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Now that Obama is "debating" handing over the mess he created in Syria to Putin who in less than two years will have successfully expanded the Russian sphere of influence in both east Ukraine (and certainly the Crimea) and Syria - two nations where Samantha Power's plans for a CIA-led government overthrow have gone spectacularly bad - it means one thing: ISIS, as a pretext for US "humanitarian intervention" in the region, a CIA-created terrorist organization that must be wiped out, no longer needs to exist.
Which is why it was hardly surprising to read moments ago an Iraq military statement alleging that the country's air force has hit a convoy of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
To be sure like all trial balloons, this one had very few details: the fate of the IS leader was unknown, the statement said. The strike has not been independently confirmed. The attack is said to have happened in western Anbar province, near the Syrian border and so on.
Considering that many have speculated that the ISIS head bogeyman doesn't even exist, it would not be difficult to make him disappear once again.
The Iraqi air force "bombed the convoy of the terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi while he was heading to Karabla to attend a meeting" with Daesh (IS) commanders", Sunday's statement said.
"The location of the meeting was also bombed and many of the group's leaders were killed and wounded," it added.
The full google-translated statement below:
A statement from the Interior Ministry about the bombing of the criminal Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi convy
Interior Ministry bombed the criminal Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi convoy
Managed cell hawks intelligence of the Agency and the Interior Ministry of Intelligence and based on accurate intelligence and coordination directly with the leadership of the joint operations of the implementation of the heroic operation targeting terrorist criminal procession Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi dissuade move the procession to Karabilah area to attend a meeting of the leaders of the terrorist organization criminal. Where the hawks managed cell planes bombed the meeting place and kill a lot of leadership and organization of the injured is still unknown where the development of al-Baghdadi was taken in haste laptop and his health is unknown so far and will be released later killed the terrorist organization names in this heroic operation.
As BBC adds, There have previously been reports that the IS leader has been killed or seriously injured in attacks, but none was subsequently confirmed.
Rumours about Baghdadi's death surfaced earlier this year, after reports that he had been seriously wounded in an air strike in March by the US-led coalition that is opposing IS.
Reports that he was injured in 2014 were inaccurate.
Baghdadi has been careful to reveal little about himself and his whereabouts, and even his own fighters reportedly do not speak about seeing him face-to-face.
His likely fate: a deja vu "capture" by US special forces in the coming years in a very public place, one which leads to another "burial at sea" where nobody gets to see the actual body, and where the members of the "capture" squad mysteriously suffer tragic fates.
For now, however, expect ISIS to gradually disappear from the mainstream media's front pages.


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subset: commoncrawl


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1. Terms and Conditions – By entering this competition you agree to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions.
2. Topic – The topic of the the competition is the future of Greece from an progressive, reform-oriented point of view. The promoter reserves the right to exclude entries that do not treat this topic.
3. Promoter – The promoter's contact details are:
Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF)
Ave. de Cortenbergh 71
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 282 09 30
For questions about the competition, kindly get in touch with Athanasios Grammenos.
4. Entrants – This competition is open to anyone who has not exceeded the age of 35 (effective date: 30 April 2015). The promoter only accepts one entry per entrant.
5. Jury – The competition will be judged by a jury consisting of five members. They will identify excellent and original essays, short stories or commentaries. The jury 's decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into in relation to their decisions or the competition.
6. Dates – The competition consists of two phases.
In phase I, entrants register via e-mail and submit their article in Greek or in English. Entries to phase I will be accepted until Thursday, 30 April 2015. An jury will select five finalists who will be invited to participate in phase II of the competition. They will be notified by e-mail in the week beginning 30 May 2015.
In phase II, the finalists will be asked to translate their articles into English (if in Greek) or Greek (if in English). They can do so by themselves or ask the FNF to take care of the translation. No costs will arise for the participants.
7. Prize – The essays of the five finalists who will be selected by the jury at the end of phase I of the competition will be published in a bilingual publication (Greek and English) only after phase II is completed in a satisfactory manner.
In addition, the winning authors will be awarded a study trip to Washington, DC. This study trip will be organized in cooperation with the FNF's office in Washington, DC, and will serve as an opportunity to present the authors' ideas and viewpoints to an American audience.
8. Entry Specifications – Entries can be essays, articles, commentaries and related genres. Each entry must be:
- in Greek or English;
- maximum 1.500 words;
- an original work of which the entrant is the author which has not been previously professionally or commercially published and is not in breach of any third party right;
- submitted to firstname.lastname@example.com by Thursday, 30 April 2015.
Entrants are advised to retain a copy of entries.
9. Unacceptable Entries – Entries which are illegible or received after the closing date will not be accepted. The promoter will not be responsible for delayed, undelivered or lost entries.
10. Copyright / Ownership – All entries will have to be written by a single author only. Due to the award specifications, collaborations of more than one author cannot be accepted.
The entrant concedes the promoter the right to use his/her work exclusively. This comprises the right to use and publish his work in an appropriate manner.
11. Publication – The entrant grants the promoter all necessary and relevant permissions in relation to the publication of his/her entry. The entrant also agrees to the promoter's use of his/her name and photograph in relation to publicity material. The promoter reserves the right to edit the entry in respect of the above publication as well as the right not to publish an entry.
12. Privacy – Personal details will only be retained and used by the promoter for the purposes of this competition. Personal details will not be passed on to third parties.
13. Force Majeure– Events may occur which render the completion of the competition impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the promoter. In this case, the promoter may suspend the competition.


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With a growing coffee culture, Barcelona can't stay behind in the upcoming coffee festivals. So that's what Barcelona did. It created it's own and this actually happened last weekend in Poble Nou. An industrial space full of coffee, food, handcrafted products and happy coffeelovers. The Independent Barcelona Coffee Festival is a fact. While writing this blog I am checking out a new coffee place. And there are like five more places on my to-visit-list. I think this shows the movement that is happening here. Specialty coffee places are popping up everywhere. The perfect moment for a festival dedicated to specialty coffee.
The festival started on Friday. There was kind of a coffee route planned through Barcelona. All cafeterias came up with offers, like special drinks, cuppings, latte art, and so on. Unfortunately I had to work on Friday, so I didn't check it out, but I heard good stories about it. On Saturday it was time to bring everything together in one place; Espacio 88. I don't know if you ever saw the space, but I couldn't imagine a better spot for the first coffee festival. Normally this is the hone of SKYE, but it is also perfect for events. Industrial, raw, minimalistic and bright. Works perfectly with the coffee culture and handcrafted products.
Espacio 88 was packed with coffee lovers when I arrived in the afternoon. And I heard that from the moment it started it was full all the time. Good to hear that there are that many people in Barcelona who are interested in good quality coffee. Something the Spanish culture really needs. A change of mind. Because of the crowd it was hard to check out everything, especially the coffees and baristas.
In the middle of the warehouse there was a set-up of espresso machines, like La Marzocco and Dalla Corte. The baristas of different coffee places in Barcelona could try out the machines. They were rotating all day. Fun for them, a bit less fun for me. I actually thought the visitors could try out machines aswell, like on the festival in Amsterdam. But in the end I did tried the Dalla Corte Mina, which was cool because I never saw this machine before.
In the morning there was the aeropress championship for Spain. The winner is going to participate in Dublin. When I arrived it was already over, but good luck to the winner!
Next to coffee and food there were also seminars about different subjects and a cupping. I visit two seminars, one about the fermentation of bread and the other one was about the coffee culture in Spain. About the third wave and the upcoming fourth. Very interesting and easy to understand in Spanish.
The cupping was organized by IECafe. Really cool and a good idea, but the place was too crowded. It was difficult to hear the women explaining and I didn't had a spoon. I just watched for a while. It would have been better if it was in a closed area.
Overall I can't complain and I am proud of this first coffee festival. I remember the first one in Amsterdam, which is not Independent like this one. There was also a lot to improve. When I went there last March, the third edition, it was so big and impressive. Can't wait till the next one here in Barcelona. Keep on going IBCF!
My first vlog about the coffee festival in Barcelona:


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There were 700 local business people in attendance at the Gala Dinner and Auction, our local Chamber of Commerce's largest annual fund-raiser. On huge posters on all the walls, on the stage backdrop, and on every single placemat was listed the names of sponsoring businesses, ours included. Covering one long, nicely-decorated table at one end of the room was all the goods and services donated to the fund-raiser.
Among them was a $200 gift certificate for our charter boat business, to be used for our standard sightseeing cruise. The gift certificate was the centerpiece in a display that included a print-out of our website (in a nice folder), our brochures and business cards, and an 8″ x 10″ glossy photograph of our boat.
Yes, we were giving away a $200 trip. We've given away at least five a year since we started our business, and it's one of the most lucrative off-line promotions that I know of. I've used the same tactic with other businesses in the past, and there are several reasons why I highly recommend it.
First of all, the pre- and post-event marketing is done by OTHERS, and doesn't cost you a cent. Post-event marketing? Yes, inevitably, the organizing committee places an ad in the local media the following week thanking all the sponsors – by name. Secondly, you can use the fact that you've contributed to a community event in further marketing of your own (not to mention how good it feels to 'give something back' to the community that supports you in the first place)! For example, we have a "2000 Gala Auction Supporter" sticker in the window of our boat now – right beside the 1998 and 1999 decals.
Another reason why this is an effective marketing tool is because whatever you're giving away really only 'costs' you the amount of your costs. In the case of our cruise give-away, our only 'real' cost (since we would see our time as a donation) was for the boat – fuel, insurance, etc. If you look at any other traditional method to reach that many people that effectively, you'll find that the costs are often prohibitive.
Finally, the most important aspect of giving it away to sell it is this: the certificates are rarely redeemed! We've given away, in various businesses over the last two decades, everything from maid service to balloon bouquets to press release packages …. and less than 50% of those gift certificates ever come back to us! I'm not sure why that is … and I'm not about to ask.
There are some issues to consider if you're going to give it away to sell it. First of all, pick and choose your recipients carefully. Because we are seen as a community-minded business, we are approached constantly to give something away – but we only participate in a small percentage of the opportunities that are presented to us. The criteria are:
How many people will our message reach?
Does this event cater to our target market?
How organized and extensive is the marketing?
Using these guidelines, we have given gift certificates to celebrity golf tournaments, scholarship funds, and other large annual events like the auction – but we've turned down the local Little League and a fashion show.
Another issue to consider is to put a deadline date on your give-away, and stick to it. (I keep a little notebook on my desk to keep track of who we've donated to, and when the certificate is redeemed). Finally, make sure that you get the name and phone number of the person who either won your gift certificate or purchased it at a fund-raising auction. I always follow up within a day or two of the event with a phone call.
I hope giving it away to sell it works as well for you as it has for me!
Author Marilyn Guille owns Comprehensive Virtual Editing (CoVE) Services, which provides press release writing and distribution, general and business writing, editing, and ghostwriting services. Guille has been a professional freelance writer for two decades, and lives on a classic boat on which she and her husband do sightseeing charters. You can check out her website at http://www.coveservices.net


text: Dr. Sergio Alvarez, graduate of University of Texas at Austin, UT Southwestern Medical School, and University of South Florida for Plastic Surgery, is located in Miami Beach, providing high quality cosmetic surgery. Dr. Alvarez specializes in breast augmenentation, Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, tummy tucks, and liposuction. To quote Dr. Alvarez: "My experience and training are concentrated in the field of aesthetic surgery. Using the most advanced techniques and technologies, I recommend my patients the best in class solutions across the aesthetic portfolio


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DUSSELDORF ISSUE 614 Oct 2016
Astrid Möller Dusseldorf
Photographer: Astrid Möller
Title: Kinder, wie die Zeit vergeht!
Model: Emma
Welcome to our debut issue of Showcase Dusseldorf, brought to you by Production Paradise, featuring some of the leading photographers, photo agents, stylists, photo production and post production companies, rental studios, and equipment rental companies currently working out of Dusseldorf.
You can find more creative professionals and facilities for photographic and film production in our Dusseldorf Photo and Film directories.
Companies such as Vogue, Philips, Henkel, Porsche, L'Oréal Paris, Heineken, Dr. Oetker, Volvo, Adidas, BMW, and Discovery Magazine, among others, have trusted these professionals with their latest advertising campaigns and editorial shoots.
Be sure not to miss our recommended events:
- The Red Couch Worldwide - photography exhibition by Horst Wackerbarth, featuring the quarter of a century lasting project. 800 people from 52 countries have been photographed on the travelling red couch. Until 30th October at NRW Forum, Dusseldorf.
- not abstract - photography exhibition by Andreas Gursky, featuring selected early works and new project, exploring the abstract potential of the photographic medium. Until 6th November at Kunstsammlung, Dusseldorf.
Our cover image was shot by Astrid Möller.
Tag your comment using @productionparadise to share with us!


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Evernote approaching 30 million users, funding reports are 'premature': CEO Phil Libin
Evernote CEO Phil Libin took the stage at The Next Web Conference earlier today.
We took notes and will have a longer post for you later on, but here are some interesting tidbits about Evernote that Libin shared at the end of his talk.
The affable chief executive said Evernote currently boasts over 25 million registered users, and is in fact closing in on reaching 30 million.
Last number we heard was 20 million in December 2011, so things are obviously moving fast for Evernote.
Libin explained that the first step is for users to actually sign up for Evernote, which people are obviously doing. The second step is to make people stick around longer, which is also happening. Libin said 40 percent of the people that signed up for Evernote 4 years ago (when it started) are still using the service today.
The third step is to make people pay for Evernote, which Libin says comes naturally.
The company tries to not push people into paying for a premium service, instead giving them value from the get-go and only making it more valuable over time.
After 4 years, more than 25% of users pay for the service today.
His exact words: "It's more important for an Evernote user to stay than it is to pay."
In other news: I had a brief chat with Libin before his talk and asked about the rumored $100 million round at a $1 billion valuation, and it was dismissed swiftly.
Libin said they are indeed working on a follow-up financing round, but the negotiations are ongoing and nothing has been closed or decided yet.
In other words, Evernote probably will end up raising funding, but how much, when and at what valuation is pretty much unclear even to Evernote management and current shareholders at this point. To be continued, no doubt.
Also read:
Sweet: If you work for Evernote you get your house cleaned twice a month and unlimited vacations
Evernote launches new developer site to grow its ecosystem
Evernote enrolls Socialatom and SclBits to expand across Latin America
Read next: Singapore-based location ad service Chalkboard closes: "Our progress was not meeting our ambition"


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Some people scream or cry when they hear good news. When Front Paige Me blogger Paige Mitchell learned she was selected Best Blogger by City Paper readers, she put on "Pop That" by French Montana and danced around the house with her dog.
As someone who started writing at a young age, Mitchell feels validated by the support. "When I first got the news, I took a moment to reflect all the way back to when I used to write stories in my diary, to where I am today," she says.
Front Paige Me (frontpaigeme.com) covers the entertainment scene in and around Pittsburgh, like a hip-hop conference at CalU or the 1Nation Sneakerball. But Mitchell also covers and reviews events in New York City, Chicago, and Tampa.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Mitchell's personal life and business are rooted in the city. "It's the place where I lived in my first apartment, had my first kiss, started my own business." Mitchell says. "… I will always love Pittsburgh."


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NEW ALBANY, IN (WAVE) – Right now, if you want to be a nurse and work in both Kentucky and Indiana, you need two licenses.
A bill working its way through the Indiana legislature would change that, allowing the Hoosier state to join the interstate nurse licensure compact.
Medical leaders around the region say this is a common-sense measure to make working on both sides of the Ohio easy. Kentucky is already a part of the interstate compact and now, Indiana leaders are pushing to do the same.
Around 750 nurses work at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, helping take care of patients. No matter what side of the river they live on, they need an Indiana license to work at the busy hospital.
"I am a nurse in good standing, but it may take me six to eight weeks to get a license in a non-compact state," said Linda Minton, Director of Emergency and Women's Services at Baptist Health Floyd.
The time and cost of needing a license for both states is inconvenient, Minton said. A bill that would rectify that is making its way through the Indiana House and Senate. If it passes, it would allow Indiana to join dozens of other states in the interstate nursing licensure compact.
Minton said it's a simple concept, similar to a driver's license. You only need one from one state and it covers you in all states, she said, and this could work in a similar way.
"A lot of nurses have two jobs," Minton said. "They work both in Louisville and in southern Indiana, or they work in the west side of the state and try to cross state lines. It will allow hospitals more flexibility, it will decrease or negate the time it takes for someone to get a license. That compact would allow those Kentucky nurses who want to work on this side of the river a lot easier mechanism to be able to do that, to cross state lines."
It would give nurses more flexibillity and better fill nursing jobs where there are often shortages. The need in the community is one reason why Greater Louisville Inc. is helping to advocate for the bill to pass.
"All these big major employers that have a bi-state, have a multi-state footprint need to be able to address their own workforce shortages," said Iris Wilbur, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for GLI. "And we can't think of a better way that we've seen other states benefit than the nurse licensing compact."
Nurses would still have to meet regulations and continue to be held accountable to the state nursing board. If this legislation passes, this compact can make a big impact and help strengthen the medical community.
"There really is no downside," Minton said.
New Albany Rep. Ed Clere is authoring the House version of the bill. In a statement to WAVE 3 about the bill, he wrote: "Joining the 31 other states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact will benefit Southern Indiana and the Louisville region, as well as the entire state of Indiana. It will help address workforce issues and improve patient access and care."
Minton will be testifying about the need for this interstate nursing licensure compact during a House committee hearing Wednesday. The companion bill in the Senate committee has already passed.
Copyright 2019 WAVE 3 News. All rights reserved.


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Alan Paine's Ilkley Gent's Shirt from Alan Paine is a smart and comfortable shooting shirt. A longer length design ensures that it stays tucked in and the minimal iron cotton provides a soft feel finish.
Also available in Olive or Red, the classic colours combine to create the timeless tattersall check, perfect teamed with one of our v-neck shooting jumpers. The Alan Paine Ilkley Gent's Shirt features long sleeves and a chest pocket.


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Joi the Irish Poker Party and get a sign-up bonus of double your money!
Grab yourself a free $500!
Who would make it into your perfect Chelsea XI?
As betting men, we'd certainly have a gamble that Petr Cech was in between the sticks, with Ashley Cole, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry and Yuri Zhirkov making up the back-four. Our dream midfield would have to be John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in the centre, with Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole inspiring the team from the wings. Franco Di Santo would play up-front with the beast that is Didier Drogba. You wouldn't bet against this team!


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Gloria Jean's Coffees Asia's Best Baristas to Compete in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR - The most talented baristas from across Asia will converge on Kuala Lumpur on Saturday 6 August 2016 to determine who can make the very best espresso as Gloria Jean's Coffees searches for its best coffee maker, including Jack Muhammad Hafiz Iman, Shift Leader and Mohd Azfar Bin Azlan, Head Barista from Gloria Jean's Coffees Malaysia.
The winner from the Regional Final will progress to the Global Grand Final, held on the Gold Coast, Australia in September this year. Gloria Jean's Coffees International Barista Championship invites the brand's dedicated and skilled baristas from across the globe to create their best espresso, latte and espresso-based signature beverage, with competitors judged on beverage taste, technique and presentation.
Gloria Jean's Coffees Market Development Manager Phi Nguyen said she is proud to have more than ten competitors competing in the Asia regional finals, representing eight Asian nations."At Gloria Jean's Coffees we are dedicated to serving our customers the perfect cup of coffee, and our baristas are training every day and refining their skills," said Phi."We are proud to have so many talented baristas competing in the Asia final, and are excited to send one lucky coffee lover to Australia to take on other competition finalists from Europe, Middle East, Africa and the South Pacific."
As well as the title of Asia Barista Champion, the winner will receive flights and accommodation in Australia to attend the RFG International Barista Championships, where they will compete for the chance to win AUD$3,000 cash and the title of RFG International Barista Champion.The Global Grand Final extends to all coffee brands in the portfolio of Retail Food Group (ASX:RFG), the franchisor of the Gloria Jean's Coffees system, including Donut King, Michel's Patisserie and Cafe2U. -- BUSINESS WIRE.


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The Media Counci of Kenya's publication Media Observer in its January-March 2014 issue featured an article on a WACC-partner project that monitored gender portrayal and representation in the nation's political news.
"Are Kenyan Media Mere Lapdogs?" asked the article's headline. Author Dorothy Kweyu wondered "to what extent are Kenyan media observing their professional obligation as required by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya … which stipulates that, 'women and men should be treated equally as news subjects and news sources'?"
|Hon. Martha Karua, Kenya's only female presidential candidate in the 2013 election. Photo courtesy of Heinrich Boll Stiftung/Flickr
She wrote that the question is at the core of a debate on media freedom and public interest "and on the thorny issue of whether Kenyan media are mere lapdogs in a society whose political and socio-economic structures are not only heavily tilted in favor of a privileged minority, but are becoming increasingly more so.
"On International Women's Day, March 8, Kweyu noted, the African Woman and Child Feature Service (AWC) released a study that was part of a 2013 global series funded by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC).
The study demonstrated that Kenyan media are not only in breach of the Code of Conduct but that media are also "the face of the country's patriarchal underpinnings," she said.
The AWC-WACC study, titled Kenya Media and Women in Political News, was based on empirical evidence from a 15-day media monitoring exercise carried out in April-May, 2013. It found that only 18 per cent of those whose views were read, heard or seen in print, radio and television political news were female.
Inasmuch as development is driven by political policy, excluding women's views from the mainstream of political discourse means they have no say in crucial decisions affecting their lives and their dependents, the Media Observer article stated.
The study covered 514 news items from five mainstream newspapers and involved 507 news subjects and 549 journalists in the print sector; 201 news items from two radio stations involving 566 news subjects; and 207 news items from two television stations involving 598 news subjects.
The Media Council of Kenya is an independent national institution established to promote press freedom and responsible journalism. The Council sets and works to ensure compliance with media standards. Access the Media Observer January-March 2014 issue here.
AWC coordinates the participation of Eastern Africa region in the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), WACC's flagship initiative advancing gender equality in and through the news media.
Download the AWC-WACCstudy "Kenyan media and women in political news" here
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Michelin CARGOXBIB
- 8 Robustness
Better endurance for heavy loads at low pressure.
Increased ground protection
The CargoXbib trailer tyre operates at low pressure, reducing soil compaction and increasing ground protection, thereby preserving farmland productivity. You will notice the benefits of getting into the field earlier without damaging subsoil, thanks to Michelin's CargoXBib flotation tyres
Time and fuel saving
Reduce operating costs with trailer tyres that lower fuel consumption and are more time-efficient.
- Low rolling resistance in the field of the MICHELIN CargoXBib


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Look at the 10 Essentials and slightyly beyond the essentials when you pack.
Check out REI's article here: Backpacking Checklist
Check out the Backpacking Gear Checklist below.
More importantly, talk to someone who is an avid hiker and backpacker before you go spending a ton of money on gear you may not need.
Clever Hiker Gear Picks
10 BEST TENTS 2017Packing a top-notch tent is one of the best ways to increase comfort, safety, and enjoyment on backcountry trips. So when you're in the market for a new shelter, pick up one of the 10 Best Backpacking Tents of 2017.
6 BEST SLEEPING BAGS 2017Looking for some deep trail sleep? Then snuggle up with one of the 6 Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts of 2017.
7 BEST SLEEPING PADS 2017Nobody likes waking up with numb hips. Get the restful trail sleep you've earned with one of the 7 Best Sleeping Pads of 2017.
10 BEST HAMMOCKS 2017Take your backcountry chillin' game to the next level with one of the 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks of 2017.
7 BEST STOVES 2017A steamy cup of java on a crisp, quiet morning is just about the perfect start to any day in the wilderness. So pick up one of the 7 Best Backpacking Stoves of 2017 and make that moment happen.
Gear Review Policy
I designed the CleverHiker Gear Guide to share my favorite backpacking tools and to simplify the often frustrating gear buying process. I've spent hundreds of hours testing and researching the equipment that I recommend and I hope you find my suggestions helpful.
I regularly update the CleverHiker gear guide to to add new products and make modifications. If you feel like I've missed a great tool or you'd like to provide feedback on an item, please use the form on my contact page to get in touch.
My main focus with the CleverHiker Gear Guide is recommending gear I trust from companies I believe in. Keeping the trust of my readers is my number one goal, so I work very hard to only promote the very best of the best. My gear recommendations are completely independent choices. I never accept payment for reviewing an item, but I do occasionally get to keep free samples. I also include affiliate advertising links on my gear guide, which helps me to keep CleverHiker up and running.
Just like my tutorial videos, this guide is about spreading knowledge and helping to raise the bar for future innovations. I focus on recommending only the best gear and that's why my audience keeps coming back for more.
You'll also notice that a lot of the gear I recommend is made by small businesses that manufacture specialized products. Though this process can sometimes lead to longer wait times, it often results in increased customization, accountability, and innovation.
It's also important to remember that great gear can really enhance a backpacking trip, but at the end of the day, it's more important to get out and hike, than to spend weeks mulling over which tent stakes to buy. So go have an adventure! You'll learn a lot more about what you like and what you don't by gaining experience in the backcountry.


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Looking for more penny pinched recipes? Here you go!
Oh. my.
This is simply the best apple pie recipe I've ever eaten, and while we don't make it all that often, every time we do my little family is so glad they lucked into having me as a mom! 😉 We had company in town this week, and when I was debating what to make for dessert, I remembered having a few apples in the fridge that needed to be used up.
This was perfect.
Now, my kiddos start school next week way up here in Ohio, and I promise to start sharing what we actually have for dinner, but for this last sweet week of summer I'm still throwing together simple dinners and taking time to savor some dessert. I promise you'll love every last bite of this one, and would love to hear what you think if you're able to sweeten things up a bit in your home too.
Skillet Apple Pie
- 4 lbs apples recommended is 2 lbs. Granny Smith & 2 lbs. Braeburn apples, I used 5 green apples and 2 red apples which worked well
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 package refrigerated piecrusts
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream optional, but delicious!
- Heat oven to 350. Peel and cut apples into wedges. Mix with cinnamon and 3/4 cup graulated sugar.
- Add butter to skillet and cook over medium heat. Add brown sugar, and cook stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes (until sugar dissolves.)
- Remove skillet from heat and place one of the pie crusts on top of the brown sugar mixture. Then add the apple/cinnamon sugar mixture, and top with the second crust.
- Whisk egg white until fluffy, and brush the top of the pie crust with the egg white.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar onto pie crust.
- Cut a few slits in top of pie crust to vent.
- Bake at 350 for between 1 hour and 1 hour and 10 minutes (mine was done at 1 hour.) During last ten minutes you may need to cover the pie with foil to keep the pie from browning too much. (Mine was fine without covering, be sure to watch it as you don't want your crust to burn.)
- Cool on wire rack for at least thirty minutes, and serve with ice cream.
And just in case you need a cast iron skillet, here's the one I use. I hardly ever pull it out, but sure do love having it for this recipe! (I'm determined to learn to make cornbread in a skillet once chili weather comes around ~ if you have a great skillet cornbread recipe, leave a comment to share, please!)
Looking for more apple recipes? Here you go . . .
- Southern Living Chunky Apple Cake (if you've never made this before, you're in for a treat)
- Sun Drop Apple Dumplings
- Apple Butterscotch Brownies
- Apple Brownies with Brown Sugar Frosting
Recipe adapted from Southern Living, September 2011
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1 Bundle = 200g.
Get more at better rates. Pick your quantity in the options above.
Flowers and foliage from our flower market is a great place to start for budding florists or hobbyists!
*Same day delivery does not apply for Wholesale Market items. Please contact us for delivery timing info.
Please select your Delivery Date/Time in the form above.
Delivery Hours
We do daily deliveries in KL & PJ between 11am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday. WhichKrafters need their beauty sleep on Mondays!
We can still do deliveries outside our usual hours but an additional fee will be charged. Contact us to check on rates.
Same Day Deliveries
For same-day delivery, you will need to confirm your order by 10am and your order will be delivered between 12pm-7pm.
Delivery Fees
Different delivery charges apply to different areas in the Klang Valley. It will also depend on the total amount spent.
For bulky items such as our Mini Balloon Garland and furniture, free delivery does not apply for these orders.
Delivery Areas
We only deliver to selected areas in the Klang Valley. You will be prompted to do a postcode check in the Cart drawer before proceeding to Checkout.
Delivery Time
If you've given a specific delivery time, we will deliver the order within 30 minutes before or after your specified time.
If you have not provided a delivery time, we will deliver your order anytime between 12pm-7pm on the specified date.
We ship certain products nationwide. Your parcel will take approximately 3-7 working days. Please expect delays during lockdown and national festive occasions.
>> If you have any questions or issues with placing your order, please contact us via WhatsApp at +6012-807 2131 or fill in the Ask A Question form below.
Please read our full delivery terms on our FAQ and Terms & Conditions pages.


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You've got questions? We've got answers.
On this page, you'll find answers to the most commonly asked (and thought) questions planners have about Alvin and his programs. If you have a question we haven't addressed here, feel free to contact us! We're happy to chat with you.
Travel Logistics
What are Alvin's travel requirements?
Alvin requires nothing special to travel within North America. He is able to travel alone, is completely self-sufficient and has the good fortune of not requiring attendant care. Alvin tries to be as flexible as possible, especially regarding budgets. He does not insist on First Class or Business Class airfare. Flights are booked at the best available fare, must be a changeable ticket but not necessarily fully refundable. Alvin prefers to book his own car rentals and to drive himself. To accommodate his needs he must rent a full-size automobile. Shuttles, cabs or public transit are quite inconvenient for Alvin so he tends to avoid these modes of transportation. However, limos are fine. Finally, Alvin requests a hotel room at or near the event location. His preference is for a king size bed if it is available.
Travel outside North America is a bit more complicated so please check with his office before any arrangements are made. We prefer to book Alvin's travel in-house. Clients may handle travel arrangements but only with Alvin's approval and input.
Important note: Alvin does not make airline policy or pricing…they do. It may seem as though it costs more to fly to the United States from Canada due to the Canadian Tax system, but actually distance dictates the price more than anything else.
Is there extra cost involved because of Alvin's physical challenges?
None. In fact, part of Alvin's professional standards are tight controls on any costs. If you have contracted Alvin with the "all inclusive" rate you just pay one fee and everything else is taken care of. When expenses are "in addition" every effort is put into making the expenses as reasonable as possible.
Does Alvin require any special assistance?
No. Alvin has adapted to carry his own luggage and care for himself all through the travel process. For flights, Alvin requires an aisle seat, preferably on the right side (facing forward). It allows him extra space to use his feet, but it's also important if he requires any assistance from flight attendants, especially in case of emergency.
Does Alvin need an accessible hotel room?
No. In fact, rooms designed for the handicapped are less convenient, although if it's the only room available, he can make do.
Can Alvin feed himself and does he have any preference of food?
Alvin can feed himself and requires no special diet. He does have a policy that is not related to his handicap. Alvin doesn't like to eat just prior to speaking because of the potential for something to cause digestive challenges. He also believes that he should maintain a low profile before his program. If people see him even drinking a cup of coffee, it takes away from the impact on stage when he introduces the topic of his learning to use his feet. For that reason, he may also decline social events prior to his program as well, but not after. Alvin is very sociable and his participation in functions after his speech is encouraged.
Important note: Alvin has a life outside speaking so if he chooses to depart for home, he may decline invitations and that is not a reflection of his commitment to the client. If his presence afterwards is expected, no problem. Please advise.
Is there any paperwork involved in bringing Alvin to the United States?
Alvin has an E-1 visa which allows him to enter the U.S. without any paperwork on the client's part. Other countries like Australia have brought Alvin in with a minimum of paperwork.
Many U.S. organizations require a tax exemption form such as a W-8BEN. If such a form is required please advise Alvin's office. Darlene has copies of this particular form available and would be happy to provide it, and any other necessary paperwork you require.
Does Alvin travel to international destinations?
Alvin will travel outside North America and has, in fact, been to 5 different continents. Due to Alvin's unique personal care challenges, to travel outside North America Alvin needs to bring his wife and business partner, Darlene for assistance on the flights due to length of flight and often at the destination. Alvin also insists on Business Class air travel as using his feet for long haul flights requires more space for meals, etc.
The Program
Some speakers restrict their travel to major urban centers or only large groups, does Alvin have such rules?
Alvin will go anywhere for the right price!! (Ha! Ha!) Actually, he has no restrictions at all. He has spoken to audiences from seven people (the smallest) to 7,500 (the largest) and has been places you can't even imagine.
How long is Alvin's presentation?
How long or short do you want it to be? Seriously, Alvin has one objective in the program he presents…to finish on time! Alvin has given presentations as short as 10 minutes and as long as 4 hours. Alvin's strength is keynoting and a 60 to 90 minute slot is optimum. Every presentation is unique and Alvin works closely with the client/event planner to ensure their needs are met to everyone's satisfaction.
What equipment does Alvin need?
Alvin Law's equipment needs are a bit out of the ordinary. Because the program is largely based on the status quo perceptions in society, the visual nature involved is essential:
- Sturdy, non-swiveling, backless stool of approximately 30 inches in height
- Piano or electric keyboard and stool or bench
- Concert snare drum and stand (Alvin brings sticks)
- Stage or platform allowing optimum visibility
- Pro-quality wireless lapel microphone and sound system.
Alvin uses his musical abilities to demonstrate vital points and requires a piano or electronic keyboard and a professional quality snare drum and stand (he supplies his own sticks). They must be visible to the audience. On occasion the piano doesn't fit on the stage, so in that case, assure that it is accessible to the stage and as visible as possible.
When not moving, Alvin uses a stool so he may use his feet as hands. Therefore, he needs a sturdy, backless, non-swiveling stool of about thirty inches in height.
It is important to Alvin that everyone is able to hear him clearly. Alvin has his own wireless microphone if you do not have one available. Alvin will be happy to bring his microphone if necessary. Please call if you are at all unsure.
The ideal setup is where the audience has an unrestricted view of the speaker. However, it is not necessary that he be on a stage or riser.
No special lighting is required but if available, may be utilized. Alvin likes to see his audience so if possible some houselights would be preferable. All of these requirements have been refined over 30+ years of professional speaking, and are proven to enhance the impact of the presentation – in other words, we ask for this stuff for your benefit! That said, Alvin is very flexible and will be happy to discuss variables.
What is a snare drum and where do we find it?
First, a snare drum is the most common drum and can be identified by the crimped metal "snares" across the bottom of the drum. Most music stores will rent them, although they are more accustomed to a long-term arrangement or renting the entire set. The costs vary and it is a piece of audio/visual that seems hard to justify, but it is as vital as any projector or power point equipment other speakers may require. Don't hesitate to ask the simplest question if there is the least bit of confusion. It doesn't have to be rented, it may be borrowed from a school or a musician, but it should be of sufficient quality to match the professionalism of Alvin's ability and must be on a stand. He does bring his own sticks.
Will any piano work?
The piano is an important tool in Alvin's program. He uses his toes, so a standard keyboard with weighted keys is a necessity. Many people own the portable, battery operated "Casio" brand keyboards and wonder if they will work – the answer is no! Key size and volume is vital. The keys on a small, portable, Casion keyboard are often too small for his toes and the entire audience needs to hear him. Visibility means the piano or keyboard should be on the stage but if that's not practical (grand pianos are kinda heavy), please advise.
Does Alvin answer questions after his program?
Normally Alvin does not allow for Q & A during his sessions due to time constraints, but he will answer questions privately following his program. If time can be allowed and questions are a desired part of the whole session, that's no problem. Alvin often says, "I've spoken to a lot of Kindergarteners, I've heard and answered any question you might imagine.
How does one greet Alvin or thank him following a program?
As Alvin discusses in his program, one of his most awkward moments is meeting people as the custom is to shake hands. Alvin can shake a person's hand with his right foot but does not insist on shaking as he realizes not everyone is comfortable with that so whether it's a pat on the back, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, whatever is most comfortable for you.
What kind of audience is best suited for Alvin's message?
Alvin first started speaking to children as a project of the International Year for the Disabled in 1981. His focus was very much on disability issues and awareness. Since he began, students, especially teenagers, have benefited from a message related to self-image and challenge. Over the years, Alvin has altered his program to suit any age and any background of audience while still using his life as the foundation. As Alvin likes to say, "The message is about the power of humanity, something we all have in common". One important point; Alvin's program is not about what Alvin alone has achieved. He uses his stories as a foundation but it's his ability to adapt his program to fit each client's needs that is most impressive. Because his story is so real, it transcends age, race or status of the audience members. The best thing to do is to contact his office and ask because chances are, Alvin can work his magic with your group, no matter who they are.
Does Alvin make his audience uncomfortable with his obvious difference?
The first thing you notice about Alvin is his own comfort level with himself. The next is his humour. Alvin's most common comment from older students is he should do stand-up comedy. In fact, it's Alvin's difference that makes him so appealing. As Alvin has quite candidly stated in many speeches, you will never forget him as long as you live. If the goal of a speaker is to be memorable, Alvin is your speaker. Yet, as his wife Darlene likes to say, "There's more to Alvin than what's missing". Many have said that after a short time you focus less on his differences and more on his similarities. One more point. Alvin believes in challenging every person present to think about their own attitudes so if they are at all uncomfortable, it's a good thing. One sure way to grow is change our pre-conceived ideas and moving outside our comfort zones can be a great start.
Is there a religious tone to Alvin's program?
No. Although Alvin is a very spiritual person and that does show, it's not stated. In fact, it's his ability to inspire people no matter what faith they do (or don't) practice that makes him such powerful presenter. "No one person is better than another because we're all just people who need to be more tolerant of each other's beliefs" is a quote of Alvin's that may answer the question.
Does Alvin speak to aboriginal, disability or other special groups?
Yes. For a white guy, his message can be tremendously powerful. Again, Alvin is so real that all people relate to him. Imagine him talking to a group of First Nations kids who feel like they have been cheated see a man without arms talk about how everybody faces challenge and true strength comes from within. With increasing suicide rates amongst teens, Alvin can reach high risk young people by providing a message of hope that anything can be overcome.
Does Alvin have products for sale?
Alvin isn't a prolific product kind of guy. All he sells at this point is his International Bestseller and first book "Alvin's Laws of Life, 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything". The book is only available from the website and comes in soft cover or ebook format. If time allows, Alvin would be happy to arrange to sell books on site after an event. Or you may make arrangements for advance sales or bulk purchases of the book by contacting Alvin's office.


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Does the Cancer Council need our money?
Jim Marshall writes: Re. "Let them take taxis: what else the Audit Commission can flog off" (Thursday). How about it if the Commission of Audit were challenged to identify every subsidy to business enterprises and publicly give its judgement on whether it should be abolished; and if not, under what sunset conditions might it be continued.
This includes grants to the voluntary and non-profit sector — such as the Cancer Council.
Well done, Professor Bragg … if only we had a science minister
David Thackrah writes: Re. "Meet Sir Lawrence Bragg: the greatest Australian you've never heard of" (Friday). Australians, let us rejoice in our ability to invent and innovate and to achieve academic success for the nation and mankind worldwide.
The crystallography and the development of X-ray technology work done by William Lawrence Bragg and a cohort of PhD students in Australia and the UK is totally under-valued by our present society. Also bear in mind we Aussies had a hand in inventing the microwave, Wi-Fi and high-tech hearing devices.
There must be a ministry of science that permanently recognises these scientific contributions by Australia, and some form of reprise on Australia Day for these "cast-off" genius contributors to society.
All of this was won through brilliant academic application occasioning hard and very focused work and effort, not only by Lawrence Bragg and his father, but also the many students and scientific assistants who laboured for the cause of providing mankind with huge health and welfare benefits.
Hidden dangers of pot smoking
Gin Graham writes: Re. "Get Fact: is marijuana no more dangerous than alcohol?" (Thursday). David Ross has not mentioned that marijuana can " double the risk" of schizophrenia in " those that are vulnerable", as per the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre.
I can understand it would be difficult to get statistics on how many people this has affected, and at what long-term cost to them. Many of those statistics will be hidden in deaths and hospitalisations due to mental illness, rather than being directly attributed to marijuana. But my opinion is that it should be included when you are judging the relative dangers. It may be a low proportional risk, but it is a high-consequence outcome.


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Renault Alpine concept car leaked - UPDATE: Official Info & Pics added!
Normally we don't post up 'leaked' images, but we just had to get this one out into the internetwebspherecloud thingy. Images of the Renault Alpine A110-50 concept have been leaked ahead of the scheduled debut later today. The leaked images are taken from a video which seems to be from Yahoo Auto. Someone won't be happy at Yahoo… (UPDATE: Official images now above)
Designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Alpine A110 model, the concept features aggressive styling that is heavily influenced by the DeZir concept. In fact, it's pretty safe to say that Renault probably used most of the same moulds for this concept. The A110-50 Concept is styled as a racing car and as such features a carbon fibre body, a large diffuser and a massive rear wing. Inside, the cabin has Alcantara sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a roll cage and not much else.
Underneath the bespoke body work there's a tubular chassis that is based on the Renault Megane Trophy. The A110-50 is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine with around 400 bhp, that also happens to power the Megane Trophy.
Hopefully this concept will morph into a return of the Alpine brand with a small 2-seater sports car. We'd like to see it weighing no more than 1000 kg with a 2.0 litre 265 bhp engine from the Megane 265 Cup road car, and costing under £35,000. And of course, pigs may fly…
UPDATE: Official info, pics and video added!
Images & Video courtesy of Renault


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Drilldown: Cases
So far 267 cases have been added to the database, out of 2092 total cases on the website. To see the full list of cases go to the Mental health case law page.
The relevant pages (and summaries) are displayed at the bottom of this page.
Choose a table:
- Cases (267)
- Contact (252)
- Events (356)
- Jobs (61)
- Legislation (128)
- News (500)
- Resources (346)
- All pages (9036)
Use the filters below to narrow your results.
Showing below up to 14 results in range #1 to #14.
View (previous 250 | next 250) (20 | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500)
|Page name
|A Local Authority v AT and FE (2017) EWHC 2458 (Fam)
Child, no approved secure accommodation available, deprivation of liberty
"Section 25 of the Children Act 1989 makes express and detailed provision for the making of what are known as secure accommodation orders. Such orders may be made and, indeed, frequently are made by courts, including courts composed of lay magistrates. It is not necessary to apply to the High Court for a secure accommodation order. However, as no approved secure accommodation was available, the local authority required the authorisation of a court for the inevitable deprivation of liberty of the child which would be involved. It appears that currently such authorisation can only be given by the High Court in exercise of its inherent jurisdiction. ... I am increasingly concerned that the device of resort to the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court is operating to by-pass the important safeguard under the regulations of approval by the Secretary of State of establishments used as secure accommodation. ... In my own experience it is most unusual that a secure accommodation order could be made without the attendance of the child if of sufficient age and if he wished to attend, and without the child being properly legally represented. It is true, as Mr Flood says, that this is not an application for a secure accommodation order, but the analogy is a very close one. Indeed, the only reason why a secure accommodation order is not being applied for is because an approved secure accommodation unit is not available. It seems to me, therefore, that the statutory safeguards within section 25 should not be outflanked or sidestepped simply because a local authority have been forced, due to lack of available resources, to apply for the exercise of the inherent jurisdiction of this court rather than the statutory order. ... I propose to order that the child now be joined as a party to these proceedings and Cafcass must forthwith allocate a guardian to act on his behalf. ... In my view it is very important that ordinarily in these situations, which in plain language involve a child being 'locked up', the child concerned should, if he wishes, have an opportunity to attend a court hearing. The exception to that is clearly if the child is so troubled that it would be damaging to his health, wellbeing or emotional stability to do so."
|A Local Authority v BF (2018) EWCA Civ 2962
Inherent jurisdiction to authorise DOL of vulnerable adult
An interim order made on 10/12/18 required BF to reside at a care home, over Christmas, and not at his own or his son's home, despite BF's having capacity to make decisions about his residence and wanting to return home. The order was expressed to last until a further hearing to take place no later than 31/1/19 (later fixed for 16/1/19) when the judge could hear full argument on what relief could be granted pursuant to the inherent jurisdiction. The local authority appealed on the basis that the order infringed Article 5. Permission to appeal was refused: (1) BF is a vulnerable adult (old, blind, infirm, in a squalid and dangerous home, with undue influence present in relationship with son) who needs protection despite not lacking capacity. (2) The test of "unsound mind" is different from the test of capacity, and there is prima facie evidence that he may be of unsound mind. (3) In an emergency situation, someone may be deprived of their liberty in the absence of evidence of mental disorder without infringing Article 5 (Winterwerp); even if BF is found not to be of unsound mind, his vulnerability is such that he could not be returned home without careful planning, which is a crucial component of the protection afforded by the inherent jurisdiction.
|A Local Authority v JB (2020) EWCA Civ 735
Capacity and sexual relations
"The issue arising on this appeal is whether a person, in order to have capacity to decide to have sexual relations with another person, needs to understand that the other person must at all times be consenting to sexual relations."
|An NHS Foundation Trust v AB (2019) EWCOP 26
"This is an application by the NHS Trust for an order in respect of a 24 year old woman AB who is 22 weeks pregnant and, who the Trust say lacks capacity and in whose best interests it is said to have a termination of pregnancy. ... I would like to record my unhappiness about the lateness of this application. AB is now estimated to be 22 weeks pregnant and therefore the cut-off date under the Abortion Act 1967 of 24 weeks is imminent. ... I am acutely conscious of the fact that for the state to order someone to have a termination, where it appears that they do not want it, is immensely intrusive and certainly interferes with her Article 8 rights. ... In my view the balance in terms of AB's best interests lies in her having the termination."
|B v A Local Authority (2019) EWCA Civ 913
(1) Overlap between different decisions; (2) Sex
(1) "The important questions on these appeals are as to the factors relevant to making the determinations of capacity which are under challenge and as to the approach to assessment of capacity when the absence of capacity to make a particular decision would conflict with a conclusion that there is capacity to make some other decision." (2) The Court of Appeal also decided on what is necessary to have capacity to consent to sexual relations.
|P v A Local Authority (2015) EWCOP 89
Discharge from DOLS
"This is an application by P (the Applicant) acting through his litigation friend, the Official Solicitor, for an order under section 21A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) discharging the standard authorisation made on 24 June 2015 which authorises a deprivation of liberty in his current accommodation (the placement)."
|QJ v A Local Authority (2020) EWCOP 3
Finely-balanced treatment decision
(1) This s21A appeal was adjourned for medical evidence in relation to whether QJ had capacity (a) to decide on whether to receive nutrition and hydration either orally or artificially; (b) to decide more generally on medical treatment; and (c) to decide on admission to hospital. (2) On the day of the hearing QJ had for the first time indicated a willingness to be put on a drip. Even if QJ were now found to have capacity, the case should still come back before the court because: (a) it may very well be a "finely balanced" decision (and so within Practice Guidance (Court of Protection: Serious Medical Treatment) [2020] EWCOP 2); and, in any event, (b) where there is already an application in relation to the central issue the matter should only be concluded within court proceedings and not left to clinical decisions.
|QJ v A Local Authority (2020) EWCOP 7
Capacity and nutrition/hydration
QJ had capacity to decide about nutrition and hydration despite his reluctance to answer certain questions. He was in agreement with the care plan, which included (a) Fortisip; (b) weighing; (c) discharge to a care home; (d) no readmission to hospital if he refuses to accept food or water.
|Re AB (Termination of Pregnancy) (2019) EWCA Civ 1215
"The requirement is for the court to consider both wishes and feelings. The judge placed emphasis on the fact that AB's wishes were not clear and were not clearly expressed. She was entitled to do that but the fact remains that AB's feelings were, as for any person, learning disabled or not, uniquely her own and are not open to the same critique based upon cognitive or expressive ability. AB's feelings were important and should have been factored into the balancing exercise alongside consideration of her wishes. ... [I]n my judgement, she clearly gave inadequate weight to the non-medical factors in the case, while the views expressed by the doctors were necessarily significantly predicated upon imponderables. In the end, the evidence taken as a whole was simply not sufficient to justify the profound invasion of AB's rights represented by the non-consensual termination of this advanced pregnancy."
|Re C (Lay Advocates) (2019) EWHC 3738 (Fam)
Lay advocates in public law family proceedings
"In my judgment that there is no material difference between the services provided by an interpreter, an intermediary or a lay advocate insofar as they each enable and support parties and witnesses to communicate and understand these proceedings. HMCTS routinely pay for the services of interpreters and intermediaries, I cannot see any principled reason why it should not also pay for the services of lay advocates in an appropriate case. ... Accordingly, I will appoint a lay advocate for the mother and a lay advocate for the father. They cost £30 per hour which I consider to be entirely reasonable. I have assessed the likely number of hours of work on this for the lay advocates to be 50 hours."
|Re FX (2017) EWCOP 36
Capacity - residence, care, contact and finances
"I am concerned with capacity issues in respect of FX. The proceedings are brought by FX through his litigation friend the Official Solicitor. ... The proceedings commenced by application dated 16 September 2016 as a challenge to a standard authorisation which authorised the deprivation of FX's liberty at Care Home A. ... During the course of these proceedings FX has asserted that he has capacity to make decisions in respect of residence, care, contact and finances. ... It is not argued by any party that he lacks capacity in respect of contact. There is no dispute that FX lacks capacity to litigate these proceedings. ... FX is 32 years of age. He has a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome PWS. ... I am satisfied that FX has capacity to make the relevant decisions in respect of residence and care [and finances: paras 41 and 47] as are required at this time. Should a situation arise where there are complex decisions to be made it may be necessary to reconsider issues of capacity in light of those decisions."
|Re HC (A Minor: Deprivation of Liberty) (2018) EWHC 2961 (Fam)
DOL of child
"HC has just turned 13 years of age. I shall refer to his parents in this judgment as, respectively, M and F, and to his brother as B. HC currently lives in a residential unit in Yorkshire ("the unit"). By application dated 18th July 2018, the local authority responsible for HC's placement asks that the court determine whether HC's placement constitutes a deprivation of his liberty and, if this question is answered in the affirmative, for authorisation, by way of declaratory relief pursuant to the inherent jurisdiction. ... Although the LA brings the application, it does not assert a position one way or the other in relation to whether HC's placement at the unit constitutes a deprivation of his liberty. Exploring this rather unusual position with Ms Shaikh, I was told that the LA sought only to present the facts to the court and to leave it to me to adjudge whether the particular regime and its inherent restrictions constitutes a deprivation of liberty. In the event that I do so find, the LA seeks authorisation of the deprivation as being necessary and proportionate."
|Re P (Sexual Relations and Contraception): A Local Authority v P (2018) EWCOP 10
Sex and covert contraception
"This judgment in long-running proceedings involving a vulnerable young woman, hereafter referred to as 'P', addresses difficult issues concerning her sexual relationships and the covert insertion of a contraceptive device. ... I shall address these issues in the following order: (1) Capacity - general principles. (2) P's capacity other than sexual relations. (3) P's capacity to consent to sexual relations. (4) Best interests: general principles. (5) Best interests: contraception. (6) Best interests: covert treatment (6) Best interests: sexual relationships and supervision. (7) Further issues arising from the draft order." ... Given the serious infringement of rights involved in the covert insertion of a contraceptive device, it is in my judgement highly probable that, in most, if not all, cases, professionals faced with a decision whether to take that step will conclude that it is appropriate to apply to the court to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of best interests, with P having the benefit of legal representation and independent expert advice.
|SR v A Local Authority (2018) EWCOP 36
"At the hearing on 9th April 2018, A Local Authority applied orally for orders restricting SR's contact with her husband JR. A Local Authority sought orders preventing JR from taking SR out of the care home unless accompanied by a member of staff or a relative in the light of concerns on the part of A Local Authority about JR's expressed views in relation to euthanasia and other comments made by him from time to time. ... Whilst I accept that JR's comments have given rise to legitimate anxiety on the part of the professionals, I do not consider that there was adequate investigation into the reasons why JR has made such comments and what he understands by the notion of supporting euthanasia, which from his evidence related to the right to self-determination and dignity. ... However, he was consistent that he would never dream of hurting his wife. Is it safe for the court to take that assertion at face value in the light of his expressed views and comments, some of which have been unpalatable? I take note of the fact that following the first comments in August 2016, SR returned home to live with JR until 9th November 2016. Between 9th November 2016 and 27th May 2017, extensive unsupervised contact took place within the care home and outside the care home. To date, JR remains alone with SR for approximately two hours per evening in a closed room. SR has remained safe and subject of devoted affection and attention from her husband. I have reached the conclusion that the restriction sought by A Local Authority is neither justifiable, proportionate or necessary."


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A hit squad that murdered a senior Hamas official in Dubai used the stolen identities of six British citizens and faked at least five other European passports, it emerged today.
The international investigation into the assassination of Mahmoud al Mabhouh last month is certain to examine the role played by Israel, where four of the victims of identity theft, three Britons and a German, currently live.
Some reports last night suggested that a team of 17 people were involved in the meticulously planned killing, of whom six have yet to be identified.
UK authorities issued the British passports used by the assassins in Dubai last month, official sources said. They confirmed the killers had not altered the names and numbers in the passports, but the photographs had been changed.
At least five of the Britons whose identities were used by the assassins in Dubai live in Israel. All deny any involvement.
"I am obviously angry, upset and scared – any number of things," Melvyn Mildiner told Reuters. "And I'm looking into what I can do to try to sort things out and clear my name."
Israeli television named two other British-Israelis whose identities were used, Paul Keeley and Stephen Hodes, and a German passport holder, Michael Bodenheimer.
The revelation fuelled already widespread speculation in the region over Mossad involvement in the killing of Mabhouh and an elaborately orchestrated plot involving 11 assassins mostly posing as tourists in Dubai, with some wearing wigs and false beards.
Mabhouh was one of the founders of Hamas's military wing and had been wanted by Israel for his role in the 1989 kidnapping and killing of two Israeli soldiers on leave. His participation was acknowledged by Hamas last month.
The Israeli government would not comment tonight on allegations of its involvement in Mabhouh's killing, which, if confirmed, would trigger a diplomatic row with Britain, and the other three European nations, whose passports were used: Ireland, Germany and France.
The Irish Republic said the three Irish citizens named by Dubai police as suspects did not exist. The German government said the passport number of the sole German suspect was either incomplete or wrong. The authorities in Paris refused to comment on the authenticity of a French passport used by one of the killers.
Dubai public prosecutors have issued warrants for "premeditated murder" against the 10 men and one woman in the suspected assassin team, the first step in obtaining a "red notice" from Interpol to track down wanted fugitives abroad.
The police in the emirate described the killing as meticulously planned, with the hit squad arriving on different flights and checking into different hotels. They were seen on surveillance video tailing Mabhouh from the moment he arrived in Dubai. His murder in his hotel room near Dubai's international airport took 10 minutes and early forensic tests suggest he was suffocated. The assassins left on flights to Europe and Asia before the body was discovered on 20 January.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates identified Austria as a possible "command centre" for the elaborate operation. In a sign that the country would be seeking formal assistance from European states, Dubai's attorney general, Essam al-Humaidan, told the National, an Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, that the UAE had signed judicial treaties with certain European countries, enabling the "extradition of the suspects wherever they hide".
Michael Levi, a Cardiff University professor of criminology and an expert on identity theft, said that if the British travel documents used by the assassins predated the introduction of biometric e-passports, they would not be hard to tamper with.
"The sort of organisation that can pull off a hit like that will be able to make those sort of changes," he said. "The point is that in any system, you only have to be good enough to pass the scrutiny of the people you're going to come across."
The Foreign Office said it was too early to speculate on who could have carried out the identity theft against the British citizens involved.
In recent decades, the Mossad has gained a reputation for using passports of other countries. Britain had a diplomatic row with Israel in 1987 over its use of forged British passports. In 1997, a Mossad hit squad used doctored Canadian passports in a botched attempt to kill the Hamas leader, Khaled Meshal. In 2005, two suspected Israeli agents were jailed in New Zealand for obtaining the country's passports illegally.
A former Mossad official, Rami Yigal, told Israel Army radio the assassination "doesn't look like an Israeli operation"
• This article was amended on 16 February 2010. The original read, " ...the other three European nations whose passports were used: Ireland, Germany and France". This has been corrected.


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We discovered Tanya Blong's work at a recent home feature shoot for Your Home and Garden, and after a quick stalk on Instagram we began following her work. The vibrancy... read more →
Thanks to a long and sunny weekend, we are all feeling a little brighter and ready for summer. Here are a few of our favourite things to set yourself up... read more →
We chat to Daniela about her new company Opal and Sage. Tell us a little about the journey for your business so far, leading up to launching your name and... read more →
[caption... read more →
Winter is well and truly here, all the cashmere, all the time is pretty much status quo at Roomie. Here are a few of our current favourite homewares to hit... read more →
Automatic relax mode!... read more →
Online shopping takes the stress and running around element of out of gift giving, but if you missed that boat for Mother's Day (yes, this coming... read more →
The impossibility of getting organised for Christmas is upon us. Getting to the shops, the post office, the maddening crowds, the indecisiveness of gift giving. Enter Toodles Noodles : your... read more →
Yep! Father's Day THIS Sunday. Below is our go-to guide for last minute shopping, now that online purchasing may no longer be an option - here is an edit from... read more →
In the eternal hope that our summer will return with gusto (please please) we have put together a summer inspired gift guide, with cool beachy blues and some fun pops... read more →
Online shopping has never been hotter than right now, and new stores are popping up here, there and everywhere, so you will be excused for feeling a little overwhelmed.... read more →
We are jumping on this very pretty bandwagon, and bringing you a gift guide focusing on little luxuries. Most mum's will tell you that they are happy with a... read more →
We are getting into the valentines spirit, a few of our favourites for a luxe update to the master boudoir. One for you, one for me, and a book of... read more →


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Tonka Bean & Birch LTD Travel Candle
CSA LTD Candles are custom blended and hand-poured with only the highest quality nature inspired aromatics.
Fragrance Notes: Peony, Birch, Pine and Eucalyptus.
Cold Spring Apothecary candles are made with all natural 100% soy wax made in the USA. All of our fragrance oil blends are safe & phthalate free.
Trim wick to 1/4 inch before lighting. Keep candle free of any foreign materials including matches and wick trimmings. Only burn candle on a level surface. Do not burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time. 20 Hour Burn - 4oz


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Strong Accountability:
The Beaverton School District has a strong record of saving taxpayers' money, spending less on administrative costs than any district in the state. 100% of levy renewal funds will be spent in Beaverton classrooms.
Prevents Painful Cuts:
Without the levy renewal, the Beaverton School District will be forced to cut its budget by thirty million dollars and will risk eliminating three hundred teaching positions, which will lead to increased class sizes.
Same Low Tax Rate:
Renewing the levy allows the Beaverton School District to preserve three hundred teaching positions and maintain class sizes without raising taxes. The renewal provides reliable, stable funding for school operations through 2023, and an average Beaverton homeowner would continue to pay less than $25 a month.
Sign up to receive campaign updates!
[wpgform id='106′]
We're Voting Yes for Beaverton Schools.
This May, voters will have an opportunity to renew the Beaverton School District Local Option Levy, providing essential funding to preserve teaching positions, maintain class sizes, and help ensure students are prepared for post-high school success, all without raising tax rates.
State Treasurer Tobias Read
Sen. Mark Hass, Co-Chair of Yes for Beaverton Schools
Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward
Rep. Sheri Malstrom
Rep. Margaret Doherty
Rep. Jeff Barker
Rep. Ken Helm
Rep. Mitch Greenlick
Washington County Commissioner Greg Malinowski
Metro Council Candidate Juan Carlos Gonzales
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) Director Felicita Monteblanco
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle, Co-Chair of Yes for Beaverton Schools
Beaverton City Councilor Lacey Beaty
Beaverton City Councilor Cate Arnold
Beaverton City Councilor Betty Bode
Beaverton City Councilor Marc San Soucie
Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin
Beaverton Chamber of Commerce
Vernier Software & Technology
Pacific Office Automation
Beaverton Education Association
Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA)
Portland Business Alliance
Beaverton Valley Times
Karen Cunningham
Christine & Dave Vernier
Tori Pontrelli
Sara Schmitt
Heidi Edwards
Jason Cowart
Dr. Sandra Fowler-Hill
Terry Newsom


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Naya Rivera Arrested for Domestic Battery
Naya Rivera has been arrested.
The former Glee star was arrested on Saturday night in Kanawha County, West Virginia, a spokesperson for the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office tells ET. The actress was charged for domestic battery against her husband, Ryan Dorsey.
ET has reached out to Rivera's rep for comment.
According to the spokesperson, Deputy T. Dubiel of the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to an address in Chesapeake late on Saturday night for a domestic violence complaint. When he arrived, he spoke with Dorsey, who alleged that Rivera had struck him in the head and face. According to the Sheriff's Office, the two were arguing over their child, 2-year-old son Josey.
According to the spokesperson, the Deputy saw minor injuries consistent with Dorsey's statement, and Dorsey also showed police a video made during the alleged incident, which supported his account. He did not need medical attention.
Rivera was arrested and charged with domestic battery. After booking procedures, she was taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court, where she was arraigned and a bond was set. She was then released from custody.
Rivera's arrest comes a month after she filed to dismiss her divorce from Dorsey. The 30-year-old actress filed for divorce in November 2016, after two years of marriage.
Rivera opened up about avoiding the "drama" and focusing on co-parenting in a recent interview with Momtastic.
"It's always going to have its challenges logistically, but Josey is our priority," she said. "We're his parents."
"If everybody looks at it that way, it alleviates some of the drama," she added. "Doing what's best for Josey is really what it all boils down to."
See more in the video below.
-- Reporting by Brendon Geoffrion
Naya Rivera Files to Dismiss Divorce From Ryan Dorsey
Naya Rivera on Avoiding 'the Drama' of Co-Parenting and the Most Surprising Thing About Motherhood
EXCLUSIVE: Naya Rivera Explains Why She Wasn't Surprised About Mark Salling's Child Pornography Charges


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You can find many versatile meeting spaces in Fort Smith, Arkansas! Whether you're looking for a small classroom setting, a space best-suited for giving an impactful presentation, a large arena, or even a space that specializes in team building, we can help you find the perfect place for your next meeting.
Showing 1-9 of 9
Fort Smith Convention Center
Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 sq. ft. of infinitely-flexible event space for large conventions, meetings and special events. It is also home to the beautiful 1,331-seat ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Attached to the convention center i…
7300 Zero Street
Non-Professional Groups Fort Smith's newest attraction provides a splashtastic venue for students, sports teams, churches and other groups. Special discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Your group event at Parrot Island Waterpark includes…
4400 Midland Boulevard
Kay Rodgers Park is year-round use facility, operated by a full-time staff. The Park is the home of the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair, Old Fort Days Rodeo, and Old Fort Days Barrel Futurity. Many area and national groups host annual events at the fac…
817 Garrison Avenue
Majestic is a turnkey venue for hosting your next private event. We can help plan and execute it or just simply host as well. We have full in house Audiovisual support as well as full stage sound and lighting. All of this helps make us an easy one-st…
6201 Rogers Avenue Suite C
For small meetings or events, Hampton Inn Fort Smith's event space provides 2 meeting rooms with 930 sqft. of combined event space and all of the important features life free WiFi and a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. The largest of the two…
121 Riverfront Drive
Riverfront Park Events Building 2 rooms (43' x 27' each) are available right alongside the mighty Arkansas River and just steps away from Miss Laura's Visitors Center, The Trail of Tears path, the Fort Smith National Historic Site, and a brand new $2…
700 Rogers Avenue
DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Smith City Center offers the ideal location for meetings and events, with extensive banquet facilities and ballroom space, including 57,000 sq. ft. combined flexible column free meeting space, for up to 4,500 guests. Host a…
200 North 11 Street
First opened in 1929 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, the doors to the 53,000 sqft. Masonic Temple will reopen in November of 2016! Comprised of 4 stories, the building was constructed using Bedford Stone and contains t…
900 Rogers Avenue
Across from the Fort Smith Convention Center (parking lots are connected), the newly remodeled Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith offers 4 meeting rooms with 2,500 sqft. of combined meeting space; the largest room can accommodate up to 110 people. Audi…
Showing 1-9 of 9
For more information and/or help planning your meeting:
Amy Knight Jones | Convention & Event Sales Manager | 800-637-1477


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Dallas — The former Dallas DanceFest (and before that, Dallas Morning News Dance Festival) hits its fifth year with a new name and what seems to be the transition out of its growing pains. Dallas Dances, presented by the Dance Council of North Texas at Moody Performance Hall, has found its footing by offering a delectable sampling of the dance community's diversity and excellence. The September 1 performance delivered a wide range of styles among its 15 dances, with a nice mix of premieres and previous repertoire. It's a lovely way of introducing new dance audiences to our scene and giving ongoing patrons a sneak peak of what's to come.
Considering the show's variety and its occurrence at the very beginning of the season, rough spots and weak performances are expected, but overall, the dancers' positives outweigh the negatives. Even though it had a two-and-a-half hour run time, the evening didn't drag.
The show's opening with Avant Chamber Ballet highlights the area's growing commitment to live music with dance, and Avant proves that they don't slack on this vision. Guitarist Miguel Antonio and violinist Eleanor Dunbar play Astor Piazzolla for a spicy duet between Emily Dixon and Eugene Barnes III, from Katie Cooper's Persuasion. Dixon shines as usual, and Barnes proves that he's stepped up his game.
Booker T. Washington's Repertory I company begins their work Volante with a predictable line of contemporary tricks. Dressed in biketards and socks, it initially looks to be a cookie-cutter contemporary modern piece, but choreographer Jennifer Archibald shows that she has much more up her sleeve than the overly performed pitched battements. The caliber of dancers at Booker T. has never been in question, but their seamless partnering transitions, ensemble precision, and dynamic range are still surprising given their ages.
The first of three Indian dance companies in the festival present a subtle love story through gestures interpreting the song's lyrics. Singaar Ko Rehne Do, choreographed by Akhila Rao for Kathak Rhythms, illustrates a passionate conversation about beauty regardless of adornment. Four ladies in long dresses and ankle bells skim across the stage creating rhythms that one can only hear, not see. They would have likely benefited from a more intimate space and better lighting, as their facial expressions (a key element in many Indian dance forms) gets lost.
kNOwBOX dance delivers a haunting solo, The Memory of Love, with a suspenseful Hyun Jung Chang beginning with tense stillness, moving through desperate athleticism, and ending with dejected heaviness. Dallas Youth Repertory Project then livens up the mood with an excerpt from Robert Battle's Baseline, a jazzy, bouncy work that would have had more vigor with enlivened facial expressions. Still, they're one to watch for the future.
Kendell Miller Roberts' Thoughts and Prayers uses a 1968 Robert F. Kennedy speech and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" to subtly highlight current events. Dancers from SMU Meadows School of the Arts find solemnity during the text then groove to Gaye's upbeat yet serious tune. To close out intermission, Megan Storey and Gabriel Speiller dance a powerful duet from Yin Yue's Begin Again. The June premiere proved a turning point for the company and so far, it's one of the best pieces in DFW from 2018. It's thrilling to see it again and for potentially new audiences.
The second act opens with a bang, as Samantha Pille convinces the entire house that she is the best black swan the Metroplex has seen in a while. Performing the iconic Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake with Alexander Kotelenets, the two elicit the most varied audible responses from the audience, as patrons gasp, giggle, and cheer with delight.
Continuing the ballet theme is Chamberlain Performing Arts with Albert Drake's Laniakea, a contemporary work that seems to be a good challenge for them. They navigate the complex choreography fairly well, with quite a few striking moments.
On the heels of their recent Eisemann Center performance, Tejas Dance delivers Bharatanatyam with Ardhanareeshwara, a duet between choreographers Bhuvana Venkatraman and Chintan Patel. Illustrating the unity yet distinct masculine and feminine qualities of prominent Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati, the dancers maneuver through percussive stamping, long balances on one leg, and graceful gestures. Clear, captivating, and beautifully expressive, it's one of the evening's best.
The next company conjures another superlative: most surprising. 6 o'Clock Dance Theatre's large cast finds a stunning unity and cohesion with Zach Ingram's contemporary ballet work Brush to Canvas. Their water-colored costumes are as diverse as their appearances, but they float through solos and ensemble with amazing clarity. The oft-used music of Max Richter and Ezio Besso finds new life with this promising company.
Big Rig Dance Collective performs the most abstract of the evening, with the duet You Are Not My Enemy, choreographed by Jane Hawley. Brittany Padilla's original sound score has her narrating what seems to be a movement class with an internal conversation, as Crysta Caulkins-Clouse and Lily Sloan dance separately then together, with a satisfying conclusion.
Young dancers from Malana Murphy's RIFF Dallas ensemble fly across the floor to a cover of "Dream On" with awe-inspiring tapping. Dallas Black Dance Theatre then brings down the house with an excerpt from Juel D. Lane's How to Kill a Ghost, proving that they're some of the best athletes in Texas.


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When Choosing a Landscaper, Ask the Right Questions
Choosing and hiring a landscaper can be an intimidating prospect. Whether you are new to southeastern North Carolina or are a long-term resident, selecting a landscape professional to take care of your lawn or garden is fraught with considerations. Although it can be daunting, there are a few key things to take into account when hiring a landscaper for your lawn or garden.
Do your homework
Before you begin your search, first consider what you want for your yard and determine your expectations. If you only want general yard work and maintenance, many residential lawn care services throughout the Cape Fear are available for hire. Other companies offer more comprehensive services and will do everything from basic landscaping, to turf and irrigation installation, to complete property renovations, while some may offer "organic" lawn care alternatives.
As you begin your search, talk to friends, family, or neighbors whose yard impressed you for recommendations. Most companies also have websites where you can find additional information.
Ask for Credentials
When you have narrowed your choice, an estimate from 3 or 4 landscapers is the best way to give you an accurate idea of cost for the desired jobs. Do not feel pressured to always choose the lowest estimate. Keep in mind that more experienced landscapers or higher quality materials may cost more. Another important consideration when deciding on a landscaper is memberships and certifications. Most companies belong to national, state, or local associations including certified arborists, certified nursery professionals in North Carolina, and irrigation contractors to name a few.
Remember also that any landscaper applying insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides on your lawn must have a certified operator's license or be operating under some else's license. Pesticide applicators, by law, must renew their certification every 3-5 years. Most companies will provide a list of services they offer, along with a timeline of when pesticide applications are made. Most landscapers will notify you ahead of time when applications are made, but it is always a good idea to ask. Another good idea is to ask for letters of recommendation and photos of completed jobs from a potential landscaper. Ask references about their overall experience and satisfaction with the job, and if the estimated cost reflected the final cost.
When interviewing a potential landscaper, remember some basic questions to ask:
What is the company's average size job? Do they have a minimum job size in order to do work? Is there a fee if they do design work? Can they provide a list of references or recent clients? Are there any photos of completed short- and long-term work that you can see? Is there any type of warranty that comes with plant material? Do they have a maintain contact with whom you can be in touch in case something happens? How will you be billed? Probably the biggest priority you have in selecting a landscaper is to trust your intuition. Experienced landscapers will work within reason to ensure that you are satisfied with the completed job and will strive to maintain good working relationships with clients. Remember that this is your yard and that you are in control of what happens.
Be realistic about your expectations
Keep in mind that things happen, and that your plants are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature. I have received complaints from homeowners who feel that their landscapers are not meeting their needs or that they are to blame for a particular problem. Remember though, that in even the best of circumstances, things can wrong. I encourage people to talk to their landscapers and ask them questions. I also encourage landscapers to try and maintain open communication with their clients to help educate them about maintaining their yard between scheduled maintenances. Being completely hands off about your lawn is unrealistic and will require some amount of input on your part.
Learn More!
For more information on available landscapers in the Cape Fear region, visit http://ces.ncsu.edu, where you can post your questions via the 'Ask an Expert' link, or contact your local Extension office. If you live in Pender County, call 259-1235. In New Hanover County, call 798-7660. In Brunswick County call 253-2610, or search online for "Brunswick County Green Pages" for available landscapers in your area.


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Serial stowaway back in court in Chicago — again
(Chicago, IL.) — A judge set bond Thursday at $100,000 for a woman who has become known as "serial stowaway" because of her history of repeatedly trying to sneak aboard airplanes.
During the court hearing for Marilyn Hartman, 63, Judge William Raines said he was perplexed, frustrated and at his wit's end. He said he and the defendant had agreed they would never see each other again.
Hartman was released from Cook County Jail one week ago, then arrested twice over the following days — first after causing a disturbance and being escorted off a plane at Midway Airport, and then again after she was detained by airport security at O'Hare.
In court, an Asst. Cook County State's Attorney said Hartman told passengers at Midway, "Do you know who I am? I'm a celebrity," then on board she started asking for a helmet, saying, "We're at war."
Last week, after her release from jail, Hartman promised she was done with this behavior.
Asst. Cook County State's Attorney Jennifer Holman told reporters that a residential treatment facility was identified for Hartman to go to on her own after she was released from jail, but she refused to go.
Hartman has repeatedly tried to board planes and enter restricted areas of airports since 2010.
Hartman is from Chicago and is on Social Security. She says she has no family and has lived in shelters for years.
The judge refused a request to put her on electronic monitoring. Her next court day is in two weeks.