text:
Lawmakers should curb illegal immigration
Jim Luwick
Lake Oswego - O Review
With all the talk about amnesties, in-state tuition and driver licenses for illegal aliens, we should take a "comprehensive" look at immigration today before we leap to "comprehensive immigration reform" in Oregon.
This is not 1800 or even 1900 any longer. The United States is taking in a million or more legal immigrants annually while our national economy is fragile, the government deeply indebted and over 20 million citizens are unemployed or underemployed, many of them for protracted periods of time. Illegal immigration has been a serious problem for many years.
Benefits to illegal aliens are very expensive and come from taxpayers' funds. Most citizens have no idea of the extent to which illegal immigration is subsidized by taxpayers. A study released last month by the Federation for American Immigration documents the shocking fiscal effects of illegal immigration on Oregon taxpayers. The figures in this report come from a broad survey of government statistics and are indisputable.
FAIR estimates that illegal immigration costs taxpayers in Oregon about $1 billion annually. The average Oregon household headed by a U.S. citizen bears an annual burden of more than $700 to cover the costs associated with illegal aliens in the state — this while the governor and legislators are supposedly looking for ways to cut unnecessary spending.
The cost of providing K-12 education to the children of illegal aliens (including students who are themselves illegal and the U.S.-born children of illegal aliens) amounts to $575 million annually. Additionally, the cost of supplemental English language instruction is $159 million a year. Unreimbursed health care and social assistance programs cost Oregonians $92 million a year. Justice and law enforcement costs associated with illegal aliens add $140 million to the state's tab. The cost of general public services provided to Oregon's 170,000 illegal aliens and their U.S.-born children adds $79 million a year to the state's costs
Accommodations to illegal aliens such as driver licenses, in-state tuition, etc. legitimize illegal immigration and encourage more of it. State legislators have the means to discourage illegal immigration and should act to do that. The most effective step would be to mandate the use of E-Verify by all employers, removing the magnet of jobs which draws most illegal aliens.
Tolerance of illegal immigration forces citizens to compete with illegal aliens, causing wage depression and unemployment. It also cheapens the value of citizenship and brings disrespect for the rule of law which is the foundation of a civilized society.
In the upcoming session of the Oregon Legislature, members should focus on ways to discourage illegal immigration, not accommodate it. It's the duty of legislators to attend to the public interest and the needs of citizens, not to dole out favors for illegal aliens.
Jim Ludwick, of McMinnville, is a founder of Oregonians for Immigration Reform and currently serves on the OFIR Board. Reach him at ofir@oregonir.org.
Immigration ideas need specifics
JIM (JAMES) MERKNER
The Register-Guard's Jan. 12 editorial called for a "big fix" to the immigration issues facing the United States but didn't give any specific suggestions.
How many legal immigrants would the editors let in each year — the million or so that we do now? Or a more realistic and very generous 200,000 — many more than other developed countries?
Or would the editors make the annual number depend on the unemployment rate — like maybe 200,000 now, going up to 500,000 when the unemployment rate drops below, say, 6 percent? Would they stop chain migration and just let in "brains" and entrepreneurs (counting and including immediate family only)?
And what would the editors say to the millions of citizens who can't find a job and face cheap immigrant competition? How about some specifics?
State report excluded data on criminal aliens
The Oregon Commission on Public Safety's final report to the governor, submitted on Dec. 17, lacked important information that had been submitted to commission members and staff over the last two years. This information concerns where growth in Oregon's prison population growth had occurred over the last half decade.
The commission was created to find ways to bring rising corrections costs under control. This can't be done without understanding where growth in the state Department of Corrections' prison population is coming from. A substantial portion of this growth is related to illegal immigration. According to information obtained from a DOC Inmate Population Profile, published online monthly, on Oct. 1, 2012, there were 14,234 inmates in the state's 14 prisons.
Not included in the population profile was data obtained from corrections staff showing that there were up to 1,242 foreign nationals in the state's prison system. Criminal aliens made up approximately 8.7 percent state's prison population.
These criminal aliens are inmates the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has identified as possibly being in the country illegally. The agency has requested that state corrections officials place "ICE detainers" on them so that the inmates will be transferred to ICE custody after completing their prison terms.
From Oct. 1, 2007, through Oct. 1, 2012, the Department of Corrections' criminal alien inmate prison population grew by 257 prisoners — a 26.1 percent increase.
Over the same five-year period, the DOC's domestic inmate prison population grew by 424 prisoners, a 3.4 percent increase.
Combining those numbers shows that over the past five years Oregon's overall prison population grew by 681 inmates; criminal alien inmates accounted for 37.7 percent of this growth.
Criminal aliens in the state prison system were sentenced to serve time from 29 of 36 Oregon counties. Sixty-seven, or 5.4 percent of the total, came from Lane County. Multnomah County had the highest number — 286, or 23 percent. Marion and Washington counties were not far behind, with 282 and 229 respectively, accounting for 22.7 percent and 18 percent of criminal alien inmates. All other counties sent a combined total of 378 aliens to state prisons, or 30.1 percent of the total.
As significant as the number is of criminal aliens incarcerated in Oregon prisons is the number of crime victims involved. The Commission on Public Safety should have included this information in its report — 1,242 inmates means at least that number of victims, many of whom were victims of serious crimes requiring lengthy sentences under the voter-approved Measure 11 sentencing rules.
The 10 most common crime convictions of the criminal aliens in state prisons include 129 assaults (10.4 percent), 28 burglaries (2.2 percent), 28 driving offenses (2.2 percent) 175 drugs (14.1 percent) 153 homicides (12.3 percent) 50 kidnappings (4 percent), 175 rapes (14.1 percent), 79 robberies (6.4 percent) 233 cases of sex abuse (18.8 percent) and 93 cases of sodomy (7.5 percent). There were 99 other types of crimes (8.0 percent).
Furthermore, commission members should have included in their report more information on the demographics of the state prison population — who they are and where they're from — including their countries of origin. Mexico is by far the most common self-declared country of origin, with 1,018 criminal alien inmates, or 82 percent of the total, claiming to be from that country. Others include 17 from El Salvador, 31 from Guatemala, 12 from Honduras, 14 from Ukraine, 18 from Vietnam and 132 from other countries.
Beyond providing criminal alien incarceration numbers — per county, per type of crime and per country of origin — the commission should have analyzed and made recommendations on how to mitigate the high cost that criminal alien inmates impose upon the state's prison system.
Incarcerating a prisoner in the state Department of Corrections' prison system costs approximately $84.81 per day.
The cost of incarcerating 1,242 criminal aliens is about $105,334 per day, $737,338 per week, or $38,446,917 per year.
The federal State Criminal Alien Assistance Program pays some of these costs, with an award of $2,669,738 in the 2011 fiscal year. If Oregon receives the same amount of federal funding in 2012, the net cost of incarcerating 1,242 criminal aliens in Oregon will be at least $35,777,179.
None of these cost estimates includes the money spent for legal services, indigent defense, court costs or victim assistance.
It is disappointing that the Commission on Public Safety didn't have the time — or take the time — to analyze and incorporate this information in its report, particularly if the commission's goal was to make cogent recommendations to Gov. John Kitzhaber and the Legislature on how to mitigate the future growth in the state's inmate population and control the increasing cost of incarceration.
Tell your lawmakers: No licenses for illegal immigrants
Richard F. LaMountain
The Bulletin Local Columns
Last May Day, Gov. John Kitzhaber informed demonstrators at the state Capitol he'd work to change Oregon law and restore driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. When the Legislature convenes in early February, he and his allies will seek to deliver.
Lawmakers should have no part of it. If they do, our state will become a hub for identity fraud, a magnet for illegal immigrants competing for work with Oregon's unemployed, and a virtually unimpeded conduit for Mexican drugs.
Let's review some recent history.
Before 2008, Oregon issued licenses to applicants who had neither verifiable Social Security numbers nor passports. But early that year, the Legislature and then-Gov. Ted Kulongoski enacted a law (Senate Bill 1080) that required each applicant to prove legal U.S. presence.
What drove their decision? "It appears," wrote Kulongoski, "that criminal organizations both inside and outside Oregon are using Oregon's permissive standards in order to assist persons to illegally obtain driver licenses and identification cards" and other "documents for which they are not eligible either in this state or in the state in which they actually reside."
An example: Early in the last decade, a ring in Hillsboro helped thousands of illegal immigrants, many from other states, to fraudulently obtain Oregon licenses. Some of its operatives, The Oregonian reported, "admitting selling envelopes with fake Portland-area addresses as proof of Oregon residency or falsifying driver's test applications for illegal immigrants."
If lawmakers negate Oregon's legal-presence requirement for licenses, such enterprises likely will flourish here again. And what can illegal immigrants do with the licenses these enterprises would help them get?
Plenty. For illegal immigrants seeking jobs, notes the NumbersUSA Education and Research Foundation, licenses "are accepted as proof of identity on the I-9 form employers are required to complete to establish that new employees are legally eligible to work in the United States." With licenses, then, illegal immigrants could better compete, however fraudulently, for the jobs federal law reserves for U.S. citizens and legal residents — of whom some 160,000 remain unemployed in Oregon.
A license can serve as a "breeder document" for other wrongdoing as well. "Once in possession of a driver's license," notes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, "a criminal is well on his way to using the false identity to facilitate a variety of crimes, from money laundering to check fraud." Cases of this kind involving illegal immigrants have occurred recently in, among other states, Utah, Tennessee and Arkansas.
And consider drugs. "Mexican criminal groups are the primary drug traffickers who utilize the state's highway system to transport and distribute large wholesale quantities of illicit drugs," maintained the Oregon Department of Justice in a recent report. Illegal immigrants comprise a large percentage of the traffickers' retail operatives. And if, in the future, "a state trooper stops someone transporting illicit drugs and the driver presents a driver's license issued by the state," notes Jim Ludwick, communications director of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, "the trooper may lack probable cause to search the car for contraband." Illegal immigrants' access to licenses, then, would enable traffickers to ply their trade — and addict our youth — more easily.
In November, the Oregon corrections system contained 1,240 foreign nationals being held for transfer to federal immigration authorities. Their yearly cost: some $38 million. If illegal immigrants regained access to Oregon licenses, more of them, many with criminal intent, would be drawn to our state. Some of these, doubtless, would be apprehended and imprisoned. This would drive the number of foreign inmates — and their cost to Oregon taxpayers — even higher.
Oregonians should tell their legislators: In this year's session, reject Kitzhaber's effort to restore driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
— LaMountain, a former assistant editor of Conservative Digest magazine, serves as vice president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform (oregonir.org).
Lawmakers should curb costly illegal immigration
Jim Ludwick
With all the talk about amnesties, in-state tuition and driver licenses for illegal aliens, we should take a "comprehensive" look at immigration today before we leap to "comprehensive immigration reform" in Oregon. This is not 1800 or even 1900 any longer. The United States is taking in a million or more legal immigrants annually while our national economy is fragile, the government deeply indebted and over 20 million citizens are unemployed or underemployed, many of them for protracted periods of time. Illegal immigration has been a serious problem for many years.
The cost of providing K-12 education to the children of illegal aliens (including students who are themselves illegal and the U.S.-born children of illegal aliens) amounts to $575 million annually. Additionally, the cost of supplemental English language instruction is $159 million a year. Unreimbursed health care and social assistance programs cost Oregonians $92 million a year. Justice and law enforcement costs associated with illegal aliens add $140 million to the state's tab. The cost of general public services provided to Oregon's 170,000 illegal aliens and their U.S.-born children adds $79 million a year to the state's costs.
Look at illegal immigration through eyes of taxpayers
Neal Kolbo
When will we come to realize that the matter of the illegal alien amnesty issue has been taken over by the hardcore (lifetime) politicians looking for votes and not justice as seen in the eyes of the taxpayers?
Our governor pushing to put a driver's license in the hands of an illegal alien could not please the Mexican drug cartels more; maybe we should issue a truck to go along on the run to all points north and west.
Also, the matter of letting them go to our state colleges with the same tuition as our in-state kids must make you scratch your head.
Who pays for all this? Taxpayers.
Have you not heard? There is a depression just around the corner. Some call it going over the cliff.
Fairness? Send money
Mike McInally's editorial on tuition equity (Dec. 13) should receive an F for failing common sense. Why are so many people caught up in trying to establish fairness? What is fairness and how can it ever be applied to every individual? Could you control the family you were born into? Could you control the country of your birth? How unfair.
Why do people think that taking sums of money from some individuals and giving it to others will make things fair? Really? Giving in-state tuition to an individual here illegally would make it fair? I don't get it.
Everybody gets a free public education through high school. That sounds fair. Now not everybody is college material, nor should college be mandatory. So what is college for? I would say it is to receive specialized training for a specific career/job. So follow the logic: If you are in this country illegally and cannot legally work how does a college degree help? I don't get it.
You may want to look at www.fairus.org for the actual costs of these undocumented immigrants. The cost to Oregon taxpayers for that free education through high school is $575 million a year. Overall, illegal immigrants cost Oregon $1 billion a year or $728 per household. Why should those of us here legally pay for those here illegally? I don't get it.
There is a solution. Those of you that feel you must make things fair can establish a nonprofit and contribute money which you can then give to the undocumented immigrants to cover the difference between out of state and in-state tuition. And while you are feeling generous at solving all of this unfairness, please send me $728.
Albany (Dec. 15)
Illegal-Alien Amnesty Gives Democrats 7 Million New Voters
Is support for an illegal-alien amnesty the key to GOP salvation?
Since the election, some Republican-leaning pundits have maintained that Mitt Romney lost more than 70% of Hispanics, and thereby the presidency, because of his reputedly tough stance on illegal immigration.
Their "solution" is for Republicans to get behind "comprehensive immigration reform" — amnesty and a path to citizenship for illegal aliens. If they don't, the pundits insist, they will render themselves a permanent political minority at the national level.
The problem with this analysis: It's wrong. The election didn't prove that Hispanic voters opposed Romney because of his positions on immigration. And Republicans shouldn't sell the farm on the assumption that they did.
Let's look at some analyses, polls and statistics.
The day after the election, immigration-control group NumbersUSA compared Romney's performance to that of 2008 GOP nominee John McCain — at the time a leading amnesty advocate — in the 20 states with the highest percentage of Hispanic voters. In 16 of those states, wrote NumbersUSA President Roy Beck, "pro-enforcement Romney significantly improved his 'spread' ... over that of nonenforcement McCain."
In Illinois, for instance, Romney outperformed McCain by nine points (2008: Obama 63%, McCain 37%; 2012: Obama 58.5%, Romney 41.5%). In Nevada, Romney's spread over McCain was six points; in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico, five; and in McCain's home state of Arizona, three.
Next, consider Pulse Opinion Research's October poll on E-Verify — the federal system that enables employers to vet prospective hires for proof of legal U.S. presence and whose mandatory use Romney supported. Sixty-nine percent of Hispanics polled favored "requiring that every employer use E-Verify to electronically ensure that no U.S. job goes to illegal immigrants in the future."
Also look at past elections. In 1986, Ronald Reagan approved an amnesty for some 3 million illegal aliens — and two years later his vice president, George H.W. Bush, won 30% of Hispanic voters. In 2008, amnesty proponent McCain won 31%.
If not their stands on immigration, then, what drives Hispanic voters from Republican nominees?
Among naturalized Hispanic citizens, the answer is simple.
"Nearly every immigrant group consistently votes at least 2-to-1 for Democrats," explains Beck, "because Democrats always out-promise government programs to immigrants who on average are lower-income" than native-born Americans.
Indeed, columnist Ann Coulter noted recently that while "39% of native households receive some form of government assistance . .. 57% of immigrant households" here legally get such help.
U.S.-born Hispanics are likelier to need assistance as well. "According to Census Bureau data," reports National Review's Rich Lowry, "among native-born Hispanics, 50% of all households with children are headed by unmarried mothers" — a stratum of the population heavily dependent upon government support.
In California alone, writes the Manhattan Institute's Heather MacDonald, "U.S.-born Hispanic households ... use welfare programs at twice the rate of native-born non-Hispanic households."
Hispanic voters, then — be they immigrant or native-born — are likelier to support Democrats, the champions of government, than Republicans, the champions of tax cuts. GOP leaders' support of amnesty would not change this.
But such support would affect the party's own base. For that base opposes amnesty — overwhelmingly. In a mid-November Gallup poll, 82% of Republicans said it was "extremely important" or "very important" to stop illegal immigration. How would they react if their party's presidential nominee touted the amnesty that would encourage more of it?
There may be an example. In 2008, some Republican immigration restrictionists, including me and others I know in my home state of Oregon, refused to vote for McCain because of his support for amnesty. No study ever sought to determine how numerous we were or whether we affected the election's outcome. But it's logical to conclude: even if our numbers comprised but a fraction of Republicans, they may have cost McCain one or more states.
Consider Indiana (11 electoral votes) and North Carolina (15). In those states, Obama's margin of victory over McCain was smaller than the number of votes won by Libertarian nominee Bob Barr, who opposed birthright citizenship for illegal aliens. A number of Barr's supporters likely were Republicans who supported him, rather than McCain, because of McCain's support for amnesty.
Could something like this happen again, only on a much larger scale, to a Republican presidential nominee? Yes. If, by 2016, Republican leaders have capitulated en masse to an illegal-alien amnesty, "nationalists, such as myself, will leave and join a third party," the Washington Times' Jeffrey Kuhner wrote earlier this month. "Many on the right will follow."
And finally: If realized, how would amnesty of an estimated 10 million illegal aliens affect the GOP's chance for the White House?
"Assume in a decade all 10 million became citizens and voted like the Hispanics, black folks, and Asians already here," reflected Pat Buchanan recently. If the 2012 election's "percentages held, Democrats would get ... 7 million new votes to the GOP's less than 3 million."
And it wouldn't end there. Via "chain migration," the newly-amnestied citizens would import millions of their relatives. Over time, their numbers would create an insurmountable Democratic advantage — and put a Republican presidency forever out of reach.
If not with amnesty, how should Republicans appeal to Hispanic citizens? Beck advocates "connecting support for E-Verify to tackling high unemployment among Hispanic Americans." Bob Dane of the Federation for American Immigration Reform says to stress that "enforcing laws against illegal immigration and limiting future immigration help reduce competition for jobs, wages, educational opportunities and health services."
Perhaps the best appeal would be this: that the rule of law and its consistent application — including on matters pertaining to immigration — undergird the order that helps Hispanic parents cultivate strong families.
This argument would recognize the American Hispanic, in the words of commentator Mark R. Levin, as "the good citizen" who "contributes to the social cohesion of the civil society — for his own benefit and the benefit of that society."
Next year and beyond, President Obama and Democrats in Congress will push for illegal-alien amnesties. Republicans — especially those eyeing the White House — shouldn't accede. Support for amnesty would doom, not save, the GOP.
• LaMountain, a former assistant editor of Conservative Digest magazine, serves as vice president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform.
Save a life, Mr. President -- deport unlicensed driver
Debra Saunders
SAN FRANCISCO -- On Nov. 16, 2010, an unlicensed driver named Roberto Galo took a left turn at Harrison and 16th streets and hit motorcyclist Drew Rosenberg.
After Galo backed over Rosenberg's body, the law-school student died. A jury convicted Galo for manslaughter and driving without a license. After serving 43 days in jail, he was released on home detention.
Don Rosenberg of Westlake Village -- in Los Angeles County -- blames San Francisco politics for his son's death. He also fears that the like-minded Obama administration will shield unlicensed drivers to the detriment of public safety -- and Washington isn't giving him reason to believe otherwise.
This sanctuary city has been so eager to protect illegal immigrants who cannot obtain California drivers' licenses that in 2009, then-Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that the city no longer would impound the cars of unlicensed drivers automatically. In 2008, the AAA Foundation for Public Safety reported that 29 percent of fatal car crashes in California involved a driver without a valid license. No worries, San Francisco sent a message to folks who haven't even passed a driver's test: You can drive here and get away with it.
Accidents happen, but Rosenberg doesn't see this crash as an accident -- Galo, after all, backed over Rosenberg's son.
You can't blame California's law that denies driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. As a legal immigrant given temporary protective status, Galo was eligible for a driver's license. But he didn't have one, and he drove anyway. That decision demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of others and disrespect for the law.
Repeated disrespect. Five months earlier, police stopped Galo for driving the wrong way on a one-way street and driving without a license. He paid a $220 fine. Then-Police Chief George Gascon -- now the district attorney -- supported the Newsom plan. He even told me at the time that it would help legal residents who couldn't afford to get a license or driver training. Does he still support it? No answer from his office.
The Public Defender's Office, which represented Galo, did not wish to discuss the case.
The next question is whether Galo, having been convicted of two misdemeanors, can remain in the United States legally. While immigration officials have not responded to my queries, aides to Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif, told me that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told them Galo was guilty of only one crime of moral turpitude -- which suggests that he can stay.
Thursday ICE released a statement that said Galo is here lawfully and it "is investigating the options related to his status in light of his criminal convictions."
Jorge-Mario Cabrera, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, of Los Angeles stated: "We believe that driving offenses should not be a reason enough on their own to merit deportation. What would we do to a U.S. citizen who does such a crime? We would require them to pay, we would send them to jail or have them lose their license. We don't deport them."
"He should be treated like any other driver."
Jessica Vaughan of the pro-enforcement Center for Immigration Studies told me, "What makes this particular case disconcerting is that authorities seemed willing to overlook this serious violation in order to protect someone from deportation who has killed someone." Will Washington follow San Francisco's example?
If so, thank groups like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles who have sold the idea that driving without a license is not a big deal. Spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera told me, "We don't believe that most traffic offenses should be deportable."
Cabrera feels sorry for the Rosenbergs. But: "Does deportation, exile, bring back the person's son?"
Deportation, however, might prevent the death of someone else's son.
As Rosenberg noted, San Francisco's message to unlicensed drivers is that they can drive, kill somebody and serve only 43 days in jail. The Obama administration, however, could send the message that when immigrants seeking permanent legal status flout the law and drive without a license, and they kill somebody, they will be deported.
The only reason not to send that message: You care more about people who break the law than the law-abiding general public.
Debra J. Saunders is a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Send email to dsaunders@sfchronicle.com
Immigration reform a thorn in side of Democrats
Ruben Navarrette
SAN DIEGO — After Latino voters helped re-elect President Obama — delivering the battleground states of Nevada and Colorado, and contributing to the victories in Florida and Virginia — a consensus quickly emerged among pundits and political observers that the quid pro quo would include comprehensive immigration reform.
But what does this even mean?
For nativists who fear the Latinizing of the United States, reforming the immigration system means building higher fences and rejecting anything that resembles "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. For the business community and high-tech industry, it means owning up to the fact that there are jobs that Americans either won't do or can't do, and making it easier for companies to recruit high-skilled workers from abroad. For those on the far left, it means an expedited pathway to U.S. citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants that would not inconvenience the recipients by making them meet any requirements.
Meanwhile, for the majority of Americans, it means a common-sense combination of three things: A temporary guest-worker program where people could come to the United States for a few years, then go home; stronger and smarter border security that keeps track of who is coming and going, and for what purpose; and a pathway to earned legalization for that portion of the undocumented population that has been here for many years.
When the media talk about the imminent arrival of comprehensive immigration reform, this is what is generally assumed: Supposedly, the tuneup to our immigration system that President George W. Bush first talked about at the White House with Mexican President Vicente Fox in September 2001 is a done deal. We're told: Democrats want it, and Republicans need it.
The assessment is half right. The Republicans need it. But the Democrats don't really want it. They've never really wanted it. They only say they want it to trick Latinos and immigration reform advocates into voting for them again and again.
Which is why reform probably won't happen. We'll have a debate but no solution will emerge from it.
So why don't Democrats want comprehensive immigration reform? For the same five reasons that Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid teamed up in 2006 and 2007 with the nativist wing of the Republican Party to kill bipartisan bills and, in 2010, helped scuttle the DREAM Act — a mini-legalization program for college students and military.
• Democrats would rather not be known, in subsequent elections, as the "party of amnesty" and solidify their reputation for being dovish on border security. This would not help their chances with white and black voters who feel threatened and want stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
• They want to continue to have a club with which to bludgeon Republicans, and convince Latinos that the GOP is hostile to them and their concerns. This makes campaigning easier, and delivers them votes in crucial states that they haven't earned.
• They want to please organized labor, which opposes any stab at immigration reform that includes mention of guest workers. That is, any proposal that stands a chance of winning the Republican votes necessary for passage because Democrats are so splintered on the issue.
• They want to avoid a contentious debate that would surely divide the Democratic base by pitting Latinos and immigration reformers against labor unions, African-Americans who feel displaced in the racial pecking order, and those who want to restrict immigration to protect U.S. workers.
• They want to preserve the current system, which works great for Democrats. They don't do anything to fix the problem, so they don't get saddled with any of the negative pushback they might get if they took action and Republicans used it against them. The GOP gets the blame for being "obstructionist." Labor is happy. Latinos are duped. All is good.
Don't kid yourself. Regardless of the election returns and the turmoil now engulfing the Republican Party, Democrats in Congress have no appetite for comprehensive immigration reform. Now that Latino voters have let out a roar, Democrats simply have to be craftier in fooling these voters into thinking they're doing their bidding while they continue to do what they want to do.
This is the inescapable paradigm of the immigration debate. Getting outraged at Republicans on Election Day didn't change it. If you want to change it, try saving some outrage for Democrats.
Ruben Navarrette Jr. writes for the Washington Post Writers Group, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071. Send email to ruben@rubennavarrette.com.


text:
Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Dave Orleski
Dave Eugene Orleski
Left-winger Dave Orleski made it into a couple of games for the Montreal Canadiens in the early 80s. He was a tough player physically but was also capable of scoring when the opportunity presented itself.
The 6'4" native of Edmonton, Alberta played with the local Midgets in 1975-76 before joining the New Westminster Bruins of the WCJHL. He was an integral part of the Bruins' consecutive Memorial Cup wins in 1977 and 1978. After scoring 66 points and representing Canada at the World Junior Championships in 1979, Orleski was drafted 79th overall by the Montreal Canadiens.
Apart from his two games with the Habs, Orleski spent most his six pro seasons as a regular on the AHL's Nova Scotia Voyageurs. His best year was 1982-83 with 67 points in 68 games. Orleski retired early in the 1984-85 season after playing two games for the Voyageurs.
1975-76 Edmonton Mets AAHA
1976-77 New Westminster Bruins WCJHL 62 8 14 22 29 14 3 4 7 8
1976-77 New Westminster Bruins M-Cup 5 2 2 4 14
1977-78 New Westminster Bruins WCJHL 64 15 35 50 132 14 12 9 21 28
1978-79 New Westminster Bruins WHL 71 27 39 66 128 8 3 4 7 2
1978-79 Canada WJC-A 5 2 0 2 0
1979-80 Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL 70 24 24 48 32 6 0 2 2 0
1980-81 Montreal Canadiens NHL 1 0 0 0 0 0
1980-81 Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL 37 8 13 21 44 6 2 1 3 7
1983-84 Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL 20 6 9 15 14 12 2 2 4 0
1983-84 Salt Lake Golden Eagles CHL 3 0 1 1 4
1984-85 Nova Scotia Oilers AHL 2 0 1 1 0
NHL Totals 2 0 0 0 0

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Here removal and installation for the Versatile person model is described. Installation and removal process for other models is similar. Differences are described in the text.
2. Remove facing of a door of a back or a trunk lid, address to appropriate section.
3. Squeeze out 8 clips (arrows on an illustration) slips (2) with registration plate outside. For this purpose put from the interior of a cover on each clip a head of the corresponding diameter and depth and squeeze out a clip.
4. Unscrew a nut from the screw (1) and remove a slip (2) with registration plate from a back door.
5. Disconnect a cable (1) from the locking mechanism (2) (the shooter on an illustration) and disconnect the tip.
Depending on a design it is necessary to uncover to have possibility to disconnect a cable.
1. Fix the mechanism of locking by two screws the moment 9РќРј on a back door.
3. Establish a slip with registration plate on a back door so that clips and screws entered into openings. Strongly press a slip to a door and fix. Screw nuts.
4. Establish into place facing of a door of a back or a trunk lid, address to appropriate section.
5. Attach a negative cable (-) to a battery battery room at the switched-off ignition. Establish into place a box of the filter of air of salon. Enter a code of a radio receiver and establish time on hours.


text:
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Apple iPad 2020: Price, Display, Design, Specs, And Release
February 1, 2020 February 1, 2020 Samantha Lewis	0 Comments
A decade ago, Apple launched its first iPad which has set a trend in the world of tablets. Apple is also a renowned innovator in the world of smartphones. Over the decade, the company has evolved significantly and they are now making thinner, more powerful, and top-notch iPads.
iPad 2020 news and gossips have already started to surface everywhere because according to some reports, Apple is going to launch new iPad models in March 2020.
However, some reports suggest that Apple users will have to wait until the first half of the year, but it is not confirmed yet.
In this article, we are going to share everything that we have heard so far and expect from the iPad and iPad Pro models in 2020.
Hardware And Specs
If Apple does have new iPads in store for 2020, we could see them in March 2020. In 2019, Apple released the iPad Air and iPad Mini in Spring and in September, they released 10.2-inch iPad. They revealed the iPad 2018 in an education-related event in March, so you can expect that Apple will undeniably announce its new iPads in Spring 2020.
If we talk about the iPad Pro, then it is very difficult to predict a release date. In November 2018, we got two latest 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models. Everyone was expecting that Apple will release the new iPads in an event in October 2019, but it was just a rumor.
However, it has been a long time since the last iPad variants were released, so we do expect a new variation to arrive in March 2020. The next biggest Apple events are going to happen in June and September, it is possible that we will see the latest iPad pro later in the year in any one of these events.
In 2018, Apple offered an extensively changed design, so you shouldn't expect anything special for 2020. The company tends to be conservative when it comes to design, and after removing the home buttons, it is possible that they will keep things the same for the next few generations.
They could try to make the pro model slimmer, but we are not sure of it. However, it is impossible that Apple will shrink the bezels any further because they have already adopted this idea.
They can add palm-rejection tech, but people will probably not like it too much. We are hopeful that the iPad 2020 will have a screen of 10.5-inch or larger. We are also expecting USB-C for charging and triple-lens 12 MP rear camera and 7MP front-facing camera, but the overall design will be similar to the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9.
The upcoming iPad models are anticipated to come with Apple's latest processor A13, but for Pro models, we are expecting the A13X. According to some sources, the new processor could be called A14X instead of A13X. The storage options are going to be the same- 64GB/256GB/512GB/1TB.
The battery capacity will be slightly improved, so the users would be able to use the iPad for 10 hours. It is possible that Apple will replace the 64GB variant with a 128GB model, but we are not sure of it at this moment. Consumers won't be able to use MicroSD card in the iPad and iPad Pro because Apple does not offer this specification in any of its devices.
You will be able to see Apple pencil compatibility in the new generation iPad Pro models because Apple has been offering this specification since the beginning of the 2nd iPad pro lineup. We are also excited to see Face ID recognition and stereo speakers in the upcoming iPad Pro models.
The iPad Pro could have a triple-camera array and a 3D time-of-flight sensor, so the user can expect to get outstanding quality portrait shots. The next generation iPad could feature a Touch ID, 10.2-inch retina display, and an A10 Fusion chip. The consumers are expecting to see the iPad with Face ID recognition and a bezel-less design, but all of these features will play a big role to increase the price tag.
Apple's iPad OS was available in all iPads including iPad Air 2, and it is predicted that the new iPad Pro will be released on the same platform with some extra features. Here is a short and sweet summary of the expected new features of iPad Pro.
New home screen
Sidecar with Catalina
Files app
New multitasking features
Text editing features
5G support
Safari improvements
As we have discussed that the design is not going to change for iPad Pro 2020, we are expecting that the display sizes are also not going to change for iPad and iPad pro 2020.
The upcoming iPad Pros should come in an 11-inch and 12.9-inch with ProMotion technology, true tone technology, and a fully laminated display screen with an anti-reflective coating.
According to some sources, the displays of both iPad Pros will be upgraded to Micro-LED panels, but we are quite sure that Apple will stick with liquid retina IPS displays for 2020.
If we talk about the 10.2-inch iPad 2019, it costs $329 and it is considered to be the most popular model. We are hopeful that the price tag will not go too high for a 2020 variant.
The newest iPad mini and iPad Air costs $399 and $499, respectively, but there was a big gap between the launch dates of both models. We are not expecting the new versions of these models in 2020.
The next generation Apple's iPad Pro will be available in two colors that are space gray and silver. It is expected that the 11-inch model will be available at $799 and the 12.9-inch variant will be available at $999, but the prices in the UK can rise above than this.
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ALL WE KNEW by Jamie Beck
Posted on February 23, 2018 by Miranda Grissom • 0 Comments
Series: Cabots #2
Published by Montlake Romance Genres: Contemporary
Sara and Hunter Cabot have loved each other for a long time. But the years of trying so hard to become parents have taken a toll on their marriage. The strain has been added to by the time Hunter devotes to the family's international tea business. The love between them is as strong as ever but with Hunter under siege at work from his manipulative step-mother and Sara feeling as though he's never around, things seem to be falling apart. Can they find a way to stay together and move past all the obstacles pulling them apart?
The first time I read about Sara and Hunter in the first The Cabots book, Before I Knew. Hunter and Sara had issues that real life couples face, making in turns heartbreaking and uplifting. Jamie Beck penned a story of two people who love each other with true depth but have a marriage that is failing from different stresses. Watching them find their way back to each other made for great reading. The Cabots series is not to be missed and I've just loaded up the third book in the series When You Knew and I can't wait to get started.
ROYALLY RUINED by Nora Flite
Posted on December 7, 2017 by Miranda Grissom • 0 Comments
Series: Bad Boy Royals #2
Published by Montlake Romance Genres: Contemporary, Suspense
Scotch has crappy luck. She does a good deed and now she's paying dearly. Scotch is forced to go on the run with the city's most dangerous mafia boss.
Costello Badd is the head of his family's mafia empire. A night that was supposed to bring good things to his family could be their ruin. One brave, smart mouthed woman may be his undoing for he cannot leave Scotch's fate in the hands of others.
Scotch and Costello are polar opposites, yet they can't fight the attraction between them. If they're not careful their attraction may get them killed.
Royally Ruined is a fast-paced mafia romance. Scotch is an amazing character. She is tough, and she knows what she wants. Costello really needs Scotch to bring out his softer side and oh boy does she. There's nothing like being on the run from a bunch of killers to bring two people together.
At the beginning Royally Ruined goes from sexy to thrilling in what felt like a split second. I really enjoyed these two. Ms. Flite is a new author to me and I will definitely read her again. Royally Ruined is a sizzling adventure!
CHARITY by Deneane Clark
Series: The Virtues #3
Published by Montlake Romance on 2011-07-05
Reviewed by Miranda
The comrade of the Ackerley sisters' new brother-in-law was anything but unattractive. Lachlan Kimbal, the newest Marquess of Asheburton, loomed tall, dark and rich—and he was looking for a wife. Yet, wasn't right for Charity's sister, whom he seemed intent on courting. Amity was in love with another man. But the Ackerly family stuck together, the twins most of all, so they would perpetrate a deception. Thwarting the infuriating Scotsman would even be a laugh. For one night Charity could act demure and gracious, strong yet obedient—everything that Lachlan sought. In that same night, he would prove himself everything she desired.
Scot Lachlan Kimball is the new Marquess of Asheburton and he's looking for a wife. Lachlan's been burned in the past so he's not eager to jump into the love pond again. The London ton is the perfect place to find a woman that he can marry and produce heir's with. He never counted on encountering a sparring partner in the process.
Miss Charity Ackerly and her twin sister Amity Ackerly are ready to enjoy this season among the London ton. Charity has always been known as the twin with attitude while Amity is the sweet and docile twin. Charity simply can't help herself when it comes to Lachlan. He provokes her like no other ever has.
Charity and Lachlan share a connection but he has eyes for Amity. Amity would make the perfect wife but there is something about Charity that draws Lachlan in. Mistaken identities, cowards bent on revenge and wayward mamas make Charity an absolutely fun adventurous romance.
I love Charity! Charity is a riot! Charity is a strong, stubborn woman looking for love and Lachlan is perfect for her. These two really complete each other. I found Charity to be hilarious, exciting and full of passion! Lachlan makes me melt! His character is so perfect! The way he handles things with Charity is so beautiful and swoon worthy. Deneane Clark has mesmerized me with the Ackerly women and the romantic men they wed. I am in love with this series and cannot wait for the next one. Charity is a spirited, delightful, memorable romance that should not be missed!
FAITH by Deneane Clark
It was divinely providential, acknowledged most mamas of the ton, how time could change a man. A mere younger son the year before, a notorious prankster and womanizer, Gareth Lloyd was now the dignified Marquess of Roth. And the sudden possession of such a large fortune made him the catch of the Season. He was also everything Miss Faith Ackerly despised. To her, a rake and a libertine could no more become a pillar of society than a leopard could change its spots. For a maid as prim as she was pretty, Gareth's wealth was no more an inducement to wed than his title. Yet those warm brown eyes did not show the soul of a scoundrel. They promised to protect and cherish, to fend off any foe…though they indeed tempted her with the pleasures of the bedroom. No, no act of God could make her desire Gareth. But a leap of faith could lead to true love.
Miss Faith Ackerly is ready to find her Mr. Right among this season's ton. After watching her sister find love and happily-ever-after Faith is looking for her own. Most marriage matches found among the ton are more business than pleasure but that simply will not do for Miss Faith Ackerly.
For most of his life Gareth Lloyd has been known as the second son, a prankster and a stud. Now that Gareth has become the Marquess of Roth he is the most eligible man in the ton. The women are fawning all over him but the one that sparks his interest doesn't fall at his feet as he would like.
Gareth is the opposite of what Faith wants in a husband. How can she find love with a known womanizer? Even as his touch sets her on fire Faith is content to deny her feelings until Gareth and Faith are caught in a compromising position. What is the proper thing to do? Gareth and Faith must marry or her reputation will be in tatters. Can this couple find love together or will there be too many obstacles in their way?
Faith is a lovely romance filled with wonderful characters. I really enjoyed Faith. Faith and Gareth share a burning chemistry that lights up the pages. I am growing to adore the Ackerly women and the men they attract. This is my first Virtue novel. You don't have to read the series in order to follow along, but after reading one book it's impossible not to want to read the others. Deneane Clark has written a family full of bold, brazen, beautiful, strong and sexy women. I fell in love with these sisters! They are inspiring from their relationships with each other to the relationships they find with their husbands. Gareth is an ex-womanizer with a big heart but boy did he make me angry at times. These two did their best to infuriate me at times but I thoroughly enjoyed their journey. Faith is a sweet and satisfying read!
FURY OF FIRE by Coreene Callahan
Series: Dragonfury #1
Published by Montlake Romance on 2012-02
Genres: Paranormal
Reviewed by Jo
A clandestine race of half-dragon, half-humans known as dragon-shifters lives among us. Bastian, leader of the Nightfury dragon clan, is sworn to protect humankind at all costs. For him, honor and duty always come first. When the clan dictates he take a human mate to sire a son, he falters, aware that for a human to birth a dragon-shifter she must die. Myst, the woman given into his care, is the most extraordinary he's ever met, and though he can't bear the thought of harming her, he is bound by duty.Myst loves her life in the human world, but Bastian has captured her heart in an instant of electric connection. But Bastian and his warriors are in the middle of a deadly battle with the Razorback dragon-shifters, intent on killing every Nightfury clan member — and the humans they protect — the fate of their world and ours hangs in the balance. An extraordinary blend of action, fantasy, and steamy romance, Fury of Fire brings to life a dangerous new world intertwined with the survival of humanity, all while exploring the meaning of honor and the nature of true love.
Bastian is the leader of the Nightfury dragon clan; they are shapeshifters that are actually half dragon and half human. Unfortunately, because of a battle going on with their enemy clan, the Razorback dragons, they are losing more dragons than are being born. One problem is that the women never survive the birth to anyone's memory, which means all Nightfury's will lose their women during childbirth. But Bastian knows he will have to father a child soon and then lose the woman he will be drawn to. Now they fight not only to win but to also make sure that every dragon born child becomes a Nightfury, if possible.
Myst Munroe is a nurse practitioner but her title does not explain how involved Myst can be when she knows someone really needs her. That was how Myst ended up being in the right place at the wrong time. She went out to see a patient just as the woman was dying in childbirth. Myst saved the baby boy only to find herself in the middle of a battle – one being fought by dragons?! All Myst knows is that she has a new life she has promised to save and she has to make it away from that house with the baby, even if it means her life for his.
Bastian is unprepared for his reaction to the human he finds with the baby he and his team went for. Nor was he ready for Myst's reaction on seeing men turn into dragons and fighting. Myst suddenly finds herself being drawn to a fierce man who can shoot flames and yet is very gentle with her. Myst is both drawn to and scared to death of Bastian. There is one thing that brings them together though, the small baby. The battles are getting worse because the baby has a dragon father who is undeclared to either clan, but that doesn't stop. Myst and Bastian are just simmering with passion and the full moon is just around the corner that means that Bastian has very little time to show Myst just how much he wants her. Still confused by her feeling and what she believes should be, Myst ends up once again on the wrong side of a dragon battle. However this time Myst knows finally that she wants to end up with Bastian. The question is has she waited too long to express the love that has been there the entire time?
When a fully human woman suddenly discovers dragons live, will the sexy man who just happens to also be a dragon find the key to unlock her heart? Bastian and Myst find out this answer in Fury of Fire. I have to say all I could think of at the end was 'what a ride'. Both Bastian and Myst struggled with their feelings and the passion they felt for the other and that just leaped off the pages at me. I could feel the anguish that Bastian felt at needing to mate with Myst and yet knowing that very thing would kill her and take her away from him. I also could understand Myst's confusion at being drawn to Bastian while at the same type being horrified by what she saw them do. Of course the villain was just as nasty as I expected and I'm hoping that Bastian will get to fry him in the very near future. The final battle was heart stopping in several places and I wasn't sure in a couple of them if Bastian and Myst would have the chance to explore their love and the strange answers that they are just beginning to discover. I can't wait until my next look at the Dragonfury world and to discover a few more answers that just might give the Nightfury clan a chance at love. Fury of Fire has hot passion, deadly danger and just enough light spots that keep you on the edge of your seat hoping and worrying about what the next page might have to offer.
I do love dragons, but they Bastian and his clan are so unique that they had me from the beginning and once I had Myst mixed in with Bastian, there was no doubt in my mind as I turned the last page that I would have to Joyfully Recommend Fury of Fire as one that belongs in any dragon lovers library. However even if you don't love dragons, I would say give it a try just for the tightly woven plot, emotional discoveries and intrigue.
Filed Under: Recommended Reviews, Reviews


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I will be detailing the process of traveling to UAE from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by land. This will include all the preps and advice I can give based on our successes and failures during those hours.
First, you got to set a budget. This will depend on how much you are willing to spend and how much you are willing to stretch to maximize the budget. Our trip cost me a fortune. We were 10 altogether, so there are 10 brains functioning; each wanting to go to a place after another — that means more spending. My suggestion – plan your itinerary. The "come what may attitude" only works if traveling as a couple, heck, it doesn't even work when traveling with my husband!
Note to self: For long travels, better travel with family because no matter how bad the road rage is due to heat and exhaustion – you're family. There's no further harm you can inflict to one another except for stern looks and silly hand gestures!
You must have a valid UAE Visitor's Visa. This can be secured from the website costing you around 250 AED per visa (I think) but since I was lazy (because I am sure they will be asking me to apply for them (9 people), I thought seeking help from an agency would be better), I secured our visa from a friend who works in a traveling agency. They charge way less than the regular travel agencies and it's uber fast! If you want to know their information: please message me here. The agency processing in KSA costs around 500 SAR (I did ask around) and theirs is way less. I mean, definitely not 250 AED (because hello?), but way cheaper than local agencies. Theirs is based in Abu Dhabi. Note: I am not a broker, so you need to directly communicate with the agency.
Exit Re-entry Visa. This is important not only because you cannot travel without it, but also because it's required by the bank for car authorization.
If you're leasing your car, say like us; since we haven't paid it in full (poor us), we had to go and get authorization from Alrajhi Bank, Alrawdha Branch (super far). That document costs around 36 SAR. Other banks charge more I think. They will only accept debit card payments, so you must have some money on your account. Note: If your wife owns the car, there's a female section at the back side of the building where you will need to sign some documents; you must prepare the car registration (estimara), your iqamas (if she's authorizing you) as well as your marriage contract, with Arabic translation.
More on the car: Even if your car is new, it is still good to have it checked. We discovered that the battery of our car corroded few hrs before our travel. It was crazy because we cannot run it for hours esp. with the threat that our new battery can get discharged again. Better to do the checking earlier than the 11th hour. You must also check your tyres. Have they been with you long enough that it could fail you while on a non-stop long drive? If you are unsure about your tyres, please, do buy a set (noting that spare is as important). Check your batteries, tyres, tools, and other emergency safety kits. If they're all checked, you are good to go.
Gas: Going to UAE required us 2 full tanks of gas to reach the border (for a big car). Perhaps sedans and smaller SUVs would require 3 refills for the trip. But you know, the drivers know these things.
Distance: As far as we can recall, we reached the border in 5 hours. We thought we've seen the Promised Land only to find out that we still have 6 more long hours to drive to reach Dubai city center. All in all, going there took us 11 long hours until we're home sweet home — to our hotel. We'll talk about that later. The trip homeward bound though is excruciating. We have used Waze all the freakin time so like the usual, it is so reliable except for the times that you didn't solely rely on it and took a glance at Google Maps. We were taking Al Ahsa Road going back but it was a series of closed roads which Waze didn't indicate albeit, driving us away (there must be a reason right?) but Google Maps encouraged our going there — on those closed roads! Why Google, why? We should have stayed with Waze but we wondered why it didn't give us a reason for the detour. It's a mistake on our part. It took us 2-3 extra hours going home due to the mishaps encountered along the way. We should have relied on Waze because it is live routing. Anyhoo, next time, we'd do better.
Food: Of course, traveling long distance requires food. Make sure you're all stocked up. There are several convenient stores along the way but it's always better to have something packed before you go.
Hotels: Since my boss always asks me to look for hotels in downtown Dubai, I thought I'd check that out. Ohmigosh, the hotels there are pretty expensive! Like 6000AED above – per night! So I compromised, looked elsewhere… but since I was booking the hotel super late, I missed the apartment type hotels that we liked! The practical suggestion is to book early on to get the best deals on hotels plus, with more choices. We stayed in Holiday Inn Al Rigga. It's not bad. It's a 4-star hotel as per Booking.com, but I tell you it's not. The carpeting is old and there's a funky smell on the corridors but considering our good experience including the facilities and service (not to mention the super comfy sheets), it's worth considering again. It has an awesome location too especially for Filipinos who miss the Philippines and all its perks. If you're like us, then this location is for you. The hotel is reasonably priced, from 14-19 June, we only paid 4300-4400 AED for the four rooms all together, excluding room service of course. They too have an interesting spa. I feel I must mention that, just go there and find out, if you dare.
So the thing is, hotels charge an extra 25% for the taxes (miscellaneous but it will be broken down accordingly) – according to my friend, the one who issued our visas from their agencies, they can get you a deal charging you with only 10% out of the 25% being taxed via Booking.com. If you're interested, message me here and I'd hook you up.
UAE Tourist Spots: There are several places to visit in UAE. We have visited the Lego Land and the malls and my favorite Souq Madinat Jumeirah. I love it! That place satisfied the hipster in me and I think, that's one of the best places ever. I loved Dubai Mall too, at least the Cyber Section (or whatever it's called). I cannot wait to see the Warner Bros. theme park when it opens. By the way, we tried to go to Lamesa because it served Filipino food and pork of course, but it was closed, we came in too late. We also missed Regine Velasquez's concert. Like I can make them watch that! I mean given that it's expensive plus, I think, I am the only fantard out there! All in all, I can say that we have maximized the time we're there and we've gone to so many places, but since I am not a travel blogger, I would let others do the honors of detailing.
Fees / Immigration: Getting there, we paid 210 SAR at the border. My husband said that the fee was for GCC Car Insurance although I am kind of puzzled about the need since our insurance covers traveling GCC with exception of some countries but not UAE. We were asked to pay like it's a standard procedure so I think it's really necessary, of course, we paid.
Our iqamas served a vital role, you should have it ready at all times alongside the passports. Also, when you're being scanned (retina, I think) at the immigration, open your eyes real wide especially if you've got the typical Southeast Asian eyes.
Returning to Riyadh has some fees too, we were charged 33 AED per person, but that's it. They inspected us thoroughly for contraband (can you blame them?) otherwise, everything went with flying colors.
Again, I can hook you up with stress-free visa application and hotel accommodation with less tax (15% is significant!) but again, I am not a broker, you will be communicating with the agent directly.


Genuine Clear Green XYZ Junior PLA filament for the Da Vinci Junior 3D printer and Da Vinci Junior 1.0 Wireless.
Designed to give you hours of consistent 3D printing. The da Vinci Jr. uses a different refillable filament system to that of the other Da Vinci 3D printers. The filament spools in the da Vinci Jr are simply to replace so that refilling is easier than ever before! Also our new PLA filaments are a non-toxic, biodegradable plastic that are recyclable and safe for the environment.
Why not look at the full range of PLA filament colours we have for the Da Vinci Junior.
First unload filament using the control panel on the printer.
Insert the filament spool axle ring components to either side of the filament spool, and use a cruciform screwdriver to tighten and secure the rings to the axle to complete the installation of the filament spool axle rings.
Place the assembled filament spool (with the spool axle rings) on the filament holder on the left side of the printer.
Pull out a section of the filament and insert it into the feed port. Caution: Pay attention to the direction the filament is being pulled out and ensure that the filament spool axle is being rotated in the correct manner.
Then load filament using the control panel on the printer.
Note: This is not compatible with the Da Vinci 1.0A, the Da Vinci 1.1 Plus, the Da Vinci 2.0 and the DaVinci 1.0AiO 3D printers. We have a full range of XYZ printer cartridge colours for these printers and stock both PLA XYZ 3D printer filament and ABS XYZ 3D printer cartridges.


Embrace's partner, the East Jerusalem YMCA, helps people who are marginalised because of disability or because they have experienced the trauma of displacement or illegal detention under the Israeli occupation. EJYMCA provides much-needed counselling services and works with the Palestinian community to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and vulnerable ex-detainees. Pray for survivors of political violence in Palestine.
A wondrous gift is given: One humble birth more than 2,000 years ago brought us the hope of everlasting life. Today, in places where Jesus lived, babies are being born into poverty and conflict. But we can help them get a healthy start, thanks to your donations and prayers. Embrace's partner Caritas Jerusalem provides antenatal and maternity care to disadvantaged women, and postnatal support for them and their precious new babies. Please pray for women giving birth amid poverty and for the health of their newborns.
The olive harvest is beginning in Palestine and 100,000 Palestinian families depend on the harvest each year. Pray for the farmers as they gather the harvest in, often in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Pray also for The Joint Advocacy Initiative - a ministry of the YMCA - as they seek to support Palestinian olive farmers by supplying teams of international volunteers to help with collecting the olives.
Church leaders say many Christians in Israel and the Palestinian Territories now feel unsafe, after recently being the target of attacks and inflammatory speeches. An imam at the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem recently posted a video on the Internet urging Muslims to be in a constant state of war against the 'polytheist enemy', namely Christians, and also against Jews. In May, a mob attacked property in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, following a row between a Christian and a Muslim. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Israel and the Palestinian Territories to be salt and light in their communities. Pray too that moderate Muslims and Christians will unite to stand against extremism in all its forms and promote religious tolerance.
Destruction everywhere, thousands displaced, and homeless with no means to earn money - the plight of the people of Gaza, following the recent 50-day conflict with Israel, is desperate. Help is now starting to filter through to the neediest of families. A relief grant given by BMS World Mission to the European Baptist Federation (EBF) is enabling Pastor Hanna and Gaza Baptist Church (where he used to be pastor) to provide food vouchers for families to spend on groceries like rice, beans and cooking oil at a nearby supermarket. So far over 200 needy families, both Christian and Muslim, have received the vouchers, with plans to reach more families in the coming weeks.
The staff at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, the only Christian hospital in Gaza, has maintained an around-the-clock presence since the recent military action began. Receiving wounded people and providing them with critical medical care, the Al-Ahli hospital is experiencing shortages in medicine, fuel for electrical generators, food for patients, and food parcels for the community. In a recent communication related to South Sudan, the Archbishop of Canterbury said we should "batter the gates of heaven" with our prayers for peace. Surely the same must be said of Israel-Palestine. Let's pray too for the wounded, bereaved and for those at Al-Ahli hospital working to help them.
The worldview of all who live in Israel or Palestine today is clouded by violence and conflict. The daily reality of checkpoints, guns and soldiers merely serves to reinforce entrenched historical opposition and prejudices. As a result, the encounter between Israeli and Palestinian is all too often preconditioned by both real and perceived threats, in a way which does not allow space for an alternative story to play out. Pray for the work of Musalha, which promotes reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, as demonstrated in the life and teaching of Jesus, both among believers, and more widely in the two communities.
The Palestinian request for statehood at the UN in September 2011 again highlighted how much the Israel-Palestine question is not just a Middle Eastern issue but a world question. Somewhere in the midst of entrenched, historical, cultural and religious views, lies a body of Christian believers who straddle both the Israeli and Palestinian cultural divides. Pray for wisdom for religious and political leaders on both sides as they seek to lead their respective communities to greater harmony and acceptance.
Checkpoints and blockades, violence and death - from the outside it is easy to wonder how anyone could study in such a situation. Pray for Christian students in the Palestinian Territories and elsewhere who are struggling to live the reality of our reconciliation through Christ in the midst of deep-rooted divisions along political, ethnic or social lines. Give thanks with us that our God is a God in whom there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Pray that others will see how followers of Christ think and behave in these situations of conflict and be drawn to our powerful God, who has demolished the dividing wall of hostility between him and us, and can do the same for the divisions among people.