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ICLG.com Practice areas Oil & Gas Regulation Gabon
Gabon: Oil & Gas Regulation 2019
The ICLG to: Oil & Gas Laws and Regulations covers common issues in oil and gas laws and regulations – including development of oil and natural gas,import/export of natural gas,LNG,import/export of oil,transportation,transmission and distribution and foreign investment – in 29 jurisdictions
Jean-Pierre Bozec
Project Lawyers
Overview of Natural Gas Sector
Overview of Oil Sector
Development of Oil and Natural Gas
Import / Export of Natural Gas (including LNG)
Import / Export of Oil
Gas Transmission / Distribution
Natural Gas Trading
Liquefied Natural Gas
Downstream Oil
Foreign Investment and International Obligations
1. Overview of Natural Gas Sector
1.1 A brief outline of your jurisdiction's natural gas sector, including a general description of: natural gas reserves; natural gas production including the extent to which production is associated or non-associated natural gas; import and export of natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction and export facilities, and/or receiving and re-gasification facilities ("LNG facilities"); natural gas pipeline transportation and distribution/transmission network; natural gas storage; and commodity sales and trading.
Oil overview
Gabon is a Central African country based in the famous Gulf of Guinea, located on the Atlantic side of the African continent and crossed by the equator. Gabon became independent in 1960 and has since developed a stable and peaceful environment attracting major international investors for, in particular, oil and gas, mines, and forests, which remain the main sources of revenue for Gabon.
Gabon is among the top five oil producers in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been an oil producer for more than 50 years and had its peak oil production in 1997 when oil production reached 370,000 barrels per day. Since 1997, oil production has been declining. It was at 198,000 barrels a day, with a total production for 2017 at 10.5 million tonnes. Since July 2016, Gabon has returned to OPEC membership, which the country was not part of for several years. According to OPEC's World Proven Crude Oil Reserves by country, there are a total of 2 billion barrels of proven offshore and onshore reserves, with most of them being located in the south west of Gabon in the Port-Gentil area. To face the natural decline of mature fields, the government has oriented its policy to the exploitation of its offshore reserves (offshore is about 70% of the entire reserves) and announced on 7 November 2018 a new Hydrocarbons Law for the end of 2018/beginning of 2019 and the launching of the 12th bidding round for 35 shallow and deep offshore blocks to attract more investors.
Gas overview
Natural gas production is not yet very important in Gabon; it represented 491 million cubic metres in 2017 mainly operated by Perenco. In August 2014, Eni announced a critical gas discovery in shallow water and Shell and CNOOC announced a gas discovery in a deep pre-salt reservoir offshore which are all in the process of appraisal.
Natural gas has been used for several decades for the production of electricity in Port-Gentil. In 2008, a pipeline was put into operation between gas fields and power stations in Port Gentil and Libreville.
With the new gas discoveries, the objectives of the State are to create a master plan to determine the most relevant use of the gas potential and to promote the exploration and production of natural gas, excluding associated gas reserves. Gabon has indeed the ambition to develop the production and domestic use and export of this sustainable energy source.
Gabon's natural gas resources should be developed in order to provide natural gas not only for domestic consumption but also for the fertiliser plant to be built with a consortium of, notably, the State of Gabon and Olam in the Port Gentil special economic zone. The 2014 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Laws encourage gas exploration and production through specific incentive.
1.2 To what extent are your jurisdiction's energy requirements met using natural gas (including LNG)?
Gabon is a relatively large country (267,670 km2) but with a small, growing population (about 1.8 million inhabitants).
The low electricity production in Gabon is provided by fossil fuels (54.4%) and by hydroelectricity (45.1%). Solid biomass, marginally developed, provides 0.4% of the total.
The country has insufficient electricity capacity to supply the increasing demand of about 6%–8% per year.
The country has, therefore, launched a plan to increase the national power generating capacity by 1,200 MW by 2020 through the development of several dams throughout the country and natural gas and diesel power plants which development and financing are in progress with notably the Chinese TBEA group, the French Eranove Group and Meridiam fund, all in partnership with the Gabonese FGIS sovereign fund.
1.3 To what extent are your jurisdiction's natural gas requirements met through domestic natural gas production?
As far as natural gas is concerned (including associated gas), it is used in power plants and reinjection in oil wells (due to a country ban on gas flaring). The industrial use of natural gas will, however, be developed in order to meet the new power plants and fertiliser plant needs.
1.4 To what extent is your jurisdiction's natural gas production exported (pipeline or LNG)?
Natural gas is not exported from Gabon.
2. Overview of Oil Sector
2.1 Please provide a brief outline of your jurisdiction's oil sector.
Please see question 1.1 for an overview of the oil and gas sector in Gabon.
With about 30 oilfields in production, Gabon is currently the 8th largest oil producer in Africa, but production is declining. The Gabonese Government launched on 7 November its new bidding round (12th) for new oil blocks hopping to attract again new investors as in 2013 where eight new production sharing contracts with Marathon, Petronas, Repsol, Noble and Woodside, Impact Oil & Gas and Ophir were signed After the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law, a new Hydrocarbons Law has been prepared and should be soon be adopted by Parliament to support the new bidding round and attracting new investors thanks to larger flexibility in negotiations of economic terms and reduction of State take.
New oil and gas discoveries have been made in 2014 by notably Perenco, Vaalco and Eni in the conventional domain, while Shell and CNOOC declared a gas discovery in deep waters offshore in October 2014.
In the meantime, the Gabonese oil and gas sector remains active with farm-ins and farm-outs as well as changes of control occurring in 2017: notably Shell Gabon and Shell Upstream Gabon taken over by Assala Energy (supported by Carlyle); Harvest Dussafu taken over by BW Offshore with the entry production of Ruche field in September 2018, and certain Total Gabon fields transferred to Perenco and extension of exploitation of Etame PSC for Vaalco agreed in August 2018.
Major current oil operators in the upstream industry include Total Gabon, Assala Energy, Perenco Oil & Gas Gabon, Addax Petroleum/Sinopec, Vaalco and Maurel & Prom.
A national oil company, Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures du Gabon, was established in August 2011, with the specific aim of holding and managing participations in the exploration and exploitation of blocks in coordination with the State and which became more and more active in the management of State participations from 2017.
2.2 To what extent are your jurisdiction's energy requirements met using oil?
Please refer to question 1.2 above.
2.3 To what extent are your jurisdiction's oil requirements met through domestic oil production?
Oil and other mineral products represented more than 76.8% of Gabon's general exports in 2017.
Currently, Gabon still exports more than 90% of its crude oil and the rest of its production is processed locally by the local refinery named SOGARA, but import of refined products grew in 2017 to about 255,000 tons due to maintenance operations of the refinery.
2.4 To what extent is your jurisdiction's oil production exported?
Gabon exports more than 90% of its crude oil. In 2017, it was mainly exported to China (37.8%), Trinidad and Tobago (10.7%), Australia (9.8%), Malaysia (7%), Italy (5.6%) and India (5.5%).
3. Development of Oil and Natural Gas
3.1 Outline broadly the legal/statutory and organisational framework for the exploration and production ("development") of oil and natural gas reserves including: principal legislation; in whom the State's mineral rights to oil and natural gas are vested; Government authority or authorities responsible for the regulation of oil and natural gas development; and current major initiatives or policies of the Government (if any) in relation to oil and natural gas development.
A Hydrocarbons Law was promulgated in 28 August 2014 by Law no. 11/2014, notably replacing former Law no. 14/82 in the upstream industry and several laws in the downstream industry. Following works launched in March 2018 for adaptation of the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law to oil investors' expectations, a new draft Hydrocarbons Law was discussed with experts and the industry until the end of October 2018 so that a new Hydrocarbons Law should be adopted hopefully before the end of 2018 or in early 2019, according to the Gabonese Minister in charge of oil.
The draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law confirms the Law no. 11/2014 and the State approach in its relations with operators and willingness to influence and control more oil and gas activities.
As far as upstream activities are concerned, the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law still proposes to operators several types of upstream contract:
■ services contracts (for geological and geophysical and other studies for State promotion of the oil and gas domain);
■ technical evaluation agreements (geosciences and superficial appraisal limited to 18 months);
■ exploitation convention for marginal and mature fields;
■ exploration contracts (exploration only, but preference right for PSC negotiation in the event of discovery and rights for indemnity for the contriver);
■ production sharing contracts (development and production); and
■ exploration and production sharing contracts (exploration, development and production).
According to a model to be approved by a Ministerial Order, which cannot, however, derogate from the Hydrocarbons Law. The final four types of oil contracts listed above are approved by Presidential Decree.
No doubt, production sharing contracts (PSCs) should remain the main model used in the upstream industry but some exploitation conventions are likely to also be signed for 15 years for oil and 20 years for gas, in particular with national junior companies.
The main proposed PSCs terms under the new draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law should be welcomed by the industry, as they now should allow greater flexibility, long-term relations with operators and lower the State's take:
2014 Law PSC terms
Expected PSC terms under draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law
Work commitments during exploration phase
Volume, budgets and phases negotiable provided they do not exceed six years, subject to possible limited extensions (in the maximum limit of eight years).
Volume, budgets and phases negotiable provided they do not exceed eight years, subject to possible limited extensions (in the maximum limit of 10 years).
Exploitation period
10+5+5 years.
15+8+7 years for oil.
20+7+8 for gas.
State participation
20% during development and exploitation (in addition to possible 20% State participation acquired at market price in the share capital of any producing contractor).
15% minimum during development and exploitation (in addition to possible 20% State participation acquired at market price in the share capital of any producing contractor).
State-owned oil company (GOC)
15% maximum at market value.
Minimum of 10% from exploration period at market value.
Superficiary royalty
Exploration: XAF 50 per hectare.
Exploitation: XAF 5,000 per hectare.
Exploration: minimum of XAF 60 per hectare.
Exploitation: minimum of XAF 5,000 per hectare.
Cost stop
For oil:
65% for conventional domains for oil.
75% for deep and ultra-deep waters for oil.
For gas:
Signature bonus
Production bonus
Period extension bonus
Renewal of exploitation authorisation/permit
Proportional mining royalty
Negotiable with a minimum for oil and gas:
13% to 17% in conventional areas.
9% to 15% in deep and ultra-deep offshore.
Negotiable with a minimum:
7% in conventional areas.
5% in deep and ultra-deep offshore.
2% for gas in deep and ultra-deep offshore.
Production sharing
Conventional: 1st tranche: 30.77% minimum for the State before corporate income tax (corresponding to 55% after tax).
Deep waters: 1st tranche: 23.08% minimum for the State before corporate income tax corresponding to 50% after tax).
Fully negotiable for gas but with minimum for oil of:
For conventional areas: 1st tranche: 50% minimum for the State.
For deep and ultra-deep waters: 1st tranche: 45% minimum for the State.
35% on the contractor's oil profits
35% deemed to be included in the above State's profit oil (no effective corporate income tax to pay).
Support fund(s)
Negotiable for support to hydrocarbons, for equipment of Hydrocarbons Administration, for training, for development of local communities, for reduction of impact of petroleum activities on environment.
For support to hydrocarbons, for equipment of Hydrocarbons Administration, for training, for development of local communities, for reduction of impact of petroleum activities on environment – conditions to be set forth in the implementation decree(s) but likely to be negotiable.
Dismantling fund
Fund domiciled in an agreed Gabonese bank.
Fund domiciled in an agreed Gabonese bank or at the Central Bank.
15% discount on fixed price.
Discount on fixed price to be provided in the PSC.
Provision for diversified investments (PID)
1% of the turnover, 75% of which is cost recoverable.
Conditions to be set forth in the implementation decree(s).
Provision for hydrocarbons investments (PIH)
Pursuant to Decree no. 0211/PR/MPH dated 6 April 2016, access to the upstream oil sector is either by way of tender process or through direct consultation, both processes leading to the signature of hydrocarbons contracts, but subject to a strict procedure. Under Decree no. 0041/MPH/SG/DGH dated 15 January 2016, the granting of an exclusive licence for development and operation of a hydrocarbons deposit that has been declared a commercially viable discovery is subject to the prior approval, by the administration in charge of hydrocarbons, of a development plan of the said deposit. The plan is developed by the economic operator.
Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provides that an independent regulatory agency be created in order to regulate and control upstream and downstream activities, but the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons remains for the moment the entry point in order to enter into Gabon oil and gas activities.
3.2 How are the State's mineral rights to develop oil and natural gas reserves transferred to investors or companies ("participants") (e.g. licence, concession, service contract, contractual rights under Production Sharing Agreement?) and what is the legal status of those rights or interests under domestic law?
Oil resources belong to the State. While mature oil fields operated under concession systems, formerly governed by the 1962 Mining Code, still exist until their terms elapse, all upstream oil contracts signed in Gabon after 1983 are PSCs. Once the PSC is signed, the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provide that some petroleum titles are granted to the contractor according to the duration and conditions agreed within the PSC, subject to the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provisions which should apply from renewal of any permits or authorisation. The draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, however, provides for a new title for marginal and mature fields: the exploitation convention supported by the exploitation permit where all assets and equipment necessary for the oil operations should belong to the State, but for which specific incentive are negotiable.
3.3 If different authorisations are issued in respect of different stages of development (e.g., exploration appraisal or production arrangements), please specify those authorisations and briefly summarise the most important (standard) terms (such as term/duration, scope of rights, expenditure obligations).
Exclusive authorisations are granted according to the PSC terms, the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law as summarised above in the table in question 3.1 above.
Under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, exploitation permits for marginal and mature fields will be granted for initial period of 15 years, renewable, for oil and 20 years, renewable, for gas.
3.4 To what extent, if any, does the State have an ownership interest, or seek to participate, in the development of oil and natural gas reserves (whether as a matter of law or policy)?
Under the 2014 PSC terms, the State has a participation in any exploitation fields of 20%, while in the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, the minimum should be 15%.
The State-owned oil company, Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures du Gabon (or more commonly "Gabon Oil Company – GOC"), has an option for a maximum 15% direct participation in the PSCs that it acquires at market price under the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law, while under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, the minimum GOC participation should be 10% to be acquired at market value.
The State can, in any case, transfer its participation interests to any company it wants (public or private), but the State has also pre-emptive rights on transfer of interests.
3.5 How does the State derive value from oil and natural gas development (e.g. royalty, share of production, taxes)?
In addition to, notably, personal income tax (from 0–35%), wage tax (5%), social contributions on wages (24.6%) and withholding tax on services (9.5% and 20%), the contractor is required under the usual Hydrocarbons Law to:
■ Recover all petroleum costs incurred (for the needs of petroleum operations which are not excluded from recoverability under the PSC accounting procedure), but not exceeding the percentage of net production per year as set out in the PSCs.
■ Share the remaining production on an accumulated production basis of all production areas with the State according to tranches provided within the PSCs and the profit oil received by the contractor.
■ Pay the contributions, taxes and royalties provided for in the PSCs, and in particular:
■ Proportional mining royalties (depending on the daily production and type of fields involved) on the total available production.
■ Annual superficiary royalty (including during the exploration period) as provided by the PSC.
■ Corporate income tax at a rate of 35% of the contractor's oil profit under the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law, while deemed to be included in the State profit oil under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law.
■ Pay the various bonuses according to the PSC terms.
■ Pay the contributions to the funds provided within the PSCs, notably the hydrocarbons fund, the fund for State equipment, the fund for local communities and the fund for dismantling equipment.
■ Pay taxes on transfer of interests and changes of control.
■ Pay certain customs duties, in particular at a rate of 5% during the exploitation phase.
■ Pay contributions towards training and specific provisions for diversified investments and for hydrocarbons development.
■ Give preference to nationals in recruitment and use of local sub-contractors.
■ Contribute to domestic market needs by delivering a portion of oil production to the State with a discount to the fixed price of 15% under the 2014 Hydrocarbons Law, but, apparently, negotiable under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law.
3.6 Are there any restrictions on the export of production?
Under the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, when local needs are met, the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons can authorise exports of hydrocarbons. Therefore, and apart from the requirement to contribute to the domestic market needs and certain foreign exchange regulations, there are no other restrictions on exports of crude oil and natural gas, but implementation decrees and order could, in the future, make precise the Hydrocarbons Law(s).
3.7 Are there any currency exchange restrictions, or restrictions on the transfer of funds derived from production out of the jurisdiction?
Payment of current international transactions made through banks and supported by documents are, according to regional Economic Community of Central African States (CEMAC) foreign exchange regulations applicable in Gabon, usually free. The CEMAC legislation provides, however, that certain capital movements may be subject to declarations or authorisations. Repatriation of export proceeds is also a requirement of such CEMAC legislation, even if, after repatriation, funds can be transferred through banks quite easily for justified international transactions.
3.8 What restrictions (if any) apply to the transfer or disposal of oil and natural gas development rights or interests?
Partial or total transfers of oil interests to an assignee with good technical and financial reputation are possible under PSCs. In any case, no transfer can jeopardise the State interests, impact the performance of petroleum operations or reduce the technical and financial capabilities of the contractor.
In addition, the State holds a pre-emption right in respect of any transfer of interests.
A transfer of oil interests to a third party and shares (as opposed to transfers to affiliated companies and possible partners in the PSC, which are only subject to a declaration) is subject to prior authorisation from the Hydrocarbons Administration.
The assignor must notably inform the Hydrocarbons Administration in writing, setting out the name, quality and nationality of the assignee, and all the indications relating to its financial and technical capacities, its legal status, and the form and financial conditions of the proposed transfer of the oil interest.
If the administration does not raise any objection, usually within 60 days following the date of receipt of the information described above, and if the State does not exercise its pre-emption rights within the 60 days, authorisation is usually deemed to be granted.
3.9 Are participants obliged to provide any security or guarantees in relation to oil and natural gas development?
A mother company guarantee is usually required to be provided to the State under PSC terms.
3.10 Can rights to develop oil and natural gas reserves granted to a participant be pledged for security, or booked for accounting purposes under domestic law?
International oil project financings are common in Gabon and past experience has demonstrated that the State may authorise a charge over shares of an oil operator, and confirmed recently that it also accepts a charge on the contractor's interests.
3.11 In addition to those rights/authorisations required to explore for and produce oil and natural gas, what other principal Government authorisations are required to develop oil and natural gas reserves (e.g. environmental, occupational health and safety) and from whom are these authorisations to be obtained?
A Decree dated 16 May 2011 has been adopted whereby any non-Gabonese resident person who wants to invest in the Gabonese hydrocarbons sector through the direct or indirect holding of the control of a Gabonese company, or the acquisition of the business of a company operating in Gabon, needs to obtain prior authorisation from the Minister in charge of economy. The Minister has two months to reply to such application.
As far as oil operations are concerned, environmental regulations also require, notably, specific authorisation for impact studies and classified installations, which may affect the environment.
Since the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 (hopefully to be maintained under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law), it is also worth pointing out that while oil contractors still have the choice to operate their Gabon oil and gas interests either through registration in Gabon of a branch of a foreign company or the incorporation of a local subsidiary, the duration of a branch lasts beyond the usual two-year period for the whole of exploration phase, while the incorporation of a local subsidiary will have to be considered during the exploitation phase only.
3.12 Is there any legislation or framework relating to the abandonment or decommissioning of physical structures used in oil and natural gas development? If so, what are the principal features/requirements of the legislation?
Under Gabonese legislation on classified installations, as well as the 2014 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Laws, any operator has to decommission its equipment at the end of exploitation. In order to secure these dismantling obligations, contributions to a fund for such dismantling obligations need to be made by the operator from the beginning of production up to a percentage of the value of the contemplated dismantling obligations, to be provided within the PSC. The contributions need to be deposited in a Gabonese bank (or at a central bank under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law) and co-managed by the State and the operator.
3.13 Is there any legislation or framework relating to gas storage? If so, what are the principal features/requirements of the legislation?
The Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provide that construction, operation of transportation and storage of hydrocarbons facilities are subject to an authorisation granted by an Order of the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons according to a specification to be provided by regulatory measures notably under Decree no. 0201/PR/MPH dated 6 April 2016, that provides for the rules of construction and exploitation of oil and gas storage, activity of which is subject to the prior approval of the hydrocarbons administration.
Storage contract of hydrocarbons have to be approved by the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons.
3.14 Are there any laws or regulations that deal specifically with the exploration and production of unconventional oil and gas resources? If so, what are their key features?
Neither the 2014, nor the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Laws deal specifically with unconventional oil and gas resources.
4. Import / Export of Natural Gas (including LNG)
4.1 Outline any regulatory requirements, or specific terms, limitations or rules applying in respect of cross-border sales or deliveries of natural gas (including LNG).
Under the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, imports and exports of hydrocarbons are now subject to a limited term authorisation when required, according to specifications to be provided by regulatory measures (not yet adopted).
Obviously, compliance to customs clearance and CEMAC foreign exchange regulations are required.
5. Import / Export of Oil
5.1 Outline any regulatory requirements, or specific terms, limitations or rules applying in respect of cross-border sales or deliveries of oil and oil products.
Please refer to question 4.1 above, as the same rules apply.
6.1 Outline broadly the ownership, organisational and regulatory framework in relation to transportation pipelines and associated infrastructure (such as natural gas processing and storage facilities).
Similar to question 3.13 above, the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provide that construction, operation of transportation and storage of hydrocarbons facilities are subject to an authorisation granted by an Order of the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons according to a specification to be provided by regulatory measures, notably under the abovementioned Decree no. 0201/PR/MPH dated 6 April 2016. Decree no. 0039/MPH/SG/DGH dated 15 January 2016 also regulates conditions of transfer and repatriation of oil products to storage places.
Transportation agreements have to be approved by the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons.
6.2 What governmental authorisations (including any applicable environmental authorisations) are required to construct and operate oil and natural gas transportation pipelines and associated infrastructure?
Please refer to question 6.1 above, subject to, notably, land and environmental authorisations which must also be obtained.
6.3 In general, how does an entity obtain the necessary land (or other) rights to construct oil and natural gas transportation pipelines or associated infrastructure? Do Government authorities have any powers of compulsory acquisition to facilitate land access?
Most of the oil contracts in question (old concessions or PSCs) provide that the operator can erect all the transportation facilities it needs in accordance with the applicable law. Once the place of the transportation network is agreed between the State and the oil and gas operators, environmental impact studies and a procedure relating to classified installations which may damage the environment, as well as land issues, are considered. However, under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, transportation infrastructures being considered as strategic, and the choice, localisation, installation, modification and dismantling of transportation infrastructures are subject to a prior authorisation from the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons. Implementation decrees should complete the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law.
In any case, the State may support such initiatives by considering the public interests met by such transportation networks and authorising operators to affect the rights of private parties on their land and/or expropriating some land if necessary.
6.4 How is access to oil and natural gas transportation pipelines and associated infrastructure organised?
Transportation agreements are usually agreed between operators to share transportation and storage facilities, but while under the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 the independent regulatory agency should control applicable access and tariffs vis-à-vis third parties, the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law provides that such transportation agreement would be subject to prior authorisation from the Hydrocarbons Administration.
6.5 To what degree are oil and natural gas transportation pipelines integrated or interconnected, and how is co-operation between different transportation systems established and regulated?
Due to the past few regulations applicable to upstream activities, some transportation pipelines are connected, but through agreements concluded between operators which usually also operate their own private storage and export terminals. When an issue arises in the negotiation of such interconnection agreement, the State's assistance is usually required in order to facilitate such agreements. The new independent regulatory agency provided by the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, should facilitate mediation between operators and users of transportation networks.
6.6 Outline any third-party access regime/rights in respect of oil and natural gas transportation and associated infrastructure. For example, can the regulator or a new customer wishing to transport oil or natural gas compel or require the operator/owner of an oil or natural gas transportation pipeline or associated infrastructure to grant capacity or expand its facilities in order to accommodate the new customer? If so, how are the costs (including costs of interconnection, capacity reservation or facility expansions) allocated?
Under the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14, use of the transportation network is subject to priority and available capacity of the operator, while under the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, implementation measures should make the new regime precise, but it is likely that the owner of infrastructure will keep its priority.
6.7 Are parties free to agree the terms upon which oil or natural gas is to be transported or are the terms (including costs/tariffs which may be charged) regulated?
According to the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, tariffs are negotiated between parties, but subject to approval by the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons.
7. Gas Transmission / Distribution
7.1 Outline broadly the ownership, organisational and regulatory framework in relation to the natural gas transmission/distribution network.
The transmission/distribution of refined and processed oil and gas products are subject to State authorisations for storage, transportation and distribution of such products.
The four main distributors of refined products are Total, Engen, Lybia Oil and Petrogabon (local), bearing in mind that the price of petrol, diesel, gasoline and gas are regulated products with fixed prices guaranteed by a public body in charge of the stabilisation of such prices. Since 2016, prices have remained regulated, but are now periodically revised according to the international market price. Gas is distributed to the population by the above agreed distributors through bottles and tanks.
The Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law also providing for downstream activities are due to be completed by regulatory measures (not adopted yet), but there is currently no real network of direct distribution of natural gas save for certain industrial uses and for upstream operations.
7.2 What governmental authorisations (including any applicable environmental authorisations) are required to operate a distribution network?
Apart from the industrial use of certain quantities of natural gas operated and delivered by Perenco to the Gabon electricity operator, which requires State approval, there is no network of distribution by pipeline of natural gas to the population.
7.3 How is access to the natural gas distribution network organised?
This is not applicable yet.
7.4 Can the regulator require a distributor to grant capacity or expand its system in order to accommodate new customers?
This is not applicable yet, but the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, provide that, if necessary, the State can decide to impose the use of such networks.
7.5 What fees are charged for accessing the distribution network, and are these fees regulated?
7.6 Are there any restrictions or limitations in relation to acquiring an interest in a gas utility, or the transfer of assets forming part of the distribution network (whether directly or indirectly)?
Hydrocarbons being a regulated activity, it is likely that acquisition of interest leading to the direct or indirect transfer of downstream activities will be at least subject to State authorisations (this needs to be specified in regulatory measures to come).
8. Natural Gas Trading
8.1 Outline broadly the ownership, organisational and regulatory framework in relation to natural gas trading. Please include details of current major initiatives or policies of the Government or regulator (if any) relating to natural gas trading.
Order no. 837 of 28 November 2003 lays down conditions for exporting petroleum products to the countries of the CEMAC. These conditions relate, in particular, to the quality of oil storage and to the nature of stocks for export.
In any case, under the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, this is subject to ministerial authorisation according to conditions to be completed by regulatory measures to come.
8.2 What range of natural gas commodities can be traded? For example, can only "bundled" products (i.e., the natural gas commodity and the distribution thereof) be traded?
As far as Gabon is concerned and apart from local consumption and industrial gas needs, only crude oil, kerosene and the Gabonese refinery wastes are traded on international markets for the moment.
9. Liquefied Natural Gas
9.1 Outline broadly the ownership, organisational and regulatory framework in relation to LNG facilities.
LNG facilities are part of a category of facilities regulated under Gabonese law. These are notably subject to authorisation granted by Presidential Decree, after, notably, compliance with the "classified facilities" specifications governed by the 2014 Environmental Code.
However, due to the current low level of gas production in Gabon, it is too early to speak about LNG facilities, while such possibilities may be considered in the future for the development of gas fields discovered in 2014 and even other smaller productions thanks to the development by Perenco of floating LNG facilities in the region.
9.2 What governmental authorisations are required to construct and operate LNG facilities?
Any processing of hydrocarbons is subject to a Presidential Decree under the new Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law.
9.3 Is there any regulation of the price or terms of service in the LNG sector?
This is not yet applicable.
9.4 Outline any third-party access regime/rights in respect of LNG facilities.
10. Downstream Oil
10.1 Outline broadly the regulatory framework in relation to the downstream oil sector.
Thanks to the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, the downstream sector is now more organised and subject to authorisations, while regulatory measures to come are needed to complete it.
■ Authorisation regime:
■ by Decree for processing of hydrocarbons;
■ by Ministerial Order for other downstream activities: transport, storage, retailing, import, export of refined product; and
■ payment of royalties.
■ Specific regulations:
■ for processing of hydrocarbons: priority for domestic markets needs and for buying local crude oil and gas;
■ stabilisation mechanism for certain refined products; and
■ minimum stock required for distribution of refined products.
10.2 Outline broadly the ownership, organisation and regulatory framework in relation to oil trading.
Apart from specific regulation relating notably to import, export, transportation and storage of oil, which are subject to ministerial authorisation, the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law could provide for a specific authorisation regarding the trading of oil.
11. Competition
11.1 Which governmental authority or authorities are responsible for the regulation of competition aspects, or anti-competitive practices, in the oil and natural gas sector?
The regulation of competition aspects or anti-competitive practices in the oil and gas sector is not subject to a special regime, apart from the regulated price of downstream oil and gas products provided in the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law. We suspect, however, that with the independent regulatory agency provided by the Hydrocarbons Law no. 11/14 and the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, things may change in the near future.
Pure competition issues, therefore, currently involve mainly the CEMAC regional regulations and national legislation on trust and abuse of a dominant position, rather than price. CEMAC Regulation no. 1/99/UEAC-CM-639, modified by Regulation no. 12/05, deals with anti-competitive practices. It provides for the existence of a Regional Competition Council, responsible for advising the Executive Secretary of CEMAC on all questions or disputes regarding competition.
The 1989 domestic competition law lays down the rules of competition in the Gabonese Republic and provides for the establishment of a Competition Commission under the authority of the Minister in charge of economy.
11.2 To what criteria does the regulator have regard in determining whether conduct is anti-competitive?
To determine whether conduct is anti-competitive, the CEMAC Regulations mentioned above provide that any practice liable to impede the free play of competition, notably cartels, abuse of dominance, and mergers which substantially lessen competition, are prohibited. All agreements between companies, any decisions by company associations and concerted practices which may affect trade between CEMAC Member States and which have as their effect the restricting or distorting of competition, are also prohibited. This may involve or relate to, notably, the limiting or control of production, markets, technical developments or investments, market shares or sources of supply, or the application, in respect of trading partners, of dissimilar conditions for equivalent services, placing them at a competitive disadvantage, and a concentration on the conditions of a submission for bidding for a share of the market, to the detriment of other competitors.
To determine whether a trust is prohibited, the CEMAC Regulations mentioned above state that practices which significantly restrict the choices of suppliers and/or users, restrict access to supplies or markets, or create barriers to entry, particularly by prohibiting distributors from parallel imports, are incompatible with the common market concentrations.
Finally, any monopoly or any situation likely to promote the acquisition of a market share greater than or equal to 30% constitutes a dominant position. Abusing a dominant position within the common market or in a part thereof is prohibited if trade between CEMAC Member States is likely to be affected.
11.3 What power or authority does the regulator have to preclude or take action in relation to anti-competitive practices?
CEMAC antitrust authorities, as well as national authorities, can take actions in order to avoid certain practices. The range of actions varies from control with penalties, to prohibitions of certain actions with penalties computed on an amount of turnover depending on the facts in question.
11.4 Does the regulator (or any other Government authority) have the power to approve/disapprove mergers or other changes in control over businesses in the oil and natural gas sector, or proposed acquisitions of development assets, transportation or associated infrastructure or distribution assets? If so, what criteria and procedures are applied? How long does it typically take to obtain a decision approving or disapproving the transaction?
According to the abovementioned antitrust regulations, CEMAC antitrust authorities can indeed refuse to authorise a merger. The said CEMAC antitrust regulations are being updated in order to grant such authorities with more and clear powers.
In addition to such CEMAC Regulations, we also note that, as far as hydrocarbons activities are concerned, any change of control of an oil contractor is subject to the Minister of Oil's authorisation, while if it is for the benefit of a foreign investor, the Minister in charge of economy must also grant his authorisation according to the Decree of 16 May 2011.
12. Foreign Investment and International Obligations
12.1 Are there any special requirements or limitations on acquisitions of interests in the natural gas sector (whether development, transportation or associated infrastructure, distribution or other) by foreign companies?
As indicated above, the Decree dated 16 May 2011 has been adopted, whereby any non-Gabonese resident person who wants to invest in the Gabonese hydrocarbons sector through the direct or indirect holding of the control of a Gabonese company or the acquisition of the business of a company operating in Gabon needs to obtain prior authorisation from the Minister in charge of the economy. The Minister has two months to reply to such application and we never experience any issue with this.
12.2 To what extent is regulatory policy in respect of the oil and natural gas sector influenced or affected by international treaties or other multinational arrangements?
In August 2014, Gabon adopted a code for sustainable development and a new environmental code. Any issues relating to international treaties regarding the environment are taken into account and already provide for, for instance, the gas flaring prohibition and the requirement to repatriate funds for dismantling obligations.
13. Dispute Resolution
13.1 Provide a brief overview of compulsory dispute resolution procedures (statutory or otherwise) applying to the oil and natural gas sector (if any), including procedures applying in the context of disputes between the applicable Government authority/regulator and: participants in relation to oil and natural gas development; transportation pipeline and associated infrastructure owners or users in relation to the transportation, processing or storage of natural gas; downstream oil infrastructure owners or users; and distribution network owners or users in relation to the distribution/transmission of natural gas.
Under PSC terms relating to upstream activities, any dispute between parties shall usually be settled through International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration or, in some cases, the OHADA court for arbitration as well, the seat of which is in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). In other downstream and midstream sectors, local courts will be competent for any dispute, except otherwise agreed by the parties, in particular when negotiating major projects like refinery or fertiliser plants.
13.2 Is your jurisdiction a signatory to, and has it duly ratified into domestic legislation: the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards; and/or the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States ("ICSID")?
Gabon ratified the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, as well as the ICSID treaty and the OHADA treaty for the harmonisation of business laws (including arbitration laws) in 17 Sub-Saharan countries.
13.3 Is there any special difficulty (whether as a matter of law or practice) in litigating, or seeking to enforce judgments or awards, against Government authorities or State organs (including any immunity)?
While the State usually refuses to waive its rights for immunity of execution on its assets, past experience demonstrates that Gabon complies with international arbitration awards, subject to compliance with the domestic enforcement procedure of foreign decisions and awards.
13.4 Have there been instances in the oil and natural gas sector when foreign corporations have successfully obtained judgments or awards against Government authorities or State organs pursuant to litigation before domestic courts?
The State of Gabon has been recognised as right or liable in some local, as well as international, arbitration decisions. Such decisions, as far as the oil industry is concerned, remain, however, confidential.
14. Updates
14.1 Please provide, in no more than 300 words, a summary of any new cases, trends and developments in Oil and Gas Regulation Law in your jurisdiction.
After the rigid 2014 Hydrocarbons Law, the competitive economic terms proposed in the draft 2018 Hydrocarbons Law, combined with the tender for 35 blocks with new seismic studies acquired, should allow Gabon to attract various types of oil and gas companies (major, independent, exploration companies, exploitation companies, local companies, etc.) and to relaunch exploration of its oil and gas basin at very interesting conditions.
The tender process for blocks should be opened in early 2019 and blocks allocated during the 2nd quarter of 2019. End of negotiations are contemplated for the end of the 3rd quarter 2019.
I would like to stress that the second edition of your International Comparative Legal Guide to Shipping Law 2014 gives everyone working in the Shipping business a quick reference, very important in our days. We would like to congratulate you for your initiative as your publication is very useful and it is equally useful to lawyers and as well as to everyone else who has not legal formation involved in shipping.
Andreas Potamianos
Epirotiki Lines


Elevation motor, upper panel are working. Speed sensor is 5V is constant from the speed sensor port on the controller board. Speed sensor when plugged in 0V-5V when rotating front roller past the magnet. LED light blinks when magnet passes speed sensor. Unplugged motor connectors from the board and took reading at the pins with treadmill plugged in. Getting 15VDC volts coming out of the board. Did the manual test with 18V drill battery. The motor and belt moved. I'm not hearing the relay click at all when everything is plugged up to the motor controller. Not sure what the issue can be. Please help.
Really sounds the Motor controller is bad.


We have come to know Chris Berens' work as mysterious explorations of seemingly lost worlds that balance soft hopeful light and ominous creeping darkness. His work invites the viewer on a journey through his imaginative mind. His paintings seem to hold deep, fragile secrets filled with longing and veiled mystery. Berens has been featured in Hi-Fructose Volumes 9 and 17.


Treat yourself to a test drive in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. This 4 door, 5 passenger coupe still has fewer than 30,000 miles! Mercedes-Benz made sure to keep road-handling and sportiness at the top of it's priority list. Performance and efficiency are both prioritized thanks to the efficient 4 cylinder engine, favoring both performance and efficiency. The engine breathes better thanks to a turbocharger, improving both performance and economy. Mercedes-Benz infused the interior with top shelf amenities, such as: front and rear reading lights, a trip computer, turn signal indicator mirrors, rain sensing wipers, power windows, remote keyless entry, and much more. Safety equipment has been integrated throughout, including: dual front impact airbags, front side impact airbags, traction control, brake assist, a security system, an emergency communication system, and 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS. Various mechanical systems are monitored by electronic stability control, keeping you on your intended path. It also arrives with a Carfax history report, providing you peace of mind with detailed information. Our team is professional, and we offer a no-pressure environment. We'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We are here to help you.


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Neither CRTC nor CBC following the law by allowing dismantling Radio Canada International: Peter Menzies in the Toronto Star
If neither the government nor the CRTC is willing to enforce the laws that govern the CBC, it will continue to self-define as a publicly funded commercial broadcaster with increasing disinterest in adherence to its public-service mandate, writes Peter Menzies in the Toronto Star.
By Peter Menzies, February 24, 2021
The CBC's unrestrained transition from a public broadcaster into a disruptive, taxpayer-funded commercial operator was laid bare again this month.
This time, the issue is the dismantling by CBC executives of Radio Canada International (RCI), the Corp's once vaunted short wave service that took Canada to the world in numerous languages. A group called the RCI Action Committee has released a multi-signature (full disclosure, one of them is mine) letter calling on senior government officials to get CBC executives to put their latest plans on hold and give RCI employees a few weeks to come up with an alternative restructuring plan.
"In an interconnected world in search of truth, facts and honest journalism, countries like Canada cannot abdicate their role on the world stage," states the letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Foriegn Affairs Minister Marc Garneau. "It's not a question of whether we can afford to have a strong Radio Canada International. It's whether we can afford not to have it."
According to group spokesman Wojtek Gwiazda, a former RCI host-producer, CBC executives have been trying to shut down RCI since the 1990s. Initially, the downsizings were ostensibly to minimize budget cuts for domestic services. The next move was in 2012 to convert RCI from a shortwave service to a Internet-based web service only and now — in a stunning in-your-face to the Broadcasting Act — CBC/Radio-Canada plans to switch RCI's focus on reaching external audiences, its raison d'être for three quarters of a century, to serving unofficial language minorities within Canada.
Once that transition occurs and despite its promise to offer free content, RCI will be competing for listeners — and perhaps even advertisers — with Canada's private ethnic radio operators, many of whom survive on shoestring budgets. At the same time, CBC will be in clear violation of the Broadcasting Act, which reads:
"46 (2) The Corporation shall, within the conditions of any licence or licences issued to it ... provide an international service in accordance with such directions as the Governor in Council may issue."
Remarkably, when this point was raised at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications (CRTC) licensing hearing for the CBC last month, not a single commissioner could be bothered to inquire into the matter. If nothing else, such disinterest only adds to the perception that the hearing was little more than a short-run theatrical production.
RCI was born in the final months of the Second World War in order to bring Canada's voice to the world and assist with the de-nazification of Germany. It grew from there, launching and then discontinuing broadcasts in various languages and at one time had as many as 200 employees connected to its Sackville, N.B. headquarters. In 2012, the CBC implemented an 80 per cent cut to RCI's budget, two-thirds of staff were laid off and RCI ceased shortwave and satellite transmission, becoming internet only.
Despite an infusion of operating cash to the CBC when the Trudeau government was first elected in 2015 and numerous declarations on the international stage that "Canada is back" in the months that followed, there is no evidence that the CBC under new management had any interest at all in investing in RCI.
There is a reasonable argument to be made in favour of the conversion of a short wave service into one based on the internet. The latter may not be ubiquitously accessible globally but is certainly more so than shortwave radio. Yes, countries such as China effectively block internet sites its government disapproves (Canada is moving in that direction itself) but it is also possible to block radio transmissions as the Soviet Union did to RCI's Russian service in the 1960s.
That stated, the point at the moment isn't about which platform is best for an international service. The issue is that the CBC is non-compliant with the expressed wish of Parliament that it operate one.
If neither the government nor the CRTC is willing to enforce the laws that govern the CBC, it will continue to self-define as a publicly funded commercial broadcaster with increasing disinterest in adherence to its public-service mandate. Its primary purpose appears to be the acquisition — at the expense of public broadcasting and struggling private broadcasters — of audiences, influence and money.
There is an elephant in the broadcasting room. And it's rogue.
Peter Menzies is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and a past CRTC vice-chair of telecommunications.
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First Nations children and the cruel shadow of COVID: Melissa Mbarki in the Star
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We shopped at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware to see which was the best home-improvement store — here's the verdict
Aug. 17, 2018, 2:52 PM
Home Depot had a huge product selection.
Business Insider/Jessica Tyler
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware, three of the biggest home-improvement stores in the United States, offer a similar product selection and help with home-improvement projects.
Though the stores sell many of the same products, Home Depot's setup appears to be geared more toward professionals — like contractors and interior designers — than Lowe's and Ace Hardware's.
Home Depot reported on Tuesday that same-store sales were up 8% in its most recent fiscal quarter, Lowe's reported in May that first-quarter comparable sales were up 0.6%, and Ace Hardware reported in May that first-quarter sales were up 2.2%.
We visited locations of both retailers and found that Home Depot had significantly more to offer and was nicer to shop at than its competitors.
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware compete to be the go-to store for all things home improvement.
They stock everything you might need to fix up your home, including kitchen and bath fixtures, screws and bolts, paint, and tools. All three stores offer in-store pickup and do-it-yourself tips.
Home Depot has 2,284 stores in North America, Lowe's has about 2,370, and Ace Hardware has 4,418 stores, most of which are independently owned and operated. However, Home Depot and Lowe's stores are typically much larger than Ace Hardware stores.
When visiting outposts of all three retailers, we noticed that Home Depot felt like a massive warehouse, whereas Ace Hardware felt more like a local hardware store without the flashy showrooms and massive promotions that Home Depot had. Lowe's fell somewhere in the middle of the two stores — it was comparable in size to Home Depot but didn't feel as much like a warehouse.
All three home-improvement stores have performed well as of late. Home Depot reported on Tuesday that same-store sales were up 8% in its most recent fiscal quarter, Lowe's reported in May that first-quarter comparable sales were up 0.6%, and Ace Hardware reported in May that first-quarter sales were up 2.2%.
The target market is another notable difference between the stores. Home Depot tends to appeal more to professionals — like contractors, interior designers, and plumbers — while Lowe's and Ace Hardware welcome a more do-it-yourself crowd.
In addition, Home Depot appears to be the store of choice for millennials. In a Bank of America survey of 1,000 millennials, reported by US News, 64% said Home Depot was their top choice for home-improvement shopping.
Here's what we found when we visited Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware stores in New York City:
I visited the Home Depot in the Flatiron District.
It felt like I was stepping into a warehouse, with high ceilings and industrial lighting. On the left were small products like dish soap and cleaning supplies. To the right was the start of the flooring department.
Home Depot had an astounding selection of everything. There was a huge variety of styles and patterns available for each type of product.
The main level had aisles filled with appliances and fixtures.
There was also a huge lighting department on this level.
Upstairs were model kitchens and bathrooms, as well as consultation centers for customers who need assistance in designing their homes.
In the basement level was the gardening department, which had plants, seeds, flowers, tools, soil, and fertilizer.
There were cleaning supplies ...
... craft supplies ...
... and plenty of paint and paint chips.
Many things in the store were not labeled. There was a directory, and plenty of experts were around to help, but the store was clearly aimed more at home-improvement industry professionals. If you don't know the exact nail or bolt you're looking for, it could be challenging to find it on your own.
That said, there were plenty of services for non-professionals, such as workshops where customers can learn how to do things like stain a patio.
Signs around the store explained that if shoppers find a product for less elsewhere, Home Depot will beat that price by 10%. In addition to price matching, this store offers same-day delivery anywhere in Manhattan, starting at $21. Other Home Depot locations also do this, with prices varying based on the order size.
Home Depot's return policy is generous, allowing a full refund for most items if you bring the receipt and store credit if you don't. Home Depot also offers online returns and in-store pickup for online orders. The store felt geared toward professionals, but it seemed to have everything you would need for a home-improvement project, and all of the employees were extremely helpful.
Lowe's was just around the corner from Home Depot.
The gardening department was at the front of the store, and it was significantly smaller than the one at Home Depot.
Lowe's immediately seemed like it was geared towards people that aren't necessarily professionals. There was much more assistance offered for DIY projects, and everything was well-labeled.
In general, however, the store was underwhelming compared with Home Depot.
There was less of everything offered, from lighting, to tools, to paint.
Like at Home Depot, there were model kitchens and bathrooms on the second level.
It also had a comparable selection of lighting fixtures and flooring. The store felt less industrial than Home Depot, and its products were certainly labeled better.
Lowe's had a design center, similar to the consultation services offered by Home Depot.
Home Depot's and Lowe's return policies were the same, and Lowe's also offered a 10% price-match guarantee.
Lowe's also offers workshops and in-store pickup for online orders. Most of the benefits at the two stores were very similar.
The Ace Hardware I went to was in the East Village.
The store was considerably smaller than Home Depot and Lowe's, and it carried a lot of household items and convenience-store products like hand soap and toys. It was a pretty random selection towards the front of the store.
Ace Hardware had a comparable selection of tools to Home Depot and Lowe's, and everything was clearly labeled in this part of the store. It felt more like a local shop than a chain.
The rest of what was on the first floor was pretty random. There were keys, lumber, cleaning supplies ...
... and an assortment of other random products. While there was a ton to choose from, it was very cluttered, and it could be difficult to find a specific product.
Like at Lowe's, many parts of the store were underwhelming. One aisle was completely empty.
Another aisle, which carried small products like screws, nuts, and bolts, had signs taped to the floor, advising customers to write down the quantity and prices of the items they were buying. They were very easy to miss.
The store carried about the same amount of paint as Home Depot and Lowe's, but it was a mess. One of the shelves seemed like it was about to topple over, and paint cans were everywhere.
The rest of the main level had more general household products like Command hooks and coat racks. It also carried kitchen and bath fixtures. There was less of a selection than at Home Depot or Lowe's, and most things cost under $20.
After making my way through the upper level of the store, I headed downstairs.
The lower level didn't have much to offer. There was a sign stating that the store was being rearranged, which explained some of the mess ...
... but it was still poorly labeled and hard to navigate.
Even though the store had a lot of products to offer at low prices, it was very cluttered and disorganized. Ace Hardware doesn't have a set policy for price matching with competitors, and most of its stores are independently owned and operated.
Ace Hardware had a sign advertising assistance for local businesses. Its shipping and return policies are not advertised anywhere in stores, but it offers next-day delivery, in-store pickup, and returns with a receipt for up to 30 days.
Home Depot was the clear winner among the three stores. In addition to the lenient return and price-matching policies, it was more organized and had the best selection of products.
SEE ALSO: These are the fastest-growing retailers in America right now
More: Features Retail Home Depot Ace Hardware
Store comparison
The Insight Partners investor behind HelloFresh and Trivago is leaving the firm to start a new $600 million fund


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My Mysterious…
The Rise..
Mary's Bad…
My Billionaire..
Please Go…
CHAPTER 315 – FINDING THE COMPANY (MY BILLIONAIRE MOM)
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CHAPTER 315 – FINDING THE COMPANY
Chuck couldn't stand the woman's grievances, but he came here just for Yvette, otherwise, Chuck could only grieve others.
"How can you do this?" Bryant continued to ask, and the more he asked, the more wrong he was.
Chuck was also embarrassed to say that Chuck admitted that he was wrong. What he said was that he really promised Bryant to come over, which was also his promise to Bryant. "Where are you going, I'll accompany you, is this the main office?" Bryant made a step back, and it was a big deal. She didn't want to go where she wanted to play last night.
"Okay, but I don't know where to go. I'll open a room first,"
Chuck didn't want to wander around blindly, he could only wait at the hotel, so that his heart would not bother him, otherwise, he would be more anxious to wait for Betty's phone call in so many places.
"How can you do this?" Bryant blushed, saying that he had to open a room with himself for a long time? Is this too fast?
Unexpectedly, you sneered Bryant.
"How am I doing?" Chuck was strange, what happened? What's wrong with what I just said? Is she blushing?
"Can't be so fast, you have to see if it's not suitable for me. How can it be so fast?"
She thinks that she admitted, she took the initiative to let Chuck out this time, she felt that she might be a little interesting to Chuck, she was peeped by Chuck when she was studying, and she was angry last time, but she felt I still feel it. At least in the bar that day, Chuck's line figure really attracted her.
This is something that she can't escape. How to say that she has a good figure and people can do it, it's a bit ugly. Everything else is fine.
Bryant thinks so.
But she didn't plan to give Chuck her body this time! This is too fast, what if it is not appropriate?
Chuck finally understood what Bryant meant. After a long time, she thought she would go out to open a house with her? How can Chuck have that thought? Bryant is young and beautiful, but Chuck doesn't like her at all and doesn't have any feelings. How could he mention this with a cheek?
Besides, last time I saw Bryant in front, she was slapped by her, and Chuck didn't want to be beaten again.
"Don't think about it anymore. I said that it was you who opened the house, and I opened one. I had to wait for someone to call. Forget it. I wanna tell you. I came here to find someone and find my wife." Chuck said.
"What? Your wife? Are you married?" Bryant was shocked.
How can that be? She knows Chuck's age, it is impossible to get married, because she is not young!
"Well," Chuck doesn't have to deny it. His wife is Yvette.
Bryant hummed, "Well, a ghost, I only believe you have a girlfriend, wife, are you stupid?" With that in mind, Bryant felt wronged. You actually have a girlfriend. You still grabbed me in front of you, twice.
Chuck didn't say much, "Will you go?"
"Okay, let's go." Bryant pouted and took Chuck to open the room, but she said seriously, "Hey, you have your wife. You won't be allowed to look at me and peek!"
Chuck looked back at her. Was Chuck wronged? What is peeping? Is it your own bow body every time?
Chuck didn't say much. Forget it. It seemed to me. But when I arrived at the nearest hotel, there was only one room. I went to several places to ask. There was only one room. It was even full. Chuck muttered and Bryant blushed. "Don't look at me, can you have any thoughts on me…" Chuck didn't have it, so he can only continue to find…
After finding the night, Bryant was exhausted. "Forget it, I'll open a room with you. I'll sleep on the bed. You sleep on the ground."
Bryant actually has friends, but why? Come here with Chuck, can't she be alone?
Chuck thinks it's okay, anyway, he has no interest in Bryant, but ah, if Bryant walks around the room in sexy clothes, let alone Chuck, even a man can't stand it, how to say Bryant's figure is still very good, although not as good as Yvette, Logan, Kristen, and even Zelda…
However, the two entered a hotel, Bryant took out her ID card to open the room, Chuck finally received a call from Betty, said Yvette finally went to a company but never came out. This made Chuck anxious and never came out again? All night, what happened?
"Hey, what are you doing? What did you run out for?" Bryant saw Chuck suddenly ran out. She was shocked and ran out with her, "Hey, what are you doing?"
"You open the room and rest, I have something to go out." Chuck stopped a taxi on the side of the road, opened the door, and went in, but Bryant also came in. "No, you must have opened me deliberately, to find the young woman Kristen. Right? I don't want it!"
Chuck is speechless, Is Kristen a young woman? She hasn't gotten married yet, but this sentence If heard by Kristen?
But Bryant came up, there was no choice but to let her follow. Said the address, the taxi drove past.
Soon it was just the downstairs of the company that Betty said, Chuck had never been here, but Bryant was curious, how many times did she come to Huagang? I definitely know that this company is very capable, and the boss is rich!
"Chuck, don't tell me, this company is yours?" Bryant is very serious, maybe the boss behind the scenes may also be.
"Ah…" Chuck was ready to say no, he had never been to Huagang, how could there be a company?
"Haha, are you kidding me? The boss of this company is Xiao Shihao. How could it be him?" The taxi brother smiled first. This is the way young people now chase women?
"How is it impossible? I tell you, he is very rich!" Bryant was angry, so why should I say, Chuck?
"Well, if you have money, please pay the fare." The big brother of the taxi laughed sarcastically. He has seen such people a lot.
"To you." Bryant hummed out the money for the fare, and Chuck took the money out, but Bryant gave it first.
"You don't need to pay, come out quickly!" Bryant came out carrying her luggage, of course, Chuck is also the same, but this time, the company has closed, because it is more than nine o'clock in the evening, but what does Yvette come here to do?
"Chuck, what are you doing here?" Bryant asked. The boss she hadn't seen before, certainly had more money than her family, plus Bryant's family was not here, so they couldn't get in touch at all.
"Find my wife." Chuck walked in but was stopped by the building security. "Hey, is your wife working here or something else?" Bryant caught up.
"No." Chuck looked up. Betty said the company was the whole building. The two people who monitored Yvette saw Yvette come in but were killed.
That is to say, Yvette went in, but never came out.
Chuck wanted to force in, but Bryant grabbed Chuck, "Don't mess up, the police are here quickly, and you will be done when someone calls the police."
This was also considered by Chuck, but Yvette was inside, and Chuck was worried and didn't want to wait for a minute.
Chuck began to find a way. At this time, the elevator door was opened, and the security guard immediately respected, "Mr Xiao…"
"This should be the boss, you ask him!" Bryant said.
Chuck also saw it. When he walked over, Betty sent a message and said that the boss was the person. Then Yvette came to find him, and it must be him. Chuck asked, "Do you know a person named Yvette?"
Chuck was nervous.
The man glanced at Chuck, and there was a killer look in his eyes. He had never seen Chuck, but since he asked Yvette, then he was not stupid and instantly thought of Yvette's husband Chuck, the son of Karen Lee.
How dare he come here?
"I know, but left an hour ago," the man said.
Chuck frowned, and Betty said that those two people could not be contacted, and they were resolved. So was this man doing it? Ten out of nine.
When the man finished speaking, he went outside, and Chuck stopped him. "Wait, Yvette hasn't come out yet. What's wrong with Yvette?"
Chuck's eyes have become cold. If Yvette is in trouble, Chuck will kill his family! Didn't come out all night, Chuck had to think about the bad place, was he caught, imprisoned, or killed?
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text:
{{infobox road
| country = PAK
| type = M
| route = 4
| alternate_name =
| maint = National Highway Authority
| map =
| length_km = 309
| length_ref =
| established = 2019
| history = 2003
| direction_a = North
| direction_b = South
| terminus_a =  Pindi Bhattian
| terminus_b =  Multan| junction =  Abdul Hakeem| cities =
| ahn =
}}

The M4''' () is a north–south motorway in Pakistan that connects the cities of Faisalabad and Multan. The 309 km motorway also connects to the  M2, M3 and M5 motorways.

History
The M4 Motorway was planned as part of Pakistan's Motorway Network from Faisalabad to Multan. The ground breaking ceremony of the project was carried out by then president of pakistan parveez Musharraf in 2007. At that time already constructed motorway from Faisalabad to Pindi Bhattian was named as M3 Motorway, sometimes it was referred to as shortest motorway of Pakistan. However, in 2013, when Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan, another motorway from Lahore to Darkhana (Abdul Hakeem) was planned under CPEC to provide an alternate route for traffic coming to & from Lahore, bounded for Multan & subsequently up till Karachi so as to avoid/ reduce congestion over already existing N-5. This new motorway was designated as M3 Motorway (Lahore Abdul Hakeem Motorway) & the previously named M3 Motorway (Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad) was merged with Faisalabad Multan Motorway & the entire stretch from Pindi Bhattian to Multan was named as M4 Motorway (Pindi Bhattian- Faisalabad- Multan Motorway).

Inauguration
The M4 Motorway (Faisalabad to Multan section) was inaugurated in parts, first being Faisalabad to Gojra, second was Multan to Khanewal (Shamkot), third being Gojra to Shorkot, fourth was Shorkot to Abdul Hakeem ( Shorkot to Abdul Hakeem became operational almost together with Lahore Abdul Hakeem (Darkhana) Motorway) & finally Abdul Hakim (Deen Pur) to Khanewal (Shamkot). The last section of M4 Motorway (Abdul Hakeem to Khanewal) was inaugurated by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The M4 Motorway was completed successfully by the end of 2019.

Pindi Bahttian to Faisalabad section of M4 Motorway was inaugurated in Year 2003.

Route
The M4 begins near the M2 Pindi Bhattian Interchange and continues on a southwest course connecting the cities of Faisalabad, Gojra, Toba Tek Singh, Shorkot, Abdul Hakeem, Khanewal and Multan. And ends at Sher Shah Interachange giving exit to Multan Cantt over Shujabaad Road & itself continues as M5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway. It is connected to M3 Motorway (Lahore to Abdul Hakeem Motorway) near a village named Darkhana a few kilometers northeast of Abdul Hakeem Interchange. There is a separate Toll Plaza for Entrance/ Exit to/ from M3 Motorway.

Throughout its route, it passes mainly through the Agricultural Lands of Central Punjab.

Railway Line
M4 route is almost parallel to Railway Line till Faisalabad i.e. from Multan to Khanewal. The railway line runs along the left side of Motorway with an overhead bridge of Motorway for Railway crossing near Shamkot village. Then onwards, the Railway Line runs parallel to the right of motorway till Faisalabad, although the railway line might not be clearly visible from this motorway.

River Ravi
M4 Motorway crosses River Ravi in between Abdul Hakeem Interchange & Darkhana (M4, M3 Junction) Interchange.

Junctions and interchanges

References

M04
Toll roads in Pakistan

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


A month ago we got our first look at the new LEGO sets for Thor: Ragnarok, with the official box art and a few images. Now, however, LEGO is officially announcing the sets as they become available globally beginning today, though oddly they don't release in the US until August.
We're getting our first high-quality look at two LEGO sets from Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok. We don't yet have information regarding price, part counts, or exact release dates of these sets, but we'll be sure to bring you that info as soon as it's available.


Here's how much Slovak label LOM loves field recordings and strange sounds: they didn't just stop with releasing a few wild experimental ambient albums. They've gotten into the boutique mic business. They're creating new hardware that lovingly captures electro-magnetic fields. They're printing t-shirts with custom designs to show their passion in illustrated form.
These are people who are really passionate about recording.
And you can get bit by the same addiction. Let's have a look at what they're offering.
Perhaps the most interesting offering from Bratislava's LOM is the Elektrosluch, the electro-magnetic "instrument" from LOM artist and label brain Jonáš Gruska. Now, you're familiar with interference from electro-magnetic fields – it's the reason your bandmates get cross with you if you don't switch your iPhone into flight mode when you start recording. But what if a device didn't just capture those sounds: what if it were engineered for maximum precision as if they were desirable?
I got a chance to play with the latest model in Brno at the Bastl Instruments-hosted synth fest, and it's extraordinary – more so than YouTube can really capture. You really feel privy to an invisible, inaudible world os secret auditory codes. Jonáš' attention to fidelity – the very opposite of what you'd expect from such an instrument – results in glistening glitches and alien-like transmissions from the gadgets around you.
And sure enough, the Elektrosluch 3 features a lot of improvements.
There's a full-enclosed form factor, better user experience (operate with a single pot).
And the sound has improved: the makers report that higher gain, audiophile-grade WIMA capacitors, highly increased protection of the sensors, and other tweaks have made the sound quality better.
This is what would happen if Neumann had been focused on recording EM fields instead of conventional sound.
The whole unit is portable and boasts 9V battery power plus minijack headphone/line out and line input.
That's not all LOM are working on. Their Uši microphones, electret condensers, are calibrated for recording "delicate sounds" – the sounds your ear can easily discern, but that fall below the noise floor of conventional musician-focused microphones.
The 90€ basic model is a pair of twin stereo mics. Connect the minijack to a portable stereo recorder, and you're ready to go. (Even a DSLR will work.) You get power via the mic jack, so there's no additional power requirement.
Hurry – the preorder ends tomorrow.
The hardware is all handmade in the EU.
As part of their commitment to music that springs from the edge of human hearing – or beyond it – their latest release comes from seismic captures of the vibrations in a cement factory, by Russian-born Jan Ryhalsky.
This album was recorded in an old, partially abandoned cement factory close to the borders of Russia and China. Its skeletal metal structures are rich in haunting low-frequency (over)tones, Jan's highly sensitive geophones (devices used for seismic recording) allow us to hear the earth-shaking sonic worlds of these ghostly locations.
Jan Ryhalsky was born and lives in the far east of Russia. He began to record sounds in 2010, and quickly dove deep into recording theory. The main focus of his research is sounds with low intensity, often beyond the threshold of human hearing.
I've been listening a lot to this one lately; it's just sublime.
I really look forward to giving these mics a go myself – seems sonic wonderlands await. More on the microphones (hopefully also including work by some of you, if you get hold of them), and LOM the label and its artists, soon.


text:
Private equity firm Onex to acquire SIG Combibloc Group
By Bill Bruce
CategoriesBeverageBusinessFinancialIndustriesPackaging
Private Equity firm Onex Corporation has agreed to acquire SIG Combibloc Group from the Rank Group. The takeover is anticipated to formally close in the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Onex Corporation is a private equity investment firm. It is a publicly traded company controlled by its founder Gerry Schwartz, who serves as Chairman and CEO. Founded in 1984, Onex is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in New York and London.
"Onex is a strong and committed capital partner to grant continuity in our successful business strategy. They match SIG ideally and will together with us further develop and grow the business on a long term basis," says Rolf Stangl, CEO SIG Combibloc Group. "Just as in the past, focusing on our customers and delivering excellent quality and service, remains the unchanged top priority for SIG."
"SIG's management team has successfully proven its ability to enter and grow in new markets, while maintaining its standards of excellence in existing markets," said Nigel Wright, a managing director in Onex's London office. "We look forward to partnering with Rolf Stangl and his team to further build upon SIG's impressive track record and continue its growth."
According to media reports, The Toronto-headquartered private equity firm will pay an initial sum of up to €3.58bn for the Swiss packaging company as well as a further €175m based on its performance in 2015-16.
There was speculation in July in the New Zealand and Australian media that less than a decade after building the world's largest packaging empire, Graeme Hart was considering asset sales worth at least $7.9bn to reduce $18bn in debt and to test the waters for an initial public offer of his remaining businesses.
Rank Group Ltd is Graeme Hart's private investment company and is the 100% owner of Reynolds Group Holdings which confirmed in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission in July that it had embarked on a strategic review of its Evergreen Packaging business which included carton maker SIG Holdings.
About SIG
SIG Combibloc is one of the world's leading system suppliers of carton packaging and filling machines for beverages and food. In 2013 the company achieved a turnover of 1,680 million Euro with around 5,100 employees in 40 countries.
Related topics: packagingSIG Combibloc Group
Ball Corporation appoints Dan Fisher as CEO
SIG introduces new aluminium-free solution
Darnley's Gin unveils gin in recyclable pouches
Notpla raises £10m for its packaging made from seaweed
Saputo teams up with Wipak to reduce virgin plastic use
Ball Corporation to open 'circular economy lab' in Brazil
ATS Packaging Machinery announces launch of new capping machines
Kraft Heinz unveils plans for a circular PET ketchup bottle


text:
Biografia
Battezzato Neshan Sarkissian, nacque a Kasab, in Siria, dove frequentò la scuola elementare armena. Nel 1946 fu ammesso al Seminario Teologico del Catholicosato di Cilicia e nel 1949 fu ordinato diacono. Nel 1952 fu ordinato come prete celibe, assumendo il nome di Karekin.

Nel 1955 presentò la sua tesi di dottorato e fu elevato al grado ecclesiastico Vardapet. Nell'anno seguente fu membro della facoltà del seminario teologico ad Antelias, in Libano. In seguito studiò due anni teologia a Oxford e scrisse The Council of Chalcedon and the Armenian Church, pubblicato nel 1965 a Londra.

La sua carriera avanzò rapidamente e dopo diversi importanti e delicati incarichi fu eletto Catholicos del Catholicosato di Cilicia nel 1977, servendo come Catholicos Coadiutore fino alla scomparsa del Catholicos Khoren I, avvenuta nel 1983, quando diventò pienamente Catholicos della Grande Casa di Cilicia. Come Catholicos fu molto attento all'educazione religiosa e modernizzò e promosse il seminario teologico. Inoltre compì numerosi viaggi: Libano, Siria, Iran, Cipro, Stati Uniti, Canada, Kuwait e gli stati arabi del Golfo.
Fu un attivo fautore dell'ecumenismo, con visite al Papa Giovanni Paolo II, all'Arcivescovo di Canterbury, alla Chiesa Riformata Svizzera, alle Chiese Luterane di Danimarca e Germania e a Shenouda III della Chiesa Copta.

Nel 1989 fu eletto presidente onorario del Consiglio delle Chiese del Medio Oriente.

Karekin scrisse diversi libri in armeno, inglese e francese e pubblicò diversi articoli e studi di teologia, armenistica, filosofia, etica e letteratura in diversi periodici.

Dopo la morte del Catholicos Vazgen I nel 1994, fu eletto, da un'Assemblea Ecclesiastica Nazionale composta da 400 delegati, Catholicos di tutti gli Armeni con il nome di Karekin I.

Nel novembre del 1998 si sottopose a una cura contro il cancro a New York. Aveva nominato l'arcivescovo Karekin Nersessian, il futuro Karekin II, Vicario Generale.

Karekin I morì a Echmiadzin il 29 giugno 1999.

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Catholicoi di tutti gli Armeni
Karekin II


There's a lot to be said for living vicariously through the travels of your friends. With on-line blogs, social media sites and super duper travel literary portals such as ours, the possibilities are endless. My dear friend Lydia Terry has spent the last several months traveling through Thailand. Along the way she shares her adventures via email blogs to her anxiously waiting followers such as myself.
Lydia is a colorful writer with a deep love of nature and an even deeper respect for the animals who share our earth. Through her eyes we are able to live in places we could of only dreamed about and through her words spark the desire to experience it first hand.
One such spark ignited earlier this week as Lydia wrote of her visit to The Elephant Nature Park in the Chiang Mai province of Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990's, they provide sanctuary and rescue for endangered Asian Elephants in a natural valley, bordered by a river and surrounded by forested mountains.
Like any non-profit Elephant Nature Park survives on entrance fees, donations and grants.
Unlike any non-profit, you can adopt an Elephant for $75 a year, provide a months worth of medical care for $25 or buy an Elephant lunch for $10.
Did you know that an Elephant eats 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of food per meal?
Your $10 donation breaks down to just 2 cents a pound, providing half a day's meal and supplements for the hungry rescued herd citizen.
Visits to the park go beyond the superficial viewing of Elephants in a natural habitat. Your visit is a hands-on volunteer experience where you can roll up your sleeves and share in the feeding, cleaning and nurturing of your own adopted Elephant if you have one, or any of these loveable behemoths if you don't.
With only 30,000 living Asian Elephants on the planet, the names and faces of these gentle giants come to life in the stories of their rescue; like HOPE the baby male elephant orphaned and brought to the sanctuary in 2002 when he was just 6 months young.
In a far and distant land, where the largest beasts on earth call the shots, lives Hope. He wears a bell around his neck to warn everyone (4 and 2 legged) when he is coming because, depending on his mood, he can bring joy or wreck havoc. Since little Hope is a boy many of his tribe treat him with patience, amusement, and at times, disdain. He is very handsome and the story of his young life has gone from misery to mirth, which is why his antics are tolerated. Many a female (4 legged and 2 legged) have fallen in love with this rascal who is the star of the Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Reserve, the only elephant rehabilitation center in the country.
In 1996 an amazing woman named Lek, who is the daughter of a hill tribe shaman, began her dream to create a haven for the mistreated and handicapped elephants no longer needed in the now banned logging industry of Thailand.
Her story has been on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and lauded by animal organizations all over the world. She even allowed Hilary Clinton to take a picture with her! It's all on-line but I just wanted to give you some background on the most incredible day of my SE Asia experience.
The Center is one of the highlights of a trip to Chiang Mai. The elephants do no tricks, you can't ride them through the jungle like many of the other elephant camps around but, you learn a respect for these incredible beasts as well as an understanding of the culture that domesticated the largest animals on our earth.
There are 35 elephants at the sanctuary, 200 dogs, many of them rescued by Lek and her team during the recent floods in Bangkok, water buffalo and 170 local people who work there keeping everyone fed and happy (4 legged and 2 legged).
The financial support comes from tourists who pay $75 dollars a day to visit the center, meet the "stars", feed them, bathe them in the river and hear about their stories as well as the plight of elephants in SE Asia today. It's sad…elephants blinded by hooks and acid, hit by cars, legs destroyed by land minds, one female came as a drug addict as her owners fed her amphetamines to make her work harder.
They are now cared for by the 3 full time vets, fed gourmet elephant food – watermelon, pineapple, squash and bananas, have their own personal mahout (keeper), and treated with the love and respect they deserve. Only 12 of them interact with the tourists, the rest not quite ready for prime time due to their backgrounds. Tourists can come for the day, overnight or for a week and pay to be a volunteer.
It was so incredible to experience their personalities, see the friendships and bonds formed among each other, and yes, the humor of these noble animals. Their eyes are so full of wisdom, their hearts so full of integrity. We watched one female who stood at the riverside where she holds homage every day to her mahout (keeper) who was drowned there 5 months before. Her cries of lament and tangible sorrow continue day after day, and her friend who stands untiring at her side and gives her solace.
The young mothers always have a "nanny", an experienced mother who helps her learn how to be a mama, even scolds when she is impatient with the youngin' and babysits when mama needs some "space".
I was lucky to be there when Lek arrived as 20 dogs surrounded her immediately. Then, as she walked out to the feeding platform, elephant word got around (just like on the Tarzan movies) and her beasts came running, trunks extended for her touch, her smell, her magic. There was more than one of us crying as we watched this incredible display. And guess who pushed his way through the throng – Hope, the punk, as he threw his trunk around pushing his seniors away to get close to his mama.
I won't go into details of their stories, if anyone is interested they can look it all up online. I just want to share the happiness of knowing there are such special people on this earth as Lek whose devotion and love extend beyond anything I have ever experienced before and whose dedication and work has awakened respect for these incredible animals in people all over the world; and one tiny woman who has alleviated so much suffering and has created an awareness for others to follow.
I will make my reservations for a week here next year and invite anyone to join me. The dogs alone are drawing me. The most incredible mixture of mutskies I've ever seen – Disneyland dogs to the max, all well fed, clean, flea and tic free – and totally spoiled by all the visitors. The antics they have contrived in competition with each other for affection are worth a documentary on its own. This was my best day ever!
Tips for Trekking Northern Thailand Pattaya, Thailand: Sin City of Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand: P is for Ping Pong Bangkok, Thailand: The Sights and Smells of Southeast Asia So, You Want To Save The Earth?


text:
package ru.job4j.array;

public class Entry {
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub