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Tony Blair's "A Journey" is published Wednesday, promising to give readers behind-the-curtain insights into major world events from the death of Princess Diana to the Sept. 11 attacks and the invasion of Iraq.
British booksellers are reporting heavy interest in the book, for which the former British prime minister was paid an estimated 4.6 million pounds ($7.5 million). He's donating the proceeds to a charity for injured troops.
Billed by publisher Random House as a "frank, open" account of life at the top, "A Journey" is being published in a dozen countries, alongside an e-book and an audio version read by Blair himself. This week it's in the top 10 on Amazon's British best-seller list - though it's only 4,000 on the retailer's U.S. site.
"Initial sales will be huge," said Jonathan Ruppin of Foyles book store chain. "But whether those sales are sustained will depend on how frank and open it is."
Blair - who is scheduled to be in Washington on publication day, attending Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in his role as an international Mideast envoy - said he "set out to write a book which describes the human as much as the political dimensions of life as prime minister."
"Though a memoir is by its very nature retrospective, the book is also an attempt to inform and shape current and future thinking, as much as an account of the past," Blair said in comments released in advance of publication.
That account is unlikely to resolve the conflicting views and emotions Blair evokes.
For many Americans, he remains a well-regarded ally who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism. He's scheduled to receive the 2010 Liberty Medal from former President Bill Clinton in Philadelphia on Sept. 13.
At home, he is a more divisive figure. Swept to power in 1997 on a wave of popular enthusiasm, Blair left office a decade later reviled by many for taking Britain into the U.S.-led Iraq war, and viewed as a liability by much of his own Labour Party.
"He began as a leader who was a friend of everyone, and he finished as a friend of almost no one in Britain," said Blair biographer Anthony Seldon.
Anti-war groups say they will picket Blair's book signings in Dublin on Saturday and in London on Sept. 8. Both are high-security affairs at which book buyers will have to surrender their bags, cameras and mobile phones - and are barred from asking for personal dedications.
Blair, 57, stepped down in June 2007 after a decade that included a historic peace accord in Northern Ireland, the deeply unpopular war in Iraq and the continuing conflict in Afghanistan.
He was Labour's most successful leader for decades, moved the left-leaning party toward the center and brought it back to power after 18 years in opposition.
But when he left, after years of increasingly open hostility with his rival and successor Gordon Brown, his party was divided.
He remains controversial even now. Families of some of the hundreds of British troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan have criticized Blair for earning millions from the book and public speaking and since leaving office.
Blair has been at the center of numerous books, notably "The Blair Years," by former press secretary Alastair Campbell, and the recently published memoir "The Third Man," by Labour insider Peter Mandelson.
He was also the inspiration for the former prime minister dogged by allegations of war crimes in Robert Harris' thriller "The Ghost," which was turned into a film by Roman Polanski.
Seldon said most political memoirs are self-serving, "historically pretty useless" and don't live up to the hype.
Blair insists his will be different, and Seldon says the former politician is part of a small group whose words may have wide appeal.
"Britain doesn't have many prime ministers who are international figures," said Seldon. "We have had Churchill, we have had Thatcher, we have had Blair."


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Building or renovating your home or office can be an overwhelming and expensive undertaking, sometimes more so than you bargain for. There are so many decisions to make and, given the amount of time and money that you invest in the process, those decisions matter as you're likely stuck with the end result for quite some time.
If you're just gearing up for this great adventure, you may have wondered about hiring an interior designer or decorator to help with the process. On the one hand, it could make your life a whole lot easier: you'd have someone to guide you through decisions, provide advice on different options for colour, material and layout, and perhaps see possibilities for use of space that you would never think of. On the other hand, it represents yet another cost for your already bulging budget. Surely you can do a decent job on your own and save a bit of money, even if your home doesn't look like a magazine when all is said and done?
If you're wrestling with this decision, read on. We went right to the source and asked some of our favourite New Brunswick interior designers and decorators for their insights into the benefits of working with a designer, and how to go about it.
A word on titles
There are many talented people and businesses out there offering design and decorating services for homes and workplaces. However, they go by several different titles - interior designer, interior decorator or simply designer. Are they all the same? Not exactly. While there is overlap in what they do and the services they offer, the title of Interior Designer is reserved for those with a specific combination of education, experience and accreditation, including a fully-fledged Bachelor's degree in Interior Design. As Dominique Fournier of Osez Interiors explains, in New Brunswick - and in many other provinces – "[interior designers also] have to be part of the provincial association and, after a few years working in the industry, they have to go through an examination process to become a qualified interior designer." Interior designers are morally and ethically bound to protect the health, safety and well-being of the occupants of the spaces they design. You can find a full list of qualified interior designers and interns on the website of your provincial interior design association, or through Interior Designers of Canada's national membership directory.
The Interior Designer designation is a bit like the Red Seal designation in carpentry. It gives you a base level of confidence in the skills and abilities of the person you are hiring. However, it doesn't mean that a carpenter who isn't Red Seal isn't any good. It does mean, however, that you should do your due diligence in asking about the qualifications and experience of the professional that you are interested in working with to ensure that they have the knowledge and resources required for the scope of your project. Interior decorators and others working in the field bring to the table various combinations of education, experience and talent that may serve you very well.
For simplicity's sake, we'll use the generic term "designer" where appropriate in the discussion below. We'll talk more about how to choose the right designer in a minute.
What exactly do designers do?
Moncton-based Interior Concept Studio often runs into the misconception that "[they] only deal with colours and aesthetics and that [they] only work in one style (modern)". In fact, interior design is about far more than that. It is about optimizing the use of space (making every square foot count!) to meet the needs of those who will be using it. Or, as Colleen O'Donnell of Optimized Planning and Interiors (OP&I) puts it, "we create experiences for our clients in their spaces that satisfy their needs", with the ultimate goal of "satisfaction and delight".
Most designers will begin with a consultation to understand your needs and wants, and identify any challenges that need to be solved for your space. From there, each firm will have its own step-by-step process and range of services. For example, Saint John-based Tuck Interiors' interior decorating services include "visual display boards, material samples, floor plans, 3D concept drawings, detailed budgets and expert advice on furnishings, lighting, finishes, and décor". Likewise, interior decorator Nicole Brigham of Brigham Interiors describes herself as a "do-what-needs-to-be-done kind of gal", with specialized offerings such as custom sewing and wallpaper installation helping to set her apart.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked – and most valuable - services offered by designers is project management. Once a concept is approved, full service interior design firms, such as Interior Concept Studio and OP&I, will "line up the trades and follow the project until it is complete". Interior decorators, such as Tuck Interiors and Brigham Interiors, offer similar services for clients that want them. What would it be worth to you to have someone who can not only help you design the best space for your needs, but also oversee the coordination of the actual construction or renovation project? Can you feel the weight lifting off your shoulders? Interior designers have specialized knowledge of the interior non-structural construction process, including building codes and building permits, and can often apply for permits, collect quotes and coordinate the construction schedule on your behalf. Experienced designers also have strong relationships throughout the construction industry, from architects and engineers to contractors, tradespeople and product manufacturers. While interior decorators and other design professionals might not have the same background in building codes and construction standards, they may be able to leverage their professional connections to fill any gaps.
An important part of project management is about working within a budget and a timeline. "As a designer", says Dominique of Osez Interiors, "our job is to make sure your vision stays true to what you want while keeping in mind your budget and [keeping] you focused so that your project finishes in a timely manner".
Advantages of working with a designer
Designers have no shortage of stories about clients who have been surprised by the amount of value they reaped from working with them, especially after trying to manage the project themselves. Nicole Brigham (Brigham Interiors) often hears, "I wish we knew to call you before we got started!". So how exactly is working with a designer going to help you? As Dominique Fournier (Osez Interiors) puts it, "hiring a professional can save you money and a headache!" We already talked about saving yourself the headache of handling the project management (or finding someone else to do so). But let's break it down a bit further:
Interior Concept sums up the value that they bring to their clients in this way: "peace of mind, originality,…knowledge and that little extra touch of wow".
Who can benefit most from working with a designer?
Based on the list above, it's hard to see how your project couldn't benefit from a designer's help. Indeed, Saint John-based Tuck Interiors encourages anyone who feels the need for advice to contact them, even if it's just for a one-off consultation. That said, there are some people and projects that stand to benefit the most. Here's a shortlist from our designers:
How to choose the right designer
Choosing a designer, says Dominique Fournier (Osez Interiors), is "like picking a pair of shoes. You have to make sure they have your vision, that you're comfortable and [that] they fit your personality!" It is important that you trust your designer's judgment and feel comfortable communicating with them about what you like and dislike. Here are a few other things to consider:
So where do you start? Nicole Brigham (Brigham Interiors) suggests picking up the phone and calling "a few designers whom you've heard good things about or [whose] social media feeds" appeal to you. If you get a good feeling from that first conversation, book an in-person consultation so that you can get a better idea of their design and professional style. Ask the designer how they would "respond to [your] needs and the goals of the project. If [you] like the answer – engage and enjoy" (Colleen O'Donnell, OP&I). Don't forget to ask (and follow up on) references!
When to start working with a designer
How soon should you start working with a designer? The answer is unanimous: as soon as possible, and ideally before you start work on the project. At the "dreaming stage" is best, according to Nicole Brigham. The sooner a designer gets involved, the more value they can bring and the sooner they can start saving you money by helping you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary expenses. If you're building new, it doesn't hurt to have a designer review your house plans before you finalize them. "We aren't experts on home building, but we know how to lay out a space, so having us look over your plans is worth it" (Tuck Interiors).
How much does it cost?
We hope that, by now, you have a good sense of the value that comes from hiring a designer. But you may still be wondering about the cost. When you're hiring a designer, "you're paying for [their] time and expertise. Although every firm has its own pricing, a designer's fee is usually a small percentage of the cost of" the project, says Dominique (Osez Interiors).
Most designers we talked to work with an hourly rate that ranges anywhere from $75 to $160/hour depending on the services offered and required. Brigham Interiors, for example, charges a one-time consultation fee of $175, with lower hourly rates thereafter. Whether the designer charges by the hour or by the project, they should provide you with a detailed cost estimate of their fees for the project before moving forward. When considering the estimate, remember that while "it might seem expensive at the start,…the project will benefit from that investment at the end" (Interior Concept Studio). If you're on the fence and unsure whether the investment is worth it, ask the designer to walk you through a cost-benefit analysis.
The size of the project will affect the cost, but so will the amount of time you demand of your designer. "If you're able to communicate via email on small items…, then you'll save money. When you're organized and know what you want, you'll save money" (Nicole Brigham, Brigham Interiors). If it's not spelled out, ask your designer about their communication preferences and how much face-to-face time they have allowed for in their project cost estimates.
While full service design firms, such as Interior Concept Studio and OP&I, can bring more value to clients who have "flexible budgets", most designers are happy to work within "any reasonable budget" (Brigham Interiors), as long as you are also prepared to adapt your expectations to what can reasonably be accomplished within that budget.
Advice for homeowners
We asked our designers what advice they would give to homeowners who are designing a new home or preparing for a major renovation, whether or not you choose to hire a designer. Their response? PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! And do it early.
The design process "is a process that comes together in layers". Colleen O'Donnell (OP&I) emphasizes that good design is not magic. Rather it is the result of hard work and iterative steps. As a homeowner, it is important that you start by "do[ing] your homework and defin[ing] what 'life' will need to be like in your new home". Then "design to satisfy that vision".
Nicole Brigham (Brigham Interiors) also reminds people to "'zoom out' to consider the overall look and feel you're looking to achieve" before you start purchasing materials. She often sees clients "considering materials they're instantly attracted to without considering how it looks installed or with other materials and furnishings".
While your plan may change "100 times" before the build is complete, "try your best to stick to it as closely as possible and adjust when needed," says Tuck Interiors. With a good plan in place, you'll be able to better evaluate how any changes will affect your cost, timelines and the end result.
"Just do it!"
If you're still unsure about working with a designer, Tuck Interiors says "Just do it!" As Colleen O'Donnell (OP&I) points out, there's nothing to lose by starting a conversation to learn about the design process. The most it will cost you is a consultation fee. Don't get hung up on the size of your project or the idea that hiring a designer is extravagant. Whether it's a one-room makeover or a full home renovation, there is value to be found in good design. Remember, the biggest reward for designers is "[b]eing a part of making people's lives better" (Nicole Brigham, Brigham Interiors).
Still got questions? Leave your question in the comments and we'll do our best to get you an answer!
A huge thank you to the following designers for their input and advice:
Interior Designers
Interior Concept Studio (Moncton) https://www.interiorconcept.ca/
Osez Interiors (Moncton) https://www.osezinteriors.com/
Optimized Planning & Interiors (Fredericton) https://www.opiinc.ca/
Interior Decorators
Brigham Interiors (Fredericton) https://brighaminteriors.ca/
Tuck Interiors (Saint John) https://tuckstudio.ca/tuck-interiors-commercial-residential-decorating-saint-john-nb/
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February 2020

subset: commoncrawl


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Additional information
|2.4 oz
Inspiring Creativity and Encouraging Handmade
1 4X6 Stamp set with 17 Coordinating dies
Create year round fun with these mini images. Made to stack and layer. So many possibilities!
Greetings in set are:
Have a Merry little Christmas, Mini Birthday Wishes, For You, Hello, Craft Supplies, a little something for you, Hi, Love, mini thanks, sending a little love, celebrate, a little something, a little hello!
|2.4 oz


text: You know those little round peg doohickeys? The ones that join pieces of IKEA furniture together? Yeah, those are Satan. The Roommate and I went to IKEA last week to get a new bookshelf. Between the two of us, we had way too many books for the 2.5 bookshelves we already had, so we went… Continue reading How not to assemble an IKEA bookshelf


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When worked in an office, much like my mother, I appreciated a quiet weekend at home doing nothing. To an extent, I am sill that some way. However, after working at home all week, sometimes I itch to get out of the house on the weekends.
Well, Dad is home all day everyday, but doesn't work. His ideas are much different.
I am typing on my phone during Breaking Amish commercials, so will have to elaborate later. Let's just say that I need another weekend. Stay tuned!
Welcome to the online home of Audra Jennings, a book publicist and crafter. Here I share about both. I hope you'll find books you'll want to read and crafts you will want to order. I live a rather boring, single life. At times I would like to think I am humorous. The kids I teach in Bible class tend to think so. I also blog about current seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. I don't know why, I just do.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Don't let a retired person plan your weekend
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- Remove this product from my favorite's list.
- Add this product to my list of favorites.
Artist: Not Applicable.
Writer: Not Applicable.
Director: Sridhar Moorthy.
Music Director: Siddharth.
Producer / Banner: Fountain Music Co.
Content: Raja Dashrath & Shravan Bal, Rama, Sita & Lakshmana in Exile, Shrupanakha The Demoness, Vanar Sena Build The Bridge, Bravery of Hanuman.
Lyrics: Not Applicable.
Format: VCD-Colour.
Language: English


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Business Intelligence Fundamentals for Your Microsoft Dynamics ERP Solution
What is Business Intelligence (BI) and at what point are static reports just not enough to remain competitive? Join Microsoft Dynamics BI specialist Tom Totten for a look at numerous forms of BI available to the Dynamics ERP solution owner, from the simple report to the complex visualization tools for business analysts.
For Dynamics ERP customers, it's no longer good enough to make decisions on your gut instinct. It's important to get a basic understanding of BI so that you can help your organization move to the next level, where the transactional data of ERP leads to quicker decisions and better outcomes.
Attendees of this live presentation will gain a better understanding of the BI concepts and deployment strategies relevant to today's Dynamics ERP solutions including:
- Operational Reporting
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Yangon: A doctor has become Myanmar's first woman to be appointed a full Cabinet minister. President Thein Sein said on his official website that Myat Myat Ohn Khin has been appointed Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. She is among ten new ministers appointed to fill posts left vacant since a major Cabinet reshuffling last month.
Other female post holders in the Cabinet are deputy ministers.
Among other ministries affected are defense, finance, and national planning and economic development.
Today's appointments added four civilians to the government, bringing their total to one-fourth of the 36-member Cabinet.
Last month's Cabinet reshuffling was widely considered a move by Thein Sein to consolidate power after coming to office last year.


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$34.95 $9.99
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to offer the stunning catalogue, OSIRIS Egypt's Sunken Mysteries, for purchase online. This beautifully illustrated, 250-page catalogue documents the remarkable voyage into the heart of ancient Egypt. Within these elegant pages, one can dive into the depths of Egyptian civilization and discover its ancient rituals. The book, which has more than 200 illustrations – including many images of the underwater excavations of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology – takes you there and lets you follow the religious celebrations dedicated to the deceased and resurrected god Osiris. EGY001 $34.95 now on sale for $9.95


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Sky Bet bulks up marketing team in advance of brand growth plans
Sky Bet, the BSkyB-owned betting and gaming business, has ramped up its commercial and marketing team ahead of ambitious growth plans for the brand.
It has poached Ben Warn from rival Blue Square to head its commercial business. He joins as sportsbook director in January.
It has also promoted Sky head of customer experience Ted Moss to marketing director. Sky Bet has been without a permanent marketing director since the sudden departure of Simon Miller in August last year (MW August 3, 2006).
Moss will be responsible for overseeing the development of Sky's portfolio of betting and gaming brands, which include Sky Bet, Sky Poker, Sky Vegas and the soon-to-launch Sky Bingo. He will be tasked with bringing new audiences to the division, as well as driving loyalty with existing customers. Previously, he was head of loyalty at British Airways.
Warn joins from Rank-owned Blue Square, where he was commercial director and he has also worked for UK Betting (MW August 5, 2004).
It is thought that Sky Bet will restart its advertising pitch for Sky Bingo, following the appointments. The pitch was halted earlier this year pending the appointments after being called in August. Sky is thought to be launching the service early next year.
Sky Bet offers services through the phone, internet, interactive TV and WAP mobile services and was rebranded from Surrey Sports when Sky bought the company in 2000.
The subsidiary increased its revenue by 27% to £47m in the year to June 2007.


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Another week has actually passed and I am unsure how. Time has been going to quickly I think we have finished the garden now which is amazing. We have been working so hard on it we wanted meals which wee quick to make. Along with the been enough to replace the calories which we had managed to burn off. I think we have a good mixture of food this week I hope you agree and enjoy seeing the meals which we have been consuming.
Monday- Veggie Pasta this something we decided that we wanted because we had a lot of veg which we needed to use up. It was one of the only days we knew we was going to be able to smash a lot of the garden we looked at the weather forecast so we went for it. This was a super simple meal however, this was so effective. We loved this an I am sure we will make it a few times in the future when we are busy.
Tuesday- Steak, Chips and Fried Egg this is something which we are having is because we bought steak. We managed to pick up one of the 16oz steaks from Aldi. These were a special buy which were super cheap which is why we purchased one. Steak is something easy which we have not had for a while. We are going to be serving these with chips and also fried eggs because this is something simple but so effective. For sure this is one which I am going looking forward to this.
Wednesday- Smoked Haddock Curry, this is something which we have not had before. I have not had a fish curry in the past. I know my Mum has and said it was beautiful. We did actually have some smoked haddock in the freezer which means that it does not cost as much on the food shop. Curry is something we rarely have so I am looking forward to this. Of course, it is new meal for me to cook which is always a bonus as well. This will be served with nan bread and rice.
Thursday- Prawn and Chorizo Paella, this is something which we have made in the past. Paella is something which we all enjoy consuming and we actually have Jess for tea. This is due to the fact that we are going on an Easter Egg hunt. I am going to make this to scratch and hopefully this is going to be a recipe which we are going to share. Paella is something which I find hard to find a lovely ready meal it does not take that long to make at all. This is why we do make our own Paella dish. I would love to make it one day with more than just prawn and chorizo.
Friday- Fakeaway KFC Chicken Zinger Burger, this is a recipe which I have found from a Pinch Of Nom. I fancied a chicken burger however, this is something which I wanted to make myself. As you know we are trying to make a choice to eat a lot healthier.This is going to be served again with chips I think. I have never tried a Chicken Zinger Burger from KFC so I can not compare this to the real mccoy. I am sure I am going to enjoy this because chicken burger with a kick is right up my street.
Saturday– I am actually out at work and will be home later so I think Joe and Jess are going to have a pasta meal. They will just throw something together and no doubt it will be amazing. I have decided that I am going to throw something simple like a pizza in the oven when I get home. I can have this if I am hungry there is no guarantee that I actually will be. All I want is something simple which I can throw in the oven. This is not something which we often do we do like to cook from scratch a lot.
Sunday- Hotdogs and Loaded Fries, the loaded fries is something which we saw on Pinterest. It sounded something a little bit different which we love. I know this is something which Joe would order if we was having a meal out. Due to this not been a complete meals we actually are going to have hotdogs as well. This is a meal which we have not had in a long time so I think this is going to be a great meal for a change. We will have had a busy day because we are at baby and bump expo on Sunday.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing the meals which we have been eating this week. I know there is a wide range of different meal most of them are pretty quick. As this is something which we have needed this. This post is linked up with Katy you should check on the linky. I get a wide range of meal inspiration from this my meal plan from two weeks ago was choose as the best. So thank you for that Katy.
What have you been consuming this week?


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Submitted by Michael Every of Rabobank
As Davos wraps up today, what have we got so far so far from the cockpit of globalisation? Warnings of rising nationalism. Fears of recession. Worries that everything could come tumbling down again. And a total rejection of any policy alternatives regardless. It's as if the Captain of the Titanic admits to the passengers early into the journey that the ship is sinkable, and indeed they will all drown horribly when it goes down, but then reassures everybody he's sticking to the same route towards the iceberg anyway. Before flying home in his private jet.
Exhibit A: SO ROSS. Billionaire US Commerce Secretary Ross coming across on TV as a "let them eat cake" kind of guy, when wondering why US government workers without pay don't just go to a loan-shark to get them through the never-ending shut-down. It was a double-whammy from Ross: he also said the US and China are "miles and miles" away from an agreement on trade, meaning March madness looms, before being prodded to stay on message that it's all good, even if the real issues over Chinese reforms are where this particular ship is likely to sink.
Exhibit B: SOROS.
Emmanuel Goldstein George Soros boldly stating China's Xi Jinping is: "the most dangerous opponent of those who believe in the concept of open society…Authoritarian regimes are proliferating all over the world and if they succeed, they will become totalitarian….I've been concentrating on China, but open societies have many more enemies, Putin's Russia foremost among them….The first step is to recognize the danger…But now comes the difficult part...The reality is that we are in a Cold War that threatens to turn into a hot one. On the other hand, if Xi and Trump were no longer in power, an opportunity would present itself to develop greater cooperation between the two cyber-superpowers." Soros openly talked about targeting China's economy in order to bring down Xi, and that Trump is not going far enough in that regard! And Davos gave Xi a standing ovation two years ago.
It's unclear how far Saudi Arabia's "can-we-just-move-on-from-the-whole-hacking-a-man-to-death thing"? sales pitch is going so far at Davos, but China is lobbying intensely: it just announced 'US banks can start operating there in six months'. I am sure useful-idiot headline-followers will say China is opening up. They probably won't notice the PBOC also announced a Central Bank Bills Swap that will give primary dealers bills they can use as collateral in exchange for a flood of new perpetual bonds that Chinese banks are about to issue, following the lead of the Bank of China (which is offering CNy40bn at around 4.5% for people who never want to get their money back) In other words, Chinese banks, desperate for cash to keep the Ponzi scheme afloat, can issue perpetuals that nobody in their right mind would want to hold; and the PBOC will swap them for its bills. Add that to MLF operations already underway and chatter of outright QE and one finds it hard to see where the real business model for Wall Street is in China, or to argue the part of Soros' speech where he underlines how fragile China really is (which is why it needs that Wall Street cash-flow).
On a related note, the Canadian ambassador to China, who just helpfully provided the Chinese with a list of legal arguments against the extradition to the US of the Huawei CFO --nothing at all to do with him having received USD73,000 of travel gifts from Chinese lobbying groups when he was a back-bench MP!-- has now regretted that he "mis-spoke" his carefully prepared media statement. Let's see if that has any impact ahead on the key Huawei tug-of-war.
Exhibit C: SO RASH. Davos being brightened by the cadaverous smile of multi-millionaire Tony Blair against a backdrop of mountains that matched his dazzling enamel, who brushed aside all suggestions the 2003 Iraq War, the GFC, and the response to the GFC might have led us to the edge of a populist backlash. And US billionaires publicly laughing out loud at the idea floated by US political shooting star Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez that the US should raise marginal tax rates for those earning more than USD10 million to 70%. (And we should laugh: everyone knows you need to tax capital, not income to soak the rich! How 'gauche' to think they pay income tax!) Oh, and BOE Governor Carney saying that threats of jail for bankers are "a total bluff" and the real weapon to hit where it hurts is "deferred compensation and the ability for it to be clawed back." That's exactly what the Occupy Wall Street gang wrote on their signs, of course.
Ironically, given how poorly the British ship of state is being piloted, it fell to UK Chancellor Hammond to try to tell UK firms that they had to accept that free movement was coming to an end and hence rethink business models based on cheap, low-skilled labour (and low productivity and wages). Likewise, Italian Prime Minister Conte appeared to sell his administration's populist vision: "We are radical, but we are radical because we want to bring power back to where it was supposed to be, according to our Constitution, its people," he said. In short, even in avoiding one iceberg we just hit another.
Meanwhile, rashness in large-iceberg goes on elsewhere. Yesterday we noted a worst-case scenario for Venezuela would be the US backing the 'new president' and Russia and China backing the 'old president' (A "Gentlemen Prefer Bombs" Monroe Doctrine): well, guess what is happening? And the local military is also siding with the ancient regime for now too.
Rather forlorn in this global picture, the ECB met, did nothing, and tried to show it sees things are getting worse while still believing that actually everything is doing just fine: all very 'Davos'. Risks to the growth outlook were assessed as being tilted to the downside – mostly because of persisting uncertainties, which may ultimately weigh on confidence; but despite this downgrade of the balance of risks, no policy response was considered. Indeed, Mr. Draghi appeared reluctant to steer towards new policy measures, Draghi-ing his feet, one might say, even as the Council may need to act if the economic weakness persists. And if that does happen, we expect TLTROs, now raised by "several" members, may be the preferred first policy response if data remains weak. For more on that, please see here from Messers de Groot and van Geffen.


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Bernina 830 Domestic Sewing Machine
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Russian common contractors are finding themselves squeezed much more and more by growing competition from their foreign rivals. For instance, folks give away free of charge stuff (a lot of it employed) every single day by way of websites such as , , , , , and This is just a sampling of the a lot of sites that are devoted to connecting individuals that have items they do not require anymore with men and women that are hunting for totally free stuff. Our competitors does not allow that they want to charge as numerous contractors as possible to make a large profit.
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It has been about 2 weeks since Bill Cosby was placed behind bars for his involvement in a sexual assault incident taking place in 2004 with Andrea Constand. New reports have now surfaced that Cosby and his team are fighting to throw out his trial and land a lighter sentence. For Cosby's lawyers, they feel that his age and near total blindness was overlooked in his sentencing of up to 3 – 10 years.
In court papers filed late on Friday, Cosby's lawyers said the judge abused his discretion by failing to adequately consider the 81-year-old entertainer's age and failing eyesight, and should have recused himself from sentencing. Cosby's attorneys have previously taken issue with the judge's wife being a psychiatrist who works with sexual assault victims. "By undervaluing the mitigating impact of age and disability and overestimating any present danger to the community," Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge Steven O'Neill imposed a term whose harshness violated statutes and sentencing rules, they said in an 11-page motion….The lawyers also resurrected their claim that Cosby was not at his home when Constand said he assaulted her and that if there was an incident, it would have occurred outside of the state's 12-year statute of limitations. Even if the judge rejects their request for a new trial, the attorneys said his sentence should be vacated and reduced.


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For emergency sewer line repair, call us at 318-402-0119
We're here for your home's sewer line needs
It may not be glamorous, but your home depends on its sewer line to move wastewater away to the municipal sewer. A clog or leak in the line can result in serious problems and water damage. That's why our team specializes in sewer line repair, unclogging, and replacement services.
Does my home have a sewer line?
Approximately 70% of U.S. homes have a sewer line. This is a dedicated line that runs from the home to the municipal sewer, typically located underneath the street. This line often is located underneath a front or side yard.
Homes that do not have a sewer line typically have a septic system. Septic systems use a similar line to carry wastewater from the house to the septic tank, located underground.
We offer 24/7 emergency service. If you need sewer line repair in Alexandria, we're the team to call. Fill out the form to get started.
What are the signs of a sewer line clog?
Some of the most common sewer line clog symptoms include:
- Simultaneous Clogging: A single clogged sink or drain is an indicator that you need to unclog that specific drain. However, if all your home's drains are clogging at once, the problem lies deep in the sewer line.
- Tree Root Incursion: If you have trees within 10 feet of the sewer line, the line could be in danger. Thirsty tree roots will be drawn in by any leaks, leaking to the root inevitably growing into and blocking the line.
- Sewage Smells: When a sewer line clogs, wastewater has nowhere to go. The same thing applies to its odors. You'll notice that the potent smell of raw sewage coming out of the sewer drain out.
If you have been experiencing any of these issues, turn off the water supply to your home and get in contact with us immediately.
Clearing a sewer line clog
While not every sewer line clog is the same and treatment can depend on the nature and location of the clog, here are some common sewer line clog solutions and treatment methods we use:
High-pressure jets
Our team uses a high-pressure water jet—similar to a pressure washer—to flush out the clog. In most cases, this pressure is enough to completely clear the line of grease clogs, tree roots, non-organic trash, and other buildup.
Specialized snake tools
Also known as an "auger," this thick snake tool is inserted into the sewer line. When it makes contact with the clog, the auger will begin to cut through it. A professional can then use the auger to completely remove the clog and other debris.
It's worth noting that store-bought drain cleaning products are rarely effective for sewer line clogs, and can cause long-term damage to your line.
We replace sewer lines
Depending on the damage to the line and the diagnosis of our plumber, we may recommend you replace, not repair, the sewer line. Our trenchless replacement process makes this far less costly or invasive as it used to be. Here's how sewer line replacement in Alexandria works:
Pipe lining
For this method, our team runs a smaller-diameter pipe inside of the sewer line, effectively using the existing line to "guide" the new one from the home to the municipal sewer. The old line remains in place, and intact parts of it offer additional protection for the new interior line.
Pipe bursting
This process uses a hydraulic "bursting head" to bust open the old pipe while the new pipe follows the exact path. This all happens underground, so there's no need for trenching. This allows a similar or larger diameter sewer line to be installed in place of the older one.
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Working with us means your peace of mind is guaranteed. If you're not satisfied with our sewer line unclogging, repair, or replacement service, let our team know. We'll make things right.
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Sponsored by:
Have an event to List?
Whether a race, special group ride, training opportunity, or cycling-related community event, the 303 calendar showcases it all. To have an event posted here please follow this link: Event Policy Submission & Guidelines
- This event has passed.
Copper Triangle
August 3, 2019
Event Navigation
Copper Mountain
We start high in the Rocky Mountains and only go up from there.
Based at Copper Mountain in the heart of the Rockies, the famous Copper Triangle is a Colorado classic. This road sportive is graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three climbs over 10,000 feet, each with a timed segment.
The 79-mile loop crests three Colorado mountain passes – Fremont Pass (elevation 11,318'), Tennessee Pass (10,424') and Vail Pass (10,662') for a total elevation gain of 6,500 feet.
Event details and registration here


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The below Child Care Services are seeking individuals for the positions as listed. Please contact them directly for more information about the role.
This is provided as a free service and as such Gold Star Child Care Training does not guarantee successful appointments or ongoing work. We encourage all parties to undergo appropriate measures before taking on staff.
- Bilingual By Five CBD
We're expanding and as such are hiring a number of educators in various roles. For more information about us visit our website or get in touch with your resume via email.
Contact Email – email@example.com
Contact Phone – 6277 0366
- Rossi Child Care Centre
Position Title: Qualified Educator
We require a Diploma Qualified Educator commencing Part time 5 days per week (1 full day and 5 half days) then working towards full days.
A vibrant, loving and genuine personality is a must.
Please forward resume and Working With Children Check to the attention of Teresa
Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
To add your available positions please complete the below form.
Vacancies are listed for 30 days unless otherwise notified.
Your posting will not automatically be added to the page, it will undergo a screening process by our staff before approval. You will receive a notification from our office once your posting is live.


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NOTICE: KOARI restarts to accept the order for JPN FC members from Nov. 13 noon.
Original source: http://www.jang-keunsuk.jp/2019_calendar/
'EVERY DAY, EVERY MOMENT' 2019 Jang Keun Suk Season Greeting official calendar goes on sale.
8 years have passed since Jang Keun Suk Japan official fan club started. In the past 8 years, he has released his first original single album 'Let me cry', and held THE CRI SHOW I~IV, ZIKZIN fes, GIFT fan meeting, etc… We decided to release a precious calendar, looking back to our precious memories.
Hundreds of shots that were taken for his previous calendars in 8 years are re-edited. Unseen shots that were taken by JKS himself are included in every month. In addition, his handwritten numbers are used for dates of the calendar!!
Furthermore, 2019 Jang Keun Suk season greeting consists of various items. Please look forward to getting them at hand!
*Description: Original box
– B5-sized desk calendar (with calendar case)
*Calendars of Japanese type and Korean one are different. But the design is the same.
– Original wooden calendar stand
– 2 sheets of file folder that are used unseen shots
– 2 pieces of photo cards that are used unseen shots
– Original key chain
*Price: 5,940 yen (including tax)
*Scheduled delivery date: the end of December (January 2019, the order accepted after Nov. 13)
*How to order:
They accept orders from JPN FC members first. If the stock is still available, they will start accepting the regular order.
*Currently the website says it's out of the stock, but KOARI restarts to accept the order for JPN FC members from Nov. 13 noon.
Reference: [Info] How to order JKS stuff from Koari.net (and other Japanese online shops)


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"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
Psalm 32:1
My God and refuge, who has paid the debt of my sin. You tell me that the blessed life is the forgiven life. It is the blessing of having a God express his grace by sending his own son to remove the sins of his people. Father, how I thank you for being that God, and Jesus, for being such a Savior who has made atonement for my willful and wicked transgression.
Lord Jesus, the Scriptures describe what you did on the cross as the bearing of a curse. You received my justice. You served my sentence. You paid my debt. And you have blessed me with an eternal grace that flows from your eternal love. Let me never take such a blessing for granted or consider it in any way secondary to what my flesh considers a blessing.
For my flesh sees the blessed life as the wealthy life. The successful life. The life filled with many possessions. And when others appear to have more, my heart grows jealous and filled with discontent. I covet and become cold to the spiritual blessings of the gospel. Why do I so often translate blessing in material and financial terms, when your Word warns against the love of possessions. As your word says, "It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
So may I remember that you were pierced for me! May I prize as priceless your precious, efficacious blood. You are the pearl of great price, and the gospel is my great possession. Promises for now and eternity. An inheritance kept in heaven that can never spoil or fade. Riches of grace to be bestowed forever. I am wealthy beyond the wildest imagination! Thank you Jesus! Give me eyes to see the practical significance of the blessed life that is covered by your atoning sacrifice, that has reconciled me to God and guaranteed blessing upon blessing, now and forever.
And Father, as one who has been forgiven, enable me, as one of the blessed, to be a blessing to others. I want to be one who forgives—one who pays down the debts of others against me. How I desire the ability to set others free, living as a conduit of grace for the praise of your glory. But this can only come from your indwelling Spirit. My flesh is still so strong in my heart. I find myself harboring grudges and growing in bitterness toward those who are my debtors. Yet Jesus, the prayer you taught me assumes that I, having been blessed with forgiveness, will be one who blesses others with forgiveness.
How I need more grace. I thank you that your blood has covered every single sin, especially the hardened places in my heart that are still slow to forgive. As you demonstrated on the cross, Jesus, forgiveness involves pain. It is not easy to forgive, for the price is high. It may be free for the recipient, but the cost is steep for the one who pays down the debt. That's why it is so hard, and why I think it is a supernaturally empowered gift that you give in order to let your grace flow from the cross, to me, and through me. But when the grace flows, there is joy in the blessing, as there was Jesus when you, for the joy set before you, endured the cross.
So Father, my prayer today is that, in being so richly, overwhelmingly blessed, I would be supernaturally empowered by your Holy Spirit to be a blessing by re-gifting forgiveness and passing on the blessed life.


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'Bleach' Stuns With Two Brand-New Trailers
It's here! After a long wait, Bleach has dropped another look at its live-action romp, and Warner Bros. Japan is stunning audiences worldwide with not one but TWO new trailers. You can check out the reels above and below!
As you can see, these new trailers contain a bevy of new footage. Above, the minute-long trailer shows Ichigo as a regular high school student - you know, save for the fact he sees ghosts. The orange-haired hero is seen wearing his usual grey uniform, but things change when he comes in contact with a woman wielding a sword. After Rukia comes into his life, Ichigo is left well-aware of the spirit world around him, and it falls to him to protect departed souls from beings known as Hollows.
These trailers also make a few reveals that fans won't want to miss. Orihime and Chad finally make a super-short appearance, and they are not along. Ichigo's parents also show up, and Kisuke Urahara makes his debut with his trademark hat in place.
The live-action Bleach adaptation releases July 20 in Japan and released its first full trailer awhile back. The film will adapt the first arc of the series, the "Substitute Shinigami" arc. The current cast includes Sota Fukushi as Ichigo Kurosaki and Hana Sugisaki as Rukia Kuchiki is MIYAVI, who will play Byakuya Kuchiki Ryou Yoshizawa, as Uryuu Ishida, and Taichi Saotome as Renji Abarai.
For those unfamiliar with Tite Kubo's Bleach, the series follows the young delinquent Ichigo Kurosaki, who had the ability to see spirits. He soon obtains the power of a Soul Reaper - one meant to usher lost souls to the afterlife - and now has the duty to defend the living world from monstrous dark spirits known as Hollows.
The manga was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2016, and was collected into 74 volumes. It has been adapted into English thanks to VIZ Media, and has sold over 900 million copies in Japan. The series was adapted into an anime by Studio Pierrot from 2004 to 2012, and has four feature-length animations, rock musicals, video games, and a ton of other merchandise.
How are you feeling about this live-action adaptation so far? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @MeganPetersCB to talk all things comics, k-pop, and anime!


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Information for QUEST Students
Thank you for taking Mechanics of Materials by distance education.
Do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns about the lecture presentation,
camera operation, or any other matter about the lecture delivery.
If you need to contact me, I can be reached by phone or e-mail. Feel
free to use any or all of these forms of communication. If I get an e-mail
from you about course policy or homework, I may also send it to other
distance education students. Please let me know if you do not want your message or your
e-mail address forwarded.
The distance-learning program presents unique challenges for instructors and
students of Mechanics of Materials. The program is designed to incorporate some flexibility
into the scheduling of exams and due dates of homework for off-campus students that have
full-time jobs or serve in the military.
A Note on Deadlines
Successful past AEM 250 distance education students have always maintained a very disciplined schedule
for completing homework assignments and taking examinations. Additionally, I will be re-assigned to other
duties after the on-campus semester has ended. Therefore, I will set very deadlines for completing
homework sets and taking exams for distance education students.
Mechanics of Materials is a homework intensive course. It will be important
for you to keep up with regular homework assignments. The grader will grade your homework.
Homework can be turned in through BlackBoard Learn.
The distance education program is intended to be flexible, but my past experience with
the distance education program is that I must establish certain critical dates in order for
the course to come to a reasonable completion date.
The distance education course policy for AEM 250 is as follows:All hour exams must be completed and returned to me within one week
of the on-campus exam date. A grade of zero will be assigned for exams
not returned by this time unless other arrangements have been made.
All homework due before each exam must be received before the QUEST
student takes the exam, otherwise a grade of zero will be recorded
for the missing homework assignments.
The final exam and all course assignments must be completed by January 10th
for fall semester students, and by May 15th for spring semester students.
If you have difficulty meeting these deadlines or have extenuating circumstances,
please contact me as soon as possible.
I will mail the exam to the Distance Education office and they will make it available to your
proctor before the opening of the exam. You can make arrangements to take the exam at your convenience within the week.
If the course is not completed after the on-campus final exams are completed, I
must record a grade of I (incomplete). This will be changed after your final
exam is taken, graded, and recorded.
Help with Homework
The distance education experience relies heavily on the determination and motivation of the individual
distance education student. I can provided only limited one-on-one help with homework problems by email or
telephone. Typical class sizes for an on-campus section of AEM 250 is 150 students.
The number of distance education students enrolled in AEM 250 is typically 20. Hence, I have only
a limited amount of direct contact time to spend with students.
I make extensive use of the Tegrity video system for my class. I have worked out many of the homework problems
on video. If you have a question about a problem that I have not already worked, please send me a request to
work the problem.
Phone Calls
Distance education students may call on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and speak to
me personally regarding AEM 250. If at all possible, these phone calls should
be made between 11:00--11:30 am.
Students should continue working other problems or other assignments until
the questions have been answered.
The use of E-mail for homework questions is encouraged. E-mail me anytime.
I will make every effort to reply on the next Monday, Wednesday, or Friday or sooner, if possible.
The distance education exam proctoring policy is reproduced below. I will use "paper" based exams for AEM 250.
Regular exams are 90 minutes long and the final exam is 2 1/2 hours long.
Hello Students,
You are enrolled in a course that requires proctored exams. Exams for this course are paper. Students taking paper exams
must utilize a community proctor or test in Academic Outreach Student Services. Local or main campus UA students
must test in Academic Outreach Student Services or at an instructor approved designated lab on campus. No local
off-site proctors will be approved for campus and local students.
Proctor information is contained in each course, either on the course syllabus or course schedule. You may obtain additional
proctor information by clicking the following link: Proctor Information
Please review the Community Proctor Selection information before selecting a community proctor. Students should provide
community proctors with a full list of exam dates at the beginning of the semester, in order to determine any time conflicts.
It is the student's responsibility to make alternate arrangements if the proctor is not available for scheduled exams.
Students are required to present two forms of ID to the proctor. One form must be pictured (driver's license), and the
other form of ID presented must bear the same name as the pictured ID.
Students using a community proctor must complete the proctor form. The form is found on the proctor information page.
It is important that you obtain an accurate email address for the proctor. You will have to enter the email address on the proctor form.
Once you complete the form and click submit, the form goes directly to the proctor. You should follow up with your proctor
to ensure the form was received. The proctor will complete their portion and submit the form to us.
Students testing in Academic Outreach Testing Services are required to have two forms of ID. One of these forms must be an
Action Card. Students must present a current Action Card in order to check-in for testing. Academic Outreach testing hours are
listed at the bottom. Students must call to schedule exams at least 48 hours in advance. Exam scheduling is only done from
8am-4:45pm Monday through Friday. Please call (205) 348-0089 or 800-467-0227.
Please note that during finals week, only the last exam in a course may be scheduled. No make-ups, retests, etc. may
be scheduled during finals week in Academic Outreach Testing Services.
NOTE: In the event of University closure due to severe weather, Academic Outreach Testing Services will also be closed.
If you have an exam scheduled on the day of a University closure, you will need to reschedule your exam when the University reopens.
• Academic Outreach Student Services (No Form Required)
• A two- or four-year college that has a testing services area (Form Required)
• A public library (Form Required)
* Military students stationed outside of the U.S. may use a commissioned officer, if no other
proctoring options are available. Must provide proof of deployment.
** Additional charges may be incurred for proctoring services depending upon the location/method selected. All fees associated
with exam proctoring are the responsibility of the student.
***Students testing in the ODS Services Office must complete a proctor form in order to have information sent to ODS Services for testing.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies.


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"Turkey's Kurdish conflict is becoming more violent, with more than 700 dead in fourteen months, the highest casualties in thirteen years," concluded the International Crisis Group, a conflict resolution organization that has extensively researched Turkey's war with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK.
"We're seeing the longest pitched battles between the army and the PKK, we're seeing a wide-spread campaign of kidnapping, suicide bombings and terrorist attacks by the PKK. They're very much on the offensive and unfortunately this is matched by much harder line rhetoric on both sides," added Hugh Pope, the chief author of the International Crisis Group report, in an interview with CNN.
115 Kurdish rebels killed in 14 days
Last weekend alone, at least eight Turkish police officers and four soldiers were killed in two separate ambushes in southeastern Turkey. The PKK promptly claimed responsibility for both attacks.
The Turkish government, meanwhile, claims to have killed hundreds of PKK fighters in recent months, both in operations in southeastern, predominantly Kurdish-populated Turkey and during air raids against suspected PKK camps in the mountains of northern Iraq.
"Within the last month, in the operations executed throughout the region, about 500 terrorists were eliminated," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech Monday. "We will on the one hand develop Turkey and on the other hand continue to tirelessly struggle against this terrorist organization that has bloody hands."
The escalation of violence and hard-line rhetoric on both sides has jeopardized hopes of bringing an end to a conflict that has bedeviled Turkey for 30 years. It also threatens to destabilize a member of the NATO military alliance that is already grappling with the influx of more than 80,000 refugees fleeing the civil war in neighboring Syria.
For decades, the Turkish state discriminated against the Kurds, Turkey's largest ethnic minority, which now makes up roughly 20% of the population. The Kurdish language was banned, and Kurds were long referred to as "mountain Turks."
The PKK, led by one of its founders, Abdullah Ocalan, launched a bloody campaign to carve out an independent homeland for Kurds from Turkey, as well as neighboring Iran, Iraq and Syria, in the 1980s. The conflict killed more than 30,000 people, most of them ethnic Kurds.
The war that raged across southeastern Turkey subsided when the PKK declared a unilateral cease-fire for several years after Ocalan was captured in 1999.
In 2005, Erdogan's government began secret talks with PKK leaders.
His Justice and Development Party, or AKP, also made a number of overtures toward the Kurds, relaxing bans on Kurdish language education, appearing to apologize for past discriminatory policies and launching a state Kurdish-language TV station.
"The AKP government actually did more for the Kurds than anyone up until now," Pope said. "[But] when a wave of massive arrests of legitimate Kurdish politicians began, that's when I think young people especially lost hope and the PKK's arguments for the legitimacy of armed struggle became persuasive to them."
Turkish authorities have arrested thousands of Kurdish activists, intellectuals and politicians in the past several years. Many of those targeted are members of the Peace and Democracy Party, or BDP, a legal Kurdish political party that elected 29 members to parliament on independent ballots in 2011.
According to this month's International Crisis Group report, those arrested "include elected deputies, mayors (some from major cities and districts), provincial councilors, party officials and ordinary activists. Many have been accused of membership in a terrorist organization, but not of committing any violent act."
Last week, 44 journalists


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Mark Phooi
Mark Phooi is undoubtedly one of Singapore's most accomplished design entrepreneurs who has worked his way up from a one-man operation in 1989, to CEO of First Media Group.
FM Group was one of Singapore's largest locally owned communications group with over 15 design studios spread across seven Asian markets. It was awarded the Enterprise 50 Start-Up Award in 2005.
In 2006, Mark is also the only designer in Singapore to win the Top Entrepreneurs of the Year Award organised by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and the Rotary Club of Singapore.
In the same year, he founded First Media Design School, which advocates teaching of design management and designpreneurship using his 'tried and tested' teaching methodology. Over the past decades, he has personally groomed more than 50 designpreneurs.
FMDS is headquartered in Singapore, and has operations in Jakarta, Surabaya, Manila, Davao, Cebu and Ho Chi Min City.
In March 2013, Mark published his biography titled 'Think like a Sage, Work like a Fool, Act like a Criminal.'
Mark also holds a Master's degree in design from University of New South Wales, Australia.
Alce Patricia
Alce Patricia graduated with a distinction in Master of Graphic Design (Distinction) from the University of Hertfordshire – School of Creative Arts.
Recognised for her outstanding academic performance, Alce was awarded the Vice Chancellor's Scholarship. Alce's passion for typography and semiotic design have landed her with prominent corporate design projects, namely Citibank, Tiffany & Co, FujiFilm just to name a few.
Her current research into temporal authorship explores the transformation of reading experience in digital media, and the extent to which virtual typographic forms mimic the properties of physical objects and texts.
She currently teaches Design Theory, Principles of Layout, Ideas Generation, Design Thinking and Experimental Design at the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree levels.
David Foo Choon Yong
David graduated with a Master in Design from UNSW, soon after graduating from his Bachelors of Graphic Design from Curtin University, Australia. He is also a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and accredidited in Whole Brain Technology, Herrmann International.
For nearly 20 years, David was a board of Director for various organisations and was engaged to assist in start ups, mergers and expansions. As a highly experienced group creative director, he specializes in design related topics using innovative and out of the box delivery methods.
Hailed as an engaging speaker, company directors, professors, scientists, lawyers, managers and students from Asia Pacific countries benefit from his self-created training programs on Creativity and The Whole Brain Preference.
Dr. Yasser Mattar
He is currently the Academic Quality Manager at First Media Academy. As part of his current portfolio, he oversees courseware development in the Academy, as well as manages the internship projects that the Learners at the Academy undertake.
Prior to joining First Media Academy, Yasser was involved in many learning and development projects. He was part of the team that created the inaugural Singapore Armed Forces "game-based learning" project entitled "Decisive Combat".
He also led the team from to train Business Advisors in the former SPRING Singapore in entrepreneurship, marketing and other business-related subjects. He has also trained lecturers from Batam Polytechnic in pedagogy. As a former academic, he has published thirteen internationally peer-reviewed journal articles.
Felix Oking
Felix has more than 15 years of professional spear-heading various projects ranging from exhibition, event, ATL/BTL marketing, web and system development for the local and global scene. Prior to joining first Media Academy, he was running his own web development company with customers from various SMEs and MNCs. He later moved on to overseeing the quality control and assurance of Academic & IT department through the implementation of ISO 9001:2015 and Edutrust GD3.0.
He brings with him extensive industry knowledge in subjects such as: design fundamental, design management, entrepreneurship and project management.
Moses Simon
A digital psychologist with over 10 years of career success.
Moses Was trained directly at Facebook in Dublin Ireland for Digital Marketing and has successfully coached over 400 people on Digital Marketing including Directors, Business Owners and even a 76-year-old man.
He has also aided major companies such as BMW, Google, SingTel, Starbucks and many more with their Digital Marketing queries.
Moses is categorized with 1% of the population as "gifted" based on a Neuropsychological Bell Curve (IPI Certified IQ above 130).
Zack Chia
Zack holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Business Management from Edinburgh Napier University, UK.
He has more than 10 years of designing and advertising experiences, of which he held senior creative positions with several MNCs agencies in Singapore.
As a lecturer, Zack is highly enthusiastic and connect well with his students.
In the past years, Zack has ventured into other aspects of Design, namely User Experience and User Interface Design, and is currently working with tech startups in the field of UI/UX.
Christopher Seow
Christopher graduated with a Master of Communication Design from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
As a veteran practising designer and educator in the creative industry for more than 20 years, Chris has been instrumental in guiding and nurturing many of his students to become established designers.
An excellent lecturer with in-depth industry experience, Chris is actively involved in the local design community. He is well-liked and respected by all his students for his patience, extensive industry knowledge and vast industry network.
Jean S.
Jean obtained her Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting) at LASALLE College of the Arts in 1995 and obtained her Degree in Fine Arts (Painting) with Distinction in 1996 at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Jean's strong background in Print Design has been built over the years through her freelance projects since 1998. Jean's works range from complex projects of graphic and communication parameters, such as editorial design, publication, branding, packaging, pop, brochure, print ads to wall mural painting, fine arts drawings and life drawings.
Jean is equipped with a comprehensive knowledge in the areas of graphic design and is passionate about Design and the Arts. Jean's diverse teaching experience started in 2004 and she is equipped with great enthusiasm to share her industry experiences with her students. She firmly believes that every student can learn the artistic language for self-expression. Jean is also experienced in designing various types of curricula to suit each student's individual learning requirement and style.
Christopher Cheng
Christopher graduated from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Master in Architecture.
As an entrepreneur and educator, Chris has choked up an impressive strings of professional experiences in architectural and designing works covering digital modelling, simulation, event facilitation and brand activation events.
He currently manages his architecture and design studio practices. As an educator, Chris is a resourceful and patient lecturer.


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Speed Figures
8:15 Wolverhampton
First Dance
Though beaten a long way at Newcastle last time out, it was a real hot race which was run in a impressive time. This is a drop in grade and with the step up in trip likely to suit rates the one on the clock they have to beat.
Published on: Dec 1, 2018 @ 11:14


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Socrates said in regards to writers and poets, "that it was not wisdom that enabled them to write, but a kind of instinct or inspiration such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean."
This wisdom from Socrates could surely be applied to many screen writers and novelist of today who's works overtime have proven to be glimpses of the future or revelations of issues today.
Consider the 1967 movie "Guess who's coming to dinner"
This movie is about a young white American female who while living in Hawaii falls in love and becomes engaged to a young black man who will soon return to African to continue some innovative work he begun there before coming to The University of Hawaii.
Doesn't this story sound very familiar to the story told by the 44th president of the USA Barack Obama about the courtship of his parents that resulted in marriage and his birth in 1961.
Did the writers of "Guess who's coming to Dinner" script this movie based on Obamas's parents or is it just a huge coincidence?
The parallels between the young couple of the movie and Obama parents are striking. Even the look of the actors, Sidney Poitier and Katharine Houghton who played the interracial couple look very similar to Obama Parents.
In the movie the couple met at the University of Hawaii where the young black man was working . In real life, Obama Parents also met at the University of Hawaii.
In the film, the young lady was from the San Francisco Bay area in California, Barack Obama's mother before moving to Kansas was also raised in the San Francisco Bay Area while her father went to school at Berkeley.
The movie portrayed the young white lady as a liberal thinker who was taught by her parents to be open minded and a free thinker. This same personality that was portrayed by the young lady in the movie has often been the way many have given account of the personality of Obama's mother Ann Dunham.
In the movie the young black man was portrayed as an ambitions intellectual who was planning to return to Africa to launch innovative programs that could improve health. Obama's father, Barack Obama Sr. did return to Africa where his innovative ideas brought him into direct conflict with the then president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta.
If those parallels don't convince you this was a movie prophesizing that Obama would become president, watch this following scene from the movie in which the young lady's father is questioning his future son in-law about their future children.
Now do you think its too presumptuous to say the 44th President of the USA is the fuFILMent of "Guess who's coming to dinner"??
It makes you wonder just how many other movies have contained prophetic utterances that have already been fulfilled in our current realities and social situations.
Lets just hope and pray all the Alien and Apocalyptic Films are written by False Prophets who prophesy to us "false visions and delusions of their own minds"
Enjoy your summer movie going experience!
Tags: Ann Dunham, Barack Obama Senior, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Katharine Houghton, Obama Parents, Obama Prophecies, Sidney Poitier, University of Hawaii


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How To Pack The Ultimate Men's Dopp Kit
The ability to abruptly adapt to situational changes is an extremely useful skill to have while abroad. As a result, any man would be remiss to not be in possession of a suitably equipped dopp kit for their journeys. This is why all savvy male travelers should preemptively assemble a compact collection of essential masculine supplies.
Exemplary foresight is demonstrated by an organized dopp kit, and its presence can stave off severe aggravations that less prepared travelers will have to confront. By placing all of the following tools into your luggage, as a man you will never have to face the stress of unexpected traveling complications; instead, you can be able to calmly handle any sudden scenario. An ideal arrangement should be personalized based on your own individual needs.
As well, not that it's encouraged for this specific reason, but it's common for some men to keep a dopp kit in their vehicle to freshen up before going back home the next morning. Perhaps you've heard about men having an affair or trying to swindle their way out of being caught by their girlfriend after spending the night out with another woman.
The best way they keep their secret is with a convenient dopp kit. But regardless of what your intentions are, good or bad, having a dopp kit stocked with the essentials will serve you well in all types of situations. So take a glance at a handful of our dopp kit essentials and start building your own bag's collection.
Men's Dopp Kit Essentials: Starting With The Bag Itself
First of all, you'll need a dopp kit to begin with, but there are a few things to keep in mind before picking one up. An easily accessible compartment is the most important aspect of an efficient dopp kit. Functionality is always the most vital characteristic of owning this bag. It can be subtly stylish, but the bag should not stand out or provoke extra unwanted attention. Ostentatious baggage detracts from the dopp kit's sleekly discrete purpose of fluidly progressing operations from behind the scenes.
Therefore, this masculine bag should emphasize portability, and the structural design must contain a variety of easily navigable compartments. Because let's face it, you certainly don't want your toiletries spilling out and splashing around inside your bag, nor would you want a fancy design comparable to a women's makeup bag.
A good choice is the Herschel Chapter Travel Kit, which has a masculine design and is compact while being big enough to fit your toothbrush, shampoo, shaving gear and deodorant etc.
1. Shampoo And Pomade
The quickest way to correct the harried appearance of long-distance travel is to fix your manly hair. Often times, hotel toiletries are sub-par, and their selections can be incompatible with one's personal cleaning regimen.
Unfamiliar hair products have the potential to wreak havoc on the scalp, especially when it is already being subjected to foreign conditions. As a consequence, it is wise to select a travel-size variety of shampoo that one is already acquainted with, plus your favorite hair gel or pomade.
Men's Dopp Kit Hair Care Recommendations: Best Pomade For Men, Best Shampoo For Men
2. Body Wash Or Soap Bar
Hygiene is always necessary when the body is being exposed to different environmental conditions while traveling. Bars of soap cannot always withstand long-term storage, so a body wash is often a safer choice for men with rugged exploration tendencies. If air travel is incorporated into one's route, then make sure the container complies with the national security regulations that limit liquid quantities on flights.
Men's Dopp Kit Body Cleaning Recommendations: Best Body Wash For Men
3. Lint Roller
A sharp demeanor can easily be presented in a hurry by brushing off a suit with a lint roller. Even if the transition between locations is exhausting, a man's attire does not have to be worn out like him. This item will cultivate fresh appearances within an instant.
4. Deodorant
Unfortunately, unpleasant scents can accumulate during extended trips. This can detract from the experience of everyone around, which could make a man very unpopular. Forgetting deodorant is an ultimate display of unflattering uncouthness, and this can make it impossible for a man to impress anyone. Similarly, overly strong antiperspirant can be nauseating.
Men's Dopp Kit Deodorant Recommendations: Best Deodorant For Men
5. Razor, Shaving Cream and Aftershave
Traveling has a tendency to dishevel people, but professional men cannot afford unkempt appearances. A well-rounded set of shaving supplies will guarantee that suave professionalism is maintained. To avoid organizational disorder, minimalism is recommended in this realm.
Men's Dopp Kit Shaving Recommendations: Best Shaving Cream For Men, Best Aftershave For Men
6. Dental Floss, Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Foreign cuisine that is atypical to one's standard diet can have unpredictable oral ramifications. With this in mind, it is necessary to have dental care supplies handy at all times. Every man should do their best to avoid bad breath wherever they travel.
7. Protection
Special encounters can happen any time, and every man should plan for this in advance. True gentlemanliness is displayed by a classy compartment for protection that is accessible at a moment's notice. The supply should be continuously refreshed to avoid expiration.
8. Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Travel can take a toll on the skin's health. A man should never haphazardly risk his complexion. Sometimes, the damage of unpreparedness can be irreversible. A lack of lotion can lead to harsh rashes, and increased sun exposure can generate skin cancer without sunscreen. Plus it's always comforting to know that if you hit the pool or beach as you'll always be prepared, of course as long as you remember your swimsuit. No longer will you have to waste extra sunshine time trying to track down a local shop that sells sunscreen.
Men's Dopp Kit Skin Care Recommendations: Best Moisturizer For Men, Best Skincare For Men
9. Lip Balm
Chapped lips can diminish any man's stature. Dryness should be actively combated. Lip balm ensures comfort, collectedness and cordiality.
10. Contact Lenses and Glasses
One of the worst things that can happen to a man while traveling is accidental blindness incurred by misplaced eye care equipment. Spare contacts should be packed with ample solution. An extra pair of glasses is also advised.
11. Nail Clippers
The hands can take a shockingly brutal toll from going far distances. Fortunately, they can always be toned back into a presentable shape with a simple pair of nail clippers.
12. Band-aids and Medicine
Basic first aid supplies can prevent serious issues from arising during a trip. A handful of over the counter medicines can treat sudden injuries or allergies, while Imodium can prevent indigestion caused by unfamiliar foods. In case of cuts or punctures, disinfectants should also be stored.
13. Safety Pins
Almost any basic fashion malfunction can be remedied by safety pins. A man can wittily employ them in a variety of situations to correct otherwise troublesome clothing issues. A small supply of these devices can correct torn fabric and faulty gadgetry.
14. Spare Cash
This simple act of preparation can promote seamlessness in any kind of excursion. Stowing away cash in separate areas will reduce the ruinous effects of loss or robbery. Extra bills should always be stashed in quick reach, because you never know when you might drop your wallet hopping out a taxi cab.
15. Cologne and Fragrance
For business trips, chances are you're going to get invited to an after conference party or dinner, which is exactly why you should keep some cologne in your dopp kit. Or perhaps you may even meet that special woman while out on the town, but if you plan on attracting her in the first place, make sure you have a way to smell good in the first place. As is the case regardless if you're at home or on the road, every man should have a signature fragrance and scent.
However for your dopp kit, remember you don't necessarily have to buy a second bottle of expensive cologne. A tip to keep in mind is that you can always pick up some samples at the department store and stash a few in your dopp kit. Their smaller sizes also means you can pack more of your favorites inside without taking up too much room.
Men's Dopp Kit Cologne Recommendations: Best Cologne For Men
+ Other Noteable Items Worth Adding To Your Dopp Kit
Consider adding any of the following: Cotton Swabs, chewing gum and mints, tweezers, hand sanitizer, and Tide To-Go stain remover pens.
Final Remarks On How To Pack The Ultimate Men's Dopp Kit
Regardless of a trip's nature, these fundamental accommodations can revolutionize the capacity to travel with maximum convenience. These cases of gear originated during World War II, but their intrinsic utility allowed them to become a permanent asset for all modern men.
Packing a dopp kit is a remarkably easy process that completely eliminates traveling mishaps. So give it some consideration and put together a dopp kit for some much needed peace of mind while traveling.


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The U.S. looks set to quit a missile treaty with Russia after the latter failed to agree to destroy a nuclear-capable missile which is said to be banned under a decades-old agreement.
A meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels on Friday broke up without agreement between Moscow and NATO's 29 member countries.
Russia has said it will not comply with a February 2 deadline to destroy the missile, which is called the SSC-8 by NATO.
The missile is thought to be able to carry nuclear weapons at medium range and with short notice, thereby threatening European cities.
At Davos on Thursday, the secretary general of NATO warned that the new missile from Russia not only breaks a treaty with the U.S. but also lowers the bar for the use of nuclear weapons.
In October, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will end its 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, accusing Moscow of violating its terms by developing the missile that contravenes the agreement.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Jens Stoltenberg agreed:
"Russia is in violation of that treaty. They have developed and deployed new missiles which are mobile, hard to detect, have a short warning time and they are therefore reducing the threshold for the use of any nuclear weapons," he said.
The INF Treaty between the U.S. and Russia sought to eliminate nuclear and conventional missiles, as well as their launchers, with short ranges (310–620 miles) and intermediate ranges (620–3,420 miles).
Stoltenberg said NATO would do what it could to help preserve the INF treaty but his military commanders were already looking into the consequences of Russia's new weapon and how it would need to be opposed.
"This is really serious and we have to do this in a measured and responsible way." he said.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Tuesday that aims to stop Trump from withdrawing from NATO following his concerns that other members are not paying enough.
Stoltenberg said he saw evidence that other countries were now stepping up efforts to provide the biggest reinforcement in NATO since the end of the Cold War.
"NATO allies have added $41 billion defense spending and by next year it will be $100 billion so European allies and Canada are really stepping up," he claimed.
Speaking at the annual forum earlier on Thursday, German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen told CNBC that her country's military spend was coming from a very low base but was continuously rising.
"After (German) reunification, we all thought peace was dominating and we all cut back on our armed forces. German armed forces were at the absolute lowest level five years ago when I came into office," she said.
Germany is expected to spend around 1.5 percent of its budget on defense by 2024. Von Der Leyen said that figure would represent an 80 percent increase from 2014. The minister argued that it would be misleading to focus on defense commitment solely by the percentage of a country's growth.
"It is a matter of outcome, of capabilities. We are the only continental country that are protecting and reassuring our Baltic friends. We are the second largest troop contributor to NATO and Afghanistan," she added.
Von Der Leyen said NATO is "the strongest mightiest military alliance we have" but could not be expected to deal with every regional issue.


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Respeck Birdman Mask - Perfect for Halloween, Costume Party Mask, Masquerades, Parties, Festivals, Concerts - Jumbo Size Waterproof Laminated Mask
Backstory: One of the biggest hip hop moguls today, he's the original Cash Money Billionaire. His New Orleans upbringing equipped him with a slang that helped him create his own lane. When he's not rapping solo or as one half of the Big Tymers with Mannie Fresh, he's running Cash Money Records which is home to Nicki Minaj, Drizzy Drake, and his "son" Lil Wayne. These days he's known for demanding his Respeck at morning radio shows such as Power 105's The Breakfast Club. Some know him by his government name Brian Williams, others by his pigeon feeding pseudonym, Birdman aka Baby. His jewelry is the reason Blind Kanye went blind.
🎭JUMBO SIZED FUNNY MASK - at 12 inches tall and 9 inches wide, our masks are big enough for the whole room to stare
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👀INCLUDES EYEHOLES - precisely & discreetly cut so you can see them but they can't see you
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🤩DON'T JUST WEAR THE CELEBRITY, BECOME THE CELEBRITY - Going to a concert, festival or Halloween party? Make to sure to demand some RESPECK as the Cash Money Billionaire hisself. Are we finished or are we done?
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The Party Animal
Let's get personal – weddings, parties, anything
Celebrations or commiserations – we humans love to do it all in groups, and nothing pulls together a gathering like a good speech.
Regardless of the event, be it a birthday, wedding, baby shower, divorce party or funeral, we want our speakers to connect the audience, stir our emotions, rouse our imaginations and, most importantly, honor our reason for gathering.
If you think about it then, speaking at an event is kind of a big deal…or it should be.
Sure, you can jump up on stage, stumble through a few lines of celebration/thank yous/condolences, get heckled by your brother-in-law, laugh it off and slink away to the bar afterwards…but why would you?
Life may be short, but you don't want to spend it being known as the person who gave 'that' awkward/nerve wracking/cringe-worthy/wildly inappropriate/long winded speech.
No, siree.
That is not an awesome way to live out your life on this mortal coil.
But, here's the thing. You don't have to be that person.
In fact, you're NOT that person (I promise).
Whether you've been tapped on the shoulder to deliver a toast or you're the one being 'toasted' we can work together to ensure you are calm, cool and collected while presenting a speech that:
- embraces the moment
- honours the occasion and
- knocks the socks off anyone who is listening.
Maybe, just maybe, we'll even silence that heckling brother-in-law of yours.
To make an impact that will have you remembered for all the right reasons, contact me today.