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Disarray Among Iraqi Sunnis Yields Opportunity for Nationalism
Commentary World
Rasha Al Aqeedi
Sunni figures in Iraq have recently reported a positive change of course in America's policies towards the country's battered minority. However, the Sunni political establishment appears adamantly stuck in the same approach and mindset they held before the rise of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. The absence of a new approach to Sunni participation in Iraqi national politics creates another internal dilemma. Mainstream Sunni political figures continue to cling to identity politics, leaving those who favor rapprochement and reconciliation with little alternative but aligning with Shi'a blocs that cannot promise addressing cross-sectarian concerns.
The reality is that the challenges facing Sunni populations have never been more severe than they are today, with millions of civilians displaced, cities and towns destructed, and a deteriorating infrastructure. The political class faces critical long-term obstacles such as Kurdish land grabbing and normalization of Iranian-backed militias. These require serious, realistic approaches that do not drag the Sunni community into further chaos. In other words, the Sunni predicament has morphed into an existential crisis for Sunnis. Though victimhood narratives are vivid, leaders and significant segments of the Sunni community refuse to acknowledge that resolutions will require politicking, reflecting on past errors, and many concessions.
The event itself, its backlash in Baghdad, and the reaction to that backlash summarize Sunni Iraq's political approach: unrealistic expectations, and the inability to comprehend why many of their choices are deemed offensive, and in some cases, treacherous.
Figures from across the Sunni political spectrum convened in Ankara on March 8 to lay out what they described as a new Sunni consensus for post-ISIS Iraq. The conference, backed by regional actors, hosted established names like Vice President Osama Al Nujaifi, Sunni members of parliament (MPs), and other controversial ones, such as former Governor of Ninewa Atheel Al Nujaifi, former Finance Minister Rafi' Al Eisawi, businessman Khamis Al Khanjar, and head of the Association of Muslim Scholars, Muthana Al-Dhari. Those last three have had, at some point, arrest warrants issued against them. In fact, Atheel Al Nujaifi's warrant for espionage is still in force. The two-day meetings were described by those attending as "useful discussions" with the help of Sunni neighbors. Baghdad declared the conference a violation of national sovereignty. Sunnis, in return, accused Baghdad of an insincere attitude towards reconciliation. The event itself, its backlash in Baghdad, and the reaction to that backlash summarize Sunni Iraq's political approach: unrealistic expectations, and the inability to comprehend why many of their choices are deemed offensive, and in some cases, treacherous. From the Sunni perspective, bringing together influential Sunni figures from inside and outside the political process is necessary to reach mutual points of interest.
Evidence-based policy research is essential to keeping our democracy strong.
Meeting in Iraq was not an option given the precarious legal status of several invited guests; hence Turkey hosting was a necessity rather than an agenda setter. Other sponsors, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates share a stake in the stability of Sunni areas and played a role in pressuring the more controversial characters in joining an initiative that is said to be part of the political process. Former MP Dhafir Al-Ani expressed his confusion at the outrage in Baghdad over the conference, claiming that the "Shi'a side failed to show its seriousness toward adapting a political settlement at the first opportunity." Al-Ani lamented that the absence of a united Sunni front was often considered a crippling flaw by Shiite counterparts, yet "the moment Sunnis met to decide on a future, they were considered traitors." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's criticism of the conference not only reflected Baghdad's rejection, but conveyed what most of mainstream Iraq—Sunni and Shiite—thought: "Have we learned nothing?" If the Ankara conference is any indication, al-Abadi is right—Iraqi leaders have not learned the lessons of the recent past, setting up their country for another cycle of the same problems.
Throwing Out the Broken Record of "Sunni Marginalization" Narrative
"Sunni marginalization" has become a staple in political discussions involving Iraq. The phrase itself is misleading; Sunnis have full representation in the Iraqi Parliament and government based on a functional, if non-ideal, democracy that did not deny Sunnis their voting rights. The "lack" of political representation has never been a grievance of the Sunni population. In a sense, it appears "marginalization" reflects an underlying lack of a coherent Sunni political identity. The failure to mobilize a form of unity, or unique set of characteristics, ideals, and goals that distinguish Sunnis from other ethnic groups in the aftermath of regime change in Iraq created a feeling of isolation. From a Sunni perspective, the "marji'ya" (the leading Shi'a clerics, or "references," who possess widespread persuasive power and serve as a central clearinghouse for religious, and often political, questions) united Shi'a—albeit nominally—under a historically recognized and revered institution, offering the religious majority a single voice.
The Kurds rallied behind Masoud Barzani and Jalal Talabani, both figures with decades of struggle against Saddam for a greater Kurdish purpose. The two rivals were able to cooperate on matters of wider Kurdish importance after 2003. Sunnis, however, lacked the compelling leadership and a clear vision of how to engage with eager, proud emerging identities. Some fourteen years later, this has not changed. Another important aspect Sunnis did not comprehend back in 2003, and many still do not today, is that divisions do exist among other groups. The Kurdish and Shi'a political leadership took shape during decades of resistance to Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime; in the process they forged considerable common ground in political opposition, enabling them to cooperate on many matters after Saddam's fall.
Scholar and analyst Fanar Haddad thoroughly explains the dilemma of the Sunni identity, or lack thereof, in a paper published after the fall of Mosul. Haddad rightly points to the underlying reasons that compelled Iraqi Shiite and Kurds to form, and hang on to, sub-identities from the very establishment of the Iraqi state. The most important competing trends within the Sunni community after the fall of Saddam pitted Arab nationalists against Islamists. Prior to the removal of Saddam, Sunni Arab Iraqis were part of a larger regional Arab Nationalist identity that was in sync with both the concept of the "Arab homeland" as well as sentiments of nominally secular nationalism; they thus lacked the need of a sect-based identity. Sunni Arabs who placed more relevance on religion were the minority that subscribed to the Muslim Brotherhood leaning ideas of pan-Islamism. It should come as no surprise that the latter group, aided by the infamous Faith Campaign of the 1990s, was well prepared when Saddam's regime collapsed, and was the most notorious among Sunnis in demanding a sect-based identity.
Haddad draws an interesting parallel between the identities of Sunni Arabs and "white" people in the West:
It has been argued that previously white identity was "raceless" in that white people did not see themselves as having a race but, rather, they were "simply people." They believed that their viewpoint was not a white one but a "universally valid one—'the truth'—what everyone knows." As such, white becomes the standard, the norm so to speak, against which all others are differentiated.
In Iraq, Sunni Arabs reject the idea that they enjoyed privileges under Saddam's rule or previous governments—a claim often made by Shi'a and Kurds. In Saddam's Iraq, privileges went to relatives and tribal affiliates of the ruling family. However, Sunnis enjoyed a certain amount of religious and social freedom as long as their practices and rituals mirrored what the regime had set as the norm—a privilege Shiites were undoubtedly denied for decades and Sunnis struggle to acknowledge. On the other hand, Sunnis suffered under Saddam, as did all Iraqis. All Iraqis were subjected to Saddam's self-centric rule. Economic sanctions were certainly not distributed based on race or sect. The perception of privilege, much in like rural America, is based on financial comfort and social status; aspects that were not exclusive to Sunni communities in Iraq. Media hardly made references to Shi'a and religious education avoided mentioning sects. Sunnis believe these policies spared the country sectarian divisions without comprehending that empowering the sectarian minority was the only outcome. "There was no Sunni or Shi'a affiliations before 2003" is a common phrase. When stated by a Sunni, it is to some extent the equivalent to "All lives matter" in the United States. Like in the West, framing the inability to acknowledge privileges as "supremacy" is often met with hostile reactions.
Sunni Iraq is not monolithic. Geography, social status, and tribal affairs determine the Sunni character more than religious affiliation. Attitudes of Sunnis in Basrah, for example, correlate to the milieu of southern Iraq. In Mosul, a complex and diverse city, class division and the urban/rural divide shape the city's struggle in coexistence. A Sunni from Fallujah has a unique set of cultural practices different from a Sunni born and raised in A'adhamiya' Baghdad. The inability to create a nationwide Sunni identity that would correspond to the existing and widely instrumentalized Shi'a and Kurdish ones left Sunnis unsure of how to assume a role in the new Iraq, rather than reject a new order led by the Shia majority. The sole focus of Sunni actors on creating an urgent identity left little room for strategic thinking and political management of Iraq's new reality. At the same time, political, social, and religious figures made no efforts to calm public anxieties as rumors—and at times facts—of swift assassinations targeting Sunnis spread through the country. Legitimate concerns such as unlawful arrests were exploited to feed a victimhood narrative many Sunnis leaders felt necessary to conceive this new identity.
The granular analysis presented by Fanar Haddad does not necessarily equate the Sunni identity crisis to a "myth," neither does the author blur the lines between discontent with a new reality and complete rejection of a Shiite-led government, which led in turn to embracing, overtly or passively, the Islamic State, as others have suggested. Many Shia leaders successfully balanced their role in politics against their role in militias. But Sunni politicians who tried to follow suit and leverage armed groups found themselves in a bind. Their numbers were smaller, and the Sunni politicians failed to control jihadi trends within the insurgency.
The absence of a sect-based identity for Sunni Iraqis should be utilized as an asset rather than a liability.
The absence of a sect-based identity for Sunni Iraqis should be utilized as an asset rather than a liability. Since mainstream Sunnis only related to their sect after 2003, what stops them today from reconnecting to pure Iraqi nationalism, removed from sect-affiliation? While Sunni vulnerability has created an opening for extremists, it also creates an opportunity to emphasize a new non-sectarian, nationalist identity which just a few decades ago played a central role for Iraqis of all backgrounds. In a post-ISIS Iraqi setting where the liberators mostly hailed from the south, nationalism can been redefined, and the perception of subjugation, which many Sunnis felt during the Maliki era can be replaced with successful management of ethnic and religious diversities. The Sunni political establishment appears oblivious to the fact that the Iraqi Special Operational Forces have by far more legitimacy in the eyes of civilians who were left to suffer in the lands claimed by the Caliphate. In Mosul, civilians in the liberated East Side erected a massive billboard of General Abdul Wahab Al-Saedi, a tribute never paid to any Sunni figure.
The Islamic State found fertile ground in Iraq due to a hybrid set of factors. Sunni "rejection" of a Shiite order was hardly as instrumental as corruption, mistrust in local and central politics, and radical ideology. Mistreatment and abuse of Sunnis during Nouri Al Maliki's disastrous second term, however, is not a politically exploited myth. Exaggerated and overhyped at times, the behavior of Iraq's security apparatus, in general, was inappropriate for a nascent democracy. Still, presuming Maliki's ill policies were the sole driver of the Islamic State is a broken record that further plays into the Sunni rejection theory, and one recently repeated in a new paper published by the Institute for the Study of War. While the paper at least offers an alternative to normalizing IRGC-backed militias and over-reliance on Kurdish forces openly fighting to expand Kurdish territories, it restricts Sunni Iraq to the pre-ISIS era. Heedlessly returning to the notion of arming Sunni tribes will have future consequences that include undermining state rule and a potential tribal rivalry that could escalate an already dire situation in Sunni areas.
An Alternative to Iran-Promoted Shia Sectarianism
Another possible outcome of backing certain Sunni actors could be supporting a form of autonomy over some areas. Given the scarcity of resources in Sunni areas and the financial crisis in Iraq, regional actors are presumed to have a role in reconstructing the destroyed infrastructure and facility. The Sunni establishment's answer to Iranian influence in Iraq is justifying interference of other regional actors, namely Turkey and Qatar; states with a record in backing Jihadist groups in Syria. Support from leading Sunni states should be welcomed openly, like the local saying goes, "from the front door, not the window." Sunni leaders recognize that interests and priorities of these "allies" may differ from those of Iraq. Turkey's enmity with rogue Kurdish groups and the Gulf's showdown with Iran should not be played out in Iraq. Saudi Arabia's new approach to Baghdad looks promising, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi must be credited for extending a hand to Riyadh despite political and popular pressure.
Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which backs some Shia militias fighting in Iraq. Source: Khameini.ir
Leveraging Iraqi victories against ISIS, with the help of the Sistani-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) can strengthen political centrists and mainstream cross-sectarian sentiments—a recipe to roll back Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ambitions. However, the approach should be carefully mastered to reconcile with the reality of the PMU. As Renad Mansour illustrates, the PMU is now an influential and highly popular institution. Engaging the PMU creates a lifeline for cross-sectarian policies, and leaves little room for others to define who "the good Sunni" are. The IRGC ambitions are fairly overt, but so are Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani's. It would be wise to consolidate the national sentiments through Iraq's most influential religious authority, and deny the IRGC the route to cultivating ties with marginal opportunistic Sunni tribal elements.
The Iraqi Special Operational Forces successfully bridged the gaps between Sunni Iraqis and their Shiite counterparts. The tens of Shiite caravans from Iraq's south that have been for weeks serving West Mosul's displaced families have captured the hearts of a population that once associated those very caravans with death, destruction, and hatred. Mosul alone has gone through countless micro level changes that can be easily derived from interacting with locals in newly liberated areas. Utilizing these new sentiments to reintegrate should be the priority for the Sunni establishment. Whether Mosul, Anbar, or Tikrit, Iraq's Sunni heartland is in shambles. Reconstruction will take years. Rehabilitation of land and people might consume a generation. Repeating the political road maps of the 2010–2014 era will only empower hardliners on both ends. A policy that recognizes the survival of Sunni Iraq relies on Baghdad should be forefront in the next phase. This does not necessarily translate to concessions, but an acknowledgement of the southern provinces' sacrifices. Trust in the established politicians has all but vanished, and new faces have yet to emerge. Will the current Sunni establishment confine its politics to the interest of its constituencies and not foreign state agendas? One can only hope.
The elite class of Sunni intellectuals rejected the U.S. invasion; their choice of protest was abstinence from politics and civil society. But arguing for or against the U.S. invasion is irrelevant at this point—a fact Sunnis have only began grasping. In today's post-ISIS setting civil society groups in recently liberated areas are struggling to mobilize, but the silent elite appears to be reengaging. The ideas vary, but the consensus is that the Sunni establishment can no longer continue its self-destructive path of defiance. Betting on anti-corruption civil movements to project change in Iraq has not often brought favorable results: the protest movement in Baghdad being one example. However, the religious establishment in Sunni areas is declining without a constituency that buys into sectarian-driven messages. Prospects of cross-sectarian political blocs and movements remain good, but an ideal context would be Sunni figures, activists, and politicians uniting efforts in a bloc that promotes cross-sectarian policies. The upcoming elections are still a year away, and in Iraq one year can bring unpredictable changes.
Cover Photo: A member of the Iraqi National Army poses for a photo with a young resident of Mosul.
Twitter/Iraqi National Army @Defense_Iraq
Tags: iran, iraq, war in iraq, kurds, iraqi sunnis, prime minister nouri al-maliki, islamic state
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Rasha Al Aqeedi, Contributor
Rasha Al Aqeedi is a researcher at Al Mesbar Studies and Research Center in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. A native in Mosul, Iraq, she worked in various public sector posts between 2005–2011. Her research focuses on Islamist groups, radical ideology, identity politics, and more recently, the socio-political dynamics that led to Mosul's fall to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, in 2014. Rasha regularly contributes to Inside Iraqi Politics, UAE's The National, and The American Interest.
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Q: Updating Security Patches I have two questions:

*

*When you apply the latest security patch, does it patch up previous vulnerabilities? For example, if I patch my site with SUPEE-5994 do I still have to patch it with SUPEE-5344 and SUPEE-1533 if I haven't done so already? If I would have to apply the previous patches, is there a sequence I should do it in? IE. SUPEE-1533 then 5344 then 5994?

*Install patch through PHP I am going to use this method of patching since I believe it is the easiest method for me since I am not familiar with the SSH method. However in one of the comments, Kevin Schroder says:

This method requires the webserver to have write access to the files.
  If you use this method make ABSOLUTELY sure that you change perms back
  to what they were so the web server cannot write to the files besides
  /media and /var –

Does this mean I have to CHMOD a certain file(s) or folder(s) to a certain permission? Can someone clarify this so that a little kid can understand. :)

A: Each Magento patches are different and you need to apply all those patches. A magento patch is a fixation for a particular issue. A particular issue is fixing by changing logic flow of a certain portion of Magento core code basis. (Most of the cases, this will be changing 4, 5 lines of codes. But it may be large too). So different patches means different security vulnerabilities. So the code fixing is carrying out in different part of Magento core code base. Due to this, in order to avoid all security vulnerabilities, you should apply all Magento patches.
You can carry out installation via ssh, if you have root privilege. Using your root privilege you need to give 777 permission to .sh file. After applying those security patches, then you need to remove the write permission from those files. I am not sure about this point, because I am a developer and I am not good in permission stuff. You can refer this for more details.

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Milne plans news conference
Focus to be on economy and education
Milne plans news conference Focus to be on economy and education Check out this story on burlingtonfreepress.com: http://bfpne.ws/1w4lEUb
Free Press File Published 5:47 p.m. ET Oct. 13, 2014 | Updated 5:51 p.m. ET Oct. 13, 2014
Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Milne during Wednesday's debate at the Burlington Free Press. (Photo: RYAN MERCER/FREE PRESS )Buy Photo
For weeks, Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Milne has said he would be having news conferences to roll out policy statements. This week, he's finally got one on his schedule.
Milne plans a news conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the library of his alma mater, Spaulding High School, in Barre.
The topic, Milne said, will be "education and economic revitalization for the state of Vermont."
Read or Share this story: http://bfpne.ws/1w4lEUb

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The dedicated team of Fleet Support Unit-West Marine Technicians and Boatswains Mates tasked with restoring the life raft of the decommissioned HMAS Westralia (II).
Almost 12 years after decommissioning, part of the former HMAS Westralia (II) will find a permanent home outside the HMAS Stirling Naval Historical Display.
In 2017, one of Westralia's four lifeboats was located wasting away in the sprawling grounds of a Swan Valley café by Submarine Force Element Group Regulator Chief Petty Officer Naval Police Coxswain Bill Prince.
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Navy members who lost their lives in the 1998 fire were Midshipman Megan Pelly, Petty Officer Shaun Smith, Leading Seaman Bradley Meek and Able Seaman Phillip Carroll.


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Home Writings Articles & Blogs What is Polarization?
What is Polarization? I suspect most of you or perhaps most in Pakistan don't fully understand what it means. Polarization is when a society or polity splits in extreme ends, without a connecting middle ground. Pakistan today has become a very polarized polity between those who stand for change as epitomized by PTI and Imran Khan and those who are resisting the change as symbolized by PM Nawaz Sharif, PPP, Malana Fazal ur Rehman and allies. This is a dangerous situation for there is no middle ground left to mediate between these warring factions.
For supporters of Imran Khan all evil lies with Nawaz and allies and all propaganda machinery being controlled or financed by PMLN and allies continues to describe Imran Khan as a dangerous anarchist. PMLN controls govt and is backed by the power of the state and Washington, whereas PTI is without doubt riding on a wave of extraordinary popularity never since the days of ZA Bhutto.
Finding Solutions is always the responsibility of powerful side. In this case this means the govt controlled by PMLN has to find a political solution; unfortunately Nawaz govt does not exhibit any capability of finding a broad based solution. Nawaz Govt from day one is banking on the premise that since it controls lever of state power backed by Washington, sooner or later its opposition will exhaust itself and PMLN will be in a situation to either ignore them or negotiate a cheap deal without the need for any meaningful concessions. This is frightening and may prove disastrous for all sides. For much happens in life without any planning; this is called "Law of Unintended Consequences".
Earlier PM Nawaz Sharif took unwise decisions that lead to this polarization. Though Elections 2013 suffered from massive rigging, which was obvious from day one, but PTI which was the main target of this rigging in Punjab (given only 8 seats out of 148 directly contested) decided not to agitate but to broadly accept the results and to follow complaints through Election Tribunals which were never suited to address the kind of irregularities that were committed. An over-confident PM Nawaz picked up an unnecessary battle with the military over Musharraf trial, which now almost everyone in PMLN realizes to be a great blunder. (privately all PMLN leaders agree that this was a disaster). Musharraf trial was an absolute power grab and it became obvious to all that if PM Nawaz handcuffs ex-military chief then his power and fear will intimidate Generals, Opposition, Judiciary, media and corporate world.. and no one will be able or willing to challenge him…it was then that military stepped into the arena to confront Nawaz in a calculated manner but Nawaz Sharif's inability to grasp the limitations of his power soon kept on increasing the crisis between his govt and the intelligence community..that finally took an ugly turn with the confrontation between Geo and the military in which Nawaz govt decided to encourage and back GEO against military making it impossible for GEO to extricate itself from an unnecessary situation…this confrontation then sucked in country's politics and rest is history..
Previous articleOver the last two days ….!
Next articleFaislabad represents an interesting challenge for both PTI and PMLN …!


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Award-winning graduate employability programme gains further support of J.P. Morgan
by Queen Mary University of London
J.P. Morgan is collaborating with Queen Mary University of London by supporting a summer programme to further Widening Participation students' employability.
Led by Queen Mary's Careers and Enterprise team, in partnership with University of East London and City, University of London, the QConsult Summer programme places students into mini consultancy projects within east London-based organisations.
After a successful initial QConsult summer programme in June, a further two programmes will run in June 2019 and June 2020.
Participants are given the opportunity to tackle a real-life business challenge within an organisation, which improves skills, and develops employability and knowledge of the working world. Throughout the programme participants receive advice, training and support from the Queen Mary Careers and Enterprise team.
Widening opportunities
The programme will be supported by J.P. Morgan for three years and will provide an opportunity for Queen Mary staff to develop and disseminate best practice in developing Widening Participation students' employability.
At the end of the funding period, Queen Mary will host a mini-conference for Higher Education institutions around the programme's key learning points.
Professor Stephanie Marshall, Vice-Principal Education, said:
"We are delighted to be working with J.P. Morgan on this programme, which is a fantastic example of Queen Mary's commitment to our values of inclusivity, diversity and social justice.
"We are excited about what we will be able to learn, implement and share with other institutions to ensure the career success of each and every one of Queen Mary's graduates."
Boosting confidence
QConsult summer participant and first-year Politics and International Relations student Mohammed Shahjahan Ahmed, said:
"It was an amazing experience. The mentors from J.P Morgan were very supportive. It was an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team, understanding the different approaches to a problem."
Second-year Economics student Kam Lau, said: "As well as the project itself improving my transferable skills, the debrief at the end really helped me to be more confident in articulating my experience."
Enhancing graduate employability
J.P. Morgan has also supported the development of the term-time QConsult programme which broadens the skills, experience and professional networks of all Queen Mary's undergraduates.
The programme places interdisciplinary teams of Queen Mary undergraduates into mini-consultancy projects with London-based growth sector businesses and charities.
While on the programme, students are paid the London Living Wage for their work. Each participant also receives additional training and wraparound support from careers specialists, which improves their employability and networks. The upcoming term-time QConsult programmes will commence in September 2018 and January 2019.
The programme has won two Higher Education awards; the Guardian University Award for an Employability Initiative in 2016 and the Stars Reimagine Education Award recognising innovation in in higher education globally. It was also shortlisted for a 'Graduate Development Award' by the Association of Graduate Recruiters.
The Firm and its Foundation give approximately US$200 million annually to non-profit organizations around the world.
Queen Mary opportunities
The Careers and Enterprise team run multiple programmes to enhance graduate employability by providing students with support, opportunities to build professional networks and experience in a real-life working environment. These include:
QConsult: students act as consultants for businesses and charities.
QMentoring: connects students with a member of the Queen Mary alumni community, or a UK-based professional.
QInsight: students explore a high profile graduate recruiter, meet the staff and practice their recruitment processes.
QTaster: students learn about different potential careers by visiting a variety of graduate employers, undertaking business games, panel discussions and networking.
QProjects: students take on projects in local charities.


33.33% of people buy Gryffindor Tie and Harry Potter Wire Glasses.
A polished accessory assembled from a silk-like material, this officially licensed tie fits everyone from children to teens to adults. Featuring the iconic house colours with a shiny finish and scholarly stripes. Of course, the Gryffindor emblem can easily be seen on the front.


Peter the peregrine, one of the chicks that fledged from the Cathedral in 2014, was released back into the wild on 23 May after two-and-a-half months recovering from a gunshot wound in the National Bird of Prey Hospital™ at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Amport.
On Saturday 11 March, Peter was found by a member of the public with an injured wing. He was identified by the large blue leg ring with initials GX, put on when he was a chick at Salisbury Cathedral. A full assessment by the Trust's Vet, John Chitty of Anton Vets, including x-rays, revealed that the bird had a stable fracture between the radius and ulna. The fracture was consistent with that of a gunshot wound.
As with all birds of prey, it is illegal to injure or kill Peregrine Falcons under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
PC Stephen Rogerson, Wildlife Crime Officer at Hampshire Constabulary said: "The bird may have either been shot at on purpose, or recklessly, due to its predatory nature on rural estates. The falcon was in fairly good condition when it was located. It was not malnourished and there were no signs of other injuries, which would suggest it had been shot in the local area."
The police have now closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence. Peter was released at the Hawk Conservancy Trust's chalk downland wildflower meadow. Patients of the National Bird of Prey Hospital™ are normally released in the place that they were originally found but a decision was taken not to return him to the location in which it was shot.
We have had peregrines nesting on the Tower this year and two chicks have fledged (including and orphan that we introduced to the nest early this year). The chicks and the two adults have been ringed so we will wait with interest to see what happens to them. The female has also been satellite tagged so we can follow her movements of the coming months.


Jan 2014 onwards :- Working as Principal Govt. Polytechnic, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
April 2011 – Jan 2014 :- Worked as HOD, Computer Engineering in JNGEC, Sundernagar.
July 2006 – March 2011 :- Worked as Deputy Secretary, HP Technical Board, Dharmshala.
June 2003 – June 2006 :- Worked as HOD, Computer Engineering in Govt Polytechnic, Kanagra.
May 1994 – May 2003 :- Worked as Lecturer, Computer Applications in Govt Polytechnic, Sundernagar.
May 1990 – April 1994 :- Worked as Computer Programmer/ Lecturer in REC, Hamirpur.
July 1989 – April 1988 :- Worked as Lecturer, Computer Science in GSSS, Bilaspur .
It gives me immense pleasure and joy in welcoming all my staff & students to a bright and florid future ahead. It goes without saying that it is an honour and privilege to be the Principal of Government Polytechnic, Kullu. Let the new session usher confidence in all the creative minds welcomed.
Regardless of the fact that we have a humble beginning, our aim is the sky. We champion the cause of quality education, aim high and our motto is to think noble, plan and implement with perfection. We hope to dive deep and distant in our quest for excellence not only in education, implication and impression but also in caring, sharing and rearing. We want to thrive and survive by discipline and hard work.
This institute is dedicated to see the solution of challenges and is constantly working in that direction. Also, the institute is keen to provide quality education and in turn to produce young and talented entrepreneurs, to empower our state and country in the field of technical professional education.
It is an Institute where discipline and punctuality, with conducive environment will provide quality education, development in frontier areas of engineering and technology.
The field of professional education is facing challenges, so far as employment of our youth is concerned. It is quite necessary to develop an atmosphere in which students, not only complete their prescribed syllabus from the examination point-of-view, but also realize field problems, mainly encountered by major industries. With strong team work, we strive to achieve technological excellence in a highly competitive environment around us..
The Polytechnic is achieving new heights. The Polytechnic now has grand building structure as per requirements. The Laboratories and the Workshops are well equipped with latest machinery and equipment, which only few institutes can boast of.


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Blockbuster "Black Adam" with Dwayne Johnson fully paid off and began to make a profit
As it turned out, the news about the alleged failure of the first superhero film by Dwayne Johnson is greatly exaggerated. Part of the media mishandled information about the production costs and potential payback of the film. In fact, the tape "Black Adam" has already paid off and began to make a profit for the creators, which gives hope for a sequel.
According to the portal Deadline, citing its own sources inside Warner Bros., the film "Black Adam" came out of its own payback solely on movie ticket sales. The blockbuster with Dwayne Johnson, despite weak fees, began to make a profit, which is about $ 70 million. Ahead of the company is still data on views from streaming services and revenue from sales of related materials.
Black Adam has grossed $384 million worldwide. The tape can hardly be called successful, but for a film with a new superhero, this is a good result. The film's payback entitles the creators to ask Warner Bros. to approve the sequel, although they are now planning to restart the entire MCU.
Tags: AdambeganBlackblockbusterDwaynefullyJohnsonpaidprofit
Street Fighter 6 release date leaked
Apple announces 'advanced data protection' - Aroged
The fastest mid-segment phones in the world were announced
MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis received a major update with a new region
Battlefield 2042: a year later, the developers say they are ready to welcome players
Breakdown at Instagram: deleted accounts and problems accessing the social network – Frandroid
Resident Evil 4 Remake, the fate of the dog shocks fans: will the game be darker?


The key finding in our analysis was the substantial increase in PPI usage after the hospital formulary was changed to low-cost products. This increased usage was apparent for enteral and IV formulations and evident only in the ICU. Concurrently, the use of H2RA enteral and IV products decreased significantly in the ICU. Despite this change in the use of acid-suppressant therapies in the ICU, the cost of medications per patient-day was reduced.
Although we did not assess specific indications, we do not believe that PPI use in the ICU increased as a result of patient characteristics or disease states that necessitated PPI therapy per the P&T committee guidelines. PPI therapy for GI bleeding was considered appropriate before and after formulary change. Therefore, the amplified use was most likely a result of therapy for SRMD.
enhanced promotion of the local product by the drug company after the switch to one PPI brand.
the increased use of PPIs in the community setting, resulting in the continuation of therapy upon admission to the ICU.
enhanced acceptability of the appropriateness of PPI therapy.
the possible influence of literature supporting the use of PPIs for SRMD therapy that was published after the initial assessment period.
The use of PPIs outside the ICU did not increase in relation to H2RA therapy. This is not surprising, because the costs of oral PPI formulations were essentially unchanged after the formulary switch. Whether this finding represents effective management of appropriate prescribing after the change, or whether it indicates uncontrolled use prior to the formulary change, is unknown.
It is interesting that the increased use of PPIs in the ICU did not confer their additional use outside the ICU, as would be expected when patients are transferred. This finding supports the notion that enhanced ICU use was probably attributable to SRMD therapy, because PPI regimens would be discontinued as risk factors for bleeding subsided, whereas patients requiring PPI therapy for GI bleeding would require long-term oral PPI therapy.
Appropriate discontinuation of PPI therapies at our institution has been reassuring, because some institutions report that 50% of their patients are discharged home with unnecessary acid-suppressant therapies. Because we work in an academic institution, this is a concern; prescribing practices at teaching hospitals influence prescribing practices at local community institutions and among general practitioners.
Several evaluations have been conducted to assess the financial impact of restricting PPI use. The results show that practices such as establishing guidelines directing appropriate use, therapeutic interchange, step-down therapy, and prior authorization limit the use of PPIs and reduce associated costs. Our analysis indicated that although PPI use increased in the ICU, the cost of acid-suppressant therapy per patient-day was reduced. Therefore, restricting the use of PPIs based upon cost is not warranted.
The findings of two retrospective analyses showed that cost savings associated with the formulary switch to less expensive PPIs were negated by increased failure rates. Therefore, PPI therapy should be determined by clinical indications and patient characteristics rather than by cost.
Our assessment is not without limitations. Because we did not determine patient-specific variables, the comparison before and after the switch might have been influenced by differences in patient characteristics or practice changes. Moreover, we were unable to assess the clinical appropriateness of prescribing practices.
Our assessments were based on database analyses at a single institution. Whereas the databases were not modified over the assessment period, it is possible that data entry and extraction might have varied. Similar results at other institutions would validate our data; at present, however, our results might not be representative of, or might not be directly applicable to, those of other institutions.
Changing the formulary PPIs to low-cost products was associated with a substantially increased use of PPIs, a decreased use of H2RAs, and reduced costs of acid-suppressant therapies in the ICU. No changes in use or in associated costs were observed outside the ICU.


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#ifndef CHOPPER_H
#define CHOPPER_H

#include "cutil.h"
#include "matrix.h"
#include "seam.h"
#include "stopper.h"

void preserve_outline(EDGEPT *start);

void preserve_outline_tree(TESSLINE *srcline);

EDGEPT *restore_outline(EDGEPT *start);

void restore_outline_tree(TESSLINE *srcline);

int any_shared_split_points(const GenericVector<SEAM*>& seams, SEAM *seam);

int check_blob(TBLOB *blob);

inT16 total_containment(TBLOB *blob1, TBLOB *blob2);
#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Eurovision 2015 Entry: Greece — Maria-Eleni Kyriakou — One Last Breath
April 15, 2015 Mike McComb Eurovision 2015, Online 0
Greece / Maria-Eleni Kyriakou (Avatar: Ben Morris)
Will Greece need to draw "One Last Breath" to keep its perfect final streak alive at the Eurovision Song Contest?
Song Title: "One Last Breath"
Artist: Maria-Eleni Kyriakou
Semi-Final: First, Position 6
Last year's entry: "Rise Up" – Freaky Fortune featuring Riskykidd (20th Place)
It wouldn't be a story about Europe if you didn't mention how deep Greece's troubles are. Not only is the country on the brink of financial collapse, it could be at risk of ending its 35-year perfect run of appearing in Eurovision Song Contest finals. Not to get too inside baseball, but in our initial rankings of this year's entries, "One Last Breath" by Maria-Eleni Kyriakou was one of the few where my esteemed colleagues, Ben and Ryan, and I were in agreement.
We agreed that we did not like this entry. At all. I'm not entirely sure why Ben ranked it so low, as his point about the performance being technically proficient is spot-on. My problem with the song is the same issue I have with the entry from the Czech Republic: Eurovision is supposed to be a party and Greece is the couple having a very public breakup by the snack table before someone locks her/himself in the one bathroom. Also, Maria-Eleni Kyriakou's gasping for air throughout the song may be intentional, but it is not pleasant to listen to and makes the intensity at the end of the track feel unearned, as she should be lightheaded at that point.
But is Greece at risk for not making the final? It may depend on how the country's financial issues play out with other nations in the coming weeks. Yes, yes, Eurovision is not a political contest1, but the makeup of the first semi-final may play in Greece's favor. Quite a few neighbors are in the mix, and Russia may be making nice with the country to help disrupt the Eurozone. What's 12 points among new friends?
My own biases against this entry aside, I think Greece will be advancing based on diaspora and good relationships. However, I'm not sure this entry will do much better than last year's track, which tied for Greece's worst finish ever in the Contest.
Eurovision MiniPop Icons created by Ben Morris – See all 40 MiniPops here! You can also find his icons on t-shirts, phone cases, and mugs!
Pause here for giggles. ↵
Pause here for giggles.
Eurovision First Listen: The Czech Republic's "Hope Never Dies"
Eurovision 2015 Semi-Final 2 Wrapup: The Final Invite List
Eurovision 2015 Entry: Lithuania — Monika Linkytė and Vaidas Baumila — This Time


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A Catholic girls college prep high school serving Montgomery, Chester & Delaware counties in Pennsylvania
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Home » Athletics » Championships and Awards
villamaria April 2, 2014
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SITE MAP VILLA MARIA ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOL ↗
Villa Maria Academy, a Catholic college-preparatory school for girls, rooted in the charism of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, empowers young women to lead lives of spiritual growth, intellectual inquiry and Christian service. Villa Maria Academy High School is an independent private school located in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Villa Maria Academy High School, 370 Central Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355 610-644-2551 (ph) 610-644-2866 (fax)
<# print( 'Villa Maria Academy High School' ) #>


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Pro-Osinbajo Group Seeking Ilorin Emir's Support in 2023
Prof-Yemi-Osinbajo
NewsReport gathered that members of the National Coalition Group were in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, seeking the support of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, or Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's presidential ambition.
Dr. Eli Dibia, the group's head, asked the Emir to help canvass for the election of a president for all Nigerians in 2023.
"We are at Ilorin to seek the support of the Emir for Osinbajo." "The Emir should help canvass for a president who would be for all Nigerians and who will build on President Buhari's legacies," he said.
Dibia stated that Osinbajo is still the greatest presidential candidate the All Progressives Congress can field in the 3023 presidential elections.
Warning the APC leadership against fielding a wrong candidate for the elections, Dibia posited," The only person that the opposition is afraid of is Osinbajo. If we make the mistake of not fielding appropriate candidate, APC may lose to the opposition."
Eulogising Osinbajo's leadership qualities, the team leader pointed out that the vice president drafted the legal framework for the development of Lagos.
"He ( Osinbajo) understands the economy. He has the capacity to serve Nigerians. He's a loyal VP. We want a servant president," he added
Responding, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari prayed to God to grant the country a peaceful transition in 2023.
While acknowledging the federal government's efforts at curtailing various security challenges confronting the country, the monarch prayed for the restoration of peace to all the nooks and crannies of the country.
He thanked the pro- Osinbajo presidency team for the visit and wish them well in their programs
Ilorin Emir's
VP Osinbanjo
Previous articleAs the price of oil rises to $85 per barrel, Nigeria will have to pay a higher subsidy.
Next articleNorthern Group Cautioned Tinubu, Insisted On Osinbajo, Zulum Ticket In 2023


Lets start with some thing fun! I got the best Christmas card from a MADSEN riding family. I asked Ernie if I could share his Christmas photo, thanks Ernie for the great Christmas card!
Now something not so fun, we received shipping confirmation for the new 2014 MADSEN. The best possible landing date at our warehouse will not be sooner than 1/3/14. With possible custom inspection delays and other unseen delays most likely it will be after 1/3/14. We are so sorry no new 2014 under your Christmas tree this year. Thanks for your understanding and patience. We will get all the pre-orders shipped as quickly as we can.
The silver lining; the pre-order discount will stay live until we receive our shipment. If you haven't already placed a pre-order you still have time and can take advantage of this huge savings.


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Voters' Choice
Beyoncé joins cast of Disney's live-action 'Lion King'
Posted November 1, 2017 7:59 p.m. EDT
By Frank Pallotta
(CNN) — Queen Bey has joined "The Lion King."
Beyoncé will be a part of Disney's upcoming live-action version of its beloved animated film, "The Lion King," the company announced on Wednesday.
The singer will be playing the character of Nala, a lion who is the love interest of the film's protagonist, Simba.
She'll join an all-star cast announced in February that includes Donald Glover as Simba and James Earl Jones, who is reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Mufasa.
Others stars in the cast include Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Alfre Woodard.
The film, which is directed by Jon Favreau, will be a "new take" on the now classic story of the lions of Pride Rock and will feature "pioneering filmmaking techniques," according to Disney.
It is set for release on July 19, 2019.
"The Lion King" is among several live action reboots of Disney animated classics.
The brand has included big box office hits "Cinderella," "The Jungle Book" (a film that was also directed by Favreau), and most recently, "Beauty and the Beast," which has made more than $1.2 billion worldwide.
"The Lion King, which included popular songs like "Circle of Life," made $968 million at the global box office and spawned a successful and long-running Broadway show.
Hot Light On! A dozen Krispy Kreme OG Glazed for $13 - 50% to your favorite cause!
$20 Voucher To Jersey Mikes For Only $13


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You Are Here : Home / Council/ Latest news / Community encouraged to take part in waste services survey
Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on its current waste services, to help shape a new community waste plan.
Feedback received may change how, and how often, Council collects waste in Yarra Ranges, with the State Government driving a new waste and recovery system to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
All Victorian councils will be tasked with incorporating a new bin system to make this happen, which will change the way Victorians use their bins in the coming years.
By 2030, councils will have a bin system that separates waste into four areas:
Landfill waste (red lid)
Recyclables (yellow lid)
Food and garden organics (lime green lid)
Glass (purple lid or a local drop-off service)
While Council is starting to plan for the rollout of this new bin system, it's wanting to hear from the community on topics such as frequency of bin collections, the size of bins on offer and hard waste services.
This is to make sure that any changes to Council's waste services suit the community's needs.
Council is looking to start changing its bin system in late 2023, which is when its current waste service contract expires.
The switch to a new bin system will mean that food waste will be diverted away from landfill, while recyclable materials such as paper, hard plastics and glass will be better sorted and more easily turned into new items.
This also coincides with the State Government's Container Deposit Scheme starting in 2023, where community members will be able to drop off plastic and glass drink containers and receive a small payment.
For more information on the community waste survey, or to participate, visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/community-waste-survey.
The survey will close Sunday 6 June 2021.


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RI mutual funds leverage their proxy power
Home Inside Track Dustyn Lanz RI mutual funds leverage their proxy power
Dustyn Lanz
Canadian RI mutual funds are asking corporations to step up on climate change, gender diversity, indigenous rights, opioid accountability and other sustainability issues this proxy season
By: Dustyn Lanz
compuinfoto/123RF
Responsible investment (RI) mutual fund companies use a wide range of strategies to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. But during springtime, corporate engagement and proxy voting are front and centre.
Proxy season refers to the period between April and June when most companies hold their annual meetings. Rather than attending these meetings physically, most investors vote by proxy. These votes enable shareholders to influence a company's operations. Proxy voting is thus an important tool for responsible investors as it provides an opportunity to engage with companies to improve their sustainability performance and enhance shareholder value.
ESG issues have been increasingly prominent at annual meetings in recent years. Although climate change and gender diversity appear to be the most common areas of focus in 2018, Canadian RI mutual fund companies also are pressing for progress on opioid accountability, access to medicines, indigenous rights, antimicrobial resistance and other material ESG issues.
Toronto-based NEI Investments is focusing on 13 ESG themes this year, including climate change, biodiversity, responsible tax practices, executive compensation and more. One notable focus area for the firm is pharmaceuticals; specifically, opioid accountability and responsible drug pricing. As the lone Canadian member of the Investors for Opioid Accountability (IOA) coalition, NEI is seeking accountability from opioid manufacturers and distributors for the opioid crisis that's causing tens of thousands of deaths annually in North America. NEI will also be supporting proposals filed at pharmaceutical companies that are raising drug prices to drive revenue growth.
Another noteworthy action from NEI is its engagement with Wells Fargo & Co. NEI co-filed a proposal to ask the San Francisco-based multinational financial services firm to review its business standards to address the root causes of recent scandals that have diminished Wells Fargo's reputation and value. Following this engagement, Wells Fargo agreed to conduct a review and NEI was able to withdraw the proposal. NEI will continue to provide input on the review over the coming year.
Vancouver-based Vancity Investment Management Ltd. (VCIM), which manages the IA Clarington Inhance SRI mutual funds, has engaged with 23 companies this year on climate change, gender diversity, indigenous rights, living wages, anti-microbial resistance and other ESG issues.
A key issue for VCIM is bank financing for pipelines and the need for the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples. VCIM engaged with Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce on this issue and analyzed each bank's process for evaluating risks associated with project finance. VCIM encouraged the banks to adopt a uniform standard to obtain FPIC from indigenous peoples. The banks reaffirmed their commitments to the Equator Principles as guidelines to address environmental and social impacts.
VCIM also engaged with four pharmaceutical companies on supply chain management and risk mitigation concerning antimicrobial resistance. Denmark-based Novo Nordisk A/S recognized the need for collective action to address the problem, and its holding company launched REPAIR Impact Fund, which is dedicated to investing in companies that are combating antimicrobial resistance.
Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Group is focusing on gender diversity and climate change in 2018. As a member of the 30% Club — a network aimed at promoting more women on boards — Desjardins Funds has been active this proxy season responding to the lack of women's representation on corporate boards. To date, the firm has voted against the chairperson of the nominating committee, or the board of directors, of 11 companies due to a lack of female representation on their boards.
On climate change, Desjardins Funds has been voting in favour of shareholder proposals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and assessing the impact of a rise of 2°C in the average global temperature on the company's operations. For example, Desjardins Funds voted for a proposal addressed to Laurentian Bank of Canada on climate risk disclosure and another proposal addressed to Emerson Electric Co. on the adoption of quantitative, company-wide GHG emissions reduction targets.
Toronto-based RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM) also has prioritized climate change and gender diversity through its proxy voting and engagement activities. RBC GAM has supported the majority of shareholder proposals addressing climate change-related issues in 2018. To date, the firm has found climate change-related shareholder proposals to be well targeted, focusing on issuers for which climate change is a material risk. For example, RBC GAM supported proposals requesting the adoption of GHG emission targets at Fluor Corp. and L3 Technologies Inc.
In addition, RBC GAM has enhanced its proxy voting guidelines on gender diversity this year. The firm now requires issuers without a female director to have a diversity policy that both commits to increase gender diversity on their boards and discloses measurable targets to meet such commitments. Engagements on this issue are ongoing, but have been positive to date, as boards increasingly recognize the benefits of diverse directors and opinions.
These are just some of the many examples of RI mutual funds going to bat for their unitholders to manage exposure to ESG risks and opportunities. These examples demonstrate how RI can actively promote the adoption of more responsible business practices. This is good for society and your clients' portfolios. As the RI movement continues to grow, advisors stand to benefit the sooner they incorporate it into their practice.
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Cross Lanes Christian School is dedicated to assisting parents in their God-given responsibility of educating their children by providing a high-quality spiritual and academic program while encouraging children to live obedient, Christ-centered lives.
Edification: Cross Lanes Christian School is dedicated to the edification of children in accordance with Ephesians 4:12 ―For the perfecting (equipping) of the saints for the work of the ministry. . . ―Therefore, attention will be given to spiritual growth and development, equipping children to live a life of obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every effort will be made to develop within children a spiritual knowledge base for making wise decisions about life and to develop both the spiritual and natural gifts of each child to a level appropriate for high school graduates.
Education: Cross Lanes Christian School is dedicated to the education of children in accordance with the broad areas of develop ment stated in Luke 2:52 ―And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.‖ Therefore, attention will also be given to the mental, physical, and social growth of children. The primary purpose of the academic program is to prepare students for some form of education beyond high school, perhaps Christian education, liberal arts education, or vocational education. Those choosing not to continue education beyond high school will be advanced academically for functioning as an adjusted and productive citizen of this nation.
Evangelization: Cross Lanes Christian School is dedicated to the evangelization of those children who may not be saved. This is especially true within the elementary school which will include a number of children who have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior. However, evangelization will be carried out by teachers and mature students on a one-to-one basis. Evangeliza tion, while very important and not to be minimized, will be secondary to the mission to edify and educate children as stated above.
Cross Lanes Christian School operates as a non-profit ministry of Cross Lanes Bible Church. The school opened its doors on September 4, 1973, with students from kindergarten through grade five in attendance. Approximately seventy (70) students were enrolled. The opening of the school followed an extended period of planning. In fact, an open meeting of the congregation of the church was conducted in February of 1973. The outcome of that meeting was to open a Christian school and the first principal, Mr. James R. Davis, was hired in May of 1973.
The impetus for opening the school and designing the school program was provided by Pastor James Efaw. Pastor Efaw served as pastor of Cross Lanes Bible Church until 1991, at which time he accepted a call to another church in Denver, Colorado.
Dedication of the school took place on February 17, 1974, with Dr. James Biddle of Cedarville College serving as the dedication speaker.
Beginning in September of 1974, the sixth grade was added and the population of the school began a steady growth period. A grade was added each year until 1980 when Cross Lanes Christian School graduated its first class of seniors.
Cross Lanes Christian School is located on a forty-two acre campus about one mile from Cross Lanes Bible Church. The first building was completed on the present campus in September of 1975. At the present time, there are five operating buildings — four with classrooms and one gymnasium. The newest classroom building was completed in 1998 and houses an expanded library, a large multi-purpose room, a computer lab, and one classroom.
There are approximately 270 students in K-5 through grade 12. Single sections of each grade are included in the elementary school. There are double sections in the entire secondary school — grades 7-12.
Currently, Dr. David Buckley serves as the senior pastor for the ministry.


How can I obtain a monetary recovery against a builder who is bankrupt or out of business?
Over the past several years many builders/developers have declared bankruptcy or have otherwise gone out of business. Fortunately for homeowners, even if a builder is bankrupt or out of business, its insurance carriers remain obligated to defend the developer against construction defect claims and causes of action, and to indemnify the builder for any such covered losses. Thus, it is critical in all instances to determine at the outset and before substantial litigation costs are incurred, the exact insurance posture of the builder. This will enable homeowners to balance litigation costs against the pool of potential recoverable monies and thereby make an informed decision regarding the economic propriety of pursuing litigation.
"Villa Gardens at Pomona Homeowners Association $522,500.00"
This 19 unit development located in Pomona experienced leaks and associated damage at roofs, windows and plumbing systems.


We've got the podcasts you're looking for! | The Arcade Archives!
We've got the podcasts you're looking for!
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Showcasing the city in all its glory, Hilton Québec makes the view the 'star of the show' from its rooftop pool to its 23rd floor dining venue. With its enviable location on Parliament Hill and just a few blocks from Québec City's biggest draw — the impossibly quaint Old Town — its views are well worth seeing. One of its two restaurants, Le23 is blessed with walls of glass giving you sight of the city and St Lawrence River as you dine. While, down on the third floor, you can step out to the heated rooftop pool and sip drinks at Le BLU Poolside Bar with beautiful views stretching towards the Laurentian Mountains. Being an urban getaway, you get all those city essentials too, from complimentary WiFi access to a fitness room, clued-up Concierge, and uber-central address.
Located on Parliament Hill, just a few blocks from Old Town and steps from Old Quebec's historical sites, nightlife, restaurants and major attractions. Transfer time from Québec Airport: 25 minutes.
571 rooms and suites. All rooms with air-conditioning, 32-inch HDTV, alarm radio, blackout curtains, coffee maker, large desk, hairdryer, iron and board, plush top bedding and luxurious bathroom with deluxe bath products. Downtown City View Rooms feature either 2 double beds, 2 queen-size beds or 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed, overlooking the breathtaking Downtown Québec City, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
Old Québec River View Rooms feature 1 king-size bed with lovely views of Old Québec and the majestic St Lawrence River, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Panoramic Corner King Old Québec River View Rooms showcase views over Parliament Hill, Old Québec and the St Lawrence River, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Parliament View Rooms feature either 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
Junior Suite with a spacious lounge, mini-fridge, 1 king-size bed and floor-to-ceiling windows from which to admire the views of Old Québec City and St Lawrence River, sleeping maximum 2 adults. This room type also entitles guests to enjoy exclusive Executive Lounge access, with complimentary breakfast, as well as hors d'oeuvres and drinks in the evening.
Le23 Restaurant can be found on the 23rd floor, offering stunning views over Quebec City and the St Lawrence River (open for lunch). Allegro Restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Allegro Lobby Bar. Heated outdoor pool. Fitness centre. Complimentary WiFi access. Business centre. Babysitting service*. Beauty salon* and Barber shop*. Gift shop and on-site convenience store. Laundry/valet service*. Self-parking is available for CA$20 per day and Valet parking is available for CA$33 per day (payable locally, subject to change).
This was a very busy hotel, but was in a great location for walking to Old Quebec City. We had breakfast included in our stay and found their was a line up for a table. We were quickly seated, food was replenished frequently and attentive service.
Comfortable but winter pool close too early!
after a day of business appointments and dinner, we would have appreciate to dive in the winter pool. Alas, it was closing at 21:00. Aside that, very pleasant stay. Breakfast is very expensive for what it is... walk around, there is plenty of better choices.


text:
Een klipper is een snel zeilschip met een scherpe boeg en meerdere masten, dat eind 19e eeuw en begin 20e eeuw in gebruik was. De klipper is vooral bekend vanwege de grote snelheden die de schepen haalden. Hierdoor werden ze doorgaans gebruikt voor de handel in etenswaren en andere goederen die konden bederven. Ze waren ook berucht als slavenschepen. De hoge snelheden werden gehaald doordat de schepen slank en relatief klein waren, maar wel een zeer groot zeiloppervlak hadden.

De meeste klippers werden geproduceerd op Britse en Amerikaanse scheepswerven. Daarnaast bouwden ook Nederland, Frankrijk en enkele andere landen nog een aantal klippers.

Nederland heeft zich onderscheiden door het bouwen van een grote hoeveelheid zeilende platbodems voor de binnenvaart, tussen 1890 en 1925. Deze droegen ook de naam 'klipper', al leken ze alleen boven de waterlijn op de zeegaande voorgangers. Bovendien werden ze zonder uitzondering gebouwd van ijzer en staal, in plaats van hout. Er bestonden twee hoofdtypen: de Zeeuwse of Zuid-Hollandse klipper en de Friese klipper. De klippers die in de Nederlandse binnen- en kustwateren nog actief zijn maken deel uit van de zogenoemde 'bruine vloot'.

Geschiedenis
Klippers werden gebouwd voor de handel in seizoensgebonden producten, waar snellere ladingen meer waard waren of voor passagiersroutes. De kleine, snelle schepen waren uitermate geschikt voor de handel in goederen die niet veel ruimte innamen maar wel veel opbrachten, zoals thee, specerijen, post en passagiers. Klippers voeren doorgaans tweemaal sneller (9 knopen of meer) dan gewone schepen (minder dan 5 knopen) in hun tijd. Sommige klippers, de Amerikaanse voor het vervoer tussen Oost- en Westkust via Kaap Hoorn, haalden onder goede omstandigheden zelfs een snelheid van 20 knopen. De latere Engelse theeklippers waren daar te klein voor.

De concurrentie tussen de klippers was fel en openbaar, namen van schepen en hun tijden werden in kranten gedrukt. Wellicht de bekendste van deze klipperwedstrijden was de strijd tussen de Cutty Sark en de Thermopylae om als eerste thee van het nieuwe seizoen naar Engeland te brengen. De Thermopylae deed slechts 115 dagen over de reis en de Cutty Sark 122 dagen, absolute records voor die tijd.

De benaming klipper (of clipper) grijpt terug op een Amerikaans scheepstype uit het begin van de 19e eeuw, de Baltimore clipper. In de strijd tegen de Engelsen na 1812 werden vanwege hun snelheid en wendbaarheid sommige klippers ook bewapend met kanonnen en dergelijke en gebruikt voor smokkel en piraterij. Of het scheepstype zelf daarvan rechtstreeks is afgeleid is bron van grote meningsverschillen onder historici.

Het einde van de klipper kwam kort na de ingebruikneming van de Cutty Sark met de introductie van de triple-expansie-machine in stoomschepen. Hoewel de klippers doorgaans sneller waren dan hun nieuwe concurrenten bleven ze wel afhankelijk van de wind. Stoomschepen hadden als grote voordeel dat hun dienstregelingen veel betrouwbaarder waren. Uiteindelijk werd de nekslag gegeven door de opening van het Suezkanaal waardoor de stoomschepen een veel kortere route konden varen. Het kanaal was voor zeilschepen moeilijk te bezeilen doordat het zo smal is.

Op de lange routes, met goedkope niet-conjunctuurgevoelige ladingen, hielden de veel grotere ijzeren en later stalen windjammers het veel langer vol, maar snelheid was toen al lang geen criterium meer. Desondanks haalden deze laadbakken vaak veel hogere snelheden, deels door hun grotere romplengte, deels door het gebruik van geheel stalen tuigage en deels door de vooruitgang in de meteorologie. Zo zijn diverse records, waaronder die van de snelste Kaap Hoornpassage (5 dagen en 14 uur) pas in de jaren dertig van de twintigste eeuw gevestigd. Veel theeklippers konden vanwege hun kwetsbare bouw en tuigage overigens helemaal niet langs Kaap Hoorn.

Zie ook
Klipperroute
Roaring Forties

Zeilschip
Historisch scheepstype

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It apparently has been real soggy in NC. Weather had been mixed here in Florida, but mostly free of rain and quite warm. Saying this reminds me of when my parents moved from Yonkers, New York to Merritt Island, Florida. Mom was continuously trying to convince Jean & me ("me" is correct, you know) with our two young daughters to move from our home in Michigan to Florida . Invariably, if there was inclement winter weather in Michigan (anywhere in Michigan), we would get a phone call from mother to tell us how nice it was in Florida and deriding us for enduring the same type of weather that she had lived with for the previous 55 years. We swore that mom stayed glued to the Weather Channel just waiting for the opportunity to point out the difference in the weather in our respective locations. There is probably a lonely grandmother iPhone app for that now.
The first time we did pack the two little "chitlins" in the car and made the 2-day trek to grandma's house – it was freezing down there. Upon returning from the discount store with a cache of winter apparel, mom exclaimed "it has never been this cold before in the history of Florida before". Didn't mammoths reside in Florida once? Well, at least we had a fresh set of winter ware for when we returned to Michigan.
Back to this trek: The morning of October 1st we worked our way north and west out of Homestead on Florida's SR 41 (the Tamiami Trail), to Sanibel Island on Florida's southwestern Gulf Coast. A few miles north of Homestead, the Tamiami Trail heads west , cutting directly through the central Everglades. Alon the way we encountered an official looking sign denoting "Rock Reef Pass – Elevation 3 feet". Back to this trek: The morning of October 1st we worked our way north and west out of Homestead on Florida's SR 41 (the Tamiami Trail), to Sanibel Island on Florida's southwestern Gulf Coast. A few miles north of Homestead, the Tamiami Trail heads west , cutting directly through the central Everglades. Along the Trail we encountered an official looking sign stating "Rock Reef Pass – Elevation 3 feet". The highest pass elevation that we have traveled over in the Jeep is Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado at 10,856 feet. Rock Reef Pass set a record for the lowest elevation pass at 3 feet.
This part of the Everglades originally consisted of a 50 mile wide shallow "stream" of water slowly flowing south out of Lake Okeechobee (Florida's largest freshwater lake) toward southern Florida and ultimately out into Florida's southern bays. Decades ago, in the interest of making the valuable land under that "stream" accessible for farming (largely government subsidized sugar cane) and development, canals were cut east and west to drain much of the Everglades water off to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, respectively. It is only recently that efforts have been made to restore some of the water flow to a small portion of the original Everglades territory. Time will tell if the quality, quantity, and timing of water flow events will result in a restoration, at least in part, of the original separate seven ecological environments once present in the Everglades.
So, with that history lesson (according to Dan) under your belt; you might not be surprised that much of the crossing of the Everglades on the Tamiami Trail paralleled a large canal with massive locks and diversion channels. Fortunately, there were some wide expanses of shallow water marshland to give one some feel for what once existed.
After crossing the Everglades, the Tamiami Trail (FL SR 41) heads north, from which one can continue west to Sanibel Island. Jean and I selected this as our next stop, as she had always liked patiently picking her way through fossils, historical remnants, and of course, that which Sanibel Island is noted – seashells. Me; give me a pickax and a shovel and let the "chips" fall where they may. Anyway, after spending the evening of October 1st at a pleasant gulf side motel on the Island, we checked the tide schedule, which indicated low-tide would be 11am the next day.


This bean bag was a gift for my toddler. I placed it my child's room. I must admit this is not a bad bean bag. It turned out to be a good gift. My toddler plays with the bean bag all the time. My personal favorite is that it's safe. I don't have to worry about my toddler getting hurt. It's also proving to be durable.
• The micro suede cover can be unzipped and removed. The cover is machine washable is great when you have kids. It's incredibly soft. Suede is a popular material and known for its comfort.
• Chill bean bags are made in the USA. The company is proud to maintain its product and labor force in the USA. The high standard shows in the quality of the product.
• Different colors are available. Keep in mind. When purchasing as different color bean bag the price could possibly change.
• Large size makes it great for both children and adults. Make no mistake its more comfortable for children. It's still large enough for adults.
• Most people don't notice the price change when changing color. This has been seen as sneaky and many will gladly pay for they want. It's better to inform the customer about the product.
It's a tough and durable bag at an amazing price. At this price range, you don't see this kind of bean bags. All the material used in making the bag are fantastic. The concept of the bag is great for children. Seeing the safety feature on the inner zipper let me know the company was putting the children first. My main focus when buying a product for my child is safety. Chill kids bean bag chairs has earned my trust.


text:
gregorioa/Shutterstock
Travel Trends Jan 8, 2019
Christine Sarkis
There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Twitter @ChristineSarkis and Instagram @postcartography.
Sarkis joined SmarterTravel in 2003. She's always on the lookout for authentic local experiences and her next great meal. She loves discovering new destinations, predicting trends, and turning amazing travel experiences into inspiring stories.
Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Yahoo! Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and other publications. Her work has also been published in Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008. She is currently working on a travel memoir.
The Handy Item I Always Pack: The J Pillow Travel Pillow. It's a bit bulky and noticeably phallic, but it's the best inflight sleep aid I've ever found.
Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.
Travel Motto: Curiosity is an amazing compass.
Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Aisle all the way.
Email Christine Sarkis at editor@smartertravel.com.
See recent posts by Christine Sarkis
christine.sarkis@smartertravel.com
It's time to think big. A new year brings new opportunities to upgrade destinations from bucket to book-it list. Fueled by big celebrations, new air routes, and more, here are seven great destinations to check off your travel bucket list this year.
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India may be a travel bucket list mainstay, but because it can be a challenging destination—due to practical issues ranging from visas to vaccines and concerns about health or safety—it's also one travelers put off year after year. But 2019 may be the time to float India to the top of your bucket list, especially if you enjoy a big party. On October 2, the state of Gujarat will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi with a party that's expected to cost $23 million USD. Elsewhere, the Taj Mahal is looking better than it has in years thanks to ongoing cleaning efforts aimed at restoring the complex's pristine white-marble glow.
Where to stay: In Agra, the Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate offers complimentary early-morning coffee and nibbles for guests headed out for a spectacular sunrise view of the Taj Mahal, just a short walk away.
Michael Gordon/Shutterstock
With its history as a Portuguese colony and a modern reputation as the gambling capital of the world, Macau has a strong regional identity plus plenty to offer travelers looking for luxury. An increase in air service from several hubs in Asia makes this autonomous territory of China easier to get to than ever before. Thanks to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge opening in late 2018, it's also now possible to fly into Hong Kong and take a car to Macau. While the bridge isn't open to general traffic, you can hop a shuttle that connects these Pearl River Delta cities. And unlike mainland China, Macau offers U.S. citizens the chance to visit for up to 30 days without a visa. While you're there, be sure to dig into the culinary scene that earned the territory the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017.
Where to stay: Luxurious rooms, its signature spa, and views of the Cotai Strip at the Conrad Macau Cotai Central offer all the glamour you'd expect of both Conrad and Macau.
Zuhairi Ahmad/Shutterstock
It's time to upgrade New Zealand to the top of your travel bucket list. In 2019, the land of dramatic backdrops and rich indigenous culture beckons with easier access from U.S. departure cities and a big anniversary. This year marks 250 years since the first encounters between Maori and Europeans in what would become New Zealand. The Tuia Encounters 250 national commemoration will include festivals, exhibitions, and more throughout the year.
10 Best Places to Go in New Zealand
With direct routes from Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on Air New Zealand, and between Honolulu and Auckland on Hawaiian Airlines, there are plenty of options for U.S. travelers. And now, passengers from the Midwest and East Coast have an easier option: Air New Zealand recently debuted direct nonstop service between Chicago and Auckland. Last year, the award-winning airline also added kid-friendly features to its innovative Economy Skycouch to boost its family appeal.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Auckland and boasting both city and harbor views, the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour has rooms featuring balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oversized bathrooms with rain showers and deep soaking bathtubs.
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You've put it off for long enough: 2019 is the year to visit the Grand Canyon. To celebrate its centennial, the national park is inviting canyoneers young and old to discover (or rediscover) the vast and colorful natural wonder this year. Look for special events and programs throughout 2019. Just remember to book your accommodations or campsites early; with an average of six million visitors each year, it's wise to plan ahead.
Where to stay: Perched on the edge of the Grand Canyon Rim, the Kachina Lodge offers well-appointed rooms—many with a partial canyon view—and is within walking distance of South Rim dining facilities at El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge.
Elqui Valley, Chile
Erlantz P.R/Shutterstock
Looking for potentially perfect conditions for viewing the solar eclipse on July 2? Then consider a well-timed trip to the bucket-list-worthy Elqui Valley in Chile. This preternaturally lovely valley at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert knows a thing or two about skygazing—in 2015, part of the valley was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. According to Eclipsophile, parts of the Elqui Valley, "particularly at Vicuna or where the valley turns southward toward Pisco Elqui," are likely to be good spots for viewing the total solar eclipse. And when you're not staring up at the sky, you can enjoy more earthbound local pursuits including wine and pisco tasting, and outdoor adventures like trekking, horseback riding, and off-roading.
Where to stay: Reviewers praise the comfortable rooms and hospitable staff at the Terral Hotel & Spa in Vicuna. The hotel has a pool, hot tub, and restaurant and bar.
Crystal Egan/Shutterstock
Panama may not be on your bucket list yet, but it should be. Its rich biodiversity, white-sand beaches, protected rainforests, and well-preserved cultures offer more than enough reasons to go. But this year, Panama City ups the ante with 500th birthday celebrations that have attracted attention from trendsetters like Vogue. Add to that the chance to see the recently expanded Panama Canal, the oceans-connecting engineering marvel that impresses even the most determinedly non-technical, and you'll have a full itinerary. Bonus: Because Panama has become, in recent years, the "hub of the Americas," with abundant connecting flights to both North and South America, it's among the region's easiest destinations to visit.
Where to stay: The Bristol Panama City is a luxury hotel in Panama City's Financial District. Amenities include a full-service spa, outdoor swimming pool, and solarium.
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Good news—you know that trip you've always wanted to take to Tahiti? It's time to book it. Here's why: Recently launched routes from United and low-cost carrier French Bee are bridging that gap of ocean and exorbitant airfare, putting the South Pacific paradise within reach of more travelers. United launched three seasonal weekly nonstop flights between San Francisco and Papeete late last year. And long-haul, low-cost carrier French Bee is offering seats on the San Francisco-Tahiti leg of its Paris-San Francisco-Papeete route at notably low prices.
Where to stay: Set in a 32-acre garden next to a lagoon, the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti is a world unto itself with restaurants, a spa, and pools.
For more ideas, see Top Travel Destinations for 2019.
10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in 2019
10 Best Solo Vacations for 2019
9 Trending Travel Destinations in 2019
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Follow Christine Sarkis on Twitter @ChristineSarkis and Instagram @postcartography for more advice about making every vacation the best vacation.
Flagstaff, AZ (Grand Canyon/Sedona)
Tahiti, French Polynesia