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Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Full Version Mobile Game
About the Ultimate Alliance
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action-role-playing video game for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It was developed by Raven Software and published in Activision. You can choose from more than twenty-two characters to form teams of four. Some characters may not be available at first and must be unlocked later. This allows you to create your own superhero teams or to recreate the famous teams in the magazines. If certain groups are formed (e.g.
The Avengers, Defenders and Fantastic Four, Marvel Knights, and X-Men are all available bonuses. There are also alternative endings that can be chosen depending on how many missions the player completes. You will also find trivia, artwork, and simulator discs, which allow you to unlock missions unrelated to the story. There are many costumes available for each character, which offer unique advantages.
How to download and install Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Click the button below to download. You will be redirected directly to the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance download page.
To complete your download, choose a mirror. If using a torrent download, you will first need to download uTorrent.
Once Marvel: Ultimate Alliance has finished downloading, extract the file using software such as WinRAR.
Start the game setup in the extracted folder. Then, install the game.
After the installation is completed, you can launch the game by using the shortcut on your desktop.
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Marvel: Ultimate Alliance APK Full Version Free Download (Oct 2021)
Beholder – Blissful Sleep APK Download Latest Version For Android
TURBO DISMOUNT APK Download Latest Version For Android


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Bills & Resolutions
Compiled Statutes
IL Constitution
Legislative Guide
Legislative Glossary
Search By Number
(example: HB0001)
Illinois Compiled Statutes
Back to Act Listing Public Acts Search Guide Disclaimer Printer-Friendly Version
Information maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Updating the database of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) is an ongoing process. Recent laws may not yet be included in the ILCS database, but they are found on this site as Public Acts soon after they become law. For information concerning the relationship between statutes and Public Acts, refer to the Guide.
Because the statute database is maintained primarily for legislative drafting purposes, statutory changes are sometimes included in the statute database before they take effect. If the source note at the end of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that has not yet taken effect, the version of the law that is currently in effect may have already been removed from the database and you should refer to that Public Act to see the changes made to the current law.
(820 ILCS 154/) Child Bereavement Leave Act.
820 ILCS 154/1
(820 ILCS 154/1)
Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Child Bereavement Leave Act.
(Source: P.A. 99-703, eff. 7-29-16.)
Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act:
"Child" means an employee's son or daughter who is a biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis.
"Department" means the Department of Labor.
"Employee" means eligible employee, as defined by Section 101(2) of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.).
"Employer" means employer, as defined by Section 101(4) of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.).
820 ILCS 154/10
(820 ILCS 154/10)
Sec. 10. Bereavement Leave.
(a) All employees shall be entitled to use a maximum of 2 weeks (10 work days) of unpaid bereavement leave to:
(1) attend the funeral or alternative to a funeral of
a child;
(2) make arrangements necessitated by the death of
the child; or
(3) grieve the death of the child.
(b) Bereavement leave under subsection (a) of this Section must be completed within 60 days after the date on which the employee receives notice of the death of the child.
(c) An employee shall provide the employer with at least 48 hours' advance notice of the employee's intention to take bereavement leave, unless providing such notice is not reasonable and practicable.
(d) An employer may require reasonable documentation. Documentation may include a death certificate, a published obituary, or written verification of death, burial, or memorial services from a mortuary, funeral home, burial society, crematorium, religious institution, or government agency.
(e) In the event of the death of more than one child in a 12-month period, an employee is entitled to up to a total of 6 weeks of bereavement leave during the 12-month period. This Act does not create a right for an employee to take unpaid leave that exceeds the unpaid leave time allowed under, or is in addition to the unpaid leave time permitted by, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.).
Sec. 15. Existing leave usable for bereavement. An employee who is entitled to take paid or unpaid leave (including family, medical, sick, annual, personal, or similar leave) from employment, pursuant to federal, State, or local law, a collective bargaining agreement, or an employment benefits program or plan may elect to substitute any period of such leave for an equivalent period of leave provided under Section 10.
Sec. 20. Unlawful employer practices. It is unlawful for any employer to take any adverse action against an employee because the employee (1) exercises rights or attempts to exercise rights under this Act, (2) opposes practices which such employee believes to be in violation of this Act, or (3) supports the exercise of rights of another under this Act.
Exercising rights under this Act includes filing an action or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act; providing or agreeing to provide any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this Act; or testifying to or agreeing to testify in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this Act.
Sec. 25. Department responsibilities.
(a) The Department shall administer and enforce this Act and adopt rules under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act for the purpose of this Act. The Department shall have the powers and the parties shall have the rights provided in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act for contested cases. The Department shall have the power to conduct investigations in connection with the administration and enforcement of this Act, including the power to conduct depositions and discovery and to issue subpoenas. If the Department finds cause to believe that this Act has been violated, the Department shall notify the parties in writing and the matter shall be referred to an Administrative Law Judge to schedule a formal hearing in accordance with hearing procedures established by rule.
(b) The Department is authorized to impose civil penalties prescribed in Section 30 in administrative proceedings that comply with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and to supervise the payment of the unpaid wages and damages owing to the employee or employees under this Act. The Department may bring any legal action necessary to recover the amount of unpaid wages, damages, and penalties, and the employer shall be required to pay the costs. Any sums recovered by the Department on behalf of an employee under this Act shall be paid to the employee or employees affected. However, 20% of any penalty collected from the employer for a violation of this Act shall be deposited into the Child Bereavement Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury, and used for the enforcement of this Act.
(c) The Attorney General may bring an action to enforce the collection of any civil penalty imposed under this Act.
Sec. 30. Enforcement.
(a) An employee who believes his or her rights under this Act or any rule adopted under this Act have been violated may, within 60 days after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought, file a complaint with the Department or file a civil action.
(b) An employer that violates any provision of this Act or any rule adopted under this Act is subject to a civil penalty for each employee affected as follows:
(1) first offense, a civil penalty not to exceed $500;
(2) second or subsequent offense, a civil penalty not
to exceed $1,000.
(c) A civil action may be brought in the circuit court by an employee to enforce this Act. The circuit court may enjoin any act or practice that violates or may violate this Act and may order any other equitable relief that is necessary and appropriate to redress the violation or to enforce the Act.
Sec. 95. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 99-703, eff. 7-29-16; text omitted.)
Sec. 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Manulife Bank of Toronto has begun a new campaign called "Uncover the Mortgage Truth." It is intended to alter consumer perception of "what a mortgage can and should be." It is aimed primarily at consumers who are due to renew a mortgage. The national digital campaign includes an online video filmed in the style of a thriller. It promotes the bank's Manulife One product, which combines a mortgage, line of credit and bank account.


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Lisa Wells
More Stunning Photos That Bring Burning Man to Life
Lisa Wells | January 03, 2021
In our second edition of Burning Man Photos, we will try our best to portray a scenic picture so you can feel like you were really there! As we've already mentioned, Burning..
Lisa Wells | December 29, 2020
How to Spot an American Tourist Abroad
So, you're an American? If your reaction is, "How did you know?" scroll down for the surefire, tell-tale signs that most commonly divulge your national heritage while..
A Blast Into the Past: Swell '' Fun Facts
"Leave it to Beaver" is like a nice big slice of Americana pie. It's a blast to the past, back to the "good old days." At the time the sitcom was released, the economy..
All-Time FLOTUS Fashions – the First Ladies That Made America Look Beautiful
The style and etiquette of the First Lady of the United States captivate the nation with each elected president. As the president's wife, she is meticulously scrutinized and..
The NFL's Most Overrated Quarterbacks
What is an overrated quarterback? It's a good question. We hear the term thrown around in the sporting world quite a bit these days, so much so, it borders on cliché. But..
The Dark Times of 'Grey's Anatomy'
TV's longest-running primetime series has one of television's most dysfunctional showrooms, with behind-the-scenes theatrics that cast a dark shadow over Grey's Anatomy..
50 of Hollywood's Worst Acting Performances Ever
We don't go to the movies to watch an actor butcher his lines and ruin the entire film, but it happens more often than you'd think. Sometimes a performance is so bad,..
The Stars of 7th Heaven – Where Are They Now?
No matter how old you were when "7th-Heaven" aired, the Camdens indeed made their way into your hearts. The hour-long drama was the corner-stone of The CW. The show chronicled..
The American Gladiators: Who They Are and Why They're So Iconic
When American Gladiators premiered on television in 1989, sports and entertainment were forever changed. Forging a brand-new genre, The weekly program hosted elite American..
Celebs Who Keep Their Friends Close and Their Enemies Closer
Celebrity besties are like snapshots of Hollywood at its finest. Whether they are sharing their love on Instagram or on the set of their latest gig, it's heartwarming and..


This new book, collecting and integrating a wiede range of materials into a coherent whole, provides a long-awaited key to engaging this revolutionary new vision and to unlocking the treasures it holds.
Inside Knowledge by Jack Petranker 225 pages In 1977, the Tibetan Lama Tarthang Tulku presented to the world a new vision of reality, based on time, space and knowledge as the three facets of being. This vison was a response to the unique qualities and challenges of this troubled age.


Barbara Nash has been doing a wonderful job of bringing flowers to church each week, and we are very grateful to her, and to other people who have helped from time to time.
Barbara would now like to set up a rota, so that other people can take a turn in bringing flowers. You don't have to be a great flower arranger – a bunch in a vase is all that's needed – and you can do it as often or as little as you like. If you can possibly help, even if it's only a couple of times a year, please see Barbara.


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University of Alberta: Hon. Murray Sinclair to receive honorary degree from U of A
The Honourable Murray Sinclair, the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba and the driving force behind the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, will deliver the commencement address virtually to graduands as part of the University of Alberta's fall convocation ceremony to be held Nov. 19. Sinclair is Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation.
"On behalf of the University of Alberta Senate and all members of our university community, I'm so pleased that the Honourable Murray Sinclair has accepted an honorary degree from the U of A," said chancellor Peggy Garritty.
"His impact, not only for Indigenous Peoples but for all Canadians, is profound and will last for generations to come. To me, his spirit name — Mizhana Gheezhik (The One Who Speaks With Pictures) — captures perfectly the way he has been able, through words, stories and actions, to paint a picture of how we face the truth and pursue a path to true reconciliation."
Since graduating from law school at the University of Manitoba in 1979, Sinclair has been a fixture of Manitoba's justice system. He began his legal journey as a lawyer representing Indigenous clients before being named associate chief judge of Manitoba's Provincial Court and as a justice of the Court of Queen's Bench. He was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and the second in Canada.
In 2000, he was appointed to lead the Manitoba Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Inquest, a five-year inquest into the shocking deaths of 12 babies who underwent cardiac surgery in 1994 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. Sinclair's report identified two culprits: systemic problems in the running of the hospital and the inexperienced surgeon.
Still, Sinclair's greatest achievement was still to come. In 2009, he took over as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Under his guidance, the commission spent six years travelling the country, hearing from 6,000 witnesses to the devastating impact of Indian residential schools in Canada. In 2015, the commission released 94 calls to action for individuals, governments, school and university systems, libraries and museums, health-care systems, vital statistics agencies, sports organizations, businesses and churches to do their part to achieve reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Sinclair retired from the bench in 2016 and was appointed to the Senate that same year.
After retiring from the Senate in early 2021, he returned to the practice of law and mentoring young lawyers.
Sinclair will receive an honorary degree, the university's highest honour, at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
University of California, Davis: Faculty Member Examines Black Suburbs
University of Alberta: Infections from respiratory viruses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, researchers find
New Membership Partnership celebrated by Gannon and Erie Art Museum
Gannon University partners with Key Arts Productions
Gannon University's Project Aims Holistic Approach to Water Quality, Climate…
Gannon University Opens Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional Development…


Cave park Grabovača offers visitors of the park professional guiding by its professional staff.
Departure at the entrance of the Cave park Grabovača - general information about the park, walk to the archeological sites chapel Saint John and to the Medina cave, stopping at "Mehina draga" – talking about history of this area, passage through area "of the former cave" with clearly visible parts of the cave formations on the surface, stop at the "hunting shooting stand" talk about the flora and fauna of this area, walk to the river Lika - talk about Lika - the second largest underground river in Croatia - free time for lunch, swimming, fishing or just enjoying nature.
The entire tour lasts approx. 2.5 - 3 h, length – 3km.
- forestry-biological-cultural-geological trail. It is located on the hill Grabovača. 20 educational panels are located on the trail which tell us about natural, cultural, and historical significances of this area. As part of the trail there is the viewpoint "VIDIKOVAC" located on the top of the Grabovača hill.
From the top of the Grabovača hill, located at 770m above sea level, during clear weather, you can experience a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Gospić, mountain Velebit, river Lika, villages Klanac and Pazarišta and also you can see the surrounding peaks Metlača and Sklopača.
Walk along the trail lasts about 1,5-2 hours and it is 3,5 km long.
Inside the borders of the significant landscape is old town Perušić whose site, called Vrhovina in Buška parish, was mentioned in distant 1071. In the past two years with the archaeological excavations, archaeologists collected valuable movable archaeological material, which testifies that the fortification of the old town Perušić is one of the few in this area that survived the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century.
Only 50 m northwest from the old town is the medieval and Gothic Church of the Holy Cross, whose uniqueness, among other things, is the fact that the Turks during their rule turned the church into a mosque.
Educational trail Following the footsteps of Mirko Malez is approximately 2 km long. It connects hills Šutića vrh and Grabovača. On the relatively small area there are five caves, and this trail's goal is introducing visitors to the history of speleology development in Croatia and to speleology impact of Mirko Malez which begun back in 1946. Educational trail will lead you through the forest and forest slopes, past all of the caves where you can read about each cave and its history. Hiking is, no matter what's the season, the best way to dive into the relaxed environment of this area. You will tire your body but rest your mind and, we hope, feel at least one piece of the passion towards caves and speleology – like Mirko Malez felt for his whole life.


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Mambo é o termo feminino (em oposição ao hungã, ou masculino) utilizado para um Sumo Sacerdote no Vodu haitiano religião no Haiti. Eles são o posto mais alto do clero, na religião, cuja responsabilidade é de preservar os rituais e canções, e manter o relacionamento entre os espíritos e a comunidade como um todo (embora uma parte deste é da responsabilidade de toda a comunidade também). Eles são encarregados de liderar o serviço de todos os espíritos de sua linhagem.

 Fundamentos de enfermagem, Por Patricia Ann Potter, Anne Griffin Perry
 The Complete Book of Spells, Ceremonies, and Magic, Por Migene González-Wippler

Ligações externas
Nganga Kiyangala Congo religion in Cuba
African Intellectual Heritage: A Book of Sources By Molefi K. Asante, Abu Shardow Abarry ISBN 1566394031
THE STORY OF ZOMBI IN HAITI
The African Religions of Brazil: Toward a Sociology of the Interpenetration  By Roger Bastide ISBN 0801886244
An Anthology of Kongo Religion

Sacerdotes do vodu haitiano

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Observation - Common Hawker Dragonfly (female) - UK and Ireland. Description: Brown bodied dragonfly with greenish yellow spots on body. This was flying around on a Harris croft, settling on anything - I have some great shots of it resting on my husband's forehead, later it was sitting on my arm.
Brown bodied dragonfly with greenish yellow spots on body. This was flying around on a Harris croft, settling on anything - I have some great shots of it resting on my husband's forehead, later it was sitting on my arm.


All of my photographs are the symbol of the struggle.
where the people have to struggle to fulfill their basic needs.
So they dont get enough chance to enjoy entertainment.
participating both man and women.


text:
Alaskan Bush People cast Net Worth and Salary. Check out Brown Family's Net Worth.
sly fox August 25, 2018 Reality Stars No Comments
Alaskan Bush people is an American reality documentary series that focuses on the lives of Billy Brown and his wife Ami Brown together with their extended family. The television series first premiered on Discovery Channel on 14th May 2014. The Brown Family is unlike any other in America. They live in locations far removed from civilization in the remote areas of Alaska. The documentary is filmed on location at Hoonah, Alaska. It showcases the family traveling to different locations in Alaska building temporary shelters and building new homes. The series has accrued seven seasons so far and is due for an eighth on 19th August 2018.
We try to focus on the net worth of the family, be it the family wealth, the individual wealth of the cast and other assets that they possess.
Billy Brown Net Worth and Salary
Billy Brown is the main character of the show as it is centered on his family. Brown was born on 3rd of December 1952 in Fort Worth, Texas in a somewhat wealthy family but lost his family at a young age and he claims that it was then that he learned and developed a sense of survival.
He came to limelight when discovery channel noticed his family after the home he had established got demolished by authorities on the precipice that it was on public property. As a consequence, the show first airs as they travel across the Alaskan wilderness trying to find a new home and that's the onset of the show.
When it comes to the net worth of the cast, there is a lot of controversy about their wealth. In as much as the show is based on their secluded life in the wilderness without electricity, they lost a lot of their fans who believe that their real life is not as depicted in the series.
Billy Brown net worth is estimated to be around more than $500,000. This revenue is from his earnings as the leading actor on the reality show The Alaskan Bush People. He is also the author of over fifty books, most famous of which include One Wave at a Time published in September of 2007, way before he started the show and The Lost Years, released in January of 2009.
Billy Brown net worth is $500,000
Ami Brown Net Worth and Salary
Ami Brown is the Matriarch of the family. She and Billy Brown got married in 1979 and had seven children together. She rose to fame through the television series she co-cast with her husband, Billy Brown. Ami Brown has a net worth of $500,000 same as her husband's. Her source of wealth is mainly from her career in the limelight. The show, Alaskan Bush People has run for seven seasons, and thus it suffices the net worth.
Ami Brown net worth is $500,000
Gabe Brown Net Worth and Salary
Gabe Brown is the fourth born son of the Brown Family. The hardworking fellow is principled and always wears a smile on his face. He is an excellent painter and draws realistic versions of animals and the world around him. He also has fluency in star sign language. The 28-year-old has a net worth of $150,000 majorly amassed from his role in the television series.
Gabe Brown net worth is $150,000
Rain Brown Net Worth and Salary
Rain Brown, born Merry Christmas Katherine Raindrop Brown is the youngest of the Brown family. Over the period of casting, she has shown that she possesses lots of talent which include reading, sculpting, and Music. Rain plays the Ukulele. Rain Brown receives compensation ranging $8000 to $15,000 per episode. She is a strong little angel, owing to the fact that she has been able to survive the sub-zero temperatures and the extreme climatic conditions.
Rain Brown net worth is unavailable
Joshua Brown Net Worth and Salary
Joshua is the second oldest son of the Brown family. He is one of the most popular siblings in the show mainly due to his personality. He loves reading, hunting, and fishing and has an interest in electronics. "Bam Bam" as he is also known, is very solitary unlike his other siblings and likes to do things on his own. These qualities make him loveable amongst fans of the show. His estimated net worth is around $300,000 mainly from the show and a handsome annual salary. He found love with one of the producers of the show called Allison and as a result left the show, and lives in the city with his girlfriend.
Joshua 'Bam Bam' Brown net worth is $300,000
Snowbird Brown Net Worth and Salary
She is the first daughter of the Brown family. Snowbird is a keen lover of outdoor activities and spends most of her time outside. She loves fishing and mountain climbing as seen in the show. Also, she is a pet lover and has a host of pets including Cats, Dogs, Frogs and red-eared slider turtles. The 24-year-old has an estimated net worth of $100,000 which is amassed from the proceeds she gets from the show. She receives an annual salary of $60,000.
Snowbird Brown net worth is $100,000
Noah Brown Net Worth and Salary
Noah Darkcloud Brown is the youngest son of the Brown family. He is more of a dreamer and the inventor of the family because he likes tweaking machinery to see the mechanisms behind their working. Also, Brown has a girlfriend in Rhain Alicia with whom he has a committed relationship. Noah has an estimated net worth of $90,000 and earns an annual salary of $65,000 from the show.
Noah Brown net worth is $90,000
Bear Brown Net Worth and Salary
Bear Brown is the third son of the Brown family. He is most famous for is radicle approach to life. It is befitting to say that Bear has a unique perception of life. If he is not riding is arctic snow machine, he is hunting game for the family, and things like girlfriend or relationship issues make his net worth all the more prestigious than the rest of his siblings. Bear Brown has a net worth of $160,000.
Bear Brown net worth is $160,000
Matt Brown Net Worth and Salary
Matt Brown is the eldest son of the Brown Family and most famous for his verbal behavior and controversies. He used to have a girlfriend with whom she has two children. Currently, he is in no relationship. Matt Brown like his sister Rain has a net worth of $100,000 amassed mainly from his acting role in the television series and an excellent annual salary.
Matt Brown net worth is $100,000
Jewel Kilcher Net Worth, Family, Siblings, Dating, Husband, Married, Wiki
Mountain Men Cast Net Worth and Salary 2019: Wiki-Bio. Know How Much the Cast Earns?
August Kilcher Biography, College, Family, Wiki, Mother, Net Worth
sly fox


1. Tell me how you got involved in your business? I was introduced to Lilla Rose when I won a flexi clip in a giveaway on one of my favorite youtube channels. I received it and fell in love with it. I checked out the company and joined very soon after that.
A day in my life, at this point in my busines, consists of contacting people via email, facebook and sometimes by phone. I post specials on my business page and answer questions and emails. At this point, I haven't done any live shows, but that is in the near future.
4. What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face? There are not a whole lot of challenges with Lilla Rose. It might be challening if you are afraid to talk to people, but even that is easily overcome after a little while.
Before I started with Lilla Rose I was, and still am, an empty nester and stay at home wife. I am still able to be the keeper of the home and work with this company effortlessly.
Lilla Rose is a very small (but growing) company based in California. We offer many different styles of hair accessories from the flexi clip to hair sticks to bobbie pins. Incredibly well made, beautiful and durable.
My favorite part of working from home is the fact that I can get my most important work done, that of the work of keeping the home, and also work with Lilla Rose. One does not conflict with the other. I can do my work from most anywhere. Even standing in line at the post office has resulted in interest when someone sees a flexi clip in my hair.
8. What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth? Lilla Rose is coming out with new styles constantly. There is a new style of flexi every single month, along with season items as well. The growth potential is amazing, and my plans for the next few years are to have a team put together that love each other and we all help each other reach our goals.
9. What do you feel is your greatest sales accomplishment and when/why did it happen? My greatest accomplishment doesn't really have to do with sales. It has more to do with helping and caring for my customers. There is a real need for these hair products that don't give you headaches and hold better than anything out there, and that don't break and have to be replaced over and over. When I help these women (and even some men) discover the one that is right for them, and the look on their face of surprise and gratitude, that is the biggest accomplishment.
10. How do you balance client expectations versus real expectations? How do you handle it when they are too high? There isn't a big gap between expectations and reality with Lilla Rose. Normally, their expectations are far exceeded once they get a flexi in their hair and feel for themselves how wonderful it is.
11. Pretend I'm a prospect and give me an example of a pitch of a product or service you are selling? This is a flexi clip! It is made with piano wire so it is super durable. Also, the pin that holds it in your hair is attached to the clip so no more losing it or looking everywhere for it! It holds the heaviest hair without leaving you with a headache, and also holds the thinnest hair without slipping. Not only functional but also beautiful! There are dozens of styles and 7 different sizes to choose from. From holiday styles to your everyday.
13. Tell Us about your company, how it started, products you offer?
Lilla Rose, Inc. is based out of La Habra, California. The founder is John Dorsey and his wife Missy, and the company is named after their daughters. They offer hair accessories including flexi clips, hair bands, hair sticks, u pins, bobbie pins and also badge clips.
The best seller for Lilla Rose is without a doubt the flexi clip. It is the flagship product of the company and comes in dozens of styles and 7 sizes. Also for left and right handed people.
15. How do you feel your product or services can benefit others? These products benefit women, men and children by offering beautiful and well made hair accessories that won't hurt or leave them with a headache.
The first thing I ask them is if I can borrow their hair! They usually say yes and then I proceed to demonstrate the flexi clip right to them in their own hair.
Social media is crucial, especially to those of us who don't do many shows or opportunity to do much face to face contact.
18. How do you handle irate clients/customers? To date, I have never had an irate customer, but I would do whatever it takes to satisfy their issue. Whether it is an exchange or refund or anything that can be done.
19. Whats worse not reaching a goal every month or not having happy customers? Not having happy customers is absolutely the worst! If they are not happy, they will not be repeat customers and they won't tell their family and friends about our wonderful products.
20. If you were a potential client/customer what would you want to hear about your business, products or services? I would want to hear that the product is safe, durable and provides a service which is everything that Lilla Rose is about.
23. Please tell us anything you feel is important for others to know about your business or services. Feel to share any information that might would help others decide to join you or purchase from you. Lilla Rose is a wonderful family owned and run business. The products are top notch and the customer service is second to none. The consultants are treated like royalty and the company helps them succeed at every level.
25. Is there anything else you would like to add about your business, services or products? Lilla Rose is a wonderful company with fantastic products that you are proud to sell and even give away to family and friends.


text:
using NetFxTest;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
using System.Text;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

namespace NetFxConsole
{
    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            Test test = new Test();
            //test.AutoTest();
            test.Run();

            Console.ReadKey(true);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Home Materials Shrimp shopping bags could prevent plastics pollution, suggests research
Shrimp shopping bags could prevent plastics pollution, suggests research
by John Carlon
Bioengineers at The University of Nottingham are experimenting with shrimp shells to make biodegradable carrier bags and packaging material.
An expert in testing materials, Dr Nicola Everitt, from the Faculty of Engineering at Nottingham, is leading the research together with academics at Nile University in Egypt.
The engineers hope the 'green' alternative to oil-based plastics will reduce pollution in Egypt, as the country struggles with effective waste management.
"Non-degradable plastic packaging is causing environmental and public health problems in Egypt, including contamination of water supplies, which particularly affects living conditions of the poor," said Dr Everitt.
Natural biopolymer products made from plants are a popular 'green' alternative, but with Egypt's agricultural focus on food crops, material production is less viable.
The research aims to turn shrimp shells, which are a part of Egypt's waste problem, into the solution.
Stock shrimps
Dr Everitt said: "Use of a degradable biopolymer made of prawn shells for carrier bags would lead to lower carbon emissions and reduce food and packaging waste accumulating in the streets. It could also make exports more acceptable to a foreign market within a 10-15-year time frame. All priorities at a national level in Egypt."
The shrimp shell derivative, Chitosan, will be used to make a nanocomposite material which is degradable, affordable and suitable for shopping bags and food packaging.
Chitosan is a man-made polymer made from the organic compound chitin, which is extracted from shrimp shells, first using acid (to remove the calcium carbonate 'backbone') and then alkali (to produce long molecular chains which make up the biopolymer). The dried chitosan flakes are then dissolved in solution and a polymer film is made by conventional processing techniques.
The project is sponsored by the Newton Fund and the Newton-Mosharafa Fund grant and is one of 13 Newton-funded collaborations for The University of Nottingham. The collaborations, which are designed to tackle community issues through science, are linking projects in Brazil, Egypt, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The University of Nottingham Featured Environment Packaging
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Home-HomeLift News-Why Choose HomeLift When You Need a Stairlift?
At HomeLift our team prides themselves on serving our clients from the first phone call, through the installation, warranty follow-up's and service calls.
Return label postcards are given out by the HomeLift team. Clients then send in their reviews to Rich Eller, President of HomeLift. Why? Because Rich and the team value excellence in all areas. If there is a problem or concern, you can have the satisfaction that you will be heard.
If HomeLift can help you, or a family member with installing a stairlift, or other home accessibility products, call us today 877-643-6210 or click here to fill out a contact form.


As many as 500 babies are born each month in our Maternity Centre.
Facilities: Out-Patients Department, Ultra-sound Room, Delivery room, Operating Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, 2 Wards, Nursery, Storage rooms, Office. The Maternity Centre utilises medical facilities and domestic services present in EMERGENCY's Medical and Surgical Centre.
In 2003 EMERGENCY opened a Maternity Centre in Anabah, Afghanistan, to provide antenatal, gynaecological, obstetric, and neonatal care to the population of the Panjshir Valley and the surrounding provinces.
The Centre provides free-of-charge, high-quality healthcare in an area with one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Over the years we have won the trust of local Afghans, who are more and more convinced every day of the importance of specialised maternal healthcare. As many as 500 babies are now born every month at the Maternity Centre – that's almost 17 a day. The Centre's services are in high demand, but not only from local women; 77% of patients admitted come from outside the local province, Panjshir. In addition, the number of newborn babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit has been steadily increasing in recent years; currently there is an average of 170 admissions each month.
For every 100,000 live births in Afghanistan, about 400 mothers will die. Though this maternal mortality ratio is a fraction of its earlier levels, it is still one of the highest in the world. But here's the thing: most of these deaths are preventable. One of the major reasons they continue to happen is because women don't have access to specialised maternal healthcare. That's why EMERGENCY's Maternity Centre is open 24/7, and is always free-of-charge.
To provide access to women living in more remote areas, EMERGENCY has also created a network of First Aid Posts (FAPs) and Primary Health Clinics (PHCs) spread over the Panjshir Valley and the surrounding provinces. Through these, international and national midwives monitor pregnancies of local women, and refer those who are in need of further check-ups to the Maternity Centre. These patients are transported in EMERGENCY's ambulances which operate around the clock. This network guarantees prompt, high-quality medical assistance to pregnant women and their babies living in remote areas. 5,879 consultations were performed in the FAPs and PHCs, and 592 of these women were referred to EMERGENCY's Maternity Centre in 2015.
Furthermore, to provide assistance to the many women who still prefer to give birth at home, a Childbirth Education Programme was initiated in late 2005 with the distribution of sanitary kits to improve hygiene and prevent infection.
However, EMERGENCY's Maternity Centre in Anabah is more than just a hospital. It's also a place for empowering local women. The 62 national staff employed and trained at the Maternity Centre are exclusively women: 27 nurses, 21 midwives, 2 junior gynaecologists and 12 non-medical staff. Our national staff are trained and supervised by international staff, who provide them with theoretical and practical training. In all EMERGENCY facilities the provision of on-the-job training is essential to allow staff to improve their skills. The Maternity Centre provides training in midwifery and nursing, and has been recognised as a national training centre for specialisation in gynaecology by the Afghan Ministry of Health.
The constant increase in the number of deliveries and admissions at the Maternity Centre shows that there's a gap not covered yet by the public health system. That's why EMERGENCY is expanding the Maternity Centre. The final goal is to be able to achieve 7,000 deliveries per year, with a monthly average of about 600.
The building is being constructed in a sustainable fashion, using locally sourced materials, employing Afghan tradesmen, and contributing to the region's economy.
This expansion won't only increase the Centre's capacity to provide antenatal, gynaecological, obstetric and neonatal care to the population of Panjshir Valley and the surrounding provinces. It will also facilitate the activities of the professional training of Afghan residents coming from both the Panjshir Valley and any other Afghan region, by providing a new guesthouse for them to stay in.


We went to the snow last week and returned later than expected yesterday. (Hence, the delayed post – sorry!) I'm happy to report that the trip was relaxing, fun and exactly what I needed to recharge. (Even though I couldn't have told you that I needed to recharge, let alone what I needed to do to recharge, before the trip.) There was time with family, friends, my camera and wine. The perfect blend of quiet time and active time. Ahhh….
And to make up for the late post, here are a three of my favorite (non-people, non-action) snow photos from the trip to share with you.
We arrived at night. The next morning we awoke to see this cute little guy guarding our cabin.
I couldn't resist photographing these winter shadows on the new snow.
Our view while we snowshoe.


If you google "Jesus' birthdate," you will find dates of March to September. We happen to celebrate it during winter, perhaps to counteract the winter blahs in the more important half of the hemisphere.
What this means is that I personally dread holiday travel, because it has been known to snow in many parts of the world, and I have no desire to get stuck in some airport like many Europeans this season, just so I can pig out on a meat I'm not crazy about and blab with a family I'm also not thrilled about.
So it's time to either start a trend of virtual Christmases – where we can wish each other well and pig out via Live Messenger or Skype, and avoid the snarl of the opposite of a warm, cuddly Christmas.


Gaylord Opryland Resort is a multi-faceted accommodation and entertainment complex in Nashville, Tennessee. Visitors come for the musical performances at the Grand Old Opry, but the resort offers more than just music. Among the attractions and activities available at this Gaylord Resort are a golf course, a spa, a nightclub, river excursions, restaurants and lounges. Many visitors enjoy the shopping opportunities around the Opryland Resort.
You don't have to leave the hotel to go shopping, since it has stores and boutiques on site. Most of your shopping opportunities are in the Magnolia and Delta Island sections of the resort. In Magnolia, Cowboys and Angels offers glittery rhinestone country and western attire, and the Sees Candies store provides decadent chocolate confections and other goodies. You will find Sunny G, a children's souvenir shop and The Perfect Tee T-shirt shop in the Delta Island.
Combine your shopping with a trip down memory lane. Across the street from the hotel, the Willie Nelson General Store houses a country music museum at the back of the extensive souvenir and gift shop. See the memorabilia and photographs of country music's giants and relive golden moments from the past with a tour of the museum. Souvenirs in the shop out front include T-shirts, specially jarred jams and jellies, cups and mugs, cowboy hats, bandanas, post cards and attire for the entire family.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, approximately a mile from the resort, combines a rustic, home-style restaurant with a country store that sells everything from candy to jarred goods to decorative and functional household items. The general store has specialty packaged food items such as pancake mixes, coffee, sauces and syrups. It also has toys from the past, cookbooks and a selection of DVDs. Shop until you drop and then you can rest for a while in a rocking chair on the old-fashioned front porch.
Fans of the old television program, Dukes of Hazzard, will enjoy shopping in Cooter's general store. Also a museum of Duke memorabilia, the facility offers T-shirts and hoodies, hats, bumper stickers, John Deere products and toy replicas of the stunt-performing General Lee car as well as Daisy's jeep. It also offers a large selection of decorative car tags, belt buckles, Dukes of Hazzard mugs, mason jars with handles and iced tea glasses.
Kate, Nannie. "Shopping Around Gaylord Opryland Resort." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/shopping-around-gaylord-opryland-resort-37664.html. Accessed 18 April 2019.


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(-) Council Special Report
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Strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime
Overview Nuclear technology has long been recognized as capable of both tremendous benefits and tremendous destruction. With this in mind, countries have devised international arrangements intende…
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Overview When NATO's founding members signed the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949, they declared themselves "resolved to unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation o…
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Justice Beyond The Hague
Overview When the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established more than twenty years ago, the international community had little experience prosecuting the per…
Council Special Report by David Kaye, John B. Bellinger III, and Matthew C. Waxman
The Russian Economic Crisis
Overview Nearly two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, the character of Russia, its principal successor state, remains unresolved. So, too, does the character of Russia's relationship wit…
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Avoiding Conflict in the Horn of Africa
Overview The greater Horn of Africa—including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda—is a region of strategic importance. It is also a region in crisis. Avoiding Conflic…
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Reform of the International Monetary Fund
Overview The International Monetary Fund's purpose and scope of work have changed dramatically since its founding after World War II. Whereas at first the Fund aimed to maintain monetary and ex…
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Partners in Preventive Action
Overview The unipolar moment, to the extent it ever existed, has now truly passed. The United States is part of a globalized world, in which the flows of goods, finance, people, and much more conn…
Council Special Report by Paul B. Stares and Micah Zenko Center for Preventive Action
Strategic Stability in the Second Nuclear Age
The world has entered a second nuclear age shaped by rising nuclear states and military technologies. Gregory Koblentz argues that the United States should work with the other nuclear-armed states to manage threats to nuclear stability in the near term and establish processes for multilateral arms control efforts over the longer term.
Council Special Report by Gregory D. Koblentz
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Overview The Internet, since its debut in 1989, has revolutionized commerce, communication, military action, and governance. Much of the modern world is simply inconceivable without it. This revol…
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Foreign Investment and National Security
Overview The Dubai Ports World controversy has shed light on the tensions between Congress and the executive branch over the appropriate balance between foreign investment and national security. …
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Operators of a California-based student loan and mortgage debt relief organization have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they scammed millions of dollars out of consumers by falsely portraying themselves as affiliates with the federal government.
A1 Doc Prep Inc., Steamlined Marketing, and their owner, Homan Ardalan, falsely claimed to be from the Department of Education, and promised to forgive borrower's student loans. The defendants also promised to reduce borrower's monthly mortgage payments.
The FTC initially filed a complaint in October 2017 against the Los Angeles-based operators. The Federal Trade Commission also alleged the defendants targeted distressed and vulnerable homeowners by making false guarantees that they would provide mortgage relief and prevent foreclosure. Defendants allegedly collected advance fees of up to roughly $5,000, in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and Mortgage Assistance Relief Service Rule.
Under the settlement order, A1 Doc Prep Inc., Steamlined Marketing, and their owner are prohibited from debt relief and telemarketing activities. The defendants are also banned from making misrepresentations or unsubstantiated claims related to financial or other products or services.
The defendants are also banned from collecting and profiting from customers' personal information. The order, issued by the FTC, includes a judgment of more than $9 million, representing gross revenues of the defendants unlawful operation, minus refunds. Due to inability to pay, the order partially suspends the monetary judgment. Monetary judgment will commence after defendants turn over all of their assets, which is approximately $305,000.
Bloom Law Group (also doing business as Home Shielf Network and Keep Your Home USA) was also a defendant who participated in the scheme to defraud thousands of consumers. However, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with their organization earlier this year. Similarly to recent settlements, Bloom Law Group was also unable to pay. They turned over all of their assets, totaling $54,000.


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BWW Media Group / Exploring the limits of the public cloud
Exploring the limits of the public cloud
Here's a cautionary tale about putting one's eggs in even a very big basket: A global Google Cloud outage on Monday brought down Google services ranging from Gmail to YouTube to Google Workspace. In the process, the 50-minute-long failure — which the company has blamed on a problem with its automated storage management — brought to a screeching halt businesses that rely on the public cloud for their data resources.
Along the way, it may have inspired your buyers to think again about their own cloud choices. That's a conversation you should be ready to have.
Public cloud services — which include Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services as well as Google Cloud Platform and a slew of more-specialized offerings — have plenty of advantages that appeal especially to smaller businesses. Because these big companies handle all the computing from their end, companies don't have to shell out for hardware of their own. For modest, prices, they can take advantage of services such as computing power, infrastructure, storage space, applications and more. These capabilities are immensely scalable, so organizations can increase their capacity along with demand simply by paying a larger increment to the provider.
By contrast, a private cloud is used exclusively by a single organization. It may be physically located at the organization's own datacenter or it can be hosted by a third-party service provider.
Google, Microsoft and Amazon all offer virtual private clouds, which runs an organization's capabilities on a distinct, software-defined set of virtual machines and communications channels. These VPCs do offer more security, flexibility and stability (at a higher price) — but ultimately, they all are subsets of the providers' public cloud environments.
A true private cloud requires the infrastructure and personnel overhead of a dedicated physical datacenter — and it comes with its own set of disaster recovery and business continuity concerns that depend on how well that datacenter is reinforced against mishap and equipped to fail over if the worst does happen.
Because of this set of advantages and disadvantages, many organizations have opted for hybrid cloud solutions, which combine a private cloud with one or several public-cloud services.
A hybrid cloud dissipates the risk of relying on public cloud services at a lower price point than an exclusive private cloud, and it also can absorb short-term spikes in data demand. To many users, it represents the best of both worlds.
Bottom line: Cloud computing is going to be a factor in the IT infrastructure of all but the smallest specialist companies. The Google outage was a wake-up call that cloud resources aren't all the same, and that your buyers need your perspective to help ensure that they're making the base choices for their business.
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WDCEP Explores Digital DC Tech Opportunity Corridor
Written by WDCEP on July 2, 2014
July 2, 2014 — Last month, the WDCEP and District Government officials hosted a DC Space Finding Tour of Georgia Avenue and neighborhoods of Ward 4. In addition to showcasing real estate developments and available spaces for local and national entrepreneurs along Georgia Avenue and throughout Ward 4, the tour prominently featured Digital DC's recently announced tech startup incentives for the Digital DC Tech Opportunity Corridor.
[flickr-gallery mode="photoset" photoset="72157645399108685″]
DigitalDC is a marketing and branding campaign run by the Deputy Mayor's Office of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) aimed at spurring further growth in the booming DC tech community. The Digital DC initiative highlights the growing number of District-based tech companies, provides the best resources to cultivate digital companies relocating and developing in the District and supplies job and training opportunities.
The Digital DC Tech Opportunity Corridor is a designated area, spanning nearly three miles of the 7th Street/Georgia Avenue corridor, which has been identified to bolster the District's burgeoning technology sector. Through the Digital DC Technology Fund, early and growth stage tech startups that locate within the boundaries of the Digital DC Tech Opportunity Corridor can apply for up to $1 million in non-dilutive grants, ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. The fund will provide grant awardees with the training, access to networks, capital, and resources they need to excel.
This DC Space Finding Tour highlighted developments and leasable spaces ranging from retail to office to industrial in the neighborhoods along 7th Street, NW, Georgia Avenue and Ward 4. Attendees learned about the great opportunities for growth first-hand from WeWork and iStrategyLabs at The Wonder Bread Building, the Walter Reed redevelopment project, Busboys & Poets' Andy Shallal's upcoming restaurant at Takoma Central, and Lowe Enterprises' regarding their Fort Totten Square project.
Visit the DC Space Finding Tour page for the handout from the latest Georgia Avenue/Ward 4 tour as well as all of the past tours!
DC Space Finding Tour: Georgia Avenue from Washington, DC Economic Partnership


Tributes have been paid to a "happy, loving family man" who tragically collapsed and died at a popular borough fundraiser.
Neil Rigby, 47, from Highfield, was one of hundreds taking part in the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation and Wigan and Leigh Hospice charity Colour Run at Pennington Flash when the tragedy struck.
At around 1.30pm, air ambulance paramedics arrived at the event and worked hard to resuscitate Mr Rigby, but he sadly died at the scene.
In an emotional statement to the Wigan Observer, his daughter Stacey has paid tribute to her beloved dad.
"My dad was the heart of our family and our whole world has been turned upside down and will never be the same," she said. "We are truly broken and we will miss him so much.
Neil's family remember him as a fun-loving United fan, who had a penchant for playing Candy Crush and trying to get others to join him by sending them notifications on social media.
Stacey added: "He was just so loving, always put his family first and adored his grandchildren.
"He was funny and always had us in stitches, but all we have now is an empty chair where he was always sat.
Both Wigan and Leigh Hospice and the Warriors Community Foundation have sent their condolences to the family, as well as hundreds of other participants who have come forward on social media to provide the family with words of support.


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Guidelines on health, travel arrangements and repatriation of persons on board ships
From cruise ship passengers to cargo vessel crew, many have found themselves stranded at sea or quarantined in ports since the coronavirus pandemic first took hold. The guidelines issued by the European Commission today support these individuals, providing recommendations on health, repatriation and travel arrangements. They also announce the establishment of a network of designated ports for crew changes.
How many people (crews and passengers) have been stranded on cruise ships because of coronavirus?
All commercial cruises have been suspended until further notice. However, we have been informed by the European Maritime Safety Agency that between 8 and 11 April, 11 cruise ships will approach Europe, carrying around 8 000 people. More EU citizens, passengers and crew, are still onboard ships elsewhere, and are waiting to return home.
What sorts of goods are cargo ships carrying?
Cargo ships carry everything, from bulk raw materials, gas and oil to containers full of electronics and active pharmaceutical ingredients needed to produce medicines. Maritime transport plays an essential role in the international trade of EU goods, and 75% of goods traded by the EU are transported by sea. To keep our economy running in these difficult times, it is of utmost importance to keep ships sailing and ports operational.
What are designated ports for crew changes? Why should Member States agree to create a network of such ports?
The Guidelines recommend that Member States and the Commission lead a coordinated effort to designate several ports in the Union for fast-track crew changes. These specifically 'designated ports should geographically cover the Union and should be connected to operational airports and rail stations. Dedicated or regular flight and rail operations could ensure the transport connections for in- and outgoing crew, allowing seafarers to be repatriated quickly.
'Designated ports' should have nearby accommodation where seafarers can wait for the ship they should board, or for their flight, train or ship home. This accommodation should have adequate facilities to allow them self-isolate for 14 days before embarking and after disembarking if the Member State in question requires this, and if testing is not available.
It is in the Member States' interests to create a network of such ports, and we ask Member States to come forward with nominations.
How will crew members and passengers travel on to their home countries if hardly any flights/international trains are running?
The guidelines suggest that Member States require ship operators to communicate certain details about a ship's occupants, including intended destination, before the ship reaches the port. This will give the national authorities more time to contact consulates and embassies in order to support the repatriation for the individuals involved.
Whose responsibility is it to take care of non-EU crew members disembarking within the EU?
Responsibility for repatriating seafarers lies first with the ship-owner; failing action to this effect by the ship-owner, the ship's flag State is responsible. If the seafarer is in good health, and there are no COVID-19 cases on board his or her ship, the ship-owner is obliged under the Maritime Labour Convention to repatriate the seafarers and to cover the cost of the repatriation. If the seafarer has COVID-19 symptoms and is unable to travel back home, the ship-owner must cover the expenses for medical care, food and accommodation until the seafarer recovers.
Where should cruise ships dock?
For ships flagged in an EU Member State, the flag State should allow passengers and crew to disembark in one of its ports and help to make the necessary arrangements for repatriation and access to medical care as appropriate.
If it is not possible or practical for the flag State to accommodate a ship, it should help the cruise ship operators to make appropriate arrangements with other EU Member States or elsewhere. The arrangements should minimise the time the vessel stays at sea while providing good medical infrastructure and transport connections for repatriations.
If the ship is flying a non-EU flag, Member States should accommodate it for humanitarian reasons, but it is recommended that they ask the cruise ship operator to make appropriate financial and logistical arrangements (e.g. required personal protective equipment, facilities for quarantine, hiring of buses, charter flights) before docking. If such arrangements are not found, Member States should in any case consider disembarking any passengers and crew safely and swiftly, before facilitating their transit home.
Should crews/passengers be automatically quarantined when disembarking?
Quarantine requirements are a matter for every individual EU Member State.
Throughout the course of docking, if anyone on board presents symptoms compatible with COVID-19 (including sudden onset of at least one of the following: cough, fever, or shortness of breath), this should be reported to the competent authority immediately.
Those suspected of having the virus should either disembark and be isolated and treated ashore, or be isolated on board (according to procedures described in the EU HEALTHY GATEWAYS advice) until asymptomatic, unless their condition worsens and requires hospitalisation ashore. Decisions on individual cases will be taken by the port state's competent authority, based on a risk assessment and the situation within the community (containment or mitigation phase).
All individuals leaving the ship should be asked to complete a Passenger/Crew Locator Form before leaving the ship, and the captain should keep this document on board for at least one month. The competent authority should give approval before any individual disembarks, based on an assessment of that person's health.
Is it not safer for people to stay on a ship until the pandemic passes, rather than disembark?
In some cases, crew and/or passengers may indeed be better off staying on board the ship, provided that the appropriate sanitary measures are in place. This needs to be assessed by the ship's master and the port state competent authorities on a case-by-case basis. For cruise ships, for example, it should be assessed if the air used by the air-conditioning system can be taken exclusively from the outside (with less chance of virus spread), or whether it is being re-circulated inside the ship, which could in certain cases lead to the infection of passengers healthy to date.
Do any Member States or ports have robust procedures in place, which other countries and ports could learn from?
In order to ensure the docking of the cruise ships Zaandam and Rotterdam in Florida on 2 April, the cruise operator took responsibility for organising repatriations / medical treatment while the flag State (the Netherlands) assisted diplomatically. An agreement between the cruise line and local and federal US authorities foresaw that all passengers first received health screenings and then healthy passengers were allowed to fly home.
What about fishermen?
The fishing industry employs a considerable number of international crew members, both EU and non-EU citizens; an estimated 8% of crew members are from outside EU/EEA countries. Travel to and from the fishing vessels and border crossings should be facilitated for these essential workers. The guidelines therefore recall the importance of applying the recently adopted Guidelines for border management measures in this sector, to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services. Member States should facilitate the transit of EU and third-country fishermen who are EU residents so that they may return home.
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Commission approves 2022-2027 regional aid map for Greece
The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules Greece's map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027 within the framework of the revised Regional aid Guidelines ('RAG').
The revised RAG, adopted by the Commission on 19 April 2021 and entering into force on 1 January 2022, enable Member States to support the least favoured European regions in catching up and to reduce disparities in terms of economic well-being, income and unemployment – cohesion objectives that are at the heart of the Union. They also provide increased possibilities for Member States to support regions facing transition or structural challenges such as depopulation, to contribute fully to the green and digital transitions.
At the same time, the revised RAG maintain strong safeguards to prevent Member States from using public money to trigger the relocation of jobs from one EU Member State to another, which is essential for fair competition in the Single Market.
Greece's regional map defines the Greek regions eligible for regional investment aid. The map also establishes the maximum aid intensities in the eligible regions. The aid intensity is the maximum amount of State aid that can be granted per beneficiary, expressed as a percentage of eligible investment costs.
Under the revised RAG, regions covering 82.34% of the population of Greece will be eligible for regional investment aid:
Twelve regions (Βόρειο Αιγαίο / Voreio Aigaio, Νότιο Αιγαίο / Notio Aigaio, Κρήτη / Kriti, Aνατολική Μακεδονία, Θράκη / Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki, Κεντρική Μακεδονία / Kentriki Makedonia, Δυτική Μακεδονία / Dytiki Makedonia, Ήπειρος / Ipeiros, Θεσσαλία / Thessalia, Ιόνια Νησιά / Ionia Nisia, Δυτική Ελλάδα / Dytiki Elláda, Στερεά Ελλάδα / Sterea Elláda and Πελοπόννησος / Peloponnisos) are among the most disadvantaged regions in the EU, with a GDP per capita below 75% of EU average. These regions are eligible for aid under Article 107(3)(a) TFEU (so-called 'a' areas), with maximum aid intensities for large enterprises between 30% and 50%, depending on the GDP per capita of the respective 'a' area. The region Ευρυτανία / Evrytania, which is part of Στερεά Ελλάδα / Sterea Elláda, also qualifies as a sparsely populated area having fewer than 12,5 inhabitants per km². In sparsely populated areas, Member States can use operating aid schemes to prevent or reduce depopulation.
In order to address regional disparities, Greece has designated as so-called non-predefined 'c' areas the regions of Δυτικός Τομέας Αθηνών / Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, Ανατολική Αττική / Anatoliki Attiki, Δυτική Αττική / Dytiki Attiki and Πειραιάς, Νήσοι / Peiraias, Nisoi. The maximum aid intensities for large enterprises in Δυτικός Τομέας Αθηνών / Dytikos Tomeas Athinon is 15%. The other 'c' areas mentioned above border with 'a' areas. For this reason, the aid intensity in these regions has been increased to 25%, so that the difference in aid intensity with the bordering 'a' areas is limited to 15 percentage points.
Greece has the possibility to designate further so-called non-predefined 'c' areas (up to a maximum of 1.16% of the national population). The specific designation of these areas can take place in the future and would result in one or more amendments to the regional aid map approved today.
In all the above areas, the maximum aid intensities can be increased by 10 percentage points for investments made by medium-sized enterprises and by 20 percentage points for investments made by small enterprises, for their initial investments with eligible costs up to €50 million.
Once a future territorial Just Transition plan in the context of the Just Transition Fund Regulation will be in place, Greece has the possibility to notify the Commission an amendment to the regional aid map approved today, in order to apply a potential increase of the maximum aid intensity in the future Just Transition areas, as specified in the revised RAG for 'a' areas.
20 years of the euro in your pocket
Twenty years ago, on 1 January 2002, twelve EU countries changed their national currency banknotes and coins for the euro in the largest currency changeover in history. In these two decades, the euro has contributed to the stability, competitiveness and prosperity of European economies. Most importantly, it has improved the lives of citizens and made it easier to do business across Europe and beyond. With the euro in your pocket, saving, investing, travelling and doing business became much easier.
The euro is a symbol of EU integration and identity. Today, more than 340 million people use it across 19 EU countries, with 27.6 billion euro banknotes in circulation for a value of about €1.5 trillion. The euro is currently the second most widely used currency in the world behind the US dollar.
As it celebrates this 20th anniversary, the EU continues the work to strengthen the international role of the euro and adapt it to new challenges, including the rapid digitalisation of the economy and the development of virtual currencies. As a complement to cash, a digital euro would support a well-integrated payments sector and would offer greater choice to consumers and businesses.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: "It is now twenty years that we, European people, can carry Europe in our pockets. The euro is not just one of the most powerful currencies in the world. It is, first and foremost, a symbol of European unity. Euro banknotes have bridges on one side and a door on the other – because this is what the euro stands for. The euro is also the currency of the future, and in the coming years it will become a digital currency too. The euro also reflects our values. The world we want to live in. It is the global currency for sustainable investments. We can all be proud of that."
David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, said: "The euro is the embodiment of an ambitious political project to promote peace and integration within the European Union. But the euro is also a condition for protecting and relaunching the European economic, social, and political model in the face of the transformations of our time. The euro is a symbol, the coming to fruition of a historic political vision, an ancient vision of a united continent with a single currency for a single market."
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said: "The euro has come a long way — it's a true European achievement. I would even say the euro has become part of who we are. And how we see ourselves as Europeans. Part of our mind-set. And part of our European spirit. The euro belongs to all of us all European citizens. But it isn't just a success within our EU borders. It has also anchored itself on the international stage. Despite the crises, the euro has proven to be resilient — a symbol of European unity and stability. And never has that been truer than during COVID-19. The euro has served as a bedrock of stability. A stable asset for the Union. The euro also fuels our recovery. Unlocking the full potential of sustainable development, quality jobs, and innovation."
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, said: "The euros we hold in our hands have become a beacon of stability and solidity around the world. Hundreds of millions of Europeans trust it and transact with it every day. It is the second most international currency in the world. As European Central Bank President, I commit we will continue to work hard to make sure that we maintain price stability. And I also pledge that we will renew the face of those banknotes and that we will give them the digital dimension as well."
Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup, said: "The euro has proven its mettle in dealing with great economic challenges. In particular, our response to the COVID 19 pandemic demonstrated that by sharing the euro we can achieve more collectively than we can individually. The euro has strengthened its foundations over the last 20 years. Now, we need to build on those foundations to make the euro the global currency for transitioning to a lower carbon future."
The euro has come a long way from the early discussions on an Economic and Monetary Union in the late 1960s. Specific steps towards a single currency were first approached in 1988 by the Delors Committee. In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty marked a decisive moment in the move towards the euro, as political leaders signed on the criteria that Member States had to meet to adopt the single currency. Two years later, the European Monetary Institute (EMI) started its preparatory work in Frankfurt for the European Central Bank (ECB) to assume its responsibility for monetary policy in the euro area. As a result, on 1 June 1998, the ECB became operational.
In 1999, the euro was launched in 11 Member States as an accounting currency on financial markets and used for electronic payments. It was finally on 1 January 2002 when Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain swapped their national notes and coins for euros. Slovenia joined the euro area in 2007, followed by Cyprus and Malta (2008), Slovakia (2009), Estonia (2011), Latvia (2014) and Lithuania (2015). Currently, Croatia is taking the preparatory steps to join the euro area, which it plans to do on 1 January 2023, provided it fulfils all the convergence criteria.
Twenty years of benefits for citizens and businesses
The euro has brought many benefits to Europe, especially to its citizens and businesses. The single currency has helped to keep prices stable and protected the euro area economies from exchange rate volatility. This has made it easier for European home buyers, businesses and governments to borrow money and has encouraged trade within Europe and beyond. The euro has also eliminated the need for currency exchange and has lowered the costs of transferring money, making travelling and moving to another country to work, study or retire simpler.
A large majority of Europeans support the single currency. According to the latest Eurobarometer, 78% of citizens across the euro area believe the euro is good for the EU.
A strengthened international role
The euro is the second most important currency in the international monetary system. Its stability and credibility has made it an international invoicing currency, a store of value and a reserve currency, accounting for around 20% of foreign exchange reserves. Sixty other countries and territories around the world, home to some 175 million people, have chosen to use the euro as their currency or to peg their own currency to it. Today, the euro is used for almost 40% of global cross-border payments and for more than half the EU's exports.
Since the global financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent sovereign debt crisis, the EU has continued to strengthen and deepen the Economic and Monetary Union. The EU's unprecedented recovery plan NextGenerationEU will further improve the euro-area's economic resilience and enhance economic convergence. The issuance of high-quality-denominated bonds under NextGenerationEU will add significant depth and liquidity to the EU's capital markets and make them and the euro more attractive for investors. The euro is also now the leading currency for green investment: half of the world's green bonds are denominated in euros, and this figure is rising thanks to the new green bonds issued to finance NextGenerationEU.
To further develop the international role of the euro, the Commission has launched outreach initiatives to promote euro denominated investments, facilitate the use of the euro as an invoicing and denomination currency, and foster a better understanding of the obstacles for its wider use. This outreach will take the form of dialogues, workshops and surveys with the public and private sector, financial regulatory agencies, and institutional investors in regional and global partner countries of the EU.
The Commission proposes the next generation of EU own resources
The Commission has today proposed to establish the next generation of own resources for the EU budget by putting forward three new sources of revenue: the first based on revenues from emissions trading (ETS), the second drawing on the resources generated by the proposed EU carbon border adjustment mechanism, and the third based on the share of residual profits from multinationals that will be re-allocated to EU Member States under the recent OECD/G20 agreement on a re-allocation of taxing rights ("Pillar One"). At cruising speed, in the years 2026-2030, these new sources of revenue are expected to generate on average a total of up to €17 billion annually for the EU budget.
The new own resources proposed today will help to repay the funds raised by the EU to finance the grant component of NextGenerationEU. The new own resources should also finance the Social Climate Fund. The latter is an essential element of the proposed new Emissions Trading System covering buildings and road transport, and will contribute to ensuring that the transition to a decarbonised economy will leave no one behind.
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner in charge of Budget and Administration, said: "With today's package, we lay the foundations for the repayment of NextGenerationEU and provide essential support to the Fit for 55 package by putting in place the financing of the Social Climate Fund. With the set of new own resources, we, therefore, ensure that the next generation will truly benefit from NextGenerationEU."
Today's proposal builds on the Commission's commitment undertaken as part of the political agreement on the 2021-2027 long-term budget and the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument. Once adopted, this package will strengthen the reform of the revenue system started in 2020 with the inclusion of the non-recycled plastic waste-based own resources.
EU emissions trading
The Fit for 55 package of July 2021 aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990, to stay on track to reach climate neutrality by 2050. This package includes a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System. In future, emissions trading will also apply to the maritime sector, auctioning of aviation allowances will increase, and a new system for buildings and road transport will be established.
Under the current EU Emissions Trading System, most revenues from the auctioning of emission allowances are transferred to national budgets. Today, the Commission proposes that in future, 25% of the revenue from EU emissions trading flows into the EU budget. At cruising speed, revenues for the EU budget are estimated at around €12 billion per year on average over 2026-2030 (€9 billion on average between 2023-2030).
In addition to the repayment of NextGenerationEU funds, these new revenues would finance the Social Climate Fund, put forward by the Commission in July 2021. This Fund will ensure a socially fair transition and support vulnerable households, transport users and micro-enterprises to finance investments in energy efficiency, new heating and cooling systems and cleaner mobility, as well as, when appropriate, temporary direct income support. The total financial envelope of the Fund in principle corresponds to an amount equivalent to around 25% of the expected revenue from the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport.
Carbon border adjustment mechanism
The objective of the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which the Commission also proposed in July 2021, is to reduce the risk of carbon leakage by encouraging producers in non-EU countries to green their production processes. It will put a carbon price on imports, corresponding to what would have been paid, had the goods been produced in the EU. This mechanism will apply to a targeted selection of sectors and is fully consistent with WTO rules.
The Commission proposes to allocate to the EU budget 75% of the revenues generated by this carbon border adjustment mechanism.Revenues for the EU budget are estimated at around €1 billion per year on average over 2026-2030 (€0.5 billion on average between 2023-2030).CBAM is not expected to generate revenue in the transitional period from 2023 to 2025.
Reform of the international corporate taxation framework
On 8 October 2021, more than 130 countries that are members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting agreed on a reform of the international tax framework: a two-pillar solution to tackle tax avoidance and aims at ensuring that profits are taxed where economic activity and value creation occur. The signatory countries representing more than 90% of global GDP. Pillar One of this agreement will reallocate the right to tax a share of so-called residual profits from the world's largest multinational enterprises to participating countries worldwide. The Commission proposes an own resource equivalent to 15% of the share of the residual profits of in-scope companiesthat are reallocated to EU Member States.
The Commission has committed to propose a Directive in 2022, once the details of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework agreement on Pillar One are finalised, implementing the Pillar One agreement in line with the requirements of the Single Market. This process is complementary to the Pillar Two Directive for which the Commission adopted a separate proposal today. Pending the finalisation of the agreement, revenues for the EU budget could amount to roughly between €2.5 and €4 billion per year.
In order to incorporate these new own resources in the EU budget, the EU needs to amend two key pieces of legislation:
First, the Commission proposes to amend the Own Resources Decision to add the three proposed new resources to the existing ones.
Secondly, the Commission also puts forward a targeted amendment of the regulation on the current long-term EU budget 2021-2027, also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF Regulation). This amendment offers the legal possibility to start repaying the borrowing for NextGenerationEU already during the current MFF. At the same time, it proposes to increase the relevant MFF expenditure ceilings for the years 2025-2027 to accommodate the additional expenditure for the Social Climate Fund.
The Own Resources Decision needs to be approved unanimously in Council after consulting the European Parliament. The decision can enter into force once it is approved by all EU countries in line with their constitutional requirements. The MFF Regulation needs to be adopted unanimously by the Council after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.
The European Commission will now work hand in hand with the European Parliament and the Council towards swift implementation of the package within the timelines set in the interinstitutional agreement.
Furthermore, the Commission will present a proposal for a second basket of new own resources by the end of 2023. This second package will build on the 'Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)' proposal foreseen for 2023.


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Thalictrum flavum 'Illuminator' is a handsome background plant to 5′ (1.5m). The foliage is divided into broad leaflets and emerges in spring lemon yellow with a brief red flush. The Foliage then spends the spring golden yellow, gradually fading to blue-green by summer by which time the tall flowering stems are topped with their fluffy lemon yellow flowers. Brilliant to lighten a dark corner. Best with moisture in the soil.
Thalictrum 'Anne' is a seedling from the supposedly sterile thalictrum 'Elin' and is said to be an improvement on it. Like 'Elin' it makes an imposing specimen plant reaching between 200 and 300cm in height, often without the need for staking. The foliage emerges well coloured, turning a good blue as the season progresses but retaining dark purple stems. Flower heads are well sized with pink buds opening to fluffy cream. Prefers a somewhat shaded position and a soil that doesn't dry out.
Thalictrum 'Elin'. A fine cross between T.rochebrunianum and T.flavum glaucum which makes the most striking of all the tall Thalictrums. A sterile hybrid, it produces stiff tall 3.6m dark stems which carry steely blue foliage below and a branched cloud of yellow and lavender flowers above. Despite its size, it rarely needs staking.
Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'. This is the stunning white form of Thalictrum delaveyi. The foliage is fine and of a greener shade than the species, but the stature is the same at 1.5 to 2m tall. The flowers are held in a loose panicle, creating a delicate snowy haze that wafts above other late summer perennials.
Thalictrum rochebrunianum. This is a charming plant that possesses a refined beauty. The foliage is divided in the manner of a maidenhair fern and displays varying tints from sea green to reddy brown, often glowing lime green if the light shines through it. flowering stems ascend up to 2m and waft with a cloud of small pendulous pink flowers, each with conspicuous hanging yellow stamens. 1-2m. Cool moist position. can be slow to really establish, especially if not in a cool spot.
The genus Thalictrum contains species form across the Northern Temperate zone varying in height from species like Thalictrum kiusianum suitable for the rock garden to Thalictrum delaveyi which will, in ideal situations, top 7 or 8 feet high.
Often the colour of the flowers is provided by the stamens rather than the petals with the flower head presenting a fluffy mass, exemplified in Thalictrum aquilegifolium. The reason for the diminishing of the petals is that the flowers are wind pollinated rather than insect pollinated. Some of the taller species, such as Thalictrum rochebrunianum and Thalictrum delaveyi still have petals of visual significance with the flower presenting both pink petals and showy yellow anthers.
The thalicrums are a hardy race and mostly of easy cultivation. Their main need is for moisture. They will all grow well in light shade, though the taller species do better if planted in some sun, providing they are in a soil that doesn't dry out. Species such as Thalictrum rochebrunianum can be slow to establish in drier sites. Annual mulching with compost or well-rotted manure can be very beneficial as well as not cultivating close to the roots.


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The Rick Perry/Mitt Romney political "horserace"
By Chris Adamo
It would be a mistake to believe that the "mainstream" media and press are only interested in boosting ratings as they play up the contest between Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in their quest for the Republican presidential nomination. While increased viewership is a definite "plus," their ultimate concern is the re-election of Barack Obama. And they have made it abundantly clear that Romney would be their preferred candidate in a general election race.
Romney's political philosophy bears a far stronger resemblance to Arizona Senator John McCain than does the thinking or track record of Perry. And this portends two possibilities for a liberal advantage. First, if Romney were to win next November, his frequently vacillating past stances on major defining issues would pose far less of a threat to the ongoing liberal agenda than Perry's blunt and intransigent opposition to ideas with which he disagrees. Secondly, the mere fact that Romney bears so much baggage in this department makes him a far less formidable candidate than Perry. But while the leftists clearly know this, their ostensibly objective mouthpieces are determined to paint a distorted picture for the American public.
So, with each passing day, another attempt is made to chip away a little more of Perry's initial momentum. Eventually, his liberal opponents hope they can sufficiently undermine him and neutralize his campaign, thus leaving the frontrunner spot open to Romney. Unfortunately, the entire field of Republican candidates is essentially participating in this ploy, apparently unaware that the nomination is in all likelihood already settled on one of these two. The realities of last week's Florida debate, which devolved into a free-for-all almost entirely directed at Perry, reflect a dangerous myopia among virtually all of the other contenders.
In truth, the long term damage may have been done to themselves and not their intended target. The actions of those candidates made them appear petty and even lacking in their own merit, and the orchestrated nature of the onslaught served to reveal their own weaknesses. Each of Perry's antagonists focused on a particular flaw in his past record or governing philosophy. Yet on an individual basis they each just as stridently avoided certain controversial areas, thereby telling volumes about themselves.
Michele Bachmann relentlessly focused on Perry's admittedly misbegotten effort to vaccinate young girls against the human papilloma virus (HPV). In the end however, her actions appeared excessive and gratuitous. How many times can one play "gotcha," repeatedly directing the discussion back to a single action which Perry readily admits was a mistake? Clearly, her aim was not to alert the public of a looming danger, but to garner as much political advantage as possible from the situation.
In stark contrast, Bachmann was comparatively delicate around Perry's "Ponzi scheme" characterization of Social Security. While taking a few pot shots, she avoided denigration of Perry's strident descriptor, since Bachmann is herself regularly criticized for being overly provocative in her comments on key issues. Instead, she allowed that duty to fall to Romney, who was likewise careful not to direct too much attention towards the HPV controversy, since he well knows that a single overreaching executive order by the Texas Governor is far more easily forgivable than the methodical destruction of personal liberty represented by Romneycare, and the Pandora's box it helped to open, Obamacare.
Significantly, Bachmann was joined by former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who likewise decried the excessive nature of Perry's HPV vaccination debacle. Yet Santorum never approached the often repeated criticism of Perry for having supported the presidential candidacy of Al Gore two decades ago. Santorum would certainly not want the topic of past political alliances to go full circle, which would inevitably evoke discussions of his own support for the infamous Pennsylvania Senate RINO (since turned Democrat...officially) Arlen Specter.
From the onset of the debate, it was clear that the object of the entire production was not to learn what beliefs the Republican candidates upheld, or how their guiding principles might play out if one of them were to win the election next fall. Instead, the whole focus was how to cut into Perry's current lead. And any lingering doubts that this might be the case were thoroughly dispelled in the ensuing days since the debate, with one "news story" after another trumpeting a possible dissipation of Perry's momentum, only occasionally peppered with grudging concessions of the significant lead he nonetheless retains. In the same vein, polls showing that Romney might be gaining on him are jubilantly and prominently reported.
Unfortunately for the Republican contenders and America in general, the net result of the debate was to make Perry's detractors look small. Their willingness to resort to the standard liberal media tactics and double standards shows an ominous alignment with current-day "ruling class" thinking from inside the Beltway that is fundamentally at odds with Heartland America. In the process, they undermined and trivialized the entire conservative groundswell of the past two years, which is an enormous price to pay for the possibility of merely getting "one up" on Perry.
America has already reaped the grim results of a presidential election decided with no more regard for its consequences than an episode of American Idol. It would be a crying shame for the Republicans to respond by making their determination of a nominee in a manner reflective of the reality show "Survivor."
Admittedly, this chain of events could redound to Romney's benefit, at least in the short term. Having gained five points against Perry according to some polls, the Massachusetts Governor presents by far the most likely candidate to be frontrunner in the event that Perry's popularity dissipates. And this would suit the political establishment and their media minions just fine.
A Perry presidency constitutes an opportunity to fundamentally steer America back from the abyss of socialism and cultural collapse. At best, Mitt Romney in the White House would represent a "time out," after which liberalism could pick up its agenda slightly delayed, but ultimately unabated. Leftists would caterwaul in either case, but they know that, in the long run, they could far more easily recuperate from the latter.
The end game will be next November's showdown with Obama. The time to start considering that eventuality is now.
© Chris Adamo
Christopher G. Adamo is a resident of southeastern Wyoming and has been involved in state and local politics for many years.
He writes for several prominent conservative websites, and has written for regional and national magazines. He is currently the Chief Editorial Writer for The Proud Americans, a membership advocacy group for America's seniors, and for all Americans.
His contact information and article archives can be found at www.chrisadamo.com, and he can be followed on Twitter @CGAdamo.
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