text:
Abbas vows never to stop salaries to terrorists
Nan Jacques Zilberdik | Jul 4, 2017
Abbas vows never to stop salaries to terrorists,
even if it will cost him the PA presidency
Nan Jacques Zilberdik
Even if it might cost him his presidency, Abbas has pledged he won't stop paying salaries to imprisoned terrorists and the families of the so-called "Martyrs." According to his own Fatah Movement, Abbas has made the following statement, vowing to continue honoring terrorists and murderers with monetary rewards no matter what:
"'Even if I will have to leave my position, I will not compromise on the salary (rawatib) of a Martyr (Shahid) or a prisoner, as I am the president of the entire Palestinian people, including the prisoners, the Martyrs, the injured, the expelled, and the uprooted.'
[PA] President Mahmoud Abbas."
[Official Fatah Facebook page, July 2, 2017]
According to the 2016 PA budget, the PA currently pays 26,800 families of "Martyrs" a total of 660 million shekels ($183 million) per year, and 6,500 terrorist prisoners receive PA salaries amounting to 486 million shekels ($135 million) per year.
A member of Fatah's Central Committee, Jamal Muhaisen, also quoted Abbas' promise, and emphasized that the payment of salaries to terrorist prisoners and "Martyrs" is not an issue of money, but rather is about the "Palestinian historical narrative":
"Regarding the salaries (rawatib) of the Martyrs and prisoners, Dr. Muhaisen emphasized that this is not a financial matter, but rather a matter that is connected to the Palestinian historical narrative, according to which the prisoners and Martyrs represent our Palestinian people's struggle. He praised the position of [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas, who responded to the American administration: 'Even if I will have to leave my position, I will not compromise on the salary of a Martyr or a prisoner, as I am the president of the entire Palestinian people, including the prisoners, the Martyrs, the injured, the expelled, and the uprooted.'"
[Wattan, independent Palestinian news agency, July 2, 2017]
Abbas' statement irrevocably repudiates the impression of US Secretary of State Tillerson earlier this month that the PA "intends" to cease the payments to families of terrorist "Martyrs" who "have committed murder or violence against others." Palestinian Media Watch has documented that no such intention exists. Since Abbas' meetings with US President Trump earlier this year, and Tillerson's statement, Palestinian leaders have repeatedly stressed that the terrorist salaries will not be stopped.
Meeting with families of "Martyrs," PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, on behalf of Abbas, assured them that they will continue receiving the monetary rewards, and further emphasized the PA's admiration for the "Martyrs":
"On behalf of [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas and our Palestinian people, I salute all of the Martyrs' (Shahids') families... I emphasize to them that their rights are protected, and we will continue our diligent work with the relevant PLO institutions to fulfill our basic, humanitarian, and national obligations towards them... We remember the sacrifices and struggle of the pure Martyrs, guardians of the land and identity who have turned our people's cause into a historical epic of struggle and resolve."
[Al-Ayyam, June 17, 2017;
Official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 16, 2017]
PMW reported that according to some Palestinian sources, the PA may be planning to hide the payments to terrorists, disguising them as "social aid' to the families, as a way of seemingly complying with the demands of the US and other donor countries while at the same time continuing to pay the salaries.
Both Fatah and PLO officials have vowed that the terrorist salaries will continue unaffected by outside pressure. The following are examples of such statements:
Fatah official Abbas Zaki:
"In a speech that he gave on behalf of the Palestinian leadership, [Fatah Central Committee member and Fatah Commissioner for Arab and China Relations Abbas] Zaki emphasized that the prisoners' issue is one of the top priorities of the Palestinian leadership, and that the leadership will not submit to the American and Israeli pressures in any attempt to harm the salaries (rawatib) of the families of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners."
[Facebook page of Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki, June 23, 2017]
PLO official Ahmed Majdalani:
"PLO Executive Committee member Ahmed Majdalani emphasized that the issue of the prisoners' salaries (rawatib) is not up for negotiations, and it is unacceptable to turn it into a precondition for a political process, as it is a political, national, and moral issue."
[Donia Al-Watan, independent Palestinian news agency, June 19, 2017]
"PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Ahmed Majdalani said...: 'At this event and on this blessed day, and among those who are more precious than all of us, the children of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners, we emphasize before them - on the instructions of [PA] President [Mahmoud Abbas] - that we will always help and assist the members of our people and we will stand by them at all times. The talk taking place here and there about stopping the allowances (mukhassasat) of the prisoners and Martyrs is not true at all.'"
[PNN, independent Palestinian news agency, June 22, 2017]
The following are longer excerpts of the statements referred to above:
"Fatah Movement Central Committee member, [Fatah] Commissioner of Mobilization and Organization [in the West Bank, and PLO Central Council member] Dr. Jamal Muhaisen said... that Hamas is indeed a political rival, but it is part of the fabric of the Palestinian people, and we will not agree to any Palestinian organization being placed on the terror list. He also demanded that the Arab regimes place the Israeli occupation and the settlers on the terror list.
Regarding the salaries (rawatib) of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners, Dr. Muhaisen emphasized that this is not a financial matter, but rather a matter that is connected to the Palestinian historical narrative, according to which the prisoners and Martyrs represent our Palestinian people's struggle. He praised the position of [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas, who responded to the American administration: 'Even if I will have to leave my position, I will not compromise on the salary of a Martyr or a prisoner, as I am the president of the entire Palestinian people, including the prisoners, the Martyrs, the injured, the expelled, and the uprooted.'"
"[PA] Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said: 'On behalf of [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas and our Palestinian people, I salute all of the Martyrs' (Shahids') families, and congratulate them in the [Muslim fasting] month of Ramadan. I emphasize to them that their rights are protected, and we will continue our diligent work with the relevant PLO institutions to fulfill our basic, humanitarian, and national obligations towards them.' (The official PA daily only printed the text above, the following text only appeared in Al-Ayyam -Ed.)
His statements were made two days ago [June 15, 2017] during the central meal to end the fast for the Martyrs' families in Nablus... in the presence of Nablus Mayor Adli Ya'ish and Secretary of the National Association of the Families of the Martyrs of Palestine Muhammad Sbeihat ...
Hamdallah added: 'With great pride I again meet with the family members of the Martyrs of Palestine under the auspices of the National Association of the Martyrs' Families of Palestine, the framework that unites the Martyrs' families wherever they are, the main protector of their affairs and rights. Together with you we remember the sacrifices and struggle of the pure Martyrs, guardians of the land and identity who have turned our people's cause into a historical epic of struggle and resolve.'"
[Al-Ayyam, June 17, 2017; Official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 16, 2017]
"Under the auspices of PLO Executive Committee member and Secretary-General of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) Dr. Ahmed Majdalani, businessman Bashar Jaber organized a Ramadan fast breaking feast for the institutions of the orphans and families of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners at the Grand Park Hotel tent in Ramallah...
Dr. Ahmed Majdalani said in a speech that he gave: 'At this event and on this blessed day, and among those who are more precious than all of us, the children of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners, we emphasize before them - on the instructions of [PA] President [Mahmoud Abbas] - that we will always help and assist the members of our people and we will stand by them at all times. The talk taking place here and there about stopping the allowances (mukhassasat) of the prisoners and Martyrs is not true at all.'"
Text and pictures posted on the Facebook page of Fatah Central Committee member and Fatah Commissioner for Arab and China Relations Abbas Zaki
Posted text: "[Fatah Central Committee member and] Fatah Movement Commissioner for Arab and China Relations Abbas Zaki participated together with residents of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp [southwest of Hebron] in a reception for released prisoner Saleh Abu Rabi' who was released today [June 23, 2017] after 15 years in the occupation's prisons.
In a speech that he gave on behalf of the Palestinian leadership, Zaki emphasized that the prisoners' issue is one of the top priorities of the Palestinian leadership, and that the leadership will not submit to the American and Israeli pressures in any attempt to harm the salaries (rawatib) of the families of the Martyrs (Shahids) and prisoners."
The pictures show Abbas Zaki on stage at the event, with a large sign in the background.
Text on sign: "Reception for heroic prisoner Saleh Al-Din Abu Rabi'
One of the leaders of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in the southern [West Bank]"
[Facebook page of Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki,
June 23, 2017]
Saleh Al-Din Abu Rabi' - an official of Fatah's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. He was released in June 2017 after 15 years' imprisonment in Israel. PMW has been unable to verify the circumstances of his crime and imprisonment.
Headline: "Majdalani: The issue of the prisoners' salaries is not up for discussion"
"PLO Executive Committee member [and Secretary-General of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front] Ahmed Majdalani said that the American administration, through the visit of American Envoy Jason Greenblatt and American President [Donald Trump's] Advisor on Palestine and Israel Jared Kushner, is striving to try to examine all of the obstacles that have stood in front of peace so as to outline a plan of action...
Ahmed Majdalani noted that [Israeli] occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to raise secondary issues and flood the American side with requests and preconditions before entering any political process, and this is in order to prevent the American administration from implementing the decisions of the international bodies.
Majdalani emphasized that the issue of the prisoners' salaries (rawatib) is not up for negotiations, and it is unacceptable to turn it into a precondition for a political process, as it is a political, national, and moral issue."
Image and text posted on the official Fatah Facebook page
Posted text: "From the words of [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas"
The image shows a picture of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas with the text:
Text at bottom of image: "Information Office of the Fatah Movement Mobilization and Organization Commission"
The image also includes a picture of Yasser Arafat in the background and the Fatah logo at the bottom, which includes a grenade, crossed rifles, and the PA map of "Palestine" that presents all of Israel as "Palestine" together with the PA areas.
Categories in this Analysis
Violence & terror»PA Salaries to Terrorists & Payments to "Martyrs"' Families|Misuse of Western Funding


After forming the government, Nitish Kumar announced a ban on liquor, for which he was appreciated by many. But to overcome the revenue lost in the liquor business, Grand Alliance decided to mark daily snacks, such as Samosas, as luxury items with an additional 13.5% tax imposed on them.
This list of "luxury" items also includes sweets and salted snacks like Samosa, Kachori and other namkeen. Cosmetics, packaged foods, perfumes and hair oil, along with inverters, auto parts, industrial cables and transformers are a part of the list too. Sand will also be taxed at 13.5%.
This is a highly unexpected move and has shown a serious lack of imagination and/or options of the government. Many of the items listed are consumed or purchased by poor and this seems like a punishment to them just because some people can't drink. The government may recover the tax lost due to the liquor ban but this will make difficult it for the poor to purchase these small things.
These snacks are sold mostly on dhabas and thelas, and not in packed form. Classifying them as luxury and imposing taxes won't necessarily help the government make up for revenue loss. The committee should have been more thoughtful and come up with better options like imposing tax on actual LUXURY items like gold jewellery, branded vehicles and many more.
On a lighter note, Lalu Prasad Yadav should think about changing his popular phrase "Jab tak samosa main aloo rahega, Bihar main Laloo rahega".


The search you have entered resulted in these items on Ebay. Among other vendors... We've never found any retailer better than Amazon to find great deals on things like this. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and you'll find some bargains from other great merchants!
Estate Jewelry Double Circle Pendant Sterling Silver Silpada Designs 1 1/8"
Sterling Silver Silpada Designs Round Dog Tag Pendant 30mm Charm 1.3/8"
Sterling Silver Silpada Designs Rectangle Dog Tag Pendant 23mm Charm 1.25"


one of the tourist spots, must see, while in Seattle, WA. Located at Pier 59 , few blocks west of downtown Seattle. They got under water / ground observatory.
Let's explore the mysterious underwater world of planet Earth at the famous Seattle Aquarium! The underwater dome at the Seattle Aquarium is super cool.
A visit to the Seattle Aquarium.
Join female giant Pacific octopus "Switch" as she's fed her lunch!


The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra were on top form on Saturday, with a new musical director who is bringing the best out of the players, a varied and challenging programme, and a local clarinet soloist who gave an outstanding performance in what was the highlight of a great evening, Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major.
The first item was Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin, an expressive and positively unmournful tribute in four parts to French victims of the First World War. The piece is underlaid with traditional folk dance music, and was a fitting introduction to the well-loved Mozart Clarinet Concerto, which may be more familiar to Forest Brass Band musicians as the basis of the popular brass piece 'Stay with me till morning'. The Orchestra always secures a brilliant soloist for its concerts, and this time it was Christopher Gibbons of Yorkley Wood, who is a fine all-round musician, as teacher and conductor, and a freelance performer who has played at concerts throughout the UK and Europe.
He had only one opportunity to rehearse with the Orchestra before the concert, but you wouldn't have known as there was a great rapport between orchestra, conductor and soloist, and this performance was something very special.
After the interval Delius's famous Cuckoo emerged in a spring evening to entertain the audience, and the final piece was another orchestral delight, Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, a fiendishly difficult work which was carried off with verve and confidence by a fine local orchestra.
I have been following the RFODO for 25 years now, from the uncertain days of the nineties to now when they have become a significant regional orchestra. The journey has been driven by a series of passionate and sympathetic musical directors, and the current incumbent, Stefano Boccacci, is taking the orchestra to an even higher level. I think that this was the Orchestra's best ever concert.


Snack Like a Southerner-Holiday Style!
Drain and chop cherries fine. Press between paper towels to dry and then set to the side.
Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add and mix sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until yellow yolk disappears.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda, add chopped cherries. Pour dry mixture into butter mixture, add sour cream. Beat batter at low speed until blended. Add vanilla. Mix.
Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x5in loaf pan.


In the fall of 2018 Porter Novelli (PN) launched a campaign on xocial to engage their offices across North America in a conversation of understanding. What followed became part of an award-winning movement that showcased to Porter Novelli employees and clients what their DNA is made of.
Porter Novelli earned top honors for Best PR Firm Diversity Initiative, while Soon Mee Kim, VP, Global Diversity and Inclusion Leader, was named Diversity Champion - PR Agency. The Public Relations Society of America interviewed Soon Mee Kim and here is a highlight from that discussion.
What is a recent communications /media campaign you enjoyed?
My favorite campaign is actually taking place now within Porter Novelli. "PN Perspectives: We Stand For Love" was developed as an internal communications campaign to overcome the hateful content we anticipated seeing with the one-year anniversary of the Charlottesville white-supremacist march. Our aim was to create a wave of positive stories of overcoming hate with love. During August and September, our colleagues shared deeply personal and meaningful stories of overcoming hate with love. Our staff tackled racism, police brutality, sexism, implicit bias, Asian invisibility and much more. We conducted other field trips, staff conversations and implicit bias training to supplement the program. To combine word and deed, we also challenged our colleagues to commit acts of kindness on the xocial.com competitive kindness platform. The campaign has been transformative for our culture and has instilled immense pride amongst our staff. I encourage you to check out some of our stories posted on our Porter Novelli blog.
People of every race, color, faith, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, cognitive style, physical ability, and military or veteran status are welcome at Porter Novelli. We believe diversity and inclusion are moral and business imperatives. Regardless of our differences, what unites us is that we believe every person has value and deserves our respect. Our values compel us to stand up against hate and live our purpose to make a positive impact. We stand for love.
Historically most challenges can be submitted from just a few of the top teams, but PN teams had more even levels of participation across all their teams.
Teams contributed a median number of 24 challenges/team. Median means half of all teams submitted more than this number of Challenges, and half of all teams submitted less than this number of Challenges.
Teams contributed an average of 9.1% of the challenges/team. Historically, on xocial, teams contributed an average of 7.1% of all the Campaign Challenges.
The top 2 teams contributed 54.5% of the challenges. This demonstrates a more even distribution of engagement as typically the top 4 teams average a total challenge submission contribution between 98 and 72%.
PN had the highest average XP/challenge of recent campaigns. The average XP/challenge of PN participants was 21.9 XP/challenge, which shows that Porter Novelli doesn't shy away from doing harder challenges.


24 wooden beads with at least a 6mm hole.
*I've also included some instructions for adapting this pillow design to homespun fabric instead of the cotton canvas fabric. It makes a great looking pillow in homespun also! See adaptation instructions.
*Unless otherwise specified, all seams will be 5/8″ width and all pieces will be stitched with the WRONG sides together.
Prewash fabrics and press flat until they are smooth and wrinkle free.
From Fabric 1 cut two panels measuring approx 17″ x 17″. Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
From Fabric 1 and Fabric 2 cut one panel of each measuring approximately 9″ x 9″. Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
From Fabric 2 cut two panels measuring approx 17″ x 17″. Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
If you choose to use Fabric 3, cut two panels 9″ x 9″ from Fabric 3.
Tear remnants into 1″ strips and then cut the strips into lengths of 6″. You will need twelve of these from Fabric 1 and twelve from Fabric 2.
Tie a knot into the end of each of the 6″ strips. Slip a wooden bead onto the strip by folding the end of the strip several times. Push the bead all the way down to the knot.
Place one 9″ square of Fabric 2 on top of a 9″ square of Fabric 3 if you have chosen to use Fabric 3. Then place the two layers onto the center of one 17″ square of Fabric 1. Pin through all three layers and stitch around the perimeter of the 9″ square about 5/8″ from the raw edge. This is the front panel of the pillow.
You may do some "detail" stitching inside the inner square at this point if you wish. We often like to stitch along some of the natural fabric design lines for a "quilted" type look.
Now place this front panel on top of the remaining 17″ square of Fabric 1 with the WRONG sides together. Pin in place and stitch around the perimeter about 5/8″ from the raw edge. Leave about an 8″ gap unstitched so that you can stuff the pillow from there.
Stitch around the perimeter again about 1/4″ inside the first stitch line. This will give your pillows a nice double stitching on the outer edge to keep that seam secured.
Now repeat steps 7 & 8 using the 17″ squares of Fabric 2 and the 9″ squares of Fabric 1.
Wash both pillow covers in a washing machine using a liquid fabric softener to loosen the strings and create the "fray" on the shabby edges. Machine Dry. Use a lint brush to remove excess strings and press from the back side if needed.
Using a seam ripper, open each corner about 1″ in each direction. Insert the untied end of three of the beaded strips into the corner. Pin in place. Restitch the corner now and be sure to stitch both seam lines. Take extra care to catch all the raw edges of the end of each strip into the stitching of the pillow.
Stuff the pillow with polyfill. Using smaller handfuls of polyfill will result in a smoother pillow.
Close the opening and pin in place. Stitch 5/8″ from the raw edges beginning and ending at the point of the existing stitching.
Ta Daa!!! Your beautiful set of Addison Shabby Pillows are finished! Enjoy!
The girls in the studio have put together some kits to make this Addison pillow which includes all the fabric you need and the beads. The polyfil and thread is not included but you can usually pick that up at any department store or craft store if you don't have any on hand already. Pictured below are the fabric/color combinations available in the kits.
Do you have any great suggestions for projects with our Home Decor canvas fabrics? We'd love to hear about them!
This Addison Shabby Pillow pattern can be easily adapted to use the primitive homespun fabrics sold at www.JubileeFabric.com. Because the homespun is lighter weight, you will need to double all your cut pieces so that each piece will be two layers thick. So when the pattern says to cut two pieces, with homespun adaptation you'll actually cut four pieces since your pieces will each be two layers. This means you will need more than twice as much material since the homespun is not as wide as the Home Decor canvas. We've added a revised Materials List below for the homespun adaptation.
Because the homespun fabric will fray better, you'll only need to make your clips about 1/2 inch apart instead of 1/4 inch that the pattern calls for. Please remember that regular printed cotton fabric will not fray well like you see in these pictures. Homespun fabric is recommended.
That is all you need to know to make this project with homespun fabric.


Do landlords need references for their tenants?
Do I really need references for my prospective tenant?
Unfortunately these sentiments are no longer true. There are some very plausible people who make a profession out of 'scamming' unsuspecting landlords. They are polite, well turned out, appear well educated and to have good jobs. Unfortunately once in, these 'professional' tenants can make your life hell.
So follow these basic steps if you want to avoid being saddled with the 'tenants from hell'.
This type of financial check is available online for between £12-25 and once the enquiry form is submitted the results can be e-mailed back to you immediately.
The most important information to come out of these checks is whether the applicant tenant has a CCJ. If they have this is bad news as it means that in the past a creditor has had to take them to court because of non payment. Often you will find that individuals are serial debtors and have a number of judgements against them. The general rule is 'don't touch them with a barge pole' as 99% of them will be bad news.
The other essential information that should come out of the information is that this should verify the address of the tenant and this should help you confirm their story and details.
Often the reference agency will provide a score of the tenants' suitability. The score tallies with a suggested course of action. Say anything above 1000 would suggest that the tenants are a low risk. Between 1000-750 the tenant may represent a moderate risk of default. Below 750 a high risk and strongly advise not having them.
These scores are useful supplementary guidance but I would caution of interpreting them too literally. There may be some categories of tenant where this system is inappropriate. For instance students may score very badly because they have a limited credit history and/or they move address frequently.
In these cases where it is hard to verify the credit background of your prospective tenant or they have a low score, consider using a guarantor if you are still keen to take them on. Don't use referencing in isolation; instead consider them with other sources of information to build up a picture of your tenants risk profile.
Finally, the verification process should involve an ID check. ID fraud is becoming an increasing problem. You therefore need to verify that your prospective tenants are who they say they are. Get them to show you some ID with a photo such as a passport or European style driving licence so that you can see their name and an identifying picture.
This should simply confirm the employment status of the tenant. Are they employed where they say they are? Importantly are they on a full time contract or is their temporary contract just about to finish, casting doubt on their ability to pay the rent in the future. It should also give you their salary which is useful in assessing the tenant's ability to pay.
You can calculate their affordability of the rent in relation to their salary by multiplying the monthly rent by 30. This gives an indication of the minimum salary that would support this level of rent. For example, a monthly rent of £1000 multiplied by 30 equals £30,000. If the applicant annual salary is £20,000, then you should start to question how they are going to afford the rent without sub-letting. Whilst the outcome of this shouldn't be taken as 'gospel', again it gives a useful guide.
These references are likely to be the most difficult and time consuming to obtain. In order to get one you will first need written authorisation from your prospective tenant to allow the bank to respond. The bank will then charge you a fee for their services, which at best is likely to be very vague. They will probably respond with uncommittal wording such as "we see no reason why the tenant will not be able the meet the rent".
This is hardly a thumping endorsement and probably means the tenant has no money in their account, but if we give them a huge overdraft in theory they could pay rent for a few months. Given all the effort and time involved and that the enquiry is only about a prospective tenant, my advice would be don't bother.
Instead a much better solution is to simply get your prospective tenant to let you have their last 6 months bank statements. Sounds intrusive – well not really you are only trying to establish that the tenant can afford to pay the rent they say than can.
These statements provide an invaluable insight into the financial position of your potential tenant. Are they paid what they say they are? What are their regular outgoings, will they really be able to make their rent payments. Do they have any worrying habits, such as a gambling problem which could ultimately cause them to default on their rent. If they refuse then maybe they have something to hide, most good tenants won't even question it. All this information helps to build that risk profile we talked about earlier.
How long has the applicant been a tenant of yours?
What is / was the rent paid?
Was the rent paid in full and on time each month?
Were there any periods where the rent was in arrears? Is the rent currently in arrears?
Would you accept the applicant as a tenant again?
The landlords reference, given that many landlords are private individuals is one reference that can be easily falsified by the prospective tenant. All they need to do is to give a friend's details instead. If you are suspicious or want to make very sure, phone this person up. You should be able to tell quickly if the details are genuine.
The other things about landlord references is that if a landlord has a bad tenant, there is a big incentive for them to give a misleading reference just to get rid of them. Given that as a prospective landlord; one of your primary concerns about a tenant is will they keep up to date with their rent. This is why getting the tenant to produce their bank account statements is so useful. One glance of these statements should be able to help you verify that they are indeed paying their rent each month.
On the same topic I would draw your attention to the dilemma faced by many letting agents in seeking references. I recently had a letter requesting a reference for a tenant of mine. The wording of this request was so vague that effectively it was all but meaningless. A letting agent on a 'finders fee' is primarily concerned with getting a tenant. They will therefore not always be looking too hard to find problems.
Finally, there are an increasing number of prospective tenants who were previously home owners having elected to sell up & rent. In their situation a current landlord's reference will not be possible. In this situation you should request copies of their last 6 months mortgage statements as evidence that they were not behind with their mortgage payments. If they refuse, maybe they are trying to hide something.
If a landlords' reference is sometimes a bit tenuous then a personal reference is not worth the paper it is printed on. Don't even bother with this.
Ultimately, in deciding whether to take on a tenant you must ask yourself 'how risk adverse am I?' This needs to be considered against the commercial needs to get a paying tenant. If you have positive results from the first three types of check; it is fair to say that these tenants represent a fair risk to most landlords. Research undertaken by the Residential Landlords Association shows that where no tenant checks are undertaken; landlords are 7 times as likely to end up taking court proceedings. In short – make sure you do it.
Before you get paranoid; you should remember that most prospective tenants are perfectly decent law abiding people who will occupy your property, pay rent and leave the property at the end of the tenancy as they found it. What you are trying to insure is that you filter out the small proportion of 'scammers' who will ultimately move on and find a landlord that is less prepared and less organised than you.


text:
Worcester sign scrum-half Stringer
Peter Stringer made 39 appearances for Sale Sharks before being released at the end of the 2016-17 season
Worcester Warriors have signed veteran scrum-half Peter Stringer on six-month contract before the 2017-18 season.
Stringer, 39, joins the Warriors as cover for Francois Hougaard, who is on international duty with South Africa for the first half of the campaign.
The former Ireland international left Sale Sharks at the end of last season after two years with the club.
"I'm feeling as fit and ready as ever and am genuinely excited about getting back on the field," he said.
Stringer won 98 caps for Ireland between 2000 and 2011, and has also played for Munster and Bath.
He told BBC Sport in November of his desire to continue playing beyond the age of 40, and will now will be reunited with former Munster and Ireland team-mate Donncha O'Callaghan, the Warriors captain.
Stringer is Worcester's third summer signing, following the arrivals of fly-half Sam Olver and forward David Denton.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


My husband and I were looking for a costume which would be unique and also, stray away from the mainstream costumes marketed to young girls. As our daughter is named Amelia, we chose Amelia Earhart. We liked that she is a prominent female historical figure and she that shares the same first name as our daughter. Another big deciding factor was that we could make this costume warm since we live in Wisconsin. Thus, we began constructing our toddler Amelia Earhart costume.
In order to put her outfit together, we bought all of the pieces separately. We purchased a bomber jacket, riding pants, black boots, white flying scarf, and a bomber pilot hat with goggles. For the airplane we took her red wagon we already had and added to it. Then, my husband used cardboard spray painted red and made the wings which balanced on top of the wagon. In addition, the window is another piece of cardboard held on with duct tape.
In order to make the propeller, we started with a red solo cup as an anchor. Then we spray painted and affixed it to a small board. We then used additional cardboard cutouts covered in duct tape along with it. Next, we glued it to the cup. Finally, we used a wire attached to the under side of the board to hold this to a seat in the wagon so that we could keep it in place!
People loved this costume! We heard comments from "very creative" to "how unique." Many asked how we came up with this. Even more were impressed that this was not a conventional costume for a young female toddler. Thankfully, this Amelia Earhart safely landed after her trick or treating flight!


FACT CHECK: Does This Video Capture a Time Traveler at a 1995 Mike Tyson Fight?
Does This Video Capture a Time Traveler at a 1995 Mike Tyson Fight?
A viral video purportedly shows a spectator using a not-yet-available camera phone to take photographs of a Mike Tyson fight back in 1995.
A video shows a time-traveling spectator using a camera phone to take photographs at a Mike Tyson fight back in 1995.
1995 fight between Mike Tyson and Peter McNeeley in Las Vegas. Someone in the crowd is seen taking a picture from what appears to a smart phone device, or a device way ahead of the 90's. Aliens!!!
I dunno if it's a time traveller or not, but no one can explain what camera it is; a QV-100 doesn't have a silver bit on the right, and this camera doesn't seem to have a black line under the lens.
This isn't the first time that a "time traveler" has supposedly been spotted in older images. These rumors can nearly always be explained by taking a closer look at the clothing and technology extant at the time in question.


Massachusetts-Andover-100 Brickstone Square Lease - Andover Mills Realty LP and CMGI Inc.
Bankruptcy........................... Page 1 of 1         Exhibit "F"
("Landlord"), and CMGI, INC. a Delaware corporation ("Tenant").
forth in Section 28.2(b) in Rider #1.
as provided in Rider #2 or earlier termination in accordance with this Lease.
earlier in accordance with this Lease.
as shown in Exhibit "B-1", with an agreed rentable area of 44,185 square feet.
Tenant pursuant to this Lease.
of the Building will include those other buildings.
increased to 18.5% on the Rent Commencement Date for the Additional Space.
Premises increases pursuant to this Lease.
amount equal to two (2) months of current base rent.
testing, configuring computer hardware, and training (but no manufacturing).
Attn:  John G. Baker, Esq.
(l)  Tenant's Broker: CRF Partners, Inc.
of this Lease will control.
reserves the right to change the Project from time to time.
the Premises to prepare the Premises for Tenant's initial occupancy.
3.   POSSESSION AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES.
condition as on the Rent Commencement Date, normal wear and tear excepted.
period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months during the Lease term.
on the end of the 12-month period.
month during the term, prorated for any portion of a month.  The term "rent"
as additional rent within thirty (30) days after receipt of Landlord's bill.
Tenant's business operations and Tenant's Property.
pay its share of these costs in the manner described in Section 7.2.
broad form property damage insurance, automobile and personal injury coverage.
Tenant. This insurance will be for full replacement value.
employer's liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000.00.
additional insureds at least thirty (30) days prior written notice.
8.2  Landlord's Insurance; Payment; and Waiver of Subrogation.
Tenant pays all increased costs directly to Landlord on demand.
9.   MONTHLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, OPERATING COSTS AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS.
(a)  Operate its business in an attractive and first class manner.
must be conducted at times and in the manner reasonably prescribed by Landlord.
tenants or create any health or fire hazard.
louvers in the windows of the Premises, but Tenant may not detach those louvers.
any auction, distress, fire, bankruptcy or going-out-of-business sale.
other tenants in the Project or the Project itself.
than within its own Premises.
or the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Tenant or its Affiliates.
to the provisions of Articles 16 and 17 and the rest of this Lease.
cleaning company of its choice to clean the Premises at Tenant's sole cost.
required, Alterations are subject to the rest of this Article.
the Premises at the end of this Lease, unless otherwise requested by Landlord.
labor disputes, disharmony or delay, or impose any Liabilities on Landlord.
contractors and subcontractors to carry workmen's compensation insurance.
PREMISES WILL IN ANY MANNER AFFECT LANDLORD'S RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST.
satellite dish and all associated equipment and repair all damage.
arising out of or in connection with this satellite dish.
14.  INDEMNITY; SATISFACTION OF REMEDIES.
accordance with this Lease; or any of the matters described in Section 24.5.
which could be anticipated to give rise to any of the foregoing Liabilities.
rights (if any) specifically granted to Tenant elsewhere in this Lease.
15.  COMMON AREA AND PARKING.
and take any other actions deemed necessary by Landlord.
for which Landlord has no liability under other provisions of this Lease.
delivering written notice to the other within fifteen (15) days thereafter.
proposed Transferee.  All of this information must be suitably authenticated.
may terminate the Lease as to the portion of the Premises proposed to be sublet.
of this Article, Landlord may arbitrarily withhold consent to other Transfers).
in accordance with the terms of this Lease.
the Project or an interest therein.
determining if it should grant or reasonably withhold its consent.
portion of or interest in the space they sublease.
rights or claims against Landlord or its Affiliates.
payable will be defined in its broadest sense.
to each person or entity that succeeds to Landlord's interest under this Lease.
explicitly granted elsewhere in this Lease.
and binding on Tenant and its Affiliates.
in equity in connection with a default.
Landlord under this Lease or at law or in equity.
for preparing and improving the Premises for re-letting.
the same time as if this Lease had not been terminated.
will pay as and when due all amounts it is required to pay under this Lease.
original expiration date of this Lease.
at the time Landlord exercises its option, subject to Subsection (d) above.
incurred by Landlord in enforcing this Lease from and after Tenant's default.
of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Lease, or otherwise.
harmless from all Liabilities incurred by Landlord in connection therewith.
accrue from the day the claim arose.
transaction except for Tenant's Broker.
made thereunder, affecting all or any portion of the Premises or the Project.
interest from the due date until paid at the interest rate in Section 22.5.
any other rights and remedies.
without limitation, the right to recover the full amount due.
applicable to transactions to be performed wholly therein.
without limitation, claims for damages.
has the right or is required to perform under this Lease.
are mailed in accordance with this Section.
of the Premises to Landlord in the condition required.
that complies with the terms of this Lease.
costs (whether or not suit is commenced or judgment entered).
Family Entity pursuant to a sublease that complies with the terms of this Lease.
stacks, chases, conduits and wires.
promptly if it becomes aware that any of such work is required.
required by Laws and as Landlord may direct to cure or prevent the problem.
the EPA, OSHA or Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
generated, discharged or disposed of by Tenant or its Affiliates.
potential violations, settlements or abatements.
Article will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
date specified below next to its signature.
than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).
terminated earlier per this Lease.
II.  ADDITIONAL SPACE; EXPANSION SPACE; OFFER SPACE.
extended or terminated earlier per this Lease.
thereto, in such manner as it deems best.
tenants caused by Tenant or its Affiliates shall be paid by Tenant.
premises or the Project under the provisions of this rule.
Landlord shall be used in Tenant's premises.
the air conditioning system to cool or ventilate the tenant's premises.
keep such financial statements confidential to the same extent.
agents, visitors or licensees, shall have caused the same.
common by the occupants thereof.
therefor as shall be approved by Landlord.
cleaning or replacement or repairs by reason of Tenant's failure to do so.
the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. (the "Bankruptcy Code").
Premises but will remain liable as herein provided.
23.3 Rights and Obligations Under the Bankruptcy Code.
notice and hearing of the entry of same.
unless expressly done so in writing by Landlord.
to Landlord an instrument confirming such assumption.
to limit Landlord, except as may be required by law.
SCALE 1/4" - 1'- 10"
Commencement Date has occurred for that space.
27.  RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.
useable area of that space) will lapse and become null and void.
rights in this Article will be subject and subordinate to those extensions .
turn is subject to Rider #2).
thereof reasonably satisfactory to Landlord).
by Tenant pursuant to the exercise of an Expansion Option as described below.
future Expansion Options will lapse and become null and void.
any way by reason thereof.
additional terms of five (5) years each (collectively, the "Extension Options").
for or perform any work to or for the Premises.
not they have been exercised.
rent for that space as set forth in Exhibit "D."
months before the beginning of the applicable Extension Option term.
closest in amount, and the third appraisal will be disregarded.
determined hereunder (if the new base rent is higher).
Notice or the Third Termination Notice.


MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ:LTBR) today issued a development and commercialization progress report for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2015 on its next generation nuclear fuel technology that helps existing and new build reactors to enhance safety, increase revenue and improve operating margins.
"Lightbridge continues to achieve value-creating strategic milestones," said Seth Grae, President and Chief Executive Officer. "At a time of heightened awareness of nuclear energy's crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, Lightbridge remains on track to deliver to the world a safer nuclear fuel that helps utilities improve reactor operating economics through increased power output. The Company is well positioned to realize high-margin revenue streams in the coming years from technology licensing fees and royalties from a growing $25 billion annual market for nuclear fuel. We believe Lightbridge metallic fuel offers an unmatched value proposition to operators of both existing and new build reactors."
Lightbridge expects increased demand for its advanced metallic nuclear fuel, due to incentives in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Power Plan, which was published in early August. The plan offers credits to utilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by boosting generation from existing nuclear power plants. The Clean Power Plan calls for a 32% reduction from 2005 levels in carbon pollution from the utility power industry by 2030. Depending on fuel cycle length, Lightbridge's proprietary metallic fuel can provide 10% to 17% more power from existing pressurized water reactors (PWRs).
"Compared with conventional nuclear fuel, only Lightbridge metallic fuel can offer meaningful power uprates and longer fuel cycles that will provide the lowest levelized cost per megawatt hour on the grid," Grae said.
In April, nuclear fuel managers at Dominion Generation (NYSE:D), Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), Exelon Generation (NYSE:EXC) and Southern Company (NYSE:SO) asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to prepare to review Lightbridge's patented fuel design, in advance of an expected application in 2017 to use the Company's fuel in a U.S. commercial reactor as early as 2020 (http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1513/ML15134A092.pdf). The NRC relies on communications from U.S. utilities to adjust Commission staffing levels and budgets in anticipation of regulatory review of licensing applications.
"The importance of this milestone cannot be overstated because without support from utility customers, the NRC will not allocate resources to a regulatory review," Grae said.
During the second quarter, the Company completed negotiations on a binding, 10-year service agreement with the Institute for Energy Technology, operator of the 25MW Halden research reactor, southeast of Oslo, Norway. The agreement was signed in early July. Beginning in 2017, Lightbridge expects its fabricated fuel samples to undergo full irradiation under prototypic commercial reactor operating conditions in a pressurized water loop of the Halden reactor. The project's pre-irradiation scope includes irradiation-rig mechanical design, detailed neutronic and thermal-hydraulic calculations, and safety analyses with necessary regulatory approvals. The initial phase of irradiation testing is expected to continue for about three years to reach the burnup necessary for insertion of lead test assemblies (LTAs) in a commercial power reactor. The final phase of irradiation testing necessary for batch reloads and full cores operating with a 10% power uprate and a 24-month cycle is expected to take an additional two years and be completed while LTAs have begun operating in the core of a commercial power reactor. Post-irradiation examination of Lightbridge's partially irradiated fuel samples also is planned to begin at Halden in 2018.
"Our agreement with IFE completes one of the key critical path milestones we have set for 2015 and represents a major step toward on-schedule, lead test assembly demonstration of Lightbridge's advanced metallic nuclear fuel in a commercial power reactor in 2020 to 2021," Grae said. "These irradiation tests will generate quantifiable data needed to support licensing of Lightbridge fuel by the NRC and ultimate deployment by nuclear utilities in commercial reactors around the world."
Meetings have been held with large companies that fabricate nuclear fuel for the global market. "We planned to have a teaming agreement in place with one of these companies in 2017 or 2018 but current progress may lead to such an arrangement sooner than expected," Grae said. "These meetings are an important facet of the Company's market strategy, whereby fuel fabricators prepare to supply Lightbridge's fuel to the global market, while utilities continue to validate the demand for our fuel for use in their reactors."
Negotiations have advanced to the final stage on a comprehensive agreement between Lightbridge and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, for fabrication of Lightbridge fuel samples at CNL's Chalk River, Ontario facilities. An initial cooperation agreement was signed with CNL in October 2014. The comprehensive agreement involves development of a fabrication plan in 2015, fabrication and characterization in early 2016 of prototype fuel rods using depleted uranium, to be followed by fabrication in late 2016 of irradiation fuel samples using enriched uranium.
"This agreement is the last key contract for critical-path work scope relating to research reactor irradiation under prototypic commercial reactor operating conditions and keeps us on our development timeline," Grae said.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office approved and issued to Lightbridge a key patent covering the Company's multi-lobed metallic fuel rod design and fuel assemblies. Patent No. 10-151116 — "Nuclear Reactor (Variants), Fuel Assembly Consisting of Driver-Breeding Modules for a Nuclear Reactor (Variants) and a Fuel Cell for a Fuel Assembly" - expands international protection of Lightbridge's proprietary fuel technology.
"The South Korean patent is another important milestone in the development of our fuel assembly designs for existing and new build pressurized water reactors," Grae said. "Korea represents a significant potential market for Lightbridge metallic fuel with 24 operating commercial reactors and an additional eight reactors either under construction or planned by 2035. South Korea also is an active exporter of nuclear power reactors, marketing its units in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy aims to export 80 reactors worth $400 billion by 2030."
The Company entered into an at-the-market issuance sales agreement (ATM) with agent MLV & Co. LLC to sell up to $0.5 million of shares of common stock from time to time.
"The ATM program is one element of our initiative to secure new financing or additional sources of capital, depending on the capital market conditions, over the next 12 months," Grae said. "Other primary potential sources of cash available to us are strategic investments through alliances with major fuel vendors, fuel fabricators or other strategic parties during the next three years."
For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, Lightbridge's net loss was $1.5 million, or a loss of $0.08 per share, on revenue of $0.3 million. In the same quarter of 2014, the net loss was $1.7 million, or a loss of $0.11 per share, on revenue of $0.3 million. All revenue was generated from consulting services. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2015 were $1.1 million, essentially unchanged from the same period in 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, G&A expenses totaled $2.0 million versus $2.3 million in the same period last year. Research and development expenses for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2015 were $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, compared to $0.6 million and $1.1 million in the respective periods of 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company's cash flows used in operating activities were $1.8 million versus $2.6 million in the same period of 2014, a decline of approximately 33% due primarily to reduced overhead expenses.
"Over the next 12 to 15 months, we expect to incur approximately $3.0 million in research and development expenses related to the development of our proprietary nuclear fuel designs," Grae said. "We are carefully managing our expenses and reducing overhead where appropriate, while maintaining a solid balance sheet with no long-term debt. Our strategy is to minimize dilution through alliances with fuel vendors, fuel fabricators and other strategic partners. Upon commercialization of our technology in the coming years, we believe the license and royalty fees from existing U.S. reactors alone will add significant value for shareholders."
At June 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $2.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, and approximately $2.7 million of working capital, with no long-term debt. Stockholders' equity was approximately $3.6 million at June 30, 2015 compared with $5.4 million on December 31, 2014. Common shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 totaled 18,082,874.
The commercial nuclear energy industry is projected to grow rapidly at a time of rising global demand for reliable, carbon-free, base load electric power. There are currently 436 operable civil nuclear reactors in 30 countries around the world, with 67 reactors under construction and 488 on order, planned or proposed, according to the World Nuclear Association. By 2040, the International Energy Agency projects a 58% increase in nuclear capacity from a combination of power uprates and reactor construction.
Lightbridge will hold a conference call and webcast on Friday, August 21, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's 2015 second quarter results and to provide an update on recent corporate developments. Seth Grae, President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call and additional members of the senior management team will be available to answer questions. Questions may be asked live, using the telephone lines below. Questions also may be submitted in writing before or during the conference call to ir@ltbridge.com. All written questions will be read and answered during the call.
Important recent milestones achieved by Lightbridge include approval and issuance of key patents by the United States, Australia and South Korea for the Company's multi-lobed metallic fuel rod design and fuel assemblies. In April 2015, nuclear fuel managers at Dominion Generation (NYSE:D), Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), Exelon Generation (NYSE:EXC) and Southern Company (NYSE:SO) asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to prepare to review Lightbridge's fuel design, in advance of an expected application in 2017 to use the Company's fuel in a U.S. reactor as early as 2020 (http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1513/ML15134A092.pdf). The NRC relies on communications from U.S. utilities to adjust Commission staffing levels and budgets in anticipation of regulatory review of licensing applications.
With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's competitive position, the timing of demonstration testing and commercial production, the Company's product and service offerings and the expected market for the Company's product and service offerings. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this news release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from such estimates. The risks include, but are not limited to, the degree of market adoption of the Company's product and service offerings; market competition; dependence on strategic partners; demand for fuel for nuclear reactors; and the Company's ability to manage its business effectively in a rapidly evolving market, as well as other factors described in Lightbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lightbridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.


This list of holidays includes both public holidays and observances in Italy. Public holidays are special days that everyone gets off work, while observances are traditional celebrations and events that are popular in a particular country without a day-off work status. Some dates above may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates.
National Italian holiday commemorating the end of Nazi occupation of the Country during World War II and the victory of the Resistance.
The Italian National Day commemorates the institutional referendum after which Italy became a republic in 1946.
This page is also available on Italiano with names of holidays common for Italy.


How to Avoid the Other Tourists is an independent travel guide concept dedicated to showing the life and whereabouts of locals.
The concept of How to Avoid the Other Tourists is an initiative by Nina van der Weiden. She started to write the Amsterdam tour guide as a response to the increasing pressure on the city centre. The number of tourists Amsterdam accommodates increases every year. In her eyes it was time for a serious game of 'spreading the tourists' without making them feel unwanted in the centre.
This initiative has been set up by her in order to show the tourist more than just the sights you will find in every family album and is a serious attempt to reduce the pressure on the well-known tourist spots. How to Avoid the Other Tourists provides the necessary tools to discover different parts of a city, island or country without feeling lost all the bloody time.
Nina (1989) is a political scientist with a large interest for sustainability and urban development. She has fallen in love with Amsterdam since she moved here in her student years. Amsterdam lured her in and will not easily let her go, as she says herself. She is always on the way to somewhere with someone for some time and is easily bored when she is not running from one side of town to the other. Her dream is to make as many How to Avoid the Other Tourists travel guides as possible.
The illustrations and design of How to Avoid the Other Tourists – Amsterdam are made by Mieke de Roo (1982) from In Sight (studio for infographics en illustrations). Mieke is a human geographer and graphic designer. She is in particular interested in large cities and their cultural and political development. She has lived in Berlin and Montréal and has travelled extensively, but she never considered exchanging Amsterdam for any of the cities she visited. At this moment, Mieke combines teaching at the University of Amsterdam with her own business in graphic design. Both of her interests come together in this book: the spatial approach of a human geographer and the visual approach of a graphic designer.
How to Avoid the Other Tourists Curacao is a collaboration with Annefleur Siebinga (1988). Her love for the Dutch Caribbean islands started when she went to work on Aruba as a project manager for the Ministry of Economics, Culture, and Social Affairs between her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Annefleur is a Cultural Economist with a large interest in sustainable and urban development, mainly due to her Master's thesis on how the UNESCO status of Willemstad effected the tourism on the island of Curacao. Her aim is to show the beautiful and culturally interesting sights of Curacao instead of just the typical beaches. Curacao has so much more to offer which would be a pity when its left untold.