text:
Cowboys still alive for postseason with 37-17 win against Eagles
by: Andrew Schnitker
Posted: Dec 27, 2020 / 06:54 PM CST / Updated: Dec 27, 2020 / 06:54 PM CST
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 27: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys runs after making a catch in the third quarter against Grayland Arnold #37 of the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, Texas (KXAN) — The Dallas Cowboys pulled off its third straight win and kept themselves in the hunt for the playoffs with a 37-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Dallas (6-9) can win the NFC East division and the automatic spot in the playoffs next week with a win against the New York Giants and a loss by the Washington Football Team at Philadelphia. The Cowboys used seven total turnovers in its first two wins during this streak. On Sunday, Dallas was flat out the better team.
It looked bleak at the beginning. Philadelphia pounced on Dallas' defense for two first quarter touchdowns and a 14-3 lead capped off by an 81-yard touchdown reception by Desean Jackson. Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton hit Michael Gallup for a 21-yard touchdown pass play to cut the deficit to 14-10 early in the second quarter.
J.J. Watt voices frustration, calls out Texans teammates after another loss
Trailing 17-13 with two minutes remaining in the first half, Dalton connected with Gallup again. The seven-yard touchdown pass put Dallas ahead at the break 20-17 with some strong momentum after a bad first quarter.
Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb exploded out of the locker room in the third quarter, scoring a 52-yard touchdown on a great ball from Dalton to put the Cowboys ahead 27-17 just three minutes into the third quarter.
The Dallas defense locked down on rookie Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second half, forcing three turnovers from the Oklahoma Sooners product. Lamb capped off the scoring, taking a handoff from Dalton 19 yards for the touchdown in the final minutes to end the Eagles' chances of making the postseason.
Next Sunday is pretty simple for playoff scenarios.
Washington is in control of its fate. With a win, they will represent the NFC East. However, if Washington loses and the Cowboys win, Dallas will go to the postseason with a 7-9 record.
More Local Sports Stories
by Andrew Schnitker / Jan 19, 2021
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Longhorns defensive back Jalen Green and offensive lineman Willie Tyler have entered the transfer portal, according to Rivals reporter Dustin McComas.
Green played in 30 games over three seasons for the Longhorns. Green is credited with 46 total tackles, an interception and three tackles for loss. Green played in nine games during the 2020 season, but fell behind D'Shawn Jamison and Josh Thompson on the depth chart at cornerback.
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- New Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has been linked to several defensive coordinator candidates over the last week, but it appears he's going off the radar and to the West Coast for his hire.
Washington defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski is expected to take the Texas defensive job, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. The website, The Football Brainiacs, was first to report the move that hasn't been officially confirmed by UT.
Tiger Woods out for undetermined amount of time after 5th back surgery
(AP) -- Tiger Woods has suffered a setback with his back, disclosing Tuesday that he recently had a fifth surgery that will keep him from starting the year until after the West Coast Swing on the PGA Tour.
Woods will not play next week in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which he has won seven times, most recently in 2013. He also won the U.S. Open in 2008 at Torrey Pines, which hosts the U.S. Open again in June.
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Oxford tops the list for buy to let investment as hidden gems revealed across the UK
POSTED: 9th December 2019
Aldermore's new Buy to Let City Tracker reveals that Oxford ranks the best city in the UK for buy to let investment, performing well across four out of five key indicators
London lies in fourth place, behind Manchester and Edinburgh, with Norwich rounding off the top five
The South East is the best region for buy to let investment with three cities making the top ten; Oxford (1st), Brighton (9th), and Milton Keynes (10th)
Cities in Yorkshire fare worse with two in the bottom five – Bradford (23rd) and Sheffield (22nd) – with Leeds in 20th place
Wolverhampton sits at the bottom of our list, despite other cities in the West Midlands such as Birmingham and Coventry performing impressively
London is top for average total rent, Hull has the best short-term returns through yield, Cambridge was number one for long-term house price growth, Cardiff has the lowest number of housing vacancies, and Oxford has the highest percentage of population renting.
Aldermore's new Buy-to-Let City Tracker1, analysing 25 cities across the UK to understand the best places for landlords to invest in, has found Oxford, closely followed by Manchester, to be the best. The Tracker was determined by analysing and assessing five key indicators that impact desirability; average total rent, the best short-term returns through yield, long-term return through house price growth over the past ten years, the lowest number of vacancies as a proportion of total housing stock, and percentage of the city population in the rental market.
Aldermore's Buy to Let City Tracker rankings table
Oxford leads the way
Oxford's rapid growth and investment has narrowly won the city top spot in our City Tracker, with good scores on four out of five metrics. Oxford's main selling point for private landlords is that it has one of the largest private sector markets of all 25 cities, with 28% of all residents in the city renting privately. This is combined with above average rental ability (on average £596 per room per month), a low level of vacant properties, and security in investment with property prices having increased yearly by on average 4.8% the past decade. The only sore spot is that short term return through yield is one of the lowest on the list.
London still in high demand
London ranks in fourth place behind second place Manchester and third place Edinburgh. In some cases, London does outperform Oxford. For example, property prices have increased faster at 5.5% a year on average over the past decade (compared to 4.8% in Oxford). However, despite strong rental prices (at £630 per room per month); very high property prices in London (£617,238 on average) means annual rental yields are very low for a new buy-to-let purchase at only 3.0%.
Southern England dominates for long-term investment
Seven of the top ten cities for landlords are in southern England. Both Bristol and Oxford fare particularly well for long term returns, with an average 4.8% increase in property prices. Brighton scores well for rent, yielding an average of £507 per room. The city also has one of the largest market sizes across the UK, with a staggering 28% of inhabitants privately renting. Milton Keynes ranks poorly for short-term yield, at 4.3%; one of the lowest in the City Tracker combined with the small private rental market in the top 10 (only 17% of residents privately rent here). However, there is still a demand for properties here, with only 1.8% of properties lying vacant.
Yorkshire struggles across the board
Yorkshire appears to be an unappealing region to invest in for buy-to-let, with three cities in the county in the bottom six. Sheffield has one of the lowest rental prices (£324 per room per month), and is not a good short-term investment, with a below average yield of just 5.3%. Bradford meanwhile suffers with poor price rises (only 1.6% per year) and a high number of property vacancies (4.1%). However, Hull ranks at 12th on the list, boosted by the highest short-term yield of all 25 cities (9.3%).
Midlands has a varied market
Nottingham ranks 7th on our list offering a very strong short-term yield at 7.3% and the market size is also impressive (24% are private renters), just behind London (25%). On the other end of the spectrum, Wolverhampton sits at the bottom. The city has the smallest rental market (only 12% of residents privately rent). As a result, vacancies are above average (at 3.1% of properties) suggesting that landlords might struggle to always fill their properties.
Damian Thompson, Director of Mortgages, Aldermore comments:
"Aldermore's Buy to Let City Tracker shows there are still great short and long-term investment opportunities for landlords. The number of people renting in the UK has been rapidly growing, up 1.7 million in ten years2, so private landlords are an increasingly central part of the housing market as supporting a robust and strong Private Rented Sector becomes more essential.
"The UK housing market has never been a singular thing, instead made up of multiple smaller markets with their own unique conditions and challenges. There have been numerous regulatory changes recently and persistent economic uncertainty but this affects every region differently. Going forward, landlords will need continual backing and advice from lenders and the wider industry so they can provide choice, diversity of tenure and quality properties for renters."
What the industry is saying about the Top 5 cities
Number one: Oxford
Darren Meehan, Director, Bright Money Independent Mortgage Brokers, said:
"Oxford has always had a strong demand for rental properties, due to Oxford Brookes University, The University of Oxford and the many hospitals. The level of professional renters is attractive due to the low voids for owners, long tenancies that professionals take, and the properties tend to be well looked after.
"With the large volumes of new housing stock being built all over Oxfordshire, such as Didcot, there are a lot of new opportunities for investors. These new-builds outside the City Centre are more affordable to investors and they also target the commuters, so Oxfordshire really does have something for all budgets."
Number Two: Manchester
Richard Ignatowicz, Director, Mortgage Savers, said:
"Manchester is currently regarded as one of the top BTL hotspots in the UK - it was primarily put on the investment radar due to the BBC moving to Media City in Salford Quays. This attracted a flood of southern and international investors and resulted in Article 4 being imposed in November 20183.
"Having recognised the excellent returns, investors are now seeing other parts of Manchester experiencing a ripple effect, such as Ashton and Oldham, which are served by the Metro and within easy commuting distance to the City centre. HMO conversions are especially popular and currently providing double digit returns."
Number three: Edinburgh:
Randal McLister, Head of Mortgage Services, Condies Accountants & Advisors, said:
"Edinburgh's buy to let market has and will continue to be strong due to the diverse nature of the city. As a landlord you have the ability to either single out a particular tenant base or diversify depending on the season (or the properties you have in your portfolio). The three main tenant bases are made up of the people that call Edinburgh home, the ever growing student population, and the year round festival goers. All three yield well for landlords and this alongside strong capital growth makes investment property in Edinburgh very attractive and why there has been so much inward investment here in recent years."
Number four: London
Andrew Montlake, Managing Director of Coreco, comments:
"Despite the political landlord bashing that has been going on recently and the associated tax changes that many landlords have been struggling to get their heads round, the death of the Buy to Let landlord has been much exaggerated.
"Even in London, where yields are lower than other areas of the country, demand for rental property continues to make letting a property an attractive prospect for many landlords. The key is to make sure you first obtain independent tax advice to fully understand the changes that have occurred in the market and to help make a decision whether it is best to purchase in personal names or within a limited company.
"The appeal of London as an area to live and work has not changed despite the threat of Brexit and its relatively high prices. Companies have continued to invest in the capital, such as Apple making Battersea Power Station its HQ, and it is still a thriving centre for finance and technology. Foreigners continue to see London as a great area to both invest, especially given the relative weakness of Sterling, and as a place to educate their children.
"In fact, in a post-Brexit world it looks as though London will continue to draw people in with no sign of its magnetic effect diminishing, and all these people need places to live and to rent. The future of landlords in London may look slightly different, with landlords having to work harder to attract the best tenants, but it still looks very rosy."
Number five: Norwich
Jorden Abbs, sales director at CommercialTrust.co.uk, said:
"Norwich is a strong commercial and educational centre and it is an hour and a half from London on the train. The city is surrounded by countryside and the beach is also just 40 minutes' drive away.
"Norwich offers landlords a full breadth of property investment options. Student lets serve the University of East Anglia and Norwich University of the Arts, city centre HMO's target young professionals, standard buy to let covers a full spectrum from family homes to luxury apartments, and with so much in and around the city, holiday lets also enjoy year-round appeal.
"Commercial property investment offers similarly diverse opportunities to residential. Finance, business services, science, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, engineering, digital and IT are all thriving industries in and around Norwich. As a result, whether you are entering the buy to let market for the first time, or building upon an established portfolio, it is possible to find a property to fit."
1 Aldermore's Buy-to-Let City Tracker was designed by Opinium and comprises of five core indicators: average rent per room per month, short-term yield for a new buy-to-let purchase, average property price rise over the last 10 years, proportion of vacant properties in the city and size of the private rental market. The index uses a series of secondary data sources including the ONS, Census and other official housing statistics.
2 Based on the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) data showing the number of households in the private rented sector in the UK increased from 2.8 million in 2007 to 4.5 million in 2017, an increase of 1.7 million (63%) households. Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/articles/ukprivaterentedsector/2018
3 A new rule introduced in November 2018 requiring small family dwellings that were to be turned into HMOs for students or professional to rent together, would require the council's planning permission. This affects the central Salford boroughs of Broughton, Claremont, Irwell Riverside, Kersal, Ordsall, Langworthy, Weaste and Seedley and the wards of Barton and Eccles.
Following a debate last year it was decided that small family dwellings that were to be turned into HMOs for students or professional to rent together, would now require the council's planning permission
For further information, journalists can contact:
Gareth Hill, Aldermore
Phone: 07721 127514 Email: Gareth.hill@aldermore.co.uk
Laura Cronin, Lansons
Phone: 020 7294 3607 Email: laurac@lansons.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
const express = require('express')
const router = express.Router()
const discogsController = require('../controllers/discogsController')
const userController = require('../controllers/userController')
const authController = require('../controllers/authController')
const Discogs = require('disconnect').Client
// const passport = require('passport')
// const OAuthStrategy = require('passport-oauth').OAuthStrategy

router.get('/', discogsController.home)
router.get('/search', discogsController.search)
router.get('/details/release/:id', discogsController.getReleaseDetails)
router.get('/details/master/:id', discogsController.getMasterDetails)
router.get('/details/artist/:id', discogsController.getArtistDetails)

router.get('/register', userController.registerForm)
router.post(
  '/register',
  userController.validateRegister,
  userController.register
)

router.get('/login', userController.loginForm)
router.post('/login', authController.login)

router.get('/authorize', function(req, res) {
  const oAuth = new Discogs().oauth()

  oAuth.getRequestToken(
    process.env.DISCOGS_KEY,
    process.env.DISCOGS_SECRET,
    process.env.NOW_URL + '/authorized',
    function(err, requestData) {
      // Persist "requestData" here so that the callback handler can
      // access it later after returning from the authorize url
      req.session.discogs = requestData
      res.redirect(requestData.authorizeUrl)
      // console.log(requestData, ' inside authorize')
    }
  )
})

router.get('/authorized', (req, res) => {
  // console.log(req.session, ' inside of authorized')
  dis = new Discogs(req.session.discogs).oauth()

  dis.getAccessToken(
    req.query.oauth_verifier, // Verification code sent back by Discogs
    function(err, accessData) {
      req.session.discogsAccount = accessData
      // console.log(req.session.discogs, ' inside of getAccessToken call')
      res.redirect('/account')
    }
  )
})

router.get('/account', (req, res) => {
  if (!req.session.discogsAccount) {
    res.redirect('/authorize')
  } else {
    discogsController.getCollectionFolders(req, res)
  }
})

router.get('/account/folder/:id', discogsController.getFolder)

module.exports = router

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Rediff.com » Business » Warren Buffet is bearish on the dollar
Warren Buffet is bearish on the dollar
Ace American investor Warren Buffett talks about his investment strategies.
Warren Buffett's letter to shareholders of his investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, is one of the most eagerly awaited statements among investors across the globe as it records his investment strategies and views on issues haunting corporate America.
Buffett denies $1bn bid buzz
In this year's letter to shareholders Buffett condemned mutual fund companies and greedy chief executive officers and questioned the role of independent directors in companies and mutual fund boards. Buffett reaffirmed his bearish view on the dollar and said he is loading up on foreign currency.
Excerpts from the 22-page letter:
We bought some Wells Fargo shares last year. Otherwise, among our six largest holdings, we last changed our position in Coca-Cola in 1994, American Express in 1998, Gillette in 1989, Washington Post in 1973, and Moody's in 2000. Brokers don't love us.
We are neither enthusiastic nor negative about the portfolio we hold. We own pieces of excellent businesses – all of which had good gains in intrinsic value last year – but their current prices reflect their excellence. The unpleasant corollary to this conclusion is that I made a big mistake in not selling several of our larger holdings during the great bubble.
In 2002, junk bonds became very cheap, and we purchased about $8 billion of these. The pendulum swung quickly though, and this sector now looks decidedly unattractive to us. Yesterday's weeds are today being priced as flowers.
We've repeatedly emphasised that realised gains at Berkshire are meaningless for analytical purposes. We have a huge amount of unrealised gains on our books, and our thinking about when, and if, to cash them depends not at all on a desire to report earnings at one specific time or another.
During 2002 we entered the foreign currency market for the first time in my life, and in 2003 we enlarged our position, as I became increasingly bearish on the dollar. We have – and will continue to have – the bulk of Berkshire's net worth in US assets. But in recent years our country's trade deficit has been force-feeding huge amounts of claims on America to the rest of the world. For a time, foreign appetite for these assets readily absorbed the supply. Late in 2002, however, the world started choking on this diet, and the dollar's value began to slide against major currencies. Even so, prevailing exchange rates will not lead to a material letup in our trade deficit. So whether foreign investors like it or not, they will continue to be flooded with dollars. The consequences of this are anybody's guess. They could, however, be troublesome – and reach, in fact, well beyond currency markets. As an American, I hope there is a benign ending to this problem.
Then again, perhaps the alarms I have raised will prove needless: Our country's dynamism and resiliency have repeatedly made fools of naysayers. But Berkshire holds many billions of cash-equivalents denominated in dollars. So I feel more comfortable owning foreign-exchange contracts that are at least a partial offset to that position.
When we can't find anything exciting in which to invest, our 'default' position is US Treasuries, both bills and repos. No matter how low the yields on these instruments go, we never 'reach' for a little more income by dropping our credit standards or by extending maturities. Charlie and I detest taking even small risks unless we feel we are being adequately compensated for doing so. About as far as we will go down that path is to occasionally eat cottage cheese a day after the expiration date on the carton.
In judging whether corporate America is serious about reforming itself, CEO pay remains the acid test. To date, the results aren't encouraging. A few CEOs, such as Jeff Immelt of General Electric, have led the way in initiating programs that are fair to managers and shareholders alike. Generally, however, his example has been more admired than followed.
It's understandable how pay got out of hand. When management hires employees, or when companies bargain with a vendor, the intensity of interest is equal on both sides of the table. One party's gain is the other party's loss, and the money involved has real meaning to both. The result is an honest-to-God negotiation.
But when CEOs (or their representatives) have met with compensation committees, too often one side – the CEO's – has cared far more than the other about what bargain is struck. A CEO, for example, will always regard the difference between receiving options for 100,000 shares or for 500,000 as monumental.
To a comp committee, however, the difference may seem unimportant – particularly if, as has been the case at most companies, neither grant will have any effect on reported earnings. Under these conditions, the negotiation often has a 'play-money' quality.
Overreaching by CEOs greatly accelerated in the 1990s as compensation packages gained by the most avaricious – a title for which there was vigorous competition – were promptly replicated elsewhere.
The couriers for this epidemic of greed were usually consultants and human relations departments, which had no trouble perceiving who buttered their bread. As one compensation consultant commented: "There are two classes of clients you don't want to offend – actual and potential."
In proposals for reforming this malfunctioning system, the cry has been for 'independent' directors. But the question of what truly motivates independence has largely been neglected.
In last year's report, I took a look at how 'independent' directors -- as defined by statute -- had performed in the mutual fund field. The Investment Company Act of 1940 mandated such directors, and that means we've had an extended test of what statutory standards produce.
In our examination last year, we looked at the record of fund directors in respect to the two key tasks board members should perform -- whether at a mutual fund business or any other. These two all-important functions are, first, to obtain (or retain) an able and honest manager and then to compensate that manager fairly.
Our survey was not encouraging. Year after year, at literally thousands of funds, directors had routinely rehired the incumbent management company, however pathetic its performance had been.
Just as routinely, the directors had mindlessly approved fees that in many cases far exceeded those that could have been negotiated.
Then, when a management company was sold -- invariably at a huge price relative to tangible assets -- the directors experienced a 'counter-revelation' and immediately signed on with the new manager and accepted its fee schedule.
In effect, the directors decided that whoever would pay the most for the old management company was the party that should manage the shareholders' money in the future.
Despite the lapdog behavior of independent fund directors, we did not conclude that they are bad people. They're not. But sadly, 'boardroom atmosphere' almost invariably sedates their fiduciary genes.
On May 22, 2003, not long after Berkshire's report appeared, the chairman of the Investment Company Institute addressed its membership about 'the state of our industry.'
Responding to those who have "weighed in about our perceived failings," he mused, "It makes me wonder what life would be like if we'd actually done something wrong."
Be careful about what you wish for. Within a few months, the world began to learn that many fund-management companies had followed policies that hurt the owners of the funds they managed, while simultaneously boosting the fees of the managers.
Prior to their transgressions, it should be noted, these management companies were earning profit margins and returns on tangible equity that were the envy of corporate America. Yet to swell profits further, they trampled on the interests of fund shareholders in an appalling manner.
So what are the directors of these looted funds doing? As I write this, I have seen none that have terminated the contract of the offending management company (though naturally that entity has often fired some of its employees). Can you imagine directors who had been personally defrauded taking such a boys-will-be-boys attitude?
To top it all off, at least one miscreant management company has put itself up for sale, undoubtedly hoping to receive a huge sum for 'delivering' the mutual funds it has managed to the highest bidder among other managers. This is a travesty.
Why in the world don't the directors of those funds simply select whomever they think is best among the bidding organisations and sign up with that party directly? The winner would consequently be spared a huge 'payoff' to the former manager who, having flouted the principles of stewardship, deserves not a dime.
Not having to bear that acquisition cost, the winner could surely manage the funds in question for a far lower ongoing fee than would otherwise have been the case. Any truly independent director should insist on this approach to obtaining a new manager.
The reality is that neither the decades-old rules regulating investment company directors nor the new rules bearing down on corporate America foster the election of truly independent directors.
In both instances, an individual who is receiving 100 per cent of his income from director fees -- and who may wish to enhance his income through election to other boards -- is deemed independent. That is nonsense.
The same rules say that Berkshire director and lawyer Ron Olson, who receives from us perhaps 3 per cent of his very large income, does not qualify as independent because that 3 per cent comes from legal fees Berkshire pays his firm rather than from fees he earns as a Berkshire director.
Rest assured, 3 per cent from any source would not torpedo Ron's independence. But getting 20 per cent, 30 per cent or 50 per cent of their income from director fees might well temper the independence of many individuals, particularly if their overall income is not large. Indeed, I think it's clear that at mutual funds, it has.
Let me make a small suggestion to 'independent' mutual fund directors. Why not simply affirm in each annual report that "(1) We have looked at other management companies and believe the one we have retained for the upcoming year is among the better operations in the field; and (2) we have negotiated a fee with our managers comparable to what other clients with equivalent funds would negotiate."
It does not seem unreasonable for shareholders to expect fund directors -- who are often receiving fees that exceed $100,000 annually -- to declare themselves on these points. Certainly these directors would satisfy themselves on both matters were they handing over a large chunk of their own money to the manager. If directors are unwilling to make these two declarations, shareholders should heed the maxim "If you don't know whose side someone is on, he's probably not on yours."
Finally, a disclaimer. A great many funds have been run well and conscientiously despite the opportunities for malfeasance that exist. The shareholders of these funds have benefited, and their managers have earned their pay.
Indeed, if I were a director of certain funds, including some that charge above-average fees, I would enthusiastically make the two declarations I have suggested.
Additionally, those index funds that are very low-cost (such as Vanguard's) are investor-friendly by definition and are the best selection for most of those who wish to own equities.
I am on my soapbox now only because the blatant wrongdoing that has occurred has betrayed the trust of so many millions of shareholders. Hundreds of industry insiders had to know what was going on, yet none publicly said a word.
It took Eliot Spitzer, and the whistleblowers who aided him, to initiate a housecleaning. We urge fund directors to continue the job. Like directors throughout corporate America, these fiduciaries must now decide whether their job is to work for owners or for managers.
WhatsApp bans 36.77L Indian accounts in Dec


text:
Grid operator urges Ukrainians to save electricity as temperatures drop
Best Countries For Retirement
Smishing and fishing: the costly parallel
Developing Your Career With Online Classes
5 ways to support your employees during the cost of living crisis
It is no secret that many countries in the world are considered cheap to live in. However, the truth is that these nations are not always the cheapest places on earth. Some of them are even more expensive than the other more popular destinations in the world.
If you want to live cheaply in the world, there are many options available for you. Some of these countries are Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Montenegro, and Belarus. The main advantages to living in these countries are that they are very affordable, and you can find a wide selection of foods and drinks to suit your taste. They are also popular for their beautiful landscapes and scenery.
Romania is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe. It offers good food and great views. The economy is growing rapidly.
While this may sound enticing, it does require some level of caution. The economy has suffered from the global economic crisis. This has resulted in a bailout, sponsored by the European Commission and the World Bank. Despite these efforts, corruption remains high at all levels of government.
However, Romania is an attractive destination for foreigners, especially those looking to set up a life overseas. With the right amount of caution, you can live on a modest budget.
Romania is home to numerous mountains and rivers for hiking and swimming. There are also lakes for fishing. As a result, this country is an excellent place to learn outdoor sports.
A decent apartment in Bucharest will cost around 350 dollars a month. This is less than a fifth of the average monthly salary in the country.
Romania is known for its fast internet. It has one of the fastest download speeds in the world. In addition, it has one of the most affordable Internet services in the EU.
The city is also a hub for digital nomads. If you're planning to work from Romania, you'll find plenty of co-working spaces.
You can even get a free bottle of wine from a local pizza delivery company.
Montenegro is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in. You can choose from a wide range of real estate options including cheap apartments and villas. Several local banks are ready to issue mortgages to foreign buyers.
As a foreigner moving to Montenegro, you will need to learn the local language. This is especially important if you want to interact with government officials. It is a requirement for anyone with a foreign passport.
It is also a good idea to hire an ex-pat moving company to help you with the move. The process is fairly simple. But you will need to find a lawyer who speaks your language.
Montenegro has a relatively simple tax system. There are several taxes that you may have to pay, but they are minimal compared to other European countries.
Food is quite inexpensive. It can cost as little as five Euros for a restaurant meal. Basic groceries are available for under ten euros.
Healthcare in Montenegro is covered by the public system. The country has 19 health centers and a total of 554 nurses. However, medical facilities are short of pharmacists. Fortunately, most medicines can be purchased for under 10 euros.
Living in a capital city is slightly cheaper than living on the coast. Rents can be higher, though.
One of the best reasons to move to Montenegro is its favorable tax system. Unlike many other countries, it has a single-digit income tax rate in Europe.
If you're looking for an affordable and cheap destination to live in, Moldova is a great choice. This small, landlocked country is located between Romania and Ukraine. It has a lot to offer.
One of the best things about Moldova is its culture. The people are warm and friendly. Most of the country's population is Russian-speaking.
Food is a big part of living in Moldova. Most meals in restaurants are under 10 Euros.
There are many affordable wine tours. You can enjoy a glass of delicious Moldovan wine for just a few dollars.
The country's wine goes hand in hand with its fantastic food. You can get a three-course meal for less than 15 Euros.
Accommodation in the city centers is slightly more expensive than in the outskirts. However, you can find a cheap one-bedroom apartment for about 250 Euros.
Utilities are also relatively cheap. A single person can pay 120$ for utilities. These include water, electricity, and gas.
While Moldova has a strong economy, it's not as developed as some of its neighboring countries. Moldova is one of the least visited nations in Europe.
Moldova has a small ex-pat community. Many work for multinational corporations, as well as embassies and NGOs.
Those who plan to stay in Moldova for a long time can expect to make around 700$ a month. Although this isn't enough to live comfortably, it is enough to get by.
Azerbaijan, a landlocked country in the Caucasus region of south-eastern Europe, is one of the cheapest countries to live in. With a GDP per capita of $4,794, Azerbaijan's economy is on par with those of developed countries.
However, it's been facing a downturn since 2014 that forced the government to take steps toward market-economy reforms.
Azerbaijan's economy was bolstered by relatively high oil prices, which helped to stabilize the nation's economy. However, production decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline contributed to a significant increase in the public debt-to-GDP ratio, which climbed to 24.5% in the first nine months of 2020.
The banking sector in Azerbaijan is recovering after the devaluation of the national currency in 2015. It has two state-owned banks. However, due to a lack of liquidity, the Financial Markets Supervisory Agency was forced to close in November.
The country has significant problems with corruption. Despite the country's anti-corruption law, bribery remains a serious problem in public service. State officials frequently interfere with legal procedures to extract bribes.
Property rights legislation in Azerbaijan is weak. Politically motivated infringements of property rights are also a common problem.
The country is heavily reliant on its neighbors for oil exports. In addition, it suffers from low wages, pensions, and health care.
Corruption is a major obstacle in the development of a market economy. There are gaps in the property registration laws and powerful oligarchs regularly violate property rights.
Belarus is a small country bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. The country gained independence in 1991. Although it is a member of the European Union, it is not closely aligned with the bloc.
In 2010, Belarus' private sector share of GDP was estimated at 30 percent. However, the government controls the economy and remains largely non-market.
Since 2011, Belarus' growth has slowed considerably. This has resulted in a significant devaluation of the ruble. The devaluation was accompanied by a ban on all price increases.
Belarus aims to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. It is also trying to reform its economic policy. It has attempted to restructure its large state-owned enterprises.
One of the most prominent competitiveness drivers is the increasing contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises. Another is innovative development.
The country has also ratified some of the main anti-corruption international instruments. Some of its major public health indicators are good.
A large share of the country's population is literate, although adults spend an average of fifteen years in the educational system. Nevertheless, alcohol abuse is a big factor in low life expectancy for Belarussians.
Belarus' regime censors the media. It deliberately targets independent journalists and trade unions. Also, it lists opposition politicians as terrorists.
According to the Human Development Index (HDI), Belarus ranks 53rd in the world. Life expectancy is 66.5 years for men and 78 for women.
If you're an ex-pat considering moving to South Africa, you'll be happy to know that you can still get a nice quality of life here. For example, it's one of the most affordable places to retire.
Although it is a largely developed country, South Africa still has some areas of deprivation. Approximately 12 million people live in extreme poverty.
Nevertheless, there has been a lot of progress made in reducing this number.
One of the biggest achievements in improving life expectancy in South Africa has been the improvements in medical and public health. The life expectancy of women has also increased. However, men still have a life expectancy of only 61 years.
Having a job is important in boosting the quality of your life. Not only does it provide you with an income, but it also develops your skills and improves your chances of finding a good job.
There are many options for jobs in South Africa, from tourism to international companies. Educating yourself is also a great way to increase your chances of finding a good job. In South Africa, about 39% of the working-age population has a paid job.
As you might expect, the cheapest place to live in South Africa is not in a city like Johannesburg. Instead, you'll want to focus your attention on some of the towns and cities in South Africa's coastal region.
Bulgaria is a country that boasts an affordable way of life. You can live on less than $800 a month, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can get for your money.
One of the most obvious reasons to move to Bulgaria is the low cost of living. While the cost of food and housing can vary from city to city, the cost of consumer goods is surprisingly low.
For instance, a high-speed internet connection is quite cheap. A decent meal in a restaurant can be had for as little as 10 leva. Also, the prices of household items like gas, electricity, and water are relatively cheap.
Getting around in most of the major cities in Bulgaria is not a problem. Most of them have efficient public transport systems.
However, you can save even more money by opting for low-cost rental options. In the biggest cities of Bulgaria, a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for as little as $232 a month.
If you're looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Haskovo might be the place for you. This small town is surrounded by mountains and is a great place for anyone who wants to escape the big city.
If you're considering relocating to Europe, you should know that there are several countries with great quality of life, while also being affordable.
Hungary ranks among the top ten cheapest countries to live in Europe.
This is because Hungary is a landlocked country, allowing for a lower cost of living. The country has a temperate climate and world-famous thermal springs. It's a beautiful place to live. Despite its small population, it offers a wealth of amenities and opportunities.
For instance, rent in Budapest is cheaper than in most Western European cities. Food is surprisingly affordable, as well.
You can live in a one-bedroom apartment for around EUR250 a month. This amount is enough to cover necessities, including utilities and entertainment. However, if you want to save a little more, you can look for cheaper locations elsewhere in the country.
Ukraine is another affordable European country. It's located along the Black Sea, next to Russia. Though it's still one of the poorer members of the EU, its local purchasing power is decent.
One of the cheapest countries to live in, Slovakia is an emerging European ex-pat hotspot. Its economy is growing rapidly and there are in-demand professions for foreigners in the banking and IT sectors. Combined with its low costs, it's easy to see why.
Albania is a country with a rich culture and history. With its ancestors being closely connected with the Ottoman Empire, it has a lot to offer.
Slovenia is a beautiful country with many natural treasures. Its capital city, Ljubljana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Karst Plateau is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Slovenian capital.
Slovenia is a country in Central Europe. In 1848, it was part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which merged with Serbia in 1918. When Yugoslavia was formed in 1929, it included Slovenia.
Its population is around two million. A liter of petrol costs EUR 1,23. Public transportation is relatively cheap. However, the country's infrastructure is not up to par. You can find a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for EUR 25.
Slovenia has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Central Europe. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers.
The country has rich indigenous wildlife, including the Carniolan honeybee and the Lipizzan horse. You can also find several cave species in Slovenia, including the olm, a type of cave vertebrate.
In the 19th century, the Romantic nationalist movement prompted a revival of culture and a quest for autonomy. But the attempt to collectivize failed in the early 20th century. During World War I, hundreds of thousands of Slovenes died. Several hundred thousand were resettled in refugee camps in Italy.
The idea of a United Slovenia emerged during the 1848 revolutions. Most of the Slovenian parties in Austria-Hungary supported this platform.


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REVIEW: Living Newspapers Festival (Jackalope Theatre)
A Lot of Wit, a Bit of Melodrama, a Dash of Epic, and a Big Slice of Apple Pie
Jackalope Theatre and Silent Theatre Company presents:
Living Newspapers Festival
Devised by Kaiser Ahmed, Gus Menary, Andrew Buden Swanson and Jon Cohen
Written by Andrew Burden Swanson, Paul Amandes, Matt Welton, Cassandra Rose
through January 30th (more info)
review by Paige Listerud
Inspired by the Federal Theatre Project, a program that put starving dramatic artists back to work under FDR's Works Progress Administration, Jackalope Theatre revives the Living Newspaper, a style of documentary theater based on current events pulled straight from newspaper articles. The Living Newspaper of the New Deal was controversial for its time, originating from multimedia theatrical experiments of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Epic Theater style of Bertolt Brecht and Erwin Piscator. Basing its drama on social and political issues, often told from a liberal/leftist point of view, the Living Newspaper drew fire from conservatives in Congress, which shut it down in 1939 after an investigation by the House Un-American Activities Committee.
So it is that the five plays of the Living Newspapers Festival exhibit social commentary that is melodramatic, wildly satirical, a little agitprop, often surreal in its risk-taking but also laced with flourishes of old-school American patriotism. Both buoyant, youthful energy and casual professionalism sustain the production's even tone and fully embodied concentration. The affable and rough-hewn presence of host Eric Prather rounds out Jackalope's production with fresh accessibility—and a bit of corn, too.
Of all the plays, The Death of Print, by Andrew Burden Swanson, comes closest to old-fashioned social melodrama. Based on the closing of Ann Arbor's local newspaper, the small town newsmen of St. Anne's must also compete in a dwindling economy against the advance of new media technology. Reporter Jake Gallagher (Swanson) rails against the loss of a local voice and the mercenary media takeover that will never serve the older townspeople of St. Anne. But who knows if he, too, will need to use the Internet in pursuit of reviving St. Anne's local paper. Without acknowledging any need to shift with the times, the preachiness of Swanson's work undercuts its realism, even if Charles Murray (Jack McCabe), his news editor, adds the depth of camaraderie to their relationship and Jake's post-partum wife Agnes (AJ Ware) contributes needed tempering to his quixotic character.
Trouble Shoot, by Paul Amandes, wanders into surreal territory while addressing the escalating suicide rate of our currently deployed military and the unwritten policy of the President not sending letters of condolence to the families of these suicides, as opposed to other deaths at the front. Worn out by multiple tours, Chance (Pat Whalen) is ready to eat his M4, personified as a death-dealing military dominatrix by Candice Gregg—weird, but maybe only just as weird as Dad (Bill Hyland) expecting the government's little symbolic gestures to make his son's death alright. For her part, Mom (Kristin Collins) also has an unhealthy fascination with Chance's gun and expects the military to track it down and ship it to her so that she can destroy it. In the midst of hurts that won't heal, the question, "Would a letter from the President have made this so much better?" hangs over the whole piece.
The riot of the evening is Night of the Gators by Matt Welton. A small town in Louisiana becomes terrorized when greedy gator farmers manipulate their alligators' genetics and reproductive capacity, leading to an explosion in hybrid human-gators that prey on human flesh. "It's Arma-shit-hill-geddon out there," cries Bobby (Danny Martinez) barely making it safely home. "We should not have played God with those creatures of God!" Only minutes later do we discover this is a propaganda piece by PETA, once the PETA Activist (Daisica Smith) strides onto stage and leads the audience, gospel-revival style. But equal time is given to the other side, which is more than any news organization will do these days for the public good. Joel Reitsma's Politician is so fabulously greasy he could consider running for office. Of course, we learn the terrible consequences of not running gator farms—to hilarious effect.
There's a magnificent poetry to Cassandra Rose's Washington in Winter. All funding has been cut for the historical re-enactment of George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware to defeat the Hessians at Trenton. One father, playing George Washington (John Milewski) remains humorously undaunted in the face of cold, cut funds, reluctant adolescent troops (his children), and interrupting cell phones. But the evening also reveals "Washington's" terrible vulnerability. At the end, Lucy Hancock, as the daughter playing Private Wesson, delivers Thomas Paines' words so profoundly, no doubt remains whatsoever why they should be imprinted upon our lives forever.
The Silent Theatre Company delivers Slice of Americana, a day in the life of miners deep underground; which they do without words and in almost total darkness, the lamps on their protective helmets serving as the only sources of light until spotlight is used to heighten moments of fantasy. One could almost call this Norman Rockwell Underground, although it's not likely Rockwell would depict a budding romance between two of the men. While the fantasy sequences may be of the lightest sort, we become so involved in their daily work in darkness that by the time one miner bursts into singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" its spontaneity is unquestionable. It's been a long time since I've seen any drama go so boldly for male pride and patriotism but Silent Theatre succeeds in making it an authentic moment.
The Living Newspaper Festival only lasts this weekend, but producer Kaiser Ahmed wants to make it a quarterly happening. Their display in The Artistic Home's lobby goes into greater depth on the history of the Federal Theatre Project. Dramaturg Jon Cohen remarked on the similarities between now and then in the right's targeting of arts' funding. Try to catch this before it closes. The energy alone will give you hope for the future—for preserving current and relevant dramatic art, the 1st Amendment, and the nation–and the fun in doing it.
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Artistic Home, Bertolt Brecht, Jackalope Theatre, Paige Listerud, Silent Theatre Company, Theatre Festival | Tagged: AJ Ware, Andrew Buden Swanson, Andrew Burden Swanson, Bertolt Brecht, Bill Hyland, Candice Gregg, Cassandra Rose, Daisica Smith, Danny Martinez, Epic Theater style, Eric Prather, Erwin Piscator, Federal Theatre Project, Gus Menary, House Un-American Activities Committee, Jack McCabe, Jackalope Theatre, Joel Reitsma, Jon Cohen, Kaiser Ahmed, Kristin Collins, Living Newspaper Festival, Lucy Hancock, Matt Welton, Paige Listerud, Pat Whalen, Paul Amandes, Silent Theatre Company, The Artistic Home |	3 Comments »
REVIEW: Whack! (Gorilla Tango)
"Whack!" needs work to get its licks in
Gorilla Tango Theatre presents:
Whack! The Tonya Harding & Nancy Kerrigan Story
written and directed by Kelly Williams
thru February 25th (more info)
Just what is it with our culture's renewed fascination about Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan? The current musical production on at Gorilla Tango Theatre is just the tip of the iceberg. A rock opera about their infamous 1994 Olympic rivalry premiered in Portland in 2008 and another production is scheduled for this year in Los Angeles; in 2008, then-candidate Obama told the press he would not "pull a Tonya Harding" on Hilary Clinton in the run up to the Democratic Convention; and the phrase quickly became used by Dem insiders to forecast Hilary's options pursuing the presidential nomination.
Who would have guessed the revival of a 15 year-old, nearly forgotten struggle for Olympic gold?
On the other hand, as the opening number, "Bitches On Ice," would suggest, there's a certain eternal appeal to dueling women in dainty outfits. The audience wants to see a catfight between two aspiring ice princesses precisely because they're suppose to be polite little ladies. Writer and director Kelly Williams further exploits the (presumed) class differences between Nancy and Tonya in her new show, Whack! The Tony Harding & Nancy Kerrigan Story, a Karaoke Musical—about which much could be deconstructed.
But first, the lyricists for Whack! are some very clever people. In fact, the wittiness in the songs far outshines the dialogue, especially at the start. If there's a rewrite in this show's future, let it sharpen up spoken lines and leave jaunty works like "Majorsubcutaneousepiduralhematoma" well enough alone. Of course, it helps that they've subversively set the lyrics to the Disney movie music canon, so that shiny, happy crowd-pleasers like "Be My Guest" get transformed to "I Love Breasts"—an easy improvement over the original.
It's the run-up to the Lillehammer Olympics. According to Whack!'s storyline, Nancy Kerrigan (Leslie Nesbitt) is nothing other than an evil skating genius, planning to use her Olympic gold victory to establish (or is that re-establish?) WASP dominance. "Mother, how would you feel if all of Asia was trying to ruin my life?" Nancy says, referring to Michele Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Oksana Baiul. Never mind that two of the above are Asian-American competitors. She's not about to let white trash Tonya Harding (Cassandra Cushman) keep her from total white upper middle class victory. For her part, Tonya is just striving to lift herself out of the depths of her trailer park existence.
Both characters would be nothing without their mothers–Nancy's Blind Mom, played hilariously by Carry Bain, and Tonya's Drunk Momma (Natalie Kossar ) form the perfect pair of bookends to their emotionally deformed daughters. Kossar takes some time to warm up to her role, but once there she slays with lines like, "Make Momma a pizza," and "Shh! You'll scare the whiskey away."
The same could be said of the rest of the cast, which takes some time to get there, too. One thing about rowdy, schlock musical comedies: not beginning with high energy is death to the production. Hopefully, that flaw will be rectified in the course of the run, because once fired up, the show is much funnier. Spiro Zafiropoulos, as Tonya's ex-husband-live-in-boyfriend, Jeff Gillooly, shows the kind of professional steadiness that the rest of the conspiracy against Nancy could learn from. But he can't bring the plot to wicked fulfillment all by himself.
As for Nesbit and Cushman, each takes the stage well alone, whether envisioning world domination or plaintively wishing to get out from under a drunken parent's domination. But once onstage together, the sparks don't fly equal to expectations that have been built up in the audience. Since this is a musical comedy, not a history lesson, it's a little astonishing that more liberties aren't taken with their exchanges. In other words, go wild, ladies. This is what we've paid our tickets for.
As for the class differences that Williams expounds on and exploits between Tonya and Nancy, I hope that by now most people are aware that the real Nancy Kerrigan comes from an equally blue-collar background. It's a different tale to tell, two blue-collar girls both engaging in an aspirational struggle–rather than setting up yet another "upper class vs. blue collar" dynamic. Perhaps it all depends on where you want to get your comedy.
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Gorilla Tango, Paige Listerud | Tagged: Carry Bain, Cassandra Cushman, Gorilla Tango Theatre, Kelly Williams, Leslie Nesbitt, Nancy Kerrigan, Paige Listerud, Spiro Zafiropoulos, Tonya Harding, Whack Gorilla Tango, Whack reviews |	Leave a comment »


In the event you forgot to get a dinner reservation for Valentine's Day - or if you're like me - you don't want to waste a perfectly good evening out on a prix fix menu and overly crowded restaurants. - let's eat in!
I have become a master of the "indoor steak" technique over the last few years for a number of reasons, but mostly because it is so freaking easy! SO EASY! It's how restaurants do their steaks - there aren't grills in most restaurants - so they skillet sear and broil them too. It keeps in the moisture (worst word ever) and creates the deliciously crispy crust on the outside.
Preheat the broiler to 500 degrees. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until the pan is smoking hot. Pat the steaks dry and push each one into the peppercorns.
Pop the steaks on the hot skillet. Sear 3 minutes each side until browned.
Toss potatoes in olive oil and salt. Spread out on a baking sheet and pop in the lowest rack in the oven for 5 minutes. Check and flip as needed to brown them but not burn them.
Top each steak with ½ tbs butter and pop the pan into the oven. Cook 5-8 minutes until meat thermometer reads 145 degrees. Remove from the oven and let rest covered on a plate with foil for 5 minutes.
Place pan on a high burner and pour in shallots – cook quickly. Add cognac & stock and whisk. Season with salt. Cook to reduce by 1/2. Plate steaks and top with sauce.
- Traditionally this is cooked with heavy cream. That didn't seem needed with this gorgeous steak but if you want to add ½ cup cream with the sherry, it's delicious.
I don't think you need me to tell you how to make it romantic at home. But I will remind you that music helps. A lot. Have music.


Martian Kush is a genetic combination of two cannabis cup-winning starins, viz. Martian mean Green and The OG #18. Potency, flavour and scent are all absolutely top-notch with this one.
This is quite a stretchy plant and topping will not only help to restrict its vertical growth but will also even up the canopy making for better access to the light for its many budding sites. Yields are above average and are ready to harvest after a 9 week flowering period.


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Drop Victoria Beckham: 20 Brands Promoting Sustainable Beauty
(Photo : Tony Webster [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]) sustainable beauty products
Victoria Beckham recently drew flak for her post on Instagram spreading awareness about the effects of plastic pollution on the oceans. Her post was met with criticisms, as her recently-launched brand -- Victoria Beckham Beauty -- don plastic packaging.
In response, the beauty mogul said her brand packaging was designed to be as sustainable as possible without having to compromise on luxury. The former Spice Girls was inspired to launch a brand that was cruelty-free and promoted clean and sustainable beauty.
"We use post-consumer waste on all our secondary packaging and we use recyclable boxes and biodegradable foam when shipping," shares Beckham, 45. She describes their practices as not perfect but assures consumers of their commitment towards more ethical and sustainable standards.
What is Sustainable Beauty?
The growing efforts towards environmental awareness have spread throughout every market, including the beauty industry. From hair salons and spas to cosmetic brands, more and more companies have started to look for ways to minimize their plastic waste not just for their brand image but because it is the right thing to do.
Sustainable practices in the beauty industry include reducing energy and water usage, waste reduction, an overall sustainable mission and strategy, assessment of the brand's environmental impacts, and sustainable packaging, among others.
It's an opportune time to look into which brands in the beauty industry have taken action to help reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Here are some of the brands in makeup, skincare, and fragrances that support the sustainability movement:
1. Antipodes
This brand offers organic skincare and anti-aging products. Their packaging includes recyclable glass bottles and biodegradable cardboard boxes.
They also use vegetable inks for printing and recycled metals to make containers for their skincare products.
2. Aveda
This beauty brand has long been committed to managing its ecological footprint. Their haircare and skincare products are produced through recyclable materials only.
3. Burt's Bees
Bees are going extinct, and this beauty brand knows it all too well.
These pollinators are necessary for the environment, so they launched a #BringBackTheBees campaign. They are committed to the mapping of the bees for the conservation of these pollinators.
4. Clean Reserve
Their fragrances are made from ethically-sourced ingredients. They also utilize solar power for manufacturing and package their fragrances in recyclable materials.
5. Cloud Nine
The brand known for its hair straighteners is active in recycling.
Cloud Nine encourages consumers to bring over their old tongs to their company for reusing or recycling. The company aims to recycle a minimum of 1.5 million hair straighteners so these won't end up in landfills.
6. Christian Dior
The luxury brand has already eliminated its use of cellophane and has decreased the use of paper and cardboard its products.
7. Floral Street
Well-known for their fragrances as well as their bath and body products, this beauty brand is also increasing their efforts towards sustainable beauty.
Their products are packaged in renewable materials without shrink-wrap, cellophane or plastic inserts.
8. Jurlique
The brand aims to reduce its water and waste by 20 percent by 2020. They encourage water reuse throughout the manufacturing process and use solar power. They also have tree-planting initiatives.
9. Kiehl's Since 1851
Already pioneers in natural beauty products, the brand also encourages their consumers to recycle by offering travel-sized products in turn for 10 empty bottles returned to their stores.
10. La Mer
The skincare and makeup brand makes huge donations in support of conserving ocean habitats and helping out seas flourish.
11. L'Oréal Professionnel
The French company recently launched Source Essentielle -- a new vegan haircare collection. The brand focused on clean beauty and packaged the product with as minimal plastic as possible (which are also recycled).
12. Lush
Lush has a wide range of naked beauty products, meaning package-free.
With products that use plastic bottles, they opt for fully recyclable ones. They have pots with plant seedlings inside. They also encourage their customers to take back pots to their stores.
13. Mac
The makeup brand offers a free lipstick for every six finished Mac products returned to their store.
14. Medik8
The skincare brand makes its products using green chemistry, which includes blending ingredients at room temperature and using cold compression.
While they still use plastic when absolutely necessary, they choose recycled glass when possible.
15. Orveda
The luxury skincare brand uses ocean-derived ingredients to make their products that are vegan and free of plastics and mineral oils. They are said to work "with and not against" the oceans.
They also use less than five percent plastic, choosing glass bottles instead.
16. Spectrum
They have been reducing their use of plastics for packaging by as much as 50 percent.
The company also supports plastic clean-up charities, having pledged to donate part of their revenue to help protect the environment.
17. Sukin
The skincare brand makes sure to offer affordable and sustainable beauty by going carbon-neutral since 2008. They ensure all their products are grey water-safe, so consumers can use their bathwater to water their plants.
Their products are also packaged in recycled containers.
18. Tata Harper
Another skincare brand that packages their products in recycled glass, Tata Harper also uses soy ink for labeling.
19. The Body Shop
This company has long been known for its efforts at sustainable beauty. They are B-Corp-certified, which means they meet the highest standards of verified environmental performance, accountability and transparency, among others.
Consumers are also encouraged to drop back packaging at their stores for recycling.
20. Yes To
This skincare brand makes biodegradable and compostable products like their wipes, which are made from 100 percent cellulose. They are also committed to making vegan products.
Furthermore, they do not use plastic binders for their packaging
Tagssustainability, Sustainable Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, l'oreal, Lush Cosmetics, The Body Shop


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Q: Is it possible to calculate the max/min value of 2 or more colums if the value in another column is equal to a specific value in Python pandas? I'm importing this csv file with pandas:
Date     Type   Price1  Price2  Price3  LowestBuy   HighestSell
01-02-19 BUY    0.1201  0.1202  0.1205
01-02-19 SELL   0.1198  0.1199  0.1202

Now I want to add the minimum of the colums Price1, Price2, Price3 to the LowestBuy column if the type (column 2) of that row is equal to BUY. When the type is SELL I want to add the maximum of the colums Price1, Price2, Price3 to the HighestSell column. Is this possible?
This is my code so far:
import pandas as pd

path = "orderbookData/NEOBTC2019-02-02.csv"

df = pd.read_csv(path, na_values=0)

for row in df:
    if(df["type"] == "BUY"):
        df["lowestBuy"] = df[["Price1", "Price2", "Price3"]].min(axis=1)
    if(df["type"] == "SELL"):
        df["highestSell"] = df[["Price1", "Price2", "Price3"]].max(axis=1)

print(df)

When I run this code I get this error message:
Exception has occurred: ValueError
The truth value of a Series is ambiguous. Use a.empty, a.bool(), a.item(), a.any() or a.all().
  File "D:\test.py", line 10, in <module>
    if(df["type"] == "BUY"):

A: Use DataFrame.loc
df.loc[df['Type'] == 'BUY', 'LowestBuy'] = df[['Price1','Price2','Price3']].min(1)
df.loc[df['Type'] == 'SELL', 'HighestSell'] = df[['Price1','Price2','Price3']].max(1)

    Date        Type    Price1  Price2  Price3  LowestBuy   HighestSell
0   01-02-19    BUY     0.1201  0.1202  0.1205  0.1201      NaN
1   01-02-19    SELL    0.1198  0.1199  0.1202  NaN         0.1202

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Over the last 18 months I've been debating buying a PS3 primarily as a Blu-Ray player. Once I got into Lost and watched all of that, I decided to get the PS3 so I could watch Lost in HD when the complete collection came out(because other than the final episode I watched them all on my computer or on my Blackberry or on my Ipod Touch).
I've spent like 3 months waiting for a PS3 deal so I could buy one – with so many deals these days I basically refuse to buy anything at retail. Even if the deal was "$10 off if you come in wearing a wrestling shirt" I'd do it – just something in my mentality where I can only purchase something via a deal.
Then I was going through some stuff and cleaning out my reciepts file, when I discovered an old EB Games card from when I traded games in a few years ago. I checked online to find that there was $90 on it! So I then decided to take in a bunch of my other games to trade in and put that towards the price of the PS3.
Total was $73.45. So I ended up putting that and the previous card together and getting a PS3 for about $140. Sweet deal. Now to start building up my Blu-Ray collection. So far all I have is Lost, the Bourne Collection and Taken.


Recreational Mathematics – Only For Fun?
In this paper, I explore recreational mathematics from two perspectives. I first study how the concept appears in educational policy documents such as standards, syllabi, and curricula from a selection of countries to see if and in what way recreational mathematics can play a part in school mathematics. I find that recreational mathematics can be a central part, as in the case of India, but also completely invisible, as in the standards from USA. In the second part of the report, I take an educational historical approach. I observe that throughout history, recreational mathematics has been an important tool for learning mathematics. Recreational mathematics is then both a way of bringing pleasure and a tool for learning mathematics. Can it also be a tool for social empowerment?


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Escape to Beaver Island, Michigan
A ferry ride across Lake Michigan ends at an island as relaxed as any in the Caribbean.
Relaxed and remote
Bob Banville, owner of Shanoule Bed and Breakfast on Michigan's Beaver Island, describes the allure of this island to visitors. Life here is slower, he says, pointing across Lake Michigan and adding, "It's just not as relaxed in the U.S.A."A slip of the tongue? Maybe. But given the island's past, you have to wonder. Beaver Island (population: 600, mostly of Irish descent) has a history of independence, beginning with self-declared King James Jesse Strang in 1850. His "reign" ended with his assassination in 1856.Today, a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Charlevoix carries visitors northwest across the lake to an island as relaxed as any in the Caribbean. Bicycles and in-line skaters cruise Main Street in St. James, the only town and home to about a dozen shops. The eight hotel owners learn their guests' names and don't fret about a credit card at check-in. "We'll square up in the morning," they offer. "Now, do you want me to drive you around so you know where everything is?"Click ahead to find out more about Beaver Island, including our top picks for where to eat, what to do, and where to stay.
A world apart
Visitors don't need a car, but bringing wheels makes it easier to visit the one-third of Beaver Island that is state-owned and undeveloped. (If you rent a car, you're likely to find it near the dock, unlocked and with your first name written on a piece of paper stuck on the windshield.) Gravel roads lead through thick sugar maple forests and alongside inland lakes.Wherever you go, the sights on this 13x6-mile island are beautiful enough to land in nature calendars. You'll see flocks of Sandhill cranes and admire the quiet fishing banks of Fox Lake, where the beavers grow to weigh 60 pounds. Harbor Light (pictured) remains an active-and picturesque-beacon.Whitefish stars on every menu here. It's caught in the morning and fried at the Shamrock or sauteed at the Beaver Island Lodge that night. And if you want to have dinner at a restaurant lying outside of downtown, most hotels happily offer free shuttle service (typically in the manager's car). It's been a long time since the island was a sovereign state. But in many ways, Beaver Island remains a world apart.
For general information, contact the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce. (231) 448-2505; beaverisland.orgFor transportation, contact the Beaver Island Boat Company. Ferries leave Charlevoix for the 2.5-hour ride to Beaver Island. BIBCO offers service from early April through mid-December (twice daily in peak season). bibco.com
Beaver Gems & Shipwreck Shirts In downtown St. James, this is the place to go for souvenirs and gifts. (231) 448-2888Beaver Island Golf Course Located on the east side of Beaver Island, the par-35 public golf course offers club and cart rentals. (231) 448-2301The Blue Pearl This cheerful shop sells a variety of gift and home decor items. (231) 448-2134
The Restaurant at Beaver Island Lodge The menu at this shoreside fine-dining spot sometimes features whitefish with cherry sauce. (pictured) (231) 448-2396; beaverislandlodge.comDaddy Franks May through September, Daddy Franks offers better-than-average fast food in a cheery place that feels like a 1950s diner. (231) 448-2570Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli For breakfast, try the Michigan blueberry pancakes. (231) 448-2736; mcdonoughsmarket.comHarbour Market The market serves fresh baked goods (including delicious raspberry scones) and locally famous Moomers Ice Cream. (231) 448-2950Shamrock Restaurant & Pub The signature Shamrock Angus burger comes loaded with cheese, bacon, mushrooms and onions. (231) 448-2278; shamrockbarrestaurant.comStoney Acre Grill Expect vacation-paced service, but the lightly breaded whitefish is worth the wait. (231) 448-2560; stoneyacregrill.com
Shanoule Beaver Island Bed and Breakfast Expect to chitchat with the owners at this secluded three-guest-room B&B (pictured). Bob and Joan Banville pick up and drop off guests at the ferry dock and offer tours of the island. From $150. (231) 448-2092; shanoule.comEmerald Isle Hotel The Emerald Isle offers comfortable, no-frills rooms near downtown St. James. The staff is friendly but sometimes hard to find. (They might be at home eating or shuttling guests to dinner.) From $149 (231) 448-2376; emeraldislehotel.com
1 of 6 Relaxed and remote
2 of 6 A world apart
3 of 6 Planning your trip
4 of 6 What to do
5 of 6 Where to eat
6 of 6 Where to stay


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THE MADNESS OF CROWDS by Louise Penny: Book Review
August 27th, 2021 | Author: Marilyn Brooks |
The COVID pandemic is over, at least in Louise Penny's The Madness of Crowds, but the frenzy it has provoked in many places is clearly still around.
Virtually everyone in Québec has been vaccinated against the virus, and things are almost back to normal. So much so that when Abigail Robinson, a professor of statistics, wants to give a lecture at a small local university, there appears to be no reason to deny her. Except that her talk has the potential to cause a riot.
Citing freedom of speech, the university's chancellor, Collette Roberge, refuses to stop the presentation. Instead, she asks Inspector Armand Gamache, chief of homicide of the Sûreté du Québec, to provide the security for the event. Having viewed videos of Dr. Robinson's previous lectures, they both know their incendiary nature, but the chancellor is steadfast in her rejection of Armand's plea to rescind the invitation, despite the possibility of violence.
Since Gamache doesn't have the authority to cancel the talk, all he and his officers can do is provide as much security as possible. In truth neither Armand nor Collette expects many people to attend, given that it's the Christmas holiday and Professor Robinson's talk will be in English in the French-speaking province. But the overflow crowd pushing its way into the university's gymnasium proves the two of them wrong, and it becomes obvious that people on both sides of the question have come prepared to make their voices heard.
Abigail Robinson's trademark phrase, Ça va bien aller (All will be well), is a promise that the future holds better times, that the economy will recover, that there will never again be a shortage of either health care facilities or the financial ability to help all. Well, almost all.
If, and this is the big if, the elderly, the incurably ill, and the severely handicapped are helped to their deaths by involuntary euthanasia, a.k.a mercy killing, then all will be well for everyone else. "If the pandemic has taught us anything," she tells the crowd, "it's that not everyone can be saved. Sacrifices must be made."
Professor Robinson begins her speech, and as she says the pivotal line, "It's called—" three explosions rip through the air. In the first few seconds after the bangs are heard, the crowd starts to stampede toward the exits, pausing only after Gamache repeatedly says in English and French that the noises were firecrackers. Isabelle Lacoste, a member of Gamache's staff, holds up the string of firecrackers and people start to relax and return to their seats. Until another loud bang is heard, and this time it's a gunshot.
Louise Penny has written an incredibly timely and fascinating novel. She obviously began writing during the pandemic, and when the novel was completed, COVID appeared to be under control. But, as we all know, that was before the Delta variant became widespread, leading to more illness and death, as well as more false information about the efficacy of and need for vaccines, social distancing, and masking.
As of this writing, every newspaper is filled with information/mis-information about vaccines and masks and people's fear of what could be next. The Madness of Crowds is a work of fiction, but it is scarily close to what could happen/is happening around the world.
You can read more about Louise Penny at this website.
Check out the complete Marilyn's Mystery Reads at her website. In addition to book review posts, there are sections featuring Golden Oldies, Past Masters and Mistresses, and an About Marilyn column that features her opinions about everything to do with mystery novels.
Posted in Book Reviews


John South has a diverse career with more than 25 years of managerial experience in security and large-scale business operations. In his early career, he served in the US military and as a law enforcement officer. After 9/11, Mr. South transitioned to managing large-scale contracts for US federal programs abroad. Mr. South served as the Vice President of Operations at DynCorp where he managed four business units and provided oversight to 52 programs totaling $1.8 billion in revenue. After working at DynCorp, Mr. South became a recognized leader in Department of State (DOS) programs, from design to implementation. As such, he was strategically hired to assist a government contractor new to DOS work. He helped this contractor win a $10 billion award on the largest IDIQ contract available as well as the first task order under the IDIQ. Following this, Mr. South was hired as the CEO of Aegis Defense Services. During his 17-month tenure as the turn-around CEO, he recovered the company's reputation and reshaped the contract to become more profitable. After leaving his last position as CEO, Mr. South designed and patented ArcAngel, which has become the core of Patrocinium's technology platform.
Steve Hoffman has more than 35 years of experience leading and advising technology companies. Mr. Hoffman currently serves on multiple boards including Certica Solutions, CyberCore Technologies, Zeuss, and Turning Technologies. He previously served as the CEO of iJET International, a provider of risk management solutions to multinational and government organizations. During his tenure at iJET, revenue tripled and the company progressed from loss making to profitability. In early 2011, Steve led the sale of iJET to 3i-MIND. Preceding this, Mr. Hoffman served as the CEO and Board Member for Element K, an e-learning company. Prior to Element K, Mr. Hoffman took over leadership of Blackboard in 2001, as President and COO. During his tenure, EBITDA and cash flow became positive and the company emerged as a market leader in their category of enterprise software. Mr. Hoffman has also held leadership roles at Prometic Thomson Learning and Computer Task Group (CTG). Mr. Hoffman began his career at IBM, where he held various positions in management, sales, and marketing. He holds both a B.A. and an M.B.A. from University of Rochester.
As Managing Director of Baker Tilly, Tim Meyers assists in growing their mid-market and growth company practice. His specific focus is working closely with senior management and their boards to accelerate growth with strategic advice on equity and debt structures, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or new product strategies. Throughout his career, Mr. Meyers has operated in various roles, including Chairman, Managing Partner, Managing Director, Partner, President, CFO, and Chairman of Investment Committees. As an investor he has managed large diversified portfolios for endowments, family offices, and corporate pension funds. As a principal, he has created new private equity, hedge, and real estate funds. He has raised more than $1 billion in equity and debt. He has led and managed dozens of direct investments. As board member and management team member, he has helped build companies that led to numerous exits. Mr. Meyers has M.S. from the Virginia Tech's Pamplin School and a B.S. from George Mason University.
Özer Dondurmacıoğlu is consulting and advising technology companies in the B2B space, helping them discover best channels of distribution and cultivate communities of advocates. Most recently, during his 14 year tenure at HPE Aruba, he held leadership positions for community management, product and solutions marketing, sales enablement and general management. Mr. Dondurmacıoğlu is an electrical engineer by education, with degrees from Boston University and Middle East Technical University in Turkey. Before Aruba, Mr. Dondurmacıoğlu held engineering roles at Atoga Systems and Lucent/Avaya.
John Germano is the former Executive Managing Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region for CBRE, Inc. He was responsible for the strategic direction, performance and growth of the firm's Greater Washington, D.C. regional offices. Under Mr. Germano's oversight of the executive leadership team, the region has grown to include nearly 1,500 employees who manage more than 30 million square feet of commercial properties. Mr. Germano has always been an active member of the community and is actively involved with the Board of Trade, Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington Sports Alliance, Federal City Council, Economic Club of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Building Industry Association, Apartment and Office Building Association, and the Association for Corporate Growth. He received his B.S. in Accounting from Bryant University and his M.B.A. from The Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University.
Jack Huffard co-founded Tenable, the Cyber Exposure company, in 2002. As President and Chief Operating Officer of Tenable, Mr. Huffard is responsible for driving all global operations and leading the company's corporate strategy and organizational growth. Before co-founding Tenable, Mr. Huffard was director of corporate development for Enterasys Networks, where he was involved with the acquisitions of Network Security Wizards (developer of the Dragon Intrusion Detection System) and Indus River Networks. In this role, he developed corporate strategy for addressing network security market needs. Before joining Enterasys, Jack held various management and sales positions at John Hancock and Marriott Corporation. Mr. Huffard earned a B.S./B.A. in Business Administration from Washington Lee University and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurial Finance from F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business.
As CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures, Rick Horrow architected more than 100 deals worth more than $20 billion in sports, performing arts, and other urban infrastructure projects. Mr. Horrow's clients have included the NFL, NHL, MLB, PGA Tour, NASCAR, MLS, Guggenheim, Portland Trail Blazers, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, among others. He has been a key player in stadium, arena, and speedway deals in many cities in the United States and abroad. Internationally, Mr. Horrow has presented sports/facility development options for the governments of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and on behalf of the US Department of Commerce Business Development Center, World Tourism Organization, International Hotel Association, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency/World Bank.
Harry Lalor is currently Head of Business Development at SheerID, a digital identity and eligibility verification SaaS platform used by global brands. In this role, Mr. Lalor leads a team that identifies, acquires, and grows strategic partner relationships and assets that drive revenue, operational efficiency, and an improved strategic position for SheerID. As an innovative, collaborative, and intuitive executive, Mr. Lalor crafts business relationships with the world's authoritative providers of personally identifiable information to monetize assets in a way that is transparent, privacy enhancing, and consumer friendly. He also initiated and led the efforts at SheerID to expand its SaaS platform to over 100 countries. Prior to SheerID, Mr. Lalor held leadership positions at Network Solutions, Broadwing Communications, Focal Communications, PSINet, and MCI. Mr. Lalor received a B.A. in International Relations at The George Washington University.
Ron Morgan is Chairman of the Board of Directors at MorganFranklin Consulting. After co-founding MorganFranklin in 1998, Mr. Morgan led all aspects of the firm's consulting practice, including practice management, business development, client service, and personnel development. He also served as CFO from 1998 to 2004 and has worked closely with the executive leadership team to shape the company's strategy and long-term vision. In May 2013, Mr. Morgan transitioned from his executive role to become board chairman and advisor, focusing on building the company's brand and developing its people and client relationships. Mr. Morgan is a member of Penn State University's Smeal College of Business Board of Visitors and serves on the Board of Directors & Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. He has a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State.
In March 2017, Philip Selton retired as a senior executive at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Mr. Selton is currently World Wide Technology's Senior Advisor for Intelligence/Law Enforcement. As Deputy Director for Intelligence for the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Mr. Selton managed the organization responsible for the integration and analysis of all intelligence pertaining to terrorism possessed or acquired by the U.S. government. Mr. Selton's more than 25 year career with the FBI included 14 years of managerial positions and his appointment into the Senior Executive Service in 2009. Prior to his promotion to Deputy Director, he was selected as the Special Agent in Charge of the Intelligence Division (SAC) of the Washington Field Office. Mr. Selton graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point and served as an officer on active duty for five years.


When we reached our 500 "Likes" on Facebook . . . Now 750 and can't wait to reach & celebrate the 1,000!
Thank you for following Kidsbook Friends' Blog! If you are on Facebook, I hope you "Like" Kidsbook Friends as I post daily based on the week's theme.
As always, I welcome your feedback at mythreeinspirations@yahoo.com or by commenting directly on my Blog and Facebook Page. A special thanks to all those who have taken time to share Kidsbook Friends with YOUR friends to get us to this point. Keep helping kids make good friends and develop their character!
This entry was posted in Invitation and tagged children's book blogs, Children's book sites on Facebook, children's books, Children's books on pinterest, kid lit, Kid Lit on Twitter, Kidsbook Friends, SCBWI. Bookmark the permalink.


If you've acquired a promotional code from a discount event we're running, visiting us at a trade show, or talking to a ReadCube employee directly, you may be wondering how this code is applied to a purchase. To start, visit the ReadCube Pro checkout at www.readcube.com/Pro. Once here, select the "Sign up Now" button.
From here, you'll be brought to a checkout screen. Choose the option you'd like to apply the promotion to (note, most promotions only work when applied once!) and then select the "Have a promocode?" link indicated in the image below. Enter your promotional code in the text box that appears and hit the "check" button next to it to confirm that the promotion is still active. After this, you're all set! Just hit the "Billing Info" button below and finish the checkout process as you typically would.


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Author Archives: Dirk Lammers
Double one-hitter thrower Hurst signs with Padres, 27 years ago today
This day in no-no history, This day in Padres no-no historyBy Dirk Lammers December 8, 2015 1 Comment
Bruce Hurst, who threw two one-hitters for the no-no-less San Diego Padres, joined the Friars 27 years ago today. Hurst, a free agent who spent his first nine seasons with the Boston Red Sox, signed with the Padres on this date in 1988. At Jack Murphy Stadium on April 10, 1989, Hurst threw a complete-game…
Celebrating a hat trick of no-no throwers
No-no birthdaysBy Dirk Lammers December 7, 2015 Leave a comment
The birth ward at No-No General is typically quite busy on December 7, with three no-hitter throwers born on this day. Bo Belinsky, a Los Angeles Angels rookie who threw a no-hitter in , was born on this day 79 years ago. At Dodger Stadium on Saturday, May 5, 1962, Belinsky no-hit the Baltimore Orioles…
Does $20M a year set the bar for a no-hitter?
No-hitter newsBy Dirk Lammers December 5, 2015 Leave a comment
It appears that if you want to have at least one career no-hitter under your belt these days, it helps to make at least $20 million a season. Off-season contracts have been skyrocketing lately, and it appears that the Arizona Diamondbacks' Zack Greinke and the Boston Red Sox's David Price owe their fans some no-nos.…
Tigers trade Trucks after 2 no-nos, 63 years ago today
This day in no-no historyBy Dirk Lammers December 4, 2015 1 Comment
The Detroit Tigers traded right-hander Virgil Trucks after he threw no-hitters in a season, 63 years ago today. On December 4, 1952, Detroit dealt Trucks, Johnny Groth and Hal White to the St. Louis Browns for Owen Friend, Bob Nieman and Jay Porter. During his 11th season with the Tigers, Trucks threw two no-hitters despite…
Pitcher's mound lowered from 15 inches to 10 inches, 47 years ago today
Major League Baseball lowered the pitcher's mound height from 15 inches to 10 inches, 47 years ago today. The rule change was part of a response to the issue of pitching becoming too dominant in the NL and AL, as evidenced by five no-hitters thrown during the '68 season: 163 Tom Phoebus Baltimore Orioles…
Kile, threw Astros no-hitter in '93, born 47 years ago today
Darryl Kile, who threw a no-hitter for the Houston Astros in 1993, was born 47 years ago today. Kile struck out nine while walking one in the Wednesday, September 8, 1993, game at the Astrodome in which the Astros won 7-1. Kile etired the first 10 Mets batters, but the New York Mets got their…
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The Blanco BL453364 Inset sink is part of the LIVIT range. It is 1000mm wide and will fit in a 600mm cabinet. It is made from Stainless Steel in a Brushed Steel finish and comes with a 25 Year guarantee for peace of mind.


Have you ever been to the gym or any exercise center?
If yes, then who can know it better than you that you can't build those pleasant muscles or even can't get fit by just buying those expensive proteins and supplements. You yourself need to involve into that core workout to earn those positive results. Am I right?
Indeed, you can't achieve anything until you put into your efforts and practice. Alike is the case with English, you can't buy confidence- you can only build it up, just like a muscle, over time.
So, if you genuinely struggle while speaking English and longing to learn English conversation to speak English like a native speaker then you landed the right article!
You can learn English speaking online with EngVarta- English speaking app in an entirely different though effective way. This is totally different from those English teaching institutes where you are made to learn the language.
But honestly, you don't need to learn the language, if you want to speak it and use it in your normal conversations. Here, using this English learning app, you can learn how to talk confidently by rehearsing English with experts anytime, anywhere on the Phone.
Want to learn more about this English practice app? Or want to take the first step to speak English confidently? Come forth now!


Maple syrup might be as iconic a Canadian food as Timbits, but the City of Toronto is discouraging residents from tapping, the process by which the sugary sap is procured. It's strange that the city would even weigh in on the issue; who has time to tap, then evaporate the sap, especially when maple syrup is one locavore-friendly food that is always available on grocery store shelves?
It turns out that enviro-activist Laura Reinsborough and her Not Far From the Tree initiative, which normally harvests fruit from backyards and the urban forest, wants to take up the task. Reinsborough, whose efforts made our list of Reasons to Love Toronto in 2009, has started the aptly named We'd Tap That project in the hopes that homeowners will offer five to 10 Norway maples for tapping; their sap will be collected and boiled down for a community party.
But, as the Toronto Star reports, the city's urban forestry department is turning down requests to tap in parks, citing the risk of damaging trees. Beth McEwen, the department's forest and natural environment manager, would "not encourage" sap tapping in backyards, either, and notes that people have to pay a fine when they damage a tree.
Though Reinsborough has already urged homeowners not to start tapping without "extensive research and proper training," we fear that the proof will be in the pudding. Much like homemade beer and wine, although it might be fun to make, for the sake of quality, making syrup might be better left to professionals.
I sure hope they're not interested in tapping Norway Maples—typically its Sugar Maples'(Acer saccharum)sap that is collected for Maple Syrup. And that's not because Norway Maples are a non-native, naturalized species. It's because Sugar Maples have a higher concentration of sugar in their sap. Means you have to boil off less water to get the sweet stuff.
Back when I lived in a house with many trees in the backyard, we tapped one of our big maples one year. No problem, the tree was fine and everything was good except that we burnt the sap in the slow cooker. If a homeowner wants to tap their own tree, let them!
Nope, I was wrong. Just spoke with Laura who confirmed that it is Norway Maples that they're interested in tapping. They're going to have to boil off more water, but given the ubiquity of Norway Maples in the city, they should have no difficulty finding trees—now if only the city was okay with the plan.
Jim and I were on vacation two years ago and learned a little about maple tapping from the owners of Sprague's Restaurant, where they tap trees in the surrounding area.
We bought a few spiles, came home and tapped the following winter. This year, we've expanded and are already planning the next year's expansion.
EXPERTS? If you can read, follow directions, and keep your canning area disinfected, you can bottle excellent syrup. I really get tired of the doomsdayers trying to dismay people with good common sense from enjoying the fruits of Nature!


Bonseki (盆石; lit., tray rocks) is the ancient Japanese art of creating miniature landscapes on black lacquer trays using white sand, pebbles, and small rocks. Small delicate tools are used in Bonseki such as feathers, small flax brooms, sifters, spoons and wood wedges.
The game involves a garden which needs to be planted full with flowers and vegetables. Placing these elements will generate so called "seki points". The more points you get, the more the garden will become green and will start to flourish!
You can play Bonseki online, by going to this URL: persistentrealities.com/other/bonseki/.
Currently we are redesigning the game to be more appropriate for mobile devices! Unfortunately in the past there was more "after working hours" time available than now, 5 years later. Yet I cannot wait to bring a smile to someone's face by having a big carrot with a carrot club in a game!


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Q: Why does using an older kernel version help with wifi I was wondering why when I use an older linux kernel version the Wifi drivers do not drop, but when I use the daily build or at least an up to date version they drop most frequently.

A: Daily upgrades are generally not considered stable or hardened.  This is true of pretty much all software not just Ubuntu.  Clearly, software that has only seen minimal testing for 24-odd hours is going to be buggier than the same release that has been exhaustively tested.
Daily updates are for the early adopters who don't mind dealing with problems, bugs, things that used to work and now don't.  Whether getting on the daily update treadmill works for you is a personal decision.  However, once you adopt a daily upgrade methodology it is usually quite difficult to get off of it.
For those users who want and need a hardened, stable platform to work with, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS is what they typically choose.  Updates are only added to the software update list after they have gone through regressive testing and have been tried out by a few early adopters.
The OP made a blanket statement inferring that wifi drivers in newer kernels do not work properly.  I don't believe this is true in most cases although depending on what wifi device the OP is using they may well have experienced instability after installing a daily upgrade now and then.