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Top Snorkeling Spots In The Florida Keys
Ah, The Florida Keys! A paradise for the snorkelers who want to savor the beauty of the reefs and the heat of the coast. The Florida Keys indeed are a haven for marine life and abundant corals. In this article, we will go over what we think are the best snorkeling spots in the Florida...Read more


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Last time on Star Trek: Voyager...
You are resilient prey.
l'm no one's prey!
She'll survive.
What about her neural interface?
Shall l return her to the Klingon simulation?
Bring her to Holodeck 1.
l've found another program l want to try.
Here in your arms this way...
l'm Katrine.
Le Coeur de Lion is my establishment.
The commandant would have us
continue this simulation until we rot.
lt's pointless.
We should begin the hunt.
We've been able to expand both holodeck grids
by 5, 000 square meters.
The colonel is in a strange mood today.
l have found a way to disable the interface
by remodulating one of your Borg implants
to emit a jamming signal.
You circumvented our control!
You're sending a message to the Nazis.
Step away or l'll kill you.
Need a hand, buddy?
Captain Miller, Fifth Armored lnfantry.
Welcome to Sainte Claire.
This building is being targeted.
Let's get out of here.
You wanted a war?
Looks like you've got one.
And now the conclusion.
Looks like the Hirogen have been busy.
This entire section has been equipped
with holo- emitters.
Let's get to Astrometrics.
There are 85 Hirogen on board
concentrated on Decks 2 through 9.
What about the Bridge?
Four Hirogen and Ensign Kim.
At least he's alive.
The neural interfaces--
you said they're controlled through Sick Bay.
Yes. There's only one Hirogen in Sick Bay
with the Doctor, but the corridors
outside are heavily guarded.
That's our first objective-- disable the interfaces--
but we'll need help.
We did have allies in the World War ll simulation--
the French Resistance.
lt's time we mount a resistance of our own.
The battle is concentrated here in Holodeck 1,
but the fighting has spilled out onto Decks 5 and 6.
And it looks like a group of holographic Americans
is invading Deck 7.
Show me the breach in the hologrid.
l've lost the visual link.
lt was the last active circuit
connecting the Bridge to the holodecks.
There's only one way to stop this.
l need to go to Engineering and initiate a power surge
across the holo- emitter network.
lt'll blow out the entire system.
No. That would destroy both the holodecks.
Look, simulation or not, if this battle keeps going
we could all be killed.
l want that technology preserved.
l was able to reach Deck 5,
but holographic forces are massing near the breach.
lf l'm to get into the holodeck, l'll need help.
Take the hunters from the Klingon simulation.
When l find Captain Janeway, should l kill her?
Bring her to me.
This is no longer a game.
This hunt is real.
We should kill the prey.
The Voyager crew must remain alive to make repairs
or we could lose everything--
this vessel, its technology.
You said that you understood the importance
of what we're doing here.
l'll get the hunters.
We think it's a secret compound the Nazis built
after they took over the city.
What l don't understand
is how they managed to camouflage it so well.
We've been scrutinizing German troop movements
since the occupation.
We knew nothing of this installation.
Don't sweat it.
Our recon planes missed it, too.
Any idea what they're hiding in there, Captain?
We saw all sorts of scientific equipment-- strange metals,
instruments we can't identify.
l've relayed the findings to Military lntelligence.
They believe this
could be an advanced munitions laboratory
designed to build some kind of superweapon.
We've got to put it out of business.
l've already sent three squads in,
but the Nazis are putting up one hell of a fight.
l've requested additional troops.
Lieutenant, this restaurant will serve
as our command post.
Set up the transmitter
and post guards around the perimeter.
Yes, sir.
You've done a bang- up job, but we'll take it from here.
Tell your people to lie low
and that the Americans said"thanks."
This is our city.
We have no intention of lying low.
Listen, honey, the time
for sneaking messages back and forth is over.
This is war, and you aren't soldiers.
He's right.
We have weapons hidden throughout the city.
Brigette will tell you where they are.
Sounds good.
Lieutenant, take care of it.
l can see you haven't changed.
Bring me one of those street maps.
Most of the guns, we stole from the German army.
The explosives, we bought from the black market.
We could use both.
Our biggest stockpile is buried here--
two meters beneath the last row of seats
of the Cinema Mystere.
You remember it, don't you?
l'm No Angel with Mae West.
There's heavy fighting in that area.
What's the best way in?
We dug a tunnel that leads directly to the stockpile.
Here. l'll show you.
we saw Death Takes a Holiday.
lt was the Mae West movie. l'm sure of it.
She was singing...
"Sister Honky Tonk," and l put my arm around you.
And during the courtroom scene...
l kissed you.
You know, l think you're right.
l guess the experience wasn't exactly burned into your memory.
Not the movie.
But l do remember the kiss.
did you get my last letter?
You mean the one asking me to leave France?
Germany was about to invade.
l thought you'd be safer back in the States...with me.
But...l guess you found someone else
to take care of you.
There's never been anybody else.
Then who...?
He's second in command of the Sainte Claire occupation.
The first time he saw me, he said l was pretty.
l took advantage of his interest.
He doesn't know l'm in the Resistance.
The child is his.
l'm sorry.
So am l.
Hold your fire.
you survived.
Are you surprised?
Nazi headquarters was destroyed.
We assumed you were killed in the explosion.
What is that?
Some kind of an escape tunnel?
That's precisely what it is.
You're the leader of the local Resistance.
That's right.
Captain Miller, Fifth Armored lnfantry.
This is Lieutenant Davis.
l take it you've seen the German bunker we uncovered.
l just came from there.
We suspect it's a munitions lab.
Can you confirm that?
Yes. A munitions lab.
Then this is it.
We're calling in an air strike.
Contact the RAF.
Hold on, Captain.
There's an easier way to do this
with a minimum of casualties.
Let's hear it.
l've located the generator that powers the entire complex.
lt's heavily guarded, but with your help,
l can get close enough to set off some explosives.
My orders are to blow the entire compound
before the Germans send in reinforcements.
l saw technology in there you can't begin to imagine--
warheads powerful enough to destroy this entire valley
if they're accidentally detonated.
Call for an air strike,
may be the last call you make.
How can you get close enough?
This tunnel.
l've been watching this compound
for several months, and l've got a man inside.
The place is crawling with Krauts.
That's why l need your help.
lf your men can clear these two corridors,
it'll give us access to this entryway.
Get me there, and l can take care of the rest.
"C" Company-- what's their status?
They're holding position about 200 yards from here.
Get them on the horn.
You'll lead us into the compound,
but l'm coming with you.
l work better alone.
This isn't a request. lt's an order.
Order? Do l look
like l'm wearing one of your uniforms?
l go alone.
l thought you needed our help.
l'll be right behind you.
Lieutenant Blake.
There's been a change of plans...
Even if l manage to disrupt the neural interfaces,
we've still got a war to fight.
We're going to need something a lot more effective
than these old firearms.
l believe l can enhance these weapons
using Borg technology, but l'll have
to access Cargo Bay 2.
lf something goes wrong and l don't succeed,
you'll be the only one left
who knows what's really going on.
Have our suspicions been confirmed?
ls she a collaborator?
l think we can trust her.
Are you certain?
Three hours ago, you were prepared
to put a bullet in her head.
She's on our side.
ln your absence,
l may be forced to make that determination for myself.
l've already made it.
You're not to harm her.
ls that understood?
German forces are advancing on our position.
Let's give them a warm welcome.
Mademoiselle, after you.
Punctured lung, arterial rupture,
fracture of the 13th vertebrae.
He needs surgery.
First- and second- degree burns to the face and neck.
Treat him.
His injuries are minor.
He can wait.
l said treat him!
This man has massive internal injuries.
lf l don't operate now, he'll die.
Treat the burns, or l'll deactivate your program.
What kind of physician are you?
The first rule of triage
states that critical injuries take priority.
Your rules, not mine.
From now on, leave the wounded prey where they fall.
Tend only to our own.
l'm as dry as the crater at Tarpahk...
...in the middle of the dry season...
when it's dry!
l'm not done!
Share with your brothers.
lt's the eve of battle.
l may be drunk,
but l can still send your soul to the next world
and leave your body here to rot!
Though from the stench of it, l'd say it's begun to already.
Wrong guy.
You speak English?
l speak English.
l didn't see him coming.
You saved my life.
Why are you out of uniform?
What company are you with?
well, l'm a...l'm a civilian.
ln the middle of a battle zone in France?
The hell you are.
Go on.
l'm right behind you.
Look, l don't have time for 20 questions.
You say you're an American?
All right then, if Betty Grable came around that corner
what part of her would you be staring at?
Sorry. Time's up.
Her legs!
l- l'd be staring at her legs.
Bull's- eye.
Lucky for you.
You're a gung ho kind of gal, aren't ya?
Does that bother you?
Nope. Just not used to it, that's all.
The girls back home are a little different.
l guess when it comes to my people's safety,
this girl tends to get a little...gung ho.
Nothing to apologize for.
l'm the same way with my men.
There's not a day goes by when l don't think to myself,
"l'm going to get 'em back safely
even if l die trying."
l know the feeling.
We're about to enter some caves that run under the town.
We're going to meet our contact there.
l should warn you.
There are eccentric people who live in the caves,
but don't be alarmed.
...ro- cha loH qech
ro- cha loH qech
qor'taH- taH- taH- taH- taH- taH- taH Dech roH
taH- taH- taH- taH- taH- taH
Dech roH!
Good evening, gentlemen.
Who are you?
How did you get past our battle lines?
We're friends.
Sent by what House?
The House of...
...of ToH- Maag.
ToH- Maag.
l never heard of it.
l'm not surprised.
lt's a long way from here.
This battle doesn't concern you.
Maybe not...
but we'd be honored
to fight alongside such great warriors.
lf you prefer, we'll take our weapons elsewhere.
l'll consider your request...
but first, prove your fortitude.
San- roH
t'patoH- cha!
l guess my French is a little rusty.
Don't drink it.
lt's twice as strong as whiskey.
l'll be right back.
Captain. ls...is it you?
Yes. We've got to disable the rest of those interfaces.
The controls are routed
through the surgical console in Sick Bay,
but it will take time to disable all of them.
We don't have time.
l'll access the Jefferies tube that runs under that deck plate,
set a few charges and blow out the console.
Charges? The Hirogen have seized the armories.
No problem.
l got all the ammo l need right here.
Holographic explosives?
With the safety protocols off- line,
they're as good as the real thing.
Ah! Another of your warriors?
He's a frail- looking thing.
l'll contact you when l've disabled
the rest of the interfaces.
ln the meantime, stay here.
With the Klingons?
Believe me, it's peaceful compared to Sainte Claire.
Please, don't do that.
They've got us outnumbered!
And outgunned.
They're setting up a machine gun emplacement
across the street.
Where have you been?
Obtaining supplies.
What is this?
German technology taken from their compound.
l can use them to enhance our weapons.
l've cornered several Voyager crewmen,
but they've taken refuge in a guarded building.
l need three nucleonic charges to penetrate the structure.
Nucleonic charges could damage the holodeck further.
Use your hand weapons.
Then l'll need more hunters.
They're on the way.
Damn. There's a level- 9 force field
around the surgical console.
We'll have to go in and shut it down.
"Force field"?
l'll explain later.
Set the detonator for five minutes.
Five hunters have been killed in the last hour.
You must engage the safety protocols.
Those protocols aren't functioning.
Then l'll need assistance to...
Stand by.
Get him out of here.
There are ten pounds of dynamite under the floor
set to blow in less than three minutes.
Bridge to Sick Bay.
Sick Bay, respond.
Bridge to Deck 5.
Converge on the Sick Bay.
- Ow! - Oh!
We're on the holodeck under attack.
You must...
Bridge, this is Holodeck 1.
l have seized the building
and l have found another access to this holodeck.
Seal it.
How many captives?
Their neural interfaces have been disabled.
l will make the kill.
No. They are not prey; they are hostages.
l'll need them.
As you wish.
You. Help me seal this hatch.
So, what do you think?
A boy or a girl?
lt's a holographic projection.
Unfortunately, it's a very good projection.
l feel 20 kilos heavier.
lt even kicks.
l don't recognize this program.
l do.
He's wearing a Nazi uniform.
We're on Earth during the second world war.
Totalitarian fanatics bent on world conquest--
the Borg of their day, no offense.
None taken.
What are you staring at?
Get up.
You deceived me.
l should've seen through your flirtations.
lf you say so.
The thought of you carrying my child disgusts me.
You're not the only one.
Look, l don't know what went on
between the two of you, but it's obviously over now.
l see you're acquainted.
Do you find her as attractive as l once did?
l'll miss our nights together.
Put the weapon away.
Funny. He doesn't seem like your type.
Doctor, trouble.
Now what?
The Klingons are starting to wake up from their nap.
All right, all right, hold on.
What are you doing?
l've established an interface with Holodeck 1.
l want to monitor what's going on over there
in case the crew needs my help.
Uh- oh. What should we do?
Not having a cure for Klingon hangovers,
l couldn't tell you.
The battle has begun.
Our plan is to penetrate the enemy's position,
cut his forces in half.
And a very good plan it is.
Best of luck with it.
will lead us into battle, great warrior.
Maybe l'll just watch from here--
try to offer up some pointers
as things develop.
to'qaH! Lead the attack or die here by my hand.
You heard him.
Don't argue with the man-- run along.
l'll reattach any severed limbs.
Just don't misplace them.
You! Cover our flank.
Leave her.
l see you've done some redecorating.
Your attempt to retake this vessel was...
From the day l seized Voyager, you put up
a dauntless fight, but your fight is over now.
You're going to help me shut down these simulations
and repair the holodecks.
We'll destroy this ship before we surrender it.
Don't threaten me, Captain.
l've faced far more intimidating prey than you.
lf this fight continues, l promise you,
l will hunt down and kill every member of your crew.
Well, by then this ship will be damaged beyond repair
and there won't be much of a trophy left, will there?
Perhaps l should kill you
and find someone who will cooperate.
Good luck. You'll get the same response
from all of them.
You don't realize what's at stake.
l know what's at stake-- your sick little game.
This is not a game!
Then what is it?
l'm trying to create a future for my people.
l don't expect you to understand.
You are prey.
You underestimate us.
Perhaps l do.
l'm listening.
My people are hunting themselves into extinction.
Your holodeck technology might offer us
an alternative-- a new way of life.
lnstead of scattering ourselves across the Quadrant
in pursuit of prey, we could simulate the hunt
and give ourselves a chance to rebuild our civilization.
And confine your killing to holograms.
With the safety protocols off- line, the pursuit is just
as challenging.
Oh, l understand what you're trying to do,
but then...why have you been torturing us?
Why have you thrown my crew
into one brutal simulation after another?
l've been studying your behavior as l do with all my prey,
but your holodecks allowed me to go further--
to explore your culture, your history.
l must admit l've learned a great deal.
How so?
Your people have faced extinction many times,
but you've always managed to avoid it.
You seem to recognize the need for change.
Yes. You've got one of those moments
running right now on the holodeck.
We called it World War ll.
One of your most difficult eras.
And yet you survived.
lt wasn't easy.
You are a resilient species.
l admire your cunning.
Let's end this.
l'll call a cease- fire
and we can try to contain the damage.
l want my ship back, but in return, l will give you
what you need to create the holodeck technology.
lt would be cunning for you to agree.
And undrinkable.
l am tired of this simulation.
Mein Herr, a word with you.
And these holograms are becoming annoying as well.
What are we waiting for?
Why don't we execute these prisoners?
Orders from the commandant.
lf l may speak freely?
The commandant has been acting strangely the past few days.
He's been questioning German superiority.
Perhaps we shouldn't follow his orders so...
You will do as he says...
as long as l tell you to.
l don't know how much longer
l can stand being trapped in here.
Perhaps you would enjoy some entertainment.
l will not.
or you will die.
Then l'll die.
Seven, you are a valued member of this crew.
The logical response would be to grant his request.
Logic is irrelevant.
One day the Borg will assimilate your species
despite your arrogance.
When that moment arrives, remember me.
Bridge to Holodeck 1.
l've come to an agreement with Captain Janeway.
Call a cease- fire.
lt's true, Tuvok.
Our first order of business
is to call off the troops.
l want you to find Chakotay
and have him convince his soldiers
to pull out of the city.
Aye, Captain.
Turanj, order our hunters to end the fighting.
This is madness.
We're winning this battle.
Our civilization depends on this agreement.
You heard him.
Release the captives.
l'll tell the others.
Order all units to withdraw to these positions.
l have always thought highly of you.
Have you?
But the commandant is a fool.
He doesn't understand.
He's never embraced the Fuhrer...or his vision.
One does not cooperate with decadent forms of life.
One hunts them down and eliminates them.
The commandant speaks of civilization.
The ancient Romans were civilized.
The Jews are civilized.
But in all its moral decay, Rome fell
to the spears of our ancestors...
as the Jews are falling now.
Look at our destiny.
The field of red.
The purity of German blood.
The blazing white circle of the sun
that sanctified that blood.
No one can deny us, no power on Earth or beyond--
not the Christian savior, not the God of the Jews.
We are driven by the very force
that gives life to the universe itself.
We must countermand the commandant's orders.
Stay and fight.
We must be faithful to who we are.
You two, follow me.
All units, clear the valley.
Return to your previous positions.
We're calling a cease- fire.
Repeat. Cease- fire.
Well, the word is out.
Whether it will be acted upon is another question.
Oh, they'll follow orders.
l'm their commanding officer, remember?
Keep it moving! Keep it moving!
Get the lead out of your pants!
Yes, sir. You heard him! Let's move it.
Mid- 20th century American slang.
You got a problem with that, sister?
You're enjoying this simulation.
l find that peculiar, given the circumstances.
Loosen up, baby doll.
The war's almost over.
So much for the cease- fire!
Fire! Fire!
l've been monitoring the other simulation
and the fighting's getting worse.
The crew is taking heavy casualties.
How can we help?
l'll transfer my program to Holodeck 1.
You take the Jefferies tube and meet me there.
There's only the two of us.
Nevertheless, we have to try and...
Even half drunk,
Klingons are among the best warriors in the galaxy.
But they're already in the middle of a war
with the House of... mmm, uh, whatever it is.
Then you'll just have to convince them
that there's a more important battle to be waged.
What, me?
You are their"great warrior." Lead them.
Pardon me, gentlemen.
l wonder if l might have a word with you.
They're Klingons, not kittens.
You will listen!
These sensors show you've placed
holo- emitters on Decks 5 through 12?
No wonder the system breached.
You've turned Voyager into one big holodeck.
Can you shut it down?
Yes, but l'm going to have to initiate an overload.
We'll worry about making repairs later.
Right now, we've got to put an end to those simulations.
Janeway to Ensign Kim.
Yes, Captain.
Harry, l'm going to need your help
overloading the holo- emitter network.
l'm transferring optical processor control to you now.
Start charging the secondary power relays.
We'll use them to trigger the overload.
l'm on it.
This is going to take some time.
There are over 800 emitters that we have to...
Move away from the controls!
Why haven't you ordered the cease- fire?
Move away from the controls.
Listen to me.
What are you waiting for?
l am a hunter.
You are my prey.
Acknowledged. Out.
Our holographic allies are losing ground.
The German troops are surrounding the city.
l don't know how much longer we can hold them off.
These weapons are pretty crude.
They're not much help.
Maybe we should fall back.
Where to? They're coming in from all sides.
Tuvok, any chance we can get
through that breach in the hologrid?
Unlikely. 20 more Hirogen
have taken up position near the opening.
We are outnumbered.
How's it going?
l'm modifying this explosive device
to emit a photonic burst.
lt'll be harmless to organic tissue,
but it should disrupt all holographic activity
within 20 meters.
We'll try to buy you some time.
l'll be in Sick Bay.
Schnell! Schnell!
They're closing in. Seven!
Auf stehen.
Bring that one to me.
l will spare your life for now,
but only because you are carrying a German child.
Please don't do this.
l can be of use to you.
l can help you repair the ship.
Don't kill me.
Against the wall.
Your deaths will serve the glory of the Reich.
Prepare to fire.
Fight on, warriors!
This way!
Qapla', gentlemen! Qapla'!
This hunt is over.
Tell your hunters to stand down.
l'll use this if you force me to.
lt's over.
Let's go.
Captain's Log, Stardate 517 15. 2.
The damage to Voyager has been extreme.
Both sides have taken heavy casualties,
and it's clear that no one is going to win this conflict.
The fighting has reached a standstill
and the remaining Hirogen
have agreed to negotiate a truce.
What is this?
An optronic datacore.
You can use it to create holodeck technology
on your own vessels.
l made a promise with your leader before he died
that l would give this knowledge to the Hirogen.
Take it.
His ideas were unconventional.
l do not share them.
Was he any more unconventional than you are...
calling a cease- fire with your prey?
Only a few days ago,
the thought of speaking with us on equal terms
would've been inconceivable, but here we are.
Accept this...
You can use it to create a new future for your people.
At the very least, you can hang it on your bulkhead.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Jays squandered some run scoring chances and came up short today in Charm City.
Ricky Romero pitched fairly well, but made one huge mistake, a Mark Reynolds grand slam in the 6th inning. Romero's final line doesn't look all that impressive, but he pitched into the 8th and two of the three walks he gave up were in the 8th. He struck out 5 and gave up all five Baltimore runs, 4 all on the one swing, of course.
At the plate the Jays had their chances but couldn't capitalize. They managed 8 hits and 4 walks, but bailed out young starter Jake Arrieta in the 2nd and 3rd innings and it cost them. The third was particularly rough as the Jays managed to load the bases on a bunt single and two walks with no one out, but Juan Rivera grounded into a 5-2-3 double play and J.P. Arencibia flew out.
Corey Patterson had a great day at the plate with another 3 hits, including a solo home run. Rajai Davis sparked a run with two steals after reaching on a fielder's choice in the 4th, which was great, but after singling him in, Mike McCoy was thrown out trying to steal and stopping the inning dead in its tracks. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Davis also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.
Not too much more to say about today, it was a rough one but that's baseball - one swing of the bat can change everything. If nothing else, it was nice to have Adam Lind back in the lineup. He was 0-3 today, but did draw a walk in the middle of what looked like a very promising third inning, but then Juan Rivera grounded into a double play.
The Jays can still win the away series tomorrow. Jo-Jo Reyes will take the hill for Toronto, while Jeremy Guthrie pitches for Baltimore. A shame I can't make the game since it is right here in the next town over, but work is ridiculous at the moment. It took my little girl coming down with tonsilitis for me to not do any work for the first day in over a month.
Today's title comes from the Decemberists' song "June Hymn" which seemed appropriate given the amazing June weather we've had the past few days -- I did manage to go for a nice long run this morning and then also cut out of work at about 4:30 to go for a late afternoon hike. The inter-bird matchup we have made me think of that line from the song. Night, all.


text:
|You are in: Wales
Monday, 20 January, 2003, 16:23 GMT
Q&A: European Objective One funding
It has been hailed by economists and politicians from all parties as a key factor in the transformation of the Welsh economic landscape, from its post-industrial shell, to a modern, vibrant economy.
But how does it work, who is it supposed to benefit, and crucially, is it living up to expectations?
So what exactly is "European Funding?"
The phrase "European Funding" covers lots of different pots of money, and lots of different ways of withdrawing that cash from Europe.
For example, a grant for "Objective One" could come from any one of four different pots of money.
That's the European Regional Development Fund; the European Social Fund; the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund; or the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance.
But while that may sound a bit daunting and complicated, the aim of all these funds is simple - to revive areas where the decline of traditional industries has caused serious economic and social problems.
So what are these different funds specifically designed to do?
What will the money be spent on?
The European funds will be spent on hundreds of different projects, all of which are aimed, in one way or another, to regenerate the Welsh economy.
Specifically, the aim is to:
Why does Wales qualify for this extra funding?
Very simply, many parts of Wales are eligible for European funding because these areas are amongst the poorest parts of Europe.
The reason why this is has been described as a one-off opportunity is that the borders of Europe are about to expand dramatically.
Many poorer countries in Eastern Europe, such as Poland, will soon become eligible for these funds, making if highly unlikely that Wales could benefit to such an extent in the future.
What is Objective One?
Objective One is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe all European funding - and although this is a useful short-hand for politicians and the media, it can lead to confusion.
In fact, Objective One is just one of the routes being used in Wales to draw down European funding.
And while it is true to say that Objective One is the most significant programme of European Funding, it only applies to west Wales and the Valleys.
Objectives Two and Three apply in east Wales.
So what's the difference between Objectives One, Two and Three?
How much has been spent so far?
This isn't as easy to answer as it seems.
Over the six year period of 2000-2006, Wales should benefit by over £2bn of extra cash - £1.2bn from Europe matched by another £1.2bn from other sources.
So far, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Wales European Funding Office say they have allocated or "committed" over £1bn to various projects.
However, it will take some time for these projects to actually spend the money - indeed, they have two years to spend their allocation of funding, after it has been allocated to them.
To date (according to the official figures on 18 December 2002) £206.5 million has been spent on Objective One projects.
How many jobs has that created?
Again, this is difficult to calculate, because the information is still being gathered, and as more and more projects get off the ground, the goal-posts keep changing.
According to Andrew Davies, Assembly Economic Development Minister, the figure on 20 January was 6000 jobs created, and another 7,000 jobs safeguarded.
These figures are dramatically at odds with an official report placed in the assembly library just before Christmas that noted only 44 jobs created.
The Welsh Assembly Government says that this was due to a "minor computer glitch."
A full and comprehensive report on the number of jobs created will be made available by the Assembly Government, in early March.
See also:
20 Jan 03 | Wales
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WSJ writes about how the Japanese high-tech industry is focusing on creating gadgets that work everywhere:
Japan — and particularly its high-tech industry — is dying to become ubiquitous. Sony is working toward the "ubiquitous value network," Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. the "ubiquitous network society." No matter that until a few years ago, practically nobody here had heard the term and even fewer could pronounce it. Now, the word "ubiquitous" is, well, ubiquitous, with the nation's biggest economic daily estimating that it appears in the paper's pages once every other day.
In its narrowest sense, "ubiquitous" refers to a network of gadgets — the kind for which Japanese companies are famous — that pass around information. That is why Japanese cellphone giant NTT DoCoMo Inc. made "ubiquity" one of its three guiding principles.
But for those in the know, "ubiquitous" describes a grandiose vision where everything — from potatoes to people to the garbage — is linked to a big network that is accessible any place, anytime. It is all made possible, of course, by cutting-edge technology.
"Let's put wireless devices on everything that moves," DoCoMo President Keiji Tachikawa says. "Not just people — it can be pets or cars or personal computers."
India too has the opportunity to leapfrong into the era of ubiquitous networks – we should free up our spectrum and make urban and rural India a testbed for these new technologies. This is one way to ensure that we build applications based on the always-on world of tomorrow, and not be hampered by the limitations of the past.


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Steve Brigance, of 4OurElders, talks about care and service as being the single most important thing in long-term care.
If you have questions regarding Medicare, Insurance or care, service or safety questions in long-term care facilities of any type, give us a call or drop us a note and we will try to address your question at no cost and in 'real time.' We want to help you make the best, most affordable long-term care housing decision for yourself or a loved one and to get all you are entitled to whatever your circumstances are. Now, this is FREE service you can count on, unlike those who pretend to be on your side when all the while they are taking money from the very facilities trying to get your business. We have no such conflict of interest—our ONLY interest is your interest because a better informed, information-armed consumer is the only way we can make long-term care in this country better for us all."


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This article is for folks that don't think they can sell. In fact, you detest the ground a salesman walks on. You can't stand anything about the selling process.
Well here I come in my plaid pants, white shoes and belt to teach you something about sales. Okay if you're still reading, I'm joking. However, I am not kidding about helping you learn some powers of persuasion that you can use to sell anyone on an idea, a product, or just yourself. All in a good, healthy, and fun way. Nothing crazy here!
We all at some point in time need to be able to get others to like what we have. The what we have does not matter remember that. It's getting our point across in a fun and engaging way. So whatever it is you want to swing your way. Buckle your belt and let's get rolling.
Selling is incredibly simple. You need to convince the person or persons you're trying to pitch that what you have will change the lives of those who use it. If someone believes that they can't live without what you have, you don't have to sell. You just have to push the pen in front of them, sign here.
This process takes a passion for what you're offering. Understanding the product, service better than what the average Joe does. If you know how to show someone how what you have is life-changing, it's not sales. Getting someone to understand that a tire will change their life, that takes real skill. Selling a tire is just selling a tire. If you can demonstrate how this set of tires will improve your driving experience, create value around that. You have to understand every single aspect of a tire, from the raw materials, manufacturing process, testing, life, safety, and quality.
Then you need to formulate a story that does not put customers to sleep. Storytelling (NO not lying) authentic storytelling. You need to be the person that National News organizations would call for a professional opinion. If you can tell the story that would rival a James Patterson Novel, then you will be well on your way to benefiting your customers in a whole new way.
Compelling customers, NOT SELLING CUSTOMERS. The big difference with a better, long-lasting result. We have to get passed, turn them, and burn them attitude towards sales. Why do you think advertisers use ways to make you feel special if you use this product or that? The persuasion is better than "hey, this is crazy Bob's widget sales right here in downtown USA we're dealing, slashing prices, we won't be undersold." ARRRGGGG gross no way it's junk!
Telling a story that touches my soul. Figure out how what you do changes lives. I hear everyone saying, "okay Mr. Big Time, how do I convince someone that my tomatoes are going to change my life, their tomato's for goodness sake." My answer is to stop whining and let's figure it out! Together!
Yes, this will take some real thought and research. You need to dive in and learn everything from why the tomato seed you use is far better than your competition, that the dirt where your tomatoes are grown makes a difference. That the packaging, the shipping of your vegetables is done in ways that genuinely preserve the end product. Do you see my point yet?
Think about it for a good while. Understand your process from the cradle to the grave. Learn it like you, your life depended on it. That if you miss one small detail, it could be fatal. The story has to move people to action. It has to run me so that I want to buy it. I will happily pay more for something I see the life-changing value. If you knew in your heart that what your purchasing was going to increase the benefit of your life in some significant way, would you put a price tag on that? NO, you would look for a way to BUY it. I would not need to sell you anything because you want to have it far exceeds any other emotion.
Telling a story about what products or services do to change the lives of those using it. If you can master a story worthy of inspiring the soul. All the sales skills in the world won't matter. The customer will want to buy, you won't have to sell a thing.
Rehearse the story until it flows from your lips like a river flows through a meadow. It has to come from your heart. Otherwise, it sounds like a canned presentation, and you lose. Obviously, if you have a product or service you perform the passion is there. So the story will come if you allow it to. Meditate on it if you have to. Take notes, organize your thoughts. Read your story aloud, when you do so, then you will hear how it sounds. Great way to edit!
When you can master the art of storytelling, you won't need a bunch of fancy sales mumbo-jumbo. You have to ask for the sale, but you won't have to what I call sales to beg someone to buy from you. They will already see the value from your story, the rest is just signing here folks.
Please send me your questions and comments:


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In my previous article I began thinking with you about a commonly held three-fold formula for discerning God's will in Scripture: commands, examples, and inferences. To many disciples, this hermeneutical approach is contrived and distorts Scripture into a law-code that in turn produces a very legalistic version of Christianity. My primary objective in this series is to follow the example of Jesus, especially in regard to the way He reasoned from the Scriptures. But before I begin looking at the first of three episodes in the gospels, I want to offer a few more introductory observations on this issue.
Descriptive Rather Than Prescriptive
My basic contention in the last article was that looking for commands, following examples, and drawing inferences are fundamental and universal ways of responding to information. Even those who dispute the command/example/ inference model ultimately employ these modes of interpretation, often while arguing against them. I wonder if part of the confusion is due to the way command/example/ inference is presented.
Let me illustrate what I mean from the subject of physics. In what sense is the Law of Gravity a law? Is it because someone in the ancient world uncovered a stone tablet inscribed with the phrase, "What goes up must come down?" Obviously not. The Law of Gravity is actually a description of what we observe to regularly happen. It is not prescriptive, but descriptive. I would suggest that the same is true with command/example/inference. In the past I have sometimes spoken of command/example/inference as if there was a passage in Fourth John that prescribed three ways to establish authority! But that isn't the case. What is true is that if you want to describe how anyone draws conclusions from the Bible, in one way or another those conclusions will be drawn from commands/examples/inferences.
Observation, Interpretation, Application
Another objection to command/example/inference is that this approach pays little attention to the overall story of the Bible, and to the many different literary styles found in Scripture (like poetry and narrative). I believe these criticisms have some merit. Responsible study of the Bible involves far more than simply cherry-picking out random pieces of information. A true commitment to the authority of God's word involves carefully reading what the text says (observation) and understanding its original context (interpretation). Only then can we responsibly move from what the text originally meant to what it means for us (application).
Too often, we come to the Bible with a point to be made, in search of a text to prove it. This sort of proof-texting pays no attention to the genre of writing, the literary context of the books of the Bible, or the sweeping plot of Scripture. Instead, it involves haphazard and arbitrary use of command/example/inference. But the real problem is not that command/example/inference is therefore invalid. The real problem is poor Bible study.
And the solution is to look at the way Jesus interpreted the Bible. That's what I would like to do in the remaining articles in this series, beginning with a question about the most important command of the Law.
The Greatest Commandment
And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-31)
During Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, representatives of the various Jewish sects challenged Jesus in the temple, including the Pharisees and Herodians (Mark 12:13-17) and the Sadducees (Mark 12:18-27). In addition to these hostile confrontations, Mark explains that – overhearing these debates – one of the scribes posed a question to Jesus that was common in rabbinical debates: "Which commandment is the most important of all?" (12:28). Jewish sources describe debates regarding which of the 613 commands of the Law were heavier or lighter. The goal in many discussions was to find a simple summarizing principle that would encapsulate the Law.
Jesus offered two such principles, found in two commands of the Law. First, the Jewish Shemah, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear (shemah in Hebrew), O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Second, the command found in Leviticus 19:18: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." In both cases, Jesus drew conclusions about God's will by appealing to commands written in Scripture.
Jesus' teaching here also provides a helpful corrective against the tendency of legalism. There can be no question that Jesus held all of the Law in the highest regard, down to the very smallest strokes of the Hebrew alphabet (Matthew 5:17-18). But there can also be no doubt that while Jesus believed all of the Law was important, He also believed that some parts of the Law were more fundamental ("weightier matters," Matthew 23:23). The two love commands were not simply two out of 613 commands. According to Jesus, they were the very foundation of everything else in the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:40).
The apostolic writers maintain the same emphasis. In Romans 13:9 Paul says that the commandments of God "are summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" In Galatians 5:14 he says that loving your neighbor as yourself fulfills the law "in one word." And the brother of the Lord describes this command as fulfilling "the royal law according to Scripture" (James 2:8).
Command/example/inference can become a stumblingblock when the Bible is flattened out and all commands are stressed the same. But careful attention to what our Lord taught as He made use of the commands of the Bible will place the emphasis where Jesus placed it. Love, according to Jesus, is the supreme biblical doctrine, and we can hardly claim to live under the authority of Christ when we fail to love others.


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FIS Relius
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In this special 100 minute web seminar, we will provide an in depth look at after-tax employee contributions and how they are used. We will closely examine current strategies and discuss whether they work and whether they make sense. There will be lots of examples and ample opportunity for questions.
Topics include:
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites or other advanced preparation for this program. The speaker will expect attendees will have a general understanding of the operation of 401(k) and other retirement plans.
Level: Overview
Instructional Delivery Method
Group – Internet-Based
Speaker: S. Derrin Watson, J.D., APM
Recipient of ASPPA's 2006 Educator of the Year Award
Objectives: After the seminar, attendees should be able to:


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Gerry Latham has worked in a lot of hospitals in her 40 years as a nurse and administrator.
She has seen the strain that old hospital buildings put on nurses, who spend too much of their time walking from one supply room to another, and on patients, whose already frail health is tested by living in rooms with one to three other patients, by the noise of the hospital, by infections.
She has also seen the excitement of being in a new hospital fade, as people quickly realize the new building is shinier but it doesn't work much better.
So when the $44-million, architecturally stunning addition to St. Mary's Hospital in Sechelt, B.C., opened in March – an addition that its designers say will make it the greenest hospital in Canada – she waited to see whether it would really make a difference.
Cautiously, Ms. Latham, the hospital's interim operational director, says it looks as though it did. "After one night, patients are sleeping like we've never seen before," says Ms. Latham, emphasizing that so far it's all just observations with no quantified data.
One doctor said he believes his patients are healing faster. Nurses are noticing that patients, who now have private bathrooms, don't need as much medication to help with bowel problems. Nurses and doctors are spending less time walking back and forth to nursing stations, computers and supply rooms because of the way the hospital has been designed.
And, Ms. Latham says, "personally I do notice the quietness of the hospital, the natural light, the non-cluttered rooms, the spaciousness. Would I say our staff are in a better place? Absolutely."
Experiments in hospital design are not unusual in North America, as the never-ending demand for new health-care facilities fuses with the green movement in architecture.
But St. Mary's has achieved an unusually high level of innovation, due to a combination of factors: a willingness to experiment from the hospital side, a provincial requirement to build to a high environmental standard, and a push-the-boundaries architectural team.
One part of the team was Tye Farrow, whose Toronto firm Farrow Partnership Architects, has designed hospitals everywhere from Truro, N.S., to Mississauga and Thunder Bay in Ontario, with another B.C. project on the books in Mission.
The other was Kirsten Reite, who oversees health-care projects at the B.C. firm Perkins + Will, which is known for its advanced work on green-building design.
"Most hospitals are big square boxes. In this one, 75 per cent of the spaces have natural daylight," says Ms. Reite, whose firm includes an engineer who has researched Scandinavian hospitals. "The biggest impact on people in hospitals is the natural daylight."
The design also includes windows that can be opened – almost unheard of since infection-wary hospital designers of the 19th century decided to seal everything – a geothermal field, green roofs and an energy bill that's a third of the old, smaller hospital.
But, just as important, the building was also designed to promote maximum health and happiness for both patients and staff.
That started with hospital managers, who, Ms. Reite says, "wanted to push the limit" at St. Mary's. They wanted individual rooms for patients, an efficient workspace for staff, and a high environmental standard. To do that, they were willing to bend the normal Canadian Standards Association rules for hospital construction, a route that larger hospital projects often avoid.
That made it easier for the design team.
Mr. Farrow, who has a near missionary faith in the power of architecture to promote health, said he often starts out planning hospitals with administrators who don't know much more than that they want a new, modern box.
He often has to take them through an education process to see how investing in better design and an environmental approach pays off in health outcomes.
Not in this case, though, where the province requires all new government-funded buildings to be built to the gold level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – or LEED – certification system. Or where the hospital planners themselves wanted a design that cut down on unnecessary walking by staff.
At St. Mary's, Mr. Farrow's team created a full-scale replica of various work spaces with large Styrofoam blocks to help staff show them whether a design was workable and efficient. The team also made windows and light a priority.
"The quality of daylight and views makes people feel better. When you have a long view out, it creates a meditative moment. You take a breath, look up," Mr. Farrow said on a recent visit to the West Coast to view the hospitals in Sechelt and Mission.
They also talked to the Sechelt Indian Band, which had donated the land for the hospital, about what elements of native tradition to incorporate.
"They have a tradition of bent[wood] boxes in cedar, which held the most precious things. I thought, 'Why don't we begin to use that.'"
It's unusual for hospitals to use exposed wood – unsafe, is the fear – but St. Mary's hospital directors were willing and Mr. Farrow has a history of using wood in other hospitals. He's been able to prove to the satisfaction of Canadian regulatory authorities that wood can be protected during a fire without using sprinklers, which typically mean that wood gets so wet that mould develops. Instead, he installs a fog-producing system that, in the case of a fire, chills wood to the point where it won't burn.
As a result, the building incorporates a lot of visible wood, and many of the architectural lines inside and out are curved to suggest the boxes of Sechelt tradition. All of that makes St. Mary's feel much less like a hospital, which is what Mr. Farrow was aiming for all along.
"It's an intangible that has tangible impacts. Most people in the health-care field or the sciences focus on the tangible things. But health care is a very emotional and human thing."
St. Mary's facts
The expansion of St. Mary's, a community hospital on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, was planned with the goal of offering the latest in green design.
– The project includes 125 boreholes into the ground, each 76 metres deep, which provide a source of zero-carbon geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling the building. A high-performance building envelope minimizes energy loss.
– The project targets LEED Gold certification. The interior was designed using LEAN space-planning principles to ensure efficient department and room design.
– The project also accommodates two new floors of single-patient rooms – which means more privacy and a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections. Acute-care beds have been increased to 63 from 41.
– Patient rooms have large windows that maximize natural daylight and spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia.
– The 5,400-square-metre addition, which doubles the size of the hospital, includes new and larger emergency and radiology departments, intensive care rooms and a new labour and delivery unit.


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[media-credit name="Photo courtesy of Alvaro Ugaz" align="alignright" width="300″][/media-credit]Every year during the Miss Peru beauty pageant, contestants introduce themselves, the region they represent and provide body measurements in front of a panel of judges.
This year something different happened during that typically routine section of the contest. On Oct. 29, in lieu of providing the judges with their body measurements, Miss Peru contestants dropped statistics regarding sexual assault and femicide, the term that Latin American countries coined to characterize the widespread killings of women at the hands of men in the past decade.
The protest was pre-planned by the event organizers. During the question-and-answer stage of the competition, contestants were asked how they would put an end to feminicide.
Jessica Newton, the pageant's head organizer and former beauty queen, justified the show's focus on feminicide by suggesting that all who don't do something to end the issue are accomplices to the crimes against the victims. Newton said that she kept the swimsuit portion of the competition in order to show that women deserve respect no matter what they are wearing.
"My name is Camila Canicoba and I represent the department of Lima," the first contestant said. "My measurements are: 2,202 cases of feminicide reported in the last nine years in my country."
Another 22 contestants followed suit.
"My name is Samantha Batallanos and I represent Lima and my figures are: a girl dies every 10 minutes as a result of sexual exploitation," another contestant said.
Kelin Rivera of Arequipa, Peru approached the microphone and held back tears in exposing her region as being home to 6,573 reported cases of violence against women.
The pageant audience roared after each bombshell statistic rang through the monitors of the auditorium. Eventually, the entire world heard the contestants' call for recognition.
#MisMedidasSon, which translates to #MyMeasurementsAre, went viral on Twitter. Users around the world got wind of the protests and offered their support for the cause by furthermore sharing articles and statistics about sexual violence.
The Prime Minister of Peru, Mercedes Aráoz, said that she was disappointed in how her country was being viewed on the interwebs after #PeruPaísDeVioladores (translated to #PeruCountryOfRapists) emerged on social media as well.
"Peru is more than that," Aráoz said. She also revealed that last year she had been involved in a psychologically abusive relationship.
While many on social media were moved by the pageant contestants' statistics, others weren't as dazzled by the glamorous protest. Peruvian writer and activist Mary Lara Salvatierra expressed her discontent with the competition existing in the first place in a piece she wrote for the Tribuna Feminista. In "Miss Peru and the false idea of the free woman," she discusses the reality that pageants around the world are primarily working with the beauty industry in seeking profits ahead of anything else and that the protest was merely a calculated ploy by the event organizers to generate free advertisement for the program in order to market cosmetic products, while also "washing the face" and modernizing a competition that she sees as objectifying.
"Miss Peru 2018 went viral worldwide generating a lot of free promotion for the organizers, for the owners of the channel that transmitted the event, and of course, for the beauty industry in the country that, according to the Chamber of Commerce of Lima, this year increased sales by eight percent and we assume, with this free advertising that number will increase until the end of the year," Salvatierra wrote.
The Miss Peru protest came as another wave within the ocean of outcry exposing widespread sexual assault against women.
While feminicide in Latin America has attracted global attention, assaults against women have made headlines close to home.
In early October, The Weinstein Company's executive board subsequently fired co-founder Harvey Weinstein after The New York Times published reports accusing the Hollywood mogul of rape and other sexual harassment. Since then, 78 alleged victims have spoken out against Weinstein, with some claiming that the prominent producer used his influence to coerce female actresses and models into sexual behavior.
As sexual assault and violence against women are beginning to take the forefront of the global conversation about gender equality, more protests and accusations surface every day in the media. Whether it is through a beauty pageant broadcasted live on national television or a New York Times investigative story that gives light to a man that used his status to sexualize women of his choosing, journalists and public figures are continually combating gender violence one step at a time by bringing attention to the centuries-old plague.
"We definitely had wanted a different Miss Peru," Luciana Olivares, content and strategy manager for the Frecuencia Latina TV station, told NPR. "But it was only during the last weeks where it became obvious that we needed a cry against violence on women."


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The year has been terrible for cryptocurrency investors. Bitcoin and other digital assets have been battered by macroeconomic unrest, suffering a decline that has sent many of last year's new crypto adopters running for the exit. After an extended market rally saw the global cryptocurrency market capitalization top $3 trillion in late 2021, Bitcoin and other digital assets have experienced a decline. Currently, the market is valued slightly under $1 trillion, and both Bitcoin and Ethereum are selling at prices that are more than 70% below their all-time highs.
Even the most enthusiastic supporters of cryptocurrency have been put to the test this year, but early adopters have grown accustomed to extremely high volatility in both directions. The popularity of cryptocurrencies has historically increased every four years as more people become aware of the technology and enthusiasm increases, but these booms have always been followed by devastating crashes. These periods of decline, which have come to be known as "crypto winter" phases, are characterized by sharp drops in interest and market activity, as well as project washouts and massive selloffs. Bear markets may not be welcomed by many crypto enthusiasts, but they can be a great chance to rest and assess the situation before the next market cycle. Here are our top five suggestions for navigating the current crypto winter. Those who adhere to them ought to be in a good position to prosper once cryptocurrency gains traction.
Stay put through the crypto winter
Although the crypto winter can be difficult, it's vital to remember that many people actually become truly wealthy during downturn markets. Due to two factors, this is especially true with crypto.
One is that bear markets wipe out projects with weak fundamentals, poor product-market fit, or blatant frauds. The market shifts its attention away from price action, promotion, and excitement and toward product and business development at the same time. Solana, Cosmos, and Uniswap are just a few of the top cryptocurrency projects that were developed and introduced during bear markets. The second-largest cryptocurrency in the world, Ethereum, was introduced in the midst of the bear market for Bitcoin in 2015 and traded below $10 until the 2017 bull market. At the end of the cycle, in January 2018, Ethereum reached a peak price of $1,430, generating incredible returns for early investors.
This brings up the second factor that makes hanging on essential for making it through the crypto winter and flourishing in the following cycle. When they are "greater fool" assets, many respectable cryptocurrencies are incorrectly referred to as Ponzi schemes. According to the larger fool idea in finance, investors can occasionally profit from "overvalued" assets by later selling them to a buyer (the "fool") for a higher price. This psychological phenomena causes economic booms, which are followed by significant corrections, and is exacerbated by herd mentality. And while this applies to all markets, crypto assets are more vulnerable, emphasizing the value of being early.
Being a pioneer in the cryptocurrency space also entails remaining active, learning, and market-aware even when the sector is going through a bad cycle. Those who persevered through the 2014–2016 bear market were among the most successful investors in the 2017 bull run. Similar to how many people who prospered in 2021 persevered through the challenging downturn of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The most important element for success when the market flips around is perseverance.
Re-evaluate your thesis
Although losing money is never enjoyable, it can be a great lesson. Investors should take advantage of the crypto winter to review their investing strategy, learn from any mistakes they made during the previous cycle, and get ready for the next leg up.
Different things could be indicated by an asset or an entire asset class falling 70% from all-time highs. An investor may need to reconsider their strategy and rebuild their portfolio in order to better reflect the new reality if they experience a big drop in their portfolio, for instance, which could indicate that the market has rejected their investment thesis. If this is the case, it could be wise to sell at a loss and make other investments.
A sizable drawdown, however, does not automatically imply that an investor's investing thesis has been proven false. Instead, it can be a great chance to go all in. For instance, investors who appreciated a cryptocurrency at $1,000 should like it even more at $200 if its fundamentals improve. The price of an asset declining doesn't always mean it's a bad investment. Despite improving fundamentals, an asset may briefly drop for a variety of causes, many of which are exogenous or unrelated. The task of an investor is to pinpoint these market inefficiencies, purchase assets that are momentarily undervalued, and then sell them at a better price once the markets have caught up.
Use second-order reasoning
Every crypto bull cycle is brought about by a number of catalysts and is surrounded by a variety of stories. Initial Coin Offerings on Ethereum and the idea that "blockchain, not Bitcoin" defined the 2017 bull run saw firms generate millions of dollars by selling tokens that were largely useless and made bogus claims about tokenizing and decentralizing everything. The last bull run began with the halving of Bitcoin in 2020, which came at the same time as the enormous post-pandemic money printing that highlighted its importance as the top inflation hedging asset. The cycle continued with the explosion of food-related decentralized applications on Ethereum at a time that came to be known as "DeFi summer," followed a year later by the mainstream explosion of NFTs that gave rise to "NFT summer." Alternative Layer 1 networks Terra, Solana, and Avalanche experienced a quick ascent and decline at the end of the 2021 cycle.
Latecomers who couldn't forecast where the puck was heading fared worse than those who were effective in predicting the prevalent storylines.
Predicting the prevailing narratives of the next cycle involves profound contemplation or second-order thinking that takes into account the long-term effects of numerous pertinent causally connected events. The game of investing is comparable to Keynes' famed beauty contest in this way since investors must predict what other investors will think rather than their own opinions.
Given that cryptocurrencies are prone to the greater fools phenomena, successful investing is more about predicting other people's expectations than it is about trying to uncover ideas or assets that would exceed the market. Second-order thinkers are attempting to predict which blockchain the majority of naive investors will believe is best when the next cycle begins, whereas first-order thinkers may presently be attempting to predict whether the future Layer 1 network Aptos will outperform Solana.
Utilize the concept of expected value
Making only assets with positive expected value is a valuable mental model to utilize when trying to withstand down markets and investing in cryptocurrencies. The expected value (EV) in this context is the product of all potential values for a random variable, each value multiplied by the likelihood that it will occur.
Assume an investor is thinking about investing $1,000 in token X. A small-cap cryptocurrency with a high degree of volatility, the in question token has a 95% probability of dropping to $0 and a 5% chance of rising to $25,000 in value. The following equation might be used to determine the expected return on this investment:
EV = (-$1,000 x 0.95) + ($25,000 x 0.05) = $300
This indicates that the expected value of the bet is positive and that, on average, the investor would make $300 per investment if they continued to stake $1,000 on bets with the same odds eternally. Simply put, if they invested $100,000 in 100 assets, lost the entire amount in 95 of them (Minus$95,000), and made a 2,400% profit on five of them (5 x $25,000 = $125,000), they would make a $30,000 profit ($125,000 – $95,000).
While taking into account anticipated value makes it simpler to determine whether a certain investment is worthwhile, even a little change in the factors that are assumed can frequently make a positive EV trade turn negative. This implies that accurate estimation of the likelihood of various occurrences occurring is crucial for successful investment. Beyond that, it's crucial to compare the expected values of various investment opportunities and only invest in a diversified group of those with the highest expected value because there are hundreds of cryptocurrencies on the market and investors have a limited amount of money.
As an illustration, let's say an investor has a choice between investing $1,000 in Bitcoin or Ethereum at their current market prices and believes both have the same 50% chance of either dropping to zero or rising to their former all-time highs. In that instance, they can determine which investment has a better anticipated value by calculating it for both. Given that it would need to increase more than Bitcoin in order to achieve its prior all-time high price, Ethereum has a little greater predicted value in this situation.
Patience is key
The crypto winter is a time for patience. Even the most devoted believers may find the winter season to be mentally taxing because it sometimes lasts longer than anticipated. The Great Financial Crisis' worst macroeconomic conditions since then are the backdrop for the present bear market. Cryptocurrencies may continue to fall or trade sideways for a period of two to three years. It might be simple for individuals who aren't actively trading, but it can be very difficult for those whose net worth is heavily invested in cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, bear markets are considerably less forgiving than bull markets, so sometimes staying out of the market is the wisest course of action. This is particularly true given that the majority of cryptocurrencies now available are down by more than 99% from their all-time highs. Many investors create portfolios that change their lives during bear markets, but to make the proper decisions and choose the cryptocurrencies that will outperform the market during the next leg up, patience, research, and foresight are required.
Final Reflections
The crypto market is not for the faint of heart, as this year has demonstrated. Cryptocurrencies can soar to incredible heights during bull runs thanks to upside volatility, but they can crash just as hard during protracted downturns. However, the biggest winners in the field to far have typically been those who adopt a long-term attitude and learn to appreciate downturns. If cryptocurrency doesn't disappear, investors can get ready for the next rally by using the advice provided in this section. Despite the fact that we are in a crypto winter, the fundamentals remain the same. Anyone who has the big picture in mind will fare considerably better during crypto winter.
Are there any tokens that can still do well in a bear market?
It is a question in everyone's mind – during wintertime, is there anything you can invest in, that can still do well, in the short, medium or long-term?
One of the very promising projects we have on our list is IMPT.io, a brand-new project in the area of green technology, focused on using blockchain to create a more sustainable world. This blockchain-based ecosystem aims to transform the opaque carbon credit market by incentivizing individuals and companies to reduce CO2 emissions.
IMPT's primary service is streamlining the process of obtaining and trading carbon credits, which play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change. These carbon credits are essentially contracts that allow the holder to emit a specific amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Each carbon credit typically relates to one ton of carbon dioxide emissions.
As noted in IMPT's whitepaper, the volume of carbon credits required globally is expected to increase at least 20-fold by 2035. This increase in demand necessitates a safe and transparent marketplace that allows individuals and companies to work together for the common good.
IMPT raises over $5 million in the first two weeks of the presale
The presale for IMPT has commenced, and the project has already managed to successfully sell out almost $5 million. As the presale progresses, the price will steadily rise, meaning that the earliest buyers are the ones who will end with the best deal.
While there was a brief early adopter sale, right now, IMPT is in its first presale phase with IMPT tokens being sold for just $0.018. There are a total of 600,000,000 tokens (3 billion IMPT is the max supply) up for grabs during this round, with a further 660 million to be sold for $0.023 during round two, and another 540 million to be sold during the third and final presale phase for $0.0280.
Earn cash back in IMPT on spending
One of the main incentives for people use IMPT is the fact that they are able to earn cashback on spending.
Every time someone makes a purchase through the platform, they can opt to become part of the solution for high carbon emissions, by earning IMPT tokens in return. Those who earn IMPT can then choose to use the tokens to acquire carbon credits as NFTs.
Over 10,000 brands have agreed to join IMPT.io
One of the main claims that the project makes on their website is how pleased they are to have such a large array of brands on board with their vision. Thus far, according to their website, over 10,000 brands have agreed to join IMPT.io and to work with them in the future as part of their mission to reduce emissions.
Visit IMPT Presale
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We have counseled on some of the most remarkable and challenging real estate deals for longtime clients such as Westbrook Partners, Walton Street Capital, DWS/RREEF, DigitalBridge, Monarch Alternative Capital and Fortress Investment Group.
We have advised our real estate clients through many market cycles and can help navigate market challenges and seize opportunities.
Our practice has a strong focus on sophisticated real estate private equity transactions and covers everything from asset acquisitions/dispositions, joint ventures and financings, to developments and commercial leasing.
During previous down cycles, we represented clients in connection with distressed debt investments, workouts, restructurings and 363 sales, working closely with our top-rated Restructuring team.
Our teams in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, New York, London and Tokyo combine worldwide coverage with on-the-ground experience and local market knowledge. As one client told Chambers USA 2023, "The entire Orrick vertical has a thoughtful, efficient and deal-oriented mindset. Each team member is well aware of our needs and requirements and executes."
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the real estate landscape. With the closing of forbearance periods, distressed investment opportunities will likely soon be on the horizon, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. Though there are still many unknowns, we have experience representing real estate investors, institutions and lenders on the acquisition and disposition of distressed debt and assets, in restructurings, and in the servicing, management and financing of nonperforming loans, sub-performing loans and REO properties.
Leading international investment funds, fund sponsors, advisors, developers, public and private pension funds, REITs and institutional lenders rely on us to help implement global investment strategies. We advised a Tokyo-based firm on its inaugural office investment in Manhattan, a European alternative asset manager on the acquisition of real estate assets owned by distressed companies in Italy and a leading asset manager on a multi-billion cross-border merger between two retail chains in Germany.
We counsel on complex portfolio transactions, including the $1.7 billion sale of 21 U.S. assets to Blackstone Group, which included office, retail, multifamily and industrial properties and the $454 million acquisition and related financing of a 47-charter school portfolio located across 20 U.S. jurisdictions.
We have deep knowledge of the hospitality sector and have closed numerous equity and debt transactions involving landmark hotels, such as the acquisition, financing, renovation, conversion and sale of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and Makai Golf Club in Kauai and multiple financings and refinancings of the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., and the Ritz-Carlton Central Park. We also represented European budget-hotel chain Meininger Hotels on the opening of three new hotels in France. We handle the hospitality platform for one of the leading international private equity funds and have experience with all major luxury hotel brands.
We have experience with complex, multi-use development transactions involving the structuring of projects with separate parcels, each with distinct use, equity capitalization and financing. We represented Westbrook Partners on two $1+ billion mixed-use redevelopment projects at 706 Mission in San Francisco and St. John's Terminal in Manhattan. We also advised on the major redevelopment of The Culver Studios, which has transformed to become home to a Multinational Tech Company (U.S.).
Reflecting our focus on serving the technology sector, we advise on all aspects of tech company-focused real estate transactions, from the acquisition, financing and development of company real estate assets to leasing of commercial properties in tech driven markets. We also assist clients with ground-lease transactions for new developments and existing buildings, build-to-suit leases, sale-leasebacks and creative tenant-equity leases. We advised on the $600 million sale leaseback of social game developer Zynga's HQ and Clutter's $152 million financing for the acquisition of The Storage Fox real estate portfolio.
ALECTA – $1.7 billion sale of 21 assets to Blackstone Group. The portfolio includes about three million square feet of office, retail, multifamily and industrial properties, primarily in California.
WESTBROOK PARTNERS – $1+ billion mixed-use redevelopment of St. John's Terminal in Manhattan, which has included the $220 million financing of the buyout of Fortress Investment Group for a majority stake in the property, a $500 million refinancing, the $700 million sale of the south unit to Oxford Properties, where Google plans to lease a 1.3 million square-foot office campus, and the proposed development of the remaining north unit.
GERSON BAKER & ASSOCIATES – $800+ million sale of Levi's Plaza to Jamestown. Home to Levi Strauss's worldwide headquarters, the Plaza is an office and retail complex that spans nine buildings along the Embarcadero waterfront. This is the largest office sale in San Francisco in recent years.
ROSEMAWR MANAGEMENT – $454 million acquisition and related financing of a portfolio of 47 charter schools across 20 jurisdictions from Educational Capital Solutions, an affiliate of EPR Properties.
CREDIT SUISSE – As senior and mezz lender to an entity that owns and leases 85 properties operated by Shopko, which filed for bankruptcy in 2019. The restructuring involved the foreclosure on the mezzanine loans, the restructuring of the underlying leases in the bankruptcy case and the ultimate disposition of the retail assets.
BARINGS AND LACERA – $224 million sale of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and Makai Golf Club. We previously advised on the acquisition and related financing of this luxury resort and the renovation and conversion of the Resort to a St. Regis branded hotel, along with the renovation of the Makai Golf Club.
LEADING FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY – As mortgage lender in the restructuring of more than $250 million in capital on a shopping mall in New Jersey.
FORTRESS INVESTMENT GROUP – Acquisitions, joint ventures and financings in a variety of asset classes, including office, retail, residential, health care and hospitality properties located throughout Japan, totaling approximately $1.5 billion in the past five years.
HACKMAN CAPITAL PARTNERS – $589 million construction financing for the redevelopment of The Culver Studios, which is undergoing major renovations. The transformed studios will be home to a Multinational Tech Company (U.S.). We previously advised on the acquisition of the studios, the upsizing of the acquisition loan and the refinancing of a large construction loan.
WALTON STREET – Mezzanine financing of a portfolio of four office buildings in California and Colorado. The mezzanine loan was made in conjunction with a $110 million mortgage loan secured by a first lien pledge of the equity/membership in the mortgage borrowers. We also represented the mezzanine lender in negotiating an intercreditor agreement with the mortgage lender.
RREEF AMERICA REIT II – $550 million senior unsecured revolving credit and term loan agreement with Wells Fargo, as the administrative agent. The loan will be used to enable the REIT to leverage its investments.
CASTELLO SGR – On behalf of the Alpha Square fund on the acquisition of the Borgonovo Entertainment Center, a multifunctional center in Perugia, Italy, previously owned by the Monteverdi Fund, managed by Prelios SGR.
WESTBROOK PARTNERS – $671 million investment in the redevelopment of the Belnord, a landmarked residential building in Manhattan. The transaction involved a complex conversion of a mezzanine loan and junior mortgage participation interest into a controlling preferred equity position for Westbrook. The ownership is transforming the building into luxury condominiums.
The entire Orrick vertical has a thoughtful, efficient and deal-oriented mindset. Each team member is well aware of our needs and requirements and executes.Chambers USA, 2023
They are real-world problem solvers, not theoreticians.Chambers USA, 2022
Business minded attorneys that truly understand the ramifications of legal item's impact on the continued execution of loans, acquisitions, and dispositions.Legal 500 US, 2022
They provide a high-quality service, demonstrate consummate professionalism and are transactional experts.Chambers USA, 2021
They have a deep bench in terms of coverage and their client interaction was thoughtful, comprehensive, and most importantly, immediate.Legal 500 US, 2021
They're extremely client-focused and the team's real strength is its ability to address and effectively resolve any matter.Chambers USA, 2020
Highly innovative and sophisticated advice.Legal 500 Europe, 2020
Deep team with plenty of resources and horsepower and a good combination of experience and energyChambers USA, 2019


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Bach Collegium Japan brings fresh ears to Baroque music
In Japan, land of Living National Treasures, artists and artisans can receive formal recognition—and a state stipend—for their work in disciplines as diverse as gagaku, kabuki, doll-making, metalwork, and weaving. The idea is to preserve what are called Intangible Cultural Properties: the aesthetic traditions that help define Japanese identity and that continue to exert an influence over contemporary Japanese culture.
So it's not surprising that the island nation would be hospitable to current directions in early music: historically informed performance, in which once overlooked but historically accurate devices such as improvisation are employed to bring ancient scores to life, and the use of period instruments or reproductions thereof, which differ in both sound and appearance from later models. Bach Collegium Japan, which plays an Early Music Vancouver concert this weekend, adheres to both, and has been enthusiastically received at home. But according to its founder, keyboardist, and conductor, Masaaki Suzuki, that's not because of its deep respect for the past.
Instead, he explains in a telephone interview from Los Angeles, it's because, to Japanese ears, the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries sounds intriguing and new.
"The compositions of Bach, especially the vocal works, are quite far from the kind of Japanese sense of the language and also the culture," Suzuki says in careful but heavily accented English. "So everything that I loved during my student time and also later on was very fresh.…Languagewise, for example, we don't have anything in common. But once you learn the German texts, you can understand how important it is to have good pronunciation and the correct accents and intonation and so on.
"Of course, we all are Japanese, so we are very much influenced by our Japanese background and culture," he continues. "But still, you know, there is so much difference between Japanese and European culture—and especially German culture. That makes it more fresh."
Suzuki was introduced to Baroque music as a student at the University of Tokyo; he cites the groundbreaking 1950s recordings of Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Concentus Musicus Wien as particularly influential. Later on, he moved to Amsterdam, where he studied with early-music royalty in the form of conductor and keyboardist Ton Koopman. For the past 28 years, he and Bach Collegium Japan have been repaying his mentors with a string of glowingly received recordings of Bach, including a definitive, multidisc edition of the complete cantatas.
The great German will play a part in Bach Collegium Japan's upcoming EMV show; Suzuki and company will open with his Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor. But the organizing principle behind the program is to take an intimate look at the milieu that produced Bach, using scores by other composers that he personally owned, studied, performed, and in some cases reworked for the musicians at his disposal.
Bach's famous contemporaries Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann, and George Frederick Handel will be represented, but so will two Italian composers of comparable skill but lesser renown, Francesco Conti and Alessandro Marcello.
"Bach was interested in composers of vocal works, and he had made a copy [of Conti's Languet anima mea]," Suzuki says of a piece that will be sung here by guest soprano Joanne Lunn. "Also, he has added two oboes and a bassoon to his vocal works. This piece also has kind of a halfway-sacred text, and that is a very interesting thing. We have actually recorded this already, but that recording is not released yet—but I'm very happy to perform it."
Marcello's Oboe Concerto in D Minor, he goes on to say, was quite popular during the early part of the 18th century—and has more recently enjoyed an unexpected rebirth in Japan. "Bach had arranged this piece for the Habsburg court musicians; there were 17 arrangements by Bach for Habsburg soloists—many of them Italian composers' concerti—and this one was one of them. Actually, the first movement of Marcello's oboe concerto was once used for a Japanese TV commercial quite a long time ago, so this music has been quite popular in Japan."
Whether we can deduce anything about either the Japanese soul or Baroque music from this, Suzuki doesn't say. But it's a sure thing that the program he's assembled for Bach Collegium Japan's North American tour will offer new insights into music that, yes, still does sound fresh 300 years after it was created.
"Bach never travelled, only through the music," Suzuki points out. "So it is very interesting to know his sources, and to see his library. I'm always very, very much interested in what he had listened to and what he had experienced—and it's very much helpful to understand his music, as well."
Bach Collegium Japan plays the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at 3 p.m. on Sunday (December 9).


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We actually spotted this yesterday, as it was from the same seller as the record unit we flagged up. But we think this 1950s teak and fibreglass rocket lamp deserves its own spotlight.
Sounds like the seller is auctioning off a selection of items from a relative's house, most of which are worthy of checking out in their own right (do the 'see other items' on the listing to see the rest.
This lamp would look amazing in a 1950s-inspired setting, with that eye-catching rocket shape and its wood and orange fibreglass construction . Working as you might have guessed, although there is a 'split' in the fibreglass (which can only be seen from one side).
Still great value right now though, with the bid price at £4.20.
Find out more at the eBay website


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Tips for Commercial Heating System Repair in Folsom CA
Many individuals pay less attention to commercial heaters, but unless they fall victims of the issue. Commercial heating system repairs require a lot of attention, so as to identify the problem area. The commercial heating systems operate by distributing heat to a place, by forced air through ductworks. Nevertheless, some commercial heating systems work by generating heat through the combustion of fossil fuel in a furnace or boiler. Individuals who lack knowledge on how to repair damaged heating systems are therefore advised to seek professional help as it may be hazardous fixing them with fewer ideas on the problem areas. Below, is an outline of the tips for Commercial Heating System Repair in Folsom CA.
Individuals who pay attention to their commercial heating systems are likely to observe special signs in cases when they are damaged. One of the signs to watch out for in a damaged commercial heater is the thermostat setting. If it is optimal to an individual's space but does not match the actual temperature, then it calls for repair. The delayed ramp to temperature ceases by replacing the inaccurate thermostats. People who lack skills on how to replace them should, therefore, consider seeking professional help to avoid further damage.
On the other hand, individuals should also be observant of the amount of heat as well as the nature of the temperature in their dwellings. Lack of balance in the heat that the system provides may be an evidence of faulty heating elements in the electronic units. The commercial heating system can, therefore, be repaired by probably equipping it with new and quality heating elements, which are not vulnerable to damage. However, individuals may as well consider professional help, from experts who are well skilled and informed in the area.
Besides, one can identify a broken commercial heating system by observing its pilot lights. Faulty pilot lights barely stay lit, hence, a call for repair. Smart individuals can replace the pilot lights fast and safely, hence avoid the extra costs of hiring a professional. Proper research on a skilled and experienced profession must be the procedure to follow, for an individual who opts to hire one. The above tips are, therefore, the most recommended, for an individual who needs Commercial Heating System Repair in Folsom CA, besides Golden Aire Heating & Air Conditioning will help. You can also visit them on Facebook.


text: Order Campaign Materials Order your Safe Journey Campaign Materials using the form below. The data you are providing us will be used to process your order. This is in pursuit of the Union's legitimate activities stated in the Objects in the Union's Rule Book. This processing involves your personal data. The data that we collect about you here will be stored securely and destroyed after six months. For further information see our Privacy Notice. * Indicates required field Please tick if you intend to organise a campaign stand in your workplace: Item What's happening on your journey to work? A5 Leaflet for members (SJ001): What's happening on your journey to work? A4 Poster (SJ002): What's happening on your journey to work? Survey Form (SJ003): Safe journey to work? A5 Leaflet for Reps (SJ004): Sheets of Have a Safe Journey Stickers (12 per sheet): Name:* Postcode:* Address Line 1: Address Line 2: Address Line 3: Town: County: Mobile (or other contact) telephone number email (so we can notify you when your order has been sent):*


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Swamp Park National Recreation Trail, located in Routt National Forest in Colorado, is 20+ miles of hiking, birding, and exploring nature with your best four-legged friend. Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1980, this backcountry trail is a main trail with multiple connections along the way in case you and Fido want to end your hike early.
As its name mentions, the land is partially swampy due to the multiple creeks the trail passes through, but that doesn't stop thousands of bikers, hikers, and equestrians from traveling it every year. The peak usage months are April through September, though, so be sure to plan accordingly if you hope to avoid the crowds.
The long hike begins at Mad Creek Trailhead, which takes you along Mad Creek. Here, you'll enjoy the panoramic vista of a canyon view for slightly over a mile, at which point you'll have an opportunity to veer off onto Saddle Trail or continue to explore Swamp Park Trail into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
In the Mount Zirkel Wilderness section of the trail, be careful to keep Fido on the designated areas only. While biking is prohibited here, there are wild animals and potentially poisonous vegetation to avoid.
Continuing along the trail through the wilderness will take you past Elk Park Trail and back across Mad Creek, at which time the elevation steadily increases as you go through multiple switchbacks and past Red Dirt Trail. This pattern repeats as you leave the wilderness, enter open areas again, and then re-enter the wilderness to take you past Luna Lake Trail and back across Mad Creek and into Swamp Park.
The trail continues through multiple steep inclines and drops until you reach the Burn Ridge Trailhead. Water is available throughout multiple sections along the way.
Getting there from the main highway is an easy drive -- simply stay on Highway 40 West of Steamboat Springs. In two miles, you will turn north onto Elk River Road. Staying on that road for five miles will take you to the entrance of Routt National Forest. Camping is available in this area if you are interested!


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Opportunity knocks for Clackamas County's McLoughlin Boulevard (Op-Ed by Paul Savas)
Published in The Clackamas Review – 5/3
After years of engaging neighbors and businesses in the McLoughlin Area of Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge, one common theme emerges: The community wants improvements on the boulevard and the surrounding area.
Whether it is different shopping opportunities, business types, restaurants or housing, there is no shortage of ideas and common interests. Most everyone agrees that we need revitalization on McLoughlin Boulevard. A little background on the history of these efforts may prove helpful for those desiring to engage in this process.
Nine years ago, Clackamas County and the community embarked on a visioning process. We created a plan that contained a vision, values, and principles to guide the process into the next phase. The citizen committee was called MAP, McLoughlin Area Plan. The next phase was MAP2, then followed by MAP-IT, and now we are engaged in what I call the fourth phase, the Park Avenue Study. Continue reading…


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I give myself (idea)
See all of I give myself, there are 2 more in this node.
|I break myself down
|The things we give away
|a total loss of control over her life
|Noders' poetry
|I am not afraid of you any more
|tizzy up the place
|Desine fata deum flecti sperare precando
|If the universe breaks my heart
|I tried to pull you into my head
|Who is yours?
|The Beginning of the End
|It's easy to speak love in the dark... what about in broad daylight in the glare of the sun and the world
|How would you understand?
|ideath: word salad
|Another love. I am weary of the starts of things.
|Fridge "Poem", 1999
|What to do if the Grim Reaper shows up at your door
|alienation mine


text: Zd840. This is one of 6 images of the Subic Freeport Expressway on the 15th Jan 2021. I started my Bataan trip this way. This is the first section as you leave the former Navy Exchange area. —————————————— This was an exploration trip of changes in Bataan during the virus crisis, I had to get […]Read More


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This first film in the Tulse Luper Suitcases Series deals with the adventures of Tulse Luper and his great friend Martino Knockavelli, in three locations, in Newport South Wales, in Moab Utah and in Antwerp Belgium in the two decades before the Second World War.
Tulse Luper, as a child, is locked up for several hours by his father in a coalhouse in the backyard of his house for running the gauntlet of a series of gardens to triumphantly sign his name on a crumbling brick wall that collapses around him. This coalhouse prison is Luper¹s first remembered incarceration, and will set a pattern that will see him through many jails and imprisonments throughout the rest of his long life. Whilst in this coalhouse prison Luper packs his first suitcase, the first of 92 suitcases that will be packed by him or on his behalf, in locations all over the world, that when investigated, will display and explain, elucidate and contemplate so many aspects of his life and times.
In 1938 in Moab Utah, whilst looking for lost Mormon cities in the desert, Luper is arrested and jailed on a number of charges that will presage many future characteristics of his existence and provide themes for the various adventures of the films. He is charged with trespass and voyeurism, illegal search for uranium, and consorting with a seductive child-bride. His contact with Lephrenic and the Hockmeisters, a Mormon American-German family about to travel to Europe to engage exploitatively in the Second World War, sets up relationships which will go spiralling on throughout Europe for another ten years. In Belgium, in the days leading up to the German invasion of Europe, Luper again meets the Mormon family in Antwerp at the Grand Central Railway Station Hotel, where Luper has been imprisoned for a third time, this time in a hotel bathroom, and by a new jailer, the pro-Fascist stationmaster, van Hoyten, who is seeking personal advancement in the coming new Fascist Europe.
Three prisons, coalhouse, desert jailhouse, and railway station, Newport, Moab, Antwerp, three very different prisons across the West Hemisphere, physical enough, but more importantly metaphorical, the prisons of home, the empty desert and restless travelling.
–Peter Greenaway
DirectorPeter GreenawayProd. CoKasander Film CompanyYear2003AwardsNominee Palme d'Or Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 2003
Winner Barcelona Film Award Best Score, Barcelona Film Awards 2005Servicesediting & compositing