text:
HomeReportsOffice of International Religious Freedom2020 Report on International Religious Freedom...Cameroon
2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cameroon
Download [131 KB]
Actions by Foreign Forces and Nonstate Actors
The constitution establishes the state as secular, prohibits religious harassment, and provides for freedom of religion and worship. According to media and religious leaders, most abuses involving religious freedom occurred in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest Regions, where a violent separatist conflict continued. In July, security officers killed a timekeeper at a Protestant church in Bangem as he rang the bell for morning prayers. In August, soldiers looking for separatists arrested and killed a Protestant pastor and several of his followers in the village of Mautu. In October, security forces arrested a Catholic priest one day after he began a protest march to raise awareness about violence in the Anglophone region and call for the release of political detainees. Also in October, gendarmes in the town of Ndop arrested the pastor of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, stating that he supported separatists spiritually and financially. Religious leaders in the Anglophone regions repeatedly accused security forces of burning churches, forcing residents to quarter soldiers, and desecrating religious spaces and objects. On several occasions, Christians in the Northwest and Southwest Regions said security forces interrupted church services and prevented them from accessing places of worship. In August, the government shut down a Yaounde church whose leaders preached that COVID-19 was a hoax and refused to comply with official public health mandates on crowd sizes. Religious leaders expressed frustration with the government's failure to register any new religious groups for the 10th consecutive year and said many requests remained pending.
According to multiple media outlets and civil society organizations, Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) continued to carry out violent attacks against civilians and military forces. Insurgents attacked places of worship and private homes. According to religious and civil society organizations, in more than 20 separate attacks in the Far North Region in January, presumed Islamist terrorists killed more than a dozen Christians, burned at least three churches, and destroyed nearly 200 homes. In August, suspected Islamist terrorists killed 14 community leaders in Bulgaram in the Far North Region during preparations for evening prayers in the local mosque, reportedly because community leaders cited the Quran while criticizing terrorism.
Media reported that Anglophone separatists in the Northwest Region killed a religious leader in Batibo who criticized their actions. In a separate incident, religious leaders in the Northwest Region accused separatists of killing a pastor in Batibo and of vandalizing churches and destroying worship articles in the village of Nwa. Religious leaders and civil society expressed concern over worsening relations between largely progovernment Muslim Mbororo herders and Anglophone, predominantly Christian, communities. In October, suspected separatists abducted parishioners in Kumbo during a pilgrimage to pray for peace in the Anglophone regions. Throughout the year, Muslim and Christian leaders initiated interfaith activities aimed at facilitating interreligious dialogue, promoting peaceful coexistence of different faiths, and seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, where Anglophone separatists were seeking secession. In March, Christian and Muslim leaders collaborated with UNICEF, sharing ideas on appropriate messaging by religious groups within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Embassy officials discussed with government officials the failure to register faith-based organizations. They also underlined the effect of the sociopolitical crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions on freedom of worship as well as the importance of interfaith dialogue with government officials, including regional delegations from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms. In discussions with leading figures from the main religious groups, U.S. embassy officers stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue, the necessity of assuring religious freedom within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for a peaceful solution to the continuing crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. In August, the embassy issued a press release condemning the killing of a religious leader in Batibo and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The U.S. government estimates the total population at 27.7 million (mid-year 2020 estimate). According to the 2005 census, the most recent available, 69.2 percent of the population is Christian, 20.9 percent Muslim, 5.6 percent animist, 1.0 percent belongs to other religions, and 3.2 percent reports no religious affiliation. Among Christians, 55.5 percent are Catholic, 38 percent Protestant, and 6.5 percent other Christian denominations, including Jehovah's Witnesses and Orthodox churches. The 2010 Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures Project found that 70.3 percent of the population was Christian, 18.3 percent Muslim, 3.3 percent animist, 2.7 percent other religions, and 5.5 percent with no religious affiliation. Of Christians, the Pew Survey found that 38.3 percent were Catholic and 31.4 percent were Protestant. There is a growing number of Christian revivalist churches.
Christians are concentrated primarily in the southern and western parts of the country. The two Anglophone regions are largely Protestant, and the five southern Francophone regions are mostly Catholic. The Fulani (Peuhl) ethnic group is mostly Muslim and lives primarily in the northern Francophone regions; the Bamoun ethnic group is also predominantly Muslim and lives in the West Region. Many Muslims, Christians, and members of other faiths also adhere to some aspects of animist beliefs.
The constitution establishes the state as secular, prohibits harassment or discrimination on grounds of religion, and provides for freedom of religion.
The law on freedom of association governs relations between the government and religious groups. The government must approve religious groups or institutions as a prerequisite for lawful operation. Although the law prescribes no specific penalties for operating without official registration, the government may suspend the activities of unregistered groups. The government does not require indigenous religious groups to register, characterizing the practice of traditional religion as a private concern observed by members of a particular ethnic or kinship group or the residents of a particular locality.
To become a registered entity, a religious group must legally qualify as a religious congregation, defined as "any group of natural persons or corporate bodies whose vocation is divine worship" or "any group of persons living in community in accordance with a religious doctrine." The entity must submit a request for registration as a religious group and include with it the group's charter describing planned activities, names and functions of the group's officials, and a declaration of commitment to comply with the law on freedom of association to the relevant divisional (local level) office. That office forwards the documents to the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT).
MINAT reviews the file and sends it to the presidency with a recommendation to approve or deny. Registration is granted by presidential decree. Official registration confers no general tax benefits but allows religious groups to receive real estate as a tax-free gift for the conduct of activities and to gather publicly and worship. It also permits missionaries to receive visas with longer validity. Unregistered religious groups may gather publicly and worship under a policy of "administrative tolerance" as long as public security and peace are not disturbed.
MINAT may issue an order to suspend any religious group for "disturbing public order," although no legislation defines these terms. The President may dissolve any previously authorized religious organization that "deviates from its initial focus."
The Ministry of Basic Education and the Ministry of Secondary Education require private religious schools to comply with the same curriculum, infrastructure, and teacher-training standards as state-operated schools. Unlike public schools, private schools may offer religious education.
Media and religious leaders said most abuses of religious freedom were related to the armed conflict involving English-speaking separatists in the Northwest and Southwest Regions and nonstate extremist actions in the Far North Region.
According to media reports, on July 4, security forces shot and killed Brice Ebangi, a timekeeper at the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon (PCC), as he rang the church bell at 5 a.m. to summon congregants for morning prayers. According to the international nongovernmental organization (NGO) Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), the soldiers who entered the village of Bangem, Southwest Region, before dawn to conduct "antiseparatist operations" shot Ebangi outside the church building as he conducted his daily bell-ringing routine. The soldiers reportedly said Ebangi rang the bell to alert residents to their arrival. According to media, the soldiers also arrested and physically assaulted several civilians, injuring one individual, and looted and burned several houses.
According to CHRDA, on August 13, government forces arrested and later killed a pastor and two of his followers from the Repentant Servants Church of Ambazonia in the village of Mautu in the Southwest Region. Soldiers reportedly entered the church, over which flew an "Ambazonia" flag associated with Anglophone separatists, arrested the pastor and several of his aides, and killed two who attempted to escape. An August 13 video posted on social media showed soldiers interrogating the pastor and his followers before he was killed.
On October 13, multiple media outlets reported that police arrested a Douala-based Jesuit priest, Ludovic Lado, as he marched from Douala to Yaounde to raise awareness about violence in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest Regions. Police in Edea, 40 miles from Douala, interrogated Lado before returning him to Douala. Lado said his protest underscored the right to organize peaceful protests. He called for the release of hundreds of members of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement political party arrested for antigovernment protests on September 22.
On January 19, according to a January 21 statement released by PCC moderator Samuel Forba Fonki, security forces arrested a PCC pastor after the Sunday service in Bali Nyongha in the Northwest Region. The statement said the pastor was physically assaulted, incarcerated, and hospitalized after his release, and it described the incident as "sacrilegious to the worship of God."
On February 19, PCC moderator Fonki issued a press release stating that unidentified individuals set fire to the Presbyterian church in Mbufong-Bali in the Northwest Region. A February 17 video on social media showed members of the church lamenting the loss of the church building. According to media, government forces battling Anglophone separatists carried out the attack. While the PCC statement did not directly blame government forces for the attack, it stated that "a military solution would not resolve the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions."
According to a pastor of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) based in Bamenda, on July 18, soldiers occupied the CBC church in Pinyin, Northwest Region and used it as a base from which to carry out attacks against separatists. The pastor said the soldiers killed two persons, broke into homes, looted stores, and stole property. Soldiers reportedly roasted animals in the church and desecrated the sanctuary.
On October 17, media reported local gendarmes in Ndop, Northwest Region, arrested Pastor Samuel Kensam Konseh, a chaplain and former Director of Evangelism and Missions of the CBC. According to a church leader, security forces accused Konseh of collaborating with and financially supporting separatists but released him on October 20.
According to media, on June 21, soldiers arrested parishioner Kuoh Nawayn during a Mass at Catholic St. Anthony's Church in Njinikom, in the Northwest Region. Witnesses said security forces released Nawayn shortly after her arrest and that the reason for her arrest was unclear.
According to CBC pastor Godlove Nchanji, on February 5, soldiers occupied the CBC mission compound in Ntumbaw during military operations and threatened him with a machete when he asked them to leave on February 12. Nchanji said soldiers questioned him on February 16 after he spoke to Human Rights Watch and left the compound the same day.
On September 18, according to Sandra Che, a member of the Catholic Church in the Alamatu neighborhood in Bamenda, security forces ordered parishioners to leave during a prayer session. Observers said soldiers forced parishioners to sit on the floor and verbally abused them before forcing them to return to their homes. According to an official at the Presbyterian Church in Alamatu, during Bible study on September 22, soldiers seeking Anglophone separatists repeatedly fired their weapons on the church premises and remained outside the chapel in which parishioners had locked themselves. The official said parishioners laid on the floor and hid under pews until the soldiers left.
According to PCC pastor Gustav Ebai, government forces and armed separatists in the Anglophone regions regularly prevented individuals from participating in worship. Multiple online media outlets reported that on June 21, members of the Catholic Church in M'mouck Leteh in the Southwest Region had to interrupt the Mass and take cover as soldiers and separatists exchanged gunfire near church grounds. On September 13, the Guardian Post newspaper reported that soldiers disrupted church activities and prevented residents of Bamenda from attending church services during military operations against separatists.
On August 5, authorities shut down the Tabernacle of Liberty Church of All Peoples in Yaounde after church leaders described COVID-19 as a hoax and reportedly told members not to comply with government measures to contain the pandemic. According to Center Region Governor Paul Bea Naseri, three students who were members of the church refused to comply with the mandatory school mask policy because their pastor forbade the practice. According to Voice of America, many followers continued to worship in front of the church after the government shut it down.
The government again took no action to adjudicate applications for registration by a number of religious groups whose applications had been pending for years. The government approved only one new religious group in the last 18 years and none since 2010. Although by law groups must register, the government continued to allow hundreds of unregistered small religious groups to operate freely under its policy of "administrative tolerance." Some religious group members suggested the government used the delay in registrations as a way to curb unregistered churches and to create tension between those with proper credentials and those without.
On October 8, a religious leader said that officials at MINAT could do little to facilitate the registration process because the Presidency, which had final authority, was unwilling to register new religious groups. He said the government did not view freedom of religion as an individual right and that the government often closed unregistered churches for perceived violations by individual pastors.
The government continued to grant broad legal authority to traditional leaders to manage their districts. As part of this authority, traditional leaders continued to exercise control over local mosques with the right to appoint or dismiss imams.
The state-sponsored television station and radio stations regularly broadcast Christian and Islamic religious services and ceremonies on national holidays and during national events. Government ministers and other officials often attended these ceremonies.
The government provided an annual subsidy to all private primary and secondary education institutions, including those operated by religious denominations. The size of the subsidy was proportional to the size of the student body.
Boko Haram and ISIS-WA continued to commit acts of mass violence within the Far North Region in what observers said was an attempt to impose their religious and political beliefs. Boko Haram continued to target Muslims, Christians, and animists without apparent distinction, while ISIS-WA tended to attack military and other government installations.
According to the interdenominational Christian aid agency Barnabas Fund, at the beginning of January at least 300 presumed Islamist terrorists raided five mostly Christian villages in Mayo Tsanaga Division, killing several Christians and burning two churches. Barnabas Fund reported that on January 6, terrorists killed two Christians in the villages of Hitere and Hitawa and three others in the village of Moudokou. On January 7, they killed a Christian in the village of Guedjele. During a January 17 attack on the predominantly Christian village of Hidoua, terrorists killed five civilians and destroyed at least 195 houses, according to the NGO report.
According to NGO Aid to the Church in Need, on January 6, suspected jihadists burned down the Church of Saint Peter, in Douroum, in the Far North Region. On January 24, Bruno Ateba, Bishop of Maroua-Mokolo, told NGO representatives that terrorists launched at least 13 attacks on churches within his diocese in January.
On August 25, suspected Islamist terrorists killed 14 community leaders in Bulgaram in the Far North Region during preparations for evening prayers. According to media, most of the killings occurred in the local mosque. A resident of the town said terrorists attacked after community leaders cited the Quran while criticizing terrorism and forbade members of the communities from providing supplies to ISIS-WA fighters based in Nigeria.
In January, Open Doors USA, a U.S.-based NGO advocating for Christians throughout the world, ranked the country 48th among countries in which Christians are most persecuted, partly due to an increase in Boko Haram and ISIS-WA attacks. Open Doors stated the country had not been included among the top 50 countries in prior years but that "…restrictions and threats are growing for Christians." The Open Doors report said that radicalization increased in the predominantly Muslim northern regions where it said local residents "hate and threaten" those who convert from Islam to Christianity. A civil society observer in the Far North Region said that Boko Haram and ISIS-WA attacks against religious groups in the Far North significantly decreased compared with previous years because terrorists increasingly focused on members of local community "vigilance" committees.
Because religion and politics are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity.
According to multiple media reports and the United Nations, in August suspected Anglophone separatists kidnapped and killed Reverend Christopher Fon Tanjoh, a Bible translator and pastor of New Apostolic Church in Batibo in the Northwest Region, who also worked with local NGO Community Initiative for Sustainable Development. According to media, separatists abducted Tanjoh on August 7 after he publicly accused them of committing crimes against local residents and urged separatist leaders to stop "terrorizing and extorting" civilians. The attackers shot Tanjoh in the leg before abandoning him at the entrance of St. John of God Hospital in Batibo, where he bled to death.
According to media reports, at least 30 mostly Muslim nomadic Mbororo herders joined soldiers who killed at least 23 civilians in Ngarbuh, Northwest Region. According to a CBC pastor based in Bamenda, the killings in Ngarbuh were just one example of worsening relations between predominantly Christian Anglophones and Muslim Mbororos in the Northwest Region. On September 9, Voice of America reported many Mbororos fled their homes in the Northwest Region because of repeated attacks after refusing to support the separatist cause. In April, NGO Refugees International reported that tensions between Mbororos and largely Christian farmer communities in the Northwest increased. Observers said the government used Muslim Mbororos as informants and participants in attacks against separatists and separatists did the same with Christian farmers. According to Bamenda-based human rights lawyer Elvis Luma, the separatist violence in the Anglophone regions deepened the divide between Muslim Mbororos and Christians in the Northwest Region.
According to media, on June 3, suspected separatists abducted PCC pastor Theophilus Nyamdon Gwandikang in Batibo. A video on social media reportedly showed the pastor in handcuffs and shirtless on a wooden bed as separatists accused him of being a government spy. The separatists threatened to kill him unless his church paid 2.5 million CFA francs ($4,700). According to social media reports, the pastor was released a few days later after the Presbyterian Church paid the ransom.
Reverend Daniel Ache of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbo in the Northwest Region said that on October 20, suspected separatists abducted at least four local parishioners during a pilgrimage to pray for peace in the Anglophone regions. The abduction took place in an area where separatists repeatedly clashed with government forces since 2017. He said separatists abducted some of the Christians in the morning after a prayer service at a local church on a walk to Kumbo Cathedral to attend Mass. According to Ache, after the Mass, parishioners marched to the separatist camp nearby and demanded and secured the release of most of the abductees.
On February 22, Reverend Godwill Chiatoh Ncham of the CBC stated that unidentified armed men vandalized churches and destroyed church property in separate incidents in Jack, Ngang, and Mbui in the Northwest Region over three days in February.
The Cameroon Association for Interreligious Dialogue (ACADIR) collaborated with administrative, traditional, and religious authorities to establish local ACADIR branches in the subdivisions of Pete and Bogo in the Far North Region and a divisional office in Yagoua. ACADIR includes the Cameroon National Episcopal Conference, Cameroon Council of Protestant Churches, Yaounde Orthodox Archdiocese, Higher Islamic Council of Cameroon, and Cameroon Islamic Cultural Association. According to ACADIR, these actions aimed to promote interreligious dialogue and mobilize religious leaders on issues such as peaceful coexistence and development.
In June and August, ACADIR organized interreligious seminars in the West, Northwest, and Southwest Regions. During the seminars, leaders from diverse religious groups trained "peace ambassadors" to promote peace, social cohesion, and human rights and foster mutual understanding among members of different faith-based organizations.
According to PCC pastor Gustav Ebai, in March the leaders of diverse Christian denominations and Muslim authorities collaborated with UNICEF to share ideas on appropriate messaging by religious groups within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roman Catholic leader Father Ache said that although the number of attacks by Anglophone separatists against religious leaders in the Northwest Region significantly decreased compared with 2019, such attacks continued during the year and contributed to a climate of fear. He said while there were few restrictions on worship, fear of separatists and security forces often made individuals afraid to leave their homes to attend church services. Ache said an annual celebration of Christian unity in Kumbo, characterized by joint services involving different religious groups and visits by Christians of different faiths to other denominations, did not take place because of violence between separatists and security forces.
Embassy officials discussed with government officials the failure to register faith-based organizations. The embassy also discussed the perception by Pentecostal churches that the government was biased in favor of Catholic and traditional Protestant Churches. The embassy underlined the effect of the sociopolitical crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions on freedom of worship as well as the importance of interfaith dialogue with government officials, including regional delegations from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms.
Embassy officials discussed interreligious dialogue and the impact of COVID-19 on religious freedom and training with leaders from Christian and Muslim communities, including the leader of Caritas-Kumbo, a local branch of the Catholic relief and development agency in the Northwest Region; the national president of the High Islamic Council in Cameroon; the coordinator of ACADIR; and a representative of the Pentecostal grouping Sunrise Pastors' Council. Embassy officers also discussed the negative impact on religious freedom of the violence in the Anglophone regions.
On August 11, the embassy issued a press release that condemned the killing of pastor and humanitarian worker Christopher Fon Tanjoh on August 7, highlighted the insecurity in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, and called for an independent investigation into the killing.
Throughout the year, the embassy promoted religious freedom as a fundamental human right on its social media platforms.
Bureau of African Affairs Cameroon Office of International Religious Freedom Religious Freedom
View report by:
Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China (Includes Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Macau) Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel, West Bank and Gaza Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
Build A Custom Report
2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Central African Republic
2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nigeria
2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Niger
Build Your Custom Report


text:
Transactions: Panthers pad Greg Olsen's contract
Published: Aug 31, 2017 at 10:32 AM
Greg Olsen didn't nab the big-money extension he hoped for, but the Panthers tight end has a solid shot to make some extra scratch in 2017.
The club on Thursday packed Olsen's deal with $2 million in incentives, a source involved in negotiations told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Scheduled to make $6.5 million this season, Olsen has the opportunity to earn up to $8.75 million based on catches, receiving yardage, average per catch and additional honors. The tight end is still on tap to make $6.5 million in 2018, the final year of his contract.
"It just shows when two sides are reasonable and act in good faith, there is always a fair resolution," Olsen told Panthers.com writer Max Henson. "Obviously I am very thankful. The team didn't have to do this. They acknowledged there was something that could be done, it was just a matter of finding the correct format. I think that's what we've accomplished."
It's the latest move by interim general manager Marty Hurney, who said earlier this month he was "looking at" an extension for Olsen, who pondered a holdout this summer under former GM Dave Gettleman.
"We look at all these cases individually and we decided there was an opportunity to reach a win-win solution," Hurney told Panthers.com writer Bill Voth.
Olsen, 32, has been integral to Carolina's offense, piling up 428 catches for 5,384 yards and 32 touchdowns over 93 regular-season starts since 2012. He finished last year with his third-straight 1,000-yard campaign.
Other transactions we're tracking on the final day of preseason fare:
The Houston Texans have signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkinsto a five-year, $81 million extension with $49 million guaranteed, Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the deal. Additionally, tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz signed a three-year contract extension with the Texans, a source involved told Rapoport. The deal is worth roughly $22 million, with $10.1 million guaranteed, Rapoport added. Texans fullback Jay Prosch also signed a three-year, $5.75 million contract extension, with $2.7 million guaranteed with the Texans, Rapoport reported.
Rapoport also reported the Texans have sealed up a valued defender:
The #Texans signed safety Andre Hal to a 3-year extension worth $15M, source said. He gets $7M fully guaranteed. Under-the-radar contributor
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2017
The Chiefs announced that they have released offensive lineman Jah Reid.
The Detroit Lionstraded offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick, according to Rapoport.
Cardinals S Budda Baker (concussion) carted off field during playoff loss to Rams
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was carted off the field in Monday's NFC Wild-Card Game against the Los Angeles Rams following a tackle of Cam Akers.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
package staticHandler

import (
	"fmt"
	"io"
	"net/http"
	"os"
	"path"
	"path/filepath"
	"strconv"
	"strings"
)

// FileOnlyHandler provides a static server for serving only files and not
// directory listings.
type FileOnlyHandler struct {
	Root        string
	StripPrefix string
}

// ErrorPageHandler allows for setting a custom handler for error pages.
var ErrorPageHandler func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request, code int)

// Keeps the HTML for each error response, if the user sets it.
var errorPages = make(map[int]string)

// SetErrorPage allows for directly setting the HTML for each error code.
func SetErrorPage(code int, html string) {
	errorPages[code] = html
}

func hasErrorPage(root string, code int) bool {

	errCode := strconv.Itoa(code)
	if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(root, errCode+".html")); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
		return true
	}
	return false
}

func handleErrorPage(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request, root string, code int) {

	if ErrorPageHandler != nil {
		ErrorPageHandler(w, r, code)
		return
	}

	w.WriteHeader(code)

	// If the HTML has been provide for this error, render it and return.
	if errorPages != nil {
		if html, ok := errorPages[code]; ok {
			w.Write([]byte(html))
			return
		}
	}

	// If the HTML has not been provided, look for an HTML page for this error.
	sCode := strconv.Itoa(code)
	fullpath := filepath.Join(root, sCode+".html")
	if hasErrorPage(root, code) {
		f, err := os.Open(fullpath)
		if err != nil {
			fmt.Errorf("Error opening %s: %v", fullpath, err)
			return
		}
		defer f.Close()
		io.Copy(w, f)
		return
	}

	// If no HTML or HTML page is available for this error, use this default HTML.
	w.Write([]byte(`
<!doctype html>
<html>
<head>
	<title>` + sCode + `: ` + http.StatusText(code) + `</title>
</head>
<body style="text-align:center">
<h1>` + sCode + `: ` + http.StatusText(code) + `</h1>
</body>
</html>`),
	)

}

// ServeFileOnly replies to the request with the contents of the named file but
// returns a 404 for a directory unless an index.html file is found.
func ServeFileOnly(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request, root string, name string) {

	fullpath := filepath.Join(root, name)

	info, err := os.Stat(fullpath)
	if err != nil {
		fmt.Errorf("Error from os.Stat(%s): %v", fullpath, err)
		handleErrorPage(w, r, root, http.StatusNotFound)
		return
	}

	if info.IsDir() {
		if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(fullpath, "index.html")); os.IsNotExist(err) {
			handleErrorPage(w, r, root, http.StatusNotFound)
			return
		}
	}

	http.ServeFile(w, r, fullpath)
}

func (fh *FileOnlyHandler) ServeHTTP(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
	upath := r.URL.Path
	if len(fh.StripPrefix) > 0 {
		upath = strings.TrimPrefix(upath, fh.StripPrefix)
	}
	if !strings.HasPrefix(upath, "/") {
		upath = "/" + upath
		r.URL.Path = upath
	}
	ServeFileOnly(w, r, fh.Root, path.Clean(upath))
}

// NewFileOnlyHandler returns a static file handler that will only serve
// files for the given Root rather than directory listings.
func NewFileOnlyHandler(root string, stripPrefix string) *FileOnlyHandler {
	return &FileOnlyHandler{root, stripPrefix}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Leatherhead Plumbers is proud to offer the finest boiler repair services in the Leatherhead, Oxshott, Fetcham, KT22 and surrounding areas. Specializing in local jobs, Leatherhead Plumbers boasts superior knowledge of the local area that makes them uniquely qualified to attend to all of your boiler concerns. Whether it's boiler repair, boiler servicing or general maintenance you desire, Leatherhead Plumbers is never more than a phone call away.
When you employ Leatherhead Plumbers, you can trust that your boiler needs will only be addressed by highly trained gas safe registered engineers. When it comes to boilers, repairs can be dangerous and should never be undertaken by anyone who isn't qualified to do so. At Leatherhead Plumbers, you will always receive the highest quality professional boiler service at a best price available!
The professionals at Leatherhead Plumbers realise that a boiler is essential to keeping homes warm during winter and as such, you can always count on fast local repairs that will get things up and running again in no time. Boiler problems are never convenient, but Leatherhead Plumbers offers prompt, extensive services at a price you can afford. Leatherhead Plumbers handles system, condensing and combination boilers, so no matter what type of boiler you have, you can feel confident that it will be properly serviced.
To ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently, it is a smart idea to have your boiler inspected at regular intervals. This will give you peace of mind, help correct any clogs or other problems that may be emerging and prevent future breakdowns from occurring. All in all, this type of regular maintenance can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run, and the professionals at Leatherhead Plumbers are the best choice for these check-ups.
Boilers are often working full time in the winter, heating your home to a comfortable temperature. This can be taxing, so it's wise to schedule maintenance into your routine. A boiler breakdown during winter needs to be addressed as quickly as possible, as temperatures in your home can drop rapidly without a working boiler. Leatherhead Plumbers is the best option for these emergency situations, and you'll be glad you rang when your boiler is back to its full function promptly and smoothly. Whether you have an oil boiler or a central heating unit, the experts at Leatherhead Plumbers are always available to handle each and every job.
When your boiler fails, call in the professional repair service that puts your needs first. Leatherhead Plumbers operates locally to provide the fastest, most convenient boiler repairs to Leatherhead, Oxshott, Fetcham, KT22, and surrounding areas. Let Leatherhead Plumbers give you peace of mind, with affordable maintenance services and fast local boiler repairs that will satisfy your needs to the fullest extent possible.
Leatherhead Plumbers, positioned in Leatherhead, Oxshott, Fetcham, KT22 is a complete provider plumbing related and heating system firm that is expertly qualified to find to all of your central heating boiler fix and provider requirements. Your central heating boiler is normally an essential component of your house and required to the ease and comfort and wellness of your family members. When something will go incorrect, it requirements to end up being used treatment of in the most timely and professional way feasible. At Leatherhead Plumbers, we possess just the highest educated designers prepared and obtainable to care for all of your central heating boiler requirements quickly and effectively.
To maintain any kind of program working effortlessly and effectively, it is necessary to provide regular inspections and service. When a professional professional can be searching at your program on a regular basis, he can place areas that may become challenging in period and go to to them before they become events. There are specific parts in any mechanised program that will use out in period and just a completely educated, professional professional understands what to appearance for and how to show when it is normally period to replace them to prevent malfunctions.
Keeping your central heating boiler program clean and altered correctly is normally essential to maintain it working effectively. Leatherhead Plumbers provides the personnel that are completely educated in the most recent basic safety and regulatory criteria to offer you with the greatest provider obtainable and all of our function is normally completely assured therefore you dont possess to get worried about stuff heading incorrect after a provider contact. If ever there is normally an issue after we possess proved helpful on your program, we will appropriate the issue with no further price to you.
Our customer call middle has professional staff to answer your call 24 hours a day 7 times a week. They will function with you to determine what the concern is normally that you want assistance with and discover the greatest alternative with a totally up entrance estimation of fees. If you want an issue taken care of immediately in the off hours, we possess techs that live in your area in the Leatherhead, Oxshott, Fetcham, KT22 region that can end up being at your door generally within an hour. If there is normally an concern that can end up being taken care of during business hours, our workers will function with you to timetable an session that is normally the most practical for you and provide you an accurate estimate of how very much you can anticipate to pay out.
We may place you up on a regular timetable of maintenance and inspection thus you will end up being less bothered with unexpected fixes and may stay on best of a single of the most crucial systems in your house. The professional plumbers at Leatherhead Plumbers are prepared and capable to perform any central heating boiler work you want with the highest quality in the better Town region.


text:
New symptom of 'long Covid' is 'alarming' changes to women's periods
Gemma Mullin, Digital Health Reporter
FROM fatigue to pain and breathlessness, thousands have been left crippled by lingering symptoms long after fighting off coronavirus.
But now a new symptom of so-called long Covid has emerged - and it's only affecting women.
Women who have recovered from coronavirus say they have noticed changes to their periodsCredit: Getty - Contributor
There have been wide reports on social media that the prolonged illness has caused "alarming" changes to women's menstrual cycles.
Some say they are now experiencing irregular periods, while others have distressingly noticed unusually large blood clots.
One woman, named Rose, said she noticed two weeks into her Covid battle that her period didn't come as she would have expected.
She told Medical News Today that in the eight months since she's recovered from the virus, she's only had five periods.
Another woman, named Bianca, said she only started to experience changes to her menstrual cycle some time after recovering from Covid.
She said: "I didn't notice anything different during the initial onslaught of Covid.
"It wasn't until 3 months later […] when some symptoms came back that I noticed a change. I noticed an increase in clots — but quite a bit."
Edith, who says she has also had period changes since being infected with Covid, told MNT: "[My periods] have changed in frequency, duration, flow, intensity, and pain level. I also experience Covid symptom flare-ups before my period starts, which is rather confusing because my periods are unpredictable."
POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS
Experts have recognised breathlessness, muscle aches and excessive fatigue as being among the wide-ranging symptoms that have been identified in those who have previously contracted the virus.
However, it remains unclear why menstrual cycles might be affected by Covid long after recovering from the bug.
Some suggest that it could be that SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid - could attack the female reproductive organs.
Dr Linda Fan, assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine, told MNT the research published on the virus so far is sparse.
However, she suggests there is some "biological plausibility" that it could "attack ovarian function" based on some of the effect it's had on other organs.
One small study in China, published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online in September, found 25 per cent of people with Covid have menstrual changes.
Of the 117 participants, all patients at Tongji Hospital in Shanghai, 30 per cent reported lighter bleeding or longer-lasting periods.
Commenting on the study, gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta, for intimate wellbeing brand INTIMINA, said: "It's not uncommon for viral infections to have an impact on female hormones, periods and fertility.
"Whilst the evidence is limited, there's nothing yet to suggest a long term impact on fertility, but transient changes to periods have been reported in some women who have had Covid-19.
"It's important to note that the stress of living through a pandemic and the lifestyle changes this has triggered may also influence your hormonal balance, resulting in changes to your periods."
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director, Patientaccess.com, said that stress could also be a possible explanation.
Being ill is also a huge stress to the body, and stress is well known to disrupt the brain-ovary hormone system that regulates your periods
Dr Sarah Jarvis
She told The Sun: "I have seen a couple of patients who have told me their periods have been affected.
"It hasn't been widely reported in the medical journals, but there are some possible explanations.
"The most obvious one is that being ill is also a huge stress to the body, and stress is well known to disrupt the brain-ovary hormone system that regulates your periods.
"In addition, your body is primed to stop doing 'non-essential' things when you're ill.
"If much of your body's energy is centred on fighting the virus and keeping the essential body functions going, there's less energy to focus on keeping your hair and nails growing or your hormones regulated."
Dr Fan also reassured women that while a delayed period or two can be disconcerting, it "should not cause too much anxiety in the setting of Covid-19 infection".
But she did urge anyone who has experienced changes to their menstrual cycle and is concerned to speak to their GP.
LONG SUFFERING
It's thought that up to 60,000 people in the UK are suffering with long-term symptoms after contracting Covid, according to data from the ZOE app, which was analysed by King's College London researchers.
Co-leading scientist for the post-hospitalisation Covid-19 study Dr Rachel Evans said many people had been put out of work because they are unable to carry out their usual daily tasks, due to the lingering after-effects.
Experts from the National Institute for Health Research warn long Covid is not one single condition, but could actually be four different syndromes.
In October, a group of doctors affected by long Covid called for an action plan in tackling the long-term health effects of the virus.
A letter signed by 39 doctors said there was an "emerging picture" that long-term symptoms of the virus were having a substantial impact on a significant minority of people.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged that long Covid exists and said that work "is being done on it".
With thousands of people thought to have long Covid, it's unsurprising that support groups have started to emerge on social media.
One known as the Post Covid Syndrome Group now has 3,000 members from more than 60 countries.
Most read in Health News
Group founder Claire Hastie told the Mirror: "People are experiencing so many symptoms - we've counted 172.
"GPs aren't believing them, they say they're making it up.
"Employers have no idea what these people are going through either."
Christmas bubble rules to STAY - but Boris warns Brits to 'exercise extreme caution' in meeting up


The whole grain salba (Salvia hispanica) was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure compared to controls in a 12-week study. It also maintained good glycaemic and lipid control in people with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.
TOYO-FVG, derived from the bark of the maritime pine tree, and the carotenoid astaxanthin, when administered together, are potent antioxidants on common diabetes complications.
Relora, a patented blend of magnolia bark extract and a proprietary blend of phellodendron bark extract developed by Next Pharmaceuticals, helped about 90 per cent of 1,291 participants who suffered from stress, sleeplessness and/or stress-related eating.
Do you have newly conducted research on your ingredient (published or unpublished) that you would like included in Cutting-edge Research? Write a short summary and attach a PDF of the study or abstract, and send to trunestad@newhope.com.
Several studies presented at a longstanding medicinal-plant meeting identified the mode of action of echinacea, as well as 50 per cent less risk of catching colds.
Cyanotech has announced its BioAstin-brand astaxanthin now has four new structure/function claims that have undergone US FDA review, and is currently applying for several more. The claims focus on joint health, skin health, protection from UV damage, eye heath and immunity.


Stunning home in the exclusive gated community of ChampionsGate. Absolutely Flawless! Full Golf Membership included in HOA! Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home used as a second home by it's current owners. Kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and breakfast bar. Master features separate shower and garden tub with granite vanity, two sinks and two walk in closets. Comes with many upgrades to include an extended Lanai. Home is located across the street of the Par 5 18th hole. This luxury, gated, resort style community is centered around the Oasis Club, a 14,000 Sq Ft Clubhouse that includes a restaurant, movie theatre, fitness center, game room, tiki bar, lazy river, cabanas and much more! Coming soon is the "Plaza" a residence only clubhouse that is near completion. HOA covers access to Oasis Club and it's amenities, full golf membership, tennis, gated entries, complete lawn care, security monitoring, TV, phone and internet. CDD is included in taxes. ChampionsGate Community is the perfect place to live to enjoy all the theme parks, shopping and dining experiences that the Orlando area has to offer! This community is close to all major roadways to include I4, 192 and Toll Road 429.
I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #S5015592). Please send me more information regarding 1390 Palmetto Dunes St, Davenport, FL, 33896. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 1390 Palmetto Dunes St, Davenport, FL, 33896 (MLS® #S5015592). Thank you!
Listing information courtesy of Valor Realty Llc.


The other night, when the Milwaukee Bucks brutalized the Lakers and their sagging playoff hopes (still comfy but for how much longer?), Kobe Bryant watched the game from a restaurant near the Bradley Center. As you already know, Kob was suspended for a game for the second time this season for following through into somebody's face. Lang already led the discussion group of whether or not the suspension was right. Inconclusive. My personal opinion is that I hate the whole "initiating contact gets the call" phenomenon in the NBA, and it should really just be if you foul somebody, it's a foul. I hate that offensive players look to draw fouls instead of trying to score baskets. But those are the rules they were given to play with.
Next time I punch someone in the face, I'm just going to say it's part of my natural follow through and I do it all the time.
But nevermind me, what did the violator himself think of this whole mess? He says he got a raw deal.
I've seen in other places Kobe go into more detail about how he's not stupid enough to sacrifice being able to play – because of how depleted the Laker roster is – for the chance to take a cheap shot. Then again, isn't that such a perfect alibi, that it would absolve him of any guilt? Hmmmmmm… nah, too paranoid a view. If he were actually a dirty player, this would be the worst possible time to risk showing it. Kobe has always played hard, done whatever it takes to win, but I wouldn't call him dirty. Bruce Bowen is a dirty player that tries to hurt people on purpose. For all of Kobe's "competitiveness", I wouldn't say he does that.
This IS a raw deal! Could Kobe Bryant be winning in the court of public opinion?


TRIESTE: One of the key events of the 9th edition of When East Meets West was the Co-production Forum pitching session showcasing 22 upcoming projects, including 11 long documentaries and 11 feature films, which had been selected from out of 299 submissions from 49 different countries. WEMW took place within the 30th Trieste Film Festival, which wrapped on 25 January 2019.
Alessandro Gropplero, Head of WEMW told FNE: "This year's selection was very diverse in terms of directors' profiles and producers behind the projects. For the first time we got many female directors with long feature films. We had a very difficult selection to make, as we had hard topics reflecting the society (the emigration stories, for example), but also family topics. This year I think it was a combination between small and big stories".
Warsaw, late 80s. Irena and Jacek are a sporty couple. Irena, a former figure skater is coaching the Polish representation for the Calgary Olympic Games. Jacek is a sports journalist at the Polish broadcaster. The opposing forces of Irena's desire for freedom and Jacek's faith have caused a serious crisis in their marriage.
"Living in a time of post-truth and relativism of values, I have been wondering how to tell a story today. Her/His is the result of a research in this area. [...] I want to create a story which is divided into two directions – hers and his, and those two voices are equal. I also want to make a link to the current situation in Poland, where people live in two tribes", co-director Anna Kazejak told FNE.
The film is produced by Mariusz Włodarski through Lava Films with a planned budget of 1.8 m EUR, of which 50,000 EUR is already in place. The film is currently in development with the production planned for 2020.
The producers are looking for coproducers, financing and sales agents.
Irina (43) is an immigrant, a single mother living in a small Czech border town. One night her teenage son claims he was assaulted by three young Roma. Irina demands justice and she is met with great solidarity by her new society, until she spots inconsistencies in her son's account.
"Both storylines, that is, the mother-son storyline and the individual-society storyline, are intimately connected and they feed off each other. By painting a detailed emotional portrait of Irina I would like to expose the society for which she becomes a temporary mascot, until eventually ending up as its caricature", director Michal Blasko said in his statement.
The producers of the film are Jakub Medvecky and Tomas Hruby through Nutprodukcia. The budget is 1,175,000 EUR (with 374,051 EUR in place). The project is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Slovak Audiovisual Fund and the Czech Film Fund.
At the moment the film is entering the preproduction stage, with shooting planned for the end of 2019. The producers are looking for coproducers, financing, festivals and sales agents.
Vanja leads his sheep herd and his fellow shepherd Rade towards the highland of Montenegro. There, he inherited a cottage belonging to his ancestors' tribe, but rumours are spreading that their land would become a NATO military polygon.
"When I met Vladan Vanja Vuletic, I immediately knew that I wanted to make a film with him as the main protagonist. I have recognised Isaac, the hero of Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun, in Vanja. I realised that his life has similar beauty, drama and poetics. This is a story of archaic people, who are trying to get along in a new age of turbulences", director Petar Glomazic said in a statement.
The film is produced by Biljana Tutorov through Serbia's Wake Up Films and Veliša Popović through Montenegro's Cut-up. The budget is 203,000 EUR (56.000 EUR in place). Film Centre of Montenegro is supporting so far.
The producers are looking for coproducers, sales agents and financing.
After the sudden death of her husband, Petra (42) has to find her own way through the labyrinth of bureaucracy, conventions and emotional struggles. The film is based on a true story.
"The essential part of the story is the support that exists between the human and the nature. The changing of the seasons underlines the nature. The images of Petra and her body will be the key aspect of the film. These images will be in contrast with the city, which is anonymous, less organic. This film is about how we are alive, how our lives are overcomplicated", director Veronika Liskova told FNE.
The producers are Petra Oplatkova through Artcam Films and Artemio Benki through Sirena Film. The budget is 909,440 EUR (with 198,440 EUR in place). The film has support from Creative Europe MEDIA and the Czech Film Fund.
The film is in development and the producers are looking for coproducers, financing, sales agents and festivals.
The Father (78) is a well-known Polish anti-clericalist, who has been writing books attacking the Church and religions for many years. The Son (35) converted a few years ago and joined a convent for lay people in 2018. When the Father had taken his son on a journey around all the amusement parks in Europe 25 years ago, they recorded seven hours of VHS material from the trip. Today, the Son decides to take his Father on a journey around his "amusement parks". It will be a journey into the world of his faith and the Son is hoping for his Father's conversion before death.
"My father has criticised me for all my life, whatever I did was wrong. We didn't have a close relationship either and I think that the main character of my film is in a similar situation. His father has always criticised him and they have never got to know each other really closely. I hope the journey they have together in this film lets our characters learn a little more about each other", director Bartłomiej Żmuda told FNE.
The producers of the film are Paweł Jóźwiak-Rodan and Marta Pielasz through Projekcja Identyfikacja. The film is in the preproduction stage and it has support from the Polish Film Institute and the Polish National Television.
Kondrat-Media will release the film in Poland.
The film is a documentary essay with animated elements set in a post-war period. Raped women are getting their power back by riding the wave of recent events in the world. Eight raped women and four unconventional therapists embark on a strictly confidential and intimate inner journey to recovery.
"Our women, who watched their loved ones being killed, were all raped, but survived the Croatian war for independence. Guilt and shame kept them quiet for 25 years. Today they are getting their power back. This is a story about the process of reconstruction of each woman's personality for their successful every day functioning", director Verdana Pribacic told FNE.
The film is produced by Mirta Puchlovski through Metar60&Slavica film with a planned budget of 1.89 m EUR (with 81,000 EUR in place). The film is in its final shooting stage.
The producer is looking for coproducers, financing, sales agents, sound and image postproduction, music and also animation.
A Serbian farmer with a 6 year old refugee girl go on a journey across Europe in search of the girl's mother.
"For me it was actually crucial to reveal the complexity of the problem and a very important point is to force the audience to engage and to really think about what their responsibility is in the current state and what they can do to make a difference", director Vuk Ršumovic told FNE.
The film is produced by Mirko Bojovic and Miroslav Mogorovic through BaBoon Production and Art&Popcorn. The budget is 1,002,931 EUR (with 329,931 EUR in place).
The producers are looking for coproducers (mostly for postproduction services), national distributors in the coproduction countries, financing and sales agents.
In a small village in the middle of the Bosnian mountains, three adolescent sons of a radical Salafi preacher face their father's sentence for terrorism by questioning their beliefs and seeking different paths for their future. In an intimate portrayal of contemporary Bosnia and its insular Salafi community, Brotherhood is an anthropological exploration of youth, brotherhood, religion and extremism in the most radicalised region of Europe.
"The protagonists are developing their own ideas about who they want to become and who they want to be. [...] I want to understand and represent perfectly their choices in this special environment. I do not want to judge the boys, but rather portray them in a humanist and quite intimate, personal way", director Francesco Montagner told FNE.
Pavla Janouskova Kubeckova is producing through Nutprodukce in coproduction with Italy's Nefertiti Films. The budget is 370,460 EUR. The film is still in the shooting phase. Postproduction is planned for the end of 2019 and the film is expected to be finished in the first half of 2020. The Czech Film Fund and FAMU are supporting the project.
The producers are looking for broadcasters, sales agents, coproducers, financing and festivals.


Photo: The first draw in Monday morning's Open Herd Work preliminaries, Boyd Rice and CR Smooth As Pistol (Smooth As A Cat x Chiquita Pistol) work the flag in the Sunday afternoon sunshine in Reno.
At this time three years ago, they were weanlings. Tomorrow, hundreds of talented young horses from the foal crop of 2009 face the biggest test of their young life – the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity. A $100,000 prize awaits the Open Futurity Champion, and the entire show is expected to pay out more than $1.1 million!
These three-year-old equine athletes and their riders have prepared diligently for the herd work, rein work and fence work triathlon awaiting them in Reno, Nevada at the Livestock Events Center. It all begins at 8:00 a.m. (PDT) with the first leg of preliminary competition – the herd work - in the Futurity Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Ladies divisions. Nine sets of horses will go head-to-head with the cattle tomorrow, and then the remaining eight sets of Open herd work preliminaries compete Tuesday, Sept. 18.
If you couldn't make it to Reno in person this year, don't despair – you can catch all the preliminary herd work action live via webcast, thanks to the National Reined Cow Horse Association's official videographer, Galloping Video. A link to the live feed can be found at www.NRCHA.com and at www.GallopingVideo.com.
The first Snaffle Bit Futurity was held in 1970 in Sacramento, Calif., and boasted 27 entries. Over time, the Futurity has become a high-profile, major spectator event, drawing hundreds of entries and thousands of fans who make the trip to Reno each year. This year, 231 horse-and-rider combinations will compete in just the Open division – up from 214 Open entries last year. Many cow horse enthusiasts describe their first trip to the Snaffle Bit Futurity as the reason they became hooked on the spine-tingling sport.
Other fun Futurity-related activities include the annual NRCHA Hall of Fame Banquet; the enormous "Best of the West" trade show; the Snaffle Bit Futurity Horse Sales; and a full slate of competitive hackamore, two-rein and bridle classes for horses older than Futurity age. The annual Raffle Colt giveaway also is a mainstay at Reno – for the price of a single $10.00 ticket, you could win your very own royally-bred, started 2-year-old with a paid entry to the 2013 Snaffle Bit Futurity! The Raffle Colt is generously donated every year by the Ward Ranch, Kingsburg, Calif.


text:
Richard H. Leet
For Richard Leet, Scouting's values of honor and truthfulness were something to take seriously. As a result, he worked hard at Scouting throughout his life. That hard work meant that when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13, he was the youngest in his home state of Missouri to reach the rank. As an adult, his hard work as a volunteer carried him all the way to the office of president of the Boy Scouts of America.
Richard also extended his servant leadership beyond Scouting, serving on the boards of The Ohio State University Foundation, Northwest Missouri State University Foundation, and Brenau University. He also completed a term as president of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
Outside of his charitable work, Richard pursued a career in the petroleum industry. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he turned his attention to his education, earning a Bachelor of Science from Northwest Missouri State University and a doctorate from Ohio State University. Richard then joined Standard Oil Company of Indiana as a research chemist, remaining with the company in numerous management capacities for more than 39 years, and retiring as vice chairman of Amoco Corporation.
Why I give...
"Scouting has had an ethical and moral reputation for leadership for young men, and that hasn't changed, despite the fact we have needed to change the program as society changes."
‒ Richard H. Leet
Scouting Affiliation and Honors
BSA National President (1990-1992)
BSA National Executive Board Past Member
BSA Foundation Advisory Committee Member
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
Silver Buffalo Award
Silver Antelope Award
Council, Area, and Regional President
World Baden-Powell Fellowship Advisory Board Member
Distinguished Service Award, Order of the Arrow
Venues at Summit Bechtel Reserve
BSA Presidents Brownsea Island


text:
Jealous husband in South Africa kills his wife's lover.
This story has been sent by sergeant Tessa Botha, Crime scene investigator, Forensic Science Laboratory (Biology unit), South Africa.
The body of an adult male was found dead beside a dam in South Africa . The man had multiple stab wounds.
Once the man had been identified it was found that he shared a flat with a couple and their baby. Upon investigation the domestic worker at the residence was questioned and she alleged that she had smelt blood in the flat and was made to clean vomit from the carpet. When police arrived at the flat the woman who resided there was in the midst of cleaning and quickly disposed of a bucket of dirty water in the bath.
The investigator then called in the Biology units Crime scene section. Small droplets of blood were found around the bath drain, in the basin, on the couch in the lounge and on the doorframe leading to the second bedroom. Certain areas of carpet appeared much cleaner that the rest of the carpet in the flat.
That night "Bluestar Forensic" was used to examine the residence. The areas of carpet in the living area which had appeared cleaner than the rest of the carpet reacted positively with the "Bluestar Forensic," indicating the presence of possible blood. The carpet in the second bedroom was also tested, the area beside the bed reacted positively with "Bluestar Forensic". The areas that reacted positively lead from the second bedroom which the deceased had occupied, out toward the front door. A bucket and mop that were in the bathroom were also tested with "Bluestar Forensic" and reacted positively.
Later the same evening the vehicle belonging to the couple who resided in the flat with the deceased was examined with "Bluestar Forensic" and areas on the back seat reacted positively.
The investigating officer confronted the other occupants of the flat with the evidence later that night. The woman then confessed to the happenings. The woman had been having an affair with the deceased. Her husband found out about the affair and subsequently, with the aid of a friend, killed the deceased. The woman had been instructed to clean the flat after the events had taken place.
(sergeant Tessa Botha, Crime scene investigator, Forensic Science Laboratory (Biology unit), South Africa)
https://www.bluestar-forensic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Jealous-husband-in-South-Africa-kills-his-wife's-lover.wav
Chemical indicates the presence of human blood in the trailer
KU Leuven Students Investigate Virtual Crime Scenes
Forensics, the latest methods
How does the scientific police work?
Forensic science, clue hunters
Lemerle case: traces of blood revealed by Bluestar
A state-of-the-art portable crime lab
"With the blood in the eye" Bioarchaeology and Biomaterials.
Canine Handlers and Forensic Specialist Testify in Smart Hearing on 2021 Searches
IAI Annual Educational Conference
Troadec case: traces of blood, burning of the bodies, the word of the experts.
Alleged serial killer: new excavations and Bluestar in the orchard
Police brought Agostina's alleged femicide to Neuquén
Detecting Blood in an Outdoor Environment with the Bluestar Reagent and DNA Analysis
Thomas Lesire trial: These clothes are examined with Bluestar reagent
Daval case: investigation and use of Bluestar
Tags South Africa
← Murder of a woman by her son → Justice for the Lyon Sisters


text:
Soups, Stews & Broths chicken, frozen quesadillas, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, red enchilada sauce, stemmed fresh thyme leaves Soup Modern Easy Seven Ingredients or Less, Soups, Stews & Broths 15-30 min Max Pressure Cook, Pressure Cook, Sauté Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tortilla-Soup.jpg 1080 1080 From Freezer to Instant Pot Cookbook by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png From Freezer to Instant Pot Cookbook by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough2019-07-24 13:29:152019-08-28 18:58:20Tortilla Soup
Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit Tacos
Vegan & Vegetarian cayenne papper, coconut sugar, Corn tortillas, diced cucumber, diced red onion, dried thyme, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, Freshly cracked black pepper, freshly grated or ground nutmeg, garlic cloves, grapeseed oil or other neutral cooking oil, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper, jackfruit brine or water, liquid smoke, loosely packed fresh cilantro, medium ripe avocado, onion powder, peeled and diced mango, piece fresh ginger, reduced- sodium tamari or soy sauce, scallions, sweet or hot paprika, tomato paste, Vegan sour cream Dinner, Main Course Jamaican, Modern Medium Vegan & Vegetarian 30-60 min Vegan, Vegetarian Pressure Cook, Sauté Avocado, Jackfruit, Mango, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Jamaican-Jerk-Jackfruit-Tacos-2.jpg 1080 1080 Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook By Nisha Vora https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook By Nisha Vora2019-05-09 15:46:182019-06-11 12:54:19Jamaican Jerk Jackfruit Tacos
Poultry boneless, skinless chicken breast, Buffalo-style hot sauce, cheddar-jack cheese, cream cheese, green onions, loosely packed fresh spinach, ranch dressing, Water, "burrito size" flour tortillas Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack Modern Medium Meat, Poultry 15-30 min Pressure Cook, Sauté Cheese, Chicken, Cream Cheese, Hot Sauce, Spinach, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Buffalo-Pin-Wheels.png 1080 1080 Chop Secrets https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Chop Secrets2019-03-07 21:36:042019-06-14 18:19:42Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Poultry grated cheddar, ground turkey, head romaine lettuce, large avocado, olive oil, pepper, pinto beans, salt, sliced black olives, sour cream, tortilla chips, tub refrigerated fresh salsa Dinner Modern Easy Poultry 15-30 min Pressure Cook, Sauté Avocado, Black Olives, Cheddar Cheese, Salsa, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/167-Turkey-Taco-Salad.jpg 1080 1080 Chop Secrets https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Chop Secrets2019-02-22 19:24:032019-06-06 14:41:47Turkey Taco Salad
Meat Additional salsa, beef broth, boneless pork butt or shoulder, chili powder, chopped cilantro, Corn tortillas, dried oregano, fresh salsa, kosher salt, Lime wedges, onion, sour cream, unsweetened cocoa powder Dinner Mexican Easy Kid-Friendly, Meat 1-2 hours Pressure Cook Avocado, Beef Stock, Cocoa Powder, Lime, Pork, Salsa, Sour Cream, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/119-Savory-Mole-Pork-Tacos.jpg 1080 1080 Chop Secrets https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Chop Secrets2019-01-03 21:28:222019-06-06 17:19:16Savory Mole Pork Tacos
Fish & Seafood Corn tortillas, cucumber, dried parsley, fresh cilantro leaves, fresh lime juice, ground coriander, kosher salt, Lime wedges, olive oil, pepper, Radishes, smoked paprika, sour cream, tilapia, Water Dinner Modern Easy Fish & Seafood, Kid-Friendly less than 15 min Pressure Cook Cucumber, Lime, Radish, Sour Cream, Tilapia Filets, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/109-Amazing-Fish-Tacos.jpg 1080 1080 Chop Secrets https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Chop Secrets2019-01-03 18:46:152019-03-04 20:27:15Amazing Fish Tacos
Meat apple cider vinegar, apricot jam, avocado, black pepper, boneless pork shoulder, cotija cheese, flour tortillas, fresh cilantro leaves, ground cumin, hot sauce, kosher salt, lime, onion, Water Main Course Modern Easy Kid-Friendly, Meat 1-2 hours Pressure Cook Onion, Pork Shoulder, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pulled-Pork-Tacos.jpg 1080 1080 Chop Secrets https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Chop Secrets2018-09-20 18:45:582019-07-25 19:17:37Pulled Pork Tacos
Chicken-Tortilla Soup
Soups, Stews & Broths Anaheim chile, avocado, bone-in chicken thighs, carrot, chicken broth, Cilantro leaves, corn tortilla strips, garlic, guajillo chiles, kosher salt, Lime wedges, Monterey Jack, roma tomatoes, tomatillos, vegetable oil, Water, white onion Soup Mexican Easy Kid-Friendly, Meat, Poultry, Soups, Stews & Broths 30-60 min Pressure Cook, Sauté Chicken Broth, Chicken Thighs, Chiles, Lime, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Chicken-Tortilla-Soup.jpg 1080 1080 The Essential Mexican Instant Pot Cookbook by Deborah Schneider https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png The Essential Mexican Instant Pot Cookbook by Deborah Schneider2018-09-07 18:47:462018-09-19 18:07:37Chicken-Tortilla Soup
Sous Vide - Pork Shoulder Quesadillas
Meat avocado, chopped arugula, coriander seeds, flour tortillas, garlic powder, ground cumin, Jalapeno pepper, mustard powder, paprika, pork shoulder, shredded Cheddar cheese, Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, tomato Main Course Modern Easy Meat more than 2 hours Sous Vide Cheese, Pork, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pork-Shoulder-Quesadillas.jpg 1080 1080 The Instant Pot Ultimate Sous Vide Cookbook by Jason Logsdon https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png The Instant Pot Ultimate Sous Vide Cookbook by Jason Logsdon2018-08-22 18:27:392018-08-22 18:27:40Sous Vide - Pork Shoulder Quesadillas
Sous Vide - Hanger Steak Fajitas
Meat bell peppers, canola oil, chipotle pepper powder, garlic powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, hanger Steak, onions, poblano peppers, sour cream, soy sauce, tortilla wrappers Main Course Modern Easy Meat more than 2 hours Sous Vide Steak, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hanger-Steak-Fajitas.jpg 1080 1080 The Instant Pot Ultimate Sous Vide Cookbook by Jason Logsdon https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png The Instant Pot Ultimate Sous Vide Cookbook by Jason Logsdon2018-08-22 15:58:302019-02-04 15:50:01Sous Vide - Hanger Steak Fajitas
Vietnamese Brisket Tacos
Meat brisket, chopped fresh cilantro, cucumber, fish sauce, garlic, Hoisin Sauce, jalapeno, lime, minced fresh ginger, onion, rainbow coleslaw mix, rice vinegar, Salt and pepper, sesame oil, sriracha, tortillas, Water Main Course Vietnamese Medium Meat 1-2 hours Pressure Cook Brisket, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Vietnamese-Brisket-Tacos_NoPressureInstant-Pg48.jpg 1080 1080 No Pressure Cookbook by Laurel Randolph https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png No Pressure Cookbook by Laurel Randolph2018-04-16 18:05:032019-02-04 15:48:04Vietnamese Brisket Tacos
Chicken and Green Chile Enchiladas
Poultry chicken broth, chopped green chiles, Cooking Spray, dried Italian seasoning, enchilada sauce, flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, garlic, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, Mexican 4-cheese blend, oil, olive oil, onion, paprika, Pressure Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken, whole frying chicken Main Course Mexican Medium Poultry 30-60 min Cheese, Chicken, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chicken-and-GreenChileEnchiladas.jpg 1080 1080 Time Inc. https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Time Inc.2017-08-23 15:09:582019-01-26 19:48:29Chicken and Green Chile Enchiladas
Soups, Stews & Broths avocado, black pepper, chicken broth, chicken thighs, cilantro, Corn tortillas, diced tomatoes, garlic, green chiles, ground cumin, Lime wedges, Monterey Jack cheese, onion, salt Soup Mexican Easy Soups, Stews & Broths 15-30 min Gluten Free, Low Carb Pressure Cook Chicken, Chicken Broth, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Chicken-Tortilla-Soup.jpg 1200 1200 https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png 2017-07-18 19:43:222018-05-08 20:33:30Chicken Tortilla Soup
Easy Chile Colorado Smothered Burritos
Meat beef bouillon, beef rump roast, cheese, enchilada sauce, flour tortillas, Water Main Course Mexican Medium Meat 30-60 min Pressure Cook Beef, Enchilada Sauce, Tortillas 0 stars
https://stage-recipes.instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Easy-Chile-Colorado-Smothered-Burritos_Pressure_Cooking_Today.jpg 1152 2048 Barbara Schieving https://d1gdsbnyhc9sug.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/website-logo-instantpot.png Barbara Schieving2017-07-04 14:05:022018-09-13 19:41:01Easy Chile Colorado Smothered Burritos


text:
Bret Michaels at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Bret Michaels Tickets
Are you ready for an ultimate night of rock 'n roll from the rock icons of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s? Be a part of this year's "Parti-Gras Festival Tour," headlined by the iconic Bret Michaels. The Poison frontman is ready to make your summer extra hotter this July 29 as he spearheads an exhilarating concert at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. Joined by the former Journey vocalist Steve Augeri and the Sugar Ray lead Mark McGrath, Michaels promises to bring all the killer hits to the famous Illinois venue. Deemed "Nothing But A Good Vibe Music Festival," the concert will also feature the 40th anniversary of the rock band Night Ranger. To top it all off, the American rock band Jefferson Starship will also join the party. This is a lineup every rock fan could not resist. Grab your tickets now before they run out.
Bret Michaels is an American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and television personality. He is best known as the lead singer of the glam metal band Poison, which he co-founded in 1983. He has also released several solo albums and starred in the reality television shows Rock of Love with Bret Michaels and Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It. Michaels began his career in the music industry in 1983 when he co-founded the glam metal band Poison. The band achieved great success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hit singles such as "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "Talk Dirty to Me," and "Unskinny Bop." The band has sold over 45 million records worldwide and has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. In addition to his work with Poison, Michaels has released several solo albums, including "A Letter from Death Row" (1998), "Songs of Life" (2003), "Freedom of Sound" (2005), and "Custom Built" (2010).
After a successful Poison tour this year, Bret rears for his first-ever mardi gras-like concert called the 2023 Parti Gras tour. Coming along to the party are sensational rock bands and artists Night Ranger, Jefferson Starship, Steve Augeri (ex-Journey lead singer), and Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), plus a nightly surprise guest.
Night Ranger is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. The band gained popularity during the 1980s with a series of albums and singles, including the hits "Sister Christian," "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," and "When You Close Your Eyes." The band's lineup has changed several times over the years, but the core members have remained the same since the early 1980s. Night Ranger's sound is a mix of hard rock, pop, and AOR, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies. The band's lyrics often focus on themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. Night Ranger has released nine studio albums, two live albums, and numerous compilations and singles. Night Ranger's most successful album was 1984's "Midnight Madness," which featured the hits "Sister Christian" and "When You Close Your Eyes."
Jefferson Starship is an American rock band formed in the early 1970s by former members of the band Jefferson Airplane. The current lineup consists of founding members David Freiberg and Paul Kantner, along with longtime members Donny Baldwin, Chris Smith, and Cathy Richardson. The band's first album, "Dragon Fly," was released in 1974 and featured the hit single "Ride the Tiger." The album was a commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. The band's follow-up album, "Red Octopus," was released in 1975 and featured the hit single "Miracles." The album was even more successful than its predecessor, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and becoming the band's first platinum-selling album. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, including "Spitfire" (1976), "Earth" (1978), "Freedom at Point Zero" (1979), "Modern Times" (1981), and "Nuclear Furniture" (1984).
Steve Augeri is best known for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey from 1998 to 2006. He began his musical career in the late 1970s, performing in various local bands and eventually joining the band Tyketto in 1989. In 1998, Augeri was chosen to replace Steve Perry as the lead vocalist of Journey. He recorded three albums with the band, including the platinum-selling "Arrival" in 2001. During his time with Journey, Augeri was known for his powerful and emotive vocal performances, as well as his ability to replicate Perry's vocal style. He also wrote several songs for the band, including the hit single "Remember Me."
Mark McGrath is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality best known as the lead singer of the rock band Sugar Ray. His music career started when he moved to Los Angeles and began working as a production assistant on music videos. He eventually formed Sugar Ray with his friends in 1986. The band released their debut album in 1997 and achieved mainstream success with their hit single "Fly." The band went on to release several more albums. McGrath has also had a successful solo career. He released his debut solo album in 2003 and has since released two more albums.
On July 29, 2023, Bret Michaels' 2023 Parti Gras tour will be rocking at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Do not miss this energetic concert. Get tickets now!


text:
as Contributor
as Publisher
Tags / Central Asia
Azerbaijan demonstrations during Euro...
By Andreas bro
The Eurovision Song Contest 2012 was held in Azerbaijan. The land of fire, as it is called, put on a massive and spectacular show but the festivities were tainted by the country's poor human rights record and its harsh crack down on peaceful protests. The country's own opposition tried to draw attention to the fact that the country is not a fair democracy even though the government tries to present such an image.
A protester is getting taken away at a peaceful rally at the lavish boulevard along Baku's harbour front. The secret police would walk around the protesters and single them out. The minute they started shouting slogans they would be shut-up, dragged off into a police car that would speed off, or they would be put in a bus and taken to a police station. Often this would be done very quickly and violently.
The protest was held by critics of the current regime and was partly held to make the foreign media aware of the problems in the country.
According to Amnesty International it is not a rare sight to see protesters getting arrested, registered and then left somewhere. If you are a part of arranging the protest you could look at jail time. Normally the regime charges people with hooliganism if they need someone to disappear for a few years. That or send them to do military service.
Unfortunately there are reports of alleged torture of people that are incarcerated.
Independent journalists work under tough conditions with no protection from the government and are subject to targeting.
Two women are arrested during a protest in front of the national Azeri TV station for shouting slogans. The protest took place during the Eurovision song contest. Civilian agents and policemen arrested everyone present who was not press or security, including bystanders not involved in the protest.
During the Eurovision Song contest there were protests, most of them organized by the opposition. This woman was arrested by undercover agents/police during a protest in front of the national TV station.
The agents would go through the crowd and arrest anybody who was not press or police. This woman walked by the protest, and started shouting, very quickly her and the woman she was with were put in a police car and driven away.
If You Eat Garlic, You Will Get Full
Heraat, Afghanistan
By sarakeawal
This film features the miserable life of a group of children in the western city of the Heraat province of Afghanistan by showing their work on the streets of the city.
More importantly, it shows the ill behavior of the residents of the city toward these kids. The film shows how they are treated as outcasts in the society, with people not allowing them in the sports fields, shops, and so on.
The film is ten minutes long.
Man with clay from Karbala in Tehran,...
By Matias & Jorgo
Holy soil from Karbala, Iraq, are being put on peoples faces during the holidays of Ashura in Tehran, Iran.
The women celebrating Ashura in There...
Women running in the streets to celebrate Ashura, Tehran, Iran
Ashura burning in Therean, Iran
Every year they burn a huge tent in Teheran to commemorate the death of the first Imam.
Kids beating themselves with chains –...
The kids beating themselves with chains during Ashura.
Anti American Propaganda in Tehran, Iran
On the old American Embassy
In the center of Tehran
A church in Shiraz - Iran
From Shriaz, Iran, during Ashura
"Islamic" church interior, Shiraz, Iran
From Shiraz, Iran, during Ashura
Women in line to receive free food – ...
During the holidays of Ashura
Food being given out, Tehran, Iran
Free food are being distributed to people during the holidays of Ashura in Tehran, Iran
Clay from Karbala, Iraq, in Tehran, Iran
Centaurs of the Steppe
Dushanbe,Tajikistan
By tkaye
An intimate, cultural study of the free-for-all melee of 'Buzkashi', Central Asia's oldest and fiercest sport. The name of the game literally translates as "goat grabbing." Contestants vie to snatch the headless carcass of a goat (buz) and drag it across a goal line.
Centaurs of the Steppe 14
Hissor
A member of the audience runs for cover as buzkashi riders gallop past the goal markers in Luchob, central Tajikistan.
Mugat Circumcision Ceremony 01
Parkent, Uzbekistan
By TTM Contributor 100
While dancing, Mugat wedding attendees put money in each other's headdresses. The money is meant to symbolize wealth. The tradition is an adaptation of a local Uzbek custom of throwing money at the dancers as a gift and allowing the children to collect the money. However, the Mugat are cautious of thieves and prefer to put the money directly into another person's headdress.
Guests also brings presents to the boy who is being circumcised. The gifts can be clothes, toys or just money.
The 9 year old boy who will be circumcised. The age of circumcision varies, but is usually performed before the boy hits puberty. The primary determining factor is the family's ability to gather money for the ceremony. Mugat tradition forbids photographing of the actual circumcision.
A boy escaping from the ceremony place.
Cars parked in front of the place of ceremony. Mugat are known for driving old Soviet cars, like those pictured here.
However, the poverty of Mugat society means that most cannot afford cars and many still use donkeys.
Mugat children, including the boy to be circumcised stand in front of a Soviet era monument to fallen soldiers.
Relatives of the boy to be circumcized arriving at the ceremony
The boy's parents have to arrange the help of all of their relatives and friends in order to help feed the approximately 200 guests.
Photos of dead relatives are placed above a carpet depicting the Kabaa in Mecca. This is done as a sign of respect to the dead relatives.
Twin sisters. Their parents rented dresses for them for the ceremony.
Mugat men and women always sit at separate tables.
Mugat love to decorate their houses with cheap Chinese landscape pictures.
Chickens and watermelons are very cheap and a common staple of any meal in Uzbekistan
Children help their parents serve guests.


At A-Del Construction Co., Inc., our people are the key to our success. On average, our management and field crews have over 15-years of industry experience. We are committed to each employee's personal and professional development.
Whether deep in a trench box, slip-forming a curb run, at the controls of a giant excavator or working on a computer keyboard, the person performing that task is the best at what they do. We strive to provide technical training, safety training and opportunities for continued education.
Our personnel want to exceed the client's expectations on every project, every time. A-Del demonstrates that we are a company like no other. By providing our clients with the best people we accomplish this essential task.