text:
This week: Safeway, Queens Moat Houses, Endonis, Systems International Group among others
Stockmarket sector shake-ups inevitably produce winners and losers, and spotting the beneficiaries can be a path to profits. One of the most obvious areas for consolidation is the supermarket sector, which is overcrowded and where competition is cut-throat.
Store wars among Tesco, Sainsbury, Wal-Mart's Asda, Safeway, Somerfield and William Morrison have squeezed margins and strained profits.
But though the industry is crying out for rationalisation, it has been in limbo ahead of the publication of the Competition Commission's inquiry into supermarkets prompted by accusations of a 'rip-off' Britain.
Trade Secretary Stephen Byers has sat on the report, but when it is finally released this week, supermarkets are expected to emerge largely unscathed.
Big groups may be blocked from buying smaller rivals if it gives them dominance in a particular region, but deals could be allowed if it takes them into new areas. However, smaller players may be allowed to combine.
That should spark a shake-out in the next six months, after which the sector will have fewer players and they will have a chance of generating reasonable returns.
Companies that will not be consolidated are Tesco, the king of the supermarket crop, and Asda, owned by Wal-Mart, as well as Somerfield, which has too many problems to attract a predator.
The likely losers in a consolidation, which should produce winners for investors in terms of takeover premiums, are therefore Sainsbury, Morrison and Safeway.
With both Sainsbury and Morrison there are large family shareholders who show no sign of wanting to sell, which leaves only Safeway.
Under chief executive Carlos Criado-Perez, nicknamed the Jackal by critics, Safeway has gone for a price-cutting strategy that has boosted sales and won customers.
Over the next two years it plans to invest about £200m in its 70 biggest stores and extend the range of goods its sells, particularly non-food items.
It needs to improve since its stores portfolio is not as good as rivals, which also have a head-start in non-food retail. But it may not get the chance.
The company has been on Asda's shopping list and could be again, while Morrison is also a potential buyer.
So it is a gamble, but my bet is Safeway will emerge as the most likely candidate for consolidation and therefore the one to offer the most potential for investors in the short term.
The market realises this and the shares have spurted from below 160p in March to 287p, but they remain attractive ahead of interim results next month.
Midas verdict: The Competition Commission report should herald a shake-up in the sector and there is an opportunity to profit. If you are willing to speculate, then buy Safeway before one of its rivals does the same.
SHARES in hotels group Queens Moat Houses are worth accumulating, says Merrill Lynch, on the back of strong interim results and upbeat prospects.
Merrill increased its annual profits forecast by £500,000 to £14m and reckons the shares, now 18p, are worth 21p.
QMH has been held back by its huge borrowings and after surviving recent debt problems has been seen as a recovery play. Its prospects have improved, helped by a recent fundraising that left it with some cash to invest.
Borrowings this year are expected to fall by about £100m to £616m.
However, under chief executive Andrew Coppel, QMH faces a struggle to cope with the shift from survival to growth mode, and there are better prospects in the sector.
NEXT time you order a burger and Coke in McDonald's or eat in a swanky restaurant, the chances are the food has been prepared on equipment made by Enodis.
Known as Berisford until a name change this year, Enodis is the world's largest food equipment manufacturer, with products ranging from ovens to ice-makers and refrigerated cabinets for supermarkets.
While these are its core business, it also has a consumer operation that includes the 215-store Magnet kitchens chain and the bathrooms business C. P. Hart.
Classed as an engineer on the stock market, the company, under chief executive David Williams, has been trying to shake off its manufacturing image in favour of that of a one-stop service provider offering increasingly sophisticated technology in its products.
However, the market has failed to embrace the change and the share price has slumped from 359p in January to 194.5p, valuing the company at £487m. That puts the shares on a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just over 5 and with a yield near 7% they appear tasty.
The company's main market is America after its takeover last year of refrigeration company Scotsman Industries. And while that mature market is growing at only a few% a year, Enodis is generating double-digit earnings growth.
It wants to increase its exposure to the faster-growing Far East market and has some financial headroom for acquisitions.
Magnet generates plenty of cash for the group, but it will be sold one day and could fetch between £150m and £200m.
Add to this the fact that Enodis is expected to report annual profits next month of about £105m, up from £74.5m, and the current valuation looks cheap.
Midas verdict: With a share price underpinned by a healthy dividend, the chance to buy what is increasingly a service company on a bombed out manufacturing sector rating makes Enodis a good buy for the long term.
IT recruitment, consultancy and products business Systems International Group had an unhappy first year as a public company with poor results, but it is getting its act together. It hopes for great things from its Web:Linc business-to-business internet ordering system, which can be installed far faster and at a fraction of the cost of bespoke systems.
Midas verdict: SIG looks to have put its problems behind it and the potential of Web:Linc makes the shares a speculative buy at 44.5p.
A busy week on the bid front has produced some swift profits for four Midas recommendations.
Software company CFS rated a buy a month ago at 188.5p, ended last week at 287.5p for a 52% gain, after agreeing a reverse takeover of US rival Decision Systems.
And Country Gardens which was recommended at 286p in August, closed the week at 384.5p for a 34% rise in six weeks after it agreed a £108m cash-and-shares offer from its rival Wyevale Garden Centres.
Also, housebuilder Linden announced on Friday its long-awaited management buyout at 290p. Rated a buy at 223.5p, the shares have made a 30% gain.
The same day, cashmere company Dawson International recommended here at 51.75p in May, said it had received an approach, possibly from a group of Italian investors, about an 85p-per-share cash bid. This equates to a healthy 64% rise.
Linden and Dawson are going private, but CFS and Wyevale will remain quoted and while some profits should be taken by selling in the market, there is a case for at least retaining some shares going forward.
CFS, changing its name to IDS, will now be the world's leading provider of software and services to the leasing and asset-based finance sectors, which cover a range of products from cars to computers.
Decision Systems brings new customers and markets, and CFS now has a global product for international customers, suggesting further potential for the share price.
Country Gardens' deal with Wyevale creates a company with 119 garden centres, and should substantially boost Wyevale's earnings.
CHECK YOUR INVESTMENTS
Stock market latest
Check shares, funds and investment trusts
SAVING CALCULATORS
Monthly or lump sum savings calculator
Inflation savings danger calculator
Children's savings calculator
Isa fund charges calculator
Pension pot calculator
How you can save more
Investing: don't miss
Confessions of an Impulsive Investor I put my inheritance into a magpie Isa of specialist investment trusts and snazzy ETFs, and it's up 20% - so far...
Bitcoin? 'It's God's way of telling us there's too much money', says expert as gold remains safe haven of choice
Rise of the machines Robots are here and it could be time to add them to your portfolio - here's how...without terminating your cash
Trump gone, coronavirus recovery and a green stimulus on the way Where are the best places around the world to invest in 2021?
Are YOU really a financial daredevil? Try this 8-question test and find out...
ASK TONY I was conned out of £12,500 by Bitcoin boiler-room scam and my bank says there's nothing it can do
Do I need lots of money to invest? What if my platform goes bust? Our experts answer your questions about investing
The top dividend payers of 2020 Income from FTSE 100 firms was slashed 20%, but these 16 blue-chips are paying out
The top green investment trusts Renewable energy infrastructure funds boast yields of 6% - but do high premiums make them too expensive?
The funds set to benefit from the green revolution How Isa investors can profit by backing clean energy and the greening of the global economy
The tortoise and the hare... or the squirrel and the ostrich Which type of investor are you and who's done best this year?
Are any of your stocks weighed down by their pension funds? Hefty shortfalls can be an investment red flag - and these are the worst offenders
Investment firms report a quadrupling of cases of fraudsters 'cloning' them to trick victims
Investing in the future ADRIAN LOWERY looks at the exciting trends that adventurous investors can back in their Isas - and how to go about it
INVESTING SHOW We've had the vaccine rally and US election, so what happens next for shares?
On the hunt for investing bargains? Check out these eight opportunities that experts say still look cheap at current prices
Are investors at risk of a 'green bubble'? As savers pile into ethical funds after Covid, we look at some of the best performers
10 golden rules for rookie investors The PRUDENT INVESTOR has seen it all over three decades of market ups and downs... here's his top tips
Get ready for a FTSE recovery? Revitalised by new hope over vaccines and a Brexit deal, some experts say it could hit 9,400
Five key investing themes for the next 10 years Biotech, ESG and three other trends investors need to understand
Think you are safe from a tax raid on wealth? Capital gains tax explained ,and how to protect yourself against it
Latest from Investing
Will Joe Biden's presidency give you bang for your buck?: His policies could boost economy and share prices
Fidelity International launches UK wealth management business offering 'restricted' advice on investing and retirement
How to back the boomerangs and avoid the zombies: Share tips for companies that can rebound in 2021... and those that could continue to struggle
Orphan pensions and investments worth £800m could be handed to charity under plan to widen 'dormant assets' scheme
Work out how a lump sum or regular monthly savings would grow
Lump sum
Monthly saving
Your savings will be worth
Check the best savings rates
Find the top deals in our independent best-buy tables


Willkommen beim Institut für Gerontologische Forschung e. V.
The Institute for Gerontological Research (IGF) is an independent and interdisciplinary research institute located in Berlin and Munich. For more than 30 years our team has been researching aspects of the "ageing society". Our aim is to identify and promote approaches, methods and frameworks that enable people to continue to lead independent lives as they grow older.
We believe that the successful development and realisation of sustainable concepts requires a cooperative process involving all relevant stakeholders. The same also applies to tackling the challenges presented by resurgent old-age poverty, ageing migrant communities, the rise in dementia, and soaring demand for qualified carers and nursing staff.
We develop empirically grounded research and concepts using a broad spectrum of sociological methods, and participate in successful research alliances and networks. Our findings and recommendations address the full spectrum of opportunities for change, from governance and management through healthcare and social work procedure to design, architecture and planning. In our research projects we also make a point of collaborating with partners working in the field: social services, vocational training, housing associations, senior citizens' groups, and political figures at the municipal, state and national level.


Theo Whittington: Personal Trainer, Sports Nutritionist, Sports Psychologist. Director of The Fitness Consulting Company Ltd.
Theo is a personal trainer based exclusively at Fitness Local in Lowestoft, who helps men and women to build muscle and strength while burning off excess fat. He has worked with strength athletes at regional, national, and international levels, and published multiple articles including his book, The Fat Loss Handbook.
© copyright Fitness Local 2018. All rights reserved.


text:
Tynker Review
Tynker is a premium service that teaches children how to code and provides them with other valuable life skills. Coding is a fantastic way to express creativity, increase critical thinking, and prepare kids for the future. Technology is inevitably linked to the future, and children who learn how to code at Tynker will have an advantage.
There are many services out there to teach kids programming, so what makes Tynker stand out? This review covers who Tynker is suited for, how it works, all of the benefits and features, plans and pricing, and advantages and disadvantages.
Who is Tynker for?
Children of all ages can benefit from learning to code. Tynker acknowledges this and encourages kids ages 5 to 18 to start their coding journey. If a child has shown an interest in coding and wants to learn more, Tynker has something to offer them, but it also works perfectly for kids with no previous coding experience.
Every child begins at Tynker with an assessment that places them in the portion of the program that suits them best. Kids can start with Tynker early on and progress throughout their adolescence. There are activities offered for specific age groups including 5-7, 8-13, and 14+, to ensure students are learning things at the right level.
Coding can grow into a lucrative career opportunity, and Tynker has lessons all the way through high school, including year-long AP-aligned courses.
The target audience at Tynker is students, K-12, but they also offer their services to educators. Tynker can serve as a complete computer science curriculum and includes all the tools and resources instructors need to succeed.
Tynker was featured on our list of coding classes for kids due to its quality, and you can find other programs just like it there as well.
How Does Tynker Work?
A well-structured curriculum provides the framework for every child's progress with Tynker.
The curriculum begins by teaching the fundamentals of coding in a fun and intuitive way. This addresses the core values that coding utilizes, such as ordering tasks, problem-solving, and computational thinking. They teach block-based coding with their own programming language that is built specifically for teaching kids.
After children learn coding basics, they move on to more programming and work on real-world practical examples. At this stage, kids have the option to choose a specialty and begin to focus their studies on that area. There are lessons available in several disciplines, including game design, music composition, UI design, art, and interactive storytelling.
Once kids have chosen their specialties and attained a basic understanding of them, they move on to proficiency. At this point, all of the lessons are the nuts-and-bolts particulars for a chosen specialty. Proficiency serves as the starting point for mastery, and Tynker provides all of the tools to make this a reality.
At this point, they can create games, build simple apps, and much more. These simple projects ensure that kids don't forget what they learn and keep them engaged and working towards something.
Electives provide chances for advancement and certification after proficiency has been achieved. These are advanced computer science paths focused on image processing and art, Javascript and web development, artificial intelligence, and data science. Advanced-level courses such as these can serve as a primer for college studies.
The coding platform places children where they need to start, keeps them engaged, and provides them with the opportunity to succeed in and after college. Tynker is a program trusted by brands such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and NASA.
Benefits and Features of Tynker
The lessons provided at Tynker give children a chance for improved academic performance in math and writing with increased confidence and creativity.
While gaining valuable academic proficiencies, Tynker can also help kids build more than just coding skills. Soft skills such as focus, organization, communication, and resilience are also developed.
The programming lessons can help pave a path for the future of every child by empowering them with technical literacy in a world that thrives on it. This can pay dividends to anyone who learns it, and it's part of every subscription.
It's not just parents that can use Tynker, as teachers will find a great use for it. They have partnerships with over 100,000 schools to teach students K-12 coding with an effective and tested system. This same system is the one children have access to with a subscription, so they can follow similar lesson plans. Many teachers use Tynker since they provide an easy-to-access teacher's dashboard where they can track the progress of the students as well as their grades.
There is a safe and moderated community that is part of the experience, which gives young learners a chance to collaborate with other students, highlight featured makers every week, and participate in educational how-tos.
Children have the chance to build a solid portfolio with Tynker. This is the kind of extracurricular experience that looks great on resumes and college applications. Schools partner with Tynker to add it to their STEM curriculum, which shows the quality of the learning they get.
There are coding competitions at Tynker, and everyone can enter for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes. This provides a universal motivation and encourages development through competition.
One of the most unique features Tynker has to offer is three highly-rated mobile apps for kids to utilize. These apps are available for free:
Tynker Junior allows younger, pre-reading kids to work on puzzles and engage the mind in a way that coding does.
For children 7-12, there is an aptly named app called Tynker, which allows them to build apps and games, compose art and music, and more with drag-and-drop simplicity.
The Mod Creator app is for kids 7-12 who love Minecraft and want to learn how to do modding projects and add-ons.
Tynker Pricing
Flexibility and value matter more than ever, and they provide both for families of different sizes.
Tynker offers three options for a subscription: Quarterly, Yearly, and Lifetime. At the time of publication, Quarterly subscriptions are $20/month billed quarterly, Yearly subscriptions are $16/month billed annually, and a Lifetime subscription is a one-time payment of $360. There are discounts available often, and the rates mentioned above are part of Tynker's current holiday promotion.
There is also a Family Plan which includes three accounts and comes at a substantial discount over the single account rates. A Lifetime family plan provides massive savings and would make a great gift.
Parents can also choose from 1 on 1 live lessons for classes that currently start at $199.
Any service as comprehensive as Tynker is bound to have advantages, and some of them include:
Personalized coaching for every student
Tynker teaches children about things that interest them and have real-world applications.
The lessons at Tynker can be at whatever pace children like, and some children work best with this kind of flexibility.
A dashboard for parents and teachers to check on the student's progress
A world-class set of tools for every student, including code editors, image processing software, animation tools, physics engines, game builders, character builders, and synthesizers
No service is perfect, and Tynker does have some disadvantages:
There is no monthly subscription option which means more upfront cost, but you can cancel at any time
While the lessons are at your one-pace, this can also be a disadvantage as some children need a more rigid structure to learn
If your child is interested in learning what coding is all about or wishes to further their knowledge, Tynker is a truly comprehensive product with an attractive price point for parents.
The program offers a world-class suite of tools for children of all ages to learn to code. Kids have the opportunity to start wherever they are in their coding journey and experience notable progress almost immediately.
Coding is a valuable skill set for the future as the world relies increasingly more on technology. Tynker can teach children this skill set in a way that will encourage, engage, and entertain them.
The Maker Mom
7 Best Roblox Coding Classes of 2023
7 Simple Machine Projects For Kids To Try
12 Best STEM Subscription Boxes For Kids 2023
Best Minecraft Coding Classes For Kids 2023
Best STEM Toys For 9 To 10 Year Olds
© 2023 The Maker Mom | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I have to admit I have a bit of a bag fetish. I love them. Although I am not someone who changes my purse all the time. I still love looking at different bags and have a bit of a collection of them. Today I am sharing with you Patchwork Quilted Bags: Totes, Purses & Accessories by Reiko Washizawa which is being released on August 30th.
This book has many beautiful bags and accessories to make. I love several of them. Many bring patchwork and quilting styles together to make new stylish items. It includes everything from pouches, purses and totes to lesson bags and travel bags.
I fell in love with the Strawberry Pouch and started making one for my strawberry-loving daughter. However I have not finished it.
I discovered rather quickly this book is not for the beginning quilter. Luckily I am not one. The patchwork instructions are rather sparse as are the details of cutting much of the patchwork throughout the book. For the Strawberry Pouch no size of rhombus or rhombus pattern was given. I decided to go back to my English paper piecing book that I reviewed a few weeks ago to use the pattern there. Of course that meant hand sewing and I haven't gotten very far. I also do not have the best collection of red fabrics.
There are a few I thought Hazel could help me make like this Mini Yo-Yo Pouch. Wouldn't it make the cutest pencil case for back to school? Yo-yo's are easy enough for me to show Hazel how to sew them. We could make the pouch together or buy a premade canvas one. I also think she could help me make the Clutch since it involves weaving ribbons.
Since I am at my mother's I decided not to try these with her yet. Although Hazel was trying to go through my mother's fabrics to start making yo-yo's. We convinced her to try some other crafts instead.
I also love the Card Case with Accordion Pocket. I am probably going to try to make one for myself, but decided not to attempt it at my mother's and trying to figure out her newest machine. Plus she couldn't find all of her supplies I would need.
The book even has a pattern for one of the foldable shopping bags that are all the rage. I may give this one a try as well. Overall I love the designs in the book. The instructions and set up are not as clear as I would like and I find the patterns a bit lacking. Most of the patterns are for the shape or the applique on the backs and do not work for the patchwork. I find the instructions confusing in spots and also do not like how you have to turn to find the instructions for each bag in the back of the book rather than with its picture. Overall if you are an experienced quilter and sewer who loves new bag ideas this book is for you.
Thank you to everyone who shared with us at last party!! It was full of creations and inspiring ideas!! Below are some features from the party, but this is just a small sample of great ideas shared! This week the features are in three groups: back to school crafts (we're still a few weeks away but I know some are starting or already started), fabric crafts and everything else.


text:
Rutgers Students Want Refunds After Fifth DDoS Attack in One Year
by Hallel Yadin October 11, 2015 March 26, 2021
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Rutgers students are frustrated with the university's lackluster cybersecurity, considering the school raised tuition in part to fund $3 million worth of network upgrades after several cyberattacks brought the school to a screeching halt last semester.
But on September 28, Rutgers University experienced another distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, the fifth such attack in less than a year. That attack shut down the school's wireless internet service, and many other services from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. and again from 10 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m.
The university acknowledged that it was "not well protected" during the first four attacks, but had said it had since begun pouring millions of dollars into its cybersecurity efforts, as we reported.
This spending was cited as one of the main reasons Rutgers University's Board of Governos approved a 2.3% increase in tutition for the 2015-2016 year.
Rutgers engineering student Riccardo Mui started a change.org petition imploring Rutgers President Robert Barchi to refund the ineffectual tuition hike.
Mui comes from a humble background, raised by an immigrant father who could not support him through college.
This is his take on the DDoS attack:
Since I came to college, I expected at least decent internet speeds, and while it usually holds up, we get DDoS attacks every time an exam rolls around. Now I would not say anything, yet I feel the need to tell all the students to join together to either get a refund or to make Rutgers change something on their own time. Why? Because Rutger's spent over 3 million on upgrading the network, yet only 160,000 actually went to physical upgrades. Also, they used Incapsula as a DSoS attack defender, which is decent for websites, but definitely not for a University. Besides, we literally wasted all of our money because as soon as an attack was launched, it took down the network. Since there was a tuition increase, it is only fair that we get that money back.
The petition reached 300 signatures within an hour, and 750 signatures within the first fifteen hours, and now has more than 1,000 signatures.
The "Reasons for Signing" section is telling. Some students were simply angry that the university did not provide what they felt they deserved.
Others suspected that the school did not even invest the money in cybersecurity at all.
David Park commented, "Only a small percentage of the 3 million raised was actually used to improve Rutgers' cyber defense system. If Rutgers doesn't actually use all the money it's raised from increasing the tuition for its actual purpose, refund the students."
Several students brought up Rutgers' habit of spending big on athletics.
For example, Chetan Kini wrote, "You can't increase my tuition and then have something like this occur; it's unacceptable. I'm pretty sure you gave my money to the damn football team since that's where all our funding goes."
As Leslie Brighton said, "If Don Smith [Rutgers's Vice President of Information Technology] was doing his job, I wouldn't even know who he was."
Hallel Yadin
Previous Electrical Issue Impacts City Court and County Prosecutor's Office
Next Crime Alert: NBPD Investigating Aggravated Assault on Easton


text:
Accertify plugin
================

Kill Bill fraud plugin using [Accertify](http://www.accertify.com/).

Release builds are available on [Maven Central](http://search.maven.org/#search%7Cga%7C1%7Cg%3A%22org.kill-bill.billing.plugin.java%22%20AND%20a%3A%22accertify-plugin%22) with coordinates `org.kill-bill.billing.plugin.java:accertify-plugin`.

Kill Bill compatibility
-----------------------

| Plugin version | Kill Bill version |
| -------------: | ----------------: |
| 0.1.y          | 0.14.z            |
| 0.2.y          | 0.16.z            |
| 0.3.y          | 0.18.z            |

Requirements
------------

The plugin needs a database. The latest version of the schema can be found [here](https://github.com/killbill/killbill-accertify-plugin/blob/master/src/main/resources/ddl.sql).

Configuration
-------------

The following properties are required:

* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.url`: your Accertify url
* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.username`: your username
* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.password`: your password

The following properties are optional:

* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.plugins`: names of the payment plugins for which automatic rejection is enabled (separated by comma)
* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.proxyHost`: proxy host
* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.proxyPort`: proxy port
* `org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.strictSSL`: if false, unverified certificates are trusted

These properties can be specified globally via System Properties or on a per tenant basis:

```
curl -v \
     -X POST \
     -u admin:password \
     -H 'X-Killbill-ApiKey: bob' \
     -H 'X-Killbill-ApiSecret: lazar' \
     -H 'X-Killbill-CreatedBy: admin' \
     -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
     -d 'org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.url=XXX
org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.username=YYY
org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.password=ZZZ' \
     http://127.0.0.1:8080/1.0/kb/tenants/uploadPluginConfig/killbill-accertify
```

Usage
-----

### Accertify

Because your organization will have its own XML schema configured in Accertify, you need to pass relevant data for Accertify via plugin properties.
Any property starting with `accertify_` will be passed through, with the following naming convention:

* Single keys like `accertify_ipAddress` are passed as top elements in the `<transaction>` request element
* Composed keys like `accertify_collectionTransaction->billingFirstName` are passed as children elements
* Use brackets to create list elements: `orderDetails->orderDetail[0]->shippingName`

For example, the properties

* `accertify_ipAddress=127.0.0.1`
* `accertify_collectionTransaction->billingFirstName=John`
* `accertify_orderDetails->orderDetail[0]->shippingName=John Doe`

will produce the following XML:

```
<transactions>
  <transaction>
    <ipAddress>127.0.0.1</ipAddress>
    <collectionTransaction>
      <billingFirstName>John</billingFirstName>
    </collectionTransaction>
    <orderDetails>
      <orderDetail>
        <shippingName>John Doe</shippingName>
      </orderDetail>
    </orderDetails>
  </transaction>
</transactions>
```

By default, the plugin simply calls Accertify and stores the response. Automatic rejection of the payments needs to be enabled on a per payment plugin basis.

For example, if the plugins `killbill-cybersource`, `killbill-paypal-express` and `killbill-bitpay` are installed and you want to reject only payments going to CyberSource and PayPal, specify:

```
org.killbill.billing.plugin.accertify.plugins=killbill-cybersource,killbill-paypal-express
```

Any payment for these plugins for which the assessment is `REJECT` will be aborted.

### Kill Bill

To enable the plugin on a per payment basis, use the `controlPluginName` query parameter:

```
curl -v \
     -X POST \
     -u admin:password \
     -H 'X-Killbill-ApiKey: bob' \
     -H 'X-Killbill-ApiSecret: lazar' \
     -H 'X-Killbill-CreatedBy: admin' \
     -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
     --data-binary '{"transactionType":"AUTHORIZE","amount":"10","currency":"USD"}' \
     "http://127.0.0.1:8080/1.0/kb/accounts/2a55045a-ce1d-4344-942d-b825536328f9/payments?controlPluginName=killbill-accertify"
```

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Looking beyond the current take, make, waste economy many businesses currently operate in, the float8 philosophy aims to operate within a circular economy, redefining growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits by gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of our systems, underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources. This circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital and is based on three principles.
Design out waste
& pollution
Keep products
& materials in use
Working towards this circular economy and a net carbon zero future, float8 looks to utilise less wasteful and more sustainable construction processes, building materials and best operating practices within our present and future floating homes, commercial spaces and floating developments.
Circular Economy Explained
Water Preservation
Opting for a modular construction process provides many environmental benefits; obsolete waste normally found on a building site, which often ends up in landfill is kept to a minimum in a highly controlled environment. The minimal, but inevitable waste that is created is often reused elsewhere on the build.
The energy poured into the assembly process is only a fraction of a traditional building site when everything is done under factory conditions within an assembly line. Everything from bathroom wall tiles and drainage systems are integrated from the start, minimising waste and providing a consistent level of quality.
With no need for heavy machinery and or lots of site personnel, the modular construction process also enables a reduction in noise pollution that is ordinarily associated with a busy building site.
Prefabricated buildings can also easily be dismantled, and parts reused and recycled at end of life, presenting a more sustainable solution than the high energy consumption and waste associated with traditional demolition projects.
When paired with a local choice of suppliers the modular construction process substantially reduces the carbon footprint from transport of materials.
Bio-Composite Insulation
Comparable insulation properties to traditional plastic based insulates can be achieved by using biodegradable, natural fibres such as sheep wool, cotton/denim, hemp, therma-cork or aerogel, known as bio-composite insulation materials.
Locally Sourced Materials
Wherever possible float8's specialist manufacturers use a local supply chain for all construction materials minimising the transportation distance and associated fuel consumption between place of origin and the factory.
Certified Suppliers
By working with only certified suppliers float8 has considered the 'cradle to grave' profile of all building materials, products and systems, accounting for the environmental impact of each aspect both during the manufacturing process and the typical building lifetime.
Hardwearing Concrete Pontoons
A number of the float8 models are built on floating concrete or composite concrete pontoons. Whilst concrete isn't widely associated as an environmentally friendly building material due the embodied energy required to make it, the impact is offset by its hardwearing nature and limited ongoing maintenance requirements when compared to less durable materials.
In traditional construction where impermeable hard roofs are constructed using slate, tiles or thatch, high levels of storm water flow straight into the sewage system, which at peak times can cause sewer systems to overflow resulting in flash flooding and discharging pollutants into our rivers and streams.
Many of float8's more permanent products can accommodate living green roofs which offer a natural layer of sound and thermal insulation whilst also acting as a stormwater management system that on average is 50% more efficient than traditional materials.
Most HVAC systems mechanically cool the outside air before circulating it around the internal space, green roofs provide a naturally cooler roof space which in turn reduces the energy required to adjust the HVAC system to the required internal temperature.
Green roofs also extend the roofs lifespan by offering a natural layer of protection from ultraviolet light damage and extreme temperatures whilst offering new habitats for wildlife, of particular importance in more urban settings where a high proportion of surfaces the manmade hard surfaces.
Many of float8's products can be fitted with rainwater harvesting systems, one of the simplest but most effective water management processes. Collecting rainwater reduces the risk of localised flooding and erosion and instead uses rainwater to for non-drinking purposes such as flushing toilets, watering plants and doing the washing, in turn can reducing a household's water bill and the demand on ground water.
Water Efficient Showers
A short shower is still far more efficient than a long soak in the bath. All float8 products can be fitted with water efficient showers. Water efficient showerheads manage the flow and spray pattern dependent on the user's preference whilst mixing water with air reducing the amount of water that is needed. Given as much as 70% of the water that is used when showering is hot water, water efficient showers also reduce the energy consumption used to heat the water.
Water Efficient Vacuum Toilets
Water efficient vacuum toilets, like those associated with the toilets on aeroplanes or trains can be installed in all float8 products. Vacuum toilets use a combination of suction and water to flush the system, using 0.5 – 1.5 litres of water per flush compared to 6 litres in even the most efficient modern water saving toilets.
Grey Water Recycling Systems
Wastewater from baths, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and sinks is known as 'grey water', which typically accounts for 50-80% of a household's wastewater. All float8 products can be fitted with a greywater recycling systems that clean greywater to a level that it can be used for watering plants, flushing toilets and cleaning clothes, in turn saving up to 70 litres of potable (drinking) water in an average household.
Blackwater Recycling Systems
Blackwater recycling systems start like any other household septic system where blackwater (wastewater from the toilet) is sent to a tank where anaerobic organisms and bacteria been the process of breaking down the sludge. Thereafter the blackwater recycling system undergoes three further processes:
Aeration – water and air are sent into an aeration chamber allowing the presence of aerobic bacteria and microorganisms to feed on the nutrients in the blackwater, getting rid of any potential pathogens.
Sludge Chamber – Any left over sludge that remains following the aeration process is sent to settle within a sludge chamber where the sludge sinks to the bottom of the tank. The remaining water rises to the top where it is passed through a filter that acts as a bacterial biomass further removing any potential contaminants or dangerous pathogens.
Irrigation – Finally the cleansed water is pumped to a separate tank. Whilst recycled blackwater will never be safe for human consumption it is safe to use for irrigation purposes or rerouted to use back through the toilet systems.
Blackwater recycling systems not only save thousands of wasted litres of household water but also that the household is not contaminating the local ecosystem.
Proper Insulation
Poorly insulated homes lose as much as 60% of their heat through their solid structures (walls, roofs and floors). One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce the amount of fossil fuel a household burns is by installing proper insulation, thankfully modern UK Building Regulations make this standard practice.
float8 always looks to utilise the most innovative and sustainable building techniques – passive solar heating as an intelligent, modern way of building where the design looks to take advantage of a building site, the climate and materials to minimise energy use.
In simple terms, a passive home collects heat as the sun shines through south-facing windows and retains it in the materials that store heat, known as thermal mass.
To be a successful passive home the design must have the below basic elements:
Properly Orientated Windows – within 30 degrees due South that are visible to direct sunlight between at least 9am – 3pm.
Thermal Mass – Heat absorbing materials such as concrete, brick, stone, tiles, water and phase changing products are some of the most efficient at storing heat.
Distribution Mechanisms – solar heat energy is transferred and stored around the home by conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction – Conduction occurs when heat transfers between two objects (direct contact, such as feet touching the floor)
Convection – Convection occurs when heat is transferred through a liquid or air. In a passive solar house convection is used to transfer heat through the air from one area/zone to another.
Radiation – Radiation is the warmth you feel when standing behind a window or next to a log burner.
Control Strategies – Technologies or materials installed to manage the solar exposure during the summer months – sunshades, electronic sensing devices, shutters, or operable vents and dampeners.
Heat pumps are a system that pump or move heat from one place to another by using a compressor and a circulating structure of liquid or gas refrigerant, through which heat is extracted from outside sources and pumped indoors. During the warmer months, the pump can be switched into reverse drawing heat from indoors and pumping it outside.
Heat pumps cost less to run and maintain than traditional heating systems, are inherently safer than combustible based heating systems whilst also reducing carbon emissions.
Solar Thermal Heating
The principle of solar heating works like a dark green hose lying in the sun. Solar thermal heating is the use of solar radiation as heat energy and should not be confused with photovoltaics, which produce electricity from the sunlight.
In solar thermal heating, the suns heat radiation is absorbed and then pumped to a solar storage, there the thermal energy is transmitted to a storage tank. If the solar energy is insufficient a conventional heating system will heat up the storage tank to the desired temperature.
Solar thermal heating provides an unlimited supply of free energy and where no CO2 emissions are produced in the process.
Photovoltaics, or solar panels as they are commonly known, work by allowing light particles to knock electrons free from atoms, in turn generating a free flow of electricity. Although PV cells have a high upfront cost, this cost can usually be offset by long term use.
Wind turbines create clean energy without producing any emissions that could cause damage to the environment. On a domestic scale, turbines usually come either mounted on poles or attached to the fabric of the house.
Localised Network
Typically, 10% of energy produced is wasted in transportation from source to final destination. float8 aims towards a localised energy network on all floating developments, whereby energy is generated on site, or at least very close to site, in turn reducing the energy wasted in transportation.
Floating Gardens
Just as it is possible to make homes float, it is also possible to make floating green space or floating gardens. If floating gardens are integrated within a floating development, it is possible to create an area where nature could develop and grow in all its abundance under the watchful eye of its urban inhabitants.
Porosity (The Ability to Attach)
To further encourage natural flora and fauna to thrive alongside the needs of the human population, it is possible to attach submerged nets to the underside of the pontoon providing an easy structure for organisms and algae to attach themselves to. As the algae becomes denser the complexity of food chain feeding on the algae also grows until a point where the body of water becomes as ecologically rich as it would have been pre-development.
What if building on flood plains was sustainable?
Over recent years the UK has seen several incidents where severe floods have caused considerable damage to people's homes and livelihoods, yet there is a still a chronic shortage of new homes to serve the needs of a growing population.
With sea levels continuing to rise as an impact of global warming, the associated risk of localised flooding runs parallel, yet planners and developers so often turn to unattractive and expensive brownfield development sites or the greenfield sites that should be preserved for agriculture to feed the mouths of a growing population and outdoor recreation that's so important to the nation's mental wellbeing.
Why not look at the abundance of flood plains as a sustainable and cost-effective solution, where floating homes rise and fall with the water level?
Aiming for Net-Zero
float8 Ltd, Bristol.
info@float8.uk
© 2020 float8 | Privacy Policy | Cookies | Website by TMG Marketing


text:
Q: SSL Authentication with PEM files (cURL + PHP) I've already been able to do something similar on other websites, but now I'm having trouble authenticating using SSL certificate on a particular site. When I install the certificate in the browser, it works perfectly. But when I convert the .pfx file into .pem files and I try to use it with php + curl, it does not work.
My code is as follows:
<?php
$url = 'https://www2.agencianet.fazenda.df.gov.br/Inicio/Restrita/';
$pemfile = __DIR__ . '/pubKEY.pem';
$keyfile = __DIR__ . '/priKEY.pem';

$ch = curl_init($url);
$options = array(
    CURLOPT_FRESH_CONNECT => true,
    CURLOPT_HEADER => 1,
    CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER =>true,
    CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION => 1,
    CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => array(
        "Accept:text/html,application/xhtml+xml,application/xml;q=0.9,image/webp,*/*;q=0.8",
        "Accept-Language:pt-BR,pt;q=0.8,en-US;q=0.6,en;q=0.4,de;q=0.2,es;q=0.2,gl;q=0.2,nl;q=0.2",
        "Cache-Control:no-cache",
        "Connection:keep-alive",
        "Host:www2.agencianet.fazenda.df.gov.br",
        "Pragma:no-cache",
        "Referer:http://agnet.fazenda.df.gov.br/",
        "Upgrade-Insecure-Requests:1",
        "User-Agent:Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/54.0.2840.99 Safari/537.36"
    ),
    CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST => 0,
    CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER => 0,
    CURLOPT_SSLVERSION => 0,
    CURLOPT_SSLCERT => $pemfile,
    CURLOPT_SSLKEY => $keyfile,
    CURLOPT_SSLCERTTYPE => 'PEM'
);
curl_setopt_array($ch, $options);
$data = curl_exec($ch);
print_r($data);
print_r(curl_error($ch));
curl_close($ch);

The pem files are these:

drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxSFCb666mqCbUJIMlhIMjh0aGM?usp=sharing

Some images:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Moscow > Consular Information > Visas > Tourisme/other private visits >
Tourisme/other private visits
Harmonised list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for a Schengen visa in the Russian Federation
1) Harmonised visa application form completed and signed by the applicant.[1]
2) Travel document valid for at least three months after the intended date of (last) departure from the Schengen area, containing at least two blank pages and issued within the previous ten years.
Copy of first page and of previous visas.
3) Photograph in line with ICAO guidelines .
4) Visa fee in line with the categories of the visa facilitation agreements with Russia and the Visa Code. Certain Member States apply optional visa fee waivers as provided for in Article 16(5) of the Visa Code.
5) Travel medical insurance covering the entire period of intended stay, valid for all Schengen States and covering any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgency medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death during the stay. The minimum coverage must be €30.000.
6) Copy of the internal passport (issued at the age of 14): pages concerning the applicant's biodata, foreign passport(s) issued to him/her, his/her marital status and registration in Russia.
7) In cases of minors:
Copy of the birth certificate.
Consent of the parental authority or legal guardian should be required only if the minor travels alone or only with one parent. Exceptions should be made to this if the single parent with whom the minor is to travel holds the parental authority alone (i.e. in cases where the other parent has deceased or been deprived of custody, e.g. a death certificate of the other parent or a court degree vesting custody exclusively in the parent who is signing the application would be requested).
Copy of the valid Schengen visa of the parent(s) travelling with the minor for whom a visa is not applied at the same time with the parent(s).
8) In cases of third-country nationals, proof of legal residence in the Russian Federation in line with federal legislation (e.g. residence permit, long-term visa or FMS registration), valid for at least three months after the planned return from the Schengen area or a document proving that the applicant has applied for a renewal of proof of legal residence. If not resident, proof of legal presence in the Russian Federation and justification for submitting visa application in the Russian Federation instead of the country of residence.
9) As per category of traveller:
Visitors of military and civil burial grounds:
i) Official document confirming the existence and preservation of the burial ground and relationship between the applicant and the buried.
ii) Proof of employment (with salary information); if not available, other proof of financial means and will to return (e.g. bank/credit card statement(s) covering at least three preceding months, proof of real estate property in Russia or proof of sponsorship[2]).
Property owners in the Schengen area and their close relatives:
i) Relevant national document (e.g. recent extract from the real estate register, copy of the purchase contract/deed of sale, etc.) proving that the applicant possesses the property in question.
ii) In cases of close relatives, proof of the relationship.
iii) Proof of employment (with salary information); if not available, other proof of financial means and will to return (e.g. bank/credit card statement(s) covering at least three preceding months, proof of real estate property in Russia or proof of sponsorship[3]).
Tourists and other private visitors:
i) Proof of accommodation (e.g. an invitation/sponsorship form from the host if staying with one;[4] hotel voucher (booking confirmation from the site booking.com is not accepted), or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation envisaged in accordance with the legislation of the Schengen Member State concerned); if not available, adequate written description of the planned journey.
ii) Proof of the itinerary (e.g. a confirmation of the booking of an organised trip or any other appropriate document indicating the envisaged travel plans such as a reserved return ticket)[5]; if not available, adequate written description of the planned journey.
[1] In cases of minors, the application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.
[2] including with a national form on proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation used by the following countries: BE, PT, DE, IT, NO.
[4] including with a national form on proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation used by the following countries: BE, PT, DE, IT, NO. For visits to distant relatives/friends (not residents of the country being visited): proof of legal residence.
[5] If the reserved accommodation/return ticket is not deemed sufficient, the applicant can be requested for a proof of payment thereof.


BIG OPPORTUNITY - Rents are going up & the list price has gone down = higher CAP Rate for the buyer! Immediate cash flow in this investment portfolio. Total 23 single family homes can be purchased in full portfolio or sold in groups of 4-6 homes. MLS #s are: 3470091, 3470128, 3470121 & 3470125. Properties are rented w/ history of steady tenants. Seller has renovated, rehabbed & maintained for lower maintenance costs & good rent rates. List price = 4 homes listed as units w/ details below. Sold in "as is, where is" condition. Inspections available upon request. Tenant occupied. No showings until contract acceptance. See size & rent rates in pictures & flyer on full portfolio in pictures & attachments. List Property is 1008 sq ft and rents for $885. 1st Unit is 1080 Twin Chapel Dr Salisbury, NC. 2nd Unit is 31 Oak St China Grove, NC. 3rd Unit is 84 1st Ave China Grove, NC. Disclosures for all properties are in attachments.


One station, Notre-Dame des Champs, will now be called Notre Didier Deschamps (Our Didier Deschamps), in an homage to the coach.
France's soccer coach will have a subway train station named after him to celebrate his World Cup win and poet Victor Hugo will have to share his memorial slot on Paris's transport map with the team's goalkeeper and captain.
As "Les Bleus" headed home with the World Cup trophy on Monday, the French capital's RATP transport authority said it was renaming six metro subway stations in their honour for the day.
Didier Deschamps is one of just three men in the history of the World Cup to take the trophy as team coach after winning it as a player – he helped the team to its first victory in the tournament in 1998.
Victor Hugo station is being renamed Victor Hugo Lloris after captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Bercy station will become "Bercy les Bleus", close to "Merci Les Bleus".
"Les Bleus" are returning on Monday from World Cup host country Russia to celebrate their victory with a parade on the Champs Elysees.
At one end of that avenue another subway stop called "Charles de Gaulle – Etoile" is being renamed "On a 2 Étoiles", replacing the wartime leader with the boast "We have two stars", one for each World Cup win.
With demand for the French team jersey surging, police urged crowds to move away from the entrance of the Nike shop on the Champs Elysees early on Monday.
England, which surprised many by getting as far as the semis, has changed Southgate station on the London Underground to Gareth Southgate Station in honour of the national coach.


ORLANDO, FL, JUNE 16, 2011 ― The RapcoHorizon Company (InfoComm Booth 775), a leading manufacturer of audio/video interfacing and cable equipment, is pleased to now provide the complete line of Momentum™ products, featuring personal monitor and digital snake solutions, to its customer base. Along with the expanded availability, Momentum mo8me Personal Monitor Mixers' mTweak app is now fully upgraded to be compatible with Apple iPad.
The RapcoHorizon Company's recent purchase of Pro Co Sound ensures that both brands' customers will have access to a complete line of audio cables, snakes, devices and services – ideal for any touring solution. With the mo8me mTweak feature touring artists can use their iPod/iPhone, and now even an iPad, to wirelessly tweak their personal monitor mix, giving them a wider field of movement on stage.
"We are very excited to now offer the Momentum system's complete line of products and services,� says Darius Seabaugh, Vice President of Marketing. "The line perfectly complements RapcoHorizon's offerings and the mo8me mTweak feature is a tremendous advantage among our touring artists.�
Originally released for the iPhone/iPod Touch, mTweak users can control all the available settings as they perform. Once downloaded from the iTunes store, the mTweak provides instant access to all 32 channels with 16 instant recall mix memory slots. Users can also control and mute up to 32 channels at one given time and any mo8me mixer in the network can be accessed from one device. The password protection feature allows for programmable ID's and lock-out functions.
The Momentumâ"¢ mo8me is the DSP-based mix engine component of the Momentum digital audio distribution network. It utilizes 32 network inputs with three band EQ and HPF (high pass filter). Output mixes can be mono or stereo and include three band EQ and panning control. The Momentum Digital Audio Distribution Network is designed to replace traditional analog audio wiring anywhere audio distribution is needed. By capturing audio at the source, converting it to digital audio and distributing it over a standard Ethernet network, difficulties in executing the increasingly complicated audio systems of today can be simplified. By reducing the amount of field terminations, installation becomes less time consuming.


The rules of accessing documents from the Special Collections of the Slavonic Library, as well as rules for using reading room and working with documents are based on the Rules and Regulations of the National Library of the Czech Republic and other instructions of the library. Documents are accessible only to users registered in the Slavonic Library and can be delivered only to the library reading room during the library's opening hours. None of the documents can be checked out and must stay in the reading room.
Only the documents from processed and cataloged collections (i.e. those you can find on-line) are accessible. Uncataloged collections will stay inaccessible.
To order the documents, it is necessary to submit a list of catalog numbers and inventory items you need to a person in charge. Orders can be also submitted by email at: sluzby.sk@nkp.cz. The documents will be ready in the reading room the following working day. Due to limited space, it is possible to order 5 archival boxes per day at the most.
The researcher must record his/her work in the sheet kept in every archival box and return the box to the librarian after he/she finishes working. He/she must also keep documents in the original order and not pull them out of their covers. Every document out of order should be reported to the librarian.
For personal purposes, it is possible to make copies of the documents from the Special Collections using own digital camera (no flash) for free.
Copying documents for non-personal purposes (for reproduction in books etc.) is possible only after approval of the Copying for a Non-Personal Purpose Declaration.
According to the paragraph 16.2 of the National Library of the Czech Republic Fees and Services Price List, the fee for copying for non-personal purposes is 100,- CZK for one page. The fee should be paid at the front desk of the Slavonic Library.
Rules and fees of copying documents from the Special Collections for commercial purposes (TV, film, postcards, calendars, souvenirs etc.) must be set by an individual contract.
Copying documents from the Special Collections to the customer's order is also available. Rules, instructions and fees are set in Instructions for Use of Photoduplication Services Made to Orderfor Copying to Order (namely the part Instructions for making copies to order in the National Library of the Czech Republic, Paragraph C) and in the National Library of the Czech Republic Fees and Services Price List.


text:
Jerusalem one Day trip from Sharm El Sheikh
Trip to Jerusalem lsreaI | Jerusalem Tour from Sharm el Sheikh
Pickup: 7:55 pm
Return: 11:55 pm
Trip to Jerusalem | Jerusalem Tour from Sharm el Sheikh Bustour. See sightseeing of Jerusalem and Enjoy The visit holy city to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam In Judaism. Enjoy with Book Tour Egypt Trip to Jerusalema nd Jerusalem Tour from Sharm el Sheikh Bustour
All transfers by A.C bus
English speaking guide
Lunch during the tour
Dollars or euro
.Enjoy with Book Tour Egypt Trip to Jerusalema nd Jerusalem Tour from Sharm el Sheikh Bustour. See sightseeing of Jerusalem and Enjoy The visit holy city to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam In Judaism.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh by air conditioned vehicle and drive to the Taba border in an air conditioned mini bus. Here you will meet your tour leader who will accompany you till Jerusalem.
drive for approx 2.30 hours to Taba/Israeli border, drive to JLM via Arava Valley.Begin tour at Mnt. Of Olives - view over the Old City & the Temple Mount. Descend the mountain to visit at Gethsemane, where Jesus spent the night before his arrest. Drive to Mnt. Zion for visit at The Last Supper Room and proceed on to the Dormitsion. Walk via the Armenian & Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall. Walk via the Muslim Quarter to the "Via Dolorosa" , along which Jesus walked bowed under the weight of the Cross. Walking the via Dolorosa the tour reaches the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.On crossing the border you will drive to Arava Valley toward the Dead Sea.Stop at the Dead Sea for a Float Famous for its high salt content, the Dead Sea was one of the world's first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics and herbal sachets. A must for people visiting Egypt the Dead Sea has a density of 1.24kg/L, so thick that swimming is difficult but providing a relaxing floating experience!From the panoramic views at the Mount of Olives you will be given an introduction to the city and it\'s long and eventful history. Wailing Wall of Jerusalem We drive down to the Old City , and start with the Wailing Wall, which represents the last remnants of the Jewish Temple, destroyed by the Romans. It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple\'s courtyard, and is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism outside of the Temple Mount itself. It has been a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries, the earliest source mentioning Jewish attachment to the site dating from the 4th century. Usually you can see the various types of Jews can be seen worshipping here. Place of Jesus\' Crucifixion After the Wailing wall we continue through the Arab Market to the Via Dolorosa, Jesus Way of Suffering which leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Christian tradition Jesus was crucified and buried. The site is venerated as Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, and is said to also contain the place where Jesus was buried (the sepulcher). The church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century, as the purported site of the resurrection of Jesus. Today it also serves as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, while control of the building is shared between several Christian churches and secular entities in complicated arrangements essentially unchanged for centuries. The New City of Jerusalem We drive to the New City of Jerusalem along the Israel Government area, taking a look , among others at the Knesset building used to house the Israel Parliament. After seeing the sights of Jerusalem and learning about it\'s amazing history, Lunch break at one of the local restaurants followed by some free time for souvenir shopping.Exit Old City by Jaffa Gate. Drive Back to Eilat we then cross the border back to Egypt and drive you back to your hotel in Sharm


American soprano who captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence.
A four-time Grammy winner, Ms. Fleming won the 2013 Best Classical Vocal Solo Grammy Award for Poèmes (Decca, 2012), a collection of 20th-Century French music, including works composed especially for her by Henri Dutilleux.
Over the years, she has released a number of music recordings on the Decca label, her latest album 'Guilty Pleasures' was released in 2013.


text:
Ethiopia Launches First Air Ambulance Transport Service
East African Aviation, a private company, has launched Ethiopia's first ambulance transportation service.
The company is owned by Capt. Mulat Lemlemayehu, a former commercial pilot at the Ethiopian airlines who also owns an aviation school and air charter service.
It's the first air ambulance service in Ethiopia with aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and licensed, medically trained personnel to provide air transportation for those requiring prompt medical attention in East Africa.
"With the state-of-the-art medical equipment fitted in the air ambulance, we specialize in transporting patients with the same level of care that would be expected from a hospital ICU," Lemlemayehu said. "Air ambulance has been nonexistent in our country."
Ethiopia has more than 90 million people, a tourist hub in the region and Addis Ababa is the diplomatic capital of Africa with a large international community, he said.
He told reporters that East African Aviation has a team pilots who have served Ethiopian Airlines for years.
Lemlemayehu founded the company after working for Ethiopian Airlines as a commercial pilot for 39 years
This article was published here
Feb 29, 2016 /by Andrew Stegmann
https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/etheopia.jpg 350 620 Andrew Stegmann https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/relocationafricagroup.jpg Andrew Stegmann2016-02-29 09:14:182016-02-29 09:14:18Ethiopia Launches First Air Ambulance Transport Service
A First For Africa: Solar-Powered Airport Chinese migrants in Africa confront new challenges as economy worsens


text:
Scotland Excel: Delivering on digital
by Will Peakin/ April 23, 2019/ Features, Local Government, Society/ No Comments/
Suhki Gill and Andrea Bolden, DXC Technology, Cllr John Shaw and Hugh Carr, Scotland Excel, Martyn Wallace, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government
A ground-breaking event has challenged the way local government thinks about digital technologies in providing services to citizens.
The event was delivered by Scotland Excel, the centre of procurement expertise for Scottish local government sector, in partnership with the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government. It featured keynote speakers from local government and industry experts. Delegates also took part in interactive sessions which explored the power of new technologies and discussed their application in a local government environment.
The sessions focused on three key areas which have the potential for a range of applications across local authority services:
Business Insights: How real-time information from multiple sources across the council can be brought together to support short-term tactical responses and long-term strategic decision making.
Digital Accounts: How a citizen's identity can be verified remotely, in a secure online environment, enabling councils to improve the efficiency of their processes and provide convenient access to services for citizens.
Case Workers: How mobile staff working with citizens in the community, can be provided with remote access to case work files and the ability to record and upload new data during visits.
The event was hosted by leading technology company, DXC, which provided access to its Digital Transformation Centre, allowing delegates to visualise and accelerate their organisation's digital transformation journey.
Martyn Wallace, Scottish local government's Chief Digital Officer, said: "Digital for us means user by design, technology by default, not the other way around. The challenge we see in a lot of businesses – private and public – is that a new technology becomes available and they try to create a business out of the technology, rather than looking at the problem they want to solve first. The Digital Office is a proponent of the Scottish approach to service design, which is focused on making the most of user stories and research in designing technology that can improve certain pain points.
"Digital is the last lever local government can pull to get the savings and efficiencies they need. The fact is no-one will ever truly deliver 'digital'; however, the transformation we are seeing is as much an evolution as well as revolution. It is about putting digital solutions all the way through the business. This means frontline staff having the right tools, equipment and data to help them make better decisions in the field, as well as collecting that data to help senior managers make improvements elsewhere."
Martin Wallace will be speaking at FutureScot's Digital Scotland Conference in Glasgow on 30 May.
Hugh Carr, Head of Strategic Procurement at Scotland Excel commented: "Collaboration is central to digital transformation in local government. This event was designed to help delegates think about how new technologies can be applied to service delivery and help them take a significant step forward in specifying their system requirements. As the Centre of Procurement Expertise, we are working with the Digital Office to implement a range of innovative procurement approaches which will provide access to partners that can deliver the right digital solutions for the local government sector."
Carr added: "Local authorities have been facing unprecedented challenges in recent years. They are balancing a real terms funding cut of 9.6% over the last eight years with increasing demand, particularly from a growing older population. For some time, councils have been asked to do more in terms of service delivery with less resources. Now more than ever, there is need to increase focus on business transformation, consider new ways of delivering services, and work with communities to provide digital access to services for citizens. That is why finding ways to harness the power of digital technology is so important.
"We need to work together to embrace the opportunities that the digital agenda brings. Collaboration within local government IT is being driven by the Digital Office and supported by Scotland Excel and is definitely encouraging a shift from legacy systems to new ways of working. Councils are increasingly learning and benefiting from each other as digital transformation becomes more and more integral to their service areas."
Read about local government digital transformaton in FutureScot Magazine in The Times Scotland: Download PDF.
£2.6m announced for science centres to encourage STEM uptake
V&A Dundee launches the Scottish Design Relay
The 'disconnect' between our ICT industry and schools
Aberdeen part of EU collaboration to increase mobile tech use in higher education


What a pearl of a film. Loved the transition from old photos to current day videos. It was exceptional. Thank you.
Enjoyed the creative time changing sequences and sweet voice of the narrator. Such a voice far surpasses the agitators of this generation.


Okay that last one doesn't quite fit and it's the first one that has pulled me to this page for the first time in weeks. The rest are just part of the warm-up exercise. In one tiny moment today (a moment that lasted less than a single heartbeat … less than a single sharp intake of air), I experienced a disintegration on such an impressive level that the Wachowskis called me before the splinters had even hit the ground to see if they could use my story for the next instalment of the Matrix series. The fantasy that I have actively and wilfully and creatively constructed over the past few months shattered into a million tiny pieces. I watched them float around … like glowing neon green radioactive pixie dust (in truth … very matrix-esque) … before they drifted away on an unseen breeze. A breeze undoubtedly caused by the breath that slid over my tongue, teeth, and lips as I uttered the word "oh". Now you may have seen this coming. I did not. Honestly.
A question. A hesitant answer. A crack in the matrix. It was not what I believed. It is not what I think. It will not be what I had hoped.
But I am nothing if not optimistic (call it stubborn or delusional if you will). So … I let those pretty pieces swirl for just a few moments and then started pulling them back together. I began the reintegration process (re·in·te·gra·tion – to restore to a condition of integration or unity). I have a feeling that a piece or two may have escaped before I sprang to action so I fear that the whole I create will be slightly different than the whole that once was. When you look at it, you will know that something isn't quite right. But it will be close enough. You won't be able to put your finger on it. You will wonder, but you will move on. And so will I. I am grateful that the sun was shining today. I needed it's warmth to soften the glue that I am using to hold the fragile and jagged tesserae of this beautiful mosaic in place. Without it, this whole thing might have gone a completely different direction.
So here I am. 6 hours post-disintegration and it's okay. I think I found most of the pieces that belonged. They are staying in place. For now. What I need is really honest conversation to solidify everything. (What I really need is to stop using the word "really" as an adjective). That would be helpful. But … I'm okay as a picasso. Realism is boring anyway.


text:
lucbouchard 4 August 2015
The second Digital Services Framework (DSF2) is expected to go live on Thursday after facing months of delays concerning the final shape of the agreement and its procurement.
According to the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the latest iteration of the framework, which is used for commissioning bespoke digital services and skills in the public sector, will launch on August 6, two days before the first DSF agreement expires. In addition, the IT Managed Service agreement will expire on Wednesday (August 5), having been replaced by the Technology Services framework.
The launch of DSF2 is expected to be followed by a number of workshops and webinar events held by CCS during August and September as part of efforts to support public sector buyers with upcoming changes to the framework and the wider Digital Marketplace procurement platform.
While the updated DSF is on course to launch this week after first being tendered last December, it has faced numerous delays and strong vendor criticism over concerns that the procurement risked weakening the overall skills supply base for agile development in the public sector. On the back of the criticisms, CCS later announced it would drop the inclusion of a controversial reverse auction process as part of the procurement to try and address supplier concerns.
Even before the launch of DSF2, a third iteration of the framework (DSF3) is already being devised, with an OJEU expected to be published later this month as the government looks to revamp how technology is acquired in the public sector.
On the back of further changes to the framework, Government Computing understands that there is now greater interest among many suppliers over the tender for DSF3 and the potential reforms it is expected to provide compared to the second iteration of the agreement (DSF2).
Uncertainty remains over Network Services and DSF2 plans
G-Cloud 7, DSF3 heading to market in August


There are many good reasons to go the natural route in anything you can get away with. It's generally healthier, cleaner, and sometimes even more cost-effective than synthetically enhanced alternatives. But whether or not your fruit punch is preservative free, you have at least one good reason to opt for a natural bed bug treatment: bed bugs are immune to most over-the-counter insecticides.
Bed bugs are most commonly found on or near (you guessed it) your bed. To keep these pests from eating you up at night, you'll need to encase your mattress and eliminate their hiding places. Begin by removing your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases; seal those in garbage bags and take them directly to the washing machine.
While your bedding is being washed and dried on high heat settings (if possible), give your mattress, and box spring a thorough vacuuming to remove bed bugs and their eggs from the seams and cracks that they like to hang out in. A HEPA vacuum works best in this step, as its sealed filter prevents bed bugs escaping and setting up camp somewhere else in your home.
Before you put your bed back together, seal your mattress (and preferably your box spring and pillows as well) in certified bed bug-proof encasements. This will stop bed bugs from hiding in your bed, and kill any bed bugs that are already present (as long as you leave the encasements on for at least 18 months).
Securing your bed is only the first step – you have to eliminate the infestation elsewhere in your home. Bed bugs are highly susceptible to heat exposure, which makes steam treatments ideal. Use a bed bug steamer (capable of at least 180-degree steam) to treat sofas, chairs, mattresses, cabinets, walls, and just about anything else in a room. A steamer can also be used on carpets and baseboards; pay special attention to any cracks and crevices in your flooring.
When applying steam, move slowly and steadily. Bed bugs and their eggs will be killed on contact as long as you don't move the nozzle faster than about one inch per second. If the tank runs out of water, let the steamer cool off for a little while before starting up again.
Bed bugs can hide almost anywhere a credit card can fit. That means they could be camping out in your clothes, shoes, books, and just about any other personal belongings you have in your home. Since you obviously wouldn't want to run a steamer through all of your things, you'll want to use other approaches to treating them.
Start by drying your clothes on the highest heat settings possible. Items that can't be thrown in the laundry can be treated with a portable heater, such as a PackTite. These heaters can safely heat up your shoes, books, CDs, and dry clean-only clothes above 120 degrees, which is proven to kill bed bugs of all life stages.
Now that you've thoroughly decimated the bed bug populace in your home, you're ready to establish a long-term defense. A great natural solution is diatomaceous earth, a residual powder that dehydrates bed bugs by clinging to their shell. DE powders, like JT Eaton's offering, will work indefinitely as long as it remains dry, so use it in places that won't be exposed to moisture.
Use an applicator to apply the powder inside the walls, behind appliances, inside electrical outlets (not where you put the plug), and behind picture frames. If your floors or furniture have any deep cracks, stick some powder in there as well.
Regardless of the route you take, natural or synthetic, you need to be thorough and follow the instructions included with your products carefully. An improper eradication not only risks surviving bed bugs, but your health and safety as well.


Bay Area Self Storage offers a simple solution and a variety of services for your mini storage needs.
Earn $25 to $50 dollars off your next month's rent for each referral you send Bay Area Self Storage.
Bay Area Self Storage offers FREE use of truck with your new move-in at all of our 7 locations.
We offer a wide selection of supplies to assist you with your moving and storage needs.
Bay Area Self Storage offers you the ability to store your belongings in a clean and dry, environment. We will help you choose the right size unit to fit your needs, no more... no less. Use our unit size guide or see our facilities for a list of the sizes we offer and what can be stored in each unit.
Each of our properties are well-lit and feature security cameras, individually alarmed doors, and computerized gate access.
Browse through the links below for helpful tips and tools that make storing your belongings easier and more convenient!
Looking for one of our self storage locations?


text:
Taylor Swift earns record-breaking distinction
The country music artist was recently named BMI songwriter of the year.
vision · Filed Under Press Releases
Taylor Swift makes donation for Nashville flood
The country music superstar is reportedly donating $500,000 to help flood victims. Nashville (WiredPRNews.com) – Country music superstar Taylor Swift is reportedly making a $500,000 donation in support of those affected by the massive flood in Nashville. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the announcement was made this week during the "Flood Relief with […]
Tiffany Cherry - WiredPRNews.com Press Release Reporter · Filed Under Entertainment, Press Releases
Beyonce major Grammy win
The singer took home six Grammys at Sunday's awards ceremony. Los Angeles (WiredPRNews.com) – Beyonce was among those who took home top honors at this year's Grammy awards, which were held Sunday. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the singer won six awards total, which included one for song of the year for "Single […]
Tiffany Cherry - WiredPRNews.com Press Release Reporter · Filed Under Entertainment, News
Michael Jackson history making AMA wins
The deceased pop icon had a record making number of wins at the recent awards ceremony. Los Angeles (WiredPRNews.com) – Late pop icon Michael Jackson won a record breaking number of posthumous awards at the American Music Awards, which aired on Sunday. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Jackson received wins in four of […]
Tiffany Cherry - WiredPRNews.com Press Release Reporter · Filed Under music news, News
Taylor Swift a big winner at CMAs
The young singer made history with her multiple wins at the awards ceremony. Nashville, Tennessee (WiredPRNews.com) – Country music superstar Taylor Swift was a big winner at the recent Country Music Awards that aired on Wednesday night. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Swift won four awards, one for each category in which she […]
Miley Cyrus Comments on West's VMA Interruption
The teen actress remarked in a recent interview about what she would have done in Taylor Swift's position. Press Release Service – Wired PR News – Teen actress and singer, Miley Cyrus, recently remarked in a radio interview that she would not have tolerated an interruption by Kanye West, like the one endured by her […]
West Gives Swift Personal Apology
The rapper reportedly called the country singer to apologize for his VMA outburst. Press Release Service – Wired PR News – Rapper Kanye West reportedly called country music star Taylor Swift to personally apologize after disrupting her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), West extended […]
Kanye West Apologizes After VMA Outburst
The rapper makes an apology for interrupting Taylor Swift during her award acceptance speech. Press Release Service – Wired PR News – Rapper Kanye West shocked VMA audiences Sunday after interrupting a shining moment for one of the most popular country musicians today with an unexpected ode to Beyonce. As reported by the Associated Press […]
Russell Brand Set to Again Host MTV Awards
The British actor and comedian will host the VMAs for a second year in a row. Press Release Service – Wired PR News – MTV has announced that Russell Brand, the British actor and comedian who hosted last year's Video Music Awards, will be back for a second time to host the show for 2009. […]


text:
Gogoșari – wieś w Rumunii, w okręgu Giurgiu, w gminie Gogoșari. W 2011 roku liczyła 900 mieszkańców.

Przypisy

Wsie w okręgu Giurgiu

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
package org.apache.samza.config

object YarnConfig {
  // yarn job config
  val PACKAGE_PATH = "yarn.package.path"
  val CONTAINER_MAX_MEMORY_MB = "yarn.container.memory.mb"
  val CONTAINER_MAX_CPU_CORES = "yarn.container.cpu.cores"
  val CONTAINER_RETRY_COUNT = "yarn.container.retry.count"
  val CONTAINER_RETRY_WINDOW_MS = "yarn.container.retry.window.ms"
  val AM_JVM_OPTIONS = "yarn.am.opts"
  val AM_JMX_ENABLED = "yarn.am.jmx.enabled"
  val AM_CONTAINER_MAX_MEMORY_MB = "yarn.am.container.memory.mb"
  val AM_POLL_INTERVAL_MS = "yarn.am.poll.interval.ms"
  val AM_JAVA_HOME = "yarn.am.java.home"

  implicit def Config2Yarn(config: Config) = new YarnConfig(config)
}

class YarnConfig(config: Config) extends ScalaMapConfig(config) {
  def getContainerMaxMemoryMb: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.CONTAINER_MAX_MEMORY_MB).map(_.toInt)

  def getContainerMaxCpuCores: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.CONTAINER_MAX_CPU_CORES).map(_.toInt)

  def getContainerRetryCount: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.CONTAINER_RETRY_COUNT).map(_.toInt)

  def getContainerRetryWindowMs: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.CONTAINER_RETRY_WINDOW_MS).map(_.toInt)

  def getPackagePath = getOption(YarnConfig.PACKAGE_PATH)

  def getAmOpts = getOption(YarnConfig.AM_JVM_OPTIONS)

  def getAMContainerMaxMemoryMb: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.AM_CONTAINER_MAX_MEMORY_MB).map(_.toInt)

  def getAMPollIntervalMs: Option[Int] = getOption(YarnConfig.AM_POLL_INTERVAL_MS).map(_.toInt)

  def getJmxServerEnabled = getBoolean(YarnConfig.AM_JMX_ENABLED, true)

  def getAMJavaHome = getOption(YarnConfig.AM_JAVA_HOME)
}


text:
Framingham man hit by car crossing Rte. 9
By Norman Miller/Daily News Staff
Jan 5, 2016 at 6:54 PM Jan 5, 2016 at 6:54 PM
FRAMINGHAM – A Framingham man crossing Rte. 9 on Monday suffered serious leg injuries after he was hit by a car, police said.
Alec Fromberg, 31, was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after the 5:09 p.m. crash on Rte. 9, police spokesman Lt. Stephen Cronin said.
Fromberg was trying to cross from the eastbound side near the Motel 6 toward California Avenue when he was struck by a sedan driven by a man in his 30s.
Fromberg suffered the leg injuries but the driver of the sedan was uninjured, Cronin said.
"Citations against the driver are not expected" said Cronin. "It looks like it was Alec's fault. There is no place to cross where he was trying to cross."
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date crime news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW.


text:
Digglicious.com
Powerful Blog for your brain
Why did Best Buy change their logo?
Aug 18, 2021 Alissa BradleyQuestions
When did Best Buy change their logo?
What does the Best Buy logo mean?
What font is the Best Buy logo?
What brands use Futura?
When did Best Buy change its name to Best Buy Company?
A modernized logo The tag serves as graphic punctuation and a visual connection to our history. "The updated logo is true to our heritage, but it's really cleaned up," Whit said. "It's an evolution toward the future, and we're really excited about that."
Best Buy Logo
1966 — 1983. The logo design of 1966 featured a yellow and black circle with a black outline.
1983 — 1984. The name of the company was changed to Best Buy Co Superstores in 1983, so the wordmark in the logo was replaced.
2018 — Today.
Why is Best Buy's logo yellow?
It featured a yellow label with the words "Best Buy" written on it. The new emblem got nicknamed "Yellow Label". It's a textbook example of a simple and yet impactful design. Yellow stands for joy and optimism, while black evokes associations with high quality and elegance.
When did Best Buy go public?
Best Buy was taken public in 1985, and two years later it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1988, Best Buy was in a price war with a Detroit-based appliance chain and Schulze attempted to sell the company to Circuit City for US$30 million.
Shape and Colors of the Best Buy Logo While the yellow color in the Best Buy logo stands for joy and optimism, the black color represents elegance, quality and excellence of the brand. The earliest logo of the company was that of "Sound of Music" which was introduced in 1966.
Best Buy Font is → Futura.
Did Best Buy change their name?
The store did away with commissioned sales people to create a no-pressure environment. And most importantly, Sound of Music changed its name to become Best Buy. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the tornado. Founder Richard Schulze said it was both the worst and best thing that ever happened to them.
When did Best Buy change its name?
In 1983, with seven stores and $10 million in annual sales, Sound of Music was renamed Best Buy Company, Inc. Then, in 1984, Schulze took another major step by introducing the superstore format and quickly capturing 42 percent of the local market.
The Futura typeface has been employed by two of the most popular automobile companies in the world — Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen. While both auto manufacturers are German, they have wildly different brands.
On May 9, 2018, Best Buy announced that they would change their logo as "part of a new marketing strategy". The new logo separates the text from the tag, which has been made smaller and shifted to the bottom right. Best Buy gets a new logo and marketing campaign focused on blue-shirt experts.
In 1983, Sound of Music was renamed into Best Buy Company. The retailer expanded its range of products to include household appliances and electronics. Beyond that, it refurbished its logo by adding a new name, Best Buy Co. Superstores, to it. One year later, the emblem went through another improvement.
What is the Best Buy branding refresh?
The creative elements of the refreshed branding include an updated Best Buy logo and a new look and feel with updated colors, photography and conversational language. It's all designed to highlight our culture, our expertise and our talented employees.
Does Best Buy still use the Futura logo?
Futura Extra Bold In 1989, Best Buy adopted the iconic price tag logo. During this logo's use, Best Buy opened a store in the UK in Thurrock on April 30, 2010, but closed all of its 11 stores on January 14, 2012, due to poor financial results. This logo was still used in Canada until 2019, but it was still seen at some US stores.
What can I say instead of any question?
What are the latest debate topics?
Are in-text citations necessary?
What are the types of coding in qualitative research?
What is Fyp in TikTok?
©2023&nbspwww.digglicious.com. All rights reserved


text:
We must be the generation that changes the lobola custom
My generation can be characterised by questioning everything. From religion, old political systems and laws, to various forms of injustices that were overlooked in the past. Where there was silence, we make the loudest noise.
Today, the most dominant activism is for equal rights, opportunities and personal freedom for women. Obviously, such advocacy existed from the 60s, but with the help of democracy, now women can freely express their frustrations about systems which are often against them.
But what is amusing is that in an era where some patriarchal systems are being reviewed, lobola is still flourishing and untouched.
Lobola is one of the old-standing African customs, and some people feel that abandoning this custom will be another step towards the loss of everything that is African.
It is seen as socially beneficial because it brings together families, as well as a way for the bridegroom to acknowledge the precious gift, the bride.
Overpriced extortionist cultural practice
As life gets more expensive and culture is modernised, the lobola custom has turned into an overpriced extortionist cultural practice. Money has become the centre of the process; greed is now chairing the negotiations.
This is not a call to scrap the tradition, but a lament for its meaning and function which have deviated from the primary significance it used to have. The basic reason for practicing lobola was to bring families together - cows or money were "offered" as a token of appreciation, contrary to the "payment" culture which has now corrupted the custom.
Due to current outrageous price setting, most men pay the money which was meant to be a generous gift from a place of bitterness.
And to others, these tremendous price tags mean that, even if a couple is emotionally ready to commit to each other, they must wait, because the man does not have the financial resources to satisfy the bride's family. This sometimes results in settling for cohabitation.
READ | Can you be a feminist and still practice lobola?
Nowadays, the practice can also be used as a weapon to halt marriages. If the bride's family does not approve of the groom for various reasons - like coming from a rival tribe, background or occupation - they can easily delay the marriage by making lobola negotiations difficult.
Also, some lobola aspects disregard women's rights.
The bride does not have a full control of the negotiations. And some people might argue that, in other tribes, the bride can make a price suggestion to parents, precisely. But she doesn't have much control over the outcome. If the proceedings fail or are postponed, she must remain, hoping for the elders to fix, if they ever will. This is another example of a system that does not allow a woman to have full control of her own fate.
Lobola fails women. It culminates in men thinking that they buy entitlement over women. Its contract binds the bride to cook, clean, bear children and a forced submission.
In the past it was part of the fundamental causes of gender-based violence. "He paid lobola, therefore he owns her."
Even during wedding celebrations, elders only sit the bride down and mentor her on being a good wife and taking care of her husband, but nothing is said to the groom.
People's rights
Whenever a lobola debate is on the ground, most people cannot reason beyond "it's our tradition". But, just because a practice is traditional, does not mean it can disregard people's rights.
Virginity testing was also a proudly embraced traditional practice, especially in the Nguni tribes. But it was scrapped after found to be violating young girls' rights of privacy.
If we want to completely uproot patriarchy, we must be ready to address it even when masked as culture.
READ | Is lobola still relevant for women? This is what the experts say
Yes, we cannot neglect the concept of appreciating the in-laws, no matter how everything is modernised, we just have to always do that. And lobola was meant to be a good platform for us to do so.
But what do we do now?
The most pleasant way to do it would be to allow the bridegroom to bring whatever amount he has. If given such an opportunity, he would probably go all out to bring the best gift he could. And he will present it with a sense of gratitude and respect, instead of bitterness over the debt. This will also tackle the narrative of the man buying the woman.
And it will also ease the burden of a super-makoti, which the bride is expected to be in order to make up for the sums of money forked out for her.
Lastly, there is no need for difficult negotiations if the couple have already agreed to be together.
If our generation is unwilling to address the lobola system, we will breed another frustrated young black generation. We must discard the belief that being African means tolerance, even in the midst of mistreatment.


Mr. Valiant the life story of Arthur G. Hopkins, M.C.
Arthur left Headingley in the summer of 1914, when he was twenty-three years of age. War broke out shortly afterwards, and the call came for men. When Great Britain entered the conflict and troops were being dispatched to the front in that fateful August, Arthur felt strongly that he ought to join the Forces. Like many another young man of courageous spirit, the love of Country stirred deeply within him, and he was eager to respond to her call in time of need. Accordingly he asked the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society to forgo his appointment to Honduras for the period of the War in order that he might enlist as a soldier. For reasons into which one need not enter, his request was refused; and though his disappointment was great, he felt he could not press the matter as he had already volunteered to undertake work of special difficulty and danger in the Mission Field.
His letters six months later show that this conviction was beginning to be overshadowed by the sense that his immediate duty lay elsewhere. 'When I think of the fight that is going on.' He wrote, 'and the constant call for men… and then of myself here far from it all, I feel very disappointed.' Another six months, and we find him being interviewed by a military officer with a view to the granting of a commission. He applied again for the Mission House's sanction, and this time it was given. Two more months elapsed, and on January 17, 1916, he entered St. James' Barracks, Port of Spain, to take up his duties as Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Trinidad contingent of the British West Indian Regiment.
In a letter, written to his father about this time, Arthur gave an account of his reasons for making this change in the course of his life. He made it clear that he would carry with him into the Army the missionary ideal.
'For Fifteen months, he wrote, 'I have worked in the West Indies; now I lead West Indians to the battle line. It is a fitting thing. Perhaps I shall be of the unreturning number. Never mind. Eternity is with us soon, and eternal bliss but cheaply bought.
'And if it should be that my name is amongst the list of the killed, think of this. If in years to come some schoolboy reads in the annals prepared for aftertime that at some dark moment on the field the men from the Caribbean turned the scale of victory for the armies of God, how great will be the reward!
A letter written by him about this time reveals the mixed feelings with which he viewed this new development.
'Unfortunately the Medical Board has turned me down as permanently unfit for flying, or anything except Base duty. My heart isn't good enough for them, it seems, and I'm now waiting like Mt. Micawber, for "something to turn up"… It seems as though I were destined to be in at the capture of Jerusalem and finish flying… Personally, I'm awfully glad to have a fling; it has been a most useful experience. Now that my pukka active service is finished through no fault of mine 0 well, I take it that it had to be.
For a short time Arthur was placed on the staff of the School of Artillery Observation, near Cairo, but he found it difficult to settle down to instructional work, and he yearned for his old service squadron.