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Gibraltar Geography Stats
- Area > Comparative: The area of various small countries expressed in comparison to various areas within the United States of America.
- Area > Comparative to US places: This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres).
- Area > Land: Total land area in square kilometres
- Area > Land > Per capita: Total land area in square kilometres Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
- Area > Total: Total area in square kilometers
- Area > Total > Per capita: Total area in square kilometers Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
- Area > Water: Total water area in square kilometers
- Area > Water > Per capita: Total water area in square kilometers Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
- Climate: A brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year.
- Coastline: The total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea.
- Elevation extremes > Highest point: Highest point above sea level
- Elevation extremes > Lowest point: This entry is derived from Geography > Elevation extremes, which includes both the highest point and the lowest point.
Environment > Current issues:
This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:
Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain).
Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England.
Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog.
Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire.
Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form.
Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption.
Bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat.
Biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume.
Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits.
Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar.
DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972.
Defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health.
Deforestation - ...
Full definition
- Geographic coordinates: This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the Gazetteer of Conventional Names, Third Edition, August 1988, US Board on Geographic Names and on other sources.
- Note: This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere.
- Google Street View, year added: Year in which country was first covered by Google Street View.
- Land area > Sq. km: Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes."
- Land area > Sq. km > Per capita: Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes." Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
- Land boundaries > Border countries: Length of land boundaries by border country
- Land boundaries > Total: The total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries
- Land boundaries > Total > Per capita: The total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
- Land use > Arable land: The percentage of used land that is arable. Arable land is land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest like wheat, maize, and rice
- Land use > Other: The percentage share of used land that is not arable or under permanent crops. This includes permanent meadows and pastures, forests and woodlands, built-on areas, roads, barren land, etc.
- Land use > Permanent crops: The percentage share of used land on which permanent crops are grown. This is land cultivated for crops that are not replanted after each harvest like citrus, coffee, and rubber. It includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber.
- Location: The country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water.
- Map references: The name of the CIA World Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries.
- Marine Coastline: Length of each country's coastline in kilometers.
- Maritime claims > Territorial sea: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal State extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the LOS Convention (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every State has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles. A full and definitive definition can be found in the Law of the Sea (LOS) Convention.
- Natural hazards: Potential natural disasters.
- Natural resources: A country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance.
- Population density: People per square kilometre, in 1999. At this time the world average was 14.42.
- Terrain: A brief description of the topography
- Total area > Sq. km: Surface area is a country's total area, including areas under inland bodies of water and some coastal waterways."
SOURCES: CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: Google Street View (Coverage); Food and Agriculture Organisation, electronic files and web site.; CIA Factbook: List of countries by coastline size; Heal The World Foundation.


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So much has been said about the salary adjustment. While many people are opposed to it over the perception that it imposes higher taxes, public sector employees and teachers think that an adjustment is long overdue. For one, their salaries have been adjusted only twice — in 2008 and 2012 — since 1997, and these salaries have failed to maintain their purchasing power. That is, the rise in prices of more than 120 percent over 20 years has eaten up part of their income in real terms, and reduced their standard of living.
Public debate has simmered for five years over how to finance the salary adjustment bill. Twenty-two taxes were signed into law on August 21, but are currently under review by the Constitutional Council. They include an increase in VAT, stamp duty tax, an air transport exit fee, as well as capital gains on the disposal of fixed assets, corporate income tax, and taxes on interest, among others, to cover additional spending.
As many can get caught up in choosing sides, it is important to reflect on how the issue was framed over the last few years, how the debate took place, and how and why it was settled now. It is through this that we can better understand the intentions and priorities of the political elite.
Let us start with the issue at hand, namely, why was the salary adjustment bill presented as a separate expense that requires additional financing? The fact that state revenues have increased over the last 20 years, partly as a result of the rise in prices, suggests that salary adjustment ought to be financed from revenues. In other words, the increase in public sector salaries should be treated like any other expense in the budget, and revenues should not be viewed as being earmarked to finance a particular expense. Hence, what is required from the government and Parliament is a study of revenues and spending in the budget together — often referred to as unity of the budget — to figure out ways to address the fiscal situation in the country. The government should have examined public salaries, current spending, and capital spending to reduce expenditures in addition to its revenue stream, including public property management and taxes, some of which are under-collected.
In other words, the salary adjustment bill should be framed as part of total spending and revenues in the budget, rather than isolating additional salary expenses. The latter has resulted in muddying the debate over salary adjustment and made the beneficiaries a target for a general public that pays taxes to finance public workers' salaries, among other state expenses. In reality, the public is shouldering more of the tax burden to make up for public finance mismanagement on the part of the government and Parliament, both of which have failed to prepare, debate, and approve a budget for the last 12 years to ensure fiscal discipline, and effective, efficient spending. The absence of such a credible process hardly fosters requisite trust between the political class and voters.
Another common argument in the public sphere centers on the assertion that a salary adjustment is undeserved because Lebanon's bureaucracy is overstaffed, unproductive, and it is fiscally draining on the treasury. This does not hold water for two reasons: One, while some state agencies are overstaffed, many are understaffed, casting doubt on the policies that subsequent governments are pursuing in terms of wanting to build a professional bureaucracy. Public sector reform that addresses tasks, salaries, and merit criteria is sorely needed. Lest we forget, the government has tasked the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform with reforming the public sector administration, which remains as elusive as ever, since the problems lay first and foremost with the same people who are asking to reform it: political parties who are using government agencies to deliver services to and hire people who are politically loyal, and serve their political and electoral ends.
Any serious reform to the bureaucracy cannot be carried out through denying a salary adjustment to public sector employees that is not based on merit, but rather, on salaries' purchasing power. Furthermore, asserting that all public staff do not deserve a salary adjustment on equal terms fails to distinguish between those who are productive from those who are not, and fails to recognize that they are entitled to the adjustment under Lebanese law.
One thing that is clear is that the political elite — both in government and Parliament — are unwilling or incapable of raising revenues and curbing spending by tackling waste, mismanagement, and corruption in the public sector. There are many public allegations about unnecessary spending or state properties being stolen or underinvested. What is worse is that many parliamentarians are content making speeches about corruption in parliamentary oversight sessions, but rarely follow it up with action. Others manage to unearth corruption deals after a bill has passed, and not before. The fact that the government is not increasing revenues or lowering spending by tackling mismanagement and corruption indicates clearly that they are unwilling or incapable of threatening the interests of cronies, either due to collusion or fear.
The easiest route to shore up public revenue is to increase taxes. While their instinct is to impose indirect taxes that fall disproportionately on middle and lower income groups, they have opted to actually distribute the burden between consumers and capital. In fact, the increase in VAT from 10 percent to 11 percent will make up about 18 percent of the total of new revenues. The increase in interest tax from 5 percent to 7 percent will make up 25 percent of new revenues.
Despite the fear mongering rhetoric of the private sector about the implications of new taxes on the economy, such new taxes include a capital gains tax, corporate income tax, property sales, and interest tax, which in total cover half of new spending from the salary increase. As modest as it is, some of these taxes can rectify the burden that usually falls on consumers, rather than on capital, businesses, and other types of rents that are left untaxed. The government's tax policy since the end of the civil war has favored indirect rather than direct and progressive taxes, in the process, favoring the rich over the poor.
It may very well be of no coincidence that tax legislation was passed after the electoral law, and with the election season just around the corner, as it is becoming the norm that salary bills like the one in 2008 and 2012 are made before scheduled elections. Over the last five years, no government or Parliament established a proper process to deal with how to finance a salary adjustment. As contentious as the issue is, the political elite could have studied it as part of the budget, figured out how to cut waste and tackle corruption to finance it, and then studied its impacts on various sectors and the public. This is what any decent government or Parliament should have done if they care about the public. In fact, this is how one would go about gaining back the people's trust.

subset: commoncrawl


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Fellow fab wordsmith Jennifer Lyon is running a great contest for our new sports anthology on her website. Play Hard includes books from me (writing as VK Sykes), Jennifer, and Juliana Stone. Hop on over to Jen's website for a chance to win a $15 gift card for Amazon or B & N!
Play Hard
Play Hard Now On Sale!!
Under my V.K. Sykes pen name, I've just published a contemporary romance anthology with two fabulous authors. Play Hard is a three book bundle of sports romances, written by Juliana Stone, Jennifer Lyon, and moi. And for a limited time, it's only 99 cents!!
Each story revolves around a different sport and one sexy, uber-alpha hero–we've got baseball, hockey, and Mixed Martial Arts, so take your pick! Play Hard is now on sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and All Romance e-Books. It will soon be available in the iTunes store, too.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to Play Hard!
Cover Reveal!!
Most of you know that I also write contemporary romance with my hubby under the pen name of V.K. Sykes. Coming in July, I'll be bundling one of my USA Today Bestselling sports romances with books by two of my fellow Rock*It Reads authors: Juliana Stone & Jennifer Lyon. We all write sexy sports romances and we thought it would be fun if we each contributed one of our books to a three-book bundle.
So, without further ado, here's the beautiful cover for Play Hard:
Yes, there will be some sexy times going on behind that cover, I tell you! Play Hard will be on sale by July 15. Stay tuned for details!


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How do we get from a capitalist system that rewards a rich elite for the exploitation of working people's labour to one where the economy is democratically-owned and controlled? How do we get from a capitalist system that is inherently destructive of the environment to one that balances material need for the essentials of life with the carrying capacity of the world's resources?
Since the financial crisis of 2007/08 and the resultant deep recession, those imperatives of radical change have stimulated a world-wide, anti-capitalist movement. At its heart is the belief that things cannot go on the way they are, that the capitalist prescription of economic sacrifice for the working classes and material accumulation for the rich elite, is both grotesquely immoral and environmentally catastrophic.
To some extent, that movement is represented through mainstream politics. Left-wing parties have mandated their leaders to challenge neo-liberal austerity, along with grass-roots campaigns to support international climate agreements and local initiatives on reducing carbon emissions. As significant, perhaps, are the millions of conversations taking place, in friendship and discussion groups and through social media on what the future of left-wing politics can be. Fundamental questions are being asked about how a post-capitalist economy might look, the value of work, the dignity of people to live their lives free from the violence of poverty, and how to become stewards of the environment rather than participants in its destruction.
One major focus of the recent debates has been the liberation of time, based on increased automation and the redistribution of work. Central to this vision is the concept of a citizen's income, a basic entitlement provided by the state to reflect the collective value of production with lower, direct labour inputs. A shorter working week, effectively a fair distribution of necessary labour in the era of robotics, opens up the possibility for a new work/life balance and enhanced opportunities for creative activities at an individual and community level.[i]
A second focus addresses the global, environmental crisis and how capitalist accumulation requires continued exploitation of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources. This despite the terrible dangers, on present trends, of irreversible climate change. The Green New Deal is intended to draw parallels with Roosevelt's original public investment programme in the 1930s to stimulate the United States' economy during the depression. Similarly, the Marshall Plan to support European recovery after the Second World War is cited as the prime example of an international exercise in economic stimulation. Essentially, the world now faces an even greater crisis than depression and post-war reconstruction. Resources have to be mobilised on a global scale for investment in the complete transformation to a post-carbon economy, where fossil fuel production is eliminated and employment transferred to skilled work in renewable energy.[ii]
This brief review hardly does justice to the multi-dimensional policy debates and programmes that are engaging people on the radical left and providing a sense of hope that change is possible. But there is also a recognition of how power relationships distort the prospects for potentially, transformative policies. Capitalism has absorbed popular opposition during previous crises, mainly through the social-democratic consensus on wage increases and welfare provisions, even as capitalist control of global resources tightened and economic inequalities widened.
After a decade-long decline in real wages and the decimation of public services, a new capitalist narrative is being constructed. The limited recovery, based on quantitative easing and private debt accumulation, is being hailed as the return to a normal trajectory of growth fuelled by an exciting era of market-led innovation and advanced technology. What this vision of artificial intelligence, of driver-less cars and smart appliances masks is the underlying dynamic of capitalism to extend corporate power over democratic institutions and to close down space for radical alternatives. It is all too easy to envisage some palliative reformism around the work/life balance and environmental improvements through the increased use of renewables, but none of which addresses the fundamentals of capitalist exploitation.
Essentially, we are reaching a crucial stage in human history, where either capitalism continues to dominate the direction of human and technological resources, with all of its destructive trends, or working people build the framework for a post-capitalist economy that is under democratic control. Over the last decade there have been indicators, signposts on the road, to how such a fundamental transformation might take place, mainly emerging from practical initiatives at the level of the local economy.
Two significant examples are re-municipalisation and community/cooperative ownership. Traditionally, local authorities held an important role in the development of public transport and energy infrastructures, directly owning and operating bus and tram fleets, as well as utilities like water, gas and electricity corporations. The rolling back of the state under neo-liberalism led to privatisation of those services but, recently, many local authorities, in response to growing anger at high costs and declining standards, have brought them back in-house. Various benefits flow from local ownership and control, including improved wages and conditions for workers, procurement policies that support local suppliers, and an economic multiplier that benefits the local area.[iii]
Also significant have been regional and local economic initiatives to encourage the ownership and development of economic assets such as community wind farms. These have included incentives like guaranteed access to the energy grid as in Denmark and Germany, encouraging longer-term investment. Similarly, community land trusts have brought brown-field sites into local ownership for food growing or housing built to high ecological standards, leading to both reduced dependency on external food chains and inefficient national energy grids. What is encouraging is the relationship between the local state as an effective economic agent and local communities exercising control over public assets. Potentially radical experiments are taking place in workers control and ecological living that provide practical alternatives and a real sense of liberation from the usual power relationships.[iv]
But all this must be set in the context of an accelerating form of globalised capitalism. While these small-scale initiatives have the characteristics of a nascent alternative, on present trends they will simply be absorbed into the new capitalist model of high-technology growth that masks the usual inequalities in wealth and power and the energy-intensive extraction of finite resources leading to environmental collapse through climate change.
There has to be a clear and unambiguous, post-capitalist political agenda on building a mass movement for workers control of production and locally-autonomous economies. The initial focus will be on the basic infrastructure of energy, food production, housing and transport. In this stage, the local state can act as a buffer-zone against the encroachment of global capital, and as a guarantor of long-term investment, facilitating the construction of social capital for broader forms of democratic control of the economy. For example, we are only beginning to understand the potential applications of 3D printing and open-access technologies for a range of socially-useful products that can be manufactured locally with renewable resources.[v]
The prospect exists of completely autonomous alternatives to globalised production systems. Instead of the present social structure of a high-technology elite, a middle-class increasingly vulnerable to technological redundancy and a growing precariat living from week-to-week on low wages, there would be multi-skilled workers comfortable with both technical and practical skills, the sharing of necessary work, and the development of a manufacturing base that can satisfy social need. Also, by using local, renewable resources, the economy can, in the longer-term, achieve an ecological balance.
Such revolutionary ideals are not new and can be traced back over centuries to a radical left tradition that includes the Levellers and the Diggers during the English Civil War in the 1640s, fighting for an equitable share of land, to the popular revolutions of the 19thand 20thCenturies, notably the socialist and anarchist movements of the Paris Commune in 1870 and the Spanish Republic in the mid-1930s.
For short periods of time and, under the extreme pressures of war that proved their undoing, millions of working people took control of industry and agriculture, organising production on the basis of need rather than profit. A similar potential existed on a much larger scale through the network of soviets, the workers councils in the early stages of the Russian revolution from 1917 until the early 1920s, before they were crushed by the Bolshevik leadership that imposed centralised planning.[vi]
There has never been a better time to revive the spirit of workers control both as an alternative to state centralism and to Keynesian demand management. Effectively, the Soviet and Chinese forms of communism became little more than state capitalism, bureaucratic machines for the maintenance of elite power and the brutal suppression of democratic alternatives. Keynesianism, by using government expenditure to counter the worst deflationary trends of reduced demand and collapsing private investment during the 1930s, helped create a temporary period of full employment after World War Two. But this was always intended to support capitalism, rather than radically reform it and was effectively swept away by the forces of globalisation and neo-liberalism. Its contemporary manifestation that looks to modest increases in public investment as a stimulant to the economy, does nothing to address the fundamental inequalities and power relationships of global capitalism.[vii]
The alternative, radical theoretical framework includes green syndicalism that has its foundations in the anarchist and syndicalist writers of the early 20thCentury, such as Kropotkin, as well as the later contribution in the 1920s of guild socialism. These provided comprehensive analysis of the productive capacity of the modern economy and how workers could directly own and control industry, organised on the equitable production of goods and services. Green syndicalism offers a contemporary emphasis on how these are consistent with new priorities for an ecological balance between production and a renewable resource base.[viii]
Theories of a 'no-growth' economy also focus on the relationship between satisfying social needs while rejecting a trajectory of increased material production on a planet with finite resources. Also significant has been the work on participatory economics and democratic processes in a post-capitalist economy so that workers control at the local level can be combined with broader, social and environmental priorities, through representative, regional and national bodies.[ix]
Many other theoretical contributions could be cited, but the point should be clear – that there is no one definitive model or blueprint for a post-capitalist economy, nor should there be. Instead we have a vibrant and dynamic cross-fertilisation of historical and contemporary theories combined with the lived-in experience of practical initiatives as working people respond to the capitalist crisis.
What abides, giving hope and inspiration, is the demand for radical change that has energised generations of working people and one that resonates now through a vibrant, international movement that can build a future of economic justice and ecological balance.
[i]. Andre Gorz, Farewell to the Working Class – An Essay on Post-Industrialism (Pluto Press, 1982)
[ii]. New Economics Foundation, A Green New Deal(NEF, 2008)
[iii]. European Federation of Public Service Unions, Re-municipalising municipal services in Europe(EPSU, 2012)
[iv]. New Economics Foundation, Building a New Economy Where People Really Take Control : An Agenda for Change(NEF, 2016)
[v]. Mike Cooley, Architect or Bee? The Human Technology Relationship(South End Press, 1982)
[vi]. Dario Azzellini, An Alternative Labour History – Workers Control and Workplace Democracy(Zed Books, 2015)
[vii]. Geoff Mann, In the Long Run We are all Dead : Keynesianism, Political Economy and Revolution(Verso, 2017)
[viii]. Peter Kropotkin, The Conquest of Bread (Penguin, 2015); Jeff Shantz, Green Syndicalism, An Alternative Red-Green Vision(Anarchist Library, 2017) theanarchistlibrary.org
[ix]. Herman Daly, Beyond Growth : The Economics of Sustainable Development (Beacon Press, 1997); Michael Albert, Realizing Hope, Life Beyond Capitalism(Zed Books, 2014)


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You are the last line of defense in safety. It boils down to you. Kina Repp, Safety Speaker.
Kina Repp's quote is worth pondering. Societies have professionals – firefighters, security guards, soldiers, and police officers, – whose role is to protect us from various dangers. Many have saved lives.
Their capacities, however, are not limitless. Response times to emergencies are often impressive but can still be too late. Things happen fast! Fires spread quickly and crimes can happen in an instant.
Funding can be an issue. Budgets have limits and can be strained after events such as our current COVID-19 pandemic. There have also been calls to "defund the police" In various parts of the world.
We also must recognize that training varies in quality. Some professionals are very adept and some are not. This is not a judgement but a simple reality. Without adequate training, including training to perform under stress, we cannot expect a protection professional to perform well.
Fellow citizens can help us and there are many instances of brave people helping people in danger. There are also cases of bystander syndrome when people do not get involved or are expecting someone else in the vicinity to step up. This is a dangerous phenomenon when seconds delayed can be the difference between life and death.
Emergencies like fires, road accidents, and assaults can happen fast. Families are encouraged, for instance, to develop a fire escape plan because a fire can spread faster than the fire department can arrive. Assaults happen quickly and cunning assailants often target people who cannot access help.
Without wading into turbulent political waters where volume and empty phrases often push careful thought to the side, I tend to agree with Kina Repp.
I have the utmost respect for professionals who genuinely dedicate their lives to the safety of others. I also know they are not omnipresent. I also understand that the average citizen who lacks the training to effectively deal with emergencies can't be expected to jump to a stranger's aid.
When it comes down to it as Repp says, we are the last line of defense.
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text: Heat Stress in Plants by greenacres | Jun 12, 2018 | BlogWith temperatures heating up and more and more plants being exposed to high heat environments, it is now more critical than ever to make sure that heat stress is not an issue. There are a wide range of issues that come with high heat environments as it pertains to your plants and knowing about them is the best way to avoid serious issues. What is Heat Stress in Plants? Heat stress in plants... Read More


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Look closely at this image held in the US Library of Congress – it is entitled Justice versus Prejudice. It comes from a book published in 1903.
The illustration shows President Theodore Roosevelt, standing with his hand on the shoulder of an African-American man. In the President's left hand is a paper labelled "15th Amendment"; behind them is a statue labelled "Lincoln - With Malice Toward None With Charity Toward all" showing President Abraham Lincoln standing at the top with freed African-American slaves.
The caption reads:
President Roosevelt – Lincoln emancipated you, the people gave you citizenship and I'll protect your rights.


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Summers can get expensive when you are trying to entertain multiple children so I find it extremely helpful to take advantage of all the free or discounted events happening around the city. This means Tuesdays are for museums, The Cummer Museum to be exact. Thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue anyone can enjoy free admission every Tuesday. Guest get to explore the galleries and gardens at no cost at all.
We like to start our adventures off in the gardens. The kids love to roam through the different sections. From the English to the Italian gardens running through the greenery helps to get their wiggles out before exploring the galleries. Due to server damage caused by Hurrican Irma, the once breath taken gardens are now undergoing a reconstruction. You can read all about it here
After taking in the gardens we head inside to cool off from the hot Florida weather and explore the galleries. At this point, Aya and Lennox like to stop by the CREATE Kiosk to grab a create box. The create kiosk provides boxes filled with color pencils, a clipboard, and paper. Your little artist can find a spot that inspires them and make their own masterpieces. I love the fact that they provide these it helps to keep the little ones entertained. These are also free you just return the box when you are done.
Our visit always ends at Art Connections because once the kids are here they are no longer interested in any other part of the museum. This section is also the perfect opportunity for parents to take a seat and catch their breath. The interactive center is great for people of all ages. They provide so many different ways to explore art. It's like a hands-on art museum and we all know how much kids love hands-on ANYTHING!
*The creativity timeline chronologically displays over 30,000 years of art history into 40 feet of interactive stations.
*The gallery under five section allows your littles ranging from ages 18 months to about five to enjoy art on their level.
*Face to face allows guest to create their own self-portraits through a touchscreen and can be printed out and taken home. This is Lennox favorite activity we have an entire collection of her printouts.
*In the visions/versions section The Cummer Museum gets four different artists to create work inspired by the museum gardens. Guest can then check the art out and watch a video of the artist talking about what inspired the work, the tools, and the techniques they used.
We absolutely love The Cummers Museum and to be able to experience all of this for FREE is definitely a mom win! Can't make it on free Tuesdays? No worries admission is pretty affordable.
Adults $10
Seniors $6
Military $6
Students $6
Children 5 & Under Free
Museum Members Free
College Students $6*
*Free Tuesday through Friday


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A few days ago, President Donald Trump came out and announced that the United States was suspending its funding of the World Health Organization (WHO). Among the main reasons for his decision, Trump cited the WHO's "mismanaging" of the spread of the epidemic and its heavy pro-China slant. The United States is the most important contributor to the WHO's budget, way ahead of China, Japan and Germany. The end of American contributions would deprive the WHO of a fifth of its funds.
Trump's announcement provoked a global outcry and widespread condemnation. The Guardian called it "an extraordinary act of moral abdication and international vandalism at a time when the world desperately needs to find means of working together to combat an unprecedented global threat." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was more measured, noting that "now is the time for unity and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences." Leaders of EU countries were swift in coming out in support of the WHO, pledging they would do whatever they could to support its efforts to deal with the crisis.
What Happens When We Don't Know the Truth?
The response is understandable, but also misleading. To be sure, Trump's anti-WHO campaign is largely intended to deflect from his own abysmal response to the crisis. For weeks, his administration wasted precious time to prepare the United States for what was bound to come. For weeks, the president belittled and trivialized the extent of the threat, claiming that the United States was fully prepared to deal with its impact.
As it turned out, it was not, and Trump should be held fully responsible for what he said — and failed to do. As should be all of his toadies and acolytes in Congress and the right-wing media who went out of their way to dismiss COVID-19 as a "hoax" fabricated by the liberal media and the Democrats in order to damage the president. As it turned out, COVID-19 was anything but a hoax, and if anybody did damage the president's image, it was Trump himself.
Beijing's Bidding
All of these things are public knowledge. Yet when it comes to the WHO, Trump, unfortunately, has a point. As the German news magazine Der Spiegel has recently pointed out, the WHO is hardly the impartial organization one would expect — as the magazine puts it, the WHO has a "China problem." Under its general secretary, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia, the WHO appears to have become less impartial — and more politicized — than one would expect from an international body. According to Der Spiegel, in the first weeks after the outbreak of the epidemic in Wuhan, the WHO systematically played down its potential extent, largely, one might suspect, in line with Beijing's concerns about the impact of a crisis on its economy and, particularly, export trade.
In late January, for instance, the organization's official website stated that it advised "that measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented, without unnecessary restrictions of international traffic." A week or so later, the secretary general of the WHO went on record charging that there "was no need for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade." These are hardly recommendations that fall into the prerogatives of the WHO. Worse, it has opened the organization vulnerable to the not entirely unreasonable charge that it was doing Beijing's bidding.
This appears to have allowed Trump to claim that the WHO objected to his January 31 decision to impose a travel ban on flights from and to China. In fact, there never appears to have been any official objection on the part of the WHO — given that the US was one among a number of countries, such as Italy, to impose similar travel restrictions.
This does not mean that the grievances advanced by Trump are not without merit. As the major contributor to the WHO's annual budget, the United States deserves to be taken seriously, its concerns recognized and respected. As Der Spiegel points out, under Tedros's predecessor, Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway, the WHO's relationship with China was significantly more confrontational. In 2002, at the beginning of the SARS outbreak, Brundtland publicly chastised the Chinese authorities for having failed to inform the WHO about the outbreak in a timely fashion.
Eighteen years later, the head of the WHO effusively praised China for its response to the COVID-19 crisis without even mentioning Beijing's initial suppressing of the information. By then, the virus had already been spread by Chinese tourists in Europe and North America, and by European and North American travelers returning home from China. (The first instances of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Italy were detected at the end of December: two Chinese tourists in Rome and one Italian minor returning from a visit to China to Veneto). In the weeks that followed, the epidemic spread to large parts of northern Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Germany, as well as northern California and the state of New York.
None of this is necessarily the fault of the WHO. European authorities proved as unprepared and, quite frankly, callous and irresponsible as their counterparts in the United States. In Italy, for instance, in late February, the leader of the governing left-wing Democratic Party, Nicola Zingaretti, invited young people in Milan to an aperitivo and a pizza dinner in support of the party's "Milano non si ferma" (Milan does not stop) initiative. At the time, there were about 400 confirmed cases in Italy. A few days later, Zingaretti announced that he had contracted the virus. He ultimately recovered.
Impact of Globalization
Few political leaders fully appreciated the impact of globalization, which has allowed the rapid spread of the virus. Yet Europeans should not have been surprised. After all, the Black Death, which took a terrible toll on large parts of Europe's population in the mid-1300s, was intricately linked to the expanding trade routes that linked Asia with Europe along the Silk Road. The plague was introduced to Europe by Genovese traders from their outpost in Caffa on the shores of the Black Sea. From there, they unwittingly spread it to ports along both sides of the Mediterranean Sea.
By the time the good citizens of Marseilles got a glimpse of the horror, it was too late. The disease then traveled up north, spreading across the continent. A few years later, millions of people had died from the disease, wiping out entire villages and towns — an estimated one-third of Europe's population.
For the inhabitants of Bergamo, one of the hotspots of COVID-19 in northern Italy, 14th-century history is a bit more than a "distant mirror" considering the death toll exerted by the current disease. As late as the end of February, Italian authorities urged tourists and business people to come to Italy, assuring them that it was perfectly safe. A few days later, Italy was subjected to a lockdown after a dramatic surge in deaths caused by the disease.
None of this is the fault of the WHO. The WHO, like everybody else, obviously was caught unprepared by the speed and extent with which the epidemic would spread across the globe. It should, however, be faulted for two things. First, for its more than cautious and accommodating take on what was happening in China. There can be no doubt that at the beginning of the outbreak in Wuhan, for whatever reasons, local and national Chinese authorities did everything to hush it up. It was only when the news could no longer be suppressed that they did everything to contain its potential impact. The WHO played along: Instead of asking for clarification with respect to the delay, the WHO's general secretary praised the belated response of Chinese authorities.
Second, and even more seriously, the WHO has been more than reluctant to acknowledge the central importance of protective face masks in containing the spread of the virus. By now, it is well established that face masks are useful primarily because they reduce the likelihood that somebody without symptoms unwittingly transmits the virus. Yet for weeks, the WHO recommended that only those sick with COVID-19 or caring for someone who is sick should wear masks. In fact, a top WHO official claimed at the time that there was "no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any potential benefit. In fact, there's some evidence to suggest the opposite in the misuse of wearing a mask properly or fitting it properly."
A few weeks later, a growing number of countries, such as Austria, made the easing of the lockdown contingent on the wearing of masks. Others, such as Switzerland and Germany, are likely to follow, if only to get their economies back on track. To be sure, the WHO's recommendation was based less on the potential benefits of wearing masks than on the fact that in most countries, there were no masks to be had — at least for the general public.
Even health-sector leaders like Switzerland had long ago ceased to produce basic equipment such as protective masks for the simple reason that is was no longer profitable. Given the reality that a sufficient number of masks was generally only available to medical staff, there was a reasonable fear that ordinary people would "hoard" whatever was still to be had — as they certainly did with toilet paper — thus depriving medical personnel of vital equipment. At the same time, however, the WHO's recommendation undermined its own reputation when national governments started to reverse course and advocated, if not mandated, the use of protective masks for ordinary citizens in public spaces.
Fundamental Challenge
What all of this suggests is that the WHO is faced with a fundamental challenge of how to reconcile the fact that most of its funds come from advanced industrial countries — the US, Japan, Germany — but its mandate is global, addressing primarily the needs of the poor south. Here, the WHO is hardly unique. International cooperation depends to a large degree on the willingness of the rich north to share a part of its wealth with those less fortunate.
The recent history of the European Union shows that international cooperation remains challenging. Greece in the years following 2008 or Italy today are reminders that solidarity, even among partners in Europe, is a scarce commodity. In the end, national interests tend to prevail over common ideals. Countries that contribute a lion's share of the common budget have a tendency to want to be in control. From this perspective, Trump's visceral decision to suspend payments to the WHO is perfectly reasonable, even if it goes against basic moral sensitivities.
The fallout from the current crisis suggests that after it is finally over, the WHO will have to revisit its response to the coronavirus pandemic. But so too will most Western countries, which, unlike Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore, were completely unprepared for it. As a recent article in The Telegraph noted, the latter were prepared because they had followed earlier recommendations by the WHO. These were countries that in 2003 had been exposed to the SARS epidemic. Scarred by the experience, they looked to the WHO for advice on how to meet such an emergency. It is to be hoped that the experience of the current crisis will convince countries in Europe and overseas to not only avail themselves of the expertise the WHO clearly has to offer but also follow its recommendations.
This, however, presupposes that the WHO is able to restore its credibility and overall image, which have suffered considerably over the past several months. If the current crisis has shown one thing, it is the dire need for an institution that is competent, impartial and effective enough to serve as a focal point of gathering information from, and distributing information to, member states and can act as a center of coordination of the various individual initiatives and innovations provoked by a crisis.
The shock provoked by Trump's rash action and the response by the rest of the world community in support of the WHO are important steps in the right direction. As The Telegraph notes, given its intellectual resources and expertise, the WHO is uniquely positioned to fulfill an essential role — provided there is a willingness on the part of individual states to cooperate in a crisis and heed the WHO's recommendations.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer's editorial policy.
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AVKANS 20X NDI PTZ Camera, HDMI SDI IP Live Streaming PTZ Camera for Church Event and Live Video Productions
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PTZ Braddcast Cameras
As we know, NDI Cameras support Power, Video, Audio and Control, all over a single Ethernet cable(Cat5/6) . It is easy to install and set up for for live streamin. These PTZ cameras feature broadcast frame rates and NDI video ouputs for video production professionals to deploy. These HD PTZ cameras feature SDI, HDMI, NDI, and multiple standard IP streaming formats. Equipped with the latest professional PTZ camera control technologies, remote camera operation has never been this easy. Once connected to an IP network, broadcasters can choose from professional 3G SDI connected workflows, Ethernet connected NDI workflows, and traditional HDMI workflows all simultaneously.
PTZ Cameras for Live Streaming
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PoE switch, audio mixer and computer are not included.
Why NDI?
NDI is ideal for transporting high-resolution video with low latency, which means you don't drop any frames or lose any quality in the transmission between devices. It's designed to work over Gigabit Ethernet networks to allow up to 4K resolution video to transport with little to no latency, and it is very easily integrated with software control applications and Internet broadcasting, but its features are robust enough to be used in professional studio environments, as well. It is a great fit for use in small to mid-size environments that require equipment that is easy to control and scale, such as houses of worship, streaming video game competitions, corporate video conferencing, live events, medical, and education productions.
When you add NDI-enabled components to your network, they are designed to allow you to add components without the need for additional expensive input/output switches, routers, cables, and converters, allowing you to utilize less hardware and instead utilize smartphone apps, Mac or Windows computers, tablets, and web-based control.
NDI means the camera feed is available everywhere on the network. Makes routing and signal flow super easy to manage and means you can control your PTZ from anywhere
NDI Summary:
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How much Bandwidth(Upload Speed) does NDI HX use?
0~6 Bitrate(mbps): 640*360 at 30fps.
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With AVKANS Super IP Controller, you can build up your video production very easy. Plug and Play.
AVKANS NDI Camera is widely used for different applications, many successfully cases behind you.


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TAO x REVOLVE DESERT NIGHTS continued its after hours party on Saturday night once again starting with sounds by Mel Debarge who entertained the
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Firstly, let me warn you that an outrageous claim is going to be thrown your way in less than 4 seconds. Okay, here it goes: You can build your own one page website in less than an hour.
A website so simple your grandmother could… probably… maybe… do it… with some help… alright, a lot of help.
But the point is – it's simple, quick and done using completely free tools.
This was music to my ears when I started looking at places to build my portfolio that I could send to clients and impress the pants off them but without having to pay crazy fees for an elaborate website.
So let's get into it.
PS. strapped for time? Scroll down to skip straight to a video tutorial teaching you exactly how to build your own one page website.
What is a one page website?
A one page website is a solitary web page that has all of the information available to you on that page. All you need to do is scroll down to access everything. The about section, contact details, any pricing or product details if necessary – it's all there. This is different from a landing page which can also act as a solo web-page with this kind of information but will not feature a menu bar as landing pages are mainly designed to give the reader one singular call to action. Learn more about landing pages here.
Whilst traditional websites have links to nearly every section of their site on the homepage, there are no links necessary for a one page website. That said, many one page websites still do have additional sections like an external blog or privacy policy that they don't want to be displayed in full on that front page.
A one page website can and usually does still have a menu, but rather than take you to a separate page, clicking on the menu will just help you to skip further down the page to the relevant section.
Why you should have a one page website
Serious question: If you don't have a website for your business or services, do you even exist? In the eyes of customers around the world who research practically everything online, the answer is probably no. The biggest reason to have a one page website then is to simply get your name and business out there and to give yourself the appearance of legitimacy.
As businesses everywhere aim to be more and more 'connected' with their customers, having an online presence is not only crucial as a contact point, but damn near necessary for business survival. It doesn't have to be fancy or have too many bells or whistles, it just needs to be a presence that educates and informs your potential and existing customers.
One of the biggest barriers to starting up a website for a new or existing business is the thought that anything involving technology and computers costs a truckload. Don't get me wrong, paying thousands to web developers and designers to get set up online scares the virtual pants off me too, you're not alone. But that doesn't mean you should wait until you are well established before getting your online presence out there. You need to have a place for your customers to discover you and contact you from day one, and a one page website can make that happen.
Five benefits of creating a one page website
The two biggest benefits of creating a one page website we have just covered; proving your existence and providing customers with an online contact point. But what about the others?
1. Great starting point
Think of a one page website as a stepping stone until you decide to invest in something a little more in-depth. You can always change up the style and delivery of your website down the track if you like. Starting off with a one page website actually makes it easier to transition in the future because all of your information is kept on the one page, rather than spread across multiple pages.
2. Easy to set-up and use
As you'll discover from the video tutorial below, creating a one page website is much, much easier than creating a detailed, multi-page website. I'm speaking from experience. Living to Roam was created entirely from scratch by Maggie and myself and it took us around a month to get everything looking the way we wanted it. A one-page website can take as little as 30 minutes to set up and because it is designed to be simple, you won't have to fuss about with coding or anything fancy as a result – saving you time and frustration.
3. As cheap as it gets
Often you have to pay for convenience and simplicity. Not in this case, thankfully. The tools that we use in the tutorial are free and are a great starting point for someone wanting to create their first one page website. As with many free services, there are some good reasons to upgrade if you choose to do so, but the basic free service should be more than enough for you to get your page online.
4. Mobile-friendliness
Another reason why having a one page website is a fantastic idea is because they are much more likely to be mobile-friendly than multi-page sites. Loading speed is crucial when it comes to the mobile user experience and a single webpage will often load much faster than a website with multiple pages. Also, the design style of a one page website lends itself well to looking great on mobile devices – something that bigger websites have struggled with in the past.
5. Simplicity
The simplicity of a website which has all the necessary information on the one page makes for a much easier user experience as well. Rather than going down the rabbit hole of having to find a hidden contact page or a small link somewhere in the footer, you can display everything for the user in one convenient location. Making things easier for your customers is always going to result in them feeling better about your business too.
Can a one page website be used for something other than a business?
Definitely. The different kinds of uses for a one page website are vast. From online stores, to event promotions and artist galleries, there are a ton out there already. You can check out some great examples here from Awwwards.
One of the most popular uses is freelancers who utilise them to showcase their portfolios and to list their pricing packages. That is exactly the type of web page that we are going to be creating together in our video tutorial that you'll see below.
What to include on a one page website
What you choose to include on your one page website is personal preference, but here are some basic things that you should cover.
1. Captivating header or headline
Attention spans are heading to goldfish levels at a rapid speed. Therefore, your one page website needs to inform users exactly why you exist – preferably as the first thing that you display. In your header you should aim to either tell the user exactly what you do and what's in it for them, or build some curiosity so that they scroll down and want to read more.
2. An 'about' section
Often the products and services that you are offering are important, but people still want to connect with the human side of your business. An about section is crucial so that your customers can put a face to the name and also learn about your story in the process. The one truly unique part of your business is that it contains you! So telling your customers a bit about yourself and your business is important for your success.
3. What you can do for your customers
Once you've put yourself out there and told a little story about yourself, customers are wanting to know 'what's in it for them' or in other words – the products and services that you can provide to help them out. Listing your products and services on your one page website is crucial. Customers don't want (and shouldn't have) to email or call you to find out what you are selling. Once you have their precious attention, you need to showcase your products and services in a convenient and compelling fashion so that they feel motivated to buy.
4. Give them a chance to contact you
Even the most detailed and elaborate one page websites still won't be able to answer every single customer question. One of the main reasons that people look up websites in the first place is to find their contact details (email and phone), opening hours and their location (if you have a physical store or office). Displaying all of this information on your one page website is super important and the focus should be on minimising the amount of emails and phone calls you get that could be solved by simply displaying this information up front.
5. Other sections to consider
Every one page website will be different. If you aren't creating yours as a business page or as a service based freelancer, other sections you might need are:
- Portfolio gallery
- Social media feed
- Blog link (typically these articles would be external and not on the same page)
- Frequently asked questions
Our example of a one page website
Here you'll find the detailed video tutorial as Maggie takes you through the step-by-step process that she took to create a basic page for a freelancer offering their services. You can certainly use this tutorial to design any kind of one page website, the principles are exactly the same.
The free tool that Maggie uses in the video is called Strikingly. It's easy to use, even if you're not a techy person, and still offers a lot of customisation without needing to upgrade. Here is the link to the live website that was created, Maggie's Strikingly page.
Other free tools mentioned in the tutorial that you can use to help build your one page website:
- Unsplash (for free, high-quality photos)
- Canva (free tool you can use to make awesome graphics for your website and social media)
- Medium (free self-publishing website, upload your blog posts publicly)
Alternative tools you can use to make a one page website
While everyone loves a good free tool. Strikingly might not be enough for what you are looking for. Something that we have recently discovered and are absolutely loving are the new layout templates available from Elegant Themes to be used with Divi.
If you're a little bit more confident in your computer skills you can try customising one of the plug-and-play layout templates that Elegant Themes have recently built to be used with the super popular Divi theme. Divi is also the theme that we use on this website and we're excited to have these layouts at our disposal for future pages that we create.
For those new to Elegant Themes, use of any of their 86 themes and 6 plugins costs $89 US for one year, or $249 US for lifetime access. The additional freedom that you'll have to customise your website may be worth the extra money for you and by using one of their 36 different layout templates you can start off your one page website by simply changing the text and the photos that will come pre-loaded.
After coming this far, hopefully you're feeling a lot more comfortable about creating your own one page website for your business or freelancing portfolio. Remember that the benefits of being visible online far outweigh the costs to getting set up – as you now know a way to get started for free!
Tell us in the comments below, did you enjoy creating your one page website using this tutorial? What did you find the easiest and what was perhaps the most difficult part of creating it?
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking the link we will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Regardless, we only recommend products that we use and trust ourselves.


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Let's start a petition to get this made in to a feature-length film right now!
Alright, before you get too excited, this is not actually a thing. Studio Ghibli is not making a "Legend of Zelda" film and the possibility that they ever would is pretty unlikely. However, YouTuber and freelance artist Matt Vince seems to be a dreamer and his video "Zelda x Ghibli Film Trailer" is a 1:46 minute ode to that dream.
Using music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as performed by pianist and composer Kyle Landry, Vince's video perfectly captures the atmosphere that many Ghibli film fans cherish – quiet, slow movements through time that possess a certain kind of serenity, yet are full of meaning or significance.
Prior to making the video, Vince had created a series of posters imagining the story…er, legend, of Zelda depicted with a Studio Ghibli-esque sensibility. Rightly so, he was sure to make mention on the poster all of the film festival awards such a movie would likely to win were it to become reality.
Take a look at the video below and let us know in the comments if you think that Studio Ghibli should totally make The Legend of Zelda into a full-length movie and if so, which story in particular you think would best suit a film!
Source: Matt Vince, YouTube/Matt Vince via digg
Images, Video: Matt Vince


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Well, well, well the race in Kentucky gets all the more interesting. A new poll by Public Policy Polling, commissioned by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy for America, shows Democratic challenger up by one point against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
This is obviously good news for Democrats and before I talk about the downside of the poll, let's promote the good first. First off, even though its an internal poll, this does further the argument that Alison Lundergan Grimes will be competitive with Mitch McConnell. She has rolled out her campaign nicely thus far and I think she has done well enough to become a national name to Democrats across the country.
Another positive is that this poll shows McConnell's favorability rating at 40% which, if accurate, is a drop from the 44% that McConnell employed in late May.
The downside is though that this is an internal poll and we have yet to see the favorability of Grimes (possibly we will see it later) and how many people know her or not across the state. That is key to see if Grimes is personally popular (which is good news) or if McConnell is losing just because he's unpopular (and if Grimes is unknown still, McConnell can drag her down).
This poll was also commissioned before the entrance of McConnell's primary challenger Matt Bevin who apparently has some Tea Party support already. That might be more of a positive for McConnell though than a negative for Grimes as certainly Bevin will attack McConnell on the airwaves.
It is also an internal poll and while PPP has a great track record, you always have to assume that there is slight bias in commissioned polls. There's no science to it, but I liked to always knock off about a couple points in internals but that's more of an assumption than a science.
It also appears we are starting to see a wide array of opinions on the Senate race. Earlier last week, Wenzel Strategies (a Republican firm) had McConnell up by 8 points against Grimes (48-40) and up by nearly 40 against Bevin in a primary. But the rule of party-biased polls still is in effect when we look at this one as it is hard to believe that McConnell has a 53% approval rating which seems awfully generous.
Nonetheless, we have a few different pictures being painted in Kentucky. The questions to look at now are:
- Can Grimes fundraise? We know McConnell can and we assume Bevin will, but Grimes will need to put up the money because she will need it. McConnell's war chest is already huge and will only grow.
- Will Bevin make a difference? He is more noteworthy of a challenger than just some guy who files with the FEC, but is this just another J.D. Hayworth or a legitimate threat?
This race is just getting started but I would say it leans Republican at the moment which is slightly more favorable to Democrats versus 'likely Republican". Instead of just "keeping tabs" on this race, I recommend Democrats to really follow what goes on here. Grimes may not be Elizabeth Warren in the Senate but she will be a better voice than Mitch McConnell as well as a good voice for Kentucky.
Let's help her out.


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The University Library of Magdeburg is transforming to a hybrid learning space in which digital services play a more and more important role. In the last years, the IT department has developed a set of technology heterogenous micro-services and web applications which are connected via REST-APIs to support university and library processes. However, increasing dependencies between these services and their multi-stage deployment form a challenge to the developer team, which should be addressed by modern concepts of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment.
In this Master thesis, a case study introducing these concepts in an agile environment is to be performed. For that reason, the current service landscape of the library has to be analyzed in order to develop a pipeline concept ranging from testing strategy to multi-stage deployment in a Docker context.
- Are no stranger to Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment
- Have some experience with testing
- Are highly motivated to improve the quality of library services for students and researchers
- Are an agile team of full-stack developers with DevOps attitude
- Provide a good working atmosphere with friendly colleagues
- Provide a working place for you
- Are really interested in applying your results!
- Are working closely with the MRCC in teaching and research
If we caught your attention, please send an application with CV and a grade overview to


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These cheesy leeks make a super vegetarian main. I struggle to find meat free mains that don't leave me feeling short changed but this definitely hits the spot. All I need is a dish of these leeks and a good chunk of fresh wholemeal bread, and I'm sorted. Alternatively they make the perfect side dish served alongside your favourite Sunday roast or a casserole.
The sauce in this dish is thickened with a roux but, unlike a traditional roux, I don't add the cold milk slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Instead I heat the milk first until it's just below boiling point then add it all in one go. It's a much quicker way of achieving the same result and one I use frequently.
This dish is perfect at this time of year, when it's cold and bleak outside but, if leeks are not your thing, try my gorgeous Cauliflower Cheese recipe which is also gluten free! So next time you get snowed in or it's blowing a gale and raining horizontally, you know what to cook.
Cheesy Leeks
- 1 large leek
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil or butter
- 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour
- 200 ml milk
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 80 g mature cheddar (finely grated and divided)
- Salt and pepper
- Finely slice the leek then wash thoroughly and drain well.
- Place a medium sized pan over a low to medium heat then add the oil or butter and the leek and cook, lid on but stirring often, until the leek has fully softened – 10 to 15 minutes.* Meanwhile, warm the milk so that it is hot but not scalding.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350F).
- When the leeks are soft and the juices have evaporated lower the heat. Add the flour and stir in, cooking for a minute or so, then pour in the hot milk and stir into the leeks.**
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Now add the mustard, ¾ of the cheese and the pepper and combine. Check the seasoning adding salt if necessary.
- Pour the leeks into an oven dish, sprinkle with the remainder of the cheese and place into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.


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Police appeal after thieves raid allotments of man (79)
The burglary took place overnight this week, between Monday and Tuesday, when thieves broke into sheds at his allotment in Messenger Street and stole tools and machinery including a lawn mower, rotivator, strimmer, compressor, bolt croppers, drill bits and a generator which had a combined value of more than £1,000.
PC Victoria Beverley, of Burnley Police, said: "This burglary has had a huge impact on the victim and the culprits must not realise what damage they have caused him. He kept his sheds meticulously tidy and used his tools to make wooden furniture and grow his own vegetables. The stolen items weren't just tools to him, they were his life.
"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time of the burglary, or anyone who may have come across the stolen tools to contact us."
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference EG1503143.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.


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About Red Wolf Review
Wolf Header Photo: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The activities of Red Wolf Review, including website updates, public outreach, and educational activities are contributed to by a team of collaborating individuals from various important animal and wolf organizations. Run by a team of red wolf advocates and experts, Red Wolf Review seeks to educate the public about the nature of red wolves and the situation involving red wolf recovery.
Red Wolf Review was founded in 2016 and website construction finished in 2017. The name "Red Wolf Review" was chosen as the name of this website and resource because it serves as a platform through which important red wolf information can be reviewed in order to ensure that statements and beliefs about red wolves are accurate and fair.
The motivations behind the creation of Red Wolf Review are as follows:
Thank you for visiting Red Wolf Review,
-The RWR Team
The current Red Wolf Review logo.
Original Red Wolf Review logo (2016-2019).
Future Plans for the Red Wolf Review Website
Look for these tentative improvements in future updates!
- Improved selection of relevant pictures.
- Addition of more content created by Red Wolf Review.
- Improved file organization for ease of use.
- Information and resource addition.
- More collaboration with other organizations.


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ICSD 2014 is pleased to announce that Frannie Leautier will be joining us to deliver a keynote address!
Dr. Frannie Léautier is partner and CEO of Mkoba Private Equity. Dr. Léautier previously served as Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). A Tanzanian national, she served as Vice President of the World Bank and Head of the World Bank Institute from December 2001 to March 2007. She also served as Chief of Staff to the former President of the World Bank from 2000 to 2001. Cumulatively, Dr. Léautier served in various capacities at the World Bank from 1992 to 2007. From 2007 to 2009, she was a Managing Partner at The Fezembat Group, a company focused on risk management and leadership development.
Dr. Léautier holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam (1984); a Master of Science in Transportation from MIT (1986); and a Ph.D. in Infrastructure Systems from MIT (1990). She is also a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Development Program. Dr. Léautier has published a number of articles in top-tier economic journals and magazines; she has also edited three books, including a recent one on Cities in a Globalizing World. She is currently Founding Editor for the Journal of Infrastructure Systems, Advisory Board Member for the MIT OpenCourseWare, and Secretary of the Board for the Nelson Mandela Institute for Science and Technology in Africa. Dr. Léautier is a charter member of the Advisory Board for EuropEFE and a founding Board member for the Africa Institute for Governing with Integrity.


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One of the most debatable topics amongst craftsmen is which alloy is best between cast iron or carbon steel for making cooking utensils especially Wok. Both of these materials have so many similarities like durability, heat conductivity, heat retention ability, and mostly natural non-stick coating. All of these similarities make it more difficult to say which one is best to buy. In this article, I'm going to share a real comparison between Cast Iron Vs Carbon Steel Wok. Let's check the below post to know more.
Cast Iron Wok
Cast iron is a group of metal alloys of iron and carbon which can be easily cast in a mold. However, this metal alloy is hard and durable and a wok made of cast iron can last a lifetime if you can handle it properly. With proper seasoning, you can build a natural non-stick coating that will be safer and healthier as well. Using cast iron wok could be a great way to boost your iron level as it leaches a little amount of iron into your food.
Pros of Cast Iron Wok
- Well-seasoned cast iron wok is easier as well as simpler to clean.
- It distributes heat fast across the bottom which is important to cook food perfectly.
- This kind of Wok is affordable or low cost.
- Cast iron wok is versatile.
Cons of Cast Iron Wok
- Cast iron wok requires seasoning every so often.
- Unlike other metal like aluminum or stainless steel, a cast iron wok is heavier.
- You cannot prepare acidic foods like tomatoes with your cast iron wok or pan.
- Poor heat conductivity is another weakness of the cast iron wok.
Carbon Steel Wok
Carbon steel is one of the most popular traditional as well as widely used materials for making woks. It heats up evenly and fast; with proper care, it will last for a lifetime. Like cast iron wok, carbon steel wok also requires seasoning to build up a natural non-stick coating. With a carbon steel wok, you can toss and flip vegetables easily while cooking.
Pros of Carbon Steel Wok
- Compared to other metals, the prices of carbon steel woks are always lower.
- Cooking with carbon steel wok is completely safer and healthier as it doesn't leach any harmful toxins to your food.
- Carbon steel wok is lightweight and easy to lift or move.
- The natural non-stick cooking surface helps to reduce using butter or oil while cooking.
- Can be used on Induction or Electric Stove.
Cons of Carbon Steel Wok
- Before using your carbon steel wok for the first time cooking, you'll need to season it first.
- Your carbon steel wok may get scratched if you wash it with the dishwasher.
- Since carbon steel is a reactive metal, you should avoid cooking acidic ingredients with your carbon steel wok.
A Side by Side Comparison between Cast Iron Vs Carbon Steel Wok
Besides so many similarities, carbon steel vs cast iron wok has some significant differences also. Check these following points to know the differences between cast iron and carbon steel woks.
Both cast iron and carbon steel equal in their durability and heat conductivity which brings them in a similar position. And this round will be determined by comparing their ability to withstand most kinds of damages. Generally, carbon steel contains around 99 percent of iron to 1 percent of carbon. Cast iron, on the other hand, contains 2-3 percent carbon to 97-98 percent iron. A high amount of carbon makes the cast iron more brittle meaning carbon steel wok is more durable than cast iron ones.
Rust Resistance Ability
Woks made from carbon steel and cast iron are resistant to rust or corrosion. Carbon steel wok comes with chromium, anti-rust, and anti-corrosive material which prevents it from rusting. Moreover, chromium develops a chromium oxide coating which helps to stop reacting to oxygen that creates rust.
On the other side, cast iron is might be prone to rust but the process is related to the surrounding.
Heat Retention
Cast iron takes a bit of time to warm up and cool down but it remains hot for a long compared to other metals. Carbon steel also retains heat well than some other metals but not as much as cast iron cookware items. However, carbon steel woks contact with heat more quickly than cast iron products. This amazing feature makes the carbon steel wok a great option for more delicate ingredients.
When it comes to weight, the cast iron wok is heavier than carbon steel. Cast iron wok comes with a much thicker and denser body structure which makes it difficult to lift the wok with foods. Carbon steel wok, contrariwise, is similar to aluminum or stainless steel in terms of weight.
Price and Availability
Carbon steel and cast iron wok, both of these products are relatively inexpensive. However, you'll get a cast iron wok more easily at a cheaper price than carbon steel because of its lower production and manufacturing costs.
Appearance and Functionality
Cast iron woks come with steeper walls with a little rougher or uneven base. Steeper walls make the wok suitable to use in the oven and ensure that nothing spills out of the wok. Moreover, the brownish color of the cast iron might give the wok a traditional look.
On the other hand, carbon steel wok is versatile enough to prepare almost any type of delicious dishes. Its amazing design and elegant color will enhance both your cooking as well as the look of your kitchen.
[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwTYgDrnu5c"]
Final Words
In conclusion, both cast iron and carbon steel woks are excellent for everyday cooking and will last for years. So, when choosing a wok, you should consider all these I've listed above the post to make sure which one will be the best for you. Although cast iron wok works amazing and has some strong points, it lacked in some key areas where the carbon steel prospered.
Helpful Links
- Searching for the Perfect Wok – Serious Eats
- Wok: Carbon steel or cast iron? – StackExchange


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Music 2016 Archives - One4Review
The Techtonics – Don't Push The Button 4****August 23, 2016 | one4review
The Techtonics are extremely talented Imperial College London students who have come together and created an award winning a capella group, winning this year's ICCA World Championships in New York. With a wide range of music – Queen, Adele, Right … Read More
Jess Robinson – Impressive 5*****August 20, 2016 | one4review
If ever there is an accurate show title in Fringe 2016 then I haven't seen it. Jess Robinson has this nailed down. From the get in she and her hugely talented band are on stage as she encourages people to … Read More
Ghost Quartet -3***August 20, 2016 | one4review
Ghost Quartet
Four musicians tell us interwoven stories, twisted and peculiar, dark and violent, harrowing and discordant.
This is not a musical but nor is it a concert. The story is defined in album terms- Side 1, track 1 … Read More
Colin Hay – Get Rid of the Minstrel – 4****August 18, 2016 | one4review 2
Colin Hay may herald from Saltcoats in Ayrshire but he really made his name as a singer songwriter in his adopted home, then anyway, of Australia. Probably best known for fronting Grammy award winning band Men at Work who made … Read More
My Leonard Cohen – Stewart D'Arrietta 4***August 15, 2016 | one4review
I know the show is entitled My Leonard Cohen and is not a tribute act but for me it was a little too much Stewart D'Arrietta and his band, albeit a very tight and professional one, but it sounded a … Read More
Camille O'Sullivan – The Carny Dream 5*****August 11, 2016 | one4review
If there is a singer who can surpass, or even get close, to Camille O'Sullivan in this type of extravaganza then I have yet to see them. In the perfect setting of 'Lafayette tent', a huge structure that conjures up … Read More


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December 15th, 2023
We are very honoured to count MSD among the Sponsors of BioFIT 2020
Many thanks to MSD for joining BioFIT 2020 as a Silver Sponsor
MSD is an innovative, global healthcare leader that is committed to improving health and well-being around the world. Its core product categories include diabetes, cancer, vaccines and hospital acute care. They continue to focus their research on conditions that represent some of today's most significant health challenges – like cancer, HIV, HPV, hepatitis C, cardio-metabolic disease, antibiotic-resistant infection and Alzheimer's disease, and they are on the front lines in the fight against emerging global pandemics, such as ebola. They also devote extensive time and energy to increasing access to medicines and vaccines through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver their products to the people who need them. At MSD, They're applying their global reach, financial strength and scientific excellence to do more of what they're passionate about: improving health and improving lives.
Join key BioFIT 2020 sponsors such as MSD Animal Health, Evotec and MSD to have the opportunity to:
- Identify your organisation with the main partnering event in Europe dedicated to tech transfer, academia-industry collaborations, early-stage innovations and seed investment in Life Sciences
- Highlight your interest in early-stage innovation
- Present your ideas and technologies to key innovation players in Life Sciences
- Enhance your visibility on an international scale and be recognised as a key innovative actor
- Show your expertise thanks to specific communication tools


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The internet as it has evolved in the United States is perhaps the best example of "permissionless innovation" — the idea that you can innovate without first waiting for permission or clearance. And so academics, entrepreneurs, and people took up the internet, developed technologies over it, and in the process created fantastically valuable companies that are now household names around the world.
But such innovation hasn't happened outside the U.S., argues Adam Thierer — research fellow with the Technology Policy Program at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University — because other regions have reversed the model of "innovate first, regulate later" (or rather, regulate only as necessary and if not already covered by existing laws).
Thierer, who has also authored a book on Permissionless Innovation, joins this segment of the a16z podcast to discuss "technopanic" cycles; emerging areas of interest; and where "best practices" help … or hurt when it comes to soft regulation.
Adam Thierer
The a16z Podcast discusses the most important ideas within technology with the people building it. Each episode aims to put listeners ahead of the curve, covering topics like AI, energy, genomics, space, and more.


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Policies for the Cabin in The Orchard
Winter Rates - November 1 thru March 31
$195.00 - Sun thru Thursday
$205.00 - Friday and Saturday each
Summer Rates - April 1-thru October 31
$215.00 - Sun thru Thursday
$225.00 - Friday & Saturday each
Total price. No additional charges.
Rates are for 1-4 persons. $20.00 charged for each additional person.
Visa & Mastercard Accepted
For our protection, we regret that as of Jan. 1st, 2009,
when you make a reservation, your credit card will be
charged for 1/2 of your stay, as a deposit.
Gift Certificates available.
We ask please, no pets, no smoking.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations will be accepted up until 14 days prior to arrival.
A full refund, less $50.00 handling fee, will be given.
Cancellations made 13 days or less, prior to arrival,
will not be eligible for a refund.
Any damages will be charged to your credit card.
Ages 18-21: no groups over 4 persons, without special permission.(No after proms or spring break)
Sorry, we are not handicapped accessible.
We do our very best to make sure everything is in working condition.
However we have no control and can not be held responsible for mechanical, electrical, etc. issues.


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Police kill 8 'terrorists' in Xinjiang attack: report
Police in Xinjiang killed eight people who had attacked them using knives and explosives in a stand-off in the early hours of Monday. One further suspect has since been detained.
Police in Xinjiang killed eight people who had attacked them using knives and explosives in a stand-off in the early hours of Monday. One further suspect has since been detained.
State media have not identified the so-called attackers.
Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the Munich-based exiled World Uyghur Congress, told the South China Morning Post the nine were demonstrating against a series of arbirtrary arrests and not attacking the police station.
The restive Xinjiang province has seen a series of clashes in recent months between members of the Uygur ethnic minority and security forces.
Monday's clash occurred about two hundred kilometres southwest of Kashgar's Sayibage Township, where 16 people died in another clash between Uygurs and police two weeks ago.
Raffaello Pantucci, a senior research fellow with the London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, estimated that at least 130 people have died in similar clashes in Xinjiang this year.
"Four years after the [2009] riots, it seems that the violence is creeping up again," he said. "At least since April, we have seen a steady a pattern of violence. It has been consistent and constant."
For Pantucci, Xinjiang's recent economic development exacerbated long-standing ethnic tensions. "If you talk to Uygurs there is a perception that the majority of the population is not benefitting from the increased economic investment in the region," he said.
With gross domestic product growth at 10.3 per cent, the region was China's ninth-fastest growing administrative division over the first three quarters of 2013, according to government figures.
Some 850,000 people live in Yarkant, according to government figures, 96.3 per cent are Uygurs.
Calls to the Yarkant county administration and its police department went unanswered on Monday.
March 7: downtown Korla: at least four dead
April 23: Selibuya Township, Kashgar: 21 dead, including 15 social workers and police
June 26: Lukqun Township, Shanshan county, in Turpan prefecture: 35 killed, including two police
June 28: Hanairike Township: no official death toll, but locals said several people were killed
August 20: Kargilik County, Kashgar: at least 16 dead, including one police officer
October 28: Tiananmen Square, Beijing: five dead, including two tourists
November 16: Selibuya Township, Kashgar: 11 dead, including two auxiliary police officers
December 15: Shufu County, Kashgar: 16 dead, including two police officers


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Supercharge Your SAP
on Google Cloud
Whatever your SAP deployment, Appsbroker can help you increase efficiency and performance by migrating to Google Cloud – reducing reporting times from a day to just 14 minutes.
Infrastructure Modernisation Blog Series
Cloud Migration to a T: Appsbroker Launch 'T-Shirt' Sized Packages for VM Migration
Appsbroker Achieves Google Cloud Infrastructure Specialisation
We LOVE Agile!
Delivering impact in weeks, not years.
Our agile approach to onboarding identifies the most efficient path to achieving your desired outcomes – whatever technologies or custom development that might entail. And now, with Anthos, we can help you modernise your applications wherever they are.
Change Management
Embracing the Agile Systems Integration (ASI) approach allows us to collaborate directly with your teams through regular engagements to drive impactful and long-lasting results across your entire business – not just your technology stack.
Data security is important to us, so we regularly audit our processes to ensure your data stays safe. Backed by the highest international accreditations for quality and security (ISO9001 and ISO27001), you can count on us to put your privacy first.
Ongoing training and development is integral to Appsbroker's success. Google's SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) set the industry standard for DevOps – and we've worked closely with Google Cloud for 12+ years to stay at the leading edge of best practice in the field.
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