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Canadian east-Arctic: Iqaluit store fire forces residents from their homes
8 November 2018 8 November 2018 CBC News	0 Comments disasters, fire, firefighting, food security, Iqaluit, Nunavut, water
The back half of the Northmart in Iqaluit was badly damaged in an early morning fire. Mayor Madeleine Redfern said most of the non-perishable goods were likely destroyed. (David Gunn/CBC)
An early-morning fire at the Northmart store in Iqaluit has forced the evacuation of nearby homes as crews work to put out the blaze and respond to other fires reported in the area.
"We got a call at 2 a.m. that there was a fire in the store, and we came down and there was a big fire," said Hassan Kassar, assistant manager of Northmart, one of two retailers selling groceries and merchandise to people in the Nunavut capital.
"Unfortunately we are going to be closed today obviously with the situation we are in, until we are able to get into the building and assess what the situation is," said Kassar.
The fire is one of several blazes — also affecting another building and multiple vehicles — reported Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, all in the same area.
RCMP, and municipal enforcement and firefighters are all attending to them.
The city's acting fire chief Nelson Johnson said the fire started in the loading dock area and moved up to the attic.
Police say no injuries have been reported.
Emergency crews continue to work to put out the fire at Northmart in Iqaluit. (Kieran Oudshoorn/CBC)
The part of the Northmart store that is on fire is the warehouse area, where the food that comes up on sealift cargo ships is stored. The city said there is enough space in the community to cover additional food storage needs.
Iqaluit has no road connection to Southern Canada, so all food must be flown or shipped into the city.
The last of the sealifts before Frobisher Bay freezes just arrived, so losing that food storage will have cost and food security consequences for the city this winter.
About half of the building appears to be destroyed. Two excavators worked to demolish the warehouse section to prevent the fire from spreading to the main grocery section of the store.
Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern said it's likely most of the non-perishables that have been shipped up are gone.
"All the furniture, appliances, the snowmobile shop for the most part at this point has been lost. So it's a major disruption for anyone who would need those goods over the course of the year," she said.
City Councillor Kyle Sheppard says it's too early to speculate what impact the fire will have on food prices, but says he hopes the retailers will be "good corporate citizens" and minimize the cost consequences.
The City of Iqaluit is asking residents to conserve water Thursday so the water supply can go to fighting the fire.
Water delivery to homes without piped water has also been cancelled for the day.
Andrea Spitzer, the city's communications manager, is asking residents to avoid the area around the store to allow emergency services to work quickly.
The fire forced the evacuation of a set of townhouses for community elders behind the store. The elders living there have been temporarily relocated to the Elders Qammaq — a community gathering place and drop-in centre for seniors. The Canadian Red Cross is also assisting the elders.
The government of Nunavut is working on finding longer-term accommodations for the displaced elders.
Not time for food panic, mayor says
The fire is causing long lines at the city's smaller grocery store, Arctic Ventures.
"There's a little bit of panic, I guess, considering we're the only main grocery store left in town, so people are concerned food is going to run out," said John Simms, director of subsidiaries and auxiliary business for Arctic Cooperatives, who is responsible for the Iqaluit store's operations.
He said he's confident in the store's ability to provide enough food for the community.
Lineups began early Thursday morning at the smaller of Iqaluit's two grocery stores, Arctic Ventures. (Travis Burke/CBC)
Arctic Ventures is able to triple its food shipments, which come in on a cargo flight once a week, bringing in an extra 27,000 kilograms weekly without changing its shipment schedule.
The city is working with the territorial government and other retailers on a contingency plan, Redfern said, telling residents "it's not a time to panic."
"There will be food flown into the community on a regular basis, if not more frequently at this point in time," the mayor said.
Northmart had a food shipment scheduled to come in Thursday, and Arctic Co-operatives, which owns Ventures, said it will take the food as part of a contingency plan to feed Iqaluit.
Iqaluit has four convenience stores and two specialty stores that also sell food.
With files from Kieran Oudshoorn, Nick Murray
Canada: Northern Canadian city worried about potential water shortage, CBC News
United States: Historic Alaska gold dredge goes up in smoke, Alaska Dispatch News
← Norwegian frigate takes on water after colliding with oil tanker
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This specification defines a new EAP method, EAP-AKA', which is a small revision of the EAP-AKA (Extensible Authentication Protocol Method for 3rd Generation Authentication and Key Agreement) method. The change is a new key derivation function that binds the keys derived within the method to the name of the access network. The new key derivation mechanism has been defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This specification allows its use in EAP in an interoperable manner. In addition, EAP-AKA' employs SHA-256 instead of SHA-1.
This specification also updates RFC 4187, EAP-AKA, to prevent bidding down attacks from EAP-AKA'. This memo provides information for the Internet community.


Project PEACE Program – Providing resources for the safety and social/emotional well-being of all children regardless of zip code!
Great partnerships collaborating to maximize our efforts!
Several Events at Elitch Gardens to Benefit Project PEACE!
Pay Forward Resources No Longer Bringing Joy in Your Homes!
Partnering with Step Denver – Driven to Donate!
Donate a vehicle and 80% of the proceeds benefit Project PEACE!
Providing Resources for Social/Emotional Well-Being!
Providing Safety Soothing Sacks for emotionally vulnerable students!
Welcome to Project PEACE Program!
Promoting Empowerment Awareness Community and Empathy!
One Hope Wine Supporting Project PEACE!
Humanizing and Elevating Special Needs Citizens!
Honoring and valuing students with special needs and providing resources for them to have equity in being safe and successful!


Performance Improvement 2008. How Prevalent In the Medicaid Population are Individuals With Special Health Needs; What Are These Needs; What Factors Determine Access to or Loss of Medicaid Eligibility?
Two studies examined the characteristics of working age adult Social Security Insurance recipients and the extent to which youth with chronic and disabling conditions lost Medicaid. SSI and SSDI programs provide cash benefits to people who are severely disabled. Applicants must show that their disabilities are total, will last at least 12 months or result in death, and prevent them from earning a living. But there are other groups with chronic and disabling conditions, and the Medicaid program serves numerous people with special health care needs who do not otherwise receive federal disability benefits.
Using Medicaid Analytic eXtract system data, researchers identified Medicaid beneficiaries with special health needs. For a sub-sample of enrollees identified as having a chronic or disabling condition, researchers obtained administrative records from the Social Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs to create a file of linked records that provided a rich source of data on the disabling conditions that qualified these people for federal disability benefits and chronic conditions for which they received treatment.
In the first study, researchers described the characteristics of working age adult SSI recipients and how age and other characteristics affected their ability to access Medicaid coverage before SSI benefits began or maintain Medicaid coverage after SSI benefits ended. A primary aim was to assess whether state implementation of the optional Medicaid eligibility categories for adults with disabilities enhanced access to benefits. Researchers also examined whether living in a state that required SSI applicants to apply separately for––rather than automatically enrolling them in––Medicaid upon award of SSI benefits, was related to the maintenance of Medicaid coverage after SSI benefits ended. A second study examined the extent to which youth with chronic and disabling conditions lost Medicaid coverage because of program age requirements. Specifically, the study tracked eligibility immediately after young adults reached their 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st birthdays. Although youth with chronic and disabling conditions may be less vulnerable to aging out of Medicaid coverage compared to other enrollees of the same age, they still lose coverage at these birthdays (depending on State law) if they are not able to reestablish eligibility for Medicaid as adults or through categories for the disabled.
Researchers found that, in 2000, only 21 percent of children with chronic and disabling conditions were eligible for Medicaid on the basis of a disability; the other 79 percent were eligible because they met the criteria for low-income children. The most costly children were those designated as disabled ($1,116 per month enrolled) or in foster care ($774 per month enrolled), had a cerebrovascular condition ($2,220 per month enrolled), or had four or more conditions ($3,013 per month enrolled). Most Medicaid enrollees ages 21 through 64 with chronic and disabling conditions were eligible for Medicaid because they were designated as disabled, which means that most of these individuals met the disability criteria of the SSI and SSDI programs, but may or may not have met the financial criteria of the SSI program. The other 20 percent were eligible through other eligibility categories for adults.


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A Very Brady Renovation Made a Major Change to The Brady Bunch House
Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, teamed up with Hidden Potential's Jasmine Roth to recreate Mike's Den.
By Selena Barrientos
When it was all said and done, Barry Williams couldn't help but admit that HGTV paid too much for The Brady Bunch house—with a winning bid of $3.5 million—but he also wasn't shy about sharing his admiration for the network's dedication to bring all of the Brady kids back together for A Very Brady Renovation. For him, that may be the most special part of tackling the remodel.
"The entire project was an evolution of discoveries," the actor, who played the eldest son, Greg Brady, tells House Beautiful. "The idea that the home would be recognized by its sentimentality and HGTV considering an extremely challenging concept was daunting; I couldn't see how it could happen. But there was another chemistry that took hold when we all got together, and it was very familiar."
On September 9, HGTV premiered A Very Brady Renovation, a limited TV series that follows the Brady Bunch kids as they renovate the Studio City house famously used for exterior shots in the show. Of course, Barry and the other five cast members weren't alone, working alongside eight HGTV stars to make the concept a reality.
Barry teamed up with Hidden Potential's Jasmine Roth and Mike Lookinland (aka Bobby Brady) to create a replicate of their TV father's den. The transformation is showcased in the second episode, titled "Here's the Second Story," in which the trio pulls it together, one nail at a time. When asked what it was like recreating the space used by the Brady patriarch, Barry's candid about the emotions he felt during the renovation.
"The obvious missing characters are Mom, Dad, and Alice, but as the rooms were taking shape, their presence was felt by all of us—in particular, Mike's Den," he explains. "It was where Dad did all of his drafting, but it was also where he had his more serious, one-on-one life lesson talks."
He continues: "So, when we found a drafting table and made it to almost perfectly resemble the original one and the space was finished, I was able to float to the memories, recollection of some of those talks and relive them emotionally."
Fifty years after its premiere, The Brady Bunch continues to be viewed and loved by millions around the world, regardless of when it was first seen. The Property Brothers' Drew and Jonathan Scott watched it while growing up in Canada, Restored by the Fords' Leanne and Steve Ford watched it in the '90s on Nickelodeon, and Flea Market Flip's Lara Spencer caught re-runs of the show after school in the '80s.
"I was able to float to the memories...and relive them emotionally."
"Viewers know the show is very impactful, in terms of nostalgia, taking you back to the time when you were watching the show, whatever age that was or whatever period that was," Barry says to us. But the 64-year-old actor explains that the nostalgia goes beyond having flashbacks of scenes and actually stirred up memories of the filming process.
"It took me right back to that experience but in a really rounded way," he shares. "It wasn't only showing up to a house that was instantly recognizable to us but the whole process of arrival: of getting up early to get to the studio, of changing wardrobe, and doing the scenes that were lined up for that day. It was a fully immersive nostalgic experience."
Despite any reservations Barry may have had in the beginning, he declares the end result is 99.99 percent identical to Paramount's Stage 5 set, but there's a major difference he knows everyone will appreciate, especially future guests.
"The largest difference is everything works!" he explains. "The oven is hot, the refrigerator is cold, you turn on the sink and there's water, you flip the light switch and there's light." Not to mention, all the rooms are where they're supposed to be, as opposed to being on different parts of a sound stage on the same level.
"As you step into the house and glance at the artwork, the hardware, the rocks in their formation, the curtains, the wallpaper, the staircase, the wood, colors—everything is identical and it's pretty specular," Barry says.
Catch new episodes of A Very Brady Renovation on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on HGTV.
Selena Barrientos Editorial Assistant Selena Barrientos covers entertainment and celebrity news for Good Housekeeping.
How to Watch HGTV's 'A Very Brady Renovation'
Barry Williams Thinks HGTV Paid Too Much for Home
All the Details of HGTV's Brady Holiday Edition
Actress Maureen McCormick Can't Thank Fans Enough
Here's the Full Cast of HGTV's 'A Brady Reno'
12 'Brady Bunch' Questions Finally Answered

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Lithothrix, monotipski rod crvenih algi iz porodice Lithophyllaceae. Taksonomski je priznat kao zaseban rod, a jedina vrsta je L. aspergillum, morska alga s pacifičke obale Sjeverne Amerike.

Rod je opisan 1867. godine.

Sinonimi za vrstu
 Amphiroa aspergillum f. nana Setchell & Gardner 1903
 Lithothrix aspergillum f. nana (Setchell & N.L.Gardner) Yendo 1905

Izvori

Lithophyllaceae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Bizarre Demotivational Smartphone 10 You Can The Pics Apps Try Fake IDs certainly contribute to the consequences listed above in teenagers and young adults. However, evidence also demonstrates a link between the use of fake IDs and alcohol abuse later in life. Yet no matter how young people obtain and begin abusing alcohol, once discovered, this substance abuse problem must not be allowed to continue. In the short term, alcohol abuse can increase their chances for harm, both to themselves and those around them. It can also set them up for a future of alcohol abuse.
Demotivational Bizarre Apps You 10 Try Pics Smartphone Can The Try Pics Can 10 The Smartphone You Bizarre Apps Demotivational Functional analysis – A counselor or therapist works with the individual to identify the reasons behind their abuse alcohol. In addition, the professional assists the person in exploring thoughts and feelings to pinpoint situations that may contribute to alcohol abuse.


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Browse: Home / Cars / 2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 D Portfolio Review – Luxury and Class with Character
2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 D Portfolio Review – Luxury and Class with Character
Beautiful styling, luxurious cabin, class and character abound, V6 diesel is sublime
Digital TV reception was poor on our tester
Jaguar XJ?
The XJ has long been Jaguar's most luxurious model. With its beginnings in the late 1960's, the XJ quickly embedded itself in people's minds, becoming a byword for sumptuousness, comfort and power. From the Series 3 being introduced in 1979, the was little change in the overall exterior design and shape, in fact right up until 2009, when a new era of Jaguar pushed its way into the limelight.
The old boys of the Jaguar clubs may have grumbled and moaned about it not being 'Jaguar-enough', but it was time for a change. The new direction meant a far larger car, with a superior powerplant, ride and interior over the '07 – '09 XJ. Has the XJ lost that all-important Jaguar feel though, and does it do that two-letter badge justice? We were sent the 2013 Jaguar XJ Portfolio 3.0 V6 Diesel to review, and find out exactly that…
Exterior. Butt-ugly or beauty?
As I mentioned just now, the Jaguar finally changed the exterior design of the XJ in 2009. Although the old shape was long-running, there was a lot of class about it, and it was very likeable too. Next to it though, the old XJ it is almost dwarfed. At over 5.1 metres (201″) in length, even in standard wheel-base guise the XJ is a very large car. To compare, the Honda Jazz is 3.9 metres (153 "). Long cat is very long.
By the end of its life, the old generation of XJ had mainly the same sort of drivers as its age – old money, in words. This new version is less erm… gentle in its approach. It is more brash, more new-money, and in a similar vein it absolutely stakes its presence from the moment it glides into view. While the XJ is elegant and stylish, it also cuts a powerful figure. There's a solidness about it, but in a gentlemanly way. Rather like a Cambridge-educated bouncer, you don't mess.
While cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Porsche Panamera and Lexus LS make their own powerful statement, the Jaguar XJ's design is certainly the most stylish and sophisticated in this class. The long, muscular bonnet more than hints at the powerplant below, while the top framework sweeps fluidly back from the A to the C pillar, broken finally by the black strip leading to the bootlid. From a side profile, this can look almost messy, but viewed from higher up it makes sense as it gives the appearance of the top frame floating.
A high shoulder-line and narrow side windows add a sleek and sporty look, while the rear light clusters sit high up on the shoulder of the rear, before cascading down the tail, adding absolutely to the over flowing motion of the XJ's body. The rear is clean and uncluttered, with minimal design lines or details, with only an oblong tailpipe poking out each side.
While other cars in this big Jag's class largely go unnoticed in the street – save perhaps for the Panamera – the XJ draws attention. As I drive the car over the cobbles of an old market town to find a parking space, heads turn and eyes take in the Jaguar's long flanks. Finding a space that'll fit the big cat is not easy, and I'm aware that people have stopped to look at the XJ – don't mess this one up Chris. Fortunately, the steering lock on the Jaguar is decent, and I'm in in one go. When I say 'in', what I mean is that the Jag's rear end is poking out the space by at least a foot.
As I exit the car, there are now a fair amount of folk having a gander at the Jaguar, and it draws admiration from every age and gender. While this might be a contentious statement, I genuinely believe the Jaguar XJ is stately enough to be in a league with the Rolls-Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur – not by brand name of course, but certainly in design. And that's saying something.
Interior. Neat or nothing special?
The XJ was never going to be a disappointment. Having previously tested the XF 3.0L S/C Portfolio I knew it was going to be something rather good. I did however wonder how Jaguar could improve on something as lovely as that. It seems they have. I was sent the Jaguar XJ in Portfolio spec, and in SWB (standard wheel base) form. The Portfolio is the second-to-highest spec in the range, with only the XJR being higher, and even then there's little difference aside from different trim choices and of course, that monstrous engine.
Priced (without options) at almost £68,000, this is not an inexpensive car. However, the base model XJ Luxury – which will still be very nice – starts at around £56k, so fear not if your budget doesn't stretch as high as the Portfolio. The XJ was loaded with optional equipment too – £5,805 worth, in fact. That's a staggering amount, and to the average person that's a whole lump of cash – enough to buy a good second-hand car in reality.
It's all relevant though, and if you've got the money then fair enough. More importantly, does it feel like you're getting you money's worth? Let's not beat about the bush here – the answer to that question is; Yes. Pull open the deep door of the XJ, and you're greeted with something so well-designed and beautifully crafted that it'll make your eyes water.
Up front there are deep soft-grain leather seats, which can be adjusted in eighteen different ways. These are so comfortable that after sitting in them, your sofa will feel like a prison bed. They are heated, cooled and have a massage feature for the driver and passenger. I used that many, many times. Between the seats is a wide console, edged in soft, stitched leather that surround panels in reflective Piano black, and high quality chrome highlights add to classy effect. The layout of the controls for the heating and stereo have been superbly thought-out, with the overlook kept minimalistic. There's no visible gearstick either, and only when you start the engine does the selector dial rise slickly out of the console.
Above the controls, there's a touchscreen which as well as being used for the satellite navigation, digital TV, and the rather impressive 825-watt Meridian surround-sound system, is also used to control a load of other aspects of the car, such as the rear seat heating and entertainment, and more. More excellence is shown in design of the air vents, which not only look cool, but the slick way in which they can be adjusted further reinforces the overall quality of they XJ.
Sweeping around the top of the dash in a semi-circle is a single piece of trim made from wood, carbon fibre or in the Piano black style. I don't know if Jaguar intended it to be evocative of those beautiful old-style wooden power boats, but it is.
The drivers console isn't the traditional analogue dials, but rather features virtual instruments, showing that Jaguar want to push forward with technology in their cars, rather than lagging behind. The dials are sophisticated, and they also morph and change depending on what you chose. For example, the fuel and temperature gauge will be replaced by a road map when you use the sat nav – an almost 3D 'glass' design makes it look like it's come from an old WWII bomber -, and the display also turns red when you push the Dynamic button to give it a more sporty ambience.
The steering wheel is one of the most comfortable I've come across, and although there are a lot of controls on it, they are easy to fathom and I soon got used to them. Slide into the rear seats, and this is the place to be sat. The rear on this particular XJ Portfolio benefits from the Rear Seat Comfort Pack – at a not-insubstantial cost of £2,750, I'll add. This gives you heated, cooled and massaging seating for the passengers at the sides, and the seating is also electrically-adjustable too.
There were also 7″ monitors built into the front seat headrests, along with wireless headphones, giving the people in the rear access to digital TV, digital radio, and the ability to plug in a games console. Once you're cocooned in there, you genuinely do not feel like getting out when you reach your destination, and should you be just the average guy having a loan of an XJ, it will make your house feel about as swanky as a cave, such is the level of luxury in the XJ.
The only negative thing I could find was that the reception for the digital TV was poor, and barely picked up a signal. It's not the area, as the XF I had previously received it with no problems. There's not much more to say about the interior of the XJ Portfolio, other than that it is completely wonderful. 'Nuff said.
Engine and gearbox
The XJ is offered with a choice of four engines – a 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol, 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel and the 5.0 litre V8 supercharged petrol with 510PS or 550PS. And I chose the diesel. Friends gave strange looks when I mentioned I'd asked for it with an oil-burner lump. However, before you go shaking your fist at the screen and calling me a heathen – listen up.
First off, I'd already tested the diesel XJ very briefly at the main 2013 SMMT test day, and wanted more of what I'd tasted. Let's talk stats to convince you a little more. Consider this, the 3.0 litre V6 diesel has 275 PS (271 bhp), and a mighty 600 Nm (442 ft lbs of torque). This is a lot. In fact, it has 100 ft lbs more torque than the V6 supercharged petrol. The diesel propels the big XJ from 0 – 60 mph in an almost-unbelievable six seconds. That's just 300th of a seconds slower than the V6 supercharged as well.
Starting to be won over? No? Okay, here's something else that'll help. The 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel's SWB fuel economy is, quite frankly, staggeringly good. Read, and read again; Urban: 39.8 mpg, Extra urban: 51.4 mpg, combined: 46.3 mpg. Oh, it also only kicks out 159 g/km of CO2 – equating to just £175.00 per year in vehicle tax in the U.K (data: Sept. 2013).
Quoted figures one thing though, but 'real-life' driving tends to show a different story usually. According to the XJ's live and average readouts, I managed 37 mpg on a few country-road runs, and up to 44 mpg in light, flowing traffic travelling at around 40 – 50 mph. That's still very good for a luxury car weighing 1,775 kilograms (3,913 lbs), and considering if you drove cars like this just 15 years ago, you'd be lucky to get 25 mpg on a good day, and that's only if you tickled it up to speed.
The stop/start feature on the XJ helps with the fuel economy too, and it's actually a smooth system. After driving it for a while, you're so used to it that it barely registers when it does stop and then start again. It's quick enough for there to be no annoying gap in start time between you letting go of the brake and pushing the accelerator, and no loss of immediate acceleration either.
After all this, I can still hear some of you staunch petrol-power-only drivers mumbling that the diesel will be noisy, smokey and smelly. Well, you're wrong on all three counts. The Jaguar 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine is the quietest and most refined diesel I've ever come across. Even from cold, the diesel unit isn't overly noisy, and once warm it is silky-smooth. Heck, it even sounds great when you put your foot down, producing a deep growl more akin to a petrol engine. Inside the Jaguar XJ, there is barely a difference in noise level between the supercharged V6 and the diesel V6, and your passengers won't tell the difference unless you tell them.
The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic, and it's a superb piece of engineering on Jaguar's part. It changes gear almost seamlessly, aside from when you're in Dynamic mode and it's hitting the redline before changing. I actually found it smoother than when I tried the XF 3.0 V6 supercharged, which could sometimes feel slightly jerky at lower speeds.
I'm going to say this again later, but I would absolutely have XJ with the 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel over the 3.0 V6 S/C petrol, by a country mile. After testing it for a week, I'm left in no doubt whatsoever of this choice. You simply cannot ignore just how powerful and quick the diesel is, both from a standing start and in rolling-acceleration, plus the obvious benefit of the fuel economy over the petrol, and it even makes good noise. Diesel power rules okay.
Ready to roll? Let's drive!
It's a crisp but sunny morning as I roll up the bedroom window blind, and look out onto the street, where sits the Jaguar XJ, early sun glinting off its curves. It's not a bad thing to see first thing in a morning, and I hurry to get ready so I can get to once again slide into the cosseted, luxurious interior.
Press that starter button, and the chrome drive selector dial rises majestically from the centre console. The 3.0 litre V6 diesel fires into life immediately, quickly settling down into the steady and smooth rhythm a V6 produces. When you shut the deep door of the XJ, any outer noise is muted so much that there's a sense you've just closed it on the outside world as a whole. It's a very comforting car, this Jaguar.
Foot on the brake, select drive, and the XJ diesel pulls away strongly. Even with zero acceleration, the Jaguar will start to roll with enough oomph to get you up angular driveways, such is the torque. As I slide away from my parking space, I notice just how quiet the diesel is. The acceleration is as smooth as butter, and it reminds me of a big luxury yacht slipping away from the quayside – powerfully, fluidly and almost effortlessly.
I glide around a bend, the comfortable leather steering wheel slipping back through my hands as I pilot the XJ onto the straight, and accelerate. My goodness the Jaguar is fast car. A mere short prod of the accelerator, and you've immediately sailed right past the normal city-road speed limit. It is way, way too easy to do this, and it takes practice to learn that just because the XJ feels like it's going 30 mph, does not mean it's actually doing that speed. It's a certainty that you will alway be doing more if you believe that.
The road opens up, and I open the taps on the XJ's V6 turbo-diesel. The Jaguar leaps, powering forward disconcertingly quickly, and the exhausts port out a distinctly non-diesel roar. The speedometer rises swiftly, and the XJ has reached sixty miles-per-hour limit without even trying. It pushes past that, onwards and upwards in an undemanding way, taking big strides as the speedo needle climbs. You'll be into triple-figures with little effort, and without even nearing the limited 155 mph, I suspect it'll do more than that. Autobahn's are a petrol(diesel)head's best friend.
An excursion to the countryside sees four of us in the XJ. Time to get some feedback from the passengers in the back. Their relaxed countenances say it all, as they're stretched out with their seats heated, massaging functions on. It's a serene, calming place this car, and it seems to make little difference to noise levels whatever speed you're at. Conversations can be had without having to raise the voice barely above if you were stood talking the person in a quiet room.
The XJ simply floats over poor road surfaces, allowing only a minimal amount of the feeling to transfer into the cabin – and that's only if you drive over a particularly nasty pothole. While that is the case, the XJ still handles itself with dignity and poise around the bends, being surprisingly deft at allowing the driver to give it the beans in the twists and turns, the Adaptive Dynamics system analysing various things like speed and steering an astonishing 500 times per second, adapting the damping to suit, meaning when you start to push harder it'll sharpen up, and allow a more comfortable setting when suitable.
Should you be late for cigars, brandy and your card game at your exclusive member's-only club, have no fear, for the XJ has a couple of options to help you get to your destination more quickly. Firstly, you can simply turn the JaguarDrive selector to S (Sport), which will then allow you to use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, or you can simply leave it to change gear itself. This allows for quicker changes and sharper handling.
Should you want the XJ to loosen up the stability and traction control, and allow you to redline the rev counter before changing, then you'll want to press the button with the racing flag on – this will turn on Dynamic Mode. The XJ will then go from serene cruiser to something that feels pugnacious and angry. It accelerates with an aggression instead of smoothness, and the gear changes become lightening quick. On a drenched, slippery road, accelerate hard and you'll find all 442 ft lb of the 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel lighting up the tyres for a good twenty or thirty feet before it'll find grip, such is the raw energy it puts down. Fun times.
The stability control is loosened enough to get some great oversteer going, but it'll cut back in should it think you're losing control completely. Should you turn the XJ's DCS off completely, I suspect the Jaguar would drift beautifully, and in a very un-civil manner. Good-O!
All-in-all, the Jaguar XJ is a wonderful car to both drive, and be driven in. It allows serenity and comfort when needed, and will turn from domestic cat to a large, roaring and unexpectedly scary beast with the twist of a dial and the prod of a button.
The Jaguar XJ starts at £56,865 for the Diesel 275PS Luxury. You're still getting great spec for that, and it is a highly competitive price when compared with the lowest-spec Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC SE Line at around £62,500, the BMW 730d SE at £58,000, the Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro at £57,000 and the Lexus LS 460 Luxury at £72,000. Once you go higher in the chain with the XJ, like the Portfolio spec diesel I had, it you're looking at serious cash – almost £68,000. Add a few options to that, and you'll be handing over around £73,000.
At the top end of the range – with option boxes ticked – the XJ will set you back almost £104k, while the Beemer, Audi (S8) and Lexus are all around the same as the Jaguar, give or take a few thousand pounds – which is nothing at this level – while the Merc (S63 AMG) will be upwards of £120k.
While we're talking eye-watering amounts of cash for the person on the average wage – myself included – I really felt the XJ 3.0 Diesel 275PS Portfolio was worth every penny. Almost every piece of trim is perfectly made, and of ultra high quality, while that engine diesel is stupendously good.
2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 Diesel 275PS Portfolio verdict & score
I am absolutely besotted with the Jaguar XJ diesel. It is beguiling and utterly classy while entirely modern. This new direction Jaguar have chosen for their top of the line car is certainly the right one, and it makes the XJ all the more appealing. If you're of the old guard of Jag owner, and think they've lost that certain feeling you get from a Jaguar, then think again. Go and test one, and you'll want to trade your old one in immediately.
Finally, the 3.0 Diesel 275PS engine is unquestionably the choice to buy over the Supercharged V6 petrol. It is a wonderful engine, with everything you need – superb power delivery, ultra-quiet and smooth, impressive fuel economy, and it growls too. Choice? What choice?
Do you own a new Jaguar XJ? What are your views on it, and what are the best and worst points? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!
Model (as tested)
2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 D 275PS Portfolio SWB
Spec includes
18-way front power seats with heating and cooling, rear heated/cooled seating, 4-zone climate control, double-glazed side windows, 825W Meridian Surround-Sound system, panoramic glass roof, 8-speed auto transmission. See website for more info
Options you should spec
Rear seat comfort pack (£2,750)
BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS
Standard XJ 3.0 Diesel 275PS Portfolio: £67,865 (price Sept. '13)
Diesel, 3.0 litre, V6, 24-valve, parallel sequential turbo-charging
Power, Torque, CO2
275 PS (271 bhp), 600 Nm (442 ft lbs) | CO2: 159 g/km
Drive, Gears (as tested)
Rear wheel drive | 8-speed automatic
Top Speed, 0 – 60 mph, Euro NCAP
Max speed (ltd): 155 mph | 0 – 60 mph: 6.0 seconds | No Euro NCAP test as yet
(Manual) Urban: 39.8, Extra urban: 51.4, Combined: 46.3
Weight (kerb)
1,775 kg (3,913 lbs)
Jaguar UK, Jaguar USA, Jaguar Global
Check out our other car reviews here
Words: Chris Davies | Tested by: Chris Davies | Photography: Chris Davies, Matthew Davies
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Posted in Cars, Jaguar reviews, Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 D Portfolio SWB review | 4 Responses
4 responses to "2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 D Portfolio Review – Luxury and Class with Character"
Chris Francis March 22, 2018 at 10:32 am | Permalink
Hello, I have just bought a 2013 3.0 D Portfolio, what a gorgeous car. Super smooth gears, super quick. It is in British Racing Green as well. The interior is in tan leather, fabulous interior. The review for this car is spot on. I absolutely love my car. It is Jaguar all the way for me now.
I am going on a short trip to Eastbourne soon, so looking forward to opening the taps a little bit. This car seems to give me better mpg, if I stick to around 70/80 mph. Looking at about 42 mpg. If I keep to 50/60 mph, the mpg drops back to about 38.
Acceleration is super smooth, sport mode is fabulous, and dynamic mode is super responsive. Best decision I have made with a car, changing to my super cat. I was going to buy a Mercedes GLA, so glad I went to H. A. Fox/ Inchcape In Chester, for a quick look initially.
Now I am a very proud owner of a fabulous Jaguar.
Chris Davies April 3, 2018 at 1:59 pm | Permalink
Hi. Thanks for your comment Chris. The XJ is a great choice, and that's a lovely colour combination – I'd have that myself! Please feel free to keep us updated on how it goes with the Jaguar.
Chris – editor
Dave Armstrong June 28, 2019 at 10:34 am | Permalink
Great review Chris, I too have just purchased a 2012 (my2013) 3.0d Portfolio and agree 100% with your assessment. My last three cars have been a Mercedes E Class coupe, Audi A5 Sport, and BMW 520d SE. All very good cars, however, the Jag in my opinion is streets ahead in many areas. Due to mileage I do, I specifically looked for a my2013 car as they had the ZF 8 speed box fitted as opposed to the carried over 6 speeder from the previous XJ. I believe it is the same box fitted to all BMWs, which of course I had, and loved in my BMW520d. Only puzzling feature with mine is that although it has the front and rear heated/chilled seats, there is no massage function, which I thought was standard on the Portfolio spec…go figure?
Next on my shopping list is a remap, which I do for economy reasons, should raise the BHP to 315, and add an additional 60nm to the already impressive torque figure 🙂
Chris Davies June 29, 2019 at 5:32 pm | Permalink
Thanks. I'm glad you liked my review of the XJ. It's a great car and second hand it gives a great deal of value. The remap is a good idea, especially on a turbo-diesel, as it adds the extra power and torque plus the economy. Please feel free to keep me updated on how your Jaguar is going from time to time.


No one can deny the fact that loans are one of the greatest concepts that man has ever come up with. It is very much evident that loans have played a great role in most of our lives. For many, it has helped to realize the dreams.
All good things happen after a lot of struggles and loans are not an exception. You need to go through a lot to get your loans approved. The banks take into account a lot of parameters before sanctioning the loans. In this article, we will see some of the factors that will affect the loan approval.
The outstanding balance that you have will definitely be a huge hurdle for loan approval. It is because it will have a significant negative impact on the credit score. Moreover, the information will be used by the lenders to determine the credit utilization score. It is the ratio between the credit limits and outstanding balances. It is very high in case of home loans and term loans. It is better and safe if you can maintain the ratio at 20% to 30%.
The history of your loan repayment plays a very important role when it comes to loan approval. It conveys a lot of information to the lenders. In the current situation, all it takes is a few clicks for them to know your repayment history. If you have been perfect, then it is a green signal. If there are has been some delay, it can be accepted up to a certain level. But if you have a bad history, there are possibilities that your loan will not get approved. To avoid these kinds of things, it is better to repay the loans properly.
There are two types of credits. They are secured credit and unsecured credit. The lenders will take into confederation the ways in which you have repaid your secured and unsecured loans. They will give more importance and weight age to unsecured loans like credit cards and personal loans. Even though loans with liabilities like home loans are considered they do not as much importance as the unsecured loans.
The loan is the report that furnishes the complete history of the loans. It gives providers all the information like the type of loans that you have taken, your repayment history, the interest rate and a lot more. The new borrowers who have a credit history of fewer than six months will get a -1 rating. The easiest way to tackle this issue is to build a proper credit history for six months.
The bank will take your credit enquires very seriously. They can easily get all the investigation made on your account. The quires are absolutely fine if they are for home loans because banks will understand them. But fit is for credit cars or personal matters then there are possibilities that your loan might not get approved.


Michael, Margaret, and Sam recently attended an IMS retreat on Emptiness led by Guy Armstrong, Sally Armstrong, Brian LeSage, and Suzie Harrington. This Sunday's offering was anchored by excerpts from a talk by Suzie Harrington, a teacher new to many of us. The topic was "Atammayata", or "Not made of that", a little-discussed concept in Buddhist literature which is actually very core to the Buddha's teachings.


text:
HOT PORT NEWS from GAC
Thursday, 03 September 2015 | 17:52
Suspension of previously announced draft restriction
September 03, 2015, Panama, Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority has announced the suspension of the first draft restriction that had been scheduled to come into effect on 8 September.
Although the level of Gatun Lake is still well below normal levels for the time of year, and the "El Nino" phenomenon is still present in the region, the amount of rainfall in the Canal watershed in the last few days, in combination with water conservation measures implemented, has made it possible for the Panama Canal to suspend the announced restriction. Therefore, until further notice, vessels will continue to be allowed to transit at their maximum Panama Canal approved draft up to 12.04 metres (39.5 feet) TFW.
Draft restrictions may again be necessary should weather conditions change and the level of Gatun Lake begins to fall, in which case, the restriction will be announced with at least 4 weeks advance notice.
For information about operations in the Panama Canal contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com
Pilotage taxes raised
September 03, 2015, Brazil, Rio De Janeiro
Taxes for pilotage at the port of Acu will be adjusted in the coming days.
There are no fixed values given so far, but information from the port authorities suggest that the taxes will be raised based on the National Consumers Prices Index and Market Prices General Index. The adjustments began officially on 1 September.
The superport of Acu, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the biggest in Brazil with a capacity of over 300 MTPA including oil, steel, coal and iron ore.
For information about operations in Brazil contact GAC Brazil at brazil@gac.com
Source: GAC
04/09/2015 14:02 - $170m agro-terminal taking shape at Sohar Port in Oman
04/09/2015 14:00 - Ukraine: Infrastructure Ministry plans to improve mechanism of collecting port dues
04/09/2015 10:00 - Shahjahan: Payra and Mongla Ports to be launched soon
04/09/2015 10:00 - India: Department of ports seeks more surveillance
04/09/2015 10:00 - Strike piles up trade cargoes; prolonged stand-off feared
03/09/2015 14:18 - Pilbara Ports handles record iron ore exports during August
03/09/2015 14:17 - ICTSI Manila rolls out container booking system
03/09/2015 14:16 - Cold storage facility to help Portland compete with other ports
03/09/2015 14:13 - Port of Oakland Container Fees Face Delays
03/09/2015 13:38 - Mixed impact of strike on ports in Mumbai


text:
Q: How to find out version of ghc that corresponds to snapshot without causing download of ghc Need a way to determine the ghc version associated with a given snapshot without having to download ghc.
I could run this command to get the information, but unfortunately, it first downloads the ghc before printing out the version:

stack query compiler wanted

I need this because I am optimising a CI build and having a way to obtain the ghc version allows me to use that as a key to retrieve the appropriate build cache.  The fact that trying to query this information triggers a download undermines any optimisation I attempt.

A: Not ideal but one can parse the stdout or stderr of
stack --resolver SNAPSHOT --no-install-ghc query

or stack --resolver SNAPSHOT --no-install-ghc path --compiler-exe.
Or here is a small program using pantry to get the info:
import Pantry

main :: IO ()
main = do
  rsnap <-
    runPantryApp $ do
    let rurl = defaultSnapshotLocation (LTS 18 0)
    url <- completeSnapshotLocation rurl
    loadSnapshot url
  print $ rsCompiler rsnap

A: @mgsloan gave me enough information to put together a solution, which can be found here:
https://github.com/haskell-works/hw-dsv/blob/master/scripts/ghc-version

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Challenge 1 - Wiltshire Scouts
We were woken up at 8 a.m., although many of us were awake beforehand due to the turning on of the generators. We then had a barbecue breakfast and cleaned the ship ready to leave at 10 a.m. After we left the port we raised 3 of the sails and turned off the engine and started sailing to Salcombe. There was a very strong breeze and the boat leaned at such an angle (over 30 degrees) that the edge of the deck was dipping into the water. Some waves were big, leaving some feeling sick. We made sandwiches for lunch but trying to make a sandwich when everything is sliding towards one end of the boat, including the person making the sandwiches, is very difficult. Carrying tea up from the galley was also a test! It started raining as we came into Salcombe and as we were coming in to the port we took the sail down which wasn't very easy in the wind and rain. We had to lie on the deck under the sail bag and sail to pack it away). We docked in Salcombe and the rain stopped and we were able to get an exclusive tour of the local lifeboat station and lifeboat, which was very interesting. We returned to the boat for dinner which consisted of curry and a lot of poppadoms.
We arrived in Gunwharf Quays after a train journey at about 12PM then had lunch in the sunshine until 1PM when the boats were ready. We had a bit of time to ourselves looking around the nearby shopping centre. When the boats were ready for us, we split up into our separate boats and boarded with our luggage. Sat in the cockpit, we all introduced ourselves and then got onto the main issue of the day, the 95 mile night voyage to Brixham.
We left at about 6PM that night and motored into the Solent, ready for the long night ahead. At about 8PM we ate dinner of spaghetti bolognaise and garlic bread, which signalled the beginning of the first 3 hour watch for the port watch. They saw a beautiful sunset. After an uneventful watch duties were passed onto the starboard watch. At the end of each watch we had to wake the others up, but we did give them a cup of tea! It was a clear night sky and we could see the Milky Way, and some shooting stars. Conditions were quiet, with some parts of coast (Southampton in thick mist). When wind picked up in the next watch we put up the front sails. Challenger 2 saw dolphins, and some phosphorescent algae in the prop wash. It was difficult to make out the lights in the distance, and sometimes difficult to work out which side the land was on!


text:
Fall's Friends
Fall's Groups
Lovers of Anime
Laffs
Wingfeather Saga
Street Skaters
Fall has not received any gifts yet
Let the summer fun begin! :D
Zhadow commented on Fall's group ๖STAR ๖WARS
"Looottts of canon. So much that SWE accidentally messed up his dates for the sequel trilogy. It's 34 ABY. 30 years after Endor, not Yavin."
"I forgot to let you guys know, but we're getting a new Star Wars animated show from Dave Filoni and I am ready."
"I get my info from Star Wars Explained because he's somehow able to keep up with everything"
DatGlutenFReeChef commented on Fall's group ๖STAR ๖WARS
"I can see how that would be difficult. But thats what wikipedia is for. XD"
"Because there's so much. Movies, tv, and games are the easiest to keep up with. Comics and books on the other hand are a lot harder to keep track of."
"I'll be here all week! :D So why is it hard to keep up?"
"Okay that was funny"
"I bet its not as difficult as switching to Geico and saving 10 percent or more on car insurance! ;D"
"Haha chill out. Bruh keeping up with canon is really difficult"
"*gasp* Z gave me approval...*tears of overwhelming joy*"
"You'll like this Ring"
"Heads and necks are off but it's not too bad"
"https://s9.postimg.org/heoat121r/IMG_5883.jpg"
"True."
"I mean it is mean we're talking about after all lml"
"*whistles* Thats a lot...."
Which Codebearer Book is Your Favorite?
Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire
You need to be a member of Codebearers to add comments!
Join Codebearers
At 8:54pm on December 31, 2016, Misty Illusion said…
Heeeeeeyyyyyyyy, HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!!!
At 11:15am on November 24, 2016, DatGlutenFReeChef said…
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :D
At 9:50am on September 26, 2016, Misty Illusion said…
Hello there, how are you doing?
At 6:59pm on September 8, 2016, Satar said…
Hey (Just letting you know), by going to "Settings" then "My Page" and on "Address" you can change your URL to not include any information you don't want to be there (Like any personal information).
At 4:13pm on February 20, 2016, DatGlutenFReeChef said…
Oh my gosh, see, those are the things I completely forget about!!! EVERYTHING can be a double edged sword.....
We just couldn't let the Force fall into the wrong hands....
At 8:19pm on February 10, 2016, Zhadow said…
Or, you know, stop Isis or something boring like that.
We could become dodgeball champions!!! :D
We could....we could....!!!!


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text:
← Shaidaxi Reads the Evil Overlord List Pt. 3
Shaidaxi Reads the Evil Overlord List Pt. 4 →
History 01: The Ogre Dominion and the Birth of Humanity
Posted on October 28, 2012 by H. Anthe Davis
In the aftermath of the wraiths' withdrawal, the combined skinchanger, elemental and ogre forces found themselves uncertain how to proceed. They could no longer attack the wraith strongholds, but neither were they directly threatened, and in the pursuit of their enemies they had ignored all former territorial boundaries and drawn together natural foes who now looked upon each other with dismay.
It did not take long for the skinchangers to start fighting each other. The prey tribes scattered swiftly, but the predators—now uprooted from their traditional homelands—refused to back down from the threats of their local rivals. The elementals, unwilling to take part in the disputes of fleshly creatures, dispersed back into the elements from which they had come, leaving the ogres to observe the rampant infighting and consider their own course.
Though skinchangers themselves, the ogres had long since ceased considering themselves such, and no longer shifted. Huge both in girth and in might, they had no predators in their native south, but had been driven north by a combination of internal warfare, natural disasters and overwhelming amounts of 'vermin' races devouring their food supply.
Here in the north, none of those problems seemed to exist. The four ogrish clans that had been forced north were on good terms with each other, having been allies previously, and while they found these lands uncomfortably cold, they were also not under threat by Tchellaryllyn–the volcano that had wiped out a vast swath of ogrish civilization and sent the rest of the south into a frenzy when it explosively erupted. The north had its own volcanic mountains in the Khaeleokiel range, but they were long dormant. Likewise, though the ogres considered most of the 'lesser' skinchanger races to be like vermin, they were not nearly as troublesome as the lizards and toothbirds of the south.
All the ogres truly required was fruit, grain and moderate-sized bodies of water, which in that age were found in abundance in the east-central land—what would one day be known as the Heartlands. With an eye to this, the four tribes of ogres decided to ignore the protests of their former allies and settle around the lakes, claiming the Heartlands for themselves.
The predators who considered that land theirs were furious, but many prey-races flocked to the ogres' side—for fearsome as they were, the ogres were technically a prey race. They did not eat meat and had no interest in hunting the preyfolk, a vast difference from the views and practices of the reigning predators. And so when the disconnected predator clans began to raid the ogres to discourage them from settling, the preyfolk informed on them and volunteered to work as scouts, messengers and other supportive personnel in the ogres' service.
Soon towns had sprung up throughout the lake- and orchard-land of the Heartlands, populated by garrisons of ogrish warriors and their peaceful preyfolk servants, as well as scavenger-folk who found town-life to be an easier existence than roughing it in the wilderness. The predators found themselves increasingly forced to the fringes and deprived of sustenance, forced to strike like raiders at increasingly well-defended outposts, until some decided to be clever.
For though the wraiths had withdrawn, their influence had not entirely faded from the skinchanging folk. Assembled in mixed towns for the first time ever, preyfolk were finding it easier to communicate with and understand their fellows if they manifested the wraith-mask: the standardized face they had used to try to infiltrate the wraith ranks during that long war. Soon most town skinchangers operated under the mask regularly, to the point that they rarely became their beast-selves. A common face made all interactions smoother and more equal, and since the ogres never used it, it was also helpful for tricking or conning them; they had a hard time telling one mask-wearer from another.
The predators who sought to exploit the townsfolk realized that they too could wear the wraith-mask, though it was more difficult for them to hide their predator-scent or instincts. Nevertheless, many of them infiltrated the ogre-controlled towns to carry out their hunts within the walls, while their wild cousins remained marginalized.
What no one counted on was that the masks made it just as difficult to tell mate from other as it did friend from foe.
And so it was that, under the influence of the masks and such ogrish novelties as clothes and accessories, the skinchangers sometimes found themselves pairing up with those outside their tribe. Predators with scavengers, scavengers with prey, prey with predators, and intermingling among the varieties of their own type. And while many of these assignations were brief or ended badly, some blossomed—and some simply caught, since all the skinchanger races were quite fertile and, apparently, interfertile.
And the children of those unions were born changeless.
They seemed to have been gifted the wraith-mask but nothing else, for they were hairless and claw-less and small-toothed, bearing traces of both their parents but not equal to either in grace or power. They could neither change nor feel the touch of the spirits. Uncountable numbers were destroyed as runts or mutants or punishments for some unknown transgression—but not all.
And as those first generations grew, and the stigma of having a changeless child began to ease, more were born and fewer were killed.
The ogres encouraged it. They had never felt threatened by the predators, scavengers or the preyfolk, but they were expanding their influence over this land and disliked having to deal with infighting among their servants—or the potential for uprisings. A blending of the skinchanger clans into this bland, toothless, changeless creature seemed ideal.
In addition, these new hybrid creature had a few merits of their own. They were not as skittish as their prey-parents, not as tactless as the scavengers, not as vicious or cunning as the predators, and got along quite well with all the masked folk and most unmasked skinchangers, who simply pitied them. They could be trained for strength or wits or agility, but were adaptable enough to switch focuses later in life—something few skinchangers, hardwired by instinct, could do. They took easily to crafts, tools and cultivation, and even seemed capable of innovating on their own, whereas the skinchangers focused on immediate needs without much thought for the future or possible improvements.
The ogres, who love war and idleness equally but did not like dull work, found them to be the perfect slaves.
Under the ogres' aegis, the new hybrid race—which initially was just a patchwork collection of individuals of widely varying bloodlines—began to flourish, and to multiply in number. The ogrish governors permitted hybrid babies or children to be left in the care of the government if they were too shameful for the mothers to keep, and sharply punished their killing or abuse. They also rewarded those skinchangers who chose to keep their hybrid children by providing them training, protection and roles of greater prominence in ogrish households—as guards or stewards or personal servants. No real power, just a measure of hierarchical advantage, which the ogres knew was important to skinchangers of any type.
They also opened their shrines and temples to the hybrids, for many traditionalist skinchangers—particularly the shamans—considered the hybrids to be abominations undeserving of the aid of their bloodline spirits.
The ogres had their own spirit, Oega, from whom they took their name. Long ago, Oega had settled on the ogrish form–too big and dangerous to be considered prey but not itself a predator, content to rule through bulk and intimidation and occasional violence rather than suffer constant rivalry or fear–and decided that it was the pinnacle of creation. From then on, Oega refused to change, and without Oega's permission, neither could any ogre, beyond a few cosmetic variations. Few ogres minded, as they enjoyed lording over others just as much as their spirit did.
Thus neither Oega nor his people were perturbed by the hybrids' inability to skinchange, nor did the spirit care about their origins; like his people, Oega enjoyed having servants to tend to his whims no matter their bloodline, and liked the idea that they would serve him in the afterlife as well. He also adored adulation, unlike other beast spirits who merely wanted their children to behave like them, and the hybrids' gratitude—coupled with their skill at crafts—soon had his shrines awash with gifts and adornments.
Over the course of the next few centuries, the ogrish civilization spread to fill the Heartlands, and the population of hybrids increased exponentially as that of their parent skinchangers began to diminish. Soon most townsfolk were hybrids, with only a few skinchangers and the requisite ogrish lords and ladies. Sometimes half-ogres were born too, the product of unusual dalliances between hybrids and ogres, but unlike hybrids, the half-ogres were greatly frowned-upon. The ogres saw what hybridization was doing to their servants and had no intention of having that happen to them.
It was not until some time later that the hybrids would come to be called 'humans', but it was in this age that they truly came into existence: the melding of many types of beast-folk, under the guidance of the ogres, for the purpose of breeding easily-controlled labor.
And as with many such experiments, humans were destined to bite the hands of their creators.
Next: The Torch of Truth and Freedom, Part 1
This entry was posted in History, Religion, World Info and tagged cosmology, fantasy, history, ogres, spirits. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
National Statement Delivered by Ambassador Byrne Nason at UNSC Briefing on MINUSMA (Mali)
Merci, Monsieur le Président,
Je voudrais d'abord remercier le Représentant Spéciale du Secrétaire-Générale Annadif pour son intervention très éclairante et pour le travail important fait par la MINUSMA. L'Irlande est fière d'être un « pays contributeur de troupes » à la MINUSMA et de contribuer aux efforts de stabilisation au Mali.
Comme nous avons entendu ce matin, la présence de la MINUSMA reste indispensable au Mali. Les niveaux de violence au Mali sont extrêmement préoccupants et nous reconnaissons qu'il faut en faire beaucoup plus pour protéger la vie. Il est donc impératif que la MINUSMA ait les capacités et les ressources dont elle a besoin pour remplir sa mission.
Nous nous félicitons de l'application continue du plan d'adaptation de la MINUSMA. En particulier, nous soutenons l'objectif de protéger de façon proactive les civils au centre du Mali. Nous encourageons la pleine application de ce plan dans les plus brefs délais.
J'exprime mes condoléances les plus sincères aux victimes qui ont été tués récemment au Mali, y compris les membres de la MINUSMA et des Forces Armées Françaises. J'aimerais rendre hommage à tous ceux et celles qui ont fait le sacrifice ultime en service de la paix et de la sécurité au Mali.
Mali is at an important juncture. Ireland strongly welcomes the progress that has been made in establishing the transitional government and institutions. We commend the leadership demonstrated by ECOWAS and the AU in supporting that transition. Today, we encourage all Malians to continue to work to ensure a successful civilian-led transition and return to constitutional order. We call on the government to move towards holding inclusive, transparent, free, fair and credible elections within the 18 month timeframe.
There is now, in Mali, a real opportunity to make progress towards inclusive and lasting peace. President N'Daw's New Year's message gives hope and offers a way forward. We look forward to these commitments being translated into actions.
Mr President, I would like to outline a number of areas where progress is both needed and possible. We know this is a view shared by many Malians also.
The implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remains critical. We strongly welcome the inclusion of civil society in the transitional cabinet of representatives, and for the first time, four representatives of signatory movements. We see this as an opportunity to advance the peace process. MINUSMA's continued support to mediation and communal reconciliation efforts are vital to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. They will reinforce the implementation of the plan.
I want to highlight and welcome the steps taken to increase the engagement of women in the peace process, we have heard several speakers refer to this this morning and call for greater participation of women in the political transition. Women's participation will help to anchor the process. Looking forward, women must be encouraged and supported to participate fully, equally and meaningfully, I underline that, as voters, as candidates, and as representatives of their communities. This is in Mali's interests. As co-chair with Mexico of the WPS Group we intend to follow and monitor and hopefully support progress.
We remain concerned by levels of violence including from inter-communal conflict and, as we heard this morning, terrorist activity. We also recognize that these challenges cannot be resolved through security efforts alone. We must help to address the root causes of instability. Working together to support sustainable and inclusive development. That really must be at the heart of all our efforts. As indeed we must also act to promote good governance, the rule of law and human rights, and to strengthen the democratic institutions in Mali.
The restoration of State authority is clearly integral to Mali's security. MINUSMA's support to the Malian security forces and the judicial authorities play an important role in that. And we welcome efforts also to advance Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reinsertion, and Integration processes and stress the importance of the mainstreaming of child protection in this work needs to be given consideration.
Ireland notes the report of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali and encourages the government to respond comprehensively. Ending impunity is integral to breaking the cycle of conflict and, importantly, to building confidence in the State's institutions. We strongly support the Secretary General's call for investigations into human rights violations and abuses.
Mr President, we continue to be particularly concerned by the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, which we know is exacerbated by COVID-19. Violence, increased displacement, growing food insecurity and the adverse effects of climate change all have their impact. A lack of access to education, especially for adolescent girls, remains a key challenge and, I would say, a risk. We call on the government to address conflict-related sexual violence and ensure access for survivors to justice and services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, and to hold perpetrators, of course, accountable. We call on all parties to support humanitarian action and to respect humanitarian principles and facilitate the basic delivery of essential assistance to those in need.
Ireland is particularly conscious of the adverse impacts of climate change on security in Mali. We were honoured last year to chair, alongside Mali and Niger, an event on UN Peacekeeping Operations and Pastoral Related Insecurity. In our view, we must do more to integrate current and projected climate-related threats in our analysis and actions in Mali. Working with Niger in deepening this Councils understanding of the links between Climate and Security, we hope to shine a light on the Sahel and the challenges in particular which those links cause.
In concluding, I call on all member states to ensure that MINUSMA has the full resources necessary to allow it to continue to deliver on its core priorities, protecting civilians and supporting the delivery of peace in Mali. Ireland, my country, knows from lived experience that the path to peace is not easy, not linear, but it is possible, and should be pursued with vigour. We know, we know well, that Mali has a significant burden of responsibility in rising to meet such complex challenges and obligations and we want to reiterate our support for accompanying Mali on this path. As Mr Annadif said today, we dare to hope that this path, points to a brighter stable future for Mali and the Malian people.


NOTE: This is a union posting. For details on working conditions and wages, click here for the latest collective agreement.
The Langley Advance Times has an immediate opening for a full-time, permanent multimedia journalist. Reporting to the editor, the successful candidate will provide top-quality work on a range of news and feature stories covering a variety of beats.


For the fine art america site I typed up a new bio page, thought to repost it here.
My artistic and creative expression began showing at a young age. Drawing stick figures, making cardboard robots, mud cities for matchbox cars, building elaborate bases for my Star Wars figures, and of course Legos. Typical kid stuff. During one year of grade school I spent the majority of my time, sketching characters and story boarding an animation of the Chronicles of Narnia, which I never actually made. During my time at John F Kennedy Junior High in Eugene, Oregon, I took every possible art and shop class I could, sometimes twice. These classes were the only time in the dreaded junior high years that I felt comfortable, in who I am and in my surroundings. Then came high school. High school was only about getting into a college then a good paying career. I was encouraged to put aside my drawings in favor of science classes. When I entered the University of Oregon as a biology major my path towards med-school seemed unquestionable. When I had to drop the final term of organic chemistry I needed to find something to take up the time. Not really sure why I chose that drawing class, but it changed everything. It reignited my love for arts. By the next school year I was signed up as an art major and had an application in for the interior architecture program. I began to actually enjoy college in my new course of study. I began painting acrylics on canvas and sculpting in soapstone. After graduation I moved to Seattle, Washington and did the artist thing. I worked in the morning as a barista then came home and painted. I did this for a year before I got my first job in an architecture firm. I've continued to work for architects while also working on my art. I have participated in both group and solo shows at Seattle's Gallery 110, where I was briefly a resident artist, and have also participated in various neighborhood art walks.


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Everybody tells us to celebrate failure, but nobody ever comes to the party. Failure is an essential ingredient for success, but it is absolutely no fun. I think the main reason I am an effective advisor and coach is that I have failed so many times! Let me tell you about a couple of my colossal failures.
The Worst Hire:
The worst hire I ever made was Mike Potter. He was trained at GE. Older than me. I recruited him for a year. I hired his wife. I started offering him $10,000 more in annual salary every month until he finally said yes. Of course, I circumvented our agreed upon hiring process and didn't require that he go through our industrial psychologist for assessment. Eventually I did have him see our corporate shrink and the psychologist told me it would never work. That was about a $2 million dollar mistake.
What's a S.L.U.G.
I was in trouble at our bank and was put into special loan group—on my 30th birthday. Banks have really humorous names for the bad customer department. Our bank called it the special loan underwriting group or SLUG for short. I got slugged on my birthday. The ironic thing was that the bank was also my biggest customer, so I came in all full of swagger, piss and vinegar, figuring they'd never fire a major vendor since they represented about ½ of our total AR. It wasn't much of a birthday……..
Joint Venture:
I got involved in a joint venture with a Chinese company in 2005. We had a wonderful relationship until we didn't. I didn't think I needed to spend a lot of money on lawyers, or complicated contracts. After all, I had stayed at Jack's home, he at mine. I even offered to allow his son to come to the US for the summer and live with us. Then one day, Jack's emissary called to tell me they were going around us and direct to our customers, that I had spent two years cultivating. It was a disaster. I had a warehouse full of Chinese made massage chairs and no customers. It forced us to close this division of our business. Some people wanted to blame the cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. I blame myself. Funny thing, is that a year later, the Chinese realized the value of our partnership and wanted to get re-married. I told Jack to go to hell. Now that was a good decision.
Firing Advice:
My best employee ever was Christine Olson. She's still an awesome manager. On the Monday before thanksgiving in 1996, she told me she wanted to terminate one of her employees. The gentleman had lost his infant son a month earlier and was not ready to be at work. I suggested to Christine that we carry him through the end of the year. Her response, which I will never forget, was that it was unfair to the gentleman. He shouldn't go into Christmas thinking he'd have a job, when he wouldn't. I allowed Christine to let him go the next day. A few weeks later he called to thank me. I couldn't believe it. But he understood her logic and appreciated her humanity. I'd give Christine a kidney if she asked me for it. She's one in a million.
To read more about learning from failure, check out this article by local entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee Biz Times.
Category: CEO LeadershipBy John Howman August 27, 2015
Tags: ceoexecutive coachingleadership
Author: John Howman
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Riding the Edelweiss Way
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The Recombobulation Area
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Why are you in business?


We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on recent market events, especially in the fixed income market, and our strategy to protect UCF portfolios against the possibility of higher interest rates.
The duration of the United Church Funds Fixed Income Fund remains at 4.5. Duration reflects the sensitivity of the Fund to changes in interest rates. The average maturity of the Fund is 6.5 years. The current allocation in the UCF Fixed Income Fund is 79% Core Fixed, 13% Bank Loans and 8% Emerging Markets local currency debt. Importantly, roughly 20% of the Fund's securities have floating rate coupons, which also protect against higher rates. Notably, the majority of the securities in the Fund have maturities of less than 10 years.
Given the challenge of predicting the path and speed of future interest rate changes, we have positioned the Fixed Income Fund with duration sufficient to earn an income reasonable enough to help offset some of the decline in principal value that would result from higher interest rates. This strategy also allows us the flexibility to add value via portfolio construction techniques and trading strategies. Of note, even though the yield on the 10-year Treasury rate nearly doubled from the beginning of May to the beginning of September (1.62% to 3.00%), the trailing 1-year return of the Fixed Income Fund (before fees) is about -1.00%. This is due in large part to the offsetting coupon interest generated during the period. A loss of 1% during a time when interest rates doubled more quickly than any other in the past 50 years encourages us. The point being that we need not be overly alarmed by higher rates in the future, as long as they occur over enough time to allow coupon income to offset the falling prices.
Regarding the "taper" (reduction in stimulus via bond purchases by the Federal Reserve (Fed)), while the media would have led many to believe that a major taper was in the offing, behind the scenes market participants were about evenly split as to whether the Fed would begin to taper or not. Economic data over the past several weeks, and in particular the most recent unemployment data, have been weaker than expected. Add to this the economic slowing effects of the massive rise in interest rates (mortgage refinancing activity has slowed dramatically, calling into question the momentum of the housing recovery) and the impetus for tapering becomes less clear. Also, besides rising oil prices there hasn't been much economically to concern the Fed regarding rising inflation expectations. This slowing economic data and lack of concern about rising inflation gives the Fed a lot of flexibility regarding the "when" and "how much" to taper. When you consider that US economic growth over the past year has been marginal at best, you realize that the economic reasons to taper are few. Yet, the Fed has gotten itself into a risky situation with its quantitative easing and it will ultimately have to figure a way out! Although the announcement to taper or not could have gone either way, the market in terms of prices was expecting a taper of some kind. Both risk assets and Treasuries rallied significantly when that didn't happen. As before the announcement, few investors believe that short-term interest rates (less than two year maturities) will rise much any time soon. Longer-term rates are much more dependent on future economic news, in particular the monthly employment report, which will have a heavy influence on the timing and degree of any tapering.
While we expect interest rates to further normalize over the longer-term, we are in the camp that 10-year yields will remain in the 2.75% – 3.00% area for the remainder of this year. Similarly, economists are now changing their projections for the taper. Many now expect the first taper to begin possibly in December and for the official interest rate hike not to begin until 2015. Before interest rates can move markedly higher again, the market must first deal with the debt ceiling concerns. Also, if rates were to move significantly higher than 3% right now, the economy, which continues to muddle along, would be in even worse shape. In sum, rates are likely to be higher in the future at some point, but by how much and how soon is very much undetermined.
As for what we are doing to position the Fund going forward, we recently increased the Fund's emerging market debt exposure to 8% from 6%. This decision was value driven. The sell-off in emerging markets debt was mostly technical in nature as investors who had sought higher yields in overseas markets became concerned that the value of those foreign currencies would suffer as a result of the Fed taper. We felt that this sell-off was overdone so we modestly increased exposure. Sure enough, with the Fed not tapering emerging market, debt prices rallied sharply. The EMD component of the Fixed Income Fund has recovered in September, returning nearly 4% month-to-date.
We will continue to keep you informed about the important subject of interest rate movements and the impact they have on your UCF portfolio.


Nobly (in every sense of the word), Catherine Middleton wore a British perfumer's creation for her wedding – White Gardenia Petals by the ubertalented Michael Boadi – keeping the Union Jack flying in the same steady-handed way as she did with the choice of bubble-and-squeak canapés, the seasonal home-grown flowers, the field maples now destined for a leafy avenue at Highgrove. But if the new Duchess (or Dude-ess, as I like to think of her) had been looking for a romantic French bouquet, this limited-edition 'flanker' to contemporary Guerlain bestseller Idylle would have been parfait.
So the hype goes, Thierry Wasser – and The Scent Critic won't embarrass him any further by prattling on about his gifts – was inspired to create this by Hector Berlioz's Les Nuits d'Eté– the languid movement entitled 'La Spectre de la rose,' I suspect, because this is as full-blown a rose scent as you could hope to dab behind your diamond-earringed lobes. And it's certainly utterly classical: a so-grown-up tumble of jasmine, freesia, lily of the valley and lilac garlanding a rosy heart.
Lashings of lily of the valley, actually. Indeed, I'd go so far as to say that rather than call this 'Duet', it could have become 'Triplet' – because at times lily of the valley makes a takeover bid for this, in the most glorious way. How appropriate, actually, for the lily of the valley 'moment' we're having right now. Those deceptively powerful little while flowers are romping away in our gardens outside. And as we've all ooh-ed over, lily of the valley dominated the Dude-ess's bouquet and secured her sassily soignée sister's Demi-Chignon. (Nice work, Team Richard Ward.) In Duet, the lily of the valley amplifies the scent's greenness, stopping it from becoming headache-ily heady.
Meanwhile that classic chypre co-star patchouli, in case you've ever wondered, is actually a member of the mint family, its name derived from a Tamil word – paccilai – which translates simply as 'green leaf'. In Victorian times, so fragrance history tells us, patchouli leaves were layered between precious fabrics being exported from India, for its insect repellant properties – particularly paisley shawls. (A whiff of patchouli on a shawl was apparently a mark of authenticity.) I'm rather of a mind to spritz this, then, on all my pashminas, which become total clothes-moth-magnets at this time of year. At best, it'll keep the little blighters at bay; at worst, I'll enjoy being cocooned in Duet-scented softness, after sundown.
On my skin, there's no powderiness and (patchouli notwithstanding), not much of a base. Instead, it's all heart – sweet heart notes that stick around for an unusually long time. Maybe a trace of musk comes through at the end, but this is surprisingly 'stable' on my skin: what I spritz is pretty much what I'm getting several hours later. And that is not a complaint.
To me, overall, this is an entire warm summer's evening, squeezed perfectly into a bottle: white flowers pumping out in the darkness, flares lighting the way to a grand marquee, men crunching along gravel paths with beautiful women on their arms. The Scent Critic is wallowing in Duet's elegance and sophistication, happy to add it to my fragrant A-List.
It really is just crying out for a strapless dress and some really high, bejewelled sandals to wear it with. And personally, I am secretly hoping that although the royal bride chose a perfumer closer to home (and three cheers for that boost to the British fragrance industry), Guerlain Idylle Duet was wafting around somewhere in that elegant congregation or at the wedding dinner knees-up – spritzed onto an aristocratic décolletage, totally bewitching anyone seated nearby. It surely belonged there.


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Benzene Exposure in North Carolina: The Shocking Truth
Home / Blog / Benzene Exposure in North Carolina: The Shocking Truth
Though benzene is one of the top 20 chemicals produced in our country, it is not often heard of or discussed. What most people do not realize is that this common chemical solvent has been linked to blood cancers such as leukemia and other devastating health effects. After being exposed to benzene at workplaces in North Carolina and across the country, people want to take action for the dangers they unknowingly faced. At Ward Black Law, we come alongside these individuals, serving as a powerful voice for their rights.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless chemical solvent that is widely used in manufacturing plants across America. Common exposure sites include:
Tire manufacturing companies
Steel industries
Shoe manufacturing companies
How are workers exposed?
Workers who are now facing health effects from benzene exposure likely breathed in the vapors over a period of time. Some may have come into direct contact with the chemical, allowing it to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, as many as 238,000 people may have been occupationally exposed to benzene in the United States.
What are the signs of Benzene exposure?
Benzene primarily causes problems in the blood. If you have breathed in benzene vapors for a period of time, you may experience harmful effects in the tissues that form blood cells, including bone marrow. As this occurs, anemia and other immune disorders may develop. Excessive exposure to benzene can result in cancers like Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), also known as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Any person with this kind of Leukemia who worked with or around solvents in North Carolina workplaces may be entitled to lost wages and medical bills by making a workers' compensation claim.
Other signs and symptoms of benzene exposure may include:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Harm to the reproductive organs
Exposure Sites in North Carolina
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has found benzene in workplaces across North Carolina. A few of these sites include:
U.S. Marine Corps Camp Lejeune
Sigmon's Septic Tank Service
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station
Carolina Solite Corporation/Aquadale
Davis Park Road
If you or a loved one has Leukemia and has worked in one of these environments, or in an industry where benzene is commonly found, you may wish to learn more.
Pursuing Your Claim
Ward Black Law handles claims for people who have developed Leukemia or serious health issues after benzene exposure. If you worked in a manufacturing plant where this dangerous chemical was used, contact us today. We can look at every angle of your case, and help you pursue the outcome you need for recovery. Based in Greensboro, N.C., Ward Black Law has years of experience in dangerous products litigation. Our Benzene exposure lawyers can provide a free, confidential case review, so call us toll-free at 1-800-531-9191 or email for more information.


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Eco Wave Power To Construct World's Largest Wave Energy Power Station in Turkey
ByMI News Network December 12, 2022 Shipping News
Eco Wave Power Global AB (publ) ("Eco Wave Power" or the "Company") announced that it has entered into an agreement with OREN Ordu Enerji ("Ordu Energji"), a fully owned subsidiary of Ordu Municipality, for the potential construction of an up to 77-megawatt (MW) wave energy installation in Ordu, Turkey – the largest agreement in the Company's history.
The estimated $150 million power station would be Turkey's first grid-connected wave energy station, and upon completion, would be the world's largest wave energy power station.
Credits: Eco Wave
According to the terms of the agreement, Ordu Enerji will assign nine (9) potentially suitable breakwaters to Eco Wave Power for a period of 25 years from activation of the relevant pilot or power station, while Eco Wave Power will be responsible for constructing, and commissioning the power plant(s) and selling the electricity to be generated by the power plant in accordance with an approved production quota to be determined for the site.
Subject to certain conditions, including, among others, receiving favorable results from feasibility studies and receipt of applicable licenses and permits, the 77 MW power station is planned to be constructed in several stages, starting with an up to 4 MW pilot station, and continuing with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the remaining capacity of the plant of up to 73MW. Ordu Enerji has a right of first refusal to invest partially in different stages of the project.
Mustafa Kemal Macit, the President and CEO of Ordu Enerji and Sefa Okutucu, Head of Environmental Protection and Control Department of Ordu Municipality, visited Eco Wave Power's newest grid-connected power station in the Port of Jaffa (The EWP-EDF One Project) in Israel.
This visit was followed by an official signing ceremony held at Eco Wave Power's offices in Tel Aviv, with the participation of an official representative from the Turkish Embassy in Israel, Ms. Ayşe Mehlika Yıldız Ersen, who congratulated the parties for signing this first of its kind collaboration agreement.
Eco Wave Power and Ordu Enerji's agreement reflects a renewed effort to bridge Turkish and Israeli relations, epitomized by a recent phone call between Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who agreed to establish "a new era of relations" between the two countries, discussing ways to significant strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.
"This is an important partnership that we hope further strengthens Türkiye and Israel's ties," said Ayşe Mehlika Yıldız Ersen, Third Secretary of the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv. "We are pleased to welcome Eco Wave Power and their technology to the Republic of Türkiye."
Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power said that: "We are very excited to announce this landmark agreement between Eco Wave Power and Ordu Enerji, as this relationship will allow us to provide clean electricity from Turkish waves, for the very first time. With ambitious sustainability goals and regional proximity to our headquarters, Turkey is an interesting location to further implement and develop our innovative wave energy technology."
Mustafa Kemal Macit, President and CEO of Ordu Enerji commented: "With the goal to build a self-sufficient grid, Ordu sees Eco Wave Power as an important asset to fully realizing our potential for 100% clean energy.
The entire municipality of Ordu is excited to fully realize the sea's potential and use its unlimited source of energy to power our electrical grid. This project demonstrates that Ordu Enerji is committed to investing in innovative clean energy technologies."
Since 2019, Ordu Enerji, a subsidiary of Ordu Metropolitan Municipality, has sought to contribute to the sustainable future of Turkey by turning to renewable energy sources. Ordu Enerji's goal is to advance the energy sector throughout Turkey, in part by utilizing technology like Eco Wave Power's wave energy conversion units.


How to set up a functional and comfortable home office young adult, how to turn a spare room into your new home office bedroom, how to design your home office for productivity the crossover blog. How to set up a great home office workspace talented ladies club. Small home office tips on how to improve it dig this design.


Cats are funny, mostly because of their personality and the way they do things. Cats have an attitude, and they like to do their own thing. If they don't like you, they'll let you know. If not by ignoring you, they'll claw and scratch, meow and raise Cain! This is what makes cats so interesting. There are so many stories in which these furry little creatures make us giggle. For instance, you may have seen a cat claw a plastic bag and then slip on it, get scared, and go dashing throughout the house. Or you might have read stories of cats jumping off banisters and high places. Or of funny cats being frightened of dogs, and trying to fight the animals 10 times their size. There are so many great funny cats out there, and sometimes people are lucky enough to get them on tape or in a picture.
Lots of times, cats are funny cats without even trying to be. They like to sleep in weird places and positions, and this is the best time to catch photos of them. A really great photo is if you can purposely scare a cat. Their fur stands up and their tails erect. They begin to run with their ears perked up, and this is a perfect photo. Cats are curious animals, so they often scare themselves. Funny cats will also sniff the camera if you put it close enough to them, and this is what's called a 'Kodak Moment', meaning this is an ideal time to snap a photo. Or you could snap a photo of a cat fooling around with you, another person, or even another animal. Funny cats often astonish us with their expressive faces and bizarre acrobatics. Kittens love to play, so if you or a friend are playing with one, have the camera ready for a great snapshot!
One thing everyone loves is a literal catfight. This is when two cats are going at it, whether or not they may be playing. Cats will fight with almost any animal or thing that is crossing their domain. Cats are jealous animals, so if it sees something sneaking to their food, sleeping area, scratching post, or anything else that belongs to it, get ready to see the cat go wild. Another great opportunity for a video is getting a cat to play on the camera. Get down on the floor and mess with the cat; this way, you'll get to see great expressions on its face and funny movements. Or, if you know a cat is about to leap from one place to another, have the video camera ready! There are lots of amusing moments with these furry companions, and if you can catch them on video, you can keep them forever!


Lucio Castro is the former Director of Economic Development at CIPPEC. Head of Public Finance and senior economist at the Department of International Trade at the firm Maxwell Stamp PLC in London. Responsible for Macroeconomic analysis and design of macro stock investment portfolio for Emerging Markets Morley Fund Management in London.
Previously, he worked in the public sector and in international organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He was a professor at the University of Tres de Febrero (UNTREF), University of San Andrés (UdeSA), FLACSO, Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) and guest researcher at Harvard University.
He received the Fullbright Nexos Scholarship and won the JCI TOYP Argentina 2010 award for Leadership and Academic Achievement bestowed by the Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CAC). He is the author of numerous publications and a frequent speaker at seminars at national and international conferences.