text:
author: COLOMBO TELEGRAPH
Avant Garde: Cabinet Row Over Law And Order Minister Marapana
High drama prevailed at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday, with several ministers threatening to quit the government if transparency does not prevail when it comes to decision making by the leaders including President Maithripala Sirisena and Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Marapana
At one point during the stormy session Wickremesinghe had walked out with one minister describing that he had left in anger and another saying that the Premier had left to prepare for his special statement in parliament on the governments mid-term economic plan.
The Premier however had not returned to the meeting room thereafter.
The hotly debated issue during the meeting was the special statement made by Law and Order Minister Tilak Marapana in Parliament on the Avant Garde issue on Wednesday.
Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Champika Ranawaka posed the question on how Marapana could make a special statement in parliament without the permission of the cabinet.
Senaratne questioned on who had given permission for Marapana to make a special statement.
A visibly agitated Senaratne had questioned whether Marapana was batting on behalf of the Avant Garde as he was in the company's payroll.
Meanwhile according to a minister present at the meeting an angry Ranawaka had said that while some ministers who had entered the cabinet through the backdoor were running amok, those who fought tooth and nail to topple Rajapaksa and bring the new government to power were being sidelined.
Meanwhile Minister Rauff Hakeem too had backed Ranawaka and Senaratne noting that transparency was lacking when it came to decision making from those in the highest echelons of the government.
A number of ministers questioned the views expressed by Marapana and asked the President whether this was an attempt to sweep the issue under the carpet,
One minister recalled that Marapana's name was linked to the Avant Garde issue during the previous regime's time as well and urged the President to investigate the matter.
Marapana had represented Avant Garde in a law suit during the previous regimes time.
Both Ranawaka and Senaratne had threatened to quit if transparency does not prevail when it comes to decision making by the leaders. They also urged Sirisena to continue with the Avant Garde probe irrespective of Marapana's stand.
Meanwhile Sirisena promised the ministers that he would look into the matter.
However, the debate on the issue which even prevailed after President's assurance showed that Ministers were not happy.
Marapana making a special statement in parliament on Wednesday said that the Police had raided the Avant-Garde floating armoury vessel at the Galle Harbour soon after the election to 'score points'.
While dismissing allegations over the whole matter, the Minister stated that it was similar to the millennium city affair in 2002 when a hideout of government intelligence officers were raided at Athurugiriya, while revealing their identities to the outside,
Minister Marapana told parliament that facts have been distorted to create a wrong picture in the minds of the people.
Police Yet To Realise Change From Autocracy To Yahapālana
Govt. To Release 61 Tamil Political Prisoners
Piumi / November 6, 2015
This man Marapana was standing naked before the August assembly. He was addressing the courts by saying"mage sevadayakaya". In the first place PM should not have brought this man to the Parliament. He was one person who badly politicised the Attorney General's department during HE Wijetunga's time. and was also responsible for the fall of the UNP government at the time.
PM if you really want to continue with the "yahapalanaya please get rid of these bad eggs. IT is very clear why the present AG decided to defend the Avant Gard. This man Marapana was behind the decision.
Ben Hurling / November 6, 2015
Could be agreed play for the Gallery. In an effort to wear out public scrutiny and burst public pressure. Remember CB Bond problem is in the back burner now.
A calculated, driven crook of Marapana'a standing would not have made such brazenly dumb statement in Parliament otherwise. Without some sort of a clearance from more powerful, crafty players.
Sri Lankan Cabinet meetings must be akin to gigantic, chaotic, ever so bickering Afghan Grand Assemblies (Loya Jirgas). If not worse. No offense to tested Afghans.
I cannot believe impoverished taxpayers of our country actually foot the bill for such large gatherings of monkeys every week, called Cabinet meetings. To achieve nothing. Except eat, drink, quarrel & drive away in luxurious SUVs. All at state expense.
To begin with there should not be two monkeys running so called Law and Order & Justice ministries separately. It is actually the same thing. Fire the both!
mj / November 6, 2015
Avant-garde is grading the gold and $.. dumped in the deep see by MARA..only Avant garde knows the exact spot ..
srilal / November 6, 2015
Thilak Marapana , W Rajapaksa and Vajira A's action might rock the boat , Ranil will have to do some thing drastic to keep the fragile coalition ;thus , he will have to sack these three ministers .
I don't know much about Vajira's action though , but definitely TM and WR 's actions seriously undermined the Yahapalana government; therefore,this incident has put MY3 and Ranil in an awkward position.
rew / November 7, 2015
It will be impossible for RW/MS to avoid fall out from the Avant Guard and Central Bank twists and turns.
Yasin / November 7, 2015
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
My3, like it or not, will not rock the boat. He is taking time so that MR will soon retire from politics with dignity and all cases relating to the previous regime would be swept under the carpet. After all, MR was My3's
master. It would be indeed strange If My3 did not know about the Avant Garde saga which has been operational for many years now because he was the defence minister or Deputy DM at one time.Also the SL Navy must have had a record of this vessel but not recorded as per instructions given to them.
Ranil's hands are tied after the CB governor Arjuna Mahendran's bond saga. So he has not much say in anything without consulting My3.
Taking a good look at the people running our country, it appears that 99 percent are crooks voted in or out by the people.
The voters are the audience of jokers in this suspense filled daily drama which never ends and will never end for the next 5 or 6 years.
nic / November 6, 2015
Marapana has blood on his hands. Being a former minister in the UNP Government he chose to be the defense attorney for the company in question where he was handsomely PAID for his service. This guy is unprincipled with no integrity. Perhaps he has something which satisfies Ranil's deviated sexual preferences so much so he had to be brought through the national list outside of which he would not have garnished votes in an election outside his family!
Korala Thune Gamarala - Sisira Weragoda- / November 7, 2015
In 1980s I could remember a lawyer from Avissawella referred him as "MARA POTHA", not Marapana.
Also could someone find out the source of the verse
"Diyehi Yana dandata
pihitak wethath pera sita
dudanan hata pihita
no wow yana basa sabea kale mata"
Culprit No2 Wjjedasa H quoted this as from Guththile,SF). I wonder whether it is from another book
Lanka Watch / November 7, 2015
Piumi – Despite your narrative about Mr. Marapana, he will still remain as the minister for law & order and the PM will take over
'Avant Garde' case and the same thing that happened to Central
Bank Governor Mahendran's case, which is collecting dust at PM's office, will happen to this case. PM is a good man but very reluctant
to take action against the wrong doers, which is a weakness in him.
It was wrong on the part of the PM to have walked out of the cabinet meeting, instead he should have stayed back and defended his colleague
or exposed him. MR is no fool to have stayed in politics as he is sure that his chance is nearing. There is a cabinet division now and what
next and what to follow is the next question. Its time the president puts his foot down to save the govt.
Wera / November 6, 2015
This idiot has got to be dumped. I have never seen anyone acting so carelessly and so corruptly among the UNP ministers. Who gave him the Law and order ministry so he can go on messing up. No more national list for crooks Mr Prime minister. He may be your buddy but he is completely destructive and cannot be allowed to carry on. Mr Marapone has a track record and it is not a good one and it certainly is not one that deserves the rewards the PM has given him.
Ordinary Lankan / November 6, 2015
,,transparency was lacking at highest echelons of the government.?
Yes m indeed , billions of bribery at play
EDWIN RODRIGO / November 6, 2015
It is good to see that still in this country, there are politicians, who have some conscience. After the MARA years such good things were stamped down and destroyed using maximum possible force.
We as janathawa of this country stand firmly behind those are trying to defend this country against such rogues, sacrificing even our lives for that noble cause.
shankar / November 6, 2015
This guy should be kicked out of the cabinet.How can he be on the payroll and still be a minister while they are being investigated.Also his brother gamini marapone PC is on the payroll of mahinda stoutly defending him in the ITN case.
So far what has this bugger done for law and order other than bashing female students who are peacefully marching towards a ministry and also bashing another innocent student in the 5 year old girls rape and murder case.has he caught the guy or guys who are going on killing women in a village.
Maybe he has a nice bum because though his decisions as the defence minister in the previous ranil government triggered the election leading to its downfall,ranil still keeps him in important positions.
Panco Villa / November 6, 2015
The Yahapalanayas are taking us for the ride of our lives!
How can Marapana, who is paid by Avant Garde, have the audacity to make a "special statement" in Parliament in defense of his paymasters? And why was he appointed Minister of Law and Order? What a sick joke perpetrated by Ranil W! And Maithri doesn't have the balls to rectify this BS?
Ranil pulled a similar stunt with Mahendran, ignoring all the criticisms without any response.
Time to clean out the pig sty! Hopefully those ministers with guts will actually resign in protest and put their money where their mouths are.
Not only does this man with clear divided loyalties supporting his paymasters, while betraying the millions who supported the Yahapalanaya, but he goes on to insult the police saying 'they were trying to score points".
Let us suspend this myth of Y-playanaya and tell the police to give him the full treatment. Hanging by his legs and beating is too good for him. We need lots of imagination to give him what he deserves.
Patriot / November 6, 2015
Senaratne surely should know that Marapona wouldn't have made that ridiculous statement in Parliament without the blessings of both president Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickramasinghe. If Marapona has done it without their approval he should have been fired by now by the President. This shows the typical political maneuvering in Sri Lanka. It seems even the President wants to sweep this issue under the carpet. May be Marapona is being used as a pawn.
thumpane gamaya / November 6, 2015
Everyone knows Marapone is on Avant Garde Payroll for years. Only difference this time is Avante Garde recently increased their contribution to Marpone's account. Why should Marapone talks on behalf of the Cabinet, is the cabinet making the contribution that Avante Garde is making towards Marapone.
The other top beneficiary from Avant Garde is Wijedasa. This morning I met 3 people in the train from Maharagama who has voted for Wijedasa at the last elections. Guys are badly regretting their decision to vote for Wijedasa at the last election after hearing the press conference of Field Marshal Fonseka yesterday.
punchinilame / November 6, 2015
Should not the BASL bring up a public interest case against this Wijeadasa guy for his
confession that he prevented Gota being arrested in the Avant Garde investigations? Was
this a priviliaged statement?
Pot Shot / November 6, 2015
Its increasingly looking that all allegations against MR and his gang of family and friends are turning to be false. It seems like the UNP have connoted lies to come into power. Its almost going to be a year since the new government came into power and nobody has been prosecuted or convicted yet.
We the people are always losers and the politicians continue to hoodwink us irrespective of which Party they might be from.
Its time to give the JVP a chance.
vas / November 6, 2015
This goes to prove that no lawyer should be appointed to any position that deals with the administrative positions of Minister of Justice or Law and order . They are too enmeshed in the corrupt legal system of Sri Lanka. We have had only lawyers in this position since independence. and it has not brought any relief to the ordinary litigant. It has only brought misery and wasting of time and money. The beneficiaries have been the lawyers and law of lawyers.
Justice & Fairplay / November 6, 2015
Dear Mr President, Dear Mr Prime Minister,
Please note, this is most probably the beginning of the end.
If you are complacent anymore in the face of the ludicrous, all great plans and all great projects will come to naught.
We want a clean up first. Clean up of all that was dirty and unacceptable. That is why you both were installed.
THE FIRST CONSIDERATION THEREFORE HAS TO BE A DECENT, RESPECTABLE, ABOVE BOARD GOVERNMENT. It should be seen to be so, through its actions.
Respect for the Law must not only be stated, but seen by us to be believed.
Nepotism must be eradicated. Rooted out, along with the perpetrators. You know who they are, but you look away.
If 'LOOKING AWAY' is the way you approach things, don't be surprised, the Prime Minister will soon end up in the opposition (where he will once again feel quite at home!)for another long spell.
If you are governing, GOVERN so that we can be proud of our Government; not ashamed of it.
Many of us were the floating voters and we will continue to float unless you tell your ministers to respect our intelligence.
Vetmahadeva / November 6, 2015
Justice & Fairplay,
You said it the way it should be told to those concerned, they are our main concern as well now.
The present hybrid government has already attained the worst status, by knowingly appointing Chief Legal Consultant of the Avant Garde Security Agency Thilak Marapana as the Minister of Law and Order. The Prime Minister childishly trying to cover the sin he has committed (having a strong hand in appointing Thilak Marapana as the Minister of Law and Order) by jumping into preemptive announcement economic plans and divert the attention of public security concern issue in Parliament, well ahead of the budget submitting Schedule. The Good Governance has become mere slogan of toppling another Government, nothing of it the New Government. Thilak Marapana shamelessly pronounce that he cannot divulge any details of Avant Garde Security Agency and sheepishly claim that he has bound to the company, not to divulge the important details of the company, to the Supreme Council of the Nation – The Parliament of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, how can a Cabinet Minister, a Former Attorney General of the same country subordinate the Supreme Sabah the Parliament, to a Company he is representing as a Legal Consultant?
He is not fit to be a Representative of the people in the Parliament, and to be a Cabinet Minister merely representing a Company – not to divulge details to other Representatives of People in Parliament.
Thilak Marapana apart from being the Minister of Law and Order, is a retired Attorney General as well and as such he is in a position, indisputably influence the Department of Attorney General; his response in the Parliament to Chief Opposition Whip on Wednesday was nothing else than of mischievously influencing the CID Police Inquiry going on now.
Further he had committed another National Priority Program damaging crime by attempting to remove the Chairman of National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Dr.Chamira Nilanga Samarasingha, who is in a process of divulging the details of names and status co of leading local drug kingpins – This Doctor as a Chairman of National Dangerous Drugs prevention program taking the Nation in a correct path. Why on the earth he has to be removed by this minister a complete representative of Fraud and Corruption. Is it for Government"s desperation to appoint crony in the line of a Police Officer who can be made a crony of politico, than a Professional, who would be very objective of his duties?
Thilak Marapana either should resign as minister or should be removed as a cabinet Minster of Law and Order doing neither of this the present government would be shown the same destiny of its Predecessor
anonymous / November 6, 2015
My dearest Sorry Lankans,
My heartfelt sympathy for the poor and the middle class voters of this beautiful island. Stop everything you are doing for a moment and look inward, ask your self who you are & what you expect from life which is 'Anichcha, Dukkha & Anathma'. Is it worth living a life full of 'Lobha, Dosha & Moha'? The most compassionate being ever, the 'enlightened one', the 'Buddha' gave up all luxuries for the well being of the people of the 'Universe' (Roopee & Aroopee). The group of people present in this government are not the individuals you expected and they must be removed ASAP, not by force but 'Wisdom' (ප්රඥාව).
Get rid of this thief and the entire lot!
I suggest Ven. Sobhitha as the President (only as an advisor/ peoples representative) and General Sarath Fonseka as the PM. The SF you all knew does not exist anymore as he has changed his way of life just like the Prince Siddartha did when he left the palace.
Metta to all and be happy and free from suffering
Portia / November 6, 2015
It is clear there is a conflict of interest. Is Marapana's statement the view of the Cabinet ? He has jeopardised his position as the minister in charge of the police. He should realise that justice must appear to be done; which with his statement gives the layman the impression that it does not! He should never have been appointed in the first instance and shows bad judgment on the PM's part and his for accepting. In short, in the interest of 'good government' he should resign or be sacked!
Jagath Fernando / November 6, 2015
Nothing will happen.
Even when there is sufficient evidence, this regime has Rajen a decision not to prosecute anyone.
Avant Garde is a good example. Sil clothes at TRC amounting to Rs 600 m is anther one.
This is Yahoalanaya at its best. Get used to it for the next 4 years.
Spark / November 6, 2015
Legislation needs to be bought to disallow retired Attorney Generals, Judges, Magistrates, Chief Justices and Armed Forces Personal into becoming Politicians. Massive conflict of interest takes place while ethics, principles and justice are monkeyed for ulterior motives for which those same persons once held high position. After retirement, some of these individuals wish to make money during the last stages of their life and may not care for any form of integrity towards that end. Their are the highly principled individuals who would retire and continue their services towards humanity in an ethical manner, very much in discreet and always donating what they had earned and using their influence in society to help others and never themselves, but persons of that character are not seen or rather not available at all in countries like Sri Lanka.
Burt / November 6, 2015
What's the going price for a minister in Sri Lanka?
Burt,
Do contact Nissanka Senadhipathy, Avant Guard "Lokka".
He has latest, most updated, infact real time rates.
The Professional / November 6, 2015
What can the society expect from TM the crook?
Daham / November 6, 2015
The prime minister, the President and the Ministers are not carrying out their duties properly for the welfare of the people. The president is globe trotting taking with him Budhdha relics. For whose benefit he does these idiotic acts is anyone's guess. He just talks about eradicating Kidney Failure in the Anuradhapura District while the health ministry send circulars to Hospitals to stop carrying out dialysis on patients over the age of 48 according to news reports. Accordingly young poor patients who have kidney failure are going to die when they reach 48 years. Poor patients who are already above 48 will not survive. In this country ministers like Thilak Marapona, Wijedasa Rajapaksa , Vajira Abeywardene, Malik Samarawickrama are getting huge sums of money from the wrongdoers in order to get political protection. The PM and the President are not governing the country.
PhD / November 6, 2015
Before Marapana was appointed as the minister for Law and Order Lanka e news wanted people to e mail the secretary of the PM not to go ahead with this appointment. Accordingly we did what we could do to stop this man becoming the minister. ALAS! Ranil Wickramasinghe as usual never listens to people. He is an ARROGANT RASCAL. His buddies Marapana, Malik, Vajira and his Boy Sagala will one day make him a very unhappy man.
Barus / November 6, 2015
This is Sri Lalalanka!!!!!
Nothing has changed from last year. Same corruption, same pilfering, same hoodwinking. Only the actors are different as the older actors got lethargic, and the new ones are active in keeping up with the pace of the old ones.
Beautiful Country with shitty rulers!!!
Douglas / November 6, 2015
First: AN APPEAL TO "CT": Please publish the live speech made by the Chief Opposition Whip, Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament on 4th October 2015 as regards all these "DEAL MAKING" by the members of the Cabinet. That will reveal and explain to the public most "Updated" situation in relation to the much publicized all "Investigations" carried out by the CID;FCID;BC and the Presidential Commission. The whole House was dead silent and listening as he (AK) itemized the subject matters of those "Investigations" including this "Avant Garde" case. "SIRASA" carried it titled "Sampurna Kathawa" (whole speech)and some of the social media too gave wide publicity, because it contained FACTS that could not be refuted by anyone in the Government or the Opposition.
Now coming back to the main subject matter: At yesterday's Cabinet meeting some of those matters were hotly debated and the President is expected to make a statement as regards an "Arranged Visit" by the Chairman of Avant Garde in the company of a powerful UNP man from Galle. This, the President has been compelled to do, because, Mr. Anura Kumara referred to this "visit" in his above mentioned speech in Parliament and asked the authorities to check the CCTV cameras and the "Visitors" book at the President's office. So let us wait for President's statement on that. But the fact remains it is a "DEAL".
Next interesting matter is the "Explanation" and "Apology" given to the Addl. Magistrate, Mr. Nishantha Peiris by the OIC of the FCID, Unit 2 on 5th Oct. 2015. Why this was interesting? The OIC in question while tendering his "Apology" said that the Attorney General gave instructions to "arrest" both Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpola, the Chairman and the Director General respectively of CRT, on September 16th evening (night). But he could not do it because, the next day ie.e 17th he was on a duty call at Attanagalle Courts. Then on the 18th he came to know that the matter had been referred to the High Court. "Why" and "Who" did that? The only reason we could see was to prevent the "arrest" of the two and facilitate granting bail. If they were arrested and brought before the Magistrate, under the existing laws in relation to Public Property, he had no option but to put both into REMAND CUSTODY. Now as the case is in another court, the "Magisterial Inquiry" had to be concluded. That is how this "Sil Redi" (Devotees Clothes) case of Rs. 600 million of PUBLIC FUNDS turned out to be a "DEAL".
The other most interesting case is that of Sajin Vass. He was granted bail, because the Government announced that he has been made a "WITNESS". I raised this issue in one of my earlier comments too. IN WHAT GOVERNMENT CASE SAJIN VASS IS MADE A WITNESS? Mr. A.K. raised this question in Parliament on 4th October; but NO ANSWER WAS GIVEN. The most interesting thing here is not that of a "Witness" ; but FIRST TIME in the history of Legal matters, a "FICTITIOUS WITNESS" and "AN ACCUSED" is provided with SECURITY from the MINISTERIAL SECURITY DIVISION. By that provision of security from the MSD, this "VAGABOND" is treated in par with a Government Minister or a VIP. Haven't Sri Lanka already made a "MIRACLE" not only OF ASIA BUT OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
Mr. President what DID YOU DO TO US AND THIS COUNTRY?
NB. CT; Please publish that live telecast of the speech I referred to above. A BIG THANK YOU in advance.
Upul / November 6, 2015
Marapane will say anything Ranil wants him to say.
His survival depends on it.
paragon / November 6, 2015
it looks like earlier ALIBAABA HUNDRES THIEFS are better than current ALIBAABA AND FORTY THIEFS.
Backlash / November 6, 2015
The carefully designed Avant Garde enterprise to illegally import, store and surreptitiously export, for profit, dangerous arms to destinations in conflict and civil war conditions – should not be treated lightly.
The master-mind behind this (everyone knows who this small and bloated minded man is)should be weeded out and subject to maximum punishment.
The countries where these arms found their way too should also lodge
complaints with the UN, ICC and other international bodies using credible evidence to hound these venal, sick brains.
Shan / November 6, 2015
This is becoming a joke. AG closed the case and then President wanted more investigations because some of his ministers pressure him to do so. Now both Justice and Law and Order ministers came out and said that there is nothing to investigate. It is about time PM and President come out and say what is really going on.
While government playing politics, it also is going to lose multi billion business through Ratna Lanka. I think the reason for the controversy is this: This venture is a brainchild of Gota and some in the government want to bury him no matter what.
bo / November 7, 2015
No 1 Bribe taker! Don't expect justice for anyone with this kind of binkudda's in charge of Law and Order. "Binkuddo bola thoth naatapan. maath natannam ……..!!!" It is just a game,does not matter who is in power.
K.A Sumanasekera / November 7, 2015
Rajitha Senarathna and Champkaya Ranawaka threaten to quit the Government..
Heheheheheheeeee.
I know Batalanda can not sack them , Because Bodhi Sira won't allow him.
But the Elite and the Anglican Seniors in the Christian Faction should force their Leader to accept the resignation.
And make an exgratia payment as well..
Because our Dalits in the South wouldn't elect them even for a local Funeral Benefit Club..
The man responsible for all this crooked activities is Ranil himself, Marapana is just a front. All the dealings are between Rajapaksha's and Ranil W. No doubt Marapana has his hefty cut for becoming the fall guy. If RW is a proper leader with a backbone and principles he would have controlled his flock, but this black sheep has been up to no good, and I bet it is with RW's conniving.
Who is really in charge of the country at the moment. It certainly is not MS; he has got that inevitable sickness of foreign travel. Otherwise, if he really loves the country, he should take those Presidential powers in his hand and wield a sledgehammer over these crooks in the parliament.
Nissanka Senadhipathy the owner of Avant Garde and Vajira Abeywardene together have met and wished President Sirisena on the 10th of January according to Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne. However, President has said that he did not know it was the Avant garde owner. Funny explanation for meeting a rogue.
CITIZEN / November 7, 2015
This is ridiculous! If he is a man with any respect he must immediately resign and do his business. He is defending his client in the Courts against this serious fraud and performing his role as the Minister in charge of law and order. No person shall descend to this low for the sake of filthy lucre! If the man had any professional etiquette he should have declined to accept the post covering law and order and Police. I know your readers will say that such thing has never happened in our country. Same is applicable to his colleague in the Cabinet who also has a role to play in the gamble!
Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 7 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.
Agnos on Recalled To Life: America's Brush With Neo-Fascism SJ, In the middle of the pandemic, when confronted by other crises,
soma on Four Years Prison Term For Contempt Of Court Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political RightsCapton Morgan Does our Constitution say ICCPR supersedes the law of the
soma on Four Years Prison Term For Contempt Of Court Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political RightsCapton Morgan "Freedom to hold an opinion is a fundamental right" I
Rumble 2021 on Recalled To Life: America's Brush With Neo-Fascism Fascism at its best when the 2009 final phase of the war
Rumble 2021 on Recalled To Life: America's Brush With Neo-Fascism Is this means we all have the right to kill the other
cugan on Four Years Prison Term For Contempt Of Court Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political RightsMy opinion is he will be pardoned before Duminda Siva release to
Simon on Four Years Prison Term For Contempt Of Court Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political Rightshanchopancha: Your comment: "When political expediency takes priority over legitimacy it sets
SJ on Recalled To Life: America's Brush With Neo-Fascism Have you compared poverty levels before and after a socialist revolution?
SJ on Recalled To Life: America's Brush With Neo-Fascism The two parties agree: In a new Axios-Ipsos poll, fourth-fifths of Americans
leelagemalli on Ranjan Sentenced To 4-Year Rigorous Imprisonment For Contempt Of Court: Full Text Of The SC Rulehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh9EvcoJVwM - See how this pingutharaya makes every effort to bury what
© Colombo Telegraph 2011 – 2020. All rights reserved. Optimised by Newsgain.


text:
Australian firm Mallesons reviews lockstep ahead of merger with King & Wood
February 20, 2012 Mallesons Stephen Jaques is reviewing its lockstep remuneration system ahead of the merger with Chinese law firm King & Wood. The firm currently operates a 10-year lockstep, with partners distributed according to a points system of 30 and 100 points, with gateways at three and seven years. One possible change is the introduction of a bonus pool to reward strong performers.
The merger plans provide for the full integration of the two firms' Hong Kong partnerships, with King & Wood partners transferring to the Mallesons remuneration system and sharing in a single profit pool.
The combined firm will operate as a three-partnership Swiss verein in China, Hong Kong and Australia, with Hong Kong the only financially integrated office. It will be led by the recently appointed executive committee, which consists of Mallesons chief executive Stuart Fuller, Australia managing partner Tony O'Malley, King & Wood managing partner Wang Ling and international managing partner Rupert Li.
Read more at www.legalweek.com.
King & Wood
Lockstep
Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Rupert Li
Stuart Fuller
Swiss Verein
Tony O'Malley
Wang Ling
Mallesons Stephen Jacques
March 1, 2012 Two mergers between Australian and international firms go live
December 18, 2011 Chinese and Australian firms will merge to become a force in Asia-Pacific
December 1, 2011 King & Wood Mallesons - would it work?
November 23, 2011 Mallesons and King & Wood put merger to partners
October 4, 2011 Consolidation in the legal market - mergers on the up
BigLaw on facebook · Follow us on twitter · Find us on Google+ · Impressum (German) · Masters in Management (MiM) Programs Worldwide Top of the page

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Come and listen to an incredible line-up of writers and poets and enjoy an art exhibition at 'The Two of Us' Festival Fundraiser 23rd February – only £10 (plus booking fee)!
Poets and performers: Amy Acre, Rich Blk Mkoloma, Leo Boix, Steven Camden, Rishi Dastidar, Cath Drake, Dylema, Caleb Femi, Kat Francois, Alba Frederick, Joshua Idehen, Keith Jarrett, Guido Garcia Lueches, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Miriam Nash, Olumide Popoola, Peter Raynard, Roger Robinson, Leone Ross, Amaal Said, Jacob Sam- La Rose, Joelle Taylor and Mark Thompson.
Artists Exhibiting: Antonia Atwood, Annika Cox, Danny F, Zara Hunter, Celine Marchbank, Rikard Österlund, Michelle Rodrigues, Rachelle Romeo, Amaal Said, Paloma Tendero, Elsbeth Van der Poel, Kathryn Watson (My Illustrated Mind) Jasmin Woddis Caron, Naomi Woddis and Amy Jenine Wong. Artist Diane Goldie will be selling her wearable art.
There will be 3 parts of approximately one and a half hours each with plenty of time in between for you to enjoy the exhibition, have a drink from the licenced bar and something to eat or just to mingle and chat.


The MHA in Health Care Administration program is not so much a course as it is a personal journey.
I chose Utica College because Utica offered a MHA in Healthcare Administration with an internship option. At that time, a Master's in Healthcare Administration course online was not commonplace. A Master's in Healthcare Administration course with an internship option was definitely not conventional. When I applied to Utica, I submitted a resume, application, and transcripts. After receiving my acceptance letter via email, I was given a toll free number and access code, and attended an online virtual open house webinar. During the webinar, I asked questions, listened to others in the course, learned about the curriculum and key aspects of the program. Then, I learned how to log into the classroom, post assignments, and where to go for technical assistance through an online course platform webinar.
Utica offers several specializations like acute care, long-term care, service organizations, and community health and wellness. The HCA Director reached out to me personally and we established a plan of study tailored to my interests. The classes were set up in eight week increments, with at least one teleconference a week. Teleconferences were a team effort that allowed me to discuss what I learned with my classmates and the professor. Whenever I worked late, the next day I called in to listen to the pre-recorded version.
HCA 521 equipped me with a personal roadmap for success. During this class, I learned what type of manager I would be, and that my main strength was my analytical ability. After some research, I determined that analytical people are usually good at redesigning processes or statistics. After gaining insight into who I was and who I wanted to be, I reached out to the Director for guidance.
Less than one month into the program, the Director and Clinical Education Secretary helped me secure an internship in the Process Improvement Department at a local hospital in my area. The HCA program is not so much a course as it is a personal journey. Becoming a pioneer was the best decision of my life. My name is Pam, I am a Pioneer, and I graduate with my Master's in Healthcare Administration this year!
Pamela Johnson has a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communications. She sat on the Board of Directors at Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care, was secretary and member of the Adult Care Advisory Committee, and ESL Volunteer at Interfaith Refugee Ministries.


text:
Q: Sub-process returned error code (1), low boot memory System specs: OS: Pop!_OS 20.04
It appears that my boot partition is running low on memory, and frankly, not entirely sure what or how that happened. I have some suspicions, but I feel like I'm perpetually a beginner when it comes to fixing kernel related issues. Here is what I'm getting:
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)
the error code (1) indicates to me that some type of error is taking place in the kernel space. What I'm trying to do is trace the issue and locate where the dependency is failing, but unsure where to start. Some other interesting messages I'm not used to seeing:
cryptsetup: WARNING: Resume target cryptswap uses a key file
W: Possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/vangogh_gpu_info.bin for module amdgpu
The W: Possible missing firmware... line has different outputs, mostly referring to firmeware associated with my amdgpu directory.
Appreciate any and all help. Worse case scenario is I reinstall and start over. Oh no, I get to play with my computer some more ;)
Be well everyone, Tito

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


By signing in, you agree to our PM NWT EILEEN FISHER MIDNIGHT WASHABLE STRETCH CREPE LANTERN ANKLE PANTS.
Forgot your Intel PNS0495- NWT TALBOTS Heritage Woman 55% Wool Capris Pants Dark Brown Sz 16P 109 or PNS0628- EILEEN FISHER Woman 100% Textured Wool Wide Leg Stretch Dress Pants S?
Do you work for Intel? PNS0676- NWT TALBOTS Heritage Woman 100% Polyester Dress Pants Taupe Sz 24W 119.
Prada Pants Womens 38 Navy Cotton Nylon PNS0827- RALPH LAUREN Woman Cotton Capris Pants Multi-color Floral Plus Sz 16 to access restricted content.
Inseam: Regular: 29"; Petite: 27"
This project has been funded in part by the Oregon Heritage Commission and the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse Ltd Lancashire Whole Kippers - 6kg box.


text:
package com.ait.lienzo.client.core.event;

import com.google.gwt.event.shared.EventHandler;

public interface NodeTouchStartHandler extends EventHandler
{
    public void onNodeTouchStart(NodeTouchStartEvent event);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Beginning on Sunday, July 13, a catechesis course for those seeking Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation, or anyone inquiring to learn more about St. John's and our faith tradition will begin at 9 a.m. This course will continue on subsequent Sundays of July 20, July 27, August 17, August 24, September 7, and September 14. We will meet tentatively in the St. John's Theater Room on the upper level.


text:
History and the Land
As we look forward to tomorrow's celebration of Hanukkah we are reminded of the importance of history. This week's papers reported that the Palestinian Authority continues to deny the Jewish connection to historical sites in the land of Israel. The PA even goes so far as to deny that the Western Wall was part of the Temple Mount. UNESCO calls Rachel's tomb in Bethlehem a mosque alone. The Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) issued the following statement in response:
"If there is ever to be true peace in the Middle East, the shrines of each of the three Abrahamic religions must be respected by the political bodies in the region and by the United Nations. Referring to Rachel's tomb as a 'mosque' is both factually and historically inaccurate. Similarly statements by the Palestinian Authority that the Western Wall in Jerusalem is not the retaining wall of our Temple Mount ignores established historical fact. Both of these references are disrespectful of Judaism and of the generations of Jews who have consistently venerated these sites; one from the time of Genesis and the second from before the Christian era to the present. Accordingly, we call upon UNESCO, the Palestinian Authority and upon all people and all nations of good will to cease referring to Rachel's tomb as a mosque or the Western Wall as anything other than a treasure of the Jewish people."
In order for peace to be achieved we must affirm each others' claim to the land. Rabbi Irwin Kula rightly noted: "People who want to erase each other inflame each other. This just hardens everyone at a time when we need to soften." You can read more about this issue in last week's Jewish Week.
Hanukkah Message
Hanukkah YouTube Message
Is Israel a Rogue State?
Psalms 7-9
Day of Dialogue Video
Moskowitz University
Vayeshev
Vayishlach Sermon
Vayishlach
Vayetzei Sermon
Thanksgiving Blessing
Vayetzei
Toldot Sermon
Global Day of Jewish Learning
AJWS Message
An Israeli on the Road
Remembering Jewish Chaplains


text:
第2回議事概要詳細
バックナンバー [ 第1回 ]
第2回目
民主党 政治資金第三者委員会
総務省ヒアリング:45分
記者会見:20分
Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Jacquard Orange
The unidentified patient, who had recently traveled to West Africa, was isolated at the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center during the testing.
He had recently traveled to a country in West Africa where Ebola has been reported, the hospital said in a statement.
"We're happy to report that we've heard from the Centers for Disease Control that the test result is negative," Dr. Ron Chapman of the California Department of Public Health told reporters Thursday night.
Earlier this month, a patient with a high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City for Ebola testing, but tested negative.
California patient tests negative for Ebola
Emory's staff is confident that the American patients' discharges from hospital pose "no public health threat," said Dr. Bruce Ribner, director of Emory's Infectious Disease Unit.
"Today is a miraculous day," Brantly said. "I am thrilled to be 2016 Air Max 95 Releases
But Brantly gave a news conference in which he gave thanks for their recovery.
alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family."
the testing was carried out. Kent Brantly became the second of two American missionaries infected with the virus when working with Ebola patients in Liberia to be discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
Early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat. They later progress to vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function and sometimes internal and external bleeding.
More than 1,350 people have died in the West African Ebola outbreak since the first cases drew attention in March, the WHO said Wednesday. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have been at the center of the outbreak, Nike Air Max Advertisement
with a dozen cases also confirmed in Nigeria.
The virus spreads through contact with organs and bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and other secretions of infected people.
The other, Nancy Writebol, was released Tuesday and has decided to Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Jacquard Orange not make public comments, according to the hospital.
The CDC tested the patient's blood samples to determine whether the Ebola virus was present. The hospital said all necessary precautions were being taken to safeguard other patients and staff while Nike Air Max 95 Honolulu
Air Max Shoes Canada
Air Max Jumper
Nike Hypershift Triple Black
Nike Running Trainers Sale Mens
Nike Air Max Unique Style
Nike Air Max 2013 Pink
Nike Trainers Khaki
Nike Hyperdunk Fk
Air Max Green And Black
Nike Air Max 95 Og Neon
Nike Air Max 120 Blue
Nike Air Max 95 360 Dynamic Flywire
Hypervenom Phantom 1 Sg
Nike Air Max 95 Anniversary Qs
Home / Nike Air Max 95 Ultra Jacquard Orange


Industry watcher CB Insights earlier this month showed that venture capital funding of internet of things companies is actually on the decline after years of growth. But we've still seen enough fresh funding in the months since we rounded up 10 Internet of Things companies to watch back in April, to justify doing this follow-up with 7 additional firms, most of them startups.
As always, we've narrowed down our list -- which is not intended to be all-inclusive -- by restricting it to those vendors that have announced venture funding over the past few months and that have an enterprise focus.
Funding: $20.3 million in Series A funding, led by Samsung Catalyst Fund.
Focus: Afero's Bluetooth radio modules, cloud services and development tools allow makers of new or existing home and enterprise IoT devices to enable secure connectivity and collect analytical data. The company gets its name from Esperanto for "business" and "thing", "because we are a comprehensive and secure end-to-end connectivity platform in the business of connecting devices (things)." Afero started building a device, but turned its focus to a broader platform as a service as it went along, providing developers with tools to simplify cloud, embedded and mobile software creation. Afero, which now has iOS and Android apps, is the brainchild of entrepreneurs from companies such as Apple, Google and Danger, a high profile mobile hardware company snapped up by Microsoft in 2008.
Focus: Azeti doesn't fit into the classic startup mold in that it's been around for 10 years, and its remote asset management software for IoT devices can be found in gateway and other offerings sold by or in partnership with big name vendors such as Cisco, Dell and Intel. The company, which targets vertical markets including telecom, oil/gas and manufacturing, claims more than 1,000 installations in 35 countries.
Funding: $6.6M in Series A funding in May, led by Trident Capital Cybersecurity.
Focus: Cloud- and on-premises-based IoT cybersecurity technology for industrial enterprises. The company's policy-based Information Technology/Operational Technology (IT/OT) Gateway, an alternative to next-generation firewalls in some settings, inspects and filters industrial data for customers in fields such as manufacturing, connected cars and smart cities. Bayshore claims AT&T, Cisco and BAE Systems to be among its partners. Bayshore started life in NYC back in 2002 as a professional services firm before incorporating in 2012 with a round of seed funding. The company relocated to Bethesda earlier this year when it got Series A funding, moving closer to rich cybersecurity expertise in the capitol region.
Funding: $12M in Series A funding in July, led by March Capital and GE Ventures.
Focus: Edge analytics software for industrial and commercial IoT applications, including in the manufacturing, healthcare and retail industries. The company's technology is designed to derive intelligence locally, via so-called fog computing, avoiding lots of back and forth over the cloud. The company's partners include Microsoft, through which it makes its software available via Azure. The company is led by David King, previously head of AirTight Networks and Proxim.
Example of wind energy management system using FogHorn software to maximize power generation, extend equipment life and apply historical analysis for accurate energy forecasting.
Funding: $39M, including $20M in Series B funding in April, led by GV.


Neil King resides in Catalina, having served a distinguished 14-year career as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Neil attended Memorial University, later being selected for the highly competitive Regular Officer Training Plan. At the Marine Institute, he served as VP Academic, representing the institution at a marine conference in Alexandria.
Neil holds a Diploma of Marine Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Technology from Memorial University. His naval posting as a marine systems engineering officer took him all over the world, from counter-narcotic operations in West Africa and the Caribbean to the wars in Afghanistan and Libya. For his military service, Neil was decorated with numerous awards, including the Canadian Forces Decoration, and three service medals. He is also the recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Canada Youth Award, the Legion Medal of Excellence, and the Lord Strathcona Medal.
In 2015, he was elected as MHA for the District of Bonavista. He serves on the Government Services Committee and the Miscellaneous and Private Bills Committee.


text:
Q: Apache Avro schema examples and documentation I'm trying to define a less-than-trivial Avro schema with little success; when it won't throw schema syntax errors it will not produce all the types I'm trying to define in the schema.
Is there a complete specification of the possible contents of an avsc definition? I keep guessing from what I understand from the Doc spec but evidently it's not enough.
Best,
Edoardo

A: I think I found it...
According this ML thread protocols can define multiple cross-referencing object types. Keeping this cue in mind the documentation does appear to say that an avsc (schema) can only contain one type definition.


text:
Darren W. Woods (born 1964/65) is an American businessman who is the chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of ExxonMobil since January 1, 2017.

Early life and education
Woods was born in Wichita, Kansas. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University, followed by an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.

Career

ExxonMobil
Woods joined Exxon in 1992. He had worked for Exxon for 24 years prior to being promoted to CEO following Rex Tillerson's nomination by President Donald Trump to be the next United States Secretary of State. While his predecessor was involved in deal making and exploration, Woods is a veteran of the refining side of the oil business. Prior to becoming CEO, Woods ran the refining and chemical divisions of the company, which delivered the majority of ExxonMobil's $7.8 billion net income in 2016.

At an investor meeting in New York in 2017, Woods outlined his growth plan including drilling in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico and the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota. He also spoke briefly about the company's operations in Russia, expressing an optimistic outlook regarding Exxon's Sakhalin project on Russia's eastern coast.

Woods has said that the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has "shattered the Peak Oil myth". Woods has publicly endorsed the Paris climate accord. The accord commits nations to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In May 2017, Woods wrote a personal letter to President Trump to urge that the U.S. remain a party to the agreement. He says that by remaining a party to the accords the U.S. will have a seat at the table to "ensure a level playing field" and support "the most cost-effective greenhouse gas reduction options".

On October 5, 2020, Bloomberg News reported that Exxon was set to increase its annual carbon emissions by about 17%, or about as much as the annual output of Greece. The emissions expansion would be built off an investment plan reportedly signed off by Woods. Exxon said its internal projections are "a preliminary, internal assessment of estimated cumulative emission growth through 2025 and did not include the [additional] mitigation and abatement measures that would have been evaluated in the planning process. Furthermore, the projections identified in the leaked documents have significantly changed, a fact that was not fully explained or prominently featured in the article."

In 2022, Woods was named one of the US' top 'climate villains' by The Guardian after "Exxon lobbyists were captured on video revealing the company's efforts to obstruct climate legislation in Congress."

Accusation of lying to Congress
In 2021, Woods denied that Exxon had covered up its own research about Big Oil's contribution to the climate crisis. The chair of the Congressional committee taking Woods' testimony likened Woods' denial to the decades' long lies by the American tobacco industry denying that nicotine is addictive. Woods also declined to make a pledge to stop lobbying against  climate initiatives.

References

1960s births
Living people
Businesspeople from Kansas
Directors of ExxonMobil
Kellogg School of Management alumni
People from Wichita, Kansas
Texas A&M University alumni
American chief executives of Fortune 500 companies

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Latin star Rubio marks Cinco de Mayo at Jazz Fest
STACEY PLAISANCE
NEW ORLEANS - As fans chanted her name Saturday in anticipation of her New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival debut, Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio strutted on stage wielding an electric guitar and sporting tight black shorts, tall black boots and red sunglasses.
"There are a lot of Latin American singers, but not many of this caliber are from Mexico," said Nancy Alonzo, a Mexican-born fan who moved to New Orleans five years ago. "It means a lot to us that she's here."
The massive crowd erupted as Rubio hit the stage and began to perform hit after hit in her native Spanish tongue. Some in the crowd wore sombreros and shook maracas. Many danced, gyrated and took pictures as Rubio sang various songs, the lyrics of which roughly translate to: "Give me another tequila," "I will do it for you," and "I want you more each time."
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexican heritage and pride, the festival sought to book Rubio and other Latin acts, including Rumba Buena and The Pedrito Martinez Group.
A mariachi band performed in an area of the festival grounds where Latin American arts and crafts like handmade Brazilian drums, paintings and sculptures were on display. As Honduran-born New Orleans artist Scarlett Alamiz demonstrated how to make a pinata, she said she was excited that Rubio was at Jazz Fest.
"She's our Britney Spears," Alamiz gushed. "We're so happy she's here."
Eva Grant, a native of Mexico who now lives in Houston, came to the festival with her husband Don and some friends especially to hear Rubio.
"She's no Britney Spears, she's Madonna," Grant said with enthusiasm. "She's very connected to the Latinos. She pushes herself to be a good example for us. She's one of the most talented entertainers we have. I love her."
Jazz Fest-goers also got a taste Saturday of traditional music by Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Roland Guerin and John Boutte. The day's headliners also included the Eagles, My Morning Jacket and Ne-Yo.
A steady flow of people filled the Fair Grounds Race Course for the festival, whose main sponsor is Shell. An overcast sky and cool breezes provided reprieve from the heat and sun. The event runs through Sunday.
Toussaint, wearing a colorful red, yellow, green and black jacket, had the crowds in front of the Acura stage - the festival's largest - on their feet. Singer Theresa Andersson joined him for a funky duet of "Now You Know" and Cyril Neville made an appearance with him as well on "Old Treme."
The festival also continued to give fans a taste of the new with a first-time performance by New Orleans' own Tarriona "Tank" Ball and the BlackStar Bangas. Earlier Saturday, she had a sparse group in the field fronting Congo Square on their feet, waving their arms, cheering and dancing as she performed an eclectic show that included rap, poetry and singing.
New Orleans residents Susan Ranheim and her husband, Steve Salm, planned to spend the weekend moving around the festival grounds.
"Roaming is the best way to experience Jazz Fest," Ranheim said. "We just stop when we find something we like listening to."
The couple said they don't like bringing chairs or anything that will bog them down.
"We don't want to be stuck with anything except each other," Ranheim said.
Under one of the music tents, fest-goers hoisted colorful umbrellas up and down as a jazz band played "When the Saints Go Marching In." On a nearby stage with musical acts geared for children, a New Orleans school jazz ensemble performed "Soul Man" as kids in the audience danced and clapped to the beat of the music.
All weekend long, children will be able to participate in arts and crafts projects such as decorating hand-held fans and sashes with feathers, beads and sparkly sequins. Some also decorated picture frames with red beans and rice.


The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is pleased that on Friday 18 December the EU came to an agreement on a version of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which includes a specific reference to the Holocaust.
The new EU data protection law will officially be adopted and published in early 2016. Considering the supreme importance of the Holocaust in the foundation of the European community following World War II and in light of rising antisemitism across Europe, which is most often connected to distortion and denial of the Holocaust, IHRA is glad that its comprehensive campaign in Brussels to raise awareness of the issue has led to the inclusion of the specific reference to the Holocaust.
"Where personal data are processed for archiving purposes, this Regulation should also apply to that processing, bearing in mind that this Regulation should not apply to deceased persons. Public authorities or public or private bodies that hold records of public interest should be services which, pursuant to Union or Member State law, have a legal obligation to acquire, preserve, appraise, arrange, describe, communicate, promote, disseminate and provide access to records of enduring value for general public interest. Member States should also be authorised to provide that personal data may be further processed for archiving purposes, for example with a view to providing specific information related to the political behaviour under former totalitarian state regimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, in particular the Holocaust, or war crimes."
After two years of research and analysis, IHRA had determined definitively that researchers and research organizations were already being denied access to Holocaust-related materials on the premise that the GDPR would not permit the use of these materials, despite the fact that the regulation had not yet been adopted.
Acting on behalf of IHRA's 31 member countries- 24 of which are EU member countries- the IHRA Chair had made the issue of the draft GDPR a priority throughout the Hungarian IHRA Chairmanship in 2015. The issue had also been championed by previous UK IHRA Chair, Sir Andrew Burns, and Canadian IHRA Chair, Mario Silva.
Péter Nikolicza, justice counsellor at the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU, played a crucial role in pursuing the issue in Brussels. When asked how he felt on hearing that a deal had been reached, he said that he remembered IHRA's Honorary Chairman, Professor Yehuda Bauer's words, who had said at the IHRA Plenary in November in Debrecen that a specific reference to the Holocaust would greatly assist young researchers to get full access to Holocaust-related documents, thereby making sure that the Holocaust is not forgotten. Mr. Nikolicza expressed satisfaction that the final text of the GDPR was now in line with IHRA's principal goal.
The IHRA is the only intergovernmental organization which brings together both political representatives and academic experts working on Holocaust-related issues. Read more about the IHRA here.
You might also be interested in previous updates on the issue from 2 December and from 12 November.
Download the press release as a pdf here.


Cycling Mekong Delta 5 days | BenTre TraVinh CanTho ChauDoc and LongXuyen.
A cycling mekong delta tour will take you through rice fields, countryside villages. Cruise to floating market and bike on single track along natural waterways in the mekong delta.
Day 1: Saigon to TraVinh.
Day 2: TraVinh to CanTho.
Day 3: CanTho to ChauDoc.
Day 4: Chau Doc to LongXuyen.
Day 5: LongXuyen to Saigon.
First stage cycling ~ 32km to TraMet on paved road, then start again for windings cement road through rice fields, gardens and ferry crossing to VinhXuan. (See video clip below) At TraOn small town by the mekong river, we take two ferries over Lucsithanh island and keep on 15km to CanTho.Optional interesting boat trip: catching a local boat from TraOn to Cantho around 4pm. This is a beautiful boat trip, cruising 20km up the mighty Mekong river on wooden boat, good chance to chat with local people. Overnight in CanTho.
Day 5: Long Xuyen to SaDec and Saigon (Breakfast, lunch)Morning boat cruise to explore the local floating market, no big toursit group here !! Then we cycle to DinhYen market which made sedge mats, and we cycle to SaDec – a quiet town famous by the film L'aman of Maguerite Duras novel. Our van will pick us up and transfer to SaiGon. End of tour.
13.495.000 vnd /person ($US 565) (4-to 5- person occupancy).
Meals: Full board: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Transportation: A/c bus or minivan support with cool drinking water.
Bicycle rental : hybrid bicycle or mountain bike.
See other cycling mekong delta Vietnam: Cycling Vietnam to Cambodia 4 days.


The College is open this morning although some classes may not run due to travel disruption caused by the snow. Sites may close early if conditions worsen.
Please check back for the latest information before travelling to your class.


LB777 culled the game physics of L2F2 from the monster truck flash engine so it appears he forgot to quick fix the little loops that were originally present in MonsterTruck2...ahh Hollywood when will you mature!
Going one level deeper into the game, the objective is to get jacko penguin flying using the laws of slide down-gain momentum and launch off... In the first place you have a ramp on which you let Mr.Penguin gain momentum to take off, points are given for the distance you cover from the time you take off to the time you land, in simple terms get as high as possible and as far as possible.Game scoring is on the basis of height and distance with time providing a multiplier effect.
You will be blessed with a cheat at this stage, taking its cue from ski-jumping, in order to gain momentum down the ramp, use the forward arrow button ->, but once you leave the ramp you might want to experiment a bit with all four arrow buttons in order to negotiate your height attained against the environmental conditions you find Mr. Penguin flying through.
The second cheat is to experiment with the landing a bit as you wouldn't want a 'plonk type' landing…..try to get him to skim on the surface a bit …like a stone skipping on water, that should get you through the extra mile.
Getting the hang of the basics will fuel your fun when you get enough reward points to buy performance enhancing stuff Oh yes , there are additional points for destroying targets.
Found a few quirks though, if you maintain air resistance at 3% and rocket speed at about 175 you can sail through at about 4500 feet lol. One more cheat is the continue button available on y9 ….press it whilst in rocket propelled mode to whiz from 6000 feet to 8000 feet. I'm quite sure you're winning this one, I do hope you get a hang of the game and have yourself a Merry Christmas.


Technology was invented to make life and things easier, effective and friendlier than following long traditional procedures to get a business deal. A chatbot is an artificial intelligent communication mode that enables a business to follow-up on a lead for access to full contact information.
Businesses using digital advertising techniques would love to get lead contacts after being ranked on search engines. This might not be possible because a lead can have more than one service provider showing on their list and may even drift away from the site.
ChatBots for law firms facilitate lead engagement, and collection of their information in addition to directing them to customer support. At Eagle Peak Marketing, we're a digital marketing agency that offers affordable chat services for lawyers.
We can build, program, position, and style a chatbot for your law firm and ease your interactions with prospective clients.
The 24/7 service is beneficial to both the law firm and the lead. You are not limited to answering queries just because it's past office hours and the customer can check in at any time. You will save your leads the agony of waiting for long before they are assisted which can also make them desert the call.
Law firms switch box can be busy with clients calling for queries, confirmations or just following up. You are limited to the number of customer care staff you can employ to handle the demand thus calling for a need for Chatbot. We are Chatbots professionals, who will get you a means of having thousands of simultaneous conversation effected, and on time.
Installing chatbots for law firms or other businesses is a onetime investment unlike having employees who need to be paid, use resources and are entitled to other benefits. A chatbot will handle the demand even after the business grows, cutting down the demand of adding more employees. Eagle Peak Marketing can configure a chatbot that will attend to general queries and pass the complex one to the next available customer support agent.
A chatbot is automated to handle repetitive work, unlike humans who can get agitated, rude or answer to queries with emotions. This is to the benefit of both the law firm and the client as there are no errors in information given. A client does not have to call the law firm to get clarification from a different customer care agent.
Records are important for easier follow up and monitoring. All call attended to by customer care desk might not be recorded which is not the case with chatbot services. It is easier to monitor when there is more traffic and the questions that are asked frequently.
Consider integrating technology in your law firm to ease your work and offer better services to your clients. At Eagle Peak Marketing, we install, program and also train you on how to make a Chatbot work for your law firm. We have affordable chatbots for law firms that promote better customer-client interaction.


I love flowers. Something about having a flower arrangement in the house makes my day just a bit better. My husband knows this so he often gives me flowers on special occasions like Valentine's Day & my birthday. Teleflora is always my choice for flower delivery – I have never had anything but beautiful, perfect, long lasting flowers from Teleflora. And now they have 4 NEW arrangements to send for Valentine's Day.
Spoil your crush with this pretty floral arrangement of red and lavender roses, carnations, purple chrysanthemums, lavender and huckleberry that arrives in a unique swirling red ceramic vase with metallic finish.
You can find more beautiful arrangements at teleflora.com. Thanks to Teleflora for sending me a gorgeous bouquet!


As a follow-up to an earlier Heureka post, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation held a follow-up meeting late February on the topic of establishing a federal privacy law.
Overall there was much discussion around implementation of a Federal Privacy law with a lot discussion and mentions of California's recently passed California Consumer Privacy Act. Witnesses discussed both sides of the debate over establishing a federal privacy law and in particular the establishment of a baseline law that might supersede state-level laws.
While consistency is nice, patchwork isn't insurmountable. It's what we've been dealing with all along.
Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Wash appeared to agree with Professor Hartzog in her opening statement as she indicated that she did not believe that pre-exemption is necessary for an effective federal bill to take hold.
On the other side of the pre-exemption debate were industry insiders and lobbyist including Jon Leibowitz from the 21st Century Privacy Coalition. Mr. Leibowitz and others advocate for a single federal law that will perhaps override local state laws on privacy.
Imagine if there were different Federal Aviation Administration standards for every state in the country? There would be disasters in the air. That's what's at stake in letting states craft policies piecemeal.
There were numerous discussions based on enforcement of any law. The general consensus was that the Federal Trade Commission should ultimately be the primary enforcer and there was discussion around the need for additional resources should a law be passed. Victoria Espinel of The Software Alliance mentioned that state attorney general offices may also play a role in enforcement.
There was healthy debate between panelists and Senators as to transparency and industry involvement in federal privacy law. There was a true concern over having industry insiders water-down any federal bill which has happened in the past with regards to privacy. There was also debate on what the base floor for the new law should be. GDPR? CCPA? Many agreed that CCPA could be the base standard from which federal law could be based, however there was some disagreement from panelists.
Witnesses and Senators have two weeks to submit questions (till March 13, 2019). Heureka Software will be following this continuing discussion and update as new developments occur.


Before I start let's be clear: product development is not an easy pursuit. If it was then, as they say, everyone would be doing it.
Although at times it can feel like everyone is doing it. The number of apps and online services jostling for our attention is overwhelming. When faced with precisely 100 results (at time of writing) for "to-do app" in the App Store, where do you start? And as an app producer how do you make your product standout in such a crowded market? It's understandable if your conclusion is that the app with the most features wins.
My favourite run-tracking app changed recently (don't worry – this isn't a glib excuse to squeeze in what an accomplished runner I am. I'm not. I run short distances, infrequently. And slowly.). After finishing my run, instead of simply recording the details as normal, a new message popped up. "Share with friends!" it said.
For the reasons outlined above, I had no intention of sharing the details of my run with anyone. So I bypassed the invitation with a couple of taps. And now, much to my chagrin, I have those extra couple of taps to perform every time I want to record my run and get on with recovering from my exertions. So why the extra feature that I didn't want?
The fact is that many users will want the feature, and introducing a community aspect (or in the case of the running app, a competitive aspect) can create an additional hook that takes engagement with the product to a new level. But when does "feature rich" become experience rot, and how do we stay on the right side of the line? More is better right? Therein lies a minefield for the budding product owner to negotiate.
At Fathom, we are firm proponents of a couple of frameworks that help bring objectivity to the feature-pruning process. The first is the Kano Model, dating from the 1980's, which applies three categories to features – dissatisfiers, satisifiers and delighters. 'Dissatisfiers' are features that, if absent, cause frustration. These are threshold features, must-haves. 'Satisfiers' are central to the product's function, the core features. 'Delighters' are those additional elements that differentiate the product from the competition.
By categorising potential features along these lines, prioritisation follows naturally. Make sure dissatisfiers are firmly in place, that satisfiers provide excellence in user experience, then – and only then – move on to delighters. In other words, don't shoot for delight if you're not providing for basic needs.
So what to do when you have a whole host of delighters? What if you have feature after feature that you are convinced will take the user experience to new heights? Well, chances are you now have a bloated product.
I have a Swiss army knife at home; great little tool to have around the house. However if I need to tighten a screw, I don't think "now where's my Swiss army knife?". Similarly, next time I need to gut a fish (it could happen), I'll be looking for a specialist tool.
And this is the dilemma. Do you want your product to be a swiss army knife, not specialising in anything particular? Or, do you want it to be a scalpel – clinical, with a singular purpose, and built for the job.
Irish entrepreneur Des Traynor is doing great things with his CRM web app, Intercom. He's also a great contributor to the thinking around product management. According to Traynor, healthy product management is the willingness to drop features as well as add them. But which ones to drop Traynor's approach is simple. There will be a natural scale of features which runs from those used by most users, most of the time, to those used by few of the users, little of the time. It is the latter features that need pruned in order to keep a product lean and relevant.
Whenever difficult decisions need to be made (and in the world of product development, there are very few easy ones), we don't have to resort to guesswork. Applying some rudimentary classifications to features can help you see a product through the customer's eyes. Not everyone loves your product as much as you. Get over that fact, and you're on the way to better decisions about its future.