – PX3 – Jury Awards
2012 – PX3 – People's Choice Awards


Consider "Study for The Forest in Winter at Sunset," a work in oil and charcoal on brown paper by Théodore Rousseau, the 19th-century French painter now under scrutiny at the Morgan Library & Museum. Although it was done between 1845 and 1850, it feels like something Anselm Kiefer might come up with for a 12-foot-wide canvas: a controlled chaos of bare, twisting tree limbs in slashes of paint as dark and smoldering as charred bitumen.
Rousseau's study is just an inch or two larger than a piece of typing paper, but it captures the bleak, commanding presence of the Forest of Fontainebleau, where it was made. Its scraggly oaks emerge from the sepia-colored ground amid smears and stipples of charcoal, filling the sheet's wide horizontal midsection with black, oily strokes. Blue-gray flecks of sky breaking through sulfuric clouds and isolated patches of pearlescent sunlight sink the paper's burnished, autumnal glow into a dank, biting chill.
The image is blunt and raw, especially when compared with the limpid, fluidly brushed oil paintings that make up the opening section of the Morgan's neatly compact exhibition, The Untamed Landscape: Théodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon. Like many works in the show — most of them exquisite and all of them on paper — Rousseau, in all probability, believed that this study would be seen by his eyes only. An absence of viewers' expectations might account for the restiveness in his materials and imagery, which change like the weather from one sheet to the next. Working onsite and surrounded by his subject, the notion of a unified style would take a back seat to his spontaneous response to the environment — or so you would think.
His painting breathes a great sigh of melancholy. He loves nature in her bluish moments—twilight effects—strange and moisture-laden sunsets—massive, breeze-haunted shades—great plays of light and shadow.
As evidenced by the fine selection on view at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rousseau's finished paintings, albeit to a lesser degree than his works on paper, shift abruptly from brooding romanticism (most notably in the canvas, dated ca. 1846–67, that's based on "The Study for The Forest in Winter at Sunset") to crystalline, almost storybook naturalism. They are unified solely by their "great plays of light and shadow." For Rousseau, it seems, style is emotion set free.
The Barbizon School, cited in the exhibition's title, was a mini-flowering of French painting that bridged Romanticism and Realism. It was named after a town near the Forest of Fontainebleau, where artists gathered during their seasonal painting trips into the woods (Rousseau, a fierce advocate of painting out of doors in all kinds of weather, actually moved to Barbizon in1848 and lived there until his early death in 1867, at the age of 55).
The Barbizon painters, with their practice of direct observation and emphasis on light and atmosphere, were among the first mid-19th-century dissidents to undermine the "despotic" classical ideal of beauty, in Baudelaire's famous term, which was imposed on officially recognized art by the French Academy.
Théodore Rousseau, "Rocky Landscape, Forest of Fontainebleau" (ca. 1835-40 [?]), oil on paper, mounted on board, 12 1/2 x 17 inches. Private collection.
Rousseau's jarringly expressionistic "Study for The Forest in Winter at Sunset" and "Rocky Landscape, Forest of Fontainebleau," an oil-on-paper possibly done between 1835 and 1840 — two of the most memorable works in The Untamed Landscape — represent one end of his emotional range, while paintings like the serene "A Village in the Valley" (ca. late 1820s) are on the other.
In between we find the Turner-esque "Landscape with Cows and a Fisherman" (no date), in which the clouds, riverbanks, trees and stream all seem to quaver on the point of dissolution, and "Landscape at Lavigerie, Santoire Valley, Auvergne" (1830), whose slab-like mountainsides could have been painted by Cézanne.
And then there's the spookily quasi-Symbolist "Sunset in the the Forest of Fontainebleau" (ca. 1848-50), done in oil and graphite: its composition, funnelling from the gloom of the forest to the half-circle of the sun, glimpsed from a clearing as it dips below the horizon, is entirely drained of color, yet every brushstoke is suffused with the unnatural light of a day-for-night movie shot, a landscape strangely glimmering with the pallor of death.
Rousseau's stylistic zigs and zags at times venture into less satisfying territory. Some of his pictures, like those of devout peasants or sailboats moored at Granville and Normandy, can be sentimental, fussy, and a bit of a bore. The most roughly made work in the show, "Waterfall in Thiers" (1830), with its hurriedly knifed-in, ill-placed strokes of oil paint, goes markedly slack as your eye moves from the cascading white water to the indifferently brushed-in townscape above. But it also feels seven or eight decades ahead of its time.
It's intriguing that the most experimental and riveting works in the show were done in the Forest of Fontainebleau, the place Rousseau called home. In "Rocky Landscape, Forest of Fontainebleau," mentioned above — another picture that called Kiefer to mind — the image of a blasted-looking field features neither a conventional focal point nor an interplay between major and minor shapes, and in "Landscape Study, Fontainebleau" (ca. 1855-65), the wildness of the thickets counterpoised by snatches of sky and shimmering swamp water is pushed up a notch by a bizarre, pastel-blue wash isolating a single bush, a flight of invention that seems to come out of nowhere. In the midst of the forest, Rousseau lived what he painted and painted what he lived — a consonance, perhaps, that enabled him to trust the volatility of his vision.
The Untamed Landscape: Théodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon continues at the Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan) through January 18, 2015.


Candidates aspiring to become IFS officers by clearing UPSC IFS 2019 should prepare for the exam by practising UPSC IFS previous years' question papers. UPSC exam question papers of previous years are very helpful in the preparation for the exam. UPSC IFS 2019 is a national level examination that is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It is a yearly exam that is conducted in an offline mode. The first stage of the exam contains multiple choice questions whereas the second stage contains subjective questions. The third stage is the interview round.
Candidates who qualify all three stages get the opportunity to fill in the vacancy that UPSC declares on its official website. Lakhs of candidates aspire to crack the exam but only thousands (sometimes hundreds) of them get to avail the opportunity. In order to be one of the candidates who successfully grab the opportunity, aspirants need to prepare well for the exam. Solving previous years' question papers makes the preparation much easier and effective. The practice of solving previous years question papers of UPSC IFS has its own advantages that candidates must know to understand its value.
Therefore, candidates are advised to have a look at the pointer mentioned below. Candidates are also provided with the links to download and practice UPSC IFS previous year question papers.
Candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to access and download previous years' question papers of UPSC IFS.
Click on any of the links mentioned above (as per your choice of the year).
You will be redirected to a PDF formatted page.
Take a print out if needed and start practising.
There are a number of proved advantages of solving previous years' question papers of UPSC IFS. Candidates should go through the points mentioned below to understand the importance of previous years' questions papers in detail.
Exam Pattern and Structure: Candidates often get confused and find it hard to understand the pattern and structure of UPSC IFS properly. Solving previous years' question papers will help them get rid of the confusion.
Tricky questions: Often, tricky questions are asked in the exam of UPSC IFS. These questions take up a lot of time of examinees. Candidates can master the tactics of solving tricky questions by regularly practising previous years' question papers of UPSC IFS.
Time: Solving previous years' question papers help in realising the time candidates are taking in solving one question. Through this, they can decide whether they should go with the same pace in the exam or it needs to be changed.
Repeated Topics: In every exam, there are some topics or questions that are repeated most of the times. By solving previous years' question papers candidates will know the topics which will help them a lot in scoring well.
Anticipating Next Year's Questions: UPSC follows a particular pattern with the questions asked in the exam. Solving previous years' questions papers will help candidates guess questions or topics that might get asked in this year's question paper.
Self-confidence: It is a national-level exam with lakhs of aspirants wishing to crack. This sometimes causes anxiety in candidates for appearing in the exam. With regular practice of solving previous years' question papers, candidates will gain confidence to appear in the examination.
The preparation of UPSC IFS takes time. It cannot be done in a mere time of two months or so. In order to crack the exam, candidates need to start preparing for the exam well in advance. To help with that we have given section-wise preparation tips and tricks for candidates. Check out the 'How to Prepare for UPSC IFS 2019' section for the same.
To begin with the preparation, candidates should first understand the syllabus of UPSC IFS 2019. If candidates find problems comprehending the exam pattern then they are advised to practice mock tests and previous years' question papers of UPSC IFS.
Once candidates understand the syllabus properly, they can start planning their preparation. To execute their preparation plan in a successful manner, candidates should take help of the best books for UPSC IFS 2019. According to the top rank holders of UPSC IFS, coaching institutes help a lot in the preparation. Candidates should consider going for top coaching institutes of UPSC IFS. To succeed in cracking the exam, candidates should leave no stone unturned. But, candidates should also keep in mind that their health should be their utmost priority. Along with eating healthily keeping their body healthy, candidates should also give time to recreational activities to keep their mind healthy as well. If both, mind and body are healthy then only candidates will be able to concentrate on the preparation for the exam.


text:
iPhone XR (estilizado como iPhone X, pronunciado "dez erre") é um smartphone projetado, desenvolvido e comercializado pela Apple Inc. Ele foi anunciado no dia 12 de setembro de 2018, no Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park na cidade de Cupertino pelo Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing da Apple, Phil Schiller, junto aos iPhone XS e XS Max. O aparelho foi oficialmente lançado em 26 de outubro de 2018.

Apple
IPhone

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: c# Android - ISurfaceTextureListener thread interrupted then resumed when activity closed I have an activity (with an ISurfaceTextureListener) with an async OnSurfaceTextureUpdated method in which I call the async SendPixel method:
public async void OnSurfaceTextureUpdated(SurfaceTexture surface)
{
    bool sendPixel = false;

    [...]

    if (Settings.Pixel.period >= 0)
    {
        if (stopWatch.ElapsedMilliseconds >= Settings.Pixel.nextSending)
        {
            if (Settings.Pixel.period > 0)
                Settings.Pixel.nextSending += Settings.Pixel.period * ((int)((stopWatch.ElapsedMilliseconds - Settings.Pixel.nextSending) / Settings.Pixel.period) + 1);
            sendPixel = true;
        }
    }

    [...]

    if (sendPixel)
        await SendPixel();
}

Here is the async SendPixel method:
async Task SendPixel()
{
    try
    {
        if (Ev3Messaging.IsConnected())
        {
            Color color = new Color(bm.GetPixel(Settings.Camera.viewport.X_VpToCv(Settings.Pixel.x), Settings.Camera.viewport.X_VpToCv(Settings.Pixel.y)));
            Ev3Messaging.AddNumberMessage("MC_Hue", color.GetHue());
            Ev3Messaging.AddNumberMessage("MC_Brightness", color.GetBrightness());
            Console.WriteLine("SendPixel");
            await Ev3Messaging.SendMessages();
            Console.WriteLine("SendPixelEnd");
        }
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Error SendPixel: " + ex.Message);
    }
}

The ISurfaceTextureListener reads a video stream, then the SendPixel method is called many times.
The issue is that the console well displays "SendPixel", but doesn't display "SendPixelEnd", and no error is thrown.
Afterwards, when I close the activity, every missing "SendPixelEnd" are displayed.
EDIT: The EV3Messaging.SendMessages sends the messages (by Bluetooth) added in the previous lines:
static List<byte> btMessage = new List<byte>();
static public async Task SendMessages()
{
    if (_socket != null)
        await _socket.OutputStream.WriteAsync(btMessage.ToArray(), 0, btMessage.Count);
}

Why does that happen and how can I solve that ?
Thanks in advance.
PS: Sorry for my poor English ^^

A: SOLVED: I have forgotten to clear the btMessage List each time I send the data, then this results in this strange behaviour. This issue may also be because of the bad way used to receive data from the Bluetooth device.
Then the SendMessages method becomes:
static public async Task SendMessages()
{
    if (_socket != null)
        await _socket.OutputStream.WriteAsync(btMessage.ToArray(), 0, btMessage.Count);
    btMessage.Clear();
}

since each time I add a message, the new frame is added at the end of the btMessage List.
Also, to get the incoming message, I use this code:
public static void InputMessagesManager(Action<BtMessage> incomingMessageEvent)
{
    _tokenSource = new CancellationTokenSource();
    Task t = Task.Factory.StartNew(async () =>
    {
        Stream inputStream = _socket.InputStream;

        while (!_tokenSource.IsCancellationRequested)
        {
            if (inputStream == null)
                inputStream = _socket.InputStream;
            if (inputStream != null && inputStream.CanRead)
            {
                await inputStream.ReadAsync(_sizeBuffer, 0, _sizeBuffer.Length);

                short size = (short)(_sizeBuffer[0] | _sizeBuffer[1] << 8);
                if (size != 0)
                {
                    byte[] frame = new byte[size];
                    await inputStream.ReadAsync(frame, 0, frame.Length);
                    BtMessage btMes = new BtMessage(frame);
                    incomingMessageEvent(btMes);
                    Console.WriteLine("Received: " + btMes.name + " -> " + btMes.getValueAsNumber());
                }
            }
        }
    }, _tokenSource2.Token, TaskCreationOptions.LongRunning, TaskScheduler.Current);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
define(["Ti/_/declare", "Ti/_/UI/FontWidget", "Ti/_/dom", "Ti/_/css", "Ti/_/style", "Ti/_/lang", "Ti/Locale", "Ti/UI"],
	function(declare, FontWidget, dom, css, style, lang, Locale, UI) {

	var setStyle = style.set,
		unitize = dom.unitize,
		tabStop = 2,
		textPost = {
			post: "_setText"
		};

	return declare("Ti.UI.Label", FontWidget, {

		constructor: function() {
			this._add(this._textContainer = UI.createView({
				width: UI.INHERIT,
				height: UI.SIZE,
				center: {y: "50%"}
			}));

			var self = this,
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text:
25-year-old 'It'll Be Okay' superstar Shawn Mendes was spotted leaving a gymnasium in Los Angeles yesterday, while carrying a drink - presumably a smoothie. On the cup is his name next to a heart. Take a look at Shawn fresh from...
Model and cook Chrissy Teigen, 36, is opening up about her struggles and now victories with sobriety! Teigen just revealed on her Instagram page that she's now been sober for six months, writing alongside a photo of herself on a...
Bella Hadid Opens Up About Struggling With Mental Health and Realizing Things "In the Last Year"
25-year-old supermodel Bella Hadid is opening up about her mental health... In an interview with WSJ Magazine, Bella reveals that she's been "in such a weird place mentally" to the point where it got complicated "to get out of the...
Demi Lovato Completes Another Rehab Stint, Years After Infamous 2018 Overdose
Years after Demi Lovato's infamous heroin overdose in 2018 that left her close to dead, more on that here, the 'Skyscraper' singer has apparently completed another stint in rehab. According to sources, Lovato returned to a Utah-treatment facility this past...
Bethenny Frankel Says Seeing People in Masks is "Upsetting"
51-year-old SkinnyGirl entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel is SLAMMING mask culture! The reality star says that seeing kids and elderly wearing masks all day is "really upsetting...The 'Real Housewives of New York City' star wrote on Twitter: "It all makes me sad...
Lizzo Says on Twitter: "Bruh I'm gaining weight I look tf GOODT"
33-year-old singer Lizzo is carrying the body-positivity-no-matter-what-your-size movement into 2022! The 'Truth Hurts' artist just shared a clip of her dancing on Twitter and wrote alongside: "Bruh I'm gaining weight I look tf GOODT" Take a look at the video in...
Taylor Swift and Peloton Partner Together for Classes Set to 'RED (TAYLOR'S VERSION)'
32-year-old 'Cats' actress Taylor Swift has just partnered with Peloton for their artist-series that sees Taylor lead nine classes - all of which were uploaded to the Peloton app on Christmas Day yesterday! Peloton made the announcement on Instagram,...
Trevor Noah Sues New York City Hospital Over Botched 2020 Surgery That Have Left Him "Disabled"
37-year-old South African 'The Daily Show' host Trevor Noah has just filed a lawsuit against Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan for a botched surgery he underwent under the supervision of Dr. Riley J. Williams III in 20201 According...
Nick Cannon's 5-Month-Old Son Zen Passes Away From Brain Cancer
Nick Cannon's 5-month-old son named Zen has sadly passed away from brain cancer. 'The Masked Singer' host revealed the news during today's episode of his talk-show 'Nick Cannon Show': "I always noticed he had a cough … and so...
Colin Farrell Goes for a Workout in Short Short-Shorts
45-year-old 'The Batman' actor Colin Farrell is spotted out-and-about running in his Los Angeles neighborhood. Colin sported a hydration-pack to keep cool as well as a fanny pack around his waist. Take a look below and let us know what...
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LifestyleAaron Fernandes -
25-year-old 'It'll Be Okay' superstar Shawn Mendes was spotted leaving a gymnasium in Los Angeles yesterday, while carrying a...
Lena Dunham, 35, wants to create a re-imagined version of the show she wrote and starred in 'Girls' which...
Model and cook Chrissy Teigen, 36, is opening up about her struggles and now victories with sobriety! Teigen just revealed...


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Rowers break british record
HUGH Baird's rowing team has smashed the British Indoor Rowing Record by almost 700 metres, setting a new British record.
The Level 3 Uniformed Services students, all aged 18 or under, rowed into the record books with an impressive 16,361 metres in one hour.
The team, James Barnes from Walton, James Bates from Norris Green, Gary Bergquist from Netherton, Steve Maguire from Crosby, and Rob Amey from Aigburth, followed a rigorous six week training regime, coached by their tutor Mike Johnson.
Talking to them afterwards, their team spirit and commitment was evident, although they said their success hadn't sunk in yet.
James Barnes said that spurring him on during the hour was the motto he quoted to the team beforehand, 'With victory, pain is soon forgotten'. They are already talking about beginning training to break the World Record as soon as possible.
On the sidelines, the team also had support from timekeepers, distance recorders, video cameramen and students from the National Diploma in Sport course, providing massage and physiotherapy, as well as plenty of moral support from their classmates, family, friends and tutors.
Strict rules govern the record attempt, which is pending official confirmation from the verifying board, Concept 2 Limited.
Chris Thomas, Head of Curriculum at Hugh Baird, adjudicated over proceedings and commented, "The staff and students involved with this event should be very proud of their achievements.
"It is clear that a huge amount of preparation and hard work went into ensuring that everything went right. To have broken the record by such a large margin is very impressive."
Hugh Baird's Uniformed Services courses prepare students for entry into any of the uniformed services from the armed forces to the police or fire service. Subjects covered include not only physical fitness but skills such as map and compass reading, health and safety and problem solving.
To find out more about this and other courses starting this Septmeber, visit the website at www.hughbaird.ac.uk.
Aigburth
Norris Green
Liverpool FCLinda Pizzuti responds to Liverpool fans after enjoying victory over Manchester UnitedLiverpool owner John Henry and wife Linda Pizzuti were at Anfield on Sunday as the Reds defeated Manchester United 2-0


White Colour Sand, Great for Art & Craft.
A range of non-toxic, non-staining sand that has been produced in vibrant colours to add excitement and stimulate imagination.
Can be used from sand and water play to card making, collage activities, sand art bottles, and decoration purposes.
Include: White colour in reusable jar.
Weight: 600g / each jar.


text:
Q: What is the fault of my "proof" that every operator have a closed extension? I know from textbook that not every linear operator on an Banach space can be extended to a closed operator, but I do not find any such example. However, I write a "proof" below that every operator have a closed extension. Would anyone give me an counterexample and point out where is the fault in my proof?
Proof: Suppose $X$ is a Banach space, and $T:D(T)\subset X\to X$ is a linear operator. $T$ is closed iff the graph norm $$||x||_G = ||x||+||Tx||$$ is complete. Now if it is not complete, we can extend $D(T)$ into a Banach space $\widetilde{D(T)}$ under norm $||\cdot||_G$. If $\{x_n\}\subset D(T)$ and $||x_n - x||_G \to 0$, then $||x_n - x||\to 0$, thus $x\in X$, i.e. $\widetilde{D(T)}\subset X$. Now we can define
$$\widetilde{T}(x) := \lim_{n\to\infty}T(x_n)$$
and $\widetilde{T}:\widetilde{D(T)}\to X$ is a closed operator, since $||\cdot||_G = ||\cdot||+||\widetilde{T}(\cdot)||$ is a complete norm.


text:
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text:
Trump Again
Posted on 15 Nov 16 16 Nov 16 by Geoff ChambersIn Uncategorized2 Minutes Read
Throughout the Republican primaries I was a regular 2am viewer of CNN. My first impression of Donald Trump was that he reminded me of Michael Moore—and of Lenny Bruce.
(Has anyone here heard of, or listened to, Lenny Bruce, the father of stand-up comedy—dead of an overdose in 1966? Probably not, if you're under 70 years old. You can hear him here and at many other places. I listened to him on Long Playing Records—33 rpm—borrowed from a London public library. The sketch I remember was about how he liked President John F. Kennedy because he was the kind of guy you could imagine jacking off to a Playboy calendar behind the bathroom door. Poor ill-informed US citizen, Lenny couldn't know what JFK was getting up to with his brother Robert the Attorney General and their secretaries in the White House Swimming Pool…)
Where was I? Oh yes, discussing the vulgarity and sexual excesses of President Elect Donald Trump at 2am on CNN six months ago. He'd just come out of a confrontation with a dozen other candidates in which, for example, Senator Rubio had said: "Have you looked at his tiny hands? You know what they say about men with small hands…" and he gave an improvised speech before the press. Trump is no Demosthenes. But he spoke. The others didn't.
Six months ago, at 2am, thanks to CNN, I probably knew more about Donald Trump, and therefore about the future of the world, than anyone else in Europe. Others have caught up since. I've been following their progress, looking (almost) vainly for a light in the darkness. Here's a couple of glimmers.
The very branché ("trendy"—how modern is that?) French TV pay channel Canal Plus has a forty-minute interview with Emmanuel Todd in which he points out to the French avant-garde that the Anglo-Saxon world has always been 30 years in advance on the rest of the world, and makes, among many other interesting points, this one:
"Predicting what will happen in Russia before the fall of the Soviet Union or in the Middle East before the Arab Spring is one thing. But when it comes to the USA, or even France or Germany—countries in the vanguard of history, the countries which will form the future—it's not a prophet you need, but someone with a bit of humility, someone capable of observing carefully what's happening now…" [Climate modellers take note.]
Second witness: Steve McIntyre.
[I do recommend that you send this link to all those (like the once-radical anti-establishment Michael Moore, for example) who are still mourning the defeat of the Democrat candidate. They won't read it of course, because it's rather long, and if there's one thing that characterises us leftists nowadays, it's that we don't like any argument that doesn't fit on a tweet or a placard we can hold up at a demonstration.]
Steve says, right at the end:
I am fascinated by the present U.S. election… As a form of both reassurance and realism to U.S readers, regardless of which candidate wins, I suspect that it will matter much less to future governance than partisans hope on the one hand or fear on the other.
At the bedwetting London Guardian, Simon Jenkins, another elderly white male, makes much the same point. (How long will this two-century-old radical journal let him promote this radical stuff?)
Tags: politics
← Dyke on Trump
On a Lighter Note: Dyke Again →
16 Nov 16 at 1:54 am
On the subject of small hands, in a discussion I heard it was stated that the journalist who had, 30 years ago, described Trump's hands as small has for 30 years been receiving pictures, sent by Trump, showing his hands and a written question on the lines of "do these hands look small?". Makes one wonder a little, no?
Ian Woolley says:
It sounds like an affectionate running joke, Nino.
16 Nov 16 at 10:36 am
Good heavens Geoff, you've found a sensible political article in the Guardian. I fear it may be one of those end of day signs the Americans worry about. Keep your eyes peeled for any cats and dogs being overly friendly. Like Melanie Philips striking up a relationship with Jeremy Corbyn. Or Polly Toynbee getting a regular spot on The Grand Tour with Jeremy Clarkson.
man in a barrel says:
16 Nov 16 at 5:48 pm
No one does comedy quite like the De,ocrats in the USA.
Take this comic gem from Paul Krugman in the NY Times
"Some morning-after thoughts: what hits me and other so hard isn't just the immense damage Trump will surely do, to climate above all"
Canute's courtiers he could control the tides; Krugman thinks Trump can control the climate.
More comedy gold from the Krg:
"That said, does it make sense on a personal level to keep struggling after this kind of blow? Why not give up on trying to save the world, and just look out for yourself and those close to you? Quietism does have its appeal. Admission: I spent a lot of today listening to music, working out, reading a novel, basically taking a vacation in my head. You can't help feeling tired and frustrated after this kind of setback."
Imagine if he had had a bad day at the office or a bad hair day. How would the poor thing handle those kind of problems?
catweazle666 says:
Nino: "Makes one wonder a little, no?"
Er, do you by chance have small hands, Nino?
Speaking from experience, are you?
MAN IN A BARREL
Krugman's banality is perfectly mirrored by Noam Chomsky in the Independent. That these highly respected left-wing intellectuals should be anti-Trump is no surprise, but why oh why do both of them choose climate change as their weapon of first choice? Is climate scepticism really Trump's worst characteristic?
The failure of perspective the utter irrationality, is particularly strange in the case of Chomsky, whose entire political life has beeen spent criticising the liberal élite. Why does the lucidity of our foremost intellectuals desert them when it comes to climate? It's not complicated, like economics or linguistics. It's just monster data collection and clumsy interpretation. Why can't otherwise lucid intelligent people see that?
Is climate scepticism really Trump's worst characteristic?
It's a strange pass, as you say, when it becomes the biggest stick to beat the man with.
In his youth Chomsky was late to face up to the catastrophe in Pol Pot's Cambodia. In his old age he's convinced, way ahead of the evidence, of a climate one. Neither intelligent nor pretty.
Richard, Geoff, did you see the main BBC TV news at 10 last night?
The lead story was John Kerry at Marrakech denouncing Trump for his climate views.
Basically this story.
In the BBC article you link to Kerry says:
"We literally can't use one hand to pat ourselves on the back … and then turn around and use the other hand to write a big fat cheque … it just doesn't make sense. That's suicide, and that's how we all lose this fight."
Well quite. Kerry is a big man, with big hands, unlike Trump. But some things are beyond even him.
17 Nov 16 at 12:59 pm
Paul: just watched on iPlayer. Thanks for the alert. How do we best deal with "he said it was a hoax" pointing back to November 2012? The guy is going to come under enormous pressure to back off. There again, Kerry's not wrong that market forces tend to lead to gradual decarbonisation, as Jesse Ausubel has shown has been going on since the early industrial revolution. But eliminating subsidies and cutting off all US money to the UN climate bureaucracy, that would be something else. No wonder there's a great deal of bleating.
potentilla says:
It certainly is. Many of Trump's avowed "policies" have some sympathetic ears on the left e.g. the negative effects of globalization, free trade agreements and immigration. Even Naomi Klein would agree with Trump on the first two. But CAGW has so captured the imagination of western politicians (except for Republicans) that they can all agree (well at least 97% of them) that Trump will be a disaster on that front. Furthermore the US Climate Action Plan is an executive order, and is something Trump can easily change on "Day One" (unlike repealing Obamacare or building the Mexican Wall) with the complete approval of his supporters. It is quite likely that Trump will effectively withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement but have great difficulty in implementing any other of his campaign promises. So left-wing intellectuals choosing climate change as their weapon of first choice does make some sense.
Potentilla: A number of very good points thanks. The ability to do something significant at once with climate by reversing Obama's executive orders has to be a key point. It also allows those of us watching from the bleachers – as a Brit I've no idea what that means but it sounds so good! – to evaluate pretty early how serious Trump and his administration is about restoring some climate sanity.
Looking at Trump's choices for his senior team (though with Secretary of State still to come) there does seem to be both climate scepticism and realism about Islam (as I would see it – the Left call it racism of course) front and central. The second is another emphasis I guess it will take a while to feed through into workable policy. And, as Thomas Sowell constantly emphasises, the new administration is going to need brilliant communicators and explainers in all such areas. Politics has got a whole lot more interesting with Brexit and this.
There is much hand-wringing on the left about Trump winning the election but the irony is that much of his appeal to the voters is "telling it like it is". With the Paris Agreement, western governments are really only paying lip service to carbon emissions reduction. Those on the left who actually think about these things are apoplectic about airport expansions and continued hydrocarbon development:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/27/fracking-digging-drilling-paris-agreement-fossil-fuels
One could argue that politicians the world over are lying about what they expect to achieve with the Paris Agreement and Trump would be the only one doing the rational thing. Meanwhile impoverished nations are still hoping for hand-outs and making absurd pledges to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and justify wealth transfers of billions of dollars. From Marrakech:
"But his (Trump's) election did not prevent some of the world's poorest countries from announcing a major emissions-cutting initiative before delegates boarded their planes home. In total, 48 nations promised to cut their carbon emissions dramatically and rapidly move to 100% renewable power as the UN climate summit in Marrakech drew to a close on Friday.
Bangladesh, Ethiopia and the Philippines were among the countries which said they would now file plans for becoming zero-carbon societies by the middle of the century, in line with the Paris deal's aspiration of limiting global warming to 1.5C."
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/nov/18/poor-nations-pledge-deep-emissions-cuts-at-marrakech-climate-change-summit


text:
Director Professional Development
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The Boardroom Report
ASX overhauls admission rules
From December this year, the ASX will introduce new admission requirements, including a minimum 20 per cent free float and disclosure of two years of audited accounts, that will bring the country's major exchange in line with international standards.
Kerry Hicks
Senior Policy Adviser, Australian Institute of Company Directors
From 19 December this year, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) will apply new requirements for a company's admission to the market. The refreshing of the admission rules is a significant step for the exchange, which had not updated parts of the framework for some time. The changes address the need to maintain appropriate listing standards to promote investor confidence in the ASX market and align the rules with global trends, including a rule for a minimum 20 per cent free float.
"We've been out of kilter with some of the other exchanges around the world in that regard, and we thought it was time to have a rule-based, minimum free-float requirement," Kevin Lewis, the ASX's Chief Compliance Officer said.
It is important that directors of companies considering listings on the ASX to be across the rule changes, as well as directors of companies that are already listed, according to Lewis.
"Like other market stakeholders, they have an interest in the reputation and integrity of our market. These changes are about maintaining the standards for listing in our market," Lewis said.
Other than the free-float requirement, the key listing admission rule changes are:
Increasing the requirement for profit test entities to have consolidated profits for the 12 months prior to admission from $400,000 to $500,000;
Increasing the net tangible assets test from $3 million to $4 million;
Increasing the market capitalisation test from $10 million to $15 million;
Creating a single tier spread test of at least 300 security holders each holding at least $2,000 worth of securities;
Requiring asset test entities to disclose to the market two full financial years of audited accounts (also applies to significant entities or businesses acquired in the 12 months prior to applying for admission or that the company proposes to acquire in connection with the listing);
Standardising the $1.5 million working capital requirement for those admitted under the assets test.
In guidance released last week, corporate regulator the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) offered its support for the changes, particularly in relation to historical information disclosure in prospectuses [RG228 Prospectuses: Effective Disclosure for retail investors], including the introduction of a 'significance' threshold for the disclosure of historical financial information for business acquisitions.
The changes follow a warning from ASIC earlier in the year to directors on their role in initial public offerings (IPOs). "Directors weren't involved as much in the oversight process as we would have expected," ASIC Commissioner John Price told The Boardroom Report in August, summarising results of a review of IPO due diligence. With ASIC on the watch for poor IPO disclosure, it will be imperative for directors to have a clear understanding of the new ASX admission rules as companies prepare for and enter into IPO processes.
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The controversial Garden Bridge across the Thames should be scrapped if a capital funding gap of at least £70m cannot be filled, a highly critical independent review has recommended.
The review, by Dame Margaret Hodge, found that the finances of the Garden Bridge Trust, which is responsible for the project, 'are in a precarious state and many outstanding risks remain unresolved'.
It also found that 'there was not an open, fair and competitive process' around the two Transport for London procurements for the project. 'The two procurements revealed systemic failures and ineffective control systems at many levels,' the review found.
Dame Margaret said: 'I did not seek to ask whether the concept of a garden bridge over the River Thames is a good idea. But my review has found that too many things went wrong in the development and implementation of the Garden Bridge Project.
Costs have escalated from an early estimate of £60m to over £200m today and the risk to the taxpayer has intensified.
The review stated that the Trust has lost two major private donors and has pledges of £69m with no new pledges secured since August. With a public sector contribution of £60m, that leaves a gap in capital funding of at least £70m.
In addition, 'very little progress has been made on raising money to fund the ongoing maintenance of a completed bridge,' the review found.
John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This utterly damning report proves what campaigners have been saying about this hugely expensive vanity project all along.
London mayor Sadiq Khan commissioned Dame Margaret in October to undertake the review, to assess whether value for money was being secured from the public sector contribution. It examined 'the policies, procedures adopted to implement the Garden Bridge Project and the conduct of those involved'.


text:
Probe continues in death of cyclist killed by shuttle bus driver in hit-and-run at LaGuardia Airport
By Angela Matua
Photo via Google Maps
Cops are still looking into Monday's deadly incident at LaGuardia Airport in which a cargo service employee was struck and killed by a shuttle bus while biking on airport property.
According to Port Authority Police, 36-year-old Steven Morales was riding his bicycle on Runway Drive at about 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 19 when a shuttle bus driver hit him and fled the scene.
Morales worked for Swissport, a company that provides airport ground and cargo handling services. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
State Senator Jose Peralta released a statement after the incident, imploring the driver to come forward.
"I am saddened to hear about the hit-and-run that killed a cyclist as he was riding at LaGuardia Airport, located in the district," he said. "My condolences go out to the family and friends of the 36-year-old victim, who was an employee at Swissport International, according to news reports. As we work together to improve road and safety measures and reduce traffic-related deaths, I am urging the heartless driver responsible for this fatal hit-and-run to turn him or herself in to the authorities."
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
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