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On the Beat: No Excuses
All spring training clichés go out the window on Thursday. It will be Opening Day for 12 teams, with the other 18 beginning their seasons the following day. There will be no more talk about pitchers just getting their work in and hitters grooving their swings. Managers will no longer be talking about how the results don't matter.
The games start counting and the excuses for poor performance stop. With that in mind, let's take a look at one player on each major-league team who needs to make no excuses and step up this season for his team. (Statistics are 2011 PECOTA projections.)
Angels: INF Maicer Izturis. The oft-injured infielder could fill two big holes by playing third base and hitting leadoff. However, it has also been five years since he posted a career-best 2.9 WARP. Regardless, he's a better option than Brandon Wood and last year's .151 TAv.
Astros: 1B Brett Wallace. He struggled last season after being acquired from the Phillies in a deadline trade, with a .229 TAv in 159 plate appearances. However, Wallace impressed Astros manager Brad Mills enough this spring to keep his spot in the lineup. If he can carry that over into the regular season, it would be a major help to Houston's anemic offense.
Athletics: CF Coco Crisp. He is an effective leadoff hitter when healthy, but he always seems to have some kind of injury or ailment. He posted a .296 TAv last season but was limited to just 328 plate appearances. A full season with a .296 TAv would go a long way in helping the Athletics complete in the AL West.
Blue Jays: C J.P. Arencibia. He went 4-for-4 with two home runs in his major-league debut last season but finished with a .183 TAv in 37 plate appearances. Arencibia will begin this season sharing time behind the plate with Jose Molina, as Toronto is concerned about his defense. However, Molina is better suited to be a backup, and for the Blue Jays to be a factor in the AL East they are going to need Arencibia to produce.
Braves: CF Nate McLouth. He was awful last season, with a .240 TAv in 268 plate appearances, and was sent was sent back to Triple-A for a month. Atlanta, though, believes McLouth is back on track, and he will begin the season hitting leadoff for a team with post-season aspirations.
Brewers: CF Carlos Gomez. He has yet to live up to his potential, accumulating just 2.4 WARP through 1,420 career plate appearances. He will get another opportunity to prove himself this season this season, though the Brewers acquired center fielder Nyjer Morgan in a trade with the Nationals last Sunday to add insurance.
Cardinals: CF Colby Rasmus. St. Louis management believes he is poised for a breakthrough season, something along the lines of 30 home runs and a possible Gold Glove. Some scouts and front-office types feel he is ready to break through as the best center fielder in the game.
Cubs: 3B Aramis Ramirez. He seemed disconnected last season until Lou Piniella walked away as manager in August and third base coach Mike Quade took over. Now that Quade is the full-time skipper, it stands to reason Ramirez is happier. He certainly has plenty of motivation, as this is his walk year.
Diamondbacks: RF Justin Upton. He had a disappointing 2010 with 2.1 WARP, after looking like he was ready to become a superstar in 2009 when he was worth 4.3 WARP. Still just 23, Upton still has a lot of upside, and a bounce-back season would help Arizona try to climb out of the NL West cellar.
Dodgers: CF Matt Kemp. Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly says Kemp is focused and ready to have a big year. That would be a change from a tumultuous 2010, when Kemp was publicly criticized by GM Ned Colletti, clashed with members of the coaching staff, and seemed more interest in getting publicity for his now-ended relationship with pop singer Rihanna.
Giants: 3B Pablo Sandoval. The Kung Fu Panda's WARP went from 5.6 in 2009 to just 1.0 last season, and he was a nonfactor in October during San Francisco's unlikely drive to the World Series championship. However, Sandoval lost 37 pounds over the winter, and the Giants hope his WARP gains accordingly.
Indians: 1B Matt LaPorta. He was the centerpiece of the four-prospect package that Cleveland received from the Brewers in the CC Sabathia trade in 2008. This figures to be LaPorta's last chance to prove he is a major-league regular. If he fails, the trade will go down as a terrible one for the Indians.
minus-0.7
Mariners: 1B Justin Smoak. Seattle needs all the offense it can get after scoring the fewest runs in the major leagues last season. Furthermore, Smoak needs to prove he was worthy of being the centerpiece of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to Texas last July, particularly after the Mariners turned down an offer from the Yankees that included top catching prospect Jesus Montero.
Marlins: RHP Ricky Nolasco. He has the stuff to be one of the league's best pitchers, fills up the strike zone, and always has good peripherals. Still, he has yet to emerge as a strong No. 2 in the rotation behind Josh Johnson. Florida is betting Nolasco will become that type of pitcher this year, having signed him to a three-year, $26 million contract in the offseason.
Mets: LF Jason Bay. He had a miserable first season in New York last year after signing a four-year, $66 million contract as a free agent, and now appears likely to begin the season on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his side. While his .280 TAv wasn't terrible last year, he contributed just 0.7 WARP, then missed most of the second half after suffering a concussion. The Mets need more bang for their buck than that.
Nationals: RHP Jordan Zimmermann. He is the best hope to give Washington a frontline starter this season while Stephen Strasburg recovers from Tommy John surgery. Zimmermann sat out most of last season while recovering from his own Tommy John operation, but has looked sharp this spring.
Orioles: C Matt Wieters. The expectations, which PECOTA helped fuel, have been high ever since he made his major-league debut in 2009. While Wieters has won high marks for his improvement in working with a pitching staff, his offensive production has still lagged. While it's unfair to call him a bust at this point, he certainly hasn't hit like a young Johnny Bench.
Padres: RF Ryan Ludwick. He was a major disappointment after being acquired from the Cardinals at the trading deadline last season, posting a .234 TAv and 0.1 WARP in 239 plate appearances. The Padres brought him back for $7 million this season and are counting on him to make up for some of the production lost when Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox in December.
Phillies: SS Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies look like they are going to be without second baseman Chase Utley (knee) for an extended period, and rookie Domonic Brown (broken hand)—charged with filling the void left when right fielder Jayson Werth exited as a free agent—will also start the season on the disabled list. Philadelphia needs someone to step up, and it would certainly help if Rollins could regain his old All-Star form after posting .247 and .263 TAvs the past two seasons, contributing 2.0 WARP in that span.
Pirates: RHP Kevin Correia. Pittsburgh has a rotation full of number four and five starters and needs someone to at least eat up some innings to avoid asking the bullpen to work four or five innings a night. Correia, who has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter, did pitch 198 innings for the Padres in 2009, though they removed him from the rotation in the middle of a pennant race last September.
Rangers: 3B Adrian Beltre. Given a five-year, $80 million contract as a free agent over the winter, he will be counted on to make up for the production lost when Vladimir Guerrero left for the Orioles as a free agent. Guerrero had 29 home runs and 115 RBIs last season, levels Beltre hasn't reached since 2004, his walk year with the Dodgers.
Rays: SS Reid Brignac. While free agent additions Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon have garnered the most attention this spring, the Rays are counting on the 25-year-old Brignac to take over at a key position. It's a calculated risk, as Brignac has started just 61 major-league games.
Red Sox: RHP Josh Beckett. Boston has a strong starting rotation with Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz at the top, but it would be even better if Beckett could return to form following a dismal 2010. Beckett was sub-replacement level last season with -0.6 WARP, though his 3.84 SIERA gives hope for a strong comeback this year.
Reds: CF Drew Stubbs. Many scouts believe Stubbs is a 30-30 player waiting to happen and that he could reach those marks as soon as this season. However, he will be asked to man the leadoff spot, something he isn't particularly suited for because of his severe lack of plate discipline.
Rockies: 3B Ian Stewart. Though he might begin the season on the DL with a sprained ankle, Colorado believes he has the raw power and bat speed to be a game changer. His inability to translate that potential into production is one of the reasons Don Baylor was fired as hitting coach at the end of last season. The Rockies hope new hitting coach Carney Lansford can get Stewart on track.
Royals: LF Alex Gordon. Kansas City has been waiting a long time for Gordon to live up to his potential. However, scouts have raved about Gordon all spring, prompting one to say, "He's going to be the surprise player of the year in the American League."
Tigers: RHP Rick Porcello. He had a fine rookie season in 2009 with 2.5 WARP, but slipped to 0.3 last year and even needed a tune-up back in Triple-A. Detroit believes Porcello can team with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to provide a strong top of the rotation. Though his velocity in spring training sent up a red flag, Porcello will get the chance to prove the Tigers right this season.
Twins: CF Denard Span. His on-base percentage cratered from .392 in 2009 to .331 last season, as he went back to his old habit of chasing breaking balls outside the strike zone. Minnesota needs more than that from its leadoff hitter if it is going to win a third straight AL Central title.
White Sox: 2B Gordon Beckham. He needed a late surge just to finish last season with 0.8 WARP and a .255 TAv after posting 2.8 and .281 marks as a rookie in 2009. Chicago is confident Beckham will return to his rookie production and has only 44-year-old Omar Vizquel as a backup plan at second.
Yankees: RHP A.J. Burnett. With rookie Ivan Nova and retread Freddy Garcia at the back of the rotation, the Yankees need Burnett to join forces with CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes to form a top-notch 1-2-3 starting punch. Burnett was barely better than replacement level last season, with 0.7 WARP in the second year of his five-year, $82.5 million contract. However, he says he has worked out some mechanical issues this spring with the help of new pitching coach Larry Rothschild, and did not walk a batter in 11 Grapefruit League innings.
Rumors and Rumblings: Jose Contreras will begin the season as the Phillies' closer as Brad Lidge (shoulder) will be out for up to six weeks. That comes as quite a surprise, because the Phillies have been grooming Ryan Madson to replace Lidge, probably as soon as next year since Lidge can become a free agent at the end of this season. … The reason the Blue Jays have decided to go with Edwin "E5" Encarnacion at third base and Jose Bautista in right field to start the season is because of Juan Rivera's complete lack of range in right, not magical improvement by Encarnacion at third. … Right-hander Alexi Ogando will only be a short-timer in the Rangers' rotation, returning to the bullpen once right-handers Tommy Hunter or Brandon Webb are ready to be activated from the disabled list. … The Cubs plan to watch right-hander Andrew Cashner's work load closely, as he has never pitched more than 111 2/3 innings in a professional season. … Matt Treanor will be the Royals' No. 1 catcher to begin the season, but the job will be Jason Kendall's once he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery and is activated from the DL, likely in late April.
Scouts' takes on various players:
Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury: "He really looked good this spring. That lineup is so dangerous to begin with, and it's even going to be better because Ellsbury is ready to have a breakout season at the top of it."
Brewers infielder Erick Almonte: "He might have been the best story in Arizona this spring. He's 33 and a Triple-A lifer, but he just hit, hit, hit until he forced his way onto their roster. I doubt he'll make much of a difference when the regular season starts, but it's nice to see a guy who has paid his kind of dues get a reward."
Mariners infielder Adam Kennedy: "Every time I think he's finished, he resurrects himself, and he did it again this spring. He's like a cat with nine lives."
Tigers outfielder Casper Wells: "He's an interesting guy because he's got some pop and he's got some speed. The key at the major-league level, though, is going to be not to overexpose him. The pitchers will exploit him because he's a free swinger."
BillJohnson
A tad unfair to Colby Rasmus, methinks. A 2010 line of .276/.361/.498 doesn't suggest to me that he's ready to step up and have a breakthrough; it suggests he already has had one. The Cardinal who needs to "step up" must surely be Ryan Theriot. Unfortunately, it's unlikely.
And for the Mets, wouldn't it be fairer not to pick on Bay, and just say "everybody"?
Reply to BillJohnson
ultimatedub
Its unfair to call Wieters a bust at this point.
Interesting. Did you give Goldman that memo?
Reply to ultimatedub
eas9898
Another great OTB! One of my favorite columns here at BP.
Reply to eas9898
jedjethro
A nice piece that makes these final hours until opening day seem like they're ticking away in slow motion.
Reply to jedjethro
mattymatty2000
Thanks for the piece, John, but the scout's take on Jacoby Ellsbury is kind of worthless. I mean, he's hit .333/.367/.544 with three homers. It doesn't take any kind of specialization to see he's crushing the ball. I don't know if you spoke to the scout or if you compiled the quotes from other sources, but I wish whomever spoke to the scout would have asked the follow-up question, "Why?" and then printed the answer above.
I did enjoy the article though so thanks for that.
Reply to mattymatty2000
padresprof
*Scouts' comments are for entertainment purposes only.
Reply to padresprof
TheRedsMan
Re; Stubbs, let's not confuse an inability to make contact with a lack of plate discipline. They are very different skills. You don't put up a 9.4% walk rate with a "severe lack of plate discipline". His problem is not swinging at bad pitches or taking too many good ones. Stubbs actually swung a fewer pitches out of the strike zone than major league average and was right at average for swinging at pinches in the zone.
By contrast, he was the 7th worst qualified hitter (of 149) in making contact when he did swing, better only than Reynolds, Dunn, Howard, Pena, Napoli and Kemp.
Now, if the critique of him being a leadoff hitter is his relatively mediocre OBP, I'd agree completely. A player with his skill set is built to hit 6th/7th where he can leverage both his power and speed while minimizing the impact of his low OBP. But with Dusty Baker filling out the lineup card, considerations 1, 2, and 3 for a leadoff hitter are "Does he run fast?", "Does he play CF?", and "Dan he run fast?".
That all said, I'm not sure why Stubbs has to "step up". He's not going to suddenly become Juan Pierre and make contact 90% of the time and bunt for hits 30 times to push his OBP above .380. He is who he is, and that's a very productive player. If we want to talk about stepping up, how about Homer Bailey finally taking that step forward?
Reply to TheRedsMan
irussma
"Guerrero had 29 home runs and 115 RBIs last season, levels Beltre hasn't reached since 2004, his walk year with the Dodgers."
Uh, wait. Did I just see a BP article use home runs and RBI as a measure of a hitter's worth? As the only measure, even?
First of all, as long as we're going to look at flawed stats, I can point out that while Guerrerro had 29 homers and 115 RBI, Beltre had a mere 28 homers and 102 RBI. Beltre, meanwhile, led the league in doubles (49 to Guerrerro's 27) and beat out Vlad in terms of batting average ( OBP (.365 to .345) SLG (.553 to .496) OPS (obviously) and OPS+ (141 to 122).
Granted, that was the second-best offensive season of Beltre's career, so it's fair to expect some regression, especially given that he'll turn 32 in a week. Still, the man looks out of place on this list, given that he's the only player coming off a really good year.
Reply to irussma
Totally agree on Jason Bay. He's on track to be a colossal bust for the Amazins. No power and can't stay healthy.
clachan
Brett Wallace went to the Astros from the Blue Jays in exchange for Anthony Gose.
Reply to clachan
pobothecat
Nice job here, John. Fun article --- and thought provoking. I'm betting on Bekcham, Span and Nolasco, against Rollins, Beckett and Porcello.
Reply to pobothecat


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Insolvency Disputes
Home › Business › Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors › Insolvency Disputes
Lavelle Partners is recognised as one of Ireland's leading contentious insolvency law firms. Our insolvency team is headed up by Managing Partner, Michael Lavelle, a top insolvency expert for over thirty years. Michael has developed our insolvency team into a top-tier practice, as reflected by the large number of landmark insolvency and contentious insolvency cases in which the firm has acted.
Our expertise in insolvency means we are best placed to advise and represent parties to contentious insolvency disputes and litigation.
What is contentious insolvency?
Insolvency occurs when a company is unable to cover their debts due to lack of funds and is placed in receivership, liquidation or examinership. Lavelle Partners act for and advise receivers, liquidators and examiners, as well as insolvent companies, their creditors and their directors or shareholders. Services we provide include:
Petitioning the High Court on behalf of creditors to place insolvent companies in liquidation or examinership.
Placing companies in voluntary liquidation and holding the required creditors meeting.
Acting for liquidators in litigation on behalf of insolvent companies.
Acting for examiners before the High Court during the course of examinerships.
Representing the interests of creditors of companies in examinership before the High Court & Circuit Court.
This is a highly complex area of law and can, in some cases, give rise to additional disputes relating to improper conduct of company directors and management in the handling of insolvency; this is contentious insolvency. Such situations may include:
Fraudulent trading – occurs when a company carries on operating with the intent of purposefully deceiving and defrauding its creditors
Misfeasance – when a director carries out a wrongful act in the handling of company money while insolvent, including a breach of duty of trust
Preferential payments – transactions may be deemed 'preferential' if made soon before a company is made redundant (when it cannot pay its debts)
Transactions below value – selling assets below value
Unlawful dividends – payment of dividends to directors when there is insufficient profit to do so.
Wrongful trading – continuing to trade when technically insolvent
Lavelle Partners have assisted in many cases of complex insolvency disputes and litigation, providing advice and representation to liquidators, examiners, banks, lending institutions, company shareholders, directors, creditors, regulators, and other stakeholders. Such cases often require in-depth investigations, requiring forensic accounting across multiple jurisdictions, eDiscovery skills and multi-disciplinary teams.
As a full-service law firm, Lavelle Partners' contentious insolvency Solicitors benefit from ready access to a range of in-house legal expertise across all practice areas. This allows us to formulate and execute legal strategies which are considered from all possible angles, including taxation, commercial and corporate, banking, property, insolvency, and professional negligence law.
How can alternative dispute resolution (ADR) resolve insolvency disputes?
When you first discuss your insolvency dispute matter with our team, they will seek to determine the best possible route to a resolution. In many cases, but not all, ADR may offer the best approach. ADR methods, such as mediation, adjudication, and arbitration all aim to achieve an amicable outcome to a dispute by using non-legal means. ADR has become increasingly popular in Ireland in recent years due to its considerable benefits; it is typically much cheaper and faster than litigation involving the Courts, and crucially it helps preserve business relationships. ADR dispute resolution relies on an independent and neutral third-party who will either play a role in helping the parties to find their own conclusion (mediation) or make a determination on their behalf (arbitration).
Why choose Lavelle Partners to assist you with Insolvency Disputes?
Lavelle Partners is recognised as one of Ireland's leading insolvency practices. The insolvency team is headed up by Managing Partner, Michael Lavelle. Building on his own reputation as a top insolvency expert for over thirty years, Michael has developed our insolvency function as a top-tier practice, as reflected by the large number of landmark insolvency cases in which the firm has acted.
Our insolvency lawyers are members of the Irish Society of Insolvency Professionals, Irish Insolvency Group and Irish Institute of Credit Management.
We provide expert advice across the range of insolvency matters. Our insolvency Solicitors have expert knowledge and experience in advising banking and other creditors, directors and shareholders. Our firm is also instructed by leading insolvency practitioners in Dublin, as well as foreign lawyers, accountants and creditors.
The firm's team of experienced insolvency lawyers is committed to achieving the best commercial outcome for our clients. The focus is on developing a relationship with each client that maximises the benefits of our experience, industry knowledge, commercial realism and flexibility.
Our Solicitors are approachable, intelligent, and pragmatic. When it comes to handling commercial disputes, we will assess your situation objectively and provide a clear strategy to move your matter forward.
Lavelle Partners is a full-service law firm – meaning our clients benefit from advice and representation which is considered from all possible legal perspectives. This affords our clients a considerable advantage in insolvency disputes.
For further information regarding insolvency disputes in Ireland, please contact Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800.
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HOW TO INTERACT WITH GLOBALIZATION #11
I consider my sharing of perspectives and concerns with our youth on special occasions and in respect to important and timely issues to be a vital dimension of my pontifical ministry. I believe that we must engage our youth in responsible dialogue with our church, with our community and the world at large. It is my deep conviction that our youth must not only listen but also talk, not only take but also give, not only wait but also act, not only follow but also lead in all spheres and at all levels of our common life.
In my opening remarks to the International Conference on "Culture of Cilician Armenia", organized by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, January 14-18 2008, in Antelias, I said that "critical openness and creative interaction have been significant features of Armenian culture in Cilicia".
What do we mean by culture? Let me underscore a few points.–
1) Culture is the totality of a community's life in its various aspects, dimensions and expressions. Through forms and actions, colours and perceptions culture articulates the values and traditions, inner world and aspirations of a community. Culture is a source of identity; it ensures unity. Without a common culture, a community may sooner or later disintegrate losing its identity.
2) Interrelation and interaction are conditioned by culture. In fact, culture both safeguards the integrity of a community and plays an instrumental role in promoting and enhancing relations between communities, religions and civilizations. Through culture manifold features of communities enter in dynamic interaction. Mutual impacting is integral to this process.
3) Culture is the self-expression of a person or community in time and space, and it is essential for human survival. Preserving culture means preserving community, and preserving community means preserving culture. Culture cannot live without people and people cannot perpetuate without having a distinct culture. History is full of concrete cases.
4) Culture is a force which can be used in contradictory ways. It can become a source of prosperity and creativity. It can also lead to self-contained existence and marginalization. It can become a decisive factor for unity and survival. It can also generate discrimination and violence. Although this ambiguity is inherent in culture, it is largely due to misuse and abuse of culture. Hence, the inner renewal of culture is crucial.
5) Culture must respond to the challenges and changing conditions of its environment and time. To remain relevant, reliable and credible, culture must reflect the realities of its time and place. When a culture becomes a museum of ancient heritage, it loses its responsiveness. When a culture stagnates, it loses its creativity. Culture is renewed when it is in a dynamic process of realistic self-assessment, critical dialogue with its milieu, and creative openness to new horizons.
Indeed, this is how we perceived our culture and its role in Armenian Cilicia (11th to 14th Centuries) which became the first Armenian organized diaspora. Our experience in Cilicia is a model and a point of reference in the context of the global Armenian diaspora.
In a globalized world, which destroys all cultural norms and patterns and promote a mono-culture, its own culture, we as Armenians must stick firmly to our centuries-old cultural values and traditions, paradigms and norms. But how? In fact, being directly exposed to the forces and values of the culture of globalization, on the one hand, and affirming our own culture, on the other hand, is not easy. Indeed, a globalized Armenianess is arising with globalization. Armenian diaspora is a global reality; it has also its contextual expressions. How to engage in creative dialogue these two dimensions which affect the way we perceive and articulate our identity. This requires strategy and vision. We face this challenge daily and existentially. Let me share with you my perspectives.-
a) We cannot stop the steady penetration of globalization into our life. We must be realistic. All aspects of our individual and community life are strongly impacted by globalization. The repercussions of radical changes and developments taking place in almost all areas of society will continue to affect our life. But we must not blindly appropriate the changes and values offered by globalization. We must know how to dialogue critically and responsibly with this new culture.
b) Dialoguing with globalization is risky; it is both enriching and distorting. If dialogical interaction with globalization takes place with a profound self-awareness of who we are as Armenians, then it makes our culture more creative and dynamic. If openness towards the culture of globalization is not underpinned by a firm conviction of the crucial importance of our cultural and spiritual heritage for the survival of our people, then it becomes a source of alienation.
c) We must dialogue with globalization in order to keep our culture from becoming parochial. We cannot live in isolation; isolation generate loss of identity. Opening our traditions and values to globalization will give to Armenian culture broader perspectives and new insights. It will also strengthen the inner resistance of our culture. Our experience in Armenian Cilicia is a concrete example.
d) Dialoguing with globalization will not only promote interactive approaches; it will also challenge our culture to renew itself. By renewal I do not simply mean change. Renewal will make Armenian culture more perceptive and receptive, more relevant and meaningful to modern Armenian man and woman. I consider this an absolute necessity and an urgent priority.
e) Dialoguing generates tolerance. In fact, tolerance has been a characteristic feature of Armenian culture. This inherent character of our culture, which acquired tangible expression in the Cilician period of our history, needs to be emphasized and given concrete manifestation. Indeed, preserving the ethos and identity of our culture is 2the cardinal task of each Armenian. Yet, we must accept and respect others' cultures, and the dignity and freedom of others.
Reactive cultures will sooner or later die.
Exclusivism will make culture a source of enslavement.
Parochialism will not protect culture; it will make it more vulnerable.
Faithfulness will lose its true meaning, if it is not translated into critical and creative openness.
If a culture does not undergo a continuous process of evolution and renewal, it will become history. Likewise, if a nation does not remain faithful to its culture, it will disappear from the arena of history. Therefore, it is through FAITHFULNESS and OPENNESS, that the Armenian youth will be able to preserve our cultural heritage, the source of our identity, becoming at the same time an integral part of broader society.
ARAM I
CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA
Antelias, Lebanon


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Red Wings Select Sebastian Cossa with the 15th Overall Pick
July 23, 2021 by Alex Hobson
With the 15th pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings have selected Sebastian Cossa from the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL)
About Sebastian Cossa
While Jesper Wallstedt has been recieving most of the attention among goaltenders in the 2021 Draft class, Sebastian Cossa is no slouch himself. Despite not having much of a season to work with in 2020-21, the Fort McMurray, Alberta-native impressed enough throughout the 2019-20 season and in his limited sample size in 2020-21 to make his way into the first round. He displays some stunning athleticism, which bodes well for a goaltender of his size.
THW Prospect Profile Excerpt
"It can be easy for a prospect to become known for one standout aspect heading into a draft. For goaltender Sebastian Cossa, the conversation surrounding him will ultimately start with his size. At 6-foot-6, he is an absolute giant in the crease, making him impossible to overlook.
"Oftentimes, when you have a goalie this large, their play will suffer as that big body can be as much of a hindrance as it is a benefit. This isn't the case for Cossa, however, who is fantastic at utilizing his frame, cutting off angles and baffling shooters in the process.
Sebastian Cossa of the Edmonton Oil Kings (Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings)
"Throughout the 2019-20 season, his first in the WHL, Cossa dominated play with the Edmonton Oil Kings, posting a 2.23 goals-against average (GAA) and a .921 save percentage (SV%) in 33 starts. While the Oil Kings were one of the best overall teams in the league that season, those statistics can't be ignored in any situation.
"Even with the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 season, Cossa has still been a standout goalie for Edmonton when he gets the chance to play, posting a 1.43 GAA and a .941 SV% in seven starts. While that sample size is too small to make any big judgments, it's going to draw the attention of NHL scouts heading into the draft."
Full player profile can be found here
How This Affects the Red Wings' Plans
After trading up to 15th overall with the Dallas Stars, the Red Wings add one of the top goaltenders in the 2021 Draft class. Despite being ranked lower than Jesper Wallstedt, Cossa will give the Red Wings a bona fide top goaltending prospect to develop. After recently trading for 2020-21 Calder Trophy finalist Alex Nedeljkovic, Cossa will present the Red Wings with lots of options in the crease for the foreseeable future.
Alex Hobson
Alex Hobson is a third year broadcasting student at Niagara College. He has been writing about sports since 2015 and has been with The Hockey Writers since October of 2020. He covers the Toronto Maple Leafs, World Juniors, and the NHL Entry Draft, and is also part of the Sticks in the 6ix Podcast, presented by THW. He also makes weekly appearances on THW's Maple Leafs Lounge Roundtable. For interview requests or any other inquiries, you can follow Alex's social media pages listed at the bottom of his articles like this one.
Categories News, NHL Entry Draft, Red Wings Prospects Tags 2021 NHL Draft, Sebastian Cossa


Drug testing in the workplace is controversial, but there is a compelling argument in favour of screening when drug use could impact on other people and business activities. Jacqui Cleland-Pottie reports for Safety First.
Side from the health risks of drug use, even casual users feel awful for days afterwards, affecting work performance and increasing the risk of accidents.
While not as common as alcohol consumption, drug use is part of Australian life. The impact of employee drug use can be devastating. In 2003, more than 21% of people aged between 21 to 29 had been abused or put in a state of fear by someone under the influence of illicit drugs. Many of these incidents occurred in the workplace.
Substance abuse policies covering drugs, alcohol and impairing substances such as solvents are increasingly common among Australian businesses as pressure from insurers mounts.
To earn the support of the workforce however, all screening must be done on the basis of health, safety and welfare. An effective policy must be backed by some form of testing.
Oral fluid and urine testing - why two technologies?
Two types of drug tests are used for screening in Australia - oral fluid and urine. Each does a specific job and is not interchangeable.
The major difference is in the timing. After a snort of cocaine, the drug enters the bloodstream and affects the brain within several seconds.
Minutes later, it is in oral fluid and in a matter of hours it appears in the urine. A month or two later, it can still be found in the user?s hair.
A urine test shortly after a cocaine hit would yield a negative, unless use was habitual. Only an oral fluid test could confirm whether a person is currently under the influence.
Conversely, oral fluid tested after a couple of days would be negative even though a urine test would be positive. Pre-employment screening using saliva is useless if the person has abstained from drugs prior to the interview, which is when urine testing is ideal.
Oral fluid tests Because drugs permeate the body, irrespective of whether they are ingested, snorted or swallowed, any oral fluid (not only pure saliva) can be used for drug testing. Once drugs are in the oral fluid, the drug has also reached the blood and the brain, impairing the person. For this reason, many companies are adopting oral rather than urine testing, especially in ?for cause? cases. As yet though, there are no legal limits for driving under the influence of drugs.
Collection devices are very important because some drugs will bind to unsuitable materials. The best collector is a simple non-binding sponge on a stick.
The main technology for many years, urine tests are generally cheaper than oral fluid tests.
Urine is a good medium for drug detection provided the test is not being carried out to detect impairment, which has mostly ceased by the time the drug is in the urine. The donor may however still be in withdrawal or in a depressed condition, so urine tests could be used ?for cause? to identify those in withdrawal.
The disadvantages of urine testing are the embarrassment associated with urine collection and a proliferation of products on the internet to ?fool a drug test?, although most are ineffective.
Positive test results should be supported by a confirmation test conforming to Australian Standard AS/NZS 4308:2001 using either GC/MS or HPLC/MS. Many of these sensitive analysers measure parts per billion or parts per trillion ? they would have the ability to detect a cup of coffee tipped into a lake.


Earlier this week, BET premiered a new scripted series titled "Being Mary Jane," which stars Hollyweird banger Gabrielle Union.
Paul Walker's Fast & Furious Co-Star Luke Evans Dedicates His Hobbit Performance To Him!
Glee Takes A Page Out Of The Piano Man's Book! Listen To All The Songs From Billy Joel's Tribute Episode HERE!
Real Housewives Of Atlanta's Kenya Moore Reveals That Kanye West Once Hit On Her…Sure!


Could I know the authenticity and references for the following.
Rasullullah (salallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has declared this narration as authentic (hasan sahih).
Also see: Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1723 and Targhib, vol.2 pg.11 and pg.83.


In this course, the student is introduced to the key concepts of purchasing for supply chain management. This includes a study of the purchasing cycle and the manner in which purchasing activity is integrated into and aligned to a firm's organizational strategy. Various elements of a purchasing strategy are detailed including the advantages and disadvantages of centralized versus decentralized purchasing functions, purchasing best practices, and tools and techniques for purchasing applications and oversight.


text:
L'escudo de l'Inde portugaise est l'ancienne monnaie de l'Inde portugaise de 1958 à 1961.

Histoire monétaire
Cette monnaie a remplacé en 1958 la roupie de l'Inde portugaise (rupia) au taux de 6 escudos pour une roupie. Il était divisé en 100  et avait la même valeur que l'escudo portugais.

En 1961, l'Inde annexe ce territoire portugais et met fin à cette monnaie.

Émissions monétaires

Les premières pièces sont frappées dès 1958 pour des valeurs de 30 centavos en bronze, et de 60 centavos, 1, 3 et 6 escudos en cupronickel. Une seule pièce fut frappée en 1961, celle de 10 centavos en bronze.

Fabriqués par De La Rue, les billets émis par la Banco Nacional Ultramarino sont aux valeurs suivantes : 30, 60, 100, 300, 600 et  escudos. Ils figurent Afonso de Albuquerque et ses caravelles.

Au change de l'époque, 1 escudo valait 3 pence de livre sterling ou 1/6 de roupie indienne.

Références

Économie en Inde
Monnaie moderne obsolète
Ancienne unité monétaire

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


UPDATE: Went out and saw the bike. It's Dutch, not English.
The local non-profit bike shop had lost their location. Real loss for the community.
Everything is on sale according to their website. And they had this one way up in the rafters when I was there a few months ago donating some bikes and parts.
This shop helped a lot of young people learn to work on bikes in the last decade.
There was a 40s-50s ladies Schwinn that I didn't have a chance to get a good look at but did notice it had an original label from our local Bike Shop Stone's Cyclery since 1943. If I can find time I'll try to get out and see these two close up.


noun A man who does odd jobs or various small tasks.
I use the term handyman deliberately because it has a kind of unsophisticated connotation that is meant to quietly offend an expert tradesperson.
Isn't there a lot of competition in 'handyman' websites?
An unlimited supply of Diet Irn Bru (It's a Scottish drink) and something tall, dark and handsome with a degree in handyman skills.
The difference between an independent yeoman and a second-rate handyman is independence.
But my replacement fridge - swiped by the clever handyman from the currently empty apartment next door-is newer and cleaner than the Defunctadaire ever was.
Finally, he called a handyman who had advertised that he would take care of "everything your husband doesn't have time to fix."
You can make fresh and semi soft cheeses before you buy that refrigerator and expensive presses (though you can make a press and fix an old refrigerator - a handyman is usually cheaper that special equipment, especially if you have one at home; -)).
The story, that of a widower and a widow connecting with the help of their handyman, is pretty formulaic, and the characters are extremely two-dimensional, but I really liked the descriptions of the houses and the main character's yacht.
I got up and called the handyman Betsy had referred me to and asked him to repair the deck.
I finally called the handyman to open the pane glass mammoth: Even he needed to call an assistant to lend two more hands.


text:
Thunchan Smarakam (Memorial) has been set up in memory of the father of Malayalam language, Thunchathu Ezhuthachan. The Memorial, established in1964 endeavours to propagate the ideals of Thunchathu Ezhuthachan. A cultural institute, the memorial is situated at Thunchan Parambu, Tirur in Malappuram district.
In 1906, a meeting chaired by Maharaja Manavikramayettan Thampuran was convened to construct a memorial for the Acharya at Thunchan Parambu. About one thousand people took part in the meeting. Again in 1954 a meeting was convened chaired by K. P. Kesava Menon to deliberate seriously on the construction of the memorial. Literary buffs took part in the meeting. With people's contribution and government funds 4 acres and 60 cents of land was bought. The stone for the memorial was laid by Pattom Thanu Pillai, Chief Minister of Kerala in 1961. The memorial was inaugurated on 15 January 1964. In October 1964 a committee comprising eleven members was formed. With this, Thunchan Parambu at Tirur found a place in Kerala's cultural history. After K. P. Kesava Menon, important persons like S.K Pottekatt, T.N Jayachandran, M. S. Menon served as chairman of the Memorial. In 1993, M.T Vasudevan Nair took over as Chairman.
Today, Thunchan Memorial houses a full-fledged research centre, Malayalam literature Museum, palm leaf library, auditorium for holding meetings, open-air stage, guest houses, rest rooms, open space, Saraswati mandapam and children's library.
The research centre inaugurated in 1998, was recognized by the University of Calicut as an approved research centre.
In 2008, the first Malayalam language museum was inaugurated at Thunchan Parambu.
Every year for five days in the first week of February, Thunchan Festival is organized. The programmes include national seminars, South Indian poetry fest, friendly encounters among litterateurs from different states, book fairs, exhibitions, variety entertainment etc.
To know more about Thunchan Smarakom, Tirur, click here.


text:
US Embassy New Delhi RSO Wayne May Given 48 Hours to Leave India Over L'Affaire Khobragade
January 11, 2014 By domani spero in Americans Abroad, Consular Work, Consulate General, Controversies, Diplomatic Immunity, Diplomatic Life, Foreign Service, India, Realities of the FS, State Department, U.S. Missions, Visas Tags: Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Devyani Khobragade, DHS/CIS, diplomatic row, Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, Jen Psaki, minimum wage, Reciprocity, RSO, Sangeeta Richard, T visas, USDOJ, Wayne May, withdrawal
On January 9, a grand jury indicted Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade for visa fraud and for false statements. Around the same time, Washington granted the Indian diplomat accreditation to the Indian Mission to the United Nations and requested that India waive the immunity that her new status conferred. After India refused, Washington reportedly asked for Ms. Khobragade's departure from the United States. By Friday evening, the Indian diplomat was back in New Delhi, embraced as a returning hero. Mayur Borkar, the spokesman of the Republican Party of India is quoted by Reuters saying, "We will be meeting her soon. She is an inspiration to the people of our country."
The State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the charges remain in place and that Ms. Khobragade is not permitted to return to the United States "except to submit to the jurisdiction of the court."
"[T]he charges against her have not changed. Once she departed – prior to her departure it was conveyed to her and to the Government of India that she is not permitted to return to the United States except to submit to the jurisdiction of the court. Her name would be placed in visa and immigration lookout systems to prevent the routine issuance of any future visa, and upon her departure, a warrant may be issued for her arrest. This does not change the charges. The charges remain in place."
Ms. Psaki also confirmed the Government of India's request for the withdrawal of a specific individual from the U.S. Mission in India. Note that both sides are using the polite term "withdrawal" or "expulsion" and did not make a declaration of "persona non grata" for either individual.
"I can confirm that a U.S. official accredited to the Mission India – to Mission India will be leaving post at the request of the Government of India. We deeply regret that the Indian Government felt it was necessary to expel one of our diplomatic personnel. This has clearly been a challenging time in the U.S.-India relationship. We expect and hope that this will now come to closure and the Indians will now take significant steps with us to improve our relationship and return it to a more constructive place. I don't have any other specific details in terms of the individual and the name of the individual or their specific travel plans at this point."
Reciprocity also known as equivalent retaliation is the diplomatic version of a stick fight. Nobody dies or the game ends, but no blow goes unreturned, regardless of who is right or wrong.
(Click on image to read the text of the daily press brief with Ms. Psaki)
We've learned yesterday from our State Department sources that the member of US Mission India who was asked to depart within 48 hours according to news report is Regional Security Officer and Supervisory Special Agent Wayne May. His wife who works at the embassy as a Community Liaison Officer will presumably also leave. Mr. May has now departed the country according to the Times of India. On local media, he is alleged as either having issued the visas or alleged to have facilitated the travel to the United States of Sangeeta Richard's family. The Times of India is reporting a direct connection between RSO Wayne May and the family of the Kohbragade maid.
The parents-in-law of Sangeeta Richard, the domestic help at the centre of the India-US diplomatic spat, worked with US diplomat Wayne May who was expelled by India for his role in the Devyani Khobragade episode. This seems to be the main reason why May is said to have gone out of his way to facilitate the "evacuation" of Sangeeta's husband Philip and children by arranging T-visas (trafficking) for them.
We don't know much of the the specifics of this case except through the USDOJ posted documents. We do know this — Mr. May is a member of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the law enforcement arm of the US Department of State. As an RSO, his responsibility includes security, investigations and threat analysis overseas. We estimate that he manage about a quarter of the embassy staff in New Delhi. Since the Khobragade case was a criminal investigation, we doubt very much if Mr. May just woke up one day and decided on his own to piss off the host country by doing whatever he did. Or did not do. As far as we know, Mr. May is not a consular officer who issues visas nor a travel agent who process airline tickets. But apparently, he is the "it" person in this multi-phase diplomatic rat-tat-tat over a diplomat who allegedly underpaid her maid and was strip searched during her arrest.
It is our understanding that Mr. May has been the RSO in New Delhi since 2010. So yeah, he is already due for a regular rotation.
Now, the big question is — who will the GOI demand to leave next, the fingerprint lady on Window #6?
Today, it is widely reported on Indian media that India is also insisting that the US should drop the charges of visa fraud against its diplomat as she was not guilty of any wrongdoing according to External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid. That indictment could actually be more problematic for the GOI. Besides its missions in Washington, D.C. and New York, India has consulates general in San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta. The minimum wages for those locations are as follows: California-$8.00 per hour; becomes $9.00 on July 1, 2014 (San Francisco minimum wage is higher at $10.55 per hour); Illinois-$8.25 per hour; Texas -$7.25 per hour; Georgia-$5.15 per hour. California's Domestic Worker Bill of Rights also went into effect on January 1, 2014. Writing for Hindustan Times, former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal (via) said this: "Indian diplomats taking domestic staff to the US accept the minimum wage requirement when all concerned, including the US visa services and the State Department, know this is done pro-forma to have the paper work in order." NDTV reports that Indian diplomats in the US are worried "since their domestic helps also come on A3 visa like Ms Richards." The report using unnamed sources says that there are "around 14 such 'ticking time bombs' in the US right now."
A side note on the "T" visas for victims of human trafficking and qualifying family members — that's not something that one office or one person can just issue because the official feel sorry for the applicant. The "T" visa status is obtained from the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). One of the eligibility criteria is for an applicant to "Demonstrate that [he/she] would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States." Victims of trafficking applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit Form I-914, Supplement B, Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons, to show law enforcement agency support. That declaration, signed by a law enforcement officer and a supervisory officer serves as primary evidence that the applicant is a victim of trafficking and that he/she has complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement. Once USCIS approves the change of status to a "T" visa, the applicant then had to deal with USCIS Vermont Service Center in St. Albans, VT. to obtain derivative approval for qualifying family members. Family members overseas then have to apply for their visas at their nearest embassy overseas.
To imagine that all this was orchestrated by one officer, including the investigation in the United States, and the actual filing of charges by the Southern District of New York because the escaped maid's in-laws work for the officer's family in New Delhi is simply ludicrous.
Indian Diplomat Devyani Khobragade Strip Search Video Is Fake – Here's Proof
US diplomat to leave Delhi embassy (bbc.co.uk)
US could have avoided 'mini crisis' in Devyani case, India says – Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Indian visa row diplomat leaves US (bbc.co.uk)
India insists US drop charges against diplomat (thehindu.com)
Devyani Khobragade faceoff: Throwback to a 1981 Indo-US diplomatic spat (dnaindia.com)


Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows Inc. ARE YOU A VENDOR?
About Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows Inc.
Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows is a Manitoba-based company offering delectable custom designed sweets for weddings and other special occasions. With the addition of a candy buffet, your wedding will be a sweet event that will leave a great impression on your guests. The business will create a fun and whimsical environment for your wedding with custom lollipops and other sweets. These treats can be displayed as centerpieces or given as favors. The business is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Apart from offering custom sweets for your event, they also cover assembly and design. Delivery, setup, and cleanup of all components of your order can also be handled by the team. Lollipops come in various designs including animals and flowers. Holiday-themed lollipops are available as well. Customization is also available for added personalization. You can also order large lollipops and lollipop bouquets. There are eight flavors and nine colors available to choose from. Display your treats with lollipop stands, which also have an option of a base.
Candy buffets are customized to your event. The sweets will be placed in elegant glass containers with candy scoops and feature a large assortment of different candies. Boxes or bags can be provided for guests to fill as a keepsake and to indulge in later. Personalized table decorations are also offered.
More information about Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows Inc.
Location of Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows Inc.


The Green River Student Affairs staff is committed to providing students and the community with open access and seamless support to comprehensive programs in a nurturing environment, empowering students to take initiative and responsibility for educational, professional, and personal development.
Through departments such as Enrollment Services; Career & Advising; Financial Aid; Progress & Completion Center; TRiO; Disability Support Services; the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Counseling & Health Services, you'll find personalized attention to remove barriers that may impede your academic success. Student Affairs will help you find the balance between your academic course work and involvement opportunities to ensure you receive a well-rounded education.
Student Affairs staff understand that students maximize their college experience by engaging in extracurricular activities. At Green River, you can participate in more than 40 campus clubs, play intercollegiate or intramural sports, volunteer in multiple community service opportunities and learn leadership skills through CLEO and ASGRC student government.
The Student Affairs Division at Green River can help you find the balance between your academic and involvement opportunities to ensure you feel connected to our educational community. We look forward to working with you during your tenure at Green River. You can enroll online or in person to instantly become part of the Green River community. Our mission is to help you succeed!


text:
Q: Declare Record with External Data Field? 2 Part Question:
If I delcare a record on a item that has a External Data field will that field change if the column in that table is updated or will it remain static?
And if it does change, is there a way to look at external data and then put in my fields as a string value so it cant change?

A: I can reply to part 2:
You can attach a workflow to your list, then read the value inserted into the external data field and copy it into another field

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The flower lasts less than an hour.
Description: This species is the most common, largest and stoutest of the Avonia group (the paper scale covered Anacampseros). These unusual, plants have relatively large diameter stems (5-6 mm) compared with other members of the genus and develop a mass of miniature branching erect or creeping stems (Maximum size 5-10 (15) cm long). Roots: When grown from seed, produces branches from the top of tuber-like roots pulled down into the ground.
Leaves: It has minute green leaves which are each protected and hidden by very closely imbricated and pure white, papery stipule, a characteristic of the Avonia genus. This bright white scales certainly reflect a large fraction of the visible solar radiation contributing to protect the plants from the blazing sun of their bare habitat.
Flowers: The flowers are very small whitish-green and solitary, they last less than an hour, and are so unobtrusively that it is very difficult to recognized them as flower.
It has minute green leaves which are each protected and hidden by the white, papery stipule, a characteristic of the Avonia genus.
A. papyracea is a small and unusual, jewel from South Africa, slowly developing a mass of miniature branching stems covered by the white, scale-like papery stipules.
Uses: It is an edible plant which was traditionally used to induce the fermentation of homebrewed beer!
Cultivation: Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant, in cultivation it is relatively easy. Plants grow very slowly and requires careful cultivation.
Potting medium: Since roots are quite shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very free-draining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering. For best results, use a shallow pot, and only use the smallest diameter pot that will accommodate the plant.
Watering Needs: Water normally in the growing season from March to October, keep dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium liquid fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -5° C.
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun. High levels of light are needed to flower and for good plant development.
Clustering in cultivation, if grown correctly, it will reward the grower with generous displays of tiny flowers.


A while back, the Oregon Raspberry Blackberry Commission contacted me about writing a post about their berries. Specifically frozen berries.
I made a few recipes and they were good, but for one reason or another, I didn't want to post them. Sometimes the photos didn't work out, and other times I wanted to tweak the recipes further.
I set the berry cooking aside for a while, even though I had more berries in the freezer. I knew I'd get back to them eventually, because frozen berries are so versatile. They're great when berry season is over, but they're handy to have, even during berry season.
See, when you buy fresh berries, you really need to use them pretty quickly. If you shop on the weekend, but you're planning on using the berries on Wednesday or Thursday, you're probably going to need to sort through the berries to pick out the bad ones. It's best to buy them and use them in a day or two.
But that's not always practical. I don't live horribly far from a grocery store, but I still don't want to drive there more often than I have to.
Unlike fresh berries, frozen berries are just as good a week or a month later, as long as you keep them safely frozen. And they're always there when you decide to make something on a whim. No need to run to the store and hope that the berries are looking good.
So anyway, I finally grabbed some frozen raspberries (Stalbush Island Farms is an Oregon brand, by the way) and made a very tasty vinaigrette.
Since this vinaigrette includes both the juice and pulp of the berries, it's pretty thick. Which means you don't need a lot of oil - which is what makes the emulsion with the acidic component in a normal vinaigrette. A little oil is used to add the richness and savory flavor, though.
This is amazing on salads, and wonderful drizzled on vegetables. It would also be a lovely glaze on chicken or pork. You could use it as a marinade.
I'm pretty sure you will think of plenty of other uses after you make it. It's really versatile.
The easiest way to get separate juice and pulp from berry seeds is to let the berries thaw and then let a juicer do the work for you. If you don't have a juicer, you can use a blender to break them down a bit, then pass them through a fine-mesh strainer to get rid of the seeds.
You could also use a food mill to mash the berries and get rid of the seeds.
Some folks don't mind the seeds, but I don't care for them. If you like seeds, leave them in.
I used red raspberries, because I wanted the bright color. You could certainly use black raspberries, or a berry mix.
Combine all the ingredients in a jar (I used a dressing shaker with a handy pouring spout, but you can use a jar with a lid) and shake to combine.
Taste for seasoning, and add more salt, sugar, or red wine vinegar to adjust it to your taste.
If it's too thick to pour, you can add a little water to thin it out.
This was particularly good on asparagus along with a basil mayo drizzle. it sounds like an unlikely combination, but it was really really (really) good.
Thanks to the Oregon Raspberry Blackberry Commission for sponsoring this post!


If you're a newbie, read this guide of the way to get cheap ESO Gold without being scammed first, then you'll discover why Mmogah is the best option! The same as in various MMOs, if you don't have sufficient time to enhance your degree, you can utilize Safe ESO Gold to buy not just gear and weapons, but additionally awesome items in the game. ESO opens up some fascinating possibilities.
Playing to your particular role is quite significant in Battlegrounds, so be sure you're doing your very best to help out your team. The majority of the abilities are extremely defensive, so it is reasonable to say that choosing no less than a couple of Draconic Power abilities ought to be a no-brainer for just about any dragonknight that wishes to have a defensive build, be it in PvE or PvP. Players may also unlock a different race, Imperial, which might be a component of some of the 3 factions.
You will satisfy plenty of NPCs who need your help. The 3 teams are not linked to the 3 factions either. Furthermore, there are 3 arenas for players.
The conflict is the place to purchase chariots. If you're the one fighting with these high level veterans, look at teaming up with two or three others to make certain you win the fight. If you stack before the battle, staff's version is likely to disappear very fast, whilst Might from blasting fire fields should be adequate for quick encounters.
Each class provides the participant various distinctive attacks, spells, and passive impacts. Also, players are able to move their channels around if they should reposition their defenses and assaults. To acquire siege weapons, they must have a significant amount of Alliance Points which can be used to buy siege weapons.
In Elder Scrolls Online there are tons of item sets which grant bonuses depending on the sum of items equipped of exactly the same set. TESO scrapped its subscription free earlier this calendar year, which means you may play all its content without needing to pay a dime past the initial purchase price. To have the ability to craft these items sets your character should have a definite number of Traits researched on that special item slot.
How to Get Started with Eso Battlegrounds?
I like the quick paced, action packed conflicts that spring up in instanced battlegrounds. There are not any duels in the sport and in the event you want to fight against other players you are going to have to visit the dedicated zone. It is still pretty beneficial in harder fights when you require the excess block.
The matches are predicted to last no more than a quarter hour. Your staff makes the decision to navigate the ruins might be the difference between defeat and success. The top players are ranked on the Leaderboards, but you are likely to have the ability to look at your current status in the complete list in case you don't make the cut.
The manual is targeted at players with very little understanding of class although more experienced guardians may also locate some advice to find the absolute most out of their profession. It lasts for just 10 seconds with a 40 second cooldown so it's recommended to select the Master of Consecrations trait when you wish to be certain that the wall will probably be off cooldown for each and every encounter. Additionally you ought to have food and nourishment that you may easily use during dungeon and fractal runs.
You're ready to grow to be a guest in various campaigns, and you will have the ability to change your house campaign afterwards for Alliance Points should you desire. Players have the capacity to take part in AvA or Alliance versus Alliance to take charge of the province. This also excludes places like the Wailing Prison.
However, there are nonetheless some advantages to certain races and classes when seeking to perform as a tank. Robust increases health regeneration in battle, which is appropriate for tanking Once you decide on a race, you'll need to find out the desired course. You can not alter the class.
There are a few lore about it and you may get his costume. Gear otherwise remains the exact same, I also advise checking out the Article about Stamina Optimization in Raids, and that means you can see what sort of gear you've got available. Normal Mode drops blue excellent items.
Your gameplay will probably be affected by the manner in. Well in case you collect the lore in the various zones all you'll be exalted. Builders from the game chance to be stressing using tactics inside their gameplay.
There are plenty of other terrific options including Dunmer for men and women who wish to do harm too or I've even run this construct with fantastic effect on Imperial. You should research boosting your capability. Veteran content presents its own distinct problems.
Here is our wow review. Rift is over the wow clone it was initially pegged as. If you're a currently active Elder Scrolls on-line Plus member, the DLC is going to be free.
In Elder Scrolls Online, there's several classes which players are going to have the chance to select and customize based on their liking. Don't forget there are also Champion Points for creating your character ever more focused. Players are be in a position to go to unique Efforts at a price of 15,000 Alliance Points.


text:
Mulberry Appoints ForwardPMX to Lead its Performance Marketing in China
Global brand performance and full service media agency, ForwardPMX, has been appointed by Mulberry to lead the luxury brand's performance marketing program in China.
Shanghai, China – July 22, 2020: Global brand performance agency, ForwardPMX, has been appointed by Mulberry to lead the luxury brand's performance marketing program in China. The engagement includes organic social and biddable media, as well as overall campaign management across key local platforms in the region, such as Weibo and WeChat. This win complements an impressive client roster in China, where ForwardPMX supports brands such as Hilton, Luisa Via Roma, Lane Crawford and Marina Bay Sands, and further emphasizes the agency's expertise, strong platform relationships and ability to help businesses succeed in China's complex digital ecosystem.
British brand Mulberry is the largest designer and manufacturer of luxury leather goods in the UK. The brand has made substantial headway in their international strategy and ForwardPMX will work in partnership with Mulberry to spearhead brand awareness and channel growth through full-funnel activity and scaling their business effectively through crucial local platforms.
Managed through the agency's Shanghai office, the teams will be focused on reaching social-savvy luxury consumers in China with communication and e-commerce strategies aimed at the channels that are most relevant to their lives. ForwardPMX will also be tasked with generating high quality traffic and driving conversions through Mulberry's expansive digital properties.
ForwardPMX employs 1,000 experts around the globe in over 20 offices across APAC, EMEA and North America, and is a partner to over 300 of the world's most iconic brands. The agency leverages both its global scale and local precision to approach client growth challenges with bespoke solutions designed to fit their businesses today and in the future.
"We're thrilled to partner with Mulberry to help them further their growth in China," said Yanyan Froud, Regional VP APAC & RU, ForwardPMX. "It's a privilege to announce our partnership, and with innovation and bold ambitions at the heart of the engagement, we're excited to get going."
"ForwardPMX's in-depth knowledge of the luxury sector and the continually advancing digital landscape in China makes them the right partner to help us develop the brand further in the region successfully," said Charlotte O'Sullivan, Global Marketing Director of Mulberry. "Chinese consumers are a key focus of our international growth strategy, and we want to ensure the brand resonates strongly with local preferences and consumer needs".
About Mulberry:
Founded in 1971, Mulberry creates luxury goods that playfully interpret heritage and celebrate intelligent creativity. It takes great pride in creating objects that are made to last, to be loved and passed onto the next generation. Originally a family-run business, it has grown into the largest designer and manufacturer of luxury leather goods in the UK with Somerset factories and a design studio in London. Mulberry is a truly global lifestyle brand with bags, accessories, jewellery and women's ready-to-wear and shoes available in over 120 stores worldwide and at the digital flagship mulberry.com.
Covered in: WWD, Fashion Business Daily, Campaign Asia, Luxury Daily, Media Post, and Jing Daily.
By ForwardPMX
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Navigating the Path to Becoming a Customer-Centric Brand
This article originally appeared in Ad Age, co-authored by ForwardPMX SVP of Account Management, Andrea Timmerman, and Boden Head of US Marketing, Shanie Cunningham. We're going to say it: This year has really thrown us for a loop. It's been filled with challenges...


Experience the meaning of true comfort at the Best Western San Isidro Inn.
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Inquire about reserving our Kitchenette for your next event or meeting.
Enjoy comfort in our double queen size beds guest rooms where you can stretch out and relax.
All of our rooms come equipped with a flat TV for entertainment and a desk for your business needs.
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Meet your shopping needs and stay at the Best Western San Isidro Inn located near the Independence Plaza Shopping Mall.
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The lobby was designed for guests to enjoy an intimate setting of home away from home.
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Welcome to the Best Western San Isidro Inn where we are known for its true South Texas hospitality and where we set the bar high from our amenities to our customer service which is second to none. The staff works hard to provide our guests with the best customer service that makes you feel right at home. We take pride in the detailed hospitality service provided to all that stay here because we truly care about your comfort.
Our complete full breakfast is as unique as the hotel. With a wide selection of breakfast items, you can select from a variety of fresh cut steaks, pork chops, freshly prepared eggs, home-made salsas and flour tortillas, fresh cut seasonal fruits and fresh baked pastries. You can also enjoy homemade buttermilk pancakes, French toast and top them off with authentic maple syrup that is shipped from Vermont. Breakfast also includes unique items such as Carolina Creole grits and freshly squeezed in-season fruit juices.
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Complimentary full breakfast, 5:00 a.m. Early Riser Full Hot Breakfast with a choice of breads, cereal, fruit, hot eggs, hot breakfast meat, other hot items, yogurt, juice and coffee.
State of the are digital meeting room/banquet facility for up to 65 guests.
Security services onsite from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Due to limited size, our parking lot cannot accommodate oversize vehicles. Please contact us directly for additional information.


text:
Гаври́ловка (), посёлок городского типа, Солоницевский поселковый совет, Дергачёвский район, Харьковская область. Присоединен к посёлку городского типа Солоницевка в 1976 году.

Географическое положение
Посёлок городского типа Гавриловка находился на автомобильной трассе Харьков-Сумы на расстоянии 24 км от Дергачей на левом берегу реки Уды; выше по течению на расстоянии 2 км расположен пгт Пересечная; ниже по течению примыкал к пгт Солоницевка; на противоположном берегу село Червоное (присоединено к пгт Солоницевка). Границей между Гавриловкой и Солоницевкой является яр, начинающийся от обустроенного Солоницевского источника пресной воды под церковью Успения Пресвятой Богородицы на левом берегу реки Уды.

На расстоянии 1,5 км расположена железнодорожная станция Шпаковка.

Напротив Гавриловки впадает в реку Уды правым притоком река Люботинка.

История
 1650 — образовано село, затем слобода Гавриловка.
 В 1940 году, перед ВОВ, в Гавриловке был 381 двор и свой сельсовет.
 Конец октября 1941 — середина февраля 1943, начало марта 1943 — 20 августа 1943 — оккупация территории СССР войсками Третьего рейха и его союзников.
 Ранним утром 20 августа 1943 разведка советской 28-й гв. стрелковой дивизии (командир генерал-майор Георгий Иванович Чурмаев) 53-й армии доложила, что перед фронтом армии на участке Пересечная — Гавриловка немцы оставили лишь незначительные силы для прикрытия своего отхода за реку Уды. Село было в этот день освобождено.
 К 21 августа 1943 года части 53-й армии СССР освободили в Гавриловке и Солоницевке выгодные позиции для нанесения ударов по западным и северо-западным окраинам оккупированного гитлеровцами Харькова. С высоты 208,6 м открывался вид на город. На высоте 197,3 м возле посёлка Гавриловка был построен командный пункт генерал-полковника И. С. Конева.
Эвакуация немецких войск и имущества проходила через железнодорожную станцию «Новая Бавария (станция)», так как Южный вокзал Харькова как транспортный узел был к этому времени уничтожен, мимо Гавриловки, расположенной на противоположном берегу реки Уды. Чтобы спасти город от окончательного разрушения, командующий Степным фронтом Иван Конев отсюда отдал приказ войскам 53-й (ком. ген-майор И. М. Манагаров), 57-й (ком. генерал-лейтенант Н. А. Гаген), 69-й (ком. генерал-лейтенант В. Д. Крючёнкин) и 7-й Гвардейской (ком. генерал-лейтенант М. С. Шумилов) армиям о ночном штурме Харькова в ночь с 22 на 23 августа.
 В августе 1943 во время освобождения Харькова от немецкой оккупации на господствующей над местностью высоте над Гавриловкой 20 августа был на высоте 194.2 организован командный пункт командующего 53-й армией генерал-лейтенанта Ивана Манагарова, а затем командный пункт командующего Степным фронтом маршала Ивана Конева. Сейчас это мемориальный комплекс «Высота маршала Конева».
 16 августа 1943 года при освобождении Харькова от немецкой оккупации командующий Степным фронтом Советской армии И. С. Конев поставил задачу Пятой гвардейской танковой армии (командир Павел Ротмистров), находившейся в тот момент в Дергачёвском районе, окружить немецкую Харьковскую группировку с юго-запада: ударом через Гавриловку-Коротич-Рай-Еленовку на Покотиловку соединиться с наступавшей с северо-востока 7-й гвардейской армией и с востока — 57-й армией в районе Высокий-Карачёвка-Бабаи, замкнув кольцо. Задача не была выполнена, но 5-я танковая непрерывно девять дней атаковала немцев через реку Уды из Пересечного и Гавриловки, потеряв несколько сот танков. 24 августа из-за непрерывных боёв в частях 5-й танковой армии остались боеготовыми 78 танков Т-34 и 25 Т-70; 29 августа, на девятый день непрырывных боёв, в армии осталось всего 50 танков (большая часть использовалась как неподвижные огневые точки), менее 50 % артиллерии и 10 % мотопехоты.
 После ВОВ (до 1966) село получило статус пгт.
 В 1966 году население составляло 2300 человек; в посёлке работали восьмилетняя школа, две библиотеки, водокачка, водопровод, оросительная установка.
 В 1966 году гавриловский совхоз имени Щорса, имевший 2400 га земли, специализировался на молочном животноводстве и овощном производстве. В том же году этот совхоз занимал второе место в Дергачёвском районе по производству молока.
 Посёлок Гавриловка был присоединен к посёлку городского типа Солоницевка в 1976 году.

Экономика
 Молочно-товарная ферма, машинно-тракторные мастерские.
 Теплицы.

Объекты социальной сферы
 Клуб

Достопримечательности
 Братская могила советских воинов. Похоронено 88 погибших воинов.
 Братская могила односельчан, погибших во время ВОВ.
 Советский лёгкий танк Т-70V на постаменте.
 Мемориал Неизвестному советскому солдату.
 Мемориальный комплекс «Высота маршала Конева».
 Церковь Успения Пресвятой Богородицы, ул. Сумской шлях, 100.

Виды Гавриловки

Известные люди:
 И. В. Литовченко — Герой Социалистического Труда.

Примечания

Карты

 http://www.etomesto.ru/map-atlas_1000000/ Международная миллионная карта мира. Территория СССР. Гавриловка. 1957

Литература

Населённые пункты по алфавиту
Населённые пункты, основанные в 1650 году
Исчезнувшие населённые пункты Харьковской области
Посёлки городского типа Харьковской области
Солоницевка
Населённые пункты Дергачёвского района (Харьковская область)
Населённые пункты Харьковского района


We are putting on the first Mid-Year basketball tournament of its kind for LPA athletes to get the basketball out of their system. Instead of waiting a year for conference the best and most enthusiastic basketball players are being invited to play in a first ever event of its kind.
This entry was posted on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 at 7:22 pm	and is filed under Upcoming Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.


text:
const { driver, mainPage } = require('./ApplicationPages');

const test = require('selenium-webdriver/testing');

test.describe('Litecart open main page', function() {
  it('should go to main page', function () {
    return mainPage.open();
  });

  it('should add the first product into cart', mainPage.addProductIntoCart);

  it('should add the second product into cart', mainPage.addProductIntoCart);

  it('should add the third product into cart', mainPage.addProductIntoCart);

  it('should go to cart page', mainPage.goToUserChart);

  it('should delete first (or more) product from the cart', mainPage.removeProductFromCart);

  it('should delete second (or nothing) product from the cart', mainPage.removeProductFromCart);

  it('should delete third (or nothing) product from the cart', mainPage.removeProductFromCart);

  test.after(() => driver.quit());
});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Thou shalt be called by a new name … thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God — Isa. 62:2, 3.
Parallel passages: Psa. 122:6; 102:13-16; Isa. 60:1-3; Rev. 2:17; 21:2, 9, 10, 17, 23, 24; Ezek. 48:35; Jer. 11:16; 33:16; Heb. 12:22; Gal. 4:26; Prov. 12:4; Psa. 132:18; Cant. 3:11; Rev. 19:12; 1 Thes. 2:19.


text:
HomeIn Iraq's iconic marshlands, a quest for endangered otters
In Iraq's iconic marshlands, a quest for endangered otters
"Don't move a muscle." His command cut across the reeds rustling in the wind. On a moonlit embankment several kilometers from shore in Iraq's celebrated southern marshes, everyone stood still. Omar al-Sheikhly shined a flashlight across a muddy patch. "Nothing," he said, shaking his head. His team of five exhaled in unison.
The environmentalist spearheaded this midnight expedition through the marshes of Chibaish. It is the latest in a quixotic mission that has spanned nearly two decades: to find any sign of Maxwell's smooth-coated otter, a severely endangered species endemic to Iraq whose precarious existence is vital to the iconic wetlands.
Most of al-Sheikhly's pursuits have been in vain; the quick-witted otter has always been one step ahead. But as climate change looms, finding evidence they still exist assumes new importance. Al-Sheikhly is among the conservationists issuing a stark warning: Without quick action to protect the otters, the delicate underwater ecology of the UNESCO protected site will be disrupted, and could all but wither away, putting at risk the centuries-old Iraqi marsh communities that depend on it.
At stake is everything: "We stand to lose our Iraqi heritage," said al-Sheikhly, who is the technical director at Iraqi Green Climate Organization. Studies indicate there are between 200-900 smooth-coated otters left in the marshlands. Dangerously unpredictable water levels, illegal fishing and neglect are driving their demise.
This year, Iraq is set to face an insufferable summer, with Turkish dam projects on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers compounding a year of low rainfall. "There is a real crisis," Water Resources Minister Mahdi Rasheed al-Hamdani said this month. Water rates from both rivers are half what they were last year, he said.
The Associated Press accompanied al-Sheikhly and his team on a 12-hour mission over two days in early May. At 8 a.m. on the second morning, al-Sheikhly was off again. In long wooden canoes — called mashuf — they traversed narrow waterways lined with dense reedbeds crisscrossing the heart of the wetlands.
Jumping fish left ripples in their wake. Water buffalos languidly chewed grass. A kingfisher dove headfirst to catch unsuspecting prey. As dragonflies chased his water-borne convoy, al-Sheikhly named whatever animal crossed his path as though they were acquaintances. "Marbled duck," he pointed. "Squacco heron." He has been studying them for 18 years.
Finding the evasive smooth-coated otter is the equivalent of winning the lottery. Since their discovery in 1956 by Scottish naturalist Gavin Maxwell, the otter, distinguished by its sleek dark fur and flattened tail, has only been photographed twice: when it was first found, and 60 years later, by al-Sheikhly.
Locals had tipped him off that otters were seen in the part of the marshes close to the Iran border. There, on the remnants of an old military road forged by Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war, he waited for six hours. He saw the otter for only a few seconds.
Because research efforts are so poorly funded and otters themselves are so hard to find, studies about the species have relied on their dead skins for signs of life. In January 2006, the fresh skin of an adult male was obtained from a local fisherman — it was among the first indications that the otter still thrived.
On this mission al-Sheikhly watched for signs they leave behind: footprints, discarded fish heads, local sightings. He goes to areas they prefer, such as lakes lined with reedbeds and muddy shores. In the central marshes of Dhi Qar province, his team happened upon two fishermen unloading the day's catch. Al-Sheikhly stopped and asked them when they had last seen an otter — local observations are a main part of survey efforts.
"Maybe one year ago," said one, piling mullets, catfish and carp onto a pickup. Al-Sheikhly furrowed his brow. "That is a big concern, if the local community sees them rarely it means something has happened," he explained. Their importance can't be underestimated. To environmentalists, otters are known as "bio-indicators," species used to assess the health of an entire ecosystem.
Because they are on top of the food chain in Iraq's marshes, eating fish and sometimes birds, their presence ensures balance. There was a time when the otters were abundant. British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, a contemporary of Maxwell, wrote in his travel book Marsh Arabs about one occasion when he spotted two otters playing a hundred yards away. "They appeared upright in the water, eyeing us for a few seconds, before they dived and disappeared."
In that moment, his Iraqi escort reached for a gun. "Their skins were worth a dinar a piece," he wrote. The durable otter skins were popular among smugglers who used them to transport illicit goods. Hunting is on the decline, but electric pulse fishing, illegal but widely practiced in the south, is partly to blame. The electric pulse paralyzes the otter. Most die.
The fishermen who were questioned earlier each had electrocution devices on their boats, visible despite attempts to disguise them with carpets. Al-Sheikhly said this might account for why otters are hard to spot. "Otters are smart, they know they are under threat and change their behaviors."
Adaptability served them well throughout Iraq's tumultuous history. The otters were feared extinct when Saddam drained the marshes in the 1990s to flush out hiding Shiite rebels. Since 2003, they have had to navigate a new Iraq where growing urban sprawl and industrialization has taken precedence.
As a result, Iraqi marsh communities are increasingly losing touch with the wetlands they dwell in. On an island grazing ground for water buffalos, a marsh Arab boy tended to the animals. In the background, oil flares shot plumes of acrid smoke into the air — a ubiquitous sight in crude-rich southern Iraq.
But the greatest enemy to Iraq's endemic otter species is an incalculable one: Water. Cruising through a wide waterway, al-Sheikhly said that just last year the entire channel had been dry. Flooding re-filled it, but little rainfall this year threatens levels again. Experts said it is already decreasing by one centimeter a day.
One local woman, Um Muntadhar, said when the water dries up, the birds migrate and her livestock dies. "It is not livable here anymore," she said. The U.N. estimates at least 250 square kilometers (96 square miles) of fertile land in Iraq is lost annually to desertification. Rising salinity will likely drive out if not wipe away endemic species.
Iraqis largely blame Turkey's Ilisu dam project for shortages. Turkish officials said Iraq's request that Ankara release a set amount of water per year is impossible in the age of climate change. "So much is unpredictable, we suffer," said one Turkish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
In an open lake at the cusp of the Hammar marshes, al-Sheikhly halted the boat and quickly removed his shoes. He appeared from a distance like a marshland messiah: knee-deep in water, curly hair dancing in the wind, anchored by a wooden stick. Threatened from all sides, environmentalists say it will take a miracle to push for conservation of the area. But al-Sheikhly was absorbed in something unseen. "Listen, listen," he said.
By Samya Kullab


text:
Q: How can incremental fees be infinity for the majority of fund managers who don't beat the market? Kindly see the emboldened sentence below. Is it hyperbole? How can fund managers charge infinity as a fee?!!?!

      But even this recalculation substantially understates the
real cost of active beat-the-market investment manage-ment. Here's why: Broad-based index funds and exchange-
traded funds that reliably produce the market rate of
return—with no more than market risk—are now avail-
able with even lower fees than when the first edition of
Elements was published. Today, market-matching returns

Page 141 below.

are available to all investors at low "commodity" prices,
such as 5 basis points (5/100 of 1 percent). Therefore,
investors should consider the fees charged by active man-
agers not as a percentage of total returns, but as the incre-mental fee for active management as a percentage of the
incremental risk-adjusted returns above the market index.
       Thus correctly stated, management fees are quite high.
Leaving aside several interesting quibbles—such as that,
for individual investors, taxes on short-term gains with
100 percent portfolio turnover can be significant—fees are
remarkably high. Incremental fees are somewhere between
50 percent of incremental returns and, amazingly, infinity
for the majority of fund managers who do not beat the
market. And fees are generally closer to the high end than
the low end of that range. Are fees for any other services
of any kind at such a high proportion of value?

The Elements of Investing: Easy Lessons for Every Investor 2013 Updated Edition.
By Burton Malkiel, Charles Ellis. p 141.

A: Fund managers set their fees as a percentage of total investment, at most a few percent. The writer is asking what value they produce for you in return for the fee, and says that is what you should compare the fee to. Moreover the only value they produce is the amount by which they can do better than the index funds. If they don't beat the index funds, the value they have delivered to you is zero, so the author claims that any fee they charge is infinitely larger (in proportion) than what you got in return.
That's not a mathematical statement; mathematically, you can cause a lot of trouble by trying to say that a positive number divided by zero is infinity.
But the question (as framed by this author) is much the same as this question: if you try to buy beef from a butcher, and the butcher charges you ten dollars but does not give you any beef,
what is the butcher's price per pound for beef?


text:
Digital workshops to be held for small businesses
Not-for-profit campaign Do It Digital will be holding a series of workshops over the next few months to help small businesses increase their digital and online activity.
The free workshops will be available to aspiring SMEs and entrepreneurs, including a live Twitter Q&A session for those unable to attend in person.
A number of different topics will be covered, including:
- Growing Your Business with Instagram (Somerset House, London, 15th February)
- Digital Trends (Highbridge Enterprise Centre, Burnham On Sea, 22nd February)
- Cracking The Code To Marketing Success In Five Steps (online, 23rd February)
- Connecting with Bloggers, Vloggers and Instagrammers (London Google Campus, 27th February)
- Why You Start with Digital (Bristol, 29th March)
Do It Digital Director Michelle Ovens MBE said: "These free workshops will positively promote the benefits of digital engagement for small businesses, from having a simple web presence to taking the first steps towards selling online, and how they can help themselves."
She added: "Digital engagement is crucial for all aspects of business, from marketing and recruitment to banking and accounting, and is only likely to become more so. Digital engagement will become increasingly central to the development of competitive, profitable and growing businesses."
The Most Common Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur
"The most successful entrepreneurs tend to start with a desire to solve an interesting problem – one that's often driven…
23rd August 2018
Fintech entrepreneurs contributing to rise in young millionaires, figures show
Data from HM Revenue and Customs, that was provided to financial advice firm Salisbury House Wealth, has shown that the…
Start Up Loans delivers more than £100m to London businesses
The Start Up Loans Company (SULCo) has lent more than £100m to small businesses in London since its launch in…


The Local Heroes project brought members of a local Active Age group, the 91Club, and children from Ballymahon together to explore stories and to research together. To prepare for their meetings with the members of the 91 club, the children explored a variety of topics with Chris.
They read the "local heroes" stories from the 1937 / Folklore Commission Schools' Folklore survey, a fascinating and valuable resource.
They even designed a new superhero for Ballymahon.
They explored old newspapers to find out more about the area in the past.
They learnt how to be good listeners and scribes.
When they met, each group decided on topics that they could continue to research together.
Click on one of the links below for more information and pictures.