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How to Successfully Make an Obscenely Low Offer on a House
Find out how you can make a low-ball offer without insulting the seller.
By Terence Loose August 16, 2016 Real Estate Investing 101
It's only natural to want a great deal on anything you buy. But unlike a TV or a pair of shoes, getting a smoking hot deal on buying a house takes a little more work than clipping coupons. The best house hunters know that a key step in getting a great deal on a home is making a low-ball offer.
But you can't just make an offer of 20 percent off the asking price and expect success, said Lucas Machado, who is president of House Heroes LLC and has completed nearly 100 real estate transactions in three years. "At the end of the day, the homebuyer and home seller need to settle on price and terms that work for everyone involved. If that's achieved, all parties walk away happy. If that isn't achieved, no home sale will ever occur," said Machado.
To better ensure you get the home you want for a dream price, follow these seven steps from the experts.
Read: 12 Ways to Make Buying Your First Home More Affordable
1. Do Your Research Before House Hunting
Before you begin house hunting, a lot of research is necessary. Here are several key factors you'll need to know so you don't waste your time writing offers to sellers who will only take top dollar.
Know the sellers. You need to know the seller's reason for selling, said Mindy Jensen, community manager at BiggerPockets.com, a real estate social network and marketplace. "If they are trying to make the most money they can to take advantage of a hot market, your low-ball offer has almost no chance of being accepted," she said. On the other hand, if the home was inherited, there are out-of-state owners, or they've tried and failed to sell the home previously, this might be a green light to a low-ball offer, she said.
Know the market. Do a lot of research on comparable properties in the area and what they sold for. Trust these more than the seller's asking price. "Listing prices vary widely from extremely overpriced to well below market value. Homebuyers — either through their own research or working with a knowledgeable local professional — should understand the value of a property and offer according to that value," said Machado.
Know the property. A good strategy is to look for a property that needs some attention and care, has been on the market for months, or is distressed. Karim Wahba, a realtor with Realty One Group in Mission Viejo, Calif., had clients who didn't mind lending a little blood, sweat and tears to fixing up a property if the price was right. He used this fact to find them a deal.
"I made it known to the other agent that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to the home," Wahba said. "I also made it clear to him that they were not in love with this home in particular, that they were considering several other options that did not need much work done to them. So I always made him feel that if the price is not right, they will choose the easier option and buy a home that was move-in ready." In the end, the seller saw his points were reasonable and accepted an offer well below the asking price.
2. Use Cash When Buying a House
Making an all-cash offer is about as enticing to a seller as it gets, said Than Merrill, host of A&E's "Flip This House" and CEO and co-founder of the real estate investment education company FortuneBuilders.
"If you plan to make an extremely low-ball offer, like 25 percent less than the asking price, you might want to consider using cash to cushion the cheap bid," Merrill said. There are a few reasons this could work, from a seller knowing that all cash usually means a fast closing to the fact that financed offers often fall through at the last minute, he said.
Obviously, not everyone can come up with an all-cash offer, so you should at least do the next-best thing and get fully pre-approved, said Machado. "Other terms that can be modified to improve the chances are paying closing costs and reducing the length of the inspection period," he said.
3. Work With a Realtor When You're House Hunting
Often, a realtor's commission more than makes up for itself in the experience you'll gain. "A realtor can pull comps in the area to help you determine how low you can really go. It doesn't matter what other homes in the area [were] listed for, it matters what they sold for," said Merrill.
For instance, Wahba, the realtor who successfully negotiated a low offer for his clients, discovered that the sellers had unsuccessfully tried to sell the property in question a year before, so they were highly motivated. Also, through his experience, Wahba was able to gauge the amount of work that would be needed and suggest good contractors for estimates. In the end, $20,000 worth of TLC resulted in $30,000 worth of equity.
Read: 10 Open House Red Flags Before Buying a Home
4. Use Rhetoric and Flattery
Merrill said a well-crafted offer letter goes a long way to soften the blow a low-ball offer can sometimes deliver. "Start with a little flattery and pitch to the seller's emotional side. The fact of the matter is that the seller needs to like you to accept your offer," Merrill said.
So, compliment them, compliment the home, compliment yourself, he said. "You also might want to consider highlighting the similarities you have with the seller. Calling attention to your similarities with the seller will create a personal connection and give you an edge over the competition," said Merrill.
5. Give the Seller Reasons for Your Reduced Price
If you are going to make a low-ball offer, you'd better be ready to back up your reasoning with facts, Merrill said. Is the market cold? Has the home been on the market for more than 30 days? Are there inherent damages to the home? These are all good things to point out if true, said Merrill.
"It is worth it to spend a little extra money on a highly seasoned inspector," Merrill said. "A professional inspector will scrutinize every corner of the home until he or she finds a problem that might help to justify a low-ball offer. If you're able to uncover something the seller may have been trying to hide, they won't have any choice other than to take your offer," Than said.
6. Be Reasonable With the Seller
Put yourself in the seller's shoes when making an offer or negotiating. Understand that they want a fair price just as much as you want a great deal, so the goal is to make sure you both feel satisfied. "You want to avoid offending the seller with an extreme low-ball offer. So, it is important not to put forth an offer that is outrageously below the asking price," said Merrill. Offending the seller is going to kill negotiations before they even get started.
This is especially true for properties that are in good shape and priced fairly. "If a homeowner just spent thousands of dollars on repairs and renovation, the homeowner will not be keen on agreeing to a reduced price," said Machado. And frankly, you probably shouldn't expect them to. Look for words like "pristine," "beautiful," or "immaculate," in Multiple Listing Service's property listings, he said. "Those words or their synonyms indicate a property is premium and a buyer is unlikely to get a substantial reduction," Machado said.
7. Don't Give Up on Buying a House
Getting a great deal can take a lot of time and a lot more patience. If not, everyone would be scoring. And sometimes, that patience needs to extend beyond the negotiations, said Jensen.
If you and the seller can't agree on a price, Jensen advised asking him to keep your contact info. And be sure to keep your eye on the property. "I once put a low-ball offer in on a bank-owned condo," Jensen said. "They did not accept it, and we stopped watching the property. It sat for months, eventually selling for far less than what I had originally offered."
Read: How to Buy a House When Your Spouse Has Terrible Credit
A Good Low-Ball Offer Works for Both Buyer and Seller
Done properly with care, understanding and intelligence, making a low-ball offer can not only work out for you, but the seller as well. A good example comes from Dr. Judy Martin, an author and veterinarian in New Jersey.
Martin found a home she loved on the market for $475,000. This was the price after the home had been on the market for eight months and had been reduced from $499,000. Martin did her research and found comparable homes in the neighborhood that had sold for much less. So she made an initial offer of $375,000, explaining her reasons for the low offer.
"I explained that [although] I thought this home was clearly worth the higher price in a different neighborhood, the price was not in line with the location," she said. She also told the seller that she had a second house she was interested in if they didn't want to come down in price. The sellers saw her point and countered with $400,000. A deal was struck at $385,000 and most importantly, both parties walked away happy.
Terence Loose
Terence Loose is an award-winning freelance writer who writes about everything from travel and sport to fitness and finance. He is a Hawaii-based writer who has covered a broad range of topics during his 20-plus-year career, from finance and education to travel and celebrity. He is a former editor for both Movieline and COAST Magazines and his work has appeared in publications as diverse as COAST, Riviera and Movieline to the L.A. Times Magazine and Orange County Register.
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GOBankingRates > Investing > Real Estate > How to Successfully Make an Obscenely Low Offer on a House


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Tony Ferguson earns 12th UFC win, beats Donald Cerrone at 'UFC 238' in Chicago
By Conan Altatis on June 9, 2019 • ( 1 Comment )
Tony Ferguson, Dana White, Donald Cerrone
Fighting out of Orange County, California, United States, Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson, 35, was one of the winners at "UFC 238." It was the 12 fifth victory of the Mexican-American mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship excluding his three wins in "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 13.
Featuring 13 MMA matches, "UFC 238" took place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on June 8, 2019. In the 11th bout of the evening, Ferguson competed in the lightweight division against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, 36, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA with Dan Miragliotta as the referee.
In the first round, Cerrone and Ferguson exchanged strikes but it was the former who landed better shots. Before the round ended, Cerrone's hard elbow cut the right eye of Ferguson but the latter was not bothered.
In the second round, Cerrone scored a takedown but Ferguson survived. Before the round ended, Ferguson landed a punch on Cerrone's face.
Before the third round, Cerrone's right eye swelled shut after he blew his nose. Miragliotta put a stop to the lightweight contest after two five-minute rounds and raised the hand of Ferguson, who was declared the winner via technical knockout via doctor stoppage.
Winning at "UFC 238" improved the professional MMA record of Ferguson to 25 wins and 3 losses. On the other hand, Cerrone now has 36 wins and 12 losses.
Including the U.S., 11 countries were represented at "UFC 238." The other countries were Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, England, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia and Scotland.
Born in Oxnard, California on February 12, 1984 to Mexican parents, Ferguson competed in football, baseball and wrestling at Muskegon Catholic Central High School. As an MMA fighter, he has been competing professionally since 2008.
Ferguson joined the UFC in 2011. He became the interim UFC Light Champion after defeating Kevin "The Motown Phenom" Lee, 26, of the U.S. on October 7, 2017 but was stripped of the title on April 7, 2018 due to injury.
The other 13 opponents Ferguson defeated in the UFC were Aaron Riley, 38, Mike "The Wolverine" Rio, 37, Danny "Last Call" Castillo, 39, Abel "Killa" Trujillo, 35, Josh "The Punk" Thomson, 40, Edson "Junior" Barboza, 33, Landon "Groovy" Vannata, 27, and Anthony "Showtime" Pettis, 32, of the U.S., Gleison Tibau, 35, and Rafael "RDA" dos Anjos, 34, of Brazil and Katsunori Kikuno, 37, of Japan. Meanwhile, watch the post-fight interview with Ferguson at "UFC 238" here:
Categories: MMA, SPORTS
Tagged as: Chicago, Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, UFC 238
Russia's Petr Yan earns 5th UFC win, beats Jimmie Rivera at 'UFC 238' in Chicago
Peru's Valentina Shevchenko is still UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, knocks out Jessica Eye at 'UFC 238' in Chicago
Pingback: Tony Ferguson earns 15th UFC win, beats Donald Cerrone at 'UFC 238' in Chicago - OC Bulletin

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard was sharp on Thursday against the Nationals, racking up seven strikeouts in 3 1/3 scoreless innings.
Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings in Thursday's start against the Nationals, allowing two hits and two walks and striking out seven consecutive batters.
Syndergaard fanned Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in order in the bottom of the third. Turner and Rendon went down looking while Harper swung and missed three times.
After he fanned Matt Adams to start the bottom of the fourth -- his seventh straight strikeout -- Syndergaard was replaced by Jerry Blevins.
The electric performance lowered Syndergaard's Spring Training ERA to 1.08.


text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using Wyam.Core.Meta;

namespace Wyam.Core.Util
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Adapts a typed equality comparer to untyped metadata by attempting to convert the
    /// metadata values to the comparer type before running the comparison. If neither type
    /// can be converted to <typeparamref name="TValue"/>, the comparison returns 0 (equivalent).
    /// </summary>
    /// <typeparam name="TValue">The value type to convert to for comparisons.</typeparam>
    internal class ConvertingComparer<TValue> : IComparer<object>
    {
        private readonly IComparer<TValue> _comparer;

        public ConvertingComparer(IComparer<TValue> comparer)
        {
            _comparer = comparer ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(comparer));
        }

        public int Compare(object x, object y)
        {
            TValue xValue;
            TValue yValue;
            if (!TypeHelper.TryConvert(x, out xValue) || !TypeHelper.TryConvert(y, out yValue))
            {
                return 0;
            }
            return _comparer.Compare(xValue, yValue);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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A screenshot of a YouTube video shows snow hitting near Mauna Loa this year.
Hiker Trapped: Mauna Loa Snowstorm Gets NY Hiker Trapped in Hawaii's Iconic Volcano
By Jack Phillips
January 31, 2014 Updated: July 18, 2015
A hiker was trapped on Mauna Loa in Hawaii after a snowstorm hit this week.
Alex Sverdlov, 36, of Queens, was doing the 18-mile hike to the top of Mauna Loa in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Sunday when the storm struck, according to National Parks Traveler.
He was on the 13,677-foot-tall summit on Tuesday when the snowstorm hit the region, bringing snow and strong winds.
Sverdlov tried to find his backpack during the blizzard and he was forced to take shelter until the next day. He found his pack the next day but he couldn't get out, which forced him to spend another night there.
He was rescued on Tuesday after search crews found him. He didn't have any food with him.
"I've done many crazy hikes, but this one pretty much tops the bill," Sverdlov was quoted as saying.
Sverdlov was the only registered hiker. Rescue crews noticed that his car was parked at the bottom of the trail on Thursday, according to the New York Daily News.
"Even the most experienced and prepared hikers can get into trouble in the park," Park Ranger John Broward, the park's search-and-rescue coordinator, said in a statement. "What saved Alex is that he had a backcountry permit so we knew he was up there. He is extremely fit, and he stayed calm. We're all fortunate this had a happy ending."


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Propane leak leads to evacuation of school, homes on Tuscarora Reservation
WBFO-FM 88.7 | By Michael Mroziak
Published October 4, 2018 at 3:49 PM EDT
Michael Mroziak, WBFO
The discovery of a leak in an 18,000-gallon propane tank at a Tuscarora Reservation-based business led authorities Thursday morning to evacuate an estimated two dozen homes and an elementary school.
The leak was discovered by employees of Jay's Place, according to officials, while doing a routine check Thursday morning. The tank had reportedly been filled the evening before.
Jonathan Schultz, Niagara County's Director of Emergency Services, credits the business with taking quick action to remove the contents and reduce the danger. Once the liquid propane was transferred out of the tank, the remaining contents - vapors - were expended by a controlled burnoff.
"They probably saved, before we started, the majority of what was in there," Schultz said. "Once they realized this morning they had a leak, they started working themselves before emergency services even got here to start offloading the propane."
Schultz even commented that he wished other companies would be as cooperative as the Jay's owners were in times of emergency. He was not sure, meanwhile, whether the company was subject to similar inspection rules as non-Native establishments, given their location on Native American land.
The children attending Tuscarora Indian Elementary School, which is part of the Niagara Wheatfield School District, were moved to nearby Niagara Wheatfield High School to finish out their day.
The district issued a prepared statement alerting parents of the situation: "Our Tuscarora elementary students have been safely evacuated to the High School. The evacuation was due to a propane leak at a local business. The students may remain at the High School for the remainder of the day, or parents can pick up their children at the high school if they desire."
Michael Mroziak
Michael Mroziak is an experienced, award-winning reporter whose career includes work in broadcast and print media. When he joined the WBFO news staff in April 2015, it was a return to both the radio station and to Horizons Plaza.
See stories by Michael Mroziak


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Plaizier Racing
Mac Tools Top Fuel Dragster
Top Eliminator Club
Pacemaker Funny Car
Blue Line Racing
Kevin Boyer Racing
With its rich history in NHRA drag racing starting with Connie Kalitta
This team is the pinnacle of the sport and has the championships to back it up. Our support, is to back a winner and be part of a top fuel team that performs on the most prestigious drag racing stages – NHRA Mello Yellow Championship Series.
Kalitta Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in drag racing history, including six world championships and over 100 national event wins since the team was formed in 1959.
Connie Kalitta is the CEO of Kalitta Air and former NHRA drag racer once nicknamed "The Bounty Hunter". He raced from the 1950s through the 1990s with the notable accomplishment of being the first driver to run 200 mph. In 1971, he teamed up with Shirley Muldowney, archrival of the legend Don Garlits, and over the next seven years that culminated in Muldowney winning the 1977 National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel championship. Over the course of his drag racing career Kaliitta won nine NHRA national titles, including the prestigious U.S. Nationals in 1994. His racing acknowledgments include induction in the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992.
Driver: Doug Kalitta
Driver of the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster. Back-to-back season opener wins at Pomona. Best E.T. 3.683, career best speed 333.66 miles per hour
"On behalf of our entire Kalitta Motorsports organization, we are very excited to have you and the Team Ace Racing brand for a full season with the top fuel dragster"
– Bob Lawson, Business Manager Team Kalitta
Team Ace Racing
Bittern Lake, Alberta, T0C 0L0
Email: info@teamaceracing.com
Copyright © 2018 Team Ace Racing
Have a Question? Leave us a Message:


Whether you're hosting or attending a chic table tonight, or enjoying a more low key evening, I hope you have a lovely and safe New Year's Eve. And, very best wishes to you for a Happy New Year! I so much appreciate your visiting TPP, and look forward to seeing you in 2014!


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Central Logic announces additions to the executive team: Maija Costello, Samantha Endres, and Robert Zdon
Individuals bring a wealth of healthcare experience to the positions of Vice President of People & Culture, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer.
Maija Costello, Samantha Endres, and Robert Zdon. Central Logic new executive hires.
The deep healthcare and leadership experience of all three new executive team members will support our core mission of empowering our clients to deliver the right patient care at the right location without delay
SANDY, Utah and MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) September 24, 2020
Central Logic, the healthcare industry's innovator in patient orchestration and tools to accelerate access to care, announces the appointments of three individuals to the company's executive team: Maija Costello, Vice President of People & Culture; Samantha Endres, CPA, Chief Financial Officer; and Robert Zdon, Chief Marketing Officer.
"The deep healthcare and leadership experience of all three new executive team members will support our core mission of empowering our clients to deliver the right patient care at the right location without delay," stated Central Logic CEO Angie Franks. "It's especially important during this difficult time in healthcare to make sure we're onboarding professionals of the highest caliber who understand the extreme challenges of health systems, hospitals, and public health agencies. I feel confident that Maija, Sam, and Bob embody all of these qualities."
Maija Costello
As Vice President of People & Culture, Costello will drive the execution of Central Logic's talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, and culture initiatives.
"People are our greatest asset and a key differentiator for Central Logic; they enable us to continue the development and delivery of compelling solutions to our clients," said Franks. "Maija will play a pivotal role in our ability to attract and retain the very best talent."
Costello possesses several years of experience in healthcare and human resources. Prior to joining Central Logic, she was a Management Consultant Manager at Accenture, where her responsibilities included leading enterprise readiness & integration and human resources initiatives for Comprehensive Cancer Center. Other previous healthcare-related positions include People Operations Manager at Bloom Health in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Among Costello's educational credentials is an MBA degree from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management.
Samantha Endres
As Chief Financial Officer, Endres will oversee management of the company's finances, including financial planning, risk management, financial reporting, and data analysis.
"Sam is a very accomplished financial executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience," said Franks. "Her proven track record of process management, financial operations improvement, and business development will be a tremendous asset to Central Logic."
Endre's healthcare experience includes serving as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis for Healthland, a provider of EHR software to small and rural hospitals nationwide. Most recently, she was Chief Financial Officer of West Academic Publishing. Other previous positions include Senior Director, Finance, at Thomson Reuters. Andres earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Augsburg University and an MBA degree in finance from Metropolitan State University.
Robert Zdon
As Chief Marketing Officer, Zdon will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of Central Logic's marketing and visibility initiatives.
"Bob is a seasoned, disciplined marketing strategist and leader with an extensive background in healthcare," said Franks. "He understands our market, and I'm confident that he and his team will contribute to our revenue growth through effective marketing, advertising, and public relations."
Most recently, Zdon was President of RAZR Marketing and Grayduck Health, a Minneapolis-based marketing and technology agency. Before that, he held senior leadership roles at other healthcare- and technology-focused companies, including Healthland, Universal Hospital Services, Hill-Rom, and Allina Health. Zdon earned bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
About Central Logic
For health systems, managing patient transfers is a life-saving endeavor. Central Logic is a pioneer in the space and was founded solely to support this mission. Our flexible, purpose-built solution provides superior real-time visibility and unmatched business intelligence to optimize the operations of health system Access Centers. Clients count on Central Logic to deliver strong growth, find new ways to improve patient outcomes and make their operations more effective, today and into the future. Based in Utah and Minnesota, Central Logic is an industry leader with a 93% customer retention rate. The company has been named a "fastest growing private company" by both Inc. 500 and Utah Business Magazine. For more information, visit https://centrallogic.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.
Robert Kelen
Central Logic
@CentralLogic


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YouTube Will Now Serve Ads On Channels That Aren't Eligible For Its Partner Program — Though Creators Won't Earn A Cut
Per the first update to its Terms Of Service since last December, YouTube said it will begin running ads on brand-safe channels that don't yet meet the criteria for its Partner Program (YPP), which endows eligible creators with the ability to collect ad revs from their videos.
"We'll begin slowly rolling out ads on a limited number of videos from channels not in YPP," reads the updated TOS, as spotted by Variety — noting that these channels still won't be eligible to earn a cut of any ad revs.
In a blog post accompanying the new TOS, YouTube said the decision to run ads on non-YPP channels is "part of our ongoing investment in new solutions, like Home Feed ads, that help advertisers responsibly tap into the full scale of YouTube to connect with their audiences and grow their businesses."
In order to be eligible for the YPP, creators must have at least 1,000 subscribers and have accrued 4,000 hours of watch time within the year prior to their application. (YouTube introduced these new thresholds in 2018 amid brand safety concerns precipitated by the Adpocalypse). While ineligible creators won't see any revenues from ads on their videos, YouTube stated on its blog that these creators "can still apply to YPP once they hit the eligibility criteria."
The second major change to YouTube's TOS is that, going forward, all payments from YouTube to U.S. creators — including from the YPP, channel memberships, and Super Chats — will now be classified as 'royalties' for U.S. tax purposes. Royalties refer to payments by one party (YouTube) to another party that owns an asset (creators) for ongoing use of that asset. Accordingly, YouTube notes that it could be required to withhold taxes from future payments. That said, creators should remain "generally unaffected" by the change so long as they provide the appropriate documentation in AdSense, YouTube said.
The change to payments as royalties — as well as all of the other TOS updates — will roll out internationally by the middle of next year, YouTube says.
The final TOS change is added language to more explicitly state what was already true — that users are barred from collecting or harvesting any facial recognition data on YouTube. "Our Terms of Service already expressly state that you are not allowed to 'collect or harvest any information that might identify a person (for example, usernames), unless permitted by that person'," the company explained. "This has always included facial recognition data, and with today's updated Terms of Service, we are making that explicitly clear."
You can check out detailed explanations about all of the aforementioned updates in a YouTube help forum post right here.
YouTube Reinstates Monetization For Steven Crowder 14 Months After Racist, Homophobic Harassment Of Carlos Maza
YouTubers Are Helping Viewers Without Financial Means Donate To 'Black Lives Matter' Causes With Video Views
YouTube Facing $3 Billion Class Action Suit In The U.K. Alleging Collection Of Underage User Data


Mr A.E. Pickard Honoured by City Carters.
Short article explaining how the Glasgow Horse and Motormens Union bestowed anilluminated address upon Mr Pickard and gave his wife a gold bracelet, for the services he provided the city carters with during their strike. The article explains how Pickard allowed the strikers to use the Panopticon for meetings as well as providing them with entertainment on such occasions. This article could be seen as evidence of the good reputation Pickard seemed to enjoy with the working classes of Glasgow during this period.
"Mr A.E. Pickard Honoured by City Carters.," Pickard's Papers, accessed April 19, 2019, https://pickardspapers.gla.ac.uk/items/show/2706.


Absolutely fabulous, the ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Wonderful food and a great choice.
The staff could not have been more helpful and ever so polite.
Be sorry to see Oriana leaving the P&O fleet.


Some astrology for the accused perpetrator of last week's Charleston church shooting. As yet, we don't have a birth time for him.
I am taking the liberty of proposing a birth time of around 3pm, which would put Pallas in the Eighth (weakening the ethical structure even more than already indicated) and Jupiter and the North Node in the Fourth (which would be consistent with race-based ideology). There may be other possible times which would generate similar effects, but this is the lowest-hanging-fruit.
1. Pallas in the Eighth House trine Pluto, ruled by Mars which is trine Pluto.
2. Neptune widely square Venus and sextile Mercury, ruler of Second House.
3. Pluto widely quincunx Venus and trine Mercury, ruler of Second House.
4. Pluto in Fourth House.
There is always a transiting Pluto-to-Pallas trigger on the charts of spree killers when they go off. Here we have transiting Pluto square progressed Pallas.
The vast majority of persons with these natal chart features and undergoing this type of transit do not commit murder. We as a society can reduce the number of these incidents by fostering a gun-friendly culture (so that victims can shoot back, thereby dis-incentivizing mass shootings by making them more dangerous for shooters) and by increasing public awareness of the dangers of psychoactive pharmaceuticals (nearly all mass shooters take them -- before this type of drug was common there were few mass shootings).


text:
Terri Carr
I write fun, inspiring stories about food, travel and yoga.
https://terricarr.medium.com/
Terri Carr 2021-01-10
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
This movie dishes out a hearty helping of adorable entertainment for the child in you
In case you're not already familiar with Paddington, he is the good-natured bear brought to life by English children's author, Michael Bond.
With his trademark raincoat, boots and adventuring spirit, Paddington is a ready friend to all creatures, human and otherwise. He believe his Aunt Lucy's credo that "If you are kind and polite, the world will be right."
Whether that philosophy strikes you as hopelessly naive or willfully oblivious, you probably agree that's how things should be. So come along for the ride.
Fantastic, escapist entertainment for any age
Surprisingly, the Paddington movies hold enough wit and humor for adults as well.
In this movie, Paddington is on his own in London, far away from his dear Aunt Lucy. He's looking for a special present for her upcoming 100th birthday. This simple mission turns into an epic adventure, with twists and turns you probably won't anticipate.
Of course, since the central character is a stuffed bear, you know from the start that there will be a happy ending.
Still, this is much more than just a young child's movie. There's plenty of hilarity all throughout the movie. If you have children aged 6 - 12, this will surely be one they'll want to watch again.
Some High Points
Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville - these two beloved English actors don't disappoint, giving their roles the same energy and attention as in all the big screen flicks they've ever done.
Favorite character - while serving an entirely undeserved prison sentence, Paddington makes the acquaintance of the prison chef, Knuckles 'I Don't Do Nothin' For No One for Nothin' McGinty and his sidekicks, Spoon and Phib. Before you know it, Paddington has introduced the entire prison population to the delights of a marmalade sandwich.
Favorite use of euphemisms - when Paddington writes to his Aunt Lucy, rather than informing her that he's locked in a long-neglected prison building, he says that he has obtained lodging at a Victorian property with security second to none!
With the release of this movie in 2018, prison wardens the world over are on alert for any sign their inmates have learned that the secret to a successful prison escape is (but, of course!) a hot air balloon!
If this is an official Oscar category, Paddington 2 could easily win the award for Most Creative Use of Food to get through a tough patch. Apparently caramel apples can serve many functions. Likewise, you can expect to see previously unheard of applications for an electric toothbrush.
Even a Little Splash of Yoga When You Least Expect It
Keep an eye out for a remarkable yogic feat by Hugh Bonneville towards the end of the movie.
Paddington 3 to be released January 2021
According to Wikipedia, the next Paddington film will be out this month. While we wait, Paddington 2 is great escape for a few hours.
More from Terri Carr
Why Near Death Experiences Are Believable
People have been sharing stories of near death experiences (NDEs) for centuries. However, when they do, they're often told they've hallucinated, they imagined it or they made it up to attract attention. Many in the medical community have dismissed such experiences as "impossible" or "delusional".
Wonderful Woodland Walk on the Grounds of the National Cathedral
Entrance to Olmsted Woods & Pilgrim Way (photo by author) The pandemic has certainly turned a lot of people on to the idea of getting outside in nature. But some of us still spend way to much time tapping our devices, possibly wrapped in a blanket.
Montgomery County, MD 2021-02-14
The Rio in Gaithersburg Offers Food and Recreation for the Whole Family
If you live in Montgomery County, MD or nearby, you may have already heard of the Rio Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. But it's actually a lot more than just a shopping center. In fact, you can hang out at the Rio for hours, barely spend a dime and still have a great time.
Fun Things to Do in DC While Social Distancing
In pre-Covid 'normal' times, there are so many things to see in and around Washington DC, that it's a little overwhelming. In the current environment with Coronavirus cases limiting in person activities, the list of things to do is narrowed quite a bit. And while that's disappointing for many, this slowed down time period allows some easily overlooked attractions to get some overdue attention.
Montgomery County Libraries Are Zooming Right Along
Of all the inconveniences brought on by the Coronavirus, one of the things I miss the most is being able to visit the library. I know I'm showing my nerd streak, but that's the truth.


View our listing options below.
You can use this form for a Microbus Camper (1950 – 1979) along with a Vanagon (1980 – 1991) or Eurovan Camper (1992 – 2003).
Should you have any questions be sure to Contact us.


Actually, gunite pool is the kind of swimming pool or to be exactly the inground pool type that has been popular in the United States. This kind of swimming pool has become very popular since it can be designed in any shapes and also highly durable. That is why people in U.S prefer to choose it. Besides coming in any shapes, it also has many sizes so it can be suitable for your backyard. This pool actually uses rebar framework. It is then sprayed over sand mixture and also concrete.


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Please note that the characters are based on my story of pirates and castles and therefore not related to the Lord Of The Rings Movies ones
Pros: the minifig of Gandalf is awesome and also a "new designed" horse is included in the set. It is the smallest and cheapest set but you can get two minifigs, a horse and many items such as the magic staff or the spell book.
Cons: maybe the carriage of Gandalf is quite too simple to build. You get Frodo minifig but without the ring.
9469 Gandalf Arrives (2012)
Calipher and his carriage
This is the carriage used by the wizard to travel all around the lands of the North. It is a very simple wooden carriage with a brown horse in the front. Anyway this carriage is quite quick and has plenty of space in the back to carry the wizard's servant, his spell books and also fireworks (which are another thing for which the wizard is known in all the cities). A part from the fireworks you know that, each time you see the carriage approaching to a city, something important is about to happen: the wizard never goes in a particular place without a particular reason.
Calipher: is the most powerful known wizard of the north and it is told that he lives in the forest located within the peninsula behind the Great Mountains (a very difficult place to reach indeed). Anyway he lives there with his loyal servant Mint (it is told that he found him as a child in the forest and decided to keep him as a companion) but he spent all the time travelling all around the continent trying to follow his plans for the world. There is a huge difference between Calipher and all the others wizards of Altaria, such as Verminaard or Saphirus. The latest are men who learn the arts of magic (dark or not), know about the spells and understand and even dominate in some cases the power of the nature; Calipher is not a common man, he has the aspect of a man but he is an ancient spirit of the old times and therefore the magic is part of him. He was there before the world was created and now he considers himself like a guardian of the world and that his main life task is to preserve the order of the things and the equilibrium of the "thought" between the good and the evil forces.
Pros: there are three minifigs (Frodo with the Ring included) plus the two mordwraiths which are wonderful. The curving walls of the tower are well built. The interior part is also well detailed.
Cons: the stair is not totally well fixed and if you push a little it moves while it shouldn't.
9472 Attack On Weathertop (2012)
The Wind Tower
Thousands years before this building was a huge tower: it is told that the Wind Tower was the home of one of the sons of the Great Thought Spirit but know it is all ruined and covered by trees and grass and basically only the basement is still in place. Nobody for centuries went there to see the old tower and it was almost forgotten; the main reason for that is fear, fear of what is told to be around the ruins: the dark spirits of the North, creatures (once men or elves) loyal to the evil spirit of the Air, without a face, riding black horses, neither living or dead and able to kill every creature in the land. Anyway in the last years it has become the house of three men: Abido, Tupher and the servant of Tupher. Banned for different reasons from their home cities the found themselves at the bottom of the tower and decided to stay and live there. The basement of the tower became therefore their house: there is an entrance in the back and inside you can find (in addition to rats...) torches to light the interior and stone statues of the spirits of the past. There is place to rest and to collect and repair the weapons as well as to store goods. They decided to keep some defence traps and the black altar that was used in the past to evoke the Spirit of the Air. There is no kitchen and therefore a fire is often burning outside in order to cook the mail. From the outside you can finally find a stone stair that leads to the superior part which is almost totally broken but can be used as a good watch point in case of an attack from the enemies.
Tupher: he is a Halfling (half elf and half human) and was a member of one of the richest and respected families of the Halfling community. Unfortunately one day he found by chance in the Wind Tower a magic gold giant ring which was able to transform its holder into an air ghost and make him travel fast in any known location. Tupher came back to his village and make the terrible mistake to tell everybody about his discovery: instead of becoming a hero he was envied by some people and moreover he was accused of theft and of being cursed. His family disinherited him and he was banned; only his loyal servant Hints decided to stay with him and he decided to bring back the ring into the Wind Tower but once there he met Abido and decided to join him and live in the tower. His life objective is now to discover the real nature and origin of the ring and of course to regain his honour.
Abido: he is a warrior, skilled in the art of the sword and also in the art of disguise. He is a man but has passed more than half of his life alone hiding within the forests of the North avoiding contact with any other creatures. He was wondering near the Wind Tower when he met Tupher and was impressed by his story and so decided to help him to regain his honour. Abido has a problem with the race of men, his own race because he thinks that, after the War of the Races, this race is guided only by greed and need of power and so prefers to stay alone. Once he met Avalon he recognised in him the blood of the kings and the man who can finally guide his race to peace and honour and therefore he declared himself loyal to the new King of Men.
Pros: it is a big set with parts that can be combined in different ways. The wooden door is well built. In the same set you can get many minifigs: a man, a hobbit, and elf, a dwarf, orcs and even a giant troll.
Cons: too many stickers. Every decorated piece is decorated with a sticker.
9473 The Mines Of Moria (2012)
The Mines Palace
The Wind Tower was not the only remaining part of the home to the Ancient Spirit of the Air. In addition to the tower thousand of years before there was a great palace which was all built and developed underneath the ground: it is told that it was full of the most beautiful treasures of the North but of course now it is almost completely destroyed. Many men during the centuries tried without success to explore the underground labyrinth and to find the above mentioned treasures but no one succeeded and so slowly the place (like the tower itself) was abandoned and only remembered as the Mines Palace. Like the Wind Tower the Palace is now the remaining part of the ATLAS team: Avalon with his servant Tips, Loth and Sesostri with his friend Bega. Avalon, Tupher, Loth, Abido, and Sesostri, although from different lands, of different races and with different stories, have one thing in common: they are all fighting to regain their honour within the lands of the North and therefore, when they met by chance at the Mines Palace, they decided to join their forces in order to succeed and they formed the ATLAS team. Coming back to the palace what is still remaining is the big wooden entrance door (which can still be locked) with the inscription on the top in the ancient language of the spirits. If you know how to move through the mazes you can reach the old throne room which is now the headquarter of the ATLAS team: you can find and old well (still with water) and an old altar which could be opened and contained an ancient book of the history of the war of the races. In the back part of the room there is the main wall where once there was the throne of the king; this stone decorated wall has a treasure chest in the bottom while in the upper part there are some wooden shelves containing old books and some bottles of wine. The left and the right parts of the wall contain traps for enemies or hidden holes to store goods and any type of weapon. Once there were also entrances to corridors for other rooms of the palace but everything now is destroyed: only the two giant columns in front of the throne wall remain and sustain the roof of the old room. Despite being so huge this room is well hidden and easy to defend from the attacks of any orcs or trolls that sometimes come within the palace.
Avalon: in the deep North once upon a time there was a kingdom among the men but then during there was a devastating war of the races; after the end of the war the king family was accused to have betrayed the race of men was banned from all the lands of the North. Thousands of years later Avalon is the heir of that family who came to the North to regain his honour and re-establish the kingdom of the Men. He is a brave knight and has the sword which was once the Royal Sword of the Kings. Once arrived in the North, Avalon met Tupher and the others of the Atlas team and decided to make an alliance and help each other to fulfil their tasks. It is considered like the real leader of the Atlas team and therefore Tupher gave him his second servant Tips to be a loyal servant of the king.
Loth: he is a prince dwarf. After the end of the War of the Races, dwarves chose to "disappear" from the lands of the North, preferring to hide underground searching for gold or gems. Loth has royal blood in his veins and is a master in the use of the double axe; he is also very brave and has a high self-esteem. This is why he decided not to live underground and, as soon as the voices of the return of the evil forces in the North spread through the lands, came out to fight in the name of the glory of the races of dwarves. Despite the fact that no other dwarf followed him, he persisted in his task and when he met Avalon decided to fight with him and to restore the kingdom of the men against the evil spirits.
Sesostri: he is an elf and the opposite of Loth. After the war elves too disappear from the lands hiding in the forests: if the dwarves went in search for treasures, elves were the only race still believing in the force of the spirits and in the ancient power of the thought; as soon as all these things became legends, the elves preferred to become a legend too and disappeared. Sesostri is a religious man among the elves and, despite his great ability in the use of arc and arrows, he possesses part of the knowledge of the ancients and joined the Atlas team to fight the evil spirits and to guarantee the equilibrium of the races. He is able to talk to almost any living creatures and he respects all the races: that's why he is always followed by his friend Bega, a giant troll (a race which fought with the evil army in the War of the Races) who was saved by him from a certain death when is was about to be killed by a bunch of men who considered him as an evil creature.
Pros: the lighting piece that simulate the fire of the forge is nice and also the wooden part of the forge is very realistic. The armour and the helms with the white hand are good.
Cons: the mechanism to transfer the metal into the forge is quite simple and not so accurate. There are four minifigs but of the same two types (two orcs and two uruk-hai)
9476 The Orc Forge (2012)
The Forge of the Red Pond
Since the war of the races was beginning Ia, the evil spirit of the Air, decided to create his own devoted races and his own army. He wanted to create races which do not know fear or pain, which never get tired and able to fight and destroy until they can breathe. His soul was corrupted and was not able any more to create by thinking but he had still his talisman and with that he created the race of the orcs, a mixture between men and dwarves. The orcs were loyal to him and could be charged of many tasks but to win the war of the races Ai needed something more powerful and terrible. He discovered a place near the Fire Mountain where there was a lake of lava and where nobody could live due to the high temperature and the absence of everything: the so called Red Pond was a perfect place to put into action his new plan: he combined the power of his talisman with the lava of the lake and a spell scroll stolen from his brother Ie to create two new races: the Goblin and the Uruk-Ai. The Goblins were dead Orcs transformed by the magic into bigger and stronger creatures: these creatures were big as ten men together and could move heavy war machines or giant stones but in the transformation process they loose all the intelligence. The masterpiece of Ia were instead the Uruk Ai: an elf should be buried alive for a week and "treated" with fire: after a week the creature was called again to life by magic, stronger, faster and ready to kill everything and everyone. The Uruk Ai do not suffer from pain and fear and were clever enough to be trained in combat and in military tactics and were loyal only to their creator: they were Ai's deadly weapon. In addition to the cave were the elf were buried, machines were built to transfer the lava and the needed iron into a giant forge; this forge (with many orcs dedicated to it) was always in action and designed to produce shields, axes, armours and everything was needed by the evil army. After the end of the war the orcs were disbanded and nobody cared to go to the Red Pond to destroy the forge and so it remained active and now it is rumoured that new weapons with the white hand (symbol of the Evil Spirit of the Air) are being created and a new war is approaching.
General Tobiga: he is the latest uruk-hai created and represents the perfection of that race. Like the others of his species he does not suffer from fear or pain but he has a superior intelligence and cruelty and he is even faster. He represents a deadly weapon and therefore was nominated head of the new evil army and has the armour with the white hand mark as well as the typical sword of the uruk-hai (heavier and bigger than a normal sword which does the best damage when used with extreme fury)
Pros: there is Gollum which (a unique minifig) and also the spider is very enjoyable to build and to play (especially for younger kids which are the main target of this set). The magic lamp of Sam is nice.
Cons: the web mechanism of the spider is a little too simple. The mechanism to make Gollum jump from the rocks is badly built.
9470 Shelob Attacks (2012)
The Web Pond
The Forgotten Road is a small and secret road which passes through the Great Mountains and links the forest of Calipher to the Mines Palace and to the lands of the North without passing into the territories that once were the ones of the enemy. The Forgotten Road has only two disadvantages: it is very small and therefore cannot be used by big chariots and huge armies and it passes through the Web Pond. The Web Pond is a small pond that seems to be a small lake of clear and crystal water, surrounded by grass and beautiful trees. When someone arrives there after a long path through the mountains it is almost impossible to resist and not to go there and taste the fresh water. The only little problem is that everything is magic and the pond turns into what it is really: a web and the house of a giant spider who was waiting for his food. Once you are trapped in the web it is impossible to move and slowly the giant black spider approaches you, hits you and mummify your almost dead body in order to eat you later.
Salt & Pepper: they are the other two halflings found by Calipher in the forest when they were just kids. One blonde and the other brown, Calipher decided to call them Salt & Pepper. They are servants of the wizard like Mint (called like that because it is always dressed in green) but they prefer to spend their time in the forest hunting, fishing or exploring new lands. So they were put in charge to protect passengers from the giant spider of the pond and at the same time act like spies of the wizard in case of danger. That's the reason why the wizard gave them also a magic lamp which can be used when no other light can succeed.
Smiger: the first attempt of Ia to create a new race (a mix between a man and an elf) was a total failure and the result was a repelling creature incapable of being used in any battle. It was called Smiger and its only power was an extremely long life. Ia also tried to create other talismans with the power of his brothers but again it was a failure and the results was a ring only able to make the bearer invisible for a small amount of time. Ia got very angry and banned it from his palace: Smiger escaped taking away with him only this fake ring. For centuries after the end of the war of the races Smiger lived totally alone, hiding himself from everything (using the power of the ring) until he was found by Calipher: the wizard treated him like a normal man and not like a monster, tought him how to speak and read and behave and he accepted to be his servant and made friendship with Mint, Salt and Pepper and lived near the Web Pond.
Collection Rating 9.5 out 10
Pros: this is the biggest set and the most interesting to build. The throne room is particularly well built and the new grey and green pieces are used for the walls. The armour and helm of the king are beautiful.
Cons: there are four minifigs of the orc's army and no one of the army of the king.
9474 Battle of Helm's Deep (2012)
The Helm Fortress
During the War of the Races, the army of the Men thought that it was crucial to block the only wide path between the Great Mountains in order to confine the enemy within the southern territories.
Therefore the Helm Fortress was built: it should have been the strongest defence
against all the attacks of the army of the Evil spirit of the Air. This fortress is completely different in the architecture from all the other castles in Altaria: while the last ones are built in plain territories (like the Black Monarch Castle) as well as on small hills (like the Fire Breathing Fortress) and have only one defence wall, the Helm Fortress has two separate walls. There is the big outer wall (the first line of defence from the enemies) and the inner wall which protects the apartment of the King. The outer wall is not closed to form a square but it links the two part of the mountains in order to close completely the pass; the wall is equipped also with a moat with a fixed stone bridge and the main entrances is protected with a big wooden door and a some rotating catapults in the top as well as some machines to throw hot oil intothe enemies. All the outer wall, including the two towers near the front gate,is made by the same strong stone (grey and green) of the Great Mountains, a particular type of stone so resistant that cannot be broken even by cannons.
The wall near on the left and on the right of the two front tower is little curve in order to perfectly connect the two parts of the pass and no letting free space for the enemy to avoid the guards. At the very left of the wall there is the guard tower: one of the highest tower in the North can provide view of all the valley in front of the fortress and is also equipped with a particular type of corn which is used to alert all the army of any danger, even if it is miles away from the pass. The top of the tower is reachable by a long stair while in the bottom part there is a room to store weapons and goods. In the final part of the wall, just near
the first part of the mountain, you can find a small open hole protected by solid iron bars, which is the sewage exit of the all fortress. The inner wall is al tall as the outer one but smaller: it protects the internal apartments of the king. The throne room is a circular one with a big wooden throne in the middle: the throne is decorated also with gold plates and has a wooden table in front in which the king can eat or write important documents. The table is equippedwith two small chairs for the king's guests. At the sides of the throne there are torches as well as places to expose weapons (swords on the left and spears on the right) to testify that it is a war fortress and not a normal castle. On the top, near the roof (where there is place for the guards of the king) there is finally a giant flag of the house of the king. As anticipated the Helm Fortress is not a castle or the political centre of a kingdom: since the beginning it was built to protect the pass and was put under the command of the House of the White Horses, a noble warrior family of men famous for their tradition in horse riding and fighting with swords. The colour of the family are green and yellow and their official stem is a white horse head on a green field.
Ramir: he is the last heir of the House of the White Horses. Even after the end of the War Of the Races, the members of this family remained within the Helm Fortress to protect the Wide Pass. Ramil is the actual king of the fortress: he is old and wise but still strong and trained to fight while riding his loyal brown horse. He lead his men for years in peace and now he has to face the danger of a new war and of a new force rising in the Red Pond but he will defend his fortress with his own life if necessary.
Nargul: he is not a common elf. When all his race decided to hide from the other races of Altaria, he preferred to stay at the Helm Fortress with among with the men. He remained there for centuries because he was completely sure that the enemy and the evil spirit of the Air was not completely defeated and was only preparing a come back. Nargul among the elves was a general, expert in war tactics and in the uses of the arc, but is also fond of literature and poetry.
Collection Rating 7.5 our of 10
Pros: the crossbow catapult is very well built and detailed. Despite the set is smaller than the Battle of Helms Deep, it has six minifigs: four enemies, a guard of the fortress and the prince who is awesome.
Cons: without the set of the Battle of Helms Deep it is quite incomplete, because it is basically a part of the wall.
9471 Uruk-Hai Army
The outer wall of the fortress
The last section of the outer wall of the Helm Fortress is provided with a big wooden stair that allows the guards to go on top of the wall and defend the fortress. This section of the wall is also equipped with a torch and a rotating catapult. Like the rest of the fortress, the bottom part of the wall is the very rock of the Great Mountains while the remaining parts are made with a special type of rock which is one of the strongest and most resistant of the North and this is particularly helpful to defend the fortress against the crossbow catapult. The crossbow catapult is the typical offense weapon of the orcs and is a variation of the typical catapult, equipped with a giant crossbow in the front. Instead of throwing big rocks, it launches a giant spear able to destroy many walls or to get fixed to the top of the wall in order to let the soldiers climb using the rope attached to the spear.
Raslan: he is the prince of the House of the White Horses, the son of King Ramil. He is a warrior and, despite the peace period, he never stopped training for the war. He is an unique warrior because he had the opportunity to be trained by his father and the selected guards of the fortress as well as by Nurgul with the fighting techniques of the elves. He is a master in the use of the sword and also of a particular type of spear which can be launched to the enemies while riding a horse at high speed.


IP network cameras are used for a new form of security where one can monitor security of a remote location using an internet browser or IP security programs. Here the IP camera streams the video using internet protocols across a local area network or across the internet. The IP cameras security system uses open internet protocols and standards. Using standard video management software the IP camera pictures can be viewed, stored, and managed. This gives great flexibility to the security systems and enhances the surveillance systems. You can buy from UniquePos.com store any of their IP cameras namely: Dome IP cameras, IR bullet IP cameras,Wireless cameras and Megapixel network cameras. UniquePos.com has been selling many security cameras over the last few years. They have very high customer satisfaction rates. Their customers come back to them for new products and make repeat buys. They have 24X7 customer support to resolve any issues and answer your queries. They ship your order above $100 free of charge anywhere in continental US.
UniquePos.com sells the "SNC-DF85N Sony Ruggedized Minidome IP Camera JPEG / MPEG-4 Dual H.264 Day / Night PoE" which is a "dome IP camera". This camera works on Distributed Enhanced Processing Architecture (DEPA) platform, which integrates intelligent video analytics to sense object movement. This camera is weather resistant and also vandal resistant. There is the facility to store images, pre and post the alarm. The camera has a wide dynamic view. There is the day and night function present in the camera. The camera can work in minimum illumination of 0.7 lux in color and in 0.15 lux for black and white mode. The viewing angle of the camera can be easily adjusted. The camera can be mounted on the wall or the ceiling. The lens has zoom ratio of 3.6x for optical zoom and 1.5x for digital zoom. The weight of the camera is approximately 1.8 kg. The camera has intelligent motion detection and intelligent object detection features. The camera supports two ways audio. Privacy zone superimposition feature is useful. Date and time are also superimposed on the pictures taken. The camera can simultaneously be accessed by 20 users.
A recommended "IR bullet IP camera" is the "ACM-1231 ACTi Outdoor Megapixel IR Day / Night IP Bullet Camera 12VDC / PoE". If you choose to buy this camera from UniquePos.com then we will ship it to you free of charge. We will give you installation support and guidance. The camera has day and night functions with mechanical IR cut filter. The camera comes with 24 IR LEDs. This camera supports two ways audio. The camera supports white balance in six modes. The IR LEDs are effective for 20 to 30 m distances. Picture ratio for SXGA is 1280 X 1024, for HD 720 (1280 X 720), and for VGA (640 X 480). Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and above can be used to see the streaming videos from this camera. With password protected security configurable by the administrator, this camera is a great buy for the security system. The camera weighs only 685 grams.
UniquePos.com sells several "Megapixel network cameras". The "IP7139 Vivotek Wireless Megapixel MJPEG / MPEG-4 IP network camera" is a useful camera. This camera is used in banks, schools, software houses, retail stores and in airports. This camera supports dual-streaming. The security system can have mpeg-4 streaming over UDP, TCP, or HTTP. You can have mpeg-4 multicast streaming. The security system also allows m-jpeg streaming over HTTP. Compact flash card slot is present for local storage. The camera stores snapshots and video clips. The security system will have multi level user access. IP address filtering is also possible with this camera. The camera weighs 276 grams which is light weight. The camera software has an installation wizard. There is 16-CH recording software. For application development and also for integration purposes you get a SDK. The wireless camera comes with color box, power adapter, antenna, camera mount kit and pads, CD with software, quick guide, and the warranty card.


Friday Afternoon session - color designing/colorwork project (soap sack) - some will work on project, some will design and then switch.
Saturday Afternoon – Field Trip to the local Yarn Shoppe. Lots of great yarn, pretty reasonable prices for the yarn.
Saturday Evening session - guest choice Q&A, "Open Studio" session of going over what has been learned so far and catching up on the projects if things aren't done yet, scrubby short-row project and needle felting demonstration.
2 crochet hooks - 1 size D and 1 size H, yarn needle, loom pick.
Registration Fee Includes All of the Following Great Things!!!
Thursday – Saturday Sessions, Gift Tote, yarn needed for projects, Kiss Loom, Friday and Saturday Lunches and snacks throughout the retreat.
After Sept 5th registration is $150.00.
Please note the hotels listed below had good reviews and are fairly new. This can not be said of all hotels in Carbondale. Please read reviews before picking a hotel not on this list.
If you are interested in sharing a room to cut down on costs please let me know and i'll put you in contact with others.
Register to stay up-to-date on things going on here at kellyknits.com. By registering you will receive emails when updates are made to the site.


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La dinámica de tecleo, o biometría del tecleo, es la información de tiempo detallado  que describe exactamente cuando cada tecla es presionada y soltada por una persona cuando escribe en un teclado de computadora. La dinámica de tecleo es una rama de la biometría que se dedica al estudio del reconocimiento del patrón de tecleo de un usuario.

Historia
El 24 de mayo de 1844, el mensaje ¿Qué ha hecho Dios? fue enviado  por telégrafo desde el Capitolio de EE. UU. en Washington DC para el Ferrocarril de Baltimore y Ohio, en Baltimore, Maryland, una nueva era en las comunicaciones había empezado. Hacia 1860, la revolución del telégrafo estaba en pleno apogeo y los operadores de telégrafo eran un recurso valioso. Con la experiencia, cada operador desarrollaba su única firma y era capaz de ser identificado simplemente por su ritmo al golpear.

En la Segunda Guerra Mundial los militares transmitían mensajes a través del Código Morse, utilizando una metodología llamada El puño del remitente. La Inteligencia Militar identificó que un individuo tenía una única forma de introducir los puntos y guiones del mensaje, creando un ritmo que podía ayudar a distinguir los aliados de los enemigos.

Ciencia de la dinámica de tecleo
La dinámica de tecleo utiliza la manera y el ritmo en la cual un individuo escribe con un teclado. Los ritmos de golpes de teclas de un usuario son medidos y registrados por un algoritmo para desarrollar una plantilla biométrica de patrones de escritura de usuarios para autenticaciones futuras.

Referencias
Araujo, Lizárraga, Sucupira, Yabu-uti, Ling. Autentificación Personal por Dinámica de Tecleo Basada en Lógica Difusa. 2004.

Biometría
Interfaz de usuario

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


1969 House Bill 3157. An Act Directing The Massachusetts Port Authority To Contribute A Certain Sum To The City Of Chelsea As Reimbursement For Loss Of Tax Revenue As A Result Of Land Takings By Said Authority.
Title 1969 House Bill 3157. An Act Directing The Massachusetts Port Authority To Contribute A Certain Sum To The City Of Chelsea As Reimbursement For Loss Of Tax Revenue As A Result Of Land Takings By Said Authority.


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'Real Steel 2' Still In Development, But Is It Going To Happen?
Posted on Monday, September 8th, 2014 by Peter Sciretta
A week before the release of Real Steel, DreamWorks signed director Shawn Levy and star Hugh Jackman to return for the sequel. The film did okay with critics, but audiences seemed to really respond to the film (the studio signed contracts for a sequel purely based on the extremely positive reactions from test screenings), the movie earned almost $300 million worldwide, and did some good money in toy sales. But now its three years later and we haven't heard much about Real Steel 2. Whats going on with the sequel? Find out after the jump.
Last we heard, Real Steel scribe John Gatins was working on the script. Director Shawn Levy has been doing press for his new film This is Where I Leave You, which is at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival this week, and offered an update on Real Steel 2 to Superhero Hype:
"We have been quietly developing a sequel to 'Real Steel' for three and a half years. We've come up with some great scripts but Hugh and I would only make it if the plot feels fresh, but also the character journeys feel fresh, and we've found both but never at the same time. It's ongoing. I know the clock is ticking. That movie, weirdly, for a movie that did very well globally–it did okay domestically–but the love for 'Real Steel' remains kind of unique as far as rabid fans who ask me all the time for another one. Hugh and I love that movie so if we can crack it, we'll make it, but I have this sense that we better make that happen soon or frankly, the audience may not be there in the same way. So we shall see."
Seems like the time to make this sequel is quickly running out. No one wants to make a Sin City 2, released years after fan interest has wained. I really enjoyed Real Steel and I know /Film's own Germain Lussier is a Real Steel super-fan, so I'd like to see this sequel happen. But covering the studio scene for all these years, I kind sort of read between the lines in Levy's response and while he's hopefully, its mostly dependent on a great script which doesn't come fast.
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Action/Adventure, Dreamworks, Sci-Fi, Sequels, Sports, Hugh-Jackman, John Gatins, Real Steel, Real Steel 2, Shawn-Levy


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First China-made 'smart' ship debuts in Shanghai
China's first "smart" ship embedded with a domestically-developed intelligent navigation system made its debut in Shanghai Tuesday.
The 179-meter-long ship, Great Intelligence, is 32-meters-wide and 15-meters-high, with a maximum loading capacity of 38,800 tonnes. It is installed with SOMS, a China-Developed marine system with autonomous learning ability and intelligent operation system. It can analyze real-time navigation and meteorological data, pick the best routes and alert the crew to hidden dangers in advance.
Developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), Great Intelligence will be used by Sinotrans Shipping to transport coal and salt between China, Australia and Southeast Asia.
"Great Intelligence will become smarter as it accumulates more data," said Qiu Bohua, with the Systems Engineering Research Institute of CSSC. "Not only can it spot dangers and system bugs, it also can lower transport costs and raise efficiency."
Technical performance of the ship has reached advanced levels, and it has passed official assessments by the China Classification Society and Lloyd's Register of Shipping.
"It shows that China has taken the lead in merchant ship design and construction," said Sun Feng, vice president of China Classification Society. "The smart ship has also laid solid foundations for unmanned ship development."
Compared with Green Dolphin, an ordinary ship with the same capacity, Great Intelligence can improve propulsive efficiency by 3 percent and cut daily oil consumption by 4 percent.
[china.org.cn]
Αναρτήθηκε από xronos στις Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Ετικέτες artificial intelligence, China, navigation, smart ship, technology


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The ball is in India's court
Source: Tribune Published in World on Thursday, April 19, 2018
Pakistan-India relations are defined as much by cricket as they are by conflict. Mirroring the political tensions between the two countries right now, the relationship between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is also at its lowest. Amid growing tensions, the Asia Cup has been moved out of India to the United Arab Emirates. Despite their best efforts successive cricket board chairmen in both India and Pakistan could not prevent cricket from being affected by politics. That the political environment has dealt the game a major blow is bad news not only for Pakistan but also for India.
Cricket is an integral part of the South Asian culture and economy. The game has been an unconventional cultural tool and has even helped normalise diplomatic relations between the two countries. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are bigger than other similar sporting events. More than half a billion people watch these tournaments, which are very valuable commercially. In fact, the ICC has been fixing draws to ensure that India and Pakistan face each other during the group stages. It is also in the interest of the fans in both countries that the game be protected from falling prey to political tensions.
India's refusal to play Pakistan has meant huge financial losses for the latter. The two countries had signed an agreement to play six series between 2015 and 2023. Pakistan would have been able to host at least four of these matches, enabling it to earn some $50 million only in broadcasting rights. The ICC's decision to appoint a three-member panel to resolve issues between the PCB and the BCCI is a step in the right direction. However, it would require both the BCCI and the Indian government to look beyond politics and give the game, its players and fans on either side a chance to thrive.
PCB might have to accept FTP without India matches
In 2004, for example, the BCCI's deliberations about whether or not to send Indian players for a Pakistan tour became meaningless when the Indian government decided that the tour would proceed for the benefit of the bilateral peace process. The series acted, in fact, as a catalyst leading to reconciliation between the two countries. The so-called Dil Jeet Lo (Win Hearts) Tour was important also because of the political preparations that led to this first sustained encounter between India and Pakistan after a fourteen year hiatus. The decision had followed a meeting between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI chairman. The initiative resulted in both countries relaxing their tough visa regulations for each other, allowing thousands of fans to travel across the border.
A year later in 2005, when General Musharraf arrived in India, what started off as a trip to watch a game of cricket turned into a summit meeting between him and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two countries promised to improve bilateral relations by enhancing trade as well as road and rail links in order to improve people-to-people contact. Although angry Indian fans ultimately marred the match itself, it did help set in motion better relations between the two governments. It was because of cricket that the two countries were able to experience a new warmth in their relations after the 2001 abortive summit between the two countries.
Similarly, the 2011 cricket World Cup also helped ease the relationship between India and Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani accepted an invitation by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to watch a match with him at Mohali. Singh's invitation had been announced during an awards function in Delhi and was endorsed by the audience. Some of India's best and brightest supported their government's decision by bursting into applause. The reaction provided the government with the approval it had sought and led ultimately to talks between the foreign, interior and commerce secretaries of the two countries.
President Ziaul Haq's Jaipur visit in 1987 on the invitation of the Board of Cricket Control for India was yet another successful visit. Despite the cool reception that the Indian government gave President Zia, the visit did ultimately serve to ease tensions between the two countries. In Zia's words after the visit, "Peace is not a button you can press…. It has to be pursued at all levels…. If you take on the level that is up to you, half the problem will be resolved."
Indian woman on visit to attend Besakhi festival embraces Islam, marries Pakistani man
Interestingly, cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan dates as far back as 1956-57. The cricket match in Lahore led to a temporary opening of the India-Pakistan border, enabling some six thousand people to enter Pakistan. The incident is long forgotten because it was contrary to official accounts stressing hostilities between the two nations.
Even as the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry remains fraught with geopolitical tensions the sport has helped thaw bilateral relations several times in the past. Both countries always responded positively to the so-called cricket diplomacy by welcoming the other's overtures. Interestingly, more invitations emanated from the Indian side, which were accepted equally graciously by the Pakistani leadership. Given the importance of cricket in helping ease tensions between India and Pakistan in the past, and also India's history of initiating peace through the game it would be a good idea for the Indian government to rethink its current policy of holding the game hostage to terrorism or conflict along the LoC. Allowing the resumption of cricket between the two countries would undoubtedly lead to a thaw in bilateral relations between the two countries. Notwithstanding the decision of the ICC panel, it is up to India to get the ball rolling on cricket. Peace is bound to follow suit.
Written by Amina Afzal
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Milan, a city where fashion is paramount, knowing where to go at night is almost as important as knowing where to shop. Introducing the 8 best things to do in Milan at night! Milan Design Agenda had therefore selected the city's coolest bars, where the well-heeled of Milan sip their aperitifs and city's nightclubs that attract the 'it' crowd. Milan is also a city rich in the history of opera and performance where a trip to one of the famous theatres is an unforgettable experience.
This sophisticated venue changes throughout the day. The stylish restaurant serves an elegant four-course Italian menu, but after 11 pm, Lotvs starts its "After Dinner" bar where famous disc jockeys play tunes to a classy crowd sipping cocktails in the art deco lounge. This multi-purpose club, with its high-quality service and chic interior, makes Lotvs an ideal destination for an appetizer, dinner, after dinner drinks or a late-night dance. Any area of Lotvs can be hired for private events accompanied by the club's trained staff.
An ideal bar for those seeking peace and exclusivity that leads onto the Bulgari Hotel's stunning private garden. Il Bar is sleek and modern on the inside and separated from the bright garden by huge floorto- ceiling windows, so this spectacular exterior dominates the room. As a result of the view, the chic black oval bar and the unique cocktails, Il Bar is often frequented by Milan's fashionable crowd. The restaurant menu is also available here for those wanting to merge cocktails into dinner.
This futuristic space located inside the Torre Branca tower in the Parco Sempione is the brainchild of the eclectic designer Roberto Cavalli. The restaurant and bar are excellent places to spot celebrities and Milan's fashion set lounging on zebraprint sofas. The décor is like none other, reflecting Roberto Cavalli's extravagance: the restaurant is at the center of a vast raised steel structure.
One of the most renowned fashion bars in Milan, H Club Diana gives no feeling of being located in the Sheraton Hotel or even the city center. With a garden lounge and art-nouveau interior many of Milan's great and good flock here for traditional aperitifs.
Days could be spent exploring Milan's historic churches, but none in quite the same way as Gattopardo. This beautiful church has been revamped into a bar, a disco or a venue for a party of your own. The restoration has preserved much of the originality: a vast crystal chandelier hovers above a dance floor that can double as a dining room seating up to 350 people or a theater accommodating 120 guests. For most of the week, however, Il Gattopardo Café is a nightclub attracting many of Milan's party goers.
In a nightclub named after the most fashionable icon around today, you can expect to see Milan's glamorous and well-dressed crowds. Located below the Amani/Nobu restaurant, this club mirrors the modern chic decor of its neighbor, only it is equipped with an illuminated bar, dance floor and some of the finest DJs around. The space is also available for private rental, complete with party organizers, to those wanting to throw their own party.
From operas by Verdi and Puccini to ballets like Swan Lake and symphonic concerts, La Scala, with its first opening dating back to 1778, is the most spectacular place in which to experience both debut and original works. To make the most of your time at this world famous theater book a private box adorned with red velvet and golden architecture – it's the most luxurious way to enjoy the performances.
Franco Parenti is for those seeking more contemporary performances than those featured at La Scala. The venue itself, having just undergone an extensive restoration, is extremely modern using state-of-the-art lighting and natural materials. A calendar of diverse events, including concerts, film festivals and conferences is set for 2011 ranging from traditional to avant-garde.
Now, do you know what to do in Milan tonight?


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"Call of Duty: Warzone" Streamer Wins Game while Playing "LEGO Star Wars"
"Call of Duty: Warzone" Streamer Wins Game while Playing "LEGO Star Wars"
By Shariq Suleman
ItsHunterTV confessed "#1 Duty Athlete" and Twitch streamer, has done what many believed impossible for men: multitasking. It's not impressive enough, but it's what he did to win Warzone and complete the trench run scene in "A New Hope" in the latest Lego Star Wars games.
Tom reviewed Lego Star Wars Saga for the Xbox X. As one of the most passionate Star Wars fans on the team; he was eager to board the Millennium Falcon to explore all that this galaxy has to offer. He said that he enjoys the challenge of finding a Kyber Brick or going on a side mission to discover a new character. It's a huge undertaking that feels like a labour of love that all fans will enjoy.
It's been a long process, and many players have taken the time to play The Skywalker Saga. Reliving old memories and making new ones with this amazing game are great ways to get the game. ItsHunterTV was one such example of dedication, as he was simultaneously playing Lego Star Wars and Call Of Duty while streaming live on Twitch.
The warzone was tense as there was only one remaining contender in the ring. However, the streamer was the perfect example of calm, flying Luke's Air Force X-wing through Death Star trenches before returning to the battle royale. "I'll let them die; they're not my target. I have to be focused!" ItsHunterTV, who was wearing a bear onesie, criticized the other player's skill. It is amazing to see him effortlessly switch from one thing or another when time is short. Kind of like a chef or teacher or surgeon.
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WE all have millions thoughts constantly coming to our minds. It's hard to concentrate on something important, we all operate in multitask mode "do it all, do it at the same time". As a result we getting confused what is actually important and what we truly want. One thing is clear we need to get faster, better, smarter; where you are right now is not enough. It's so ironic, because it's never going to be enough…. So run run run!!!!
My problem is I lose my focus all the time. Random thoughts are popping out, I'm getting interrupted and distracted. To write a post for my blog is a challenge. Every time I try to concentrate on writing, a strong stream of some absolutely random thoughts takes my mind away form it. Often my thoughts are not about fun and cool dreams; they take me somewhere I don't want to be – fear, insecurity, worthless.
I always say – You are what you think! So I decided to take control over my thoughts.
There is only one productive method I found that really helps me. I want to share my discovery – may be it will help you too! To get focused I listen meditation music!
It really works great! I could not meditate before, now it's easier to clear my mind from destructive thoughts.
Here is a link to my most favorite meditation music.


A frequently heard criticism of economic analysis is that it focuses only on those things that can be easily measured. This is an astonishing and vacuous criticism championed largely by the innumerate amongst us. But because innumeracy is all too common, it is helpful to explain how researchers measure seemingly immeasurable things.
Almost every public policy decision involves costs and benefits accruing to different people in different places in different times. People vary by age, wealth, health and in their concern for the future when balanced against the present. So, the weighing of public policies demands one of two options. The first is to try to measure these seemingly intangible matters, the second in remanding the decision to the irrational agents of our prejudices. The latter is an oft travelled path by those unhappy with the answers that good measurement provides.
To effectively evaluate the wisdom of public policies—like where to place an airport, how much to compensate victims of accidents, how much money to put into education or a sewer system, or whether or not environmental regulation should be tightened or loosened—we require measurement of many different 'intangibles.' To do a good job of these, we'd want to know how much airport noise is a dis-amenity to residents, how much individuals and their family members value their lives, the trade-offs to sewer systems versus education, or how damaging pollution is. This ranges in difficulty and cost, but all these are routinely estimated and employed in evaluation of policies.
It is simple to determine the ill effects of airplane noise. One need simply compare home sale prices of two otherwise similar houses, one at the end of a runway, the other outside of earshot. More sophisticated analysis would include many more variables, hundreds of observations, distances to the house, and the decibel level, but all that is just a simple data collection exercise.
Determining the value a person places on a year of their life is revealed by their behaviors in smoking, drinking or taking risks. We can also determine the value they place on other persons' lives through either detailed surveys or from such acts as donating blood or organs. We can even make estimates of the value people place on freedom and the institutions of government by calculating the risks they take to achieve preserve them. The only real assumption to all these calculations is that most people are rational, which is a safe assumption with the exception of psychologists and hockey fans.
We can evaluate the impact of a dollar invested in education or roads by calculating how things that matter to us humans (incomes, health, participative government) vary in places with different levels of investment. We can also measure the effect of pollution by estimating the costs of damaged health and the lessened value of property that is polluted.
To actually perform these measurements takes time, computers, data and familiarity with statistical modeling. To know that valuation is the critical part of evaluating public policy only takes only an open mind.


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N Trust
Court calls for Legislative Amendments relating to the Service of Judicial Acts
By means of a judgement delivered on the 25th February 2022 in the names of Josette Camilleri -vs- The Malta Union Club u l-kjamata fil-kawza Vira Gatt Butto, the First Hall of the Civil Court presided by Judge Christian Falzon Scerri suggested that it has become high time to amend the procedure relating to the service of court documents (MT: notifika).
Background of the Case
On the 1st November 2019, the First Hall of the Civil Court as otherwise presided had decided on the merits of the case against the party whose joinder (kjamata in kawża) had been requested by the defendant – The Malta Union Club ("Club"). Without delving into the merits of the case, the Club had requested that a third party be joined in the suit to respond to the claims brought forward by the plaintiff. The Court had acceded to this request and ordered that the third party – Vira Gatt Butto – be joined in the suit. Eventually, when the court official tasked with service of court documents went to notify Ms. Gatt Butto, he left the relevant document with the Club's receptionist where the third party offered autonomous catering services. The third party was neither employed with the Club nor otherwise associated with it but the court official proceeded to declare that the documents had been duly served on the third party.
Seeing the black stamp on the relevant documentation (in civil proceedings, service/notification of documents is evidenced by means of colour-coded rubber stamps where black means successful service and red means negative service), the court declared that the third party had been notified with the case. In view of this, the Court eventually noted that despite this notification, Ms. Gatt Butto had not filed a defence and declared her contumacious (MT: kontumaci, i.e. legal terminology which refers to a situation where a counterparty cannot plead or produce any evidence in the case in view of his/her initial silence). In November 2019, a judgement was delivered against Ms. Gatt Butto.
The Retrial
Ms. Gatt Butto had never received the said court documents yet found herself condemned to pay the plaintiff. Indeed, Ms. Gatt Butto only became aware of the judgement delivered against her when her bank accounts had been frozen following enforcement proceedings taken against her by the plaintiff. She therefore filed a retrial suit – a very limited right of a party to request that the judgement is annulled and heard again due to reasons of a very grave nature, including that the documents instituting the lawsuit had not been served on the party cast and therefore the latter would not be notified about the case.
In its judgement, the Court tasked with deciding whether there was a case for retrial, found that indeed service had not occurred in line with the requirements of law and proceeded to order the that the case be heard again (as per its considerations). The Court found that the request for retrial was well-founded. Ms. Gatt Butto had not been duly notified as the court documents were left with a person who had no relation with her and who had not been authorised by her to accept and/or sign any documents on her behalf. From the acts of the case, it also transpired that the Club's receptionist had accepted the procedure following insistence from the court official.
Proposal for Legislative Amendments
Whilst reprimanding the court official's behaviour, the court highlighted that the facts of this case "are evidence of the strong need of amendments relating to the service of judicial acts". The Court went on to state that it was high time that notification reports are no longer limited to stamps and hand-written notes. By referring to Council Regulation (EC) 1393/2007 of 13 November 2007 and the 1965 Hague Service Convention, the Court solicited the legislator to seriously consider whether standard forms prepared by the Court Registrar should be used. The Court then enlisted some details which these forms could include:
The nature, name and reference number of the specific court document which needs to be served;
The mode of service necessary;
Service date, time and address;
Name, surname and signature of the person served with the document, and the relation of the same with the person to whom the relevant act is addressed, as applicable;
The reasons for unsuccessful service, as applicable;
Name, surname and signature of court official responsible for the relevant service.
The Court finally ordered the notification of this judgement to the Minister responsible for Justice and the State Advocate so that the necessary considerations are made as to whether legal amendments on the mode of service of documents in civil cases are required.
Lawyers Antoine Naudi and Tyrone Grech from this Firm represented the third-party joined in the suit.
The above article is published for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For queries, contact us here.
Naudi Mizzi & Associates cannot assume any responsibility whatsoever for any third-party links included in this Article.
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