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Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited's ManagementWho is involved in the daily control?
The Management Profile
The bank has a tested and proven five member Management Team involved in the day-to-day management of the Bank, they include the following:
Kanu Okoronkwo Ijeomanta - Managing Director
Mr. Kanu has over eighteen years banking experience with a strong background in Credit and Marketing, Branch Management and Relationship Management. He started his banking career with Savannah Bank Plc. as a Management Trainee. From 1991 - 1996, he joined Commerce Bank Ltd. and served as Officer (Operations), Assistant Manager (Credit and Marketing), and later Deputy Manager (Inspection and Control). He moved to Manny Bank Plc. in 2000 and later in 2007 he joined First City Monument Bank Plc. where he left for private practice.
Mr. Kanu is a minister of God with the Redeemed Christian Church of God. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a Justice of Peace. He is an Alumnus of Imo State University, Owerri where he bagged a B.Sc (Hons) in Management and MBA in Banking and Finance.
Ndubuisi Emmanuel Agba Ogwo - Manager/Head (Credit & Marketing)
Mr. Ogwo has over twelve years banking experience with a good background in Administration, Human Resources, Relationship Management, Credit and Marketing. He started his banking career with the defunct Hallmark Bank Plc.
Mr. Ogwo has also worked with Abia State University, Uturu between 1987 - 1992, from where he joined Hallmark Bank Plc. While in Abia State University, he was Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union, Abia State University Branch. He is an Alumnus of Abia State University, Uturu where he obtained a B.Sc (Hons) in Government & Public Administration. He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics. Before joining Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited, he worked briefly with Swift Microfinance Bank Ltd., Aba from 2008 - 2009.
Igwe Boniface Eke - Ag. Head of Operations
Mr. Igwe is a graduate of Economics with second class honours from the Abia State University, Uturu. He started his banking career with Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited as a Marketing Officer from 2010 to December 2012 when he was appointed the Acting Head of Operations. Before joining Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited, he worked with various Microfinance Institutions in Aba.
Ogbonnaya Samuel Eze - Head, Risk Management/Loan Recovery
Mr. Ogbonnaya is a 2006 graduate of Microbiology with a B.Sc second class honours, Upper Division. He is a target driven banker who has also worked as Head of Operations with the Bank. Prior to joining Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited he was a Mathematics teacher in D-NALS Secondary School, Aba. in 2007, he acquired training on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises after his National Youth Service.
Mr. Ogbonnaya is a trained Computer Analyst and has worked as a Computer Engineer with Abia State GSM and Components Association, Aba. He is an Alumnus os Abia State Universiyu, Uturu.
Chesa Nkemakolam Uko - Head, Internal Control
Mr. Chesa is a 2006 graduate of Public Administration with a B.Sc second class honours from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He started his banking career with Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited as a Marketing Officer from 2009 - 2011, when he was appointed the Internal Control Officer; a job he has performed creditably till date. Before joining Merchants Microfinance Bank Limited, he worked with various Microfinance Institutions. He also worked with some NGOs before joining the Bank. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. Mr. Chesa has interest in writting and has two unpublished books in his kitty.


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Where mercy prevails there is no need for sacrifices. Men can be expected to behave like animals, devouring and robbing their neighbors, often in the name of nobility and rightness.
Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.Hosea 6:1
He himself tears up Israel and will heal her. Forget that line-up that says human behaviour leads to indictment and justice. God takes responsibility for ripping Israel to pieces.
Israel's flaky goodness
Hosea 6:4
O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.
The score so far: shaped by the prophets and put to death by Yahweh's words.
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Judgments are like light that exits (and does not return?). Hosea 6:5
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. Hosea 6:6-7
Dysfunction in surprising places
Gilead appears in the prophets as a place for healing, agricultural abundance, and animal farming, but here Gilead is indicted as the HQ for murder and theft by the priests.
Hosea 6:8-9
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.
Compare this prophetic word in Hosea with the life-giving words of Yeshua. Behold the mercy extended to all humans! Compare a thousand years of animal sacrifices with the day the Lamb of God laid down his life, and behold mercy's dismantling of the sacrificial system (May. 27:51). Compare the death of sinners under Moses (Hebrews 10:28, 2 Cor. 3:19) with Yeshua's refusal to condemn the guilty (John 8:11, 3:17) and behold the priority of mercy.
Mercy not killing
Human judgment cannot be trusted with questions of the life and death of human beings. The record shows that we will accuse and condemn innocent people when given the chance. It is not a human trait to forgive offence and we have not stood with God in his demand for mercy. The day of Pentecost confirms that mercy is king and sacrifice has left the building.

subset: commoncrawl


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We support SME in Singapore to help them grow with Expansion Business Loan
All business needs cashflow to generate revenue. If you need help with a short term cashflow support, we will help you
If your business is affected by COVID-19, we are here to help with a short term business loan of up to SGD250,000
Affinity Financial Services Pte Ltd
60 Paya Lebar Road, #06-47 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Affinity Financial Services Limited
Room 211, 2/F, Alpha House, 27-33 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hongkong
828838号 张杨路华都大厦26楼浦东新区 陆家嘴上海 中国
Affinity Financial Services Pty Ltd
2058 Level 2161 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
Affinity Financial Services Pte Ltd (AFS) UEN No. 201733228N is a company incorporated under the laws of Singapore which is exempted from holding a license under the Moneylenders Act (Chapter 188). AFS offer Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore with fast, easy and hassle-free business loan. All funds collected unless expressly stated, shall be made under the "small offers exemption" as prescribed under section 272A or "private placement exemption" as prescribed under section 272B of the SFA, and is not made in or accompanied by a prospectus that is registered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. All data available on this website is strictly for information purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer, solicitation, invitation, advice or recommendation on our part to buy or sell any securities or other capital markets product or financial services. We make no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the accuracy, completeness or quality of any information on this website. Users of this website are advised to seek independent financial, tax and legal advice or make such independent investigations as appropriate in connection with their use of this website. Clients are advised to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy carefully. If you have any concerns or further queries about how we are handling your personal data or queries regarding the said Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, please contact our Data Protection Officer at +65 6909 9108.
©2020 Affinity Financial Services. All Rights Reserved.


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Panic Index Spikes around Coronavirus Stimulus Package
The Panic Index has more than doubled around the topic of the $2 Trillion coronavirus bill, increasing day-over-day from 41 to 90. The surge in panic is driven by the public's anxiety around procedural issues reported during the legislation process. Concerns include the length of the process in general and the fact that four to five senators were unable to vote because of self-quarantine.
It will be interesting to see the public's emotional attitude towards the bill once approved by Congress and signed by the President.
About us
Cognovi Labs is an emotion and behavioral analytics company that fuses machine learning with psychology to measure specific emotions from the public and predict consumer behavior. Its products are geared toward corporations, investment firms, creative agencies and media.
Cognovi Labs' raw data is available through Bloomberg Access Point, Battlefin Ensemble and directly from the company. Our EVENT IMPACT APP, which measures the potential consumer impact from a company-related event, is available on the Bloomberg terminal at APPS COGNOVI <GO>. For bespoke research and questions, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com or cognovilabs.com.
Copyright © 2020 Cognovi Labs. All rights reserved.


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Phone: 712-209-4452
Email: email@example.com
Sub Genres: Alternative metal Punk
Pop Punk band based out of Ames/Des Moines. We enjoy long walks on the beach and destroying peoples faces with our raucous melodies and high energy performances. We have been fortunate to play with Hawthorne Heights, Black Tide, Adelitas Way, Bad Seed Rising, Texas Hippie Coalition, and members of Candlebox. Justin Kunkel - Guitar/Lead Vox Rudy Miller - Lead Guitar Justin Booth - Drums/Vox Nolan Adair - Bass/Vox


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MACHRIHANISH, UK: The 18 hole Machrihanish Dunes links course on the Mull of Kintyre has employed a flock of Hebridean sheep to play a key role in maintaining the grass on the course. As part of its ongoing commitment to managing the course through environmentally friendly practices, the small black sheep which are native to the west of Scotland, are hardy and thrive on the rough grasses found amongst the dunes.
© 2022 Maverick Photo Agency. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Privacy


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ArchiMed has raised $1.2 billion for its new mid-market buy-and-build fund MED Platform I. The fund's limited partners include institutional investors and family offices in both Europe and North America. Triago was the placement agent.
ArchiMed raises €1 billion for its MED Platform I fund
The oversubscribed fund closed above the global private equity healthcare specialist's €800 million target, notwithstanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ArchiMed's €1 billion ($1.2 billion) mid-market buy-and-build fund, MED Platform I, attracted major commitments from a broad range of institutional investors and family offices in both Europe (70 percent) and North America (30 percent).
MED Platform I partners with growth companies in the European and North American mid-cap healthcare sectors, buying majority stakes for €50 million to €500 million in association with existing owners and managers. MED Platform I provides companies with the strategic, tactical and financial resources they need to broaden product lines and expand into new regions.
"With MED Platform I, we're partnering with innovative category leaders with the ambition to become national and international consolidators through mergers and acquisitions," says Denis Ribon, Chairman of ArchiMed. "As with our other funds, MED Platform I empowers talented management teams to take their companies to the major leagues."
"ArchiMed has the expertise and the financial power to help both small and mid-sized companies scale up at speed," adds André-Michel Ballester, Managing Partner of the MED Platform I fund. "We not only provide finance – we help in every aspect of expansion. Most of our investment professionals have medical backgrounds or operational backgrounds in healthcare, so we share a common language and culture with our partners."
MED Platform I is ArchiMed's third fund since the firm's founding in 2014 and it is the group's first investment vehicle to focus on healthcare's mid-cap sector. The new fund complements ArchiMed's MED I and MED II vehicles, which respectively raised €146 million in 2014 and €315 million in 2017. MED I and MED II focus on smaller European healthcare companies. With a cash-on-cash return equal to more than five times the value of invested capital, the fully invested MED I is the top performing buyout fund on a global level for the 2014 vintage (i.e. for funds raised in 2014).
Since it began investing in mid-2019, MED Platform I has acquired two platform companies: BOMI Group, a specialist in complex healthcare logistics and Direct Healthcare Group, a fully integrated manufacturer of innovative pressure care products. Multiple buy-and-build acquisitions by both of these firms have already been completed. MED Platform I expects to announce a third major platform investment shortly.
Triago acted as placement agent for MED Platform I, as it did for the MED I and MED II funds.
About ArchiMed – www.archimed-group.eu
ArchiMed is an independent investment firm specialized in the Healthcare industries. It is a strategic and financial partner to European and North American companies operating in the Biopharma, Medtech, Diagnostics, Life Sciences, Healthcare IT, Consumer Health, Public Safety and Care Services sectors. ArchiMed's international team combines investment, medical, technological and operational experience. It works alongside management teams to accelerate their business growth through internationalization, product and service range expansion and capacity extension, both organically and through acquisitions. Over the last 20 years, ArchiMed's leadership team directly managed and invested in over 40 small, medium and large-size healthcare companies throughout the world, with a combined value above €5 billion. ArchiMed has over €1.7 billion (over $2 billion) under management. Its investment capacity currently exceeds €1 billion and rises to twice this amount when including its strategic investment partners.


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ISC class XI sample paper 2021
Rotate a matrix program
Answer all questions in Part I (compulsory) and six questions from Part-II, choosing two questions from Section-A, two from Section-B and two from Section-C.All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as the rest of the answer.The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets[ ]
PART I (20 Marks)
Answer all questions.
While answering questions in this Part, indicate briefly your working and reasoning, wherever required.
Question 1
(a) Draw the truth table to represent a two input NAND gate.
(b) construct the truth table for the following ~[(~A).B]
(c) State the two idempotent laws of Boolean algebra. Verify any one.
(d) Minimize: F = ABC+AB'C+AC' using Boolean laws.
(e) If A denotes "Today is sunday " and B denotes "I will not go to school", then express the following statements in symbolic form:
(i) If today is not sunday then I will go to school
(ii) If I go to school then today is not sunday.
Question 2
(a)Name any two packages of java. Name the package which is imported by default.
(b) Convert the following arithmetic expression into Java statement
x = √(M2 + N3)+ M*N
(c) Define the term truth table.
(d) Name the File Stream Class to perform the following operations:
(i) to write data into a binary file
(ii) to read data from a text file
(e) Differentiate between constructor and function.
Question 3
The following function magicfun( ) is a part of some class. What will the function magicfun() return when the value of n=7 and n=10 respectively? Show the dry run/working: ISC class XI sample paper 2021
int magicfun( int n)
if ( n= = 0) .
return 0;
return magicfun(n/2)* 10 + (n % 2);
PART – II(50 Marks) ISC class xi sample paper 2021
Answer six questions in this part, choosing two questions from
Section A, two from Section B and two from Section C.
Answer any two questions.
Question 4 Perform the following conversions / operations:
(i) (110011.101)2 =(?)8 [2]
(ii) (521)8 = ( ? )2 [2]
(iii)(101010.10)2 =(?)16 [2]
(iv) (422)10=( )2 [2]
(v) 1001 x 101 [2]
Question 5
(a) A passenger is allotted a window seat in an aircraft, if he/she satisfies the criteria given below
· The passenger is below 10 years and is accompanied by an adult
· The passenger is a lady and is not accompanied by an adult
· The passenger is not below 10 years, but is travelling the first time
The inputs are
A: The passenger is below 10 years
C: The passenger is accompanied by an adult.
L: The passenger is a lady.
F: the passenger is travelling for the first time.
(in all cases 1 indicates yes and 0 indicates no)
Output: W- Denotes the passenger is allotted a window seat (1 indicates yes and 0 indicates no)
Draw the truth table for the inputs and outputs. Also, write the Boolean expression with conjunctive operators for each of the true values (1's) from the output column of the truth table. [5]
(b) Prove the following Boolean expression with the help of a truth table: [3]
(c) What are Universal gates? Draw the AND gate using a universal gate. [2]
Question 6
(a) Write the expression and draw the logic circuit for a half Adder. [5]
(b) Verify if: (a => b) V ( b => a) = 1 [3]
(c) Draw the logic circuit for the following Boolean expression: [2]
ISC class XI sample paper 2021
Answer any two questions.
Each program should be written in such a way that it clearly depicts the logic of the problem.
This can be achieved by using mnemonic names and comments in the program.
(Flowcharts and Algorithms are not required.)
The programs must be written in Java.
Question 7
A class Revstr defines a recursive function to reverse a string and check whether it is a palindrome. The details of the class are given below:
Class name : Revstr
Data members Str : stores the string.
Revst : stores the reverse of the string.
Member functions void getStr() : to accept the string.
void recReverse(int) : to reverse the string using recursive technique.
void check() : to display the original string, its reverse and whether the string is a palindrome or not.
Specify the class Revstr giving details of the functions void getStr(), void recReverse(int) and void check(). The main function need not be written.
ISC class XI sample paper 2021
Question 8 [10]
Design a class PrimePalinGen to generate prime palindrome numbers. [ A number is said
to be prime palindrome if the number is a prime as well as a palindrome number ]
[ Prime number: A number having only two factors i.e. 1 and itself ]
[ Palindrome number: A number which is same as its reverse ]
Example: 11(where 11 is a prime number and a palindrome number)
Some of the members of the class are given below:
Class name : PrimePalinGen
Data members/instance variables:
start : to store the start of range
end : to store the end of range
Methods/Member functions:
PrimePalinGen (int a, int b): parameterized constructor to initialize the data members start=a and end=b
int isPrime(int i) : returns 1 if the number is prime otherwise returns 0
int isPalin(int i) : returns 1 if the number is a palindrome otherwise returns 0
void generate( ) : generates all prime palindrome numbers between start and end by invoking the functions isPrime() and isPalin().
Specify the class PrimePalinGen giving details of the constructor( ),int isPrime(int), int isPalin(int) and void generate( ). Define a main( ) function to create an object and call the functions accordingly to enable the task.
ISC class xi sample paper 2021
Question 9
A class ArrayMin contains a square matrix which finds the smallest element in each column. [10]
Some of the members of the class are given below:
Class name : ArrayMin
Data member/instance variable:
arr[ ][ ] : array to store integer elements
m : to store the order of the matrix
Member functions/methods:
ArrayMax( int mm): parameterized constructor to initialize the data member m=mm and to declare the array
void readarray() : to accept the array elements
void small( ) : finds and displays the smallest element in each column with an appropriate message
void display() : displays the array elements in matrix form
Specify the class ArrayMax, giving the details of the constructor( ), void readarray( ), void large( ) and void display( ). Define the main( ) function to create an object and call the functions accordingly to enable the task.
ISC class xi sample paper 2021
Answer any two questions.
Each method should be written in such a way that it clearly depicts the logic of the problem stepwise.
This can be achieved by using mnemonic names and comments in the program.
(Flowcharts and Algorithms are not required.)
The methods must be written in Java.
Question 10
Write a Method to calculate and return the factorial of a number 'n' using recursive technique.
The method declaration is as follows:
int factorial( int n ) [5]
Question 11
(a) A text file named STUDENT.TXT" contains the student name (sn), age(ag) and [4]
marks(mk) for number of students.
Write a Method to display all the records in the file and display with an appropriate message.
The method declaration is as follows:
void display( )
(b) State any one difference between binary file and text file. [1]
Question 12
Answer the following questions given below: [5X1=5]
(i) What is the difference between virtual and augmented reality?
(ii) Explain phishing.
(iii) Explain IOT.
(iv) Define cyber crime.
(v) Write any two points to be followed by a good netizen.


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Bermuda faces a demographic time bomb with the number of residents aged 65 or older likely to exceed those of working age by 2025.
It means people could be forced to work longer than ever to sustain the costs of supporting a larger population of retirees.
Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, said: "This has to happen and has happened in other industrialised countries."
She said extra money would have to be found for training schemes for older people to allow them to keep working.
She added: "Older people may have to shift careers because they might not be as physically fit.
"A lot of legislative work has to be done as well."
A falling birth rate — due to women with careers having smaller families later in life — plus increasing life expectancies have resulted in a larger number of people of pensionable age but a smaller pool of people of working age to support them.
Ms Fleming said: "There are implications in terms of policy because whatever we do now, we are writing a cheque younger people will have to honour later on."
She was speaking after the two-day National Conference on Ageing, held at Fairmont Southhampton Resort, yesterday.
The U.K. is to raise the official retirement age and eligibility for a state pension from 65 to 66 in 2020. A further increase has not been ruled out.
The move is expected to save more than $7.8 billion over the next four years.
Health Minister Zane DeSilva told the conference: "Our vision is to see a Bermuda where seniors are considered a valued sector of our community and have a role to play in the development of our country based on their experiences and abilities.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that they live in an environment which allows them to continue to contribute and the systems that encourage that contribution are sustainable. Part of our plan involves the concept of 'active ageing', which represents a real shift from the current model of ageing as a dependent stage of life.
"Active refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs — not just the ability to be physically active or participate in the workforce."
Mr DeSilva said that to live a more active life when you are a senior, people must look after themselves in their youth.
He added: "In order for society to benefit, we must start the process now — not only for existing seniors but for the young man and woman in their 30s who will become seniors one day.
"Healthcare and long-term care are not the only issues that need to be addressed.
"If we are to deliver on the vision of active ageing for Bermuda, we have to look at much more than just medical care and nursing homes."
Ms Fleming also believes young people have a responsibility to prepare financially for their senior years and should look after their health so they can stay fitter for longer.
She said: "People have to look at investments and pensions almost from when they start work and at the condition of their homes to make sure it won't lead to large and unexpected bills.


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Lightning, hail, high winds could hit Lansing today
Beth LeBlanc
Lansing State Journal
LANSING -- Severe thunderstorms are expected to roll through the Lansing area this afternoon.
The storms could bring lightning, hail and high winds reaching 60 mph between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, according to Jared Maples, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.
Maples said an isolated tornado can't be ruled out, but would be more likely to occur closer to Detroit.
Skies should clear after the evening storms, with clear weather lasting into the weekend.
Here's the latest from the Grand Rapids office of the National Weather Service:
Consumers Energy also has released information on the potential storm:
Contact Beth LeBlanc at (517) 377-1167, email@example.com or on Twitter @LSJBethLeBlanc.


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Consolidation Vandelanotte
There are various reasons for having the consolidated financial statements drawn up. For example, groups of a certain size have a legal requirement in Belgium. Also, your company may be asked by external parties to draw up consolidated financial statements. Financial institutions in particular do this in their assessment before granting loans to group structures. Finally, as an entrepreneur, you can also opt freely to draw up a consolidation, e.g. for internal purposes. Thanks to our many years of experience in consolidation, we are happy to help you draw up your consolidated annual financial statements.
Legal obligation
In Belgium, large groups and consortia are obliged to prepare consolidated financial statements. A group always consists of a parent company and its subsidiaries and/or of companies that form a consortium. Large groups are groups that, on a consolidated basis, exceed two or more of the following criteria: an annual average workforce of 250, an annual turnover excluding VAT of 34 million euros and a balance sheet total of 17 million euros. A consortium is a company under central management.
Financing obligations
To obtain financing from a financial institution, smaller groups sometimes have a consolidation obligation. The financial institution can explicitly demand this, but the company can also spontaneously and proactively draw up a consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss account (with limited operational reporting and explanatory notes).
In the context of the transfer of family businesses and if companies want to benefit from an exemption or the reduced rate, in certain cases the Flemish Tax Administration may ask for consolidated annual financial statements to be drawn up (cf. Vlabel Omzendbrief (Flemish Tax Authority Circular) 2015/2). The determination of whether or not a holding structure can be considered as a family company is made on a consolidated basis.
Voluntary consolidation
A company may choose to voluntarily prepare a consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss account for internal purposes, such as internal management reporting.
Depending on the size of the group and your requirements, we draw up consolidations using a proprietary Excel template or specialised consolidation software. Vandelanotte has built up extensive experience with Sigma's software, but other software tools are also possible. In addition, we have an extensive team of accountants and auditors with extensive experience in consolidation and GAAP conversions. As a member of the Leading Edge Alliance, we have global contacts with consolidation and accounting specialists. This enables us to successfully carry out your international consolidation assignments.


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A life-long friend of the Pollack family, whose 18-year-old daughter Meadow was one of 17 people killed in the Parkland, Fla. school shooting last week, revealed that two New York state troopers who saw her "hysterically crying" at LaGuardia Airport as she tried to get a flight to her friend's funeral paid for that flight in full.
RELATED: Grieving dad breaks down at daughter's funeral after Florida shooting
Jordana Judson, 23, told NBC News that New York state troopers Robert Troy and Thomas Karasinski approached her at the airport to ask if she was okay, seeing her in "tears and very upset."
Judson heard about the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and of the death of her friend. She said the Pollack family was like "our second family our whole lives" and that she broke down as soon as she got out of the car at the airport.
She said that she asked for help finding where to buy a ticket to Florida and the troopers pointed her in the right direction. When she learned that a one-way JetBlue flight would cost $700, she tried to get a discount and could not. She also had to make a decision quickly or else she'd lose the seat to someone else.
Remarkably, the troopers pulled out their credit cards and paid for Judson's flight.
"I look up, and the state troopers are standing there, and they're both handing over their credit cards," Judson told NBC. "I'm telling them that they don't have to do this. This is crazy. They said: 'It's already done. We want you to be home with their families. This is a tough time.'"
Thank you @NBCNews for covering my story, Trooper Troy and Trooper Karasinski for this selfless act and Princess Meadow for watching over me. Spread love, be kind and pay it forward. Honored to call both New York & Parkland, FL my home. https://t.co/btfaOUXteL #NeverAgainMSD
— Jordana Judson (@jordanajudson) February 19, 2018
Judson later tweeted a thank you to the troopers for their selflessness and a remembrance of her friend, Meadow.
"Thank you @NBCNews for covering my story, Trooper Troy and Trooper Karasinski for this selfless act and Princess Meadow for watching over me. Spread love, be kind and pay it forward. Honored to call both New York & Parkland, FL my home. #NeverAgainMSD," she said.
More than 1,000 mourners including Gov. Rick Scott attended the funeral at Temple K'ol Tikvah last week and witnessed Meadow Pollack's father Andrew looking down at the plain pine coffin of his daughter before telling the crowd, "I am very angry and upset about what transpired."
Attention here on #LongIsland shouldn't focus on the shooter in yesterday's tragedy in #Parkland. @HempsteadTown neighbors should send prayers & love to Meadow Pollock whose family hails from @Oceanside_NY_. May God Bless all the victims of this inexplicable tragedy. pic.twitter.com/joo8nftMeW
— Anthony P. D'Esposito (@ANTHONYDESPO) February 15, 2018
"You killed my kid!" he yelled, referring to Nikolas Cruz, who is accused of gunning down Meadow Pollack, 13 other Marjory Stoneman Douglas students, the athletic director, a coach and a geography teacher on Wednesday. "My kid is dead. It goes through my head all day and all night. I keep hearing it. This is just unimaginable that I will never see my princess again."
Broward school shooting: Family says missing girl Meadow Pollack has died https://t.co/l3sibJBIqB pic.twitter.com/9Dq3zU2DBk
— The Palm Beach Post (@pbpost) February 15, 2018
He briefly paused as mourners, punched by the rawness of his words, began to wail.
"I have always been able to protect my family," he said. "Our kids should be safe but my princess wasn't safe."
Hunter Pollack, 29, said he had always been overprotective of his younger sister, who had been planning to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton.
Meadow Pollack, 18, buried after Parkland school shooting as father's rage erupts https://t.co/h7Kxg2m1Sk
— pete and brenda (@peteandbrenda) February 18, 2018
"I feel like I failed," he said. "I hope (Cruz) gets what he deserves. I know he would if me and my family got hold of him."
Others described a young woman who was "beautiful inside and out," who loved to hug and smile. Rabbi Bradd Boxman urged mourners to do an act of kindness in Meadow's memory.
RELATED: Victims of the Parkland school shooting revealed
"We must carry Meadow's love forward and not let it die in a pine wood box," Boxman said.
Meadow Pollack was buried at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, North Lauderdale, Fla. on Feb. 16.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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ISLAMABAD - The highly ugly scenes were witnessed during the hockey final of the All-Pakistan Inter-Boards Sports competitions 2016, held here at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Wednesday.
The semifinals match was in progress between Islamabad and Abbottabad Boards, when Abboattbad goal was disallowed by the on-field umpire. The scuffle started between Islamabad and Abbottabad players and both sides of players first started abusing, which resulted in full-fledged fight, in which players used hockey sticks, punches and all was done right in front of chairmen, secretaries and PSB officials. The so-called PSB security looked just meager spectators. Such was the intensity of the fight that a number of players got injured and arm of an Abbottabad player was also broken, who was rushed to the hospital.
Earlier, PSB Deputy Director General Shahid Islam promised to provide over the moon security and made various tall claims which were later exposed. The media's special help was sought and sports journalists were requested to park their vehicles at quite a distance and it was made clear that no one even minister or chief guest would be allowed to park their vehicle near the maingate or its premises and drop facilities will be used for the guests.
It was also made clear that the PSB had arranged food stalls inside its premises and different vendors including PSB canteen had been assigned to provide top class three-time meal to around 900 participants. The first day of the event was quite well and discipline was maintained, but as soon as the second day started, complete mess was witnessed. The food, which was provided to the players, was of highly substandard quality.
This scribe paid at least 10 visits to convener of the gala Shahid Islam, who was not available in all attempts, despite the security threat to the lives of the students. A large number of students were roaming around Abpara Market in search of quality food but there was no one who could check, who is coming and going in the PSB. God forbids, in case any untoward incident occurs due to security lapse, who will be held responsible?
What kind of education is being imparted to the players? The lack of sportsman spirit among the players was major reason behind the scuffle. The PSB security also badly failed in doing their duty with greater responsibility. If they couldn't interfere and stop players clashing with each other, then what was the purpose of hiring them and paying hefty amounts to them?
The PSB top brass has been enjoying joyride and spending national wealth with both hands in India. The IPC Minister and secretary didn't bother to check how the PSB is being run behind them and they also didn't bother to attend opening ceremony of Inter-Board sports competitions.
When will the IPC minister wake up from deep slump, why he is reluctant to take action against incompetent PSB DG, who has no other business but to travel to different countries on government expenditure. A number of complaints were launched against PSB DG Akhtar Ganjera and his self-styled policies. The entire PSB staff is suffering due to Ganjera, who had stopped promotions of genuine persons and running the PSB as his personal state but the IPC minister is unmoved. Time is ripe when the PM should intervene and provide justice to long-suffering PSB employees.
A stern action against Islamabad/Abbottabbad boards' players must be taken so no one could dare to repeat such ugly thing in future. In table tennis semifinals, Peshawar beat BISE Faisalabad 3-0, in the second semifinal, BISE Karachi outplayed BISE Sahiwal. In the final, Peshawar tamed Karachi 3-1, while Faisalabad thumped Sahiwal 3-1 to secure third place.
In badminton semifinals: BISE, Lahore beat BISE Rawalpindi 2-0. In the second semifinal, BISE Peshawar beat FBISE Islamabad 2-0, while Rawalpindi secured third place after defeating Islamabad 2-0. The final between Lahore and Peshawar will be played today (Thursday).
In hockey semifinals, Swat beat Multan 2-1 in the first semifinal while in the second semifinal, Islamabad beat Abbottabad 4-3. The third place match and final will be played today (Thursday) here at Naseer Bunda Stadium.
In athletics event, Peshawar got first position with two gold and one silver and three bronze medals. Faisalabad secured second with three silver and three bronze medals while Gujranwala got third with one gold.


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sophie d.
- Joined September 2016
Freelancer and business owner, with a love for learning, a passion for food, and an interest in current affairs. Love a good challenge.
- London, United kingdom
sophie d.
London, United kingdom
Worked with
With a scientific background, I soon realised that my true calling is in business and marketing. I have 10 years experience in the world of pharmaceutical sales and marketing and continue to do academic writing as a freelancer.
Work history
Sales and Marketing amanger
Identifying areas for growth, implementing and carrying out defined strategies for identifying new high net worth collaborations • Mastery of both digital and traditional marketing channels.• In charge of tracking key metrics, CRM and P&L
Elpen Pharmaceuticals
Market Specialist
Responsible for the development of the annual marketing plan and for controlling advertising, promotion and sales aids in accordance with the annual marketing plan • Monitored competition by gathering current marketplace information
Medical Representative
Formulated and implemented a targeted marketing strategy • Managed a product portfolio worth €1,5m • Organised scientific conferences, from booking speakers and venues to collaborating with everyone involved for the promotion of the event
Freelance academic and content writer
Freelance academic and content writer
Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh
Doctorate in Business Administration
Kings College London
MSc Pharmaceutical analysis and quality control
Aristotle University Thessaloniki
BSc Chemistry
AvailabilityNot seeking work
- Not specified


text: Your DNA Test Preparing for the unexpected can make all the difference if your family relies on your income. Share | Have A Question About This Topic? Name Email Address Message Thank you! Oops! Related Content The Wild West of Data Theft Learn about cyber liability insurance in this entertaining video. Silver Sneakers 101 Medicare's popular program, offering free gym membership and health education. Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.


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The Coke Machine
Available: 0
copies bought in the last week
The Coke Machine takes readers deep inside The Coca-Cola Company and its international franchisees to reveal how they became the number one brand in the world, and how far they'll go to stay there.
Ever since its "I'd like to teach the world to sing" commercials from the 1970s, Coca-Cola has billed itself as the world's beverage, a formula that has made it one of the most profitable companies on the planet and "Coca-Cola" the world's second most recognized word after "hello." However, as the company expands its reach, an increasing number of the world's citizens are finding the taste of coke more bitter than sweet. The Coke Machine probes shocking accusations about the company's global impact, including:
- - Coca-Cola's history of winning at any cost, even if it meant that its franchisees were making deals with the Nazis and Guatemalan paramilitary squads
- - the horrific environmental impact of Coke bottling plants in India and Mexico
- - that Coke bottlers stand accused of conspiring with paramilitaries to threaten, kidnap, and murder union leaders in their bottling plants in Colombia
The Coke Machine is the first comprehensive probe of the company and its secret formula for greed.
Published Date: Currently Unavailable
Publisher: Avery Publishing Group
Language: English
Page Count: 384
Size: 8.31" l x 5.46" w x 1.02" h


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Merchandise Executive
Budget $8-10 USD / heure
Drape Fit - A Personal Styling Service in USA looking for an expert Merchandise to take care follow things:
1. Overseeing company's buying and selling product as per trends and stocks .
[login to view URL] A plan of action for future purchase decision from different brands.
3. Merchandising executive oversees , plans , and directs all aspects of retail products buying activities.
4. Merchandising Executive needs to develop new and manages the supply chains and brands management.
Skill Need :
Expert in marketing, merchandising and supply chain management.
15 freelances font une offre moyenne de 13 $/heure pour ce travail
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The jury is still out on whether the Department of Justice will follow through on its recent pledge to amp up its crackdown on corporate fraudsters. Too big to jail is not in our playbook, the agency has taken pains to assure us. Going after the top-dogs is our number one priority the agency has trumpeted in its newly minted policy of holding the high-ups accountable for the sins of their company.
However, with DOJ's continued failure to bring criminal charges against any executives involved in the financial crisis, many are questioning whether it is just business as usual in Washington and the C-suite. The recent $2.6 billion payout by Morgan Stanley for its massive mortgage machinations is just the latest example. Heavy monetary fines for sure. Just a cost of doing business. But no jail time for this latest colossal cheat on consumers. It is the big Wall Street hustle all over again.
But a closer look at what our chief regulator has been up to over the past year tells a very different enforcement story. DOJ has sent packing a surfeit of scofflaws up and down the corporate and government ladder -- doctors, nurses, physician assistants, therapists, medical directors, medical billers, hospital administrators, investment advisors, army soldiers, intelligence officers, national guardsmen, scientists, IT managers, construction bosses, and a bounty of business owners, presidents, CEOs, and senior executives. Even a former governor is doing time for his dishonorable dealings.
And these have not been just token sentences. DOJ has sent most of these malefactors away for years. Some for more than a decade. Several for almost half a century, including hospital president Earnest Gibson for billing Medicare for unnecessary or non-existent services, and the now infamous Dr. Farid Fata for endangering his patients with false cancer diagnoses and unwarranted treatments. No matter the individual and where they stood in their respective pecking order, if the fraud was big enough and bad enough, DOJ did not hesitate to put them away for a very long time. The top ten worst offenders this year alone chalked up more than 200 years of prison time.
And all this was before Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates came out with her game-changing memo on how DOJ is going to revamp its approach to corporate wrongdoing by going after the individuals responsible. In a bold promise to the American people, she vowed to hold "lawbreakers accountable regardless of whether they commit their crimes on the street corner or in the boardroom." Mighty words from an enforcer that continues to be questioned on its commitment to policing the kings of commerce.
Which brings us back to the government's seeming soft-pedaling with Morgan Stanley and its fellow members of the billion-dollar mortgage fraud club. Along with its continued failure to go after any bank executives despite the industry's enduring string of billion-dollar financial frauds. Time will tell if DOJ's tough talk on corporate accountability will result in more industry big-wigs doing time. It is an outcome for which many are certainly rooting and now expecting if the DOJ is true to its word.
But then again maybe that is missing the point. Perhaps it has never been about the size of the company and the seniority of the transgressors. Maybe it was simply about the difficulty of pinning on any one person or group the criminal blame for the mammoth frauds that have plagued us and which show no sign of ebbing.
As Ms. Yates explained in trying to temper expectations on the government's new policy, "it can be extremely difficult to identify the single person or group of people who possessed the knowledge or criminal intent necessary to establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt." This is particularly so, she stressed, with the top executives of today's largest companies where responsibility is diffuse and the misconduct occurs many level down the reporting chain.
Whatever happens going forward with DOJ's professed policy shift, one thing seems for certain. Whether a too big to jail policy still rules the day, be it from issues of proof or politics, the DOJ has made it very clear you are never too small. And those considering a dalliance with the Dark Side of corporate playmaking should pay particularly close attention. Do not be emboldened by the much ballyhooed notion that corporate criminals do fines not time. It just is not so. Just ask the litany of fraudsters currently behind bars.
*Mr. Schnell is a partner in the New York office of Constantine Cannon, specializing in the representation of whistleblowers reporting fraud under the False Claims Act and Dodd-Frank Act.


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Two major tourism projects get go-ahead
Next summer will likely see construction start on two major tourism and housing investment projects on Crete and in the Peloponnese with a total value of 700 million euros and which will create 1,800 permanent jobs.
They are the Itanos Gaia investment in Crete by Loyalward, a subsidiary of the Minoan Group which is listed on London's AIM market, and Kilada Hills, which will be implemented by another AIM-listed company, Dolphin Capital Investors (DCI), founded by Miltos Kambourides.
The Greek state has approved both investment projects' strategic investment special development plans and they are the first two projects set to be realized in the General Directorate for Strategic Investments' 10 months of operation.
The next steps concern the signing of the presidential decrees and the issue of the construction licenses. These decrees determine the zoning character, the investment identity, the land usage and the precise location of the strategic investment projects.
Itanos Gaia concerns a tourism development of 25 square kilometers at Kavo Sidero in eastern Crete, and will include the creation of five hotels and a golf course, budgeted at 267.7 million euros. Kilada Hills will be developed on a 2 sq.km. plot in the eastern Peloponnese, close to DCI's other units, Amanzoe and Nikki Beach. The new project will include a hotel, a variety of luxurious accommodation units and a golf course, with a budget of 418 million euros.


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Video Q&A: Maggie Gyllenhaal Just 'Won't Back Down'
Maggie Gyllenhaal is a lot of things: A-list actress, Hollywood royalty, social activist … the list goes on and on. However, above anything else, Gyllenhaal is a mother. Ironically, it's her experience as a real-life mom that made her want to play the lead in "Won't Back Down" — which would also require her to spend more time away from her daughter.
See? Even the stars have to make tough choices when comes to their kids.
Perhaps the ultimate deciding factor for the thesp was seeing her daughter in school. "My daughter's now in first grade and I see how incredibly important who her teacher is. A great teacher, I just honor them, I mean, I would get down on my knees and thank a great teacher."
Thankfully, Gyllenhaal signed on (with the director's promise that it would be a kid-friendly set) to portray Jamie, a frustrated single mom with two jobs trying to free her daughter from the grasp of a public school system that was undeniably failing. Armed with little more than a push-up bra and fierce determination, she snaps up some help from Viola Davis ... and maybe even steals a few kisses from Oscar Isaac.
"I loved him! I was really close with him when we were shooting it and we really got to be friends. I loved him … and he's such a good musician!"
Well, we can't all get close to Isaac, but we can all think back to our own school days — though maybe those are best left behind us.


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WW2 Soviet Field Gear and Personal Items
High quality unissued officer boots in black leather, with quality control stamps dated 1927-1928. Perfect for completing a display of almost any early Soviet or WW 2 officer's uniform. About a US 6 �.
Officer shoes, late 1940s through 1950s. Excellent quality, unissued.
Officer leather leggings, circa 1930s.
Felt burki boots, 1940s-50s. Excellent condition.
Felt burki boots, 1940s-50s.
M 1940 Waist Belt with Hangers for Navy Officer Dagger, 1940- 1947. Early, narrower pattern, featuring so-called "kind lions" on the buckles and without the larger round buckle up front. In excellent condition. Fits up to a 42" waist. This rare and desirable WW2 model is a perfect accompaniment for a wartime-dated dagger.
Grade school student's uniform belt and buckle circa 1940s-1950s bears the Cyrillic letter "Sh" for school.
Leather straps for cavalry spurs, circa 1940s. In black leather with steel buckles. Price per single piece.
Cavalry sword harness in leather, dated 1939. Essential for the correct display of a shashka on a manikin.
M 1938 canvas rucksack, circa 1939/40, type with leather shoulder straps - before the introduction of the almost all canvas version.
Canteen Pouch, circa 1940s. In soft olive drab canvas with a drawstring and metal button. In excellent condition.
Mess kit pouch, early 1940s. In OD canvas. Shows faint rectangular manufacturer stamp, most likely of the Shveynik Taylor Conglomerate in Saratov.
Pouch for combat engineer's ax, circa early to mid-1940s. Excellent overall condition, complete with all belt loops, original WW2 Bakelite button and straps.
Map case pen light, circa 1940s-50s
Military issue map case protractor, dated 1941, with original paper envelope. Mint.
WW 2 "Trench Art" brass cigarette lighter.


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An early post on this blog introduced the genre of mele Hawai'i songs.
The term "mele Hawai'i" invites pondering. Does it refer to any Hawaiian song? Mele = "poetic text;" Hawai'i = Hawai'i as in the place, or Hawaiian as in the people and/or culture. In the 1970s when the revival of Hawaiian culture was accelerating, many cultural leaders were using the label "mele Hawai'i" as an equivalent for "Hawaiian music" generally. But in the late 19th century, the term was for "Hawaiian Songs," as shown on the cover of the Aloha Collection of Hawaiian Songs published by Wall, Nichols in 1899, and in the Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs published by the Hawaiian News Co. in 1907, or even in the songbook titled Famous Hawaiian Songs published by Bergstrom Music in 1914 (which was an enlarged edition of the volume Songs of Hawaii published in 1902). These songs were Hawaiian songs. What were they not? They were not hymns / himeni, nor were they hula songs, which in early songbooks were clearly labelled "hula song" or some such designation. The covers reinforce a particular kind of song: the "Mele Hawaii" sheet music series contains 30 song titles, and the Hawaiian News volume (lower left thumbnail) associates these songs with the ruling nobility of the Kalākaua Dynasty.
Here is the playlist I am using in my Hawaiian music course in Fall 2010 so students can make the connection between beloved songs, song structure, and the members of royalty associated with mele Hawai'i.
1. "Aloha ʻOe," performed by the Rose Ensemble. Nā Mele Hawai'i (Rose Ensemble 00008). This recording includes all three verses plus the famed chorus, using the opening rhythm that Lili'uokalani notated in the first published edition of the sheet music in 1884, namely
"A-lo-ha 'o ——————e a-lo-ha o———–e" instead of the more common
"A———lo——–ha——'oe——————– A—–lo—–ha——"oe———–"
2. "Koni Au," performed by Bill Kaiwa. Kama'āina Songs (Hula HS-523). Songs on this LP have not yet been reissued on CD. A real shame, because this entire LP is a treasure trove of mele Hawai'i sung with rhythmic guitar accompaniment. "Koni Au" was composed by King David Kalākaua.
3. "Huki March," orchestrated, produced and directed by Jack de Mello. Music of Hawai Volume IV: The Story of the Royal Hawaiian Band (Music of Polynesia MOP 9000). Jack de Mello undertook extensive historical research in the 1960s that culminated in a four-volume overview of the history of Hawaiian music (and was the topic of a post on this blog on September 16, 2009). The production also represented an attempt to take Hawaiian music into the realm of light orchestra arrangements. The Royal Hawaiian Bandʻs repertoire included marches that incorporated mele Hawai'i songs in the trio section of the composition.
4. "Malanai Anu Ka Makani." Performed by Tandy MacKenzie. Tandy MacKenzie Sings (Island Heritage IH 101). Tandy MacKenzie was a native Hawaiian who left Hawai'i in the 1920s and made a successful career in the United States and Europe as an opera singer. It is said that he always included at least one Hawaiian song in his recitals, and concert programs identify those songs as mele Hawai'i songs. The presentation of mele Hawai'i songs by classically trained vocalists placed these songs in the refined world of the concert hall, removed from the entertainment venues where hula songs circulated.
5. "Adios Ke Aloha," performed by Kūpaoa. Pili o Ke Ao (Kūpaoa KL-8120). The gentle arrangement of guitar accompaniment and harmonizing in parallel thirds demonstrates that mele Hawai'i songs remain viable for contemporary performers. This duo won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Most Promising Artist when this LP was released in 2008. The incorporation of non-Hawaiian words was a popular practice among songwriters of mele Hawai'i.
6. "Nani Haili Pō I Ka Makani," performed by Nā Kama. Ke Ala Hou (Kipuka FEH-812). Another contemporary take on another song by Lili'uokalani, this time combining strong rhythmic guitar strumming with choral-style 3-part harmonizing.
7. "Ua Like No A Like," performed by Sunday Mānoa. Sunday Manoa 3 (Panini PS-1005). 8. "Old Plantation," The Sandwich Isle Band (Seabird Sound SS-1003). Two performances by two different groups, both fronted by bandleader Peter Moon. The long phrases in "Ua Like No A Like" are examples of the breath control needed to perform this song correctly.
9. "Kamehameha Waltz," performed by Emma Veary. Emma (Music of Polynesia MOP-16000). 10. "Ku'u 'I'ini," performed by Nina Keali'iwahamana, Iwalani Kahalewai, Mahi Beamer, and Gary Aiko. Both songs are composed by Charles E. King, a 20th-century composer and publisher whose songs are art songs that demand technical vocal proficiency, and make sense with piano and/or orchestral accompaniment.


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Tanzania Mobile Camping Safari
Details & Itinerary
This exciting itinerary give you the opportunity to witness the best of Tanzania while staying in the heart of iconic parks and in private camps far away from the crowds. After an arrival in Arusha, your unforgettable journey continues in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
Days: Eight
Countries: Tanzania
Departures: Daily
Day One: Arrival Into Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by an Odyssey Safaris representative and transferred by private vehicle to Moivaro Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Day Two: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Have breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide / host for a briefing before departing to head to Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch and game drives en route. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire (private camp).
Day Three: Exploring Tarangire National Park
Breakfast at camp then head off for a full day exploring the highlights of Tarangire on the look out for Big Game. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight Tarangire (private camp).
Day Four: Tarangire National Park – Lake Manyara National Park
Today we leave early and drive to Lake Manyara National Park, and enjoy the day game viewing in this beautiful little park with a picnic lunch along the way. Later in the afternoon, drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge or similar.
Day Five: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
Early breakfast then we depart camp to descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for game-viewing. Picnic lunch at a scenic spot by a lake. Later we continue to the Serengeti National Park visiting the fascinating Olduvai Gorge en route, and an optional visit to a Masai village. Dinner and overnight in Serengeti Private Camp.
Day Six & Seven: Exploring Serengeti National Park
Breakfast at camp with a full day of game drives in Serengeti National Park. This gives you an opportunity to view a wide variety of exciting wildlife in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities. Lunch, dinner and overnight in Serengeti Private Camp.
Day Nine: Serengeti – Arusha – International Flight Home
Take a last breakfast at camp before transferring to the local airstrip for the flight back to Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, connect with your international flight home. Thank you for joining us for the trip of a lifetime in Africa. We know how precious experiences away from the everyday are, and we hope you made lasting memories on your safari.


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I think being sustainable means to keep a good balance of using our resources on Earth without actually depleting our resources at an alarming rate. My thoughts on the 11th hour movie were not surprising. I was not surprised to hear that humans think that they are separated from nature. In fact, since the Industrial Revolution the human race has classified nature as just another resource we could use without caring about the consequences of our actions.
I was a bit worried when the scientists they were interviewing in the movie began to come up with predictions for what Earth will be like in the future. I thought the prediction of Earth turning into one of its sister planets, Venus, with its torrential rains and extreme heat was scary. Yet it was also not hard to believe Earth could one day become another Venus. They are relatively the same size and if humans continue living the way we do it will be highly probable for Earth to become another Venus. The documentary was helpful by supplying how the human race could better the Earth by changing a few things that we do. Humanity should be in a state of mind that looks to harvest and use renewable energy rather than depend on non-reusable resources such as fossil fuels. Even though the documentary was made in 2007 it is still highly relevant today ten years later.
I thought the Fashion and Sustainability article was interesting. It definitely peaked my interest when the author claimed that fashion was not necessarily an enemy to the sustainable movement. He believed sustainability and fashion could essentially co-exist and that fashion could be an ally of sorts. It did not fail to mention that there are indeed cons to the fashion such as implementing materialism in a society's culture; however, I was more attentive to how they described fashion as another way to say innovative. I never thought about it that way but I did agree with that. It was then how sustainability and fashion could co-exist and that would be because to be sustainable you must be innovative and find new ways to do and create everyday things and innovation is fashionable. So long as it is done fashionably steady.
The Wild Thing exercise made me find something new about myself. I focused mainly on the detrimental effects of fast fashion and how it does nothing to help the environment. It's just that I have seen so many documentaries and read articles about the effects of it that it irked me to see so many people still unaware of it. I also used the exercise to find out how much I abhor the fact that living sustainably or buying environmentally-friendly items, such as clothes, is expensive. If you want to buy a dress made of recycled materials it going to be 108 dollars or if you want to buy organic produce you will be paying 20 cents to a whole dollar more than the regular produce that has pesticides in it.
A big thing I found out this summer was how harmful everyday feminine products are, like the brand Kotex. The average feminine hygiene products that women use once a week every month is not just non-biodegradable but also harmful to our own bodies. Many of them harbor chemicals such as perfume and chlorine that could seep up into our bodies and have detrimental effects. When I chose to buy another brand that did not have the harmful chemicals and was also biodegradable I found it sad to know that I was buying a week's worth of products for six to seven dollars when I could buy twice the amount of products for the same amount if I bought Kotex.
I also took the time to take the Carbon Footprint assessment and found that my Habbit was 11.6 tonnes. I felt like this was not completely accurate. It was important to take note that I did not have all the knowledge about my life that it asked of me. Considering the fact that I was insufficiently prepared I feel like my results would have diminished quite a bit. In the end, I still feel like I need to change some of my habits.


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LaMusica offers you the best in radio, playlists, and entertainment in the Latin music world. RADIO Listen to the #1 radio stations in the United States & Puerto Rico:• La Mega 97.9 (WSKQ) – New York • Mega 106.9 (WMEG) – Puerto Rico• Z 93 (WZNT) – Puerto Rico• El Nuevo Zol 106.7 (WXDJ) – Miami • La Nueva 94 (WODA) – Puerto Rico• Mega 96.3 (KXOL) – Los Angeles• La Raza 97.9 (KLAX) – Los Angeles • Amor 93.1 (WPAT) – New York• La Raza 93.3 (KRZZ) – San Francisco• La Ley 107.9 (WLEY) – Chicago • Z 92.3 (WCMQ) – Miami• Ritmo 95 Cubatón y Más (WRMA) – Miami• Play 96 (WRXD) – Puerto RicoPLAYLISTSEnjoy 100+ playlists with the best music in the world. Our playlists have the least commercial interruptions in the market. Need a workout playlist? We got you covered.You can also create your own custom playlist with up to 5 genres.ENTERTAINMENTLaMusica offers you vertical video content showing the hottest artists' news of the day, including exclusive interviews and concerts. FEEDBACKYour opinion is very important to us! Please email us at [email protected] and tell us what you want to see in future versions of LaMusica. Partner with us to make LaMusica the best app for your radio, music, and entertainment needs.


text: Raglan tees are sometimes known as a baseball style shirt. It is the way the style of sleeves are presented. Our Raglan Tees are offered in short or long sleeves. You will also see us offer Raglan Sweatshirts as well. Those are a little bit thicker than our typical Raglan Tees.


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Value of Oracle Java SE Subscription for the Enterprise
From Stephanie Chu
A recent survey of Java SE Subscription users by a third-party analyst firm, and the modeling of the difference between do-it-yourself management with six-month updates of the Java estate and use of the Java SE Subscription, revealed a dramatic business value delta. Explore what this quantified value might be for your organization. Regardless of size, the results are powerful for large and mid-size enterprises in terms of business flexibility, protection and overall organizational efficiency.
- Tags


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Tulare detectives are working 'hard, long hours' to solve deadly shooting
The person suspected of killing a 27-year-old Exeter man after a Tulare softball tournament remains on the loose.
More than a dozen people are believed to have witnessed the deadly shooting. Tulare detectives are asking those who may have information to come forward.
Despite having so many witnesses, people have been hesitant to talk with police.
"We didn't get much cooperation," Sgt. Eddie Hinojosa said. "That makes it difficult for us. It's always easier and faster when we have cooperation."
While witnesses remain silent, Jesus Marquez's family hopes justice will be swift. Family members are working with police and planning a memorial for the father.
The incident was reported just before midnight on Saturday. Gunshots were fired at E Street and Prosperity Avenue, not far from Los Tules Middle School and Heritage Elementary School.
A softball tournament had just ended when gunfire erupted.
Callers told 911 dispatchers that a man had been shot multiple times near the intersection at the Prosperity Sports Park.
Officers found Marquez with multiple bullet wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Marquez was an avid softball player who was well-known in the community.
Hinojosa said Saturday isn't the first time there have been issues during nighttime softball tournaments. Alcohol is usually a factor when fights break out.
"But, it's never reached this level of violence," Hinojosa said.
It's unknown if alcohol was involved in Saturday's deadly shooting.
Officers regularly patrol the park when there are night games but due to staffing, time spent at the park is often limited. Under the city's ordinance, alcohol isn't permitted at parks.
"We can't check every ice chest and every tent," Hinojosa said.
A suspect description hasn't been provided and it's unknown how many people were involved in the deadly shooting.
Hinojosa is confident detectives will solve the crime, though.
"Detectives have been working hard, long hours," he said.
If anyone has information on the case they are urged to call Tulare Police Department at 684-4290. Anonymous tips can be left at 685-2300 Ext: 4445.
Sheyanne Romero covers Tulare County public safety, local government and business for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @sheyanne_VTD. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.


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Thursday, 12 January 2012 04:03 PM EST
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama formally notified Congress today that the government needs more borrowing authority.
The written certification to raise the debt ceiling to $16.394 trillion starts a 15-day clock for Congress to consider and vote on a joint resolution disapproving of the increase.
Under legislation passed Aug. 2 after months of wrangling between the administration and Republican lawmakers, the president is given the power to veto any disapproval resolution that clears both chambers of Congress.
The law calls for Obama to notify Congress when the debt came within $100 billion of the current $15.194 trillion limit.
Although the threshold was reached Dec. 30, when the president was in Hawaii and Congress was on holiday break, Obama agreed to a request from congressional leaders to delay the notification request, ensuring the deadline for congressional action didn't lapse before lawmakers returned to Washington.
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No ISS flyaround; An Oscar for dumbest space tourism story
It's a shame they won't get the great shot of the ISS with all the parking places full: New Soyuz was snag in flyabout plan – The Flame Trench/Florida Today. === Hard to believe no editor questioned the plausibility of gift bags containing $200k spaceflight tickets: Free Space Tourist Flights for Oscar Losers? Not Exactly – Space.com.


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or thank God it's Friday!
An AFTER and BEFORE shot: after the accident and before the repairer. It looked much worse in real life.
Well, first there was the car incident. And this Monday I was supposed to collect Jazzy Jazz from the repairer. So I took Monday off to drop the hire car back to the city by 11am, then wait to collect Jazzy at 3pm. Well, at least that was the plan.
I even called AAMI at 9am Monday morning to confirm the time and place the taxi was to collect me and take me to the repairer. 2.30pm at Hertz in Franklin Street. That's where AAMI stuffed up the first time. The day before I'd been given a repairer in East Doncaster. Thankfully the guy on the phone confirmed the address and that's when I discovered that I'd been given the wrong address. Not East Doncaster, but Nunawading. That was a sign and I should have paid attention.
1.30pm Monday found me holed up in a city cafe in Block Arcade sipping a cup of tea and working on an Intranet Implementation Framework. (Sounds impressive, doesn't it?) My mobile rings. It's AAMI. They have some bad news. Oh, really? The car isn't ready. I can't collect it at 3pm. The 3pm that is in just 1.5hrs from now. It takes a lot for a Taurean to lose it, and on the phone in a crowded cafe is not where this Taurean was going to lose it. Truth be told I half expected something else to go arse about tit!
So when was my car going to be ready? 3pm tomorrow I was informed. Great, so what am I supposed to do I asked the AAMI guy? I've taken the day off, I've returned the hire car and I'm stuck in the city. That stumped him. In the end I had to hire another hire car and to chase AAMI on Tuesday afternoon to confirm that a) my car was ready and that b) I could collect it on Wednesday morning before work. All this after he swore he'd call me on Tuesday to confirm my car was fixed and ready. An articulate and well-constructed customer complaint is on its way to AAMI this weekend.
Then there was the KFC incident. If you've ready yesterday's post you'll know all about it. The foreign item was indeed one of their "timer tags", a 5cm square piece of waxed paper that they write on. I wonder how it ended up in my burger? The area manager called me back today, so very sorry, but so very thankful no one was injured, and so glad that you found the service to be good. Shut you up with 2 x $25 KFC gift vouchers so you can be confident that this sort of thing rarely happens!
And to round the week out, there has been trouble in paradise in my project team. Seems group dynamics, the stages team move through, personal accountability, and an impending deadline has culminated in emotions boiling over. Not mine mind you. I'm a Taurean remember.
So, as you can very plainly see, I'm very glad it is Friday night, and finally Jazzy Jazz is home where she belongs. Looking as good as new.
We are thinking about a drive in the country to celebrate her return. Oh, what's that, I already live in the country? Well maybe to the beach, on Sunday when the forecast is for 28 degrees...


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Another week, another news story related to Donald Trump albeit, this time, definitely not 'fake news'. In summary, an unknown individual leaked a diplomatic cable from Sir Kim Darroch, the UK Ambassador to the USA, in which Sir Kim called President Trump "insecure" and "incompetent".
Rather than focus on the political side of things, this story is interesting because it reflects a common fear of many employers, namely an employee leaking highly confidential information to hurt them. In this case, it is very likely that a civil service or staff member leaked the information to hurt Sir Kim's position (and, in that sense, they were ultimately successful!)
Let's have a quick look at the employment law impact of a similar situation. So, within our hypothetical example, we have Rule Britannia Mugs Ltd, who sell British branded mugs to other countries. Their biggest customer is White House Trading PLC in the USA, who love mugs displaying pictures of red telephone boxes, London buses and union flags! However, an employee leaks an email from the Finance Director within which the Director states 'we needn't worry about quality, Americans will buy any old tat' and it becomes viral on social media. What happens next?
Well, if it was leaked accidentally (i.e. the employee accidentally forwarded the wrong email to a staff member at White House Trading PLC), they are likely to face disciplinary action but this will take into account all the circumstances including whether they have a clean record, their length of service and whether there was any ill-intent.
But, if as may be likely, the email was leaked on purpose, perhaps because of a personal dislike of the Finance Director and to try and get them fired, it is very likely to constitute a gross misconduct dismissal unless exceptional circumstances apply. Why?
Well, the leak is very likely to hurt the trading stance between the two companies which, in turn, puts employee jobs and the company's financial stability at grave risk. If the employee acted with ill-intent (even if they are repentant later on), it is likely to justify the more extreme measure of a gross misconduct dismissal (this being the equivalent of a straight red card rather than two bookings (read: warnings)).
So what can Rule Britannia Mugs Ltd do to limit the risk of confidential information leakage? Well, firstly, the company's contracts and/or Handbook can make clear that any leaking of confidential information constitutes gross misconduct and, in the case of truly sensitive information, could seek to limit exposure by keeping the circle of recipients small and/or limiting retention of data (and password protecting it).
In the current climate, as above, it is perhaps ironic that Sir Kim's comments were, in fact, proven right by President Trump's follow-up actions. So, unfortunately, for Sir Kim, his is a slightly rare situation in which an individual has to leave a position due to being proven entirely correct!


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The tanker's day is a professional holiday, celebrated every year on the second Sunday of September in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. This event is significant both for servicemen of tank forces, and for engineers and workers of the defense complex. Today GiftBox presents a selection of gifts to the Pope on the day of the tankman. If you are looking for a themed present to the tankman, we are happy to offer you some fresh ideas.
As a gift, you can present a hat with embroidery "It's hot as in a tank". The hat is made of felt and is designed to prevent the skin and scalp from heat stroke. The gift will suit all lovers of the sauna and sauna. Sheep wool maintains the optimum temperature.
The thematic set, which is suitable for both the tankman's day and February 23rd. A set of men's socks consists of three pairs, which are packed with a roller in a box, decorated in armor style. The gift is made under the brand "World of Tanks". Socks are made of cotton. Learn more about this "home ammunition" can be on Funnysocks.ru.
Greetings can be supplemented with a fun t-shirt. The Internet is full of a large assortment of such goods. T-shirt "To my father tanker" & # 8212; this is a good way to express your congratulations. Prices are very liberal. The material can be 100% cotton, sports jersey, cotton + polyester or footer.
The gift is suitable for both the tankman's day and birthday. The case of a flash drive is made of metal, on which it is possible to put any logo or an inscription. By the way, ordering such engraving is quite inexpensive. The flash drive is made in the style of an army token with a chain. The amount of memory is from 8 to 64 GB. Useful gift for the father on the tankman's day.
And this option for fans of the popular WOT'a. The pillow will find its place both at home and in the backseat of your father's car. A humorous sketch will dilute the boring atmosphere of traffic jams. The size of the pillow-triangle is 37cm (per side) and 10cm (in thickness). All pillows are presented in a wide range and at an affordable price.
A really cool gift for those who from childhood are not indifferent to radio-controlled models. The tank is made at a scale of 1:16 and is very realistic. The tower is able to rotate 320 degrees and shoot 6-mm balls from the air gun. The store is charged with 70 balls. There is a smoke generator that makes the movement even more realistic. The work of caterpillars is accompanied by sounds. A tank can overcome a 40 degree incline. A real military gift, which will please even an adult father.
To congratulate the Pope with the tanker's day, and such a souvenir. As it turned out, with the original approach, the brush can be not only an effective means of fighting dirt. The first thing that catches your eye is the nameplate "Tanks of dirt are not afraid." And let the idea of ??a gift be painfully simple, but you will definitely get a smile from Papa. In the rest - it's an inexpensive gift, which you can make by yourself.
Just a keychain man is not interested. So for those who appreciate the functionality in everything, Megamind offers a keychain in the form of a tank with three screwdrivers. To transform the keyfob into a miniature screwdriver, it is enough to fix one of the tips to the muzzle of the tank. The key ring is always at hand, and with it the minimum set of tools.
The kit consists of three tin soldiers that can be purchased complete with T-72, T-80, T-14 or T-90 tanks. In this case, the soldier can be placed in the tower as an arrow. The scale of models is 1:35. A gift is best presented to collectors. Favorite since childhood the set is presented in a wooden box with a cover-slider. Another idea of ??what you can give a dad for a tankman's day.
A tank gift to your father's car salon. The key ring is a miniature copy of a tank helmet made of leather. It is worth noting that, judging by the responses, the helmet is executed quite qualitatively. The product is made of genuine leather. Buy a car souvenir can be on craftskin.ru.


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From CNN, April 16, 2021: "A gunman opened fire outside and inside a FedEx Ground facility near Indianapolis' main airport Thursday night, killing eight people, wounding several others and sending witnesses running before taking his own life, police said … The incident marks at least the 45th mass shooting in the United States since the Atlanta-area spa shootings on March 16. CNN considers an incident to be a mass shooting if four or more people, excluding the gunman, are shot and wounded or killed."
In March 31, 2021, I posted We shall be as a city upon a hill.
Dear Reader: your "follow" will be most appreciated (click "Menu" in this post) as will forwarding this post's link to a friend who you think might find the blog worth a few minutes of their time. Thanks! Jeff
(Image by ahmadreza heidaripoor from Pixabay. No copyright infringement is intended in the use of the featured image nor is there an intent on the part of the blogger to monetize the use of the image in this post)


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A group of Texas Republicans is set to vote Thursday night on whether to remove the vice chairman of the Tarrance County GOP from his post because he is a Muslim.
The matter of whether to oust Shahid Shafi, a surgeon and Southlake City Council member, has garnered widespread attention since the efforts began a few months ago. Republican officials have denied the move is about religion but, rather, whether of not the local politician, appointed to his position in July, is loyal to Islamic law or connected to "Islamic terror groups," the Star Telegram reported.
Precinct chairwoman Debbie O'Brien has been outspoken about efforts to recall Shafi on social media.
"We don't think that he's suitable as a practicing Muslim to be vice chair because he'd be the representative for ALL Republicans in Tarrant County, and not ALL Republicans in Tarrant County think Islam is safe or acceptable in the U.S., in Tarrant County, and in the TCGOP, and there are big questions surrounding where Dr. Shafi's loyalties lie, vis a vis Democrat and Republican policies," she wrote in one of several Facebook posts dedicated to the topic.
Tarrant is a country of more than 2 million people that includes the city of Fort Worth.
Shafi, who was born in India and raised in Pakistan, became a U.S. citizen in 2009. He has repeatedly denied allegations that he favors Sharia Law over the American court system.
"This is unfortunately not the first time that people or my political opponents have tried to use my religion against me to distract the voters," Shafi told the Washington Post. "And unfortunately, I don't think it will be the last either."
Council on American-Islamic Relations communications director Ibrahim Hooper dismissed the vote as "ridiculous."
"No American should be excluded from any political party based solely on their faith," he said.
"American Muslims and all Americans have the duty to increase their civic participation and push back against such bigotry."
Shafi has also earned the backing of other high-profile Republicans, including Texas Sen.Ted Cruz and George P. Bush, who is the commissioner of the Texas General Land Office and the grandson of former President George H.W. Bush.
"Discrimination against Dr. Shafi b/c he's Muslim is wrong. The constitution prohibits any religious test for public office & the First Amendment protects religious liberty for every faith," Cruz said in a December tweet. "The Party of Lincoln should welcome everybody & celebrate Liberty."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week also weighed in on the campaign against Shafi.
"Religious freedom is at the core of who we are as a nation," he said in a statement to the Dallas Morning News. "And attacks on Dr. Shafi because of his faith are contrary to this guiding principle."


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Digital Crate Digging Continues as Throwback Thursday type of business is handled..
What it do? rigging nominations like Brett Kavanaugh? naw dude!! no shady business handled..
Not digging the illuminations per the ruminations / doing the knowledge; auras will get vandalized but I'm not surprised..
Triggering these unpleasant situations some are caught up in like Hurricane Florence blowing in; who's, for or against us / whatcha knowing? recognize the pattern / plots and schemes devised..
Figuring things out after wrecking the mothership out on Saturn, now I'm back down to earth listening to "The Peven Mix" (A Soulful House Mix) By DJ Spivey
Classic material, somewhat spiritual as a brotha gets breakbeat scientific!! the sound is like heaven on earth!! the vibe? all the way live is what it'll be!!
The Peven Mix:
0:00:00 Kickin' Up Dust by Peven Everett
0:06:24 Everyday Girl (Mr. V's ReTouch Vocal) by Peven Everett
0:14:08 How Bad I Want Ya by Stacy Kidd feat. Peven Everett
0:20:04 Burning Hot (Timmy Regisford Remix) by Peven Everett
0:25:24 Inspiration )Timmy Regisford & Adam Rios Remix) by Peven Everett
0:31:17 Stuck (Phil Asher's Soul Heaven Version) by Peven Everett
0:28:01 You Rock Me by Peven Everett
0:42:49 Black Boy (Souldynamic Remix) by Peven Everett
0:48:12 Can't Do Without (Aaron Ross Restless Soul Heaven Version) by Peven Everett
0:54:23 I Found Inside (Mesmerized Soul Mix) by Peven Everett
1:01:28 Gabriel (Live Garage Version) by Roy Davis Jr. feat. Peven Everett


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The DesertWinds Holt is slumbering. I retrieved the site as it was last updated in December 2001 and moved it to my personal site, stories waiting for their endings, pages still under construction. I did this so all the work, memories, and joy the Holt gave me for the years it was part of my life would not be forgotten. Kimberly Stewart owns DesertWinds; you can see what she is up to now by visiting http://desert-winds.net/. I am only keeping it from being lost in the sands of time. I believe this to be a timeless tale of good vs. evil, family, and adventure.
Thank you for stopping by, best wishes on the path you walk. ~ Theresa (Shima)
Updated: 8/26/04 - New URL: http://desertwinds.whalebait.com
This Holt has always been a bit different then most. DesertWinds is a story, pure and simple. And everything that happens to its inhabitants revolves around this story. Through this Holt, I hope to write the story that I always wanted to bring to the inked page. At the same time have the many people within the Holt contribute to the story through the lives of their elves.
I kept the Holt going for a few years, until my Real Life took over and swamped me. I was carrying a large load and I had to step away and take a deep breath. Unfortunately, it's been two years and we've lost a lot of people. And it probably would have never come back if it hadn't been for Shima. Where I lacked in time, she had plenty.
So it's from her dedication and hard work that I am so pleased to announce that DesertWinds is back on its feet! I've so missed the people and the elves!
I hope we will draw in some new blood, and resurrect the old.
And thank you Shima for having the time and dedication to help bring this Holt back. And I hope everyone can forgive a Chieftess for making you wait all this time.
Contact Chieftess Onsha at firstname.lastname@example.com
Matthew Thomas Stewart ... born November 3rd, 2001
View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook
Elfquest art copyright � 2001 Warp Graphics, Inc. Elfquest, its logos, characters, situations, all related indicia, and their distinctive likenesses are trademarks of Warp Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
DesertWind's idea and general story are copyright of Kimberly Stewart. Most of the icons on this web page have been created by me. So usage of these icons is prohibited, unless given permission.


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Stronger Than Before: Caregiver Sheds Mental Health Stigma To Better Support Sister
Jared Goh, 55, used to get so many calls from his sister that he would set a special ringtone for her number.
The calls were often urgent and alarming – his sister has suddenly taken ill, or she has fainted and had to be hospitalised. Just hearing that ringtone play would put Jared, who is his sister's caregiver and emergency contact, on high alert for bad news.
The then IT professional had to manage his high-stress work environment along with his caregiving duties.
It was all the more difficult as he had no idea what was plaguing his sister.
Initially, doctors could not identify anything physically wrong with her. It was a General Practitioner (GP) who diagnosed her with major depression in 1998, which finally put a name to her condition.
Diagnosis With A Label
Back in the early 2000s, as there was a lack of education and awareness on mental health conditions, such issues were heavily stigmatised. Although the Gohs were never subject to discrimination from outsiders, they battled an "invisible" enemy – self-stigma.
In the earlier stages of his sister's depression, their parents were not ready to accept her condition and even professed having feelings of "shame". His sister was also in denial. She refused her medications and her mental health issues escalated into anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
Becoming A Caregiver For His Sister
Jared's parents were getting older and his only brother lives in Taiwan. So it was down to him to take on the responsibility of being his sister's primary caregiver, a role he still plays today.
But Jared was unsure of how to support his sister. Back then, resources for caregivers like him were scarce.
He resorted to giving what he would now consider "bad advice". This included telling her "Don't think too much. Try to distract yourself." or "We all have struggles. So just snap out of it.".
Despite these missteps, Jared made an effort to always be there for his sister, whether it was dropping work to accompany her to appointments or providing a listening ear. Through the chats, he learnt how much his sister struggled emotionally while growing up under difficult family circumstances. He realised she was weighed down by those unhappy memories, and also faced other unpleasant experiences in her adult life.
Hearing this strengthened Jared's resolve to care for his sister.
The Tipping Point
Despite that breakthrough in their sibling relationship, the caregiving journey for Jared was only just beginning.
His sister's condition fluctuated, with good days and bad. She also spent some time warded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
In 2013, she had a major relapse. It was the same time that Jared landed a new job that required him to work long hours and even during the weekends.
Feeling like a candle being burnt on two ends, Jared realised that the situation was taking a toll on him. He shares, "It was quite a traumatic period for me. I reached a point whereby I just couldn't handle it. Even my personal health was affected as well. So, I decided to resign from my company in 2014."
Joining A Support Network
During an appointment at IMH, his sister's psychiatrist recommended that he visit the Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL)'s Caregivers Support Centre at IMH. CAL is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions.
He struck up a conversation with a CAL staff there, and soon after, he met up with the Executive Director of the organisation. This led him to sign up for their Caregivers-to-Caregivers (C2C) training programme.
Facilitated by caregivers to provide knowledge and skills on mental illness, the C2C training programme provides experiential learning and emotional support, which aids in emotional healing of the caregivers. Some of these skills include problem solving, communication, empathy, self-care, and advocacy. These help caregivers provide better care for their loved ones with mental health conditions.
"I always thought that my situation was the worst in the world. I think it's quite common for most caregivers to feel that way. I was just moving around in the dark, not knowing what to do, and how best to help my sister."
The programme helped Jared to meet other caregivers, who shared about caring for someone with mental health conditions. These stories changed his mindset towards caregiving, and he even found himself in a position of supporting others.
His misconceptions of persons with mental health conditions fell apart and he started to gain a better understanding of what his sister was going through.
He says, "The mindset changes the person's feeling about that role and when my mindset changed, I became a different caregiver with a different feeling and a different perception. And that really helped make me a better caregiver for my sister."
The Path To Recovery
Armed with a new perspective and a positive attitude, Jared embraced his role as his sister's caregiver with a renewed sense of purpose. He is proud to see his sister, now 50, making significant strides in getting better over the years.
Jared recalled a significant moment: The siblings were at his sister's session with the psychiatrist, who noted her vast improvement. What helped her? The psychiatrist asked.
Without a word, she pointed her thumb at Jared. The meaning, and underlying gratitude, meant the world to Jared: "At that moment, I felt that my presence meant something for her, and I have found my joy in caregiving."
Although depression might have affected the lives in Jared's family, it also brought them closer together. Today, Jared's sister lives with their parents, just two units down from his own flat, and enjoys making dishes from YouTube recipes for her family to try.
As for Jared, his experience with CAL was so positive that he became a volunteer, and eventually a full-time staff. Today, he is the Head of Operations and Partnerships at CAL.
Jared has stepped up as an advocate for mental health conditions, and shares his caregiving stories with others, hoping to inspire them in the same way that he was.
"The mindset that mental health is 'bad' is what keeps people from seeking treatment early. We must separate the person from the illness. Our personal mindset towards the illness must change."
Caregiver Tips:
1. Change your mindset. Discover the joy in caregiving and love what you do. That's how you sustain your caregiving journey.
2. Get respite. It is likely going to be a long journey sometimes, so it is okay to take a break once in a while.
3. Learn to self-care and do things you may enjoy. Find a hobby to keep yourself active by engaging in a regular activity.
4. Have a support network. Find the strength in others during tough times and help those in need when you can.
If you would like to seek support or learn from other caregivers, you may contact Caregivers Alliance Limited at www.cal.org.sg, or email the Agency for Integrated Care at [email protected].


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Listen to (and share) the latest episode from the Cannes Film Festival of our audio podcast Deadline Festivals & Markets Watch, featuring Deadline International Editor Nancy Tartaglione. She talks with host David Bloom about which distributors and projects are making a splash so far; whether Keanu Reeves' directorial debut, with considerable Chinese backing, can move beyond China to a worldwide hit; how a film starring Sean Penn managed to sell its international rights even before it has been shot; and the crime wave hitting the Croisette.
Deadline Festivals & Markets Watch, Cannes 2013, (MP3 format)
Deadline Festivals & Markets Watch, Cannes 2013, (MP4a format)
The M4A version of this podcast is designed to run on any device using Apple's iTunes software, and includes enhanced graphics and links to stories and other resources. The MP3 version of this podcast is designed to play on virtually any device capable of playing digital audio.
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Guus Hiddink's unbeaten run came to an end as Chelsea suffered their first defeat in 15 games at Swansea.
Gylfi Sigurdsson's volley proved the difference between the two sides at the Liberty Stadium to give the Welsh side their maiden victory over the west Londoners.
Chelsea made three changes to the side that crushed Aston Villa last weekend as Asmir Begovic, Oscar and Alexandre came into the starting XI.
Thibaut Courtois and Kenedy dropped to the bench, which was supplemented by youngsters Charlie Colkett, Ola Aina and Kasey Palmer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek threatened with an early chance but it was Swansea who found the breakthrough midway through the first half in south Wales.
Jefferson Montero caused all sorts of problems down the flank with his cross only half cleared by Matt Miazga and Gylfi Sigurdsson slamming home the loose ball.
Montero was Swansea's main outlet and gave Cesar Azpilicueta a torrid first 45 minutes as the hosts should probably have led by more than the single goal at the break.
Hiddink showed earlier this season at Southampton that he's not afraid to hook players at half time and Miazga paid the price for his defensive error by being hauled off.
Kenedy came into the midfield for the second period with John Obi Mikel slotting back into an unrecognisable Blues defence.
Chelsea improved after the break but their 5-0 demolition of the Swans on this ground last season seems years ago now.
The end of term and a fresh approach from incoming manager Antonio Conte can't come soon enough for the Blues.
Chelsea: Begovic; Azpilicueta, Miazga (Kenedy), Ivanovic, Baba Rahman; Mikel, Fabregas; Pedro, Loftus-Cheek (Falcao), Oscar; Pato (Traore).
Subs (not used): Courtois, Aina, Colkett, Palmer.