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President Donald Trump held a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday afternoon. Soon after the presser began, a reporter asked Trump about his musings on withdrawing US ground troops from Syria — a point he and Macron had discussed in private before.
Having watched Trump's full answer, and read over the transcript many times, I still have no idea what the president of the United States thinks about this vital question of Middle East geopolitics and literal life and death.
Read for yourself:
As far as Syria is concerned, I would love to get out. I would love to bring our incredible warriors back home. They've done a great job; we've essentially just absolutely obliterated ISIS in Iraq, and in Syria. And we've done a big favor to neighboring countries, frankly, but we've also done a favor for our country.
With that being said, Emmanuel and myself have discussed the fact that we don't want to give Iran open season to the Mediterranean, especially since we really control it to a large extent. We really have controlled it, and we've set control on it.
So we'll see what happens. But we're going to be coming home relatively soon. We finished, at least almost, our work with respect to ISIS in Syria, ISIS in Iraq. And we have done a job that nobody has been able to do. With that being said, I do want to come home, but I want to come home also with having accomplished what we have to accomplish.
Here's video:
"As far as Syria is concerned, I would love to get out. I would love to bring our incredible warriors back home," President Trump says. pic.twitter.com/ukJU14qFUI
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) April 24, 2018
What does the president think about US troops being in Syria? Should they be fighting just ISIS, as they're currently doing, or should the mission be expanded to fighting Iran and Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad? If it's only the former, what are the conditions under which we can declare mission accomplished? If it's the latter, are we going to war with Iran?
It's just totally unclear how the president conceptualizes these vital strategic questions.
And the answer raised new questions about Trump, mostly centering on the Mediterranean Sea. You can sort of squint and make sense of what he's saying when he says Iran shouldn't have "open season to the Mediterranean"; Syria has a decent length of coastline on the sea, and Iran will have access to Syrian ports so long as its ally Assad is in power. But the only way to prevent that would be to topple Assad, which Trump doesn't seem to want to do.
Also, what does Trump mean when he says "we really control" the Mediterranean "to a great extent"? It's not like the US currently exercises control over Syria's western coast, where there is a Russian naval base in the port of Tartus.
This is an issue Trump has been struggling with for some time. At the end of March, he suggested that US troops would be pulling out of Syria "very soon," only to change his mind in early April. So he's given some thought to this issue, and this is what he's come up with.
And again, just so the enormity of this kind of answer is clear: the person giving it is not some random internet commentator, but the president of the United States — a man who has the ability to launch nuclear weapons basically at will.


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24 October 2017: DCC Autumn lunchtime lecture: 'The Czarist Crown Jewels and the Irish State', Dublin City Hall, Dublin 2
On Tuesday 24 October 2017 Dublin City Council presented the fourth in a series of lunch-time lectures in Dublin City Hall, on the theme of 'Ireland and the Russian Revolutions'. The series is curated by Francis Devine and Dr. Mary Clark in association with Dublin City Library and Archive,138-144 Pearse Street, D2; full programme details and speaker biographies can be viewed here. The lecture on 24 October was by Michael Quinn, on 'The Czarist Crown Jewels and the Irish State'.
The lecture took place in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2.
From the Bureau of Military History: 'Information re. Russian jewels given as security for loan made by Irish government in 1920'.

subset: commoncrawl


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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a research study that sought to identify the key dimensions of luxury from a UK consumers' perspective.
Design/methodology/approach – The project was empirical in nature and based on a two-stage methodology that involved a series of depth interviews with consumers and a street intercept survey of 131 consumers in the UK.
Findings – The project found that UK consumers appear to recognise five dimensions of luxury (affect, characteristics, status, gifting and involvement).
Research limitations/implications – The main limitation was a small sample size and limited statistical significance.
Practical implications – The paper should usefully focus the attention and efforts of managers of luxury brands, managers of ordinary brands who desire to develop them into luxury brands, and managers who are considering creating luxury brands in the UK. The findings should inform management decisions relating to product development, advertising, promotion and distribution of luxury products and services.
Originality/value – The paper makes an original contribution to knowledge by reporting the findings of an empirical study of luxury from the UK consumers' perspective. It has value to academic researchers who are interested in the concept of luxury as well as those involved in or considering luxury brand management.
Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 823-837 |
Journal | Marketing Intelligence & Planning |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |


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Light Night reminder
If you are hosting an event or performance related to Light Night on Friday 5 October, please don't forget to let us and the Light Night organisers know so it can be publicised.
If you'd like to inform us of an event or performance you are organising or taking part in that may not already be registered, please send us an email.
You can also contact the Night Light organisers via email or telephone (0113) 224 3523.
Posted in: University news


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Do I need a consultation?
Consultations are ideal for first time clients or those who are unsure about what their skin need. During a consultation we take a closer look to your skin to analyze it, talk about it and guide you to the process of choosing a treatment suitable for your skin type and skin needs. We recommend everyone to get a consultation prior selecting a treatment.
How can I cancel/reschedule my appointment?
For cancellation and rescheduling we highly advice you read our policy. Click here to read it. Send us an email to email@example.com and give us 48hours to respond. If no response is given, please give us a call ( 407 - 912 - 7445 ) with 24hour notice before any cancellation or rescheduling. Fees will be charged after no call/no shows or less than 24 hour notice. You will lose deposit.
How do I purchase ENVIRON skincare?
A consultation/skin analysis provided by one of our estheticians is needed before purchasing the products at the spa. We do offer a product starter consultation as well as a virtual consultation. To pick up a product, give us a call ( 407 - 912 - 7445 ) during business hours. ENVIRON skincare is prescribed skincare and cannot be sold online. Every products has a strict shelf life and is light sensitive, therefore, we DO NOT RECOMMEND purchasing online.
How often should I get a facial?
Generally, a monthly facial will be enough unless you're treating a specific skin need or condition like: acne, sensitivity, severe hyperpigmentation and so on.
What is the pre and post facial care?
PRE CARE: double check your appointment date/time, avoid exfoliating for 48 hours, avoid using retinol, BHA, AHA, for 48 hours, no makeup, no picking, arrive 10 min early.
POST CARE: no touching/picking skin, keep products on overnight, no makeup 24hours, no exfoliating 48 hours, no use of BHA, AHA, 48hours, change pillow case, wear SPF.
Returns & Exchanges
No returns. For exchanges, please call ( 407 - 912 - 7445 )
How can I book an appointment?
You can call directly to the spa ( 407 - 912 - 7445 ) or book online. Click here to make an appointment.
Is the spa COVID-19 safe?
Correct. We clean, sanitize and disinfect every corner, surface and space every single day. Our disinfecting products are hospital grade and are able to kill the virus. We're also practicing social distance, wearing masks at all times, washing hands and sanitizing hands. Our clients MUST wash their hands upon arrival, wear a mask and temperature will be checked. Anybody presenting symptoms WON'T BE ALLOWED in the spa.
Can I have a facial if I'm pregnant?
Absolutely! We highly advice you talk to your provider before getting a facial. We will also skip a few steps of the facial to keep you and your little one safe.
Can a male get a facial?
YES! Skincare has NO gender! All the men are welcome to the spa.


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Unity Center Block Party
Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m., California Museum, No cover
The concept for the Unity Center was born in 1999 in response to a series of Northern California hate crimes. This weekend, California Museum will finally open its doors to that idea—a permanent exhibit celebrating California's diversity and activist history—at a time when the need for unity is strong. The event includes free admission to the exhibit, a civil rights panel discussion with labor activist Dolores Huerta, Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn, Senator Holly Mitchell and LGBTQ activist Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation. The day also includes live music, spoken word poetry and dance performances, food trucks, a beer garden, hands-on activism demonstrations and kids activities. 1020 O Street, www.californiamuseum.org/unity-party.


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Many people have tested out the Silver Lotto System and have posted their results and we can tell you the system isn't what you think! The days have finally arrived where the real truth about lottery systems such as Silver Lotto System are being revealed, no longer will you have to be fooled by all the misleading reviews written […]
Posts Tagged 'silver lotto'
Silver Lotto System Review Real Truth Exposed!
Posted: 24th February 2013 by admin in LotteryTags: ken silver lottery systems, ken silver lotto, silver lotto, silver lotto review, silver lotto system, silver lotto system review
Win The Lottery Increase Your Odds To Win
Posted: 7th February 2013 by admin in LotteryTags: florida lotto, lottery, lotto, lotto max, lotto secrets, lotto winning, mega millions, oz lotto, pa lottery, powerball lottery, silver lotto, texas lotto, uk lotto, win lottery, win lotto, win the lottery
Discovering real proven lotto winning secrets to help increase your odds to win the lottery. Want to rake in the smaller lottery cash prizes over and over again, while waiting to hit the big lotto jackpot prize? There are many strategies you can use to increase your odds to win lottery games, but which lotto strategies actually work as many simply fail? […]


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FREE Beauty Sample Box after Amazon Credit, BACK AGAIN
This box has different products than the one we posted previously!New Products have been added to this Women's Beauty Box! For a limited time, Amazon Prime members can get the Beauty Sample Box for free after credit + free shipping!
Purchase the Amazon Beauty Sample Box for $11.99 and you'll get an $11.99 credit towards your next purchase of select beauty products, making this free after the credit! About a week after your product ships, you will receive an email with instructions on how to use your credit.
This beauty box & credit is exclusively for Amazon Prime Members. Not a Prime member? Sign up for a FREE Trial of Prime to take advantage of this deal NOW.
You can also score a Men's Grooming Sample Box FREE after Amazon Credit


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A new trailer for Sword Legacy Omen
Publisher Team17 has released a new trailer today. It features the play style, storytelling style and the different regions of Sword Legacy Omen: The world of broken Britannia, as the full title goes. The game is still in development by Firecast Studios and Fableware Narrative Design, and is due to release on PC in 2018.
The trailer follows the path you'll be taking through the fragments of the once flourishing fictional kingdom of Britannia. Every region shows its own atmosphere, and they all suffer from their own problems like plagues, corrupt leaders and invading armies.
The five regions are:
- Mercia: The starting region, where Lord Leof's peaceful reign ended abruptly after his court betrayed him.
- Northumbria: The domain of Lord Caydern and terrorized by hard winters and plagues
- Anglia: The home of the Order of Terah and in turmoil after its leader Lord Edmur has vanished.
- Kent: While enjoying everlasting spring and the presence of nearby Avalon, Lady Alfhild is troubled by rumors and and invading Wessex army.
- Wessex: Ruled by the power obsessed Duke Gorlois, who experiments with dark knowledge and alchemy.
You may follow the development progress on Twitter and Facebook.
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Why Moms Need Mom Groups
April 13, 2017 8:00 am | by Kelley Grant
Having a baby is such a beautiful time. There are so many wonderful things that come along when you bring home a new baby– first bath, first time they sleep through the night, first major diaper blowout. One of the most important things to have after your baby is born is support. Whether it be emotional, physical or financial, postpartum mamas need a little extra attention. Sometimes it's easy and just stopping in with a dinner or cup of coffee and some comforting words is enough. Other times a mama needs a little more to help her in the fourth trimester – the period


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Vonage has been awarded a place on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2022.
This prestigious award is presented by premier news magazine, Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
As a part of this inaugural ranking, organizers looked at publicly traded US corporations in 22 industries with $500 million or more in annual revenues.
America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2022 were then identified in an independent survey based on a sample of approximately 50,000 US residents who rated companies on three touchpoints of trust: customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust.
"Trust is a foundational Vonage value that engages, guides and inspires our global team to do their best work with integrity, reliability and fairness," said Rory Read, CEO of Vonage.
"By seeking to consistently build trust and confidence in every interaction with our colleagues, customers and partners, we can develop deeper and lasting relationships one conversation, one action, and one follow-through at a time."
The ranking survey included questions about companies that respondents knew well and whether they believed those companies treated their customers fairly, treated their employees fairly and would be good long-term investments.
According to Newsweek, across all industries, "the companies that inspired the most trust tended to be long established" and household names.
Since its founding, Vonage has transformed itself from its roots as a pioneer in the residential VoIP space into a global leader in Business Cloud Communications.
With its ability to be agile and navigate the changing technology landscape for over 20 years, while continuing to provide businesses with the technology needed to build better connections, communications and engagement, Vonage has built strong brand awareness and created a foundation of trust with all of its stakeholders – customers, investors and team members.


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Pitch for Guava Numbers
Company / App Name: Guava Numbers
Twitter – guavanumbers
What does it do?
Guava Numbers is the easiest, fastest way to get a vanity phone number.
Search for numbers, purchase, and forward to your existing number. No contracts, no wait, no equipment required.
Why do we need it?
Businesses that use vanity phone numbers will see up to 50% more calls.
Traditionally these numbers are really hard to acquire, we've made the process seamless, in less than a minute, your number will be ready to receive calls and texts
Who is it for?
Any business that does local print advertising and would like to get more calls.
Also businesses looking to stand out in a crowded industry
What makes it stand out from the crowd?
No other service is as fast or easy to use as Guava Numbers, either you have to wait multiple days, or you get charged thousands of dollars.
We charge a flat fee of $15/month, with no contracts. And there's zero wait.
What's next?
We launched in November 2020 to a small list of prospects that already wanted specific numbers. Since launch we've had a few numbers purchased.
We are listening now to feature suggestions and how we can best service our customers!


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Welcome to the informational page about the YWA chapter for National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. Since our school will be serving grades 6-12, we will offer both NJHS and NHS so all eligible students will have an opportunity to be a member of this time-honored tradition.
Your highest-achieving students aren't just leaders in the making: They are already respected role models in their learning community. With a National Honor Society (NHS) chapter at your school, you give these students a place where they can hone their leadership skills—and get the recognition they've earned.
More Than an Honor Roll
And while NJHS/NHS membership is the true mark of academic achievement, it goes far beyond a report card. All student members must also reflect the program's respective pillars to be inducted—ideals such as scholarship, service, leadership, and character—and they must continue demonstrating these pillars within their community throughout their membership.
Tools for Their Future
An NHS chapter brings with it exclusive tools and resources for your students that not only help them in their endeavors as NHS members, but leave a lasting impact on them as active citizens with long-term goals. With NHS, you unlock:
Service Mindset and Action. Members get unlimited access to service planning templates and resources, including nearly 10,000 project ideas in the National Student Project Database. This creates a "give back" mindset and weaves continued service into the everyday of a learning community.
College and Career Readiness Webinar Series. Live webinars on the college admission planning process give student members and their parents access to valuable advice directly from admissions experts.
#Futuready Leadership Development. These online modules help NHS students prepare for the future, providing support to build skills such as empathy, critical thinking, and leadership.
NHS Scholarship. Each year, $2 million dollars are awarded to 600 deserving student members, with the national winner taking home $25,000 to help them achieve their higher education dreams.
Badges of Honor. NHS students can receive a digital badge that will boost their college applications, LinkedIn profiles, and more. (more information available at www.nhs.us)
Here is our selection process at Young Women's Academy:
- Students are invited to join NJHS/NHS based on their GPA of 3.5 or above. This does not mean they are automatically accepted in the organization but rather invited to apply for membership.
Students need to demonstration the following requirements to be accepted into NJHS or NHS:
- Demonstrate active participation or involvment in at least two or more extracurricular activities (sports, leadership, and/or community service)
- 15 hours of documented community service (students applying for NHS are required to enter these hours in InnerView)
- Three faculty recommendations
To learn more about our YWA Chapter, please click on the following PowerPoint presentation.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY! To be considered for membership, you need an InnerView account to record your service hours. Verification and service hour approval will be conducted through this site. You can read more about InnerView and its mission at www.innerview.org. To sign up for an InnerView account, please go to my.innerview.org
Download the National Honor Society application (for grades 10-12).
Download the National Junior Honor Society application (for grades 7-9).
Download the NJHS Service Hours Log (for grades 7-9).
Click here for service hour ideas that you can do virtually or from your home.


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Can a person lose his virginity to a sex doll? Are sex dolls really the easy way out? These may be really weird questions for many folks because a sex doll is not a real woman, you can't lose your virginity over a doll. But we have been in this business for 5 years more, nothing is weird, there are a lot of discussions about this topic from the sex doll forums and groups, they are wondering if the sex doll is a good start for a virgin?
Since sex doll has become increasingly popular in recent years, they are super lifelike and no different from a real woman, besides, with advanced technology, sex dolls or robots can hold a conversation, laugh at your jokes, moan when you are having sex with her. So why not a sex doll? It may help virgins who want to lose their virginity but don't know how to find someone they can trust to be intimate with them.
However, we still maintain that is a personal choice and we can't make the decision for you, but today we would like to put forward our opinion about why some virgins would like to buy a sex doll and help beginners to know more about sex dolls.
Should a Person Have Sex With a Sex Doll Considered To Be Losing Virginity?
There are many different beliefs about what it means to be a virgin. Most people agree that women or men lose their virginity when they have penile-vaginal intercourse. Some people think that people having oral or anal sex is also considered as losing virginity.
A sex doll is a type of sex toy that some people use to heighten sexual pleasure. Most people would consider that a masturbation aid, not real "sex". Besides, there is no test for virginity. It's lost whenever you want it to be technically. Sure it's typically seen as the moment of penetration involving genitals and if that's how you see it then, so you will lose your sex doll virginity, but not your sex with real person virginity.
What Are The Benefits for a Virgin to Have Sex With a Sex Doll?
Practice Your Sex Skill Before the Big Game
Being a virgin means you are not familiar with sexual conduct. People with none sex experience can create a lot of anxiety, and some people even make up fake experiences as they don't want to be seen to be a weirdo. So they choose a sex doll to help them overcome their sexual inexperience.
Sex doll is a great way to improve and develop their sex skills, it will get some idea of how the real thing is going to be. Poor sex performance can hurt the man's self-esteem and lead a couple to face bad relationships. You can practice with a sex doll in your daily routine to help you to know your body more, positions that can stimulate you, and get familiar with the women's body.
After you have routine sex with a doll, it will enhance your sexual stamina and boost your sex performance to the next level. So when you use a sex doll beforehand, you will make your first time great and make a good impression on your girl.
Get More Comfortable With Intimacy
Nobody would want to feel anxious while getting intimate. But it's natural for a virgin to be nervous as they have never experienced intimacy before. They are not sure about how they feel to be touched, kissed, and hugged. So here comes the sex doll to rescue you.
Sex doll makes it possible for people who never had experienced on the bed, by using the sex doll, you will form a bond with the doll and make it easier for what happens in the next. Once you get familiar with women's bodies, you will be comfortable with intimacy and explore more fun with her. Moreover, a sex doll can help you avoid erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Make Your Fantasy Come True
Yeah, we all have some naughty fantasies, and we know that finding a real-life partner that accepts your carnal preferences can be hard.
Moreover, most virgin people, are afraid of talking about what happened in the bedroom, they thought they will be laughed at as they don't have any sexual experience, so in this case, it's been more difficult for them to make their fantasy come true. Thankfully, a more affordable alternative exists: sex dolls!
These beautiful realistic sex dolls are designed for satisfying people's sex desire and fantasy, no matter you are fantasy about a movie star, porn star, rock star, you can have whatever you like it to be. It's unlike a real relationship, they don't expect what you need to be, all they can offer is joy and exciting adventures. People who bought a celebrity sex doll are enjoying their life now.
Long-term Investment Than a One-night Stand
If you need someone to practice your sex skills and also give your endless sexual pleasure, then buying a sex doll is the best investment than looking for a prostitute. Sex dolls are well-made from the material called silicone and TPE, the most popular material to make the love doll. It's flexible, durable, safe, and odorless. So they can be used for at least 10 years and more if you take care of her properly.
Furthermore, the cost of hiring an escort is way much than a sex doll, and it's only for one night. If you don't have much budget for a big size sex doll, then a mini sex doll can be a great choice to get you started. It's easy to store and move.
Final word
Sex dolls offer an alternative that anyone can make use of with ease. No matter you are a virgin or a single man who wants some company or a couple who likes to spice up your sex life, a sex doll will enhance your sexual pleasure in any way.
Above all, you know that there are no right or wrong answers to this question, all you need to think about is what is right for you. If you like to remain a virgin, it's totally ok, no one has the rights to criticize about it, if you are willing to give your first sex experience to a sex doll, it's up to you, at least you can get rid of it easily when you are done with her.


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Kirstie Falkous and John Reiger made Zero chill is a British-Canadian drama. This Netflix Original is solely a sports drama. Lime Pictures are the producers for the show. And the studio is Netflix's Free Reign and The Evermoor Chronicles (Disney-owned). Season one is the newest Netflix series released on the 15th of March 2021. It moreover tells the story of MacBentley siblings, Kayla and Mac. The dramatic show has gained a large fan following.
The episodes of season one are each 30 minutes long, and the last episode is an open-ended conclusion. Thus, the fans are desperately curious to know whether there will be another season for the Zero Chill. If yes, then any other essential updates might calm the fans down. So, here are the recent updates.
Zero chill season 1: Storyline
The dramatic series with ten episodes depicted the story of Kayla and 'Mac' MacBentley (a brother and sister duo). Furthermore, they both were feeling at home at the rink for ice skating. But, the difference lay in both of their reasons for it. Both of them have different passions. Kalya loved skating, whereas her brother loved ice hockey.
When the Mac receives an offer from a reputed Hockey Academy, Kayla had no other option than to sacrifice her dreams.
Zero chill season 2: updates for renewal status and the release dates
As of now, there are no official announcements for the renewal status for the same show. Also, as the show was only aired in March month, it is highly anticipated that there will be more time before we could ascertain anything. The signs of relief for fans come from the same makers written another show, 'Free Rein,' the show was recently got a confirmation for renewal.
Until there is some official assurance for renewal status for season 2, you can watch Zero Chill on Netflix.


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KASESE — A good number of households have been rendered homeless after after two rivers including River Nyamwamba in Kasese and River Lamia in Bindibugyo burst their banks, according to the Uganda Red Cross.
"River Nyamwamba in Kasese burst its banks in the wee hours. A good number of households affected, " Irene Nakasiita, Uganda Red Cross spokesperson said.
She added: River Lamia too from (from Mountain Rwenzori) in Bundibugyo has burst its banks."
Heavy rainfall in recent days has led to flooding across the region.
Farmers in the affected regions are as well counting losses after their crops were swept away by the ravaging floods.
Nakasiita said Red Cross teams are out conducting rapid assessment.
"We can share details when we receive reports on number of families affected, the support they require and immediate needs," she told PML Daily


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The Green Demon Beach Club at Playa Norte
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in the area. Since it is so beautiful most people like to spend the day there. You can just go with a towel and enjoy the beach but a beach club can offer you a perfect day at the beach. One of the best beach clubs on Playa Norte is the Green Demon Beach Club.
The Green Demon Beach Club is a little different then the other beach clubs. It offers nice beach beds, less crowds, healthy food, cocktails, light tropical music and overall good atmosphere to enjoy your day.
Because this is a good beach club for locals to visit as well, we are adding it to our Weekend Guide for Residents. This beach club is affordable, beautiful and makes for a good day trip from Playa Del Carmen.
Our video review of what this beach club is like
Like everything on our website, we visit, try it, experience it and bring back the details for you. Here is our video of this beach club.
What services are here at the Green Demon Beach Club
The Green Demon Beach Club has:
- Beach chairs
- Beach beds
- Waiter service
- Bathrooms and outdoor shower
- Full menu for all day
- Cocktails, beer, juices and smoothies
How much does it cost?
The cost is 200 pesos for a beach bed and a consumption charge of 200 pesos per person. This is very reasonable and easy to accomplish with some food and drinks.
Tip: On the weekends it is good to get her early to get a bed. Sundays are especially popular when there is live music.
How to best get to this beach club on Isla Mujeres
If you are not staying on Isla Mujeres you will most likely be taking the ferry over for the day. There are two places you can catch the ferry from. The first is from the north end of the Hotel Zone in Cancun. The second is Puerto Juarez in Cancun. Puerto Juarez is the more popular option and cost a little less. Ferries cross about ever 30 minutes.
The ferries end up on the north end of Isla Mujeres where the town is and most attractions. From the ferry dock it is a short walk to your left to Playa Norte. However if you want to go to this beach club and the quieter end, see below.
Walking directions to the Green Demon Beach Club
It is a 12 minute walk from the ferry dock to the beach club. You can walk to your left to the end of the island and then up Playa Norte but it is slower this way. Walking on the streets is better. Once you arrive on Zazil Ha Street you will enter through the Na Balam Hotel. There is a sidewalk straight to the beach club.
Taxi to the beach club
There are taxis outside the ferry dock but it is better if you go just to your left where there is a taxi station. Ask for Hotel Na Balam on Playa Norte. It will take 5 minutes to get there.
Have you been to the Green Demon Beach Club on Playa Norte before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below, we would love to hear from you.
What to know more about visiting Isla Mujeres? How about snorkeling off the coast of Isla Mujeres? Or you can see our video below on the top three things to do there.


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Little Boy Suffers 75% Eyesight Loss – Only Because of a Popular Toy!
Children are easily influenced. They pick up habits and interests from those they see and meet with every day – and friends are a very important influence in their childhood years. How often have we given in to the demands of our kids when they want a toy they have seen at their friend's house? It is natural for us to want to see our children happy, and watch their eyes light up with joy when they receive a much-wanted toy. But for this little Tasmanian boy, it was an innocent demand that led to vision problems he will probably suffer throughout his life…
This young boy, like any other child, wanted the very toys his friends had. He convinced his parents to buy this particular toy that he liked very much: a laser pen. When he finally did get it, he was super excited. He started exploring it and playing with it, innocent and oblivious to the damage that could happen. And then, for a very brief moment, he shone it in his eyes.
The boy felt no pain when he shone the pen in his eyes. But the innocent mistake has cost him 75% of his natural vision. It is a loss that cannot be recovered. And all this due to one simple toy – a laser pen. As per reports, the boy got hold of a laser pen that he unfortunately shined in his eyes for a brief period of time. This resulted in laser burns to his retinas at the back of his eyes – very close to the region that helps us with detailed central vision. It is due to this burn damage that most of his vision has now been lost. Several optometrists have studied the case since it was first reported. Some of them have said that once the swelling inside the eye reduces, it can help restore some vision. However, complete recovery is very unlikely.
"His vision is down to about 25 per cent of what we call 20/20 vision and unfortunately at this stage it's unlikely that that vision is going to recover."
This means the little one will probably have to live with limited vision for the rest of his life. Surgery or spectacles are not likely to be able to fix this loss.
The Rumours
Horrifying as this incident certainly, it is important to see facts separately from fiction to be able to protect our kids from danger. Since the incident, a number of reports of the story show a picture of a boy with red eyes, cheeks and ears (below). The reports claim that this is the boy in the incident. However, it has now been verified that these claims are false. The photo below is of a boy affected by Trachoma – another eye condition similar to conjunctivitis, which shows symptoms of eye swelling, redness and high temperatures. It seems the picture has been edited to enhance the redness – something that not only sensationalises this painful incident but also hinders our ability to see these two ailments as separate problems with different causes. While the loss of vision in the victim is true, the effects aren't as visible as stated by these reports – they're just felt by the victim. Some other children who have suffered similar burns in the retina in the past have reported a black dot in their vision.
What We As Parents Need To Do
This incident has prompted experts to urge parents to not buy laser pointers or pens as toys, no matter how much their child insists. Strong powered laser pens can cause extreme harm to your little one's eyes. In fact, the high intensity of these lasers can even light matches and cigarettes! Over the years, reports have often come in of companies importing cheap products that are never tested. They can damage not only our children's eyes but also affect or injure anyone in the path of the laser beam.
While there are government approved laser toys available in the market, you should take a considered decision on if you'd prefer to skip the risk and avoid them altogether. Even though incidents such as this are rare, these laser toys could have other dangerous effects, especially if broken. Here is what the experts studying this case are advising to parents:
"If parents purchase or allow their children to have access to these pens they ought to supervise them very, very carefully and, in fact, better off trying to warn them off them because we've just seen in this particular case where the future lifestyle of this young person has been seriously affected."
As responsible parents, we need to share this true report with other parents, some of whom may be considering buying this very popular toy for their children. We also need to steer clear of spreading rumours and fake imagery but focus instead on the real extent of damage. The vision loss that the boy is suffering is a tragedy he and his parents feel from deep inside, and we sincerely hope that some treatment is possible soon.
With this horrifying incident, there's one thing we can definitely conclude: lasers are not toys and shouldn't be treated as such. It's best to keep them away from our children or buy something only when we are sure of its adherence to safety standards. The effects of untested, powerful lasers can be extremely harmful on little eyes and the resulting damage could be permanent. Let's not allow a simple toy to become the reason of lifelong grief.


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New Boston Dynamics Robot Can Bring You Beer (Sort Of)
You've seen Spot run, now you can watch its younger sibling do that and then some.
Boston Dynamics unveiled its latest robotic creation, the SpotMini, in a video released on Thursday morning. While the original Spot is around the size of a large Mastiff, the company's new, smaller doglike robot only weighs 65 pounds, making it equivalent to a Golden Retriever.
Not only is the SpotMini less cumbersome than the previous model, but Boston Dynamics is touting it as "the quietest robots we have ever built."
According to the video description on YouTube, the robot features a few new bells and whistles. The SpotMini is all-electic with no hydraulics, and can run for around 90 minutes straight on a charge, depending on what tasks it's performing.
Other features include a collection of sensors, depth cameras, a solid state gyro, and proprioception sensors in each limbs which help with navigation and mobile manipulation. The SpotMini is able to perform some tasks on its own, however, most high-level guidance requires the use of a human.
Judging by the video, the robot can load a dishwasher and even bring you a beer.
Ok, maybe it needs some work on that last part.
Check out the full clip below.


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by Lisa Robinson, News Anchor, I-Team Reporter
After the Freddie Gray uprising in 2015, organizers of the Conference for Peace wanted to do something for the community, so they agreed to keep the conference in Baltimore for a few more years and conduct community outreach.
"Every year, they do service to all of the people here in Baltimore — Muslim or non-Muslim, it does not matter. They are all our human family," said Karim Amin with the Muslim Social Services Agency.
Attendees gave out more than 1,000 blessing bags to the homeless people around the city Friday.
"We have some granola bars, we also have some cleaning supplies. A lot of times, when people are on the street, they want to keep up their hygiene as well, just like anyone else, so we want to make sure to provide hygiene (products) as well," Amin said.
"It's very important to give back to the community, but to do it in a respectful way and come together as human beings," said Sihrish Noureen, a volunteer.
One of the major sponsors of the convention is ICNA Relief USA, a national disaster-relief organization. Its members will be back on the streets of Baltimore on Saturday.
"Saturday, we will be giving out food to the hungry. We have 1,000 hot meals we will be distributing in partnership with the Islamic Society of Baltimore," said Haris Qudsi, with ICNA Relief Maryland.
Organizations including the Council on American-Islamic Relations hope to get a dialogue going.
"We are able to show them that they are not alone, and there are a lot of things they can do to reach out to their communities and create a space where it's safe to practice their religion," said Jinan Shbat, with CAIR.
The conference is open to the public and it runs through Sunday.
Article Courtesy:
Conference for Peace works to give back to Baltimore
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Secure Your Premises
Damesa Industries stock a range of quality locks, handles, latches, cylinders and other materials to secure your premises from unwanted guests. We have a range of styles and colours to choose from, sourced from trusted suppliers including: Lockwood, Austral and Whitco. Check out our catalogue or come-in and talk with our experienced and friendly staff … Read more


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Designed by Terry Greene at RED WHITE GREEN(E)
Photography: Philip Lauterbach
Photography: Fionán O'Connell
Original music: Liam Ó Maonlaí
Categories: Identity
Industry: Cultural
Name/positioning/visual identity and catalogue for an exhibition of contemporary Irish glass.
CAUTION! Fragile. Irish Glass: Tradition in Transition draws on the cultural identity of Ireland through a series of figurative glass pieces; monastic bells, swords and spears, discs and drums. These iconic objects infused with cultural resonance create simple ideas of archaic atmosphere, and represent changes currently occurring in the Irish crystal glass industry.
To package a collection as exquisite as this was quite a challenge. 'Low key', 'soft spoken', 'reverent', 'timeless'... these words guided us.


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Lee-Anne Pace was the home heroine once again as she clinched her fourth Investec South African Women's Open title carding a final round of 72 for a one-shot win over Germany's Leonie Harm.
In the Ladies European Tour (LET) curtain-raiser Pace's victory at Westlake Golf Club, where she finished the tournament on two-over-par, meant she became the first woman to win the title four times and ensures she leads the 2021 Race to Costa del Sol.
"I'm so happy to win again – 2014 was my last win on the LET! I hit the ball really well and I felt very comfortable on the golf course," said Pace, who has won the 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021 editions of the SA Women's Open.
"It's always nice to play at home on the LET – thank you very much for everyone who came over here!"
After play was suspended yesterday, the final group had plenty of golf left as they completed the third round before heading back out onto the course again.
It was Slovenia's Pia Babnik, the youngest member of the LET, who was in the lead at the conclusion of the third round having carded a 69 to see her level-par for the tournament, but the 17-year-old had a mixed final round which saw her slip out of contention for the win.
Pace, who won the LET Order of Merit in 2010, enjoyed a solid final round where she made two birdies and a bogey on the front nine. The 40-year-old made another birdie on 12 before she dropped two shots on the final two holes, but the South African held on to seal her tenth LET victory.
"I don't really know what happened on the last two holes, but I guess I had it in the bag," said Pace.


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We did this amazing interview a while back on how we have managed our cultural difference as a multicultural couple. We thought it would be great to put this down in a blog. Check the interview where we spilled the tea on this.
Own your culture
First is to be truth to your own experiences and traditions. Talk about what the important aspects of your culture are and share these with your partner.
Learn and respect your partner's traditions
ake the time to learn your partner's culture and traditions.
Ask questions and take part of it
Yes, this takes a lot of effort to really understand but you will also learn so much of your partner's identity. Talk about the differences between your cultures and how this reflects on your daily life.
Make a list of all traditions
For me this is the fun part! Make a list about all those important traditions of your culture and your partner's culture and discuss how to include this in your life. The greatest thing of all is that now you've got double the amount of festivities to celebrate throughout the year!
Make a new tradition
I love holidays and how we combined all the important aspects of our traditions and made our own traditions out of that. I learned and enjoyed so many of my partner traditions that they became mine as well.
Being open and talk about your culture is important, as it is a crucial part of who you are. Something that grew with you throughout your childhood and shaped you to the person you are today. Be proud, happy and glad you get to share this with each other!
What is something about your partner's culture that you love?


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The Milwaukee Brewers loudly announced a change in organizational intent from 'rebuilding' to 'competing' this past offseason, and their once vaunted farm system understandably took a hit in the process. On the evening of January 25th, David Stearns and company sent three of their top six prospects from Baseball Prospectus' top-10 list – #1 Lewis Brinson, #3 Monte Harrison, and #6 Isan Diaz, along with a fourth piece in young righty Jordan Yamamoto – to the Marlins in exchange for Christian Yelich. With that much potential impact talent getting shipped out in one fell swoop, it's not surprising that Milwaukee's minor league system has fallen out of the top-10 in organizational rankings in the eyes of outlets from Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America to MLB Pipeline.
At this point it doesn't seem likely that Slingin' Stearns will be doing any deals this summer that involve shipping out an MLB player for prospects, so he won't be able to replenish his talent pipeline that way anytime soon. The amateur draft is held annually every June and the Brewers figure to be able to pick up some promising talent through that avenue. However, what would go the furthest to re-establishing a healthy farm system in the eyes of scouts would be the improvement of some of the prospects that are already in the system.
With that in mind, there is a trio of largely forgotten minor league hurlers that fans ought to consider keeping an eye on in 2018. According to Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel, three formerly well-regarded pitching prospects should be ready to return to action for the upcoming season: Nathan Kirby, Daniel Missaki, and Devin Williams. Each individual is attempting to get back to full strength after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Kirby is probably the most recognizable name of the bunch, as it was just two drafts ago that the now-24 year old southpaw was Milwaukee's selection as a supplemental first-rounder (#40 overall). After leading Virginia to a College World Series title, a post-draft physical revealed some elbow issues and caused Milwaukee to re-negotiate Kirby's bonus, slashing some $300,000 off of their originally agreed upon total. Kirby would make just five appearances and toss 12.7 innings in Class A before being diagnosed with a damaged UCL that required him to go under the knife. That cost him all of the 2016 season. Just when it looked like he was nearing a return to the mound last year, Kirby was dealt another blow with a diagnosis of ulnar neuritits, an inflammation of the ulnar nerve that causes numbness or weakness in the hand. Because of the second procedure, Kirby was unable to throw a competitive pitch in 2017.
It's been two years since Kirby has seen game action, but when he was last healthy Baseball America described his repetoire as "a fastball that sits in the low 90s with good life, an above-average changeup and the late-breaking slider in the mid-80s he used to put away Vandy. …His combination of athleticism and stuff should allow him to move quickly once healthy and make it to the majors as a mid-rotation starter." Baseball Prospectus echoed this sentiment while listing the lefty as a "just interesting" prospect entering 2016, noting, "When he is healthy he'll show two plus pitches in his fastball and slider, and there's the makings of a solid-average change to boot. Add in feel for pitching and you get a solid mid-rotation starter, but we'll have to see how he responds to the surgery before you can start placing him in the Brewers rotation." Kirby is under no restrictions this spring as he tries to get his professional career going in earnest in 2018.
Like Kirby, Daniel Missaki has also not thrown a competitive pitch in more than two seasons. Missaki was one of the three teenage arms that Seattle parted with during the 2015-16 offseason in order to acquire Adam Lind, and at the time of the deal he was probably the most well-known of that group. The right-hander was the youngest player to appear in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, pitching for Brazil as a 17 year old. He posted a 2.76 ERA and 88 DRA- in 11 starts in the Appalachian League in 2014 and was in the process of an excellent full-season debut in 2015 before a UCL injury and subsequent Tommy John stopped him in his tracks. Missaki was still recovering from the procedure when the Brewers picked him up, but he had a setback during the rehab process that required him to undergo a second ligament replacement procedure.
Missaki missed all of 2016 and 2017, but this spring is nearing a return to throwing. When last healthy as a 19-year old, Missaki didn't feature any plus offerings according to BA, but his repetoire played up due to his ability to command the baseball and pound the zone with strikes. The upcoming season will be only Missaki's age-22 campaign, giving him plenty of time to get his development back on track once fully healthy.
Finally, Devin Williams was considered one of the org's top pitching prospects during the pre-rebuild days back when the farm system was viewed as one of the weakest in the league. That shouldn't be much of a knock against Williams, though, who actually posted some pretty promising results after getting selected in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Williams owns a career 3.79 ERA in 287.1 minor league innings, and had just made it to Class-A Advanced for the first time in his age-21 season in 2016 before going down with an elbow injury in Spring Training last season. He missed all of the 2017 campaign but his rehab process has progressed to the point where he is currently throwing off a flat mound.
Former BP scout James Fisher caught a glimpse of Williams during the final weeks of the 2016 season and came away with a positive impression. He gave the righty a 55 OFP and likely grade of 50, saying he could be a #4 starter or high-impact reliever at the game's highest level. When last healthy, Williams was throwing a plus fastball in the 91-94 MPH range along with a plus changeup and a slider that projected as average. Williams has been praised for repeating his delivery well and generating velocity without much effort, but his command has been an issue as he's struggled to maintain a consistent release point. Still only 23, Williams should have plenty of opportunity to reclaim his spot on the top prospects lists.
Returning from Tommy John surgery is no sure thing, but it's no longer considered to be the death knell that it was a couple of decades ago. If even one of Nathan Kirby, Daniel Missaki, or Devin Williams can find their pre-surgery form, it would go a long way towards re-establishing Milwaukee's collection of minor league talent as one that is in the upper-tier of Major League Baseball.


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Getting Started
Before diving into Langium itself, let's get your environment ready for development:
- You have a working Node environment with version 16 or higher.
- Install Yeoman and the Langium extension generator.
npm i -g yo generator-langium
For our getting started example, we would also recommend you to install the latest version of vscode.
To create your first working DSL, execute the yeoman generator:
yo langium
Yeoman will prompt you with a few basic questions about your DSL:
- Extension name: Will be used as the folder name of your extension and its
. - Language name: Will be used as the name of the grammar and as a prefix for some generated files and service classes.
- File extensions: A comma separated list of file extensions for your DSL.
Afterwards, it will generate a new project and start installing all dependencies, including the langium
framework as well as the langium-cli
command line tool required for generating code based on your grammar definition.
After everything has successfully finished running, open your newly created Langium project with vscode via the UI (File > Open Folder…) or execute the following command, replacing hello-world
with your chosen project name:
code hello-world
Press F5 or open the debug view and start the available debug configuration to launch the extension in a new Extension Development Host window. Open a folder and create a file with your chosen file extension (.hello
is the default). The hello-world
language accepts two kinds of entities: The person
and Hello
entity. Here's a quick example on how to use them both:
person Alice
Hello Alice!
person Bob
Hello Bob!
The file src/language/hello-world.langium
in your newly created project contains your grammar.
If you're already familiar with the terms used in parsing or DSL frameworks, you can skip this short excursion and go straight to the next part. However, anyone who is new to DSL development should carefully read the following primer on the terms we are using in our documentation:
abstract syntax tree: A tree of elements that represents a text document. Each element is a simple JS object that combines multiple input tokens into a single object. Commonly abbreviated as AST.
document: An abstract term to refer to a text file on your file system or an open editor document in your IDE.
grammar: Defines the form of your language. In Langium, a grammar is also responsible for describing how the AST is built.
parser: A program that takes a document as its input and computes an abstract syntax tree as its output.
parser rule: A parser rule describes how a certain AST element is supposed to be parsed. This is done by invoking other parser rules or terminals.
terminal: A terminal is the smallest parseable part of a document. It usually represents small pieces of text like names, numbers, keywords or comments.
token: A token is a substring of the document that matches a certain terminal. It contains information about which kind of terminal it represents as well as its location in the document.
Here's the grammar that parses the previous text snippet:
grammar HelloWorld
hidden terminal WS: /\s+/;
terminal ID: /[_a-zA-Z][\w]*/;
entry Model: (persons+=Person | greetings+=Greeting)*;
'person' name=ID;
'Hello' person=[Person] '!';
Let's go through this one by one:
grammar HelloWorld
Before we tell Langium anything about our grammar contents, we first need to give it a name - in this case it's HelloWorld
. The langium-cli
will pick this up to prefix any generated services with this name.
hidden terminal WS: /\s+/;
terminal ID: /[_a-zA-Z][\w]*/;
Here we define our two needed terminals for this grammar: The whitespace WS
and identifier ID
terminals. Terminals parse a part of our document by matching it against their regular expression. The WS
terminal parses any whitespace characters with the regex /\s+/
. This allows us consume whitespaces in our document. As the terminal is declared as hidden
, the parser will parse any whitespace and discard the results. That way, we don't have to care about how many whitespaces a user uses in their document. Secondly, we define our ID
terminal. It parses any string that starts with an underscore or letter and continues with any amount of characters that match the \w
regex token. It will match Alice
, _alice
, or _al1c3
but not 4lice
or #alice
. Langium is using the JS regex dialect for terminal definitions.
entry Model: (persons+=Person | greetings+=Greeting)*;
The Model
parser rule is the entry
point to our grammar. Parsing always starts with the entry
rule. Here we define a repeating group of alternatives: persons+=Person | greetings+=Greeting
. This will always try to parse either a Person
or a Greeting
and add it to the respective list of persons
or greetings
in the Model
object. Since the alternative is wrapped in a repeating group *
, the parser will continue until all input has been consumed.
Person: 'person' name=ID;
The Person
rule starts off with the 'person'
keyword. Keywords are like terminals, in the sense that they parse a part of the document. The set of keywords and terminals create the tokens that your language is able to parse. You can imagine that the 'person'
keyword here is like an indicator to tell the parser that an object of type Person
should be parsed. After the keyword, we assign the Person
a name by parsing an ID
Greeting: 'Hello' person=[Person] '!';
Like the previous rule, the Greeting
starts with a keyword. With the person
assignment we introduce the cross reference, indicated by the brackets []
. A cross reference will allow your grammar to reference other elements that are contained in your file or workspace. By default, Langium will try to resolve this cross reference by parsing the terminal that is associated with its name
property. In this case, we are looking for a Person
whose name
property matches the parsed ID
That finishes the short introduction to Langium! Feel free to play around with the grammar and use npm run langium:generate
to regenerate the generated TypeScript files. To go further, we suggest that you continue with our tutorials.


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How To Find A House To Flip | 5 Ways To Recognize Value
To learn How To Find A House To Flip, you must first recognize what features make a property valuable.
One of the most important steps in flipping a house is finding the right property. Some people even say that once you've signed the paperwork and officially purchased a house, you've sealed your fate in relation to the profit you will make.
While there are certainly some variables when it comes to rehabbing and selling, for the expert house flipper, these steps are more or less constants. Seasoned flippers are familiar with their contractors and know how much repairs cost. They also know how much they will be able sell a house for. For these people, the buying process is the game, set and match.
So when searching for a house, it is wise to know what you should look for. Moreover, if you want to learn how to find a house to flip, you should educate yourself on what makes a property valuable.
That being said, just because a property has some, or all, of the attributes in the following list does not mean you should necessarily buy it. It all depends on the value compared to the price.
Buying real estate is similar to fantasy football. While Greg Jennings is a great wide receiver, you wouldn't choose him for the first overall pick in your draft. With real estate, a house might be in a great neighborhood with some great features, but you don't want to over pay for it. Conversely, if the home has negative value, you should only consider buying if you can negotiate down considerably.
Below are five of the most important features that make a home valuable:
How To Find A House To Flip: #1. A Strong Foundation
As a house flipper, your job is to take something unattractive and make it attractive. A home that is aesthetically unpleasing and rough around the edges makes a great fixer-upper. However, a house with a major structural problem is something you should try to avoid.
Damages to the foundation cost significantly more to fix than some peeling paint or an un-mowed lawn. You want to rehab the house to make it more presentable, not rebuild it from the ground up. A rough looking house with a strong foundation is always more valuable than a nice neat house with a structural problem.
How To Find A House To Flip: #2. A Good Neighborhood
Possibly the most important feature to consider when determining the value of a property is the...


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Ambassador Kelly Craft
Permanent Representative
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
November 4, 2020
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, and thank you to the UN Police Commissioners. We appreciate your very important annual briefings.
The United States commends the tremendous progress made throughout the last 60 years of UN Policing. Today, UN Police are deployed to increasingly more complex, dynamic, and multidimensional missions. They play a critical role in protection, public order management, partnering with host-nation authorities, and preventing and investigating crime. UN Police now have Protection of Civilians mandates in all of the "big 5" missions: MONUSCO, MINUSCA, MINUSMA, UNMISS, and UNAMID. These proactive engagements bring new challenges for the UN Police, and we're grateful for their efforts.
I would first like to congratulate Chief Inspector Doreen Malambo of Zambia, for receiving the prestigious 2020 United Nations Female Police Officer of the Year Award yesterday. We praise Doreen for her outstanding work as an officer and her dedication to her duties as a leader in UNMISS.
The United States strongly supports the uniformed gender parity strategy, and we urge Police Contributing Countries to embrace policies that increase women's participation in all levels of policing. We were pleased to see UN Police implement the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, already having achieved their 2020 targets for female police personnel at headquarters, in the field, and for both Formed Police Units and Individual Police Officers.
This is important progress and we look forward to seeing more women police playing leading roles in rebuilding communities and in cultivating trust between citizens and the security institutions that serve them. This is especially true in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Mali.
Madam President, two years after the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2436, we repeat our support for the UN's commitment to implement an integrated performance and accountability policy. This policy should be based on clear standards for all UN civilian and uniformed personnel working in, and supporting, peacekeeping operations.
In this regard, the United States welcomes the recently launched Integrated Peacekeeping Performance and Accountability Framework, which seeks to harmonize the various assessment tools and processes used for military, police, and civilian components of peacekeeping missions.
I thank the Commissioners who provided briefings today for their hard work on this issue thus far. We must maintain our shared commitment to elevating peacekeeping performance by ensuring police have proper training and are held accountable for meeting UN standards.
The U.S. strongly supports Under-Secretary-General Lacroix's initiative to brief the Security Council on peacekeeping performance. We look forward to hearing candid assessments about performance, including shortfalls, success stories, and how member states and the Secretariat can better address performance issues.
We do believe there is still some work to be done in reviewing the Policy on Formed Police Units, and in strengthening the Individual Police Officer assessment and evaluation process.
With more and more complex missions around the world, we need UN Police to be professional, successful, and accountable. The United States remains committed to supporting UN Police and to helping you meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Madam President, I would like to end my remarks today with three specific questions to our police commissioners and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix:
First, how is performance data used to decide Police Contributing Countries' rotations and deployments?
Second, how can we best maintain commitment to Protection of Civilians in peacekeeping transitions?
And third, how can we ensure greater numbers of women in police rotations and deployments?
Thank you, Madam President.


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The romance in Notting Hill is ubiquitous but it extends far beyond the screen.
The Notting Hill Bookshop, better known as The Travel Book Co. in Richard Curtis' cult noughties rom-com, Notting Hill gets regular requests from fans wanting to get engaged in the shop.
According to one of the shop's owners, James Malin, even more eager couples will line up to honour Hugh Grant and Julia Robert's characters' engagement in the 1999 film during its 20th anniversary next year.
Mr Malin, who has owned the shop with his brother Howard for the past 10 years told The Sunday Telegraph they are delighted by the frequency of couples hoping to tie the knot with their help.
He said: "We have had several approaches during the past few years and there's other people that we are not aware of, like an American couple we didn't find out about until they returned for their anniversary.
"We don't always find out they are proposing but if they want us to do something special, we will."
The biggest trend they see is the number of international fans choosing London for their engagement. Mr Malin added: "We have seen an increase in the past five years but I can't say why, it's just a great thing to happen.
"They come from all over - it's like a pilgrimage - we've had people from Australia, America, China and Japan.
"We even had a young Chinese couple who were here on their honeymoon and dressed up again in their wedding outfits to walk around with a professional photographer and a young Chinese couple who met in our shop and came back six months later to tell us they were still together."
One German from Eppstein made his other half's dreams come true when he proposed to her in the back section of the shop, which is still named Travel Book Co. to honour the film.
Marius Köppen, 32, hid an engagement ring inside a Harry Potter book before travelling to London with his then girlfriend, Angela in September 2015.
Their connection over the film, which they first watched together as teens, inspired Mr Köppen to propose in the iconic shop. He said: "I wanted to do something special for her, I thought about what connected us over the years.
He described their moment as magical, adding: "I think there were some customers there, but both of us were completely on our own.
"We got catapulted into a world, where there were only the two of us."
Mrs Koppen, 30, added: "I didn't expect the proposal, I was not prepared for it in London. It was overwhelming and I was so thankful he made this moment so special just for me."
With the film's 20th anniversary fast approaching, the Malin brothers are expecting to be inundated by tourists who typically pose for photos outside the famous blue shop face before flicking through their stock of classic books.
"I just hope that is chockablock all week," Mr Malin added. "[Tourists] always have a smile on their face, it is just a great space to work in."


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As Idaho Stampede guard Pierre Jackson turned heads in the early months of the 2013-14 NBA D-League season, speculation as to when he would earn himself a call-up to The Association continued to swirl.
But despite his rather awing production and evident progress, there was just one problem with such a theory. Having acquired his draft rights following the 2013 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans stood tall as the only team that could subsequently promote him at all.
Prior to the season, Jackson signed to play in France after not reaching a deal with New Orleans as a second rounder. Though he returned from overseas rather quickly, the NBA team didn't exactly have a spot to offer him on their squad.
From there on out, Jackson stole the show in the D-League as a minor league athlete. He averaged 29.1 points (on 45% from the field and 35% from deep), 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals through 31 contests before signing abroad once again midseason.
Having since returned to the states, Marc Spears reports that Jackson will play for the Pelicans' NBA Summer League team for the second straight offseason. With the organization virtually holding all of the cards in this situation, such participation is a smart move on Jackson's part. On one hand, he may be able to earn that coveted spot in New Orleans once and for all. If not, at least he'll be out there strutting his stuff for other teams to see, take notice, and then subsequently inquire about the trade availability of his rights.

New Orleans tomorrow ......
— Pierre Jackson (@Pappyjackk) May 27, 2014

And as the recent tweet by Jackson above would seem to suggest, he may even be getting a head start on things. Obviously, it's unconfirmed whether or not he's heading to town as a way of being closer to the team and/or any potential players still working out near the respective facilities. Such a trip could be simply be for leisure, or, even for early Summer League prep.
Still, it's worth noting that this is the time of year where NBA teams begin to hold private workouts of sorts with the NBA Draft and free agency coming up. Perhaps Jackson is coming to The Big Easy to give team officials another early taste of what they've continued to miss out on.


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Amazon.com has applied for a permit to build a 21,306-square-foot distribution center for small packages just off Airline Highway and Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge, our media partners at The Advocate report.
The company applied for the permit to build at 10021 Professional Blvd. The space would include parking for employees. Officials with the company could not be immediately reached, the Advocate reports.
The online retail giant has been on a building spree, constructing distribution centers across the U.S. to accommodate the growing demand from customers. But the Baton Rouge facility is far smaller than the centers recently announced, all of which are in the range of nearly 1 million square feet, the newspaper reports.
To read the entire story, with all the details,click here.


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EDDY DUCHIN and His Orchestra
EDDY DUCHIN and His Orchestra Recordings from 1936 to 1941 |
© Crystal Stream Audio 2016 IDCD338Total playing time: 77.59 |
A Melody from the Sky; I'll Sing You a Thousand Love Songs; Seal it with a Kiss; Love and Learn; Love is Good for Anything That Ails You; (Have You Forgotten) The You and Me That Used to Be; The Camera Doesn't Lie; A Star is Born; Ten O'Clock Town; Heaven Help This Heart of Mine; I'm in a Happy Frame of Mind; Sissy; Ol' Man Mose; Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea; Heart and Soul; It's a Lonely Trail; The Song of the Metronome; When Winter Comes; Running Through My Mind; Smarty Pants; Goody Goodbye; White Lies and Red Roses; The Creaking Old Mill on the Creek; The Gaucho Serenade; Wishful Thinking; Jenny; Starlight, Starbright. |
EDDY DUCHIN and His Orchestra Recordings from 1932 to 1936 |
© Crystal Stream Audio 2016 IDCD337Total playing time: 79.43 |
Snuggled on Your Shoulder; Paradise - Medley: One Hour with You - Medley; Till Tomorrow; Did You Mean What You Said Last Night; After Sundown; No More Love; Build a Little Home; Love is Love Anywhere; Ill Wind (You're Blowing Me No Good; As Long as I Live; Why Do I Dream Those Dreams?; When a Woman Loves a Man; Try to See it My Way; Rolling in Love; I Only Have Eyes for You; Dames; Lovely to Look at; I Won't Dance; Outside of You; You Are My Lucky Star; I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'; How Do I Rate with You; I Can't Escape from You. |


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People Are Sharing Their Personal Experiences Trying To Conceive, And Their Stories Are Shedding Light On A Topic We Should Be Discussing Much More In The Open
Trigger warning: This post discusses pregnancy loss and miscarriage and may be triggering for some readers.
I'm 31 years old, and I recently had my first baby. As you might expect, trying to conceive is a hot topic among my friends and acquaintances. Some women I know have gotten pregnant right away, but many couples have struggled with fertility. And the more I've spoken to people about the topic of TTC (trying to conceive), the more I've realized a few things: No one's journey to parenthood looks exactly the same, far more people struggle to get pregnant than you might imagine, and many people feel extremely alone in the process.
So I asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell me about their experiences trying to conceive. Whether you're thinking of starting a family or struggling to have a baby, I hope these stories will help you realize that you aren't alone and there are so many people going through this journey with you. I'm hoping that we can all begin to feel a greater sense of community and support as we discuss issues around fertility in the open.
And to those who are currently trying to conceive and would rather avoid this topic completely, I understand that feeling, too. This discussion is here if you find it helpful. 💙
1."My husband and I tried to conceive over a four-year period. After a year of no success, we decided to seek help through a private clinic. Over the course of two years, I underwent numerous ovulation-induction cycles followed by an IUI procedure. The IUI was successful, but we sadly lost the baby after eight weeks. We were then referred to a public clinic where we started our IVF journey."
2."I'm a single woman trying to conceive. I've been resolute about being a parent with or without a partner for a long time. I have been trying since 2019. I got pregnant on my first try but unfortunately went through a loss at 11 weeks. It was physically and emotionally traumatic and took me years to heal from. Two years later in 2021, I had a second loss at six weeks. Aside from that, I've also been through several failed cycles. I've spent so much money on donor materials alone that I could have paid for IVF and saved myself countless frustrations and heartache. While going through all of this, I relocated closer to family and took the time I needed to be in a better place for myself..."
"After some deliberation, I decided not to do IUI because the statistical probability of success isn't much higher than trying at home, as I had been doing. I decided to go straight to IVF. I am taking a year off to save money and then I will move forward with IVF when I'll be 35 years old. I always thought I'd have a child by 35, but I've realized that life doesn't always go according to plan, especially things like pregnancy and fertility, and that's OK. In the meantime, I just launched my dream business after 10 years of balancing it with a day job. I really intend to use this extended break from TTC to rediscover all the things I enjoy and treasure for myself."
3."We officially started trying in spring 2018 when I had my implant taken out. I started using an app to track my cycle and concentrate on the right times to try. We got pregnant in early spring 2019. Looking back it wasn't a terrible pregnancy (although I had PGP from 24ish weeks and was on crutches until after I delivered). We tried for number two in summer 2021. By January 2022 we were pregnant and had an early scan at eight weeks showing a healthy baby. We booked a vacation, but I miscarried at 12 weeks while away..."
4."My husband and I have been trying to conceive for nearly two years with no success. After trying for 13 months unassisted, we did three IUIs over the next six months (my clinic makes me take a month off between cycles because the medications are so hard on your body). Nothing. I'm now on a waiting list for publicly funded IVF (which I feel so lucky to have!), but because I'm in my late 30s, we're scraping together the cash to try a cycle on our own since we know it's not a guarantee..."
"While the uncertainty, monthly disappointment, and impact on my body have been awful, a surprising part of infertility has been the negative impact it's had on our relationships with family and friends. People say insensitive things all the time — 'everything happens for a reason'; 'I just KNOW you'll get pregnant soon!'; or 'are you sure you even want kids?' Friends who conceived easily have complained about their pregnancies to me and have become upset with me that I wasn't asking all about their birth experiences. I would kill to have to pee all the time and not be able to sleep because I was about to give birth. I've had to comfort people who are stressed out that they might be infertile after hearing about my experience when they've only been trying for only a few months...and then they inevitably get pregnant. I almost wish that a doctor would diagnose us as '100% never able to conceive,' because at least then I could mourn the fact and move on. I know my husband and I would ultimately still be able to have a rich, fulfilling life. But as long as there's a chance, I feel like I'm stuck in an endless loop of hope and disappointment that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy."
5."My husband and I have a toddler and are hoping to have a second baby. We got pregnant quickly with our first, but this time around has been more challenging. It took me a few months to get pregnant, and I ended up having a miscarriage. I never thought this would happen to me, even though logically I know it's very common. We are trying again but have so far been unsuccessful. I try to embrace that I am extremely lucky to have one healthy child already, but that doesn't stop me from feeling frustration and pain from the miscarriage. I feel ashamed to say that I used to wonder why people got so upset about miscarrying because it's something that we know happens. It's hard to want something and feel you are doing all the right things at the right time but still, it doesn't work."
6."My period has always been irregular (like 40–80 days between cycles). I told doctors, but they didn't seem to care or think it was a big deal. I suspected it would be difficult to conceive, and when my partner and I decided to start trying, it was. After six months, I asked for a referral and saw a doctor who diagnosed me with PCOS. He recommended I take a supplement called Inositol to help regulate my periods. It helped me with my cravings, energy, and anxiety, and three months later, I was pregnant. My partner and I had a baby in March of 2022 and are now expecting our second. I'm aware of how lucky I am, and I am so grateful that I didn't have more challenges. I wish every couple baby dust who is on this journey."
7."After trying to conceive for a year unsuccessfully, we went to a fertility clinic to undergo testing. Trying for over a year and being disappointed every month took a mental toll. On top of that, I knew many women who were getting pregnant right away or even without trying. Turns out I have PCOS. I never knew I had a condition that would impact my fertility. I likely could never pregnant unassisted. I feel fortunate that IUI worked for me and I have had two successful pregnancies now. My advice to others is to seek out fertility testing if you have been unsuccessful in trying to get pregnant on your own."
8."I always suspected something was wrong with my fertility, but I blamed it on jitters or nerves when we started trying for our first child. I couldn't believe it when I conceived on the fourth cycle of trying, however I had a very traumatic miscarriage at seven weeks (it was suspected to be ectopic but luckily resolved without surgery). I had several tests afterwards which showed that I had lean PCOS. It's been 15 months since my miscarriage, and I still haven't been able to conceive again, even after six rounds of taking Clomid to help me ovulate. I am moving onto Letrazole next and then IVF if we still have no luck. I'm starting to think it will never happen."
9."Our journey to parenthood has been so so hard. My husband and I started trying to start a family two years ago. I got pregnant quickly, and we were over the moon. At our 12-week appointment, we found out that we'd lost the baby. We were devastated but determined not to give up. I got pregnant again a few months later, but that quickly turned into a chemical pregnancy, and again, we lost the baby. The following pregnancy ended the same way. At this point, our OB mentioned that we might want to consider seeing a specialist..."
10."I had my IUD taken out, and luckily, it only took a couple of months for my periods to come back regularly. I missed a period a few months later, and we were thrilled, but it turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy. I had methotrexate to remove it, luckily saving my tube. We conceived again straight away, but I miscarried at 10 weeks..."
11."I was diagnosed with PCOS about five years ago. My husband [and] I have been trying to conceive for the past four years and so far have been unsuccessful. We were told we don't quality for help from the fertility clinic because of my weight. I am about five kg too heavy. But here's the kicker: I've alway struggled with my weight due to the PCOS. I've tried just about every diet there is. Nothing works. And it all comes back to the PCOS."
12."We decided to start trying in summer of 2018 and had my IUD removed. Within two cycles I was pregnant. I suspected it early on but didn't actually get a positive home test until what was the seven-week mark. Unfortunately, I miscarried by the end of the week. We took off the recommended three cycles, and once we started trying again, I got pregnant again quickly. Sadly I miscarried again at the five-week point (due to the previous miscarriage, my blood HCG levels were being monitored once I got a positive test at four weeks). For the next six months, all of my home testing seemed to indicate I wasn't ovulating normally, and we were finally referred to a fertility clinic..."
"...We discovered that not only were my hormones out of sync, but I also had a mild clotting disorder that was likely impacting the developing placenta. Our first IUI cycle with medications failed, but our next cycle took. Getting through the first nine weeks was hard, and then COVID hit, and my stress levels went through the roof. I ended up on short-term disability/furlough until mid-May. I was taking daily injections for the clotting disorder, and then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. My little boy was born after a planned induction to control the taper of the blood thinners and because of the diabetes. We started to try for our second this past year. While I got pregnant that same month, unfortunately I miscarried again twice."
13."We tried for four years without any luck. I had been diagnosed with endometriosis and got a laparoscopy, but still did not get pregnant. After COVID calmed down at the end of 2021, we were able to start with medical intervention. We tried two rounds of IUI which were unsuccessful. Finally, on our first round of IVF, we got pregnant. Our beautiful baby girl was born in 2023 and is turning 1 in a couple of weeks."
14."My husband and I tried to conceive for nearly three years without success when I was 33. I started basic fertility treatment due to irregular periods but didn't find anything unusual. Ultimately, we discovered that I had a slightly-below-average egg count, but otherwise, everything was seemingly normal. We tried Letrozole for six months to induce ovulation and then moved on to IVF. For financial reasons we just decided to do the one cycle. Trying to conceive for two-plus years has impacted our sex life and made us feel like everything else in our lives was on hold. The IVF didn't work, and we decided it just wasn't meant to be. We have moved on now and are now focusing on a life without children."
15."My partner and I started trying in early 2021. We tried conceiving for months, but it wasn't working. An OBGYN found I had a polyp that might be preventing me from getting pregnant. I got surgery to have it removed along with a fibroid that they also found. I was diagnosed with PCOS, even though I had my period every month and went on treatment to get my progesterone levels high enough for my body to ovulate. The medication, Letrozole, can cause menopause-like symptoms as a side effect, which was not very fun. After months on treatment, I finally got pregnant, but when I got an ultrasound, we found there wasn't a fetus growing in my uterus. Everything indicated a missed miscarriage and that my body would eventually pass it..."
"...For almost a month I had weekly ultrasounds, hoping something had changed and that maybe I just wasn't as far along as we thought. But my HCG levels were going down, which is consistent with pregnancy loss. One morning I woke up in intense pain and thought about going to the bathroom only to regain consciousness minutes later, face down on a bath mat. I was rushed to the ER where they discovered my pregnancy had been ectopic, had ruptured, and the pain I felt was from my internal bleeding. Surgery had complications, and I ended up losing a fallopian tube. At the time, I was so grateful to be alive that I didn't really process my loss. But as months went by, the grief would sneak in every once in a while. Someone close to me lost a baby, and it made me process my own loss. I would have been due in March. We're still trying."
16."My partner and I have been trying for over two years. We are currently on our clinic's waiting list for ICSI as we have both female and male infertility issues. It's been an absolute nightmare. In the UK you also have to be below a certain weight in order to get free treatment, which is very disheartening for plus-size women being told they aren't fit to be mothers because of an old scale of fitness. I've lost over 50 pounds and have just a few left to lose before I hit the target weight, which has been the hardest three pounds I've ever tried to get off. The journey hasn't even started properly yet, and I'm already exhausted. I feel very lucky for the NHS, though."
17."We were able to conceive easily, yet our journey lasted five years. Sadly all eight of our pregnancies ended in loss. We adopted a wonderful baby who brings us so much joy, but the emotional scars from the experience are still very present all these years later. I feel like trying to conceive robbed us of five years of our lives and led to a steep decline in our mental health, which has never fully recovered."
18."My partner and I have been together for 10 years and never got pregnant. I was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis and was finally referred to a fertility doctor in early 2023. We are now pregnant with a girl and due in spring 2024. We had one round of medicated IUI, and that's all it took for us after trying so hard for so many years. Pregnancy has been extremely rough on my body. I was sick and could barely eat until week 20. My OBGYN started testing me for pregnancy-induced hypertension, and our baby girl is measuring small so I am seeing a doctor every week. The whole process has been so hard, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so excited to finally become a mom and to see husband become a dad after so many long years."
19."My husband and I started trying at 23. My OBGYN wanted to check my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) because I had a history of irregular periods. My levels were almost nonexistent, so my doctor recommended Clomid to help me ovulate. Despite upping the doses, I was never able to ovulate. Finally, I found a new fertility doctor who diagnosed me with PCOS. After more failed Clomid cycles, I started acupuncture. After six months I had regular length cycles, and after a year I finally got pregnant. Sadly I miscarried at seven weeks..."
"...It took another two and a half years before I got pregnant again. I was 28 by the time I finally had my son. And when I tried for my second, I went on to have another miscarriage during the first trimester. I eventually had a daughter, followed by a totally shocking pregnancy with my third child, a son. Infertility was the hardest thing I have gone through. I lost friends and so much of myself while going through it. Because I was so young at the time, I didn't know anyone else who was going through the same situation, and my friends did not know how to deal with my struggles. It was very isolating."
20."My partner and I have been trying for about four years now. We had one positive test followed by bleeding a week later. I went through all the tests, checked my hormone levels, tracked to make sure I was actually ovulating, and had a transvaginal ultrasound to check for potential endometriosis. Ultimately, it turns out that my husband has been shooting blanks, and his urologist is fairly certain he has a blockage that is treatable with minimally invasive surgery. That one positive test was either a fluke or just one very determined sperm..."
21."My partner and I have been together since we were 16. We are now 37 and never wanted kids. We've always been mindful about checking in with one another to see if one of us had changed our mind. Last year we both flipped the script and decided to give it a try. I got fertility tested, and the results were not good. Still, I got pregnant the very first month. From the beginning, I felt that something was not right based on how sick I felt, but I was reassured time and time again it was regular morning sickness. I had something called a partial molar pregnancy, which is unviable and can lead to cancer if left untreated. We were told not to try again for a while because of risk, but I'm not sure we ever will. We're both now quite shell shocked."
22."I've been trying to conceive for almost three years. I was told at a younger age that it might be tough. I had irregular periods, terrible cramps, and bursting cysts growing up, which carried into adulthood. When I was 33, I was given an infertility diagnosis by my OBGYN. At 35 after all my testing had come back normal, but after my Clomid trial and trigger shots were unsuccessful, my fertility specialist gave me a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. I'm still hopeful, but the doctors aren't sure IVF would be the best route since we are unsure I could even carry a baby if I were to become pregnant. And with the price, IVF is out of our reach financially. We discussed adoption amongst other things. Each month that passes is tough, but I do my best to remain hopeful."
If you're willing to share, I'd love to hear about your experience trying to conceive. Or if you'd like to remain anonymous, feel free to tell your story in this Google form.


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Created by Alex Hicks
Hold a general election: there is likely no opportunity until May 2024 to replace the Government. This could mean 3 more years of lockdowns & increasing restrictions on our personal freedoms. The election should be held no later than 30th November 2021 – this timetable is feasible as proved in 2017.
The Government have implemented the draconian Coronavirus Act which restricts our personal freedoms. Whilst there is opportunity for MPs to vote against it, there is no ability for constituents to replace these MPs, who were voted in under very different circumstances. The government can change the legislation whenever they want, with seemingly little parliamentary scrutiny. This has allowed them to introduce measures we were previously assured would not happen, such as vaccine passports.
Sign this petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/596452


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Listening is something we do to someone
To my good friends–
Is it possible we don't need to learn how to listen better? By blaming listening we have not solved the "problem" of dialogue; we have not even named it. Listening is not discrete from speaking—it is integral with it in meeting. We do not know how to listen because we do not yet know how to meet. We listen "critically"—which means we are thinking how the other is wrong or what our next point is. We are not meeting. We do not even listen to our own thought and its methods. Neither of us is even getting heard. Meeting is more than either of these.
After all, listening is something you do to someone; meeting we do with. Being heard does not so much partake of a passive nature as at first it may seem, but of a shared nature. I allow you to come in when I hear you; I even allow me to come in when I truly hear myself; there is an intermingling of the selves. As ten year old boys we thought by holding cuts together we'd become "blood brothers;" here we find its living fulfillment.
Here there be possible new life. Here there be. Here we be.
:- Doug.
You can leave a response, or


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Jack Ross paid tribute to Sunderland's fans for sticking with the players and roaring them to victory this evening over Gillingham.
Three goals in the first 10 minutes saw both sides fly out the taps as Lee Cattermole bagged his first goal at the Stadium of Light before Tom Flanagan restored the advantage after Tom Eaves had levelled.
Brandon Hanlan then equalised in the 40th minute, but Sunderland seized full control in the second 45 as two second-half penalties from Will Grigg and Aiden McGeady secured the points.
Click play in the video panel above to hear what the manager had to say.


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Volleyball season slowly coming to an end
With only a few more games in the season, the Freedom Volleyball Team is looking to have a strong rest of the season. Winning against Beaver Falls was a breath of fresh air for the team after having a rough start this month. So far the team has won 2 games.
At the beginning of the month, a member of the volleyball team tested positive for COVID-19. This put the whole season in jeopardy. A decision was made to continue the season by first quarantining and then returning to play volleyball. After the volleyball team quarantined for 10 days, their first game back was against Mohawk.
"I would say considering the fact that we didn't have the practices throughout the week and over the weekend we played really well against them," senior Madison Lewis said.
After the Mohawk game, the team went on to play their next home game against Laurel. The team fought hard and strong but ended up losing the game.
Junior outside hitter, Sara Mengel, was 2A player of the week awarded by the Western Pennsylvania Coaches Association.
"To me, being player of the week is really an honor. After all the years I've put into volleyball, getting recognized for my playing abilities makes me feel a sense of accomplishment," Mengel said.
Losing seniors will be hard. The team will be losing Lewis, Emily Ostrowski, Alexis Surenda, Erin Harp and Angel Clinkscales. Along with losing players, the team will also, of course, be gaining new players.
"I feel like we will do good against the other teams next year. I know a lot of the teams were made up of their seniors, and I know there are a lot of truly talented underclassmen. We will truly miss our seniors this year," sophomore Journey Welling said.
The team leaves this season with memories that they will fondly look back at for years to come.
"Getting closer with all the girls. Especially the girls in the grades below me because I feel like in previous years people have been stuck hanging out with people in their grade, but this year have been able to go out to eat even with all the restrictions we have figured out a way to go out together," Lewis said after being asked about her favorite thing about this season.
"One of my favorite memories from the season would be when we scrimmaged Eden Christian. Everyone played extremely well, and we all had so much energy and drive. We lost the game but it felt like a win to us," Welling said.
Altogether, the volleyball team has been through it all this month. After 10 days of quarantining, the team had to work hard to get back on track. The seniors of the team are getting ready to say goodbye to Freedom Volleyball. The season may be ending but the memories that have been made will last a lifetime. Most of the seniors have been playing and growing with their team for four years, and Freedom Volleyball has been a huge part of their lives.


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Crude 9-mm single-shot pistols like this one were used by Viet Cong troops for defence inside tunnel complexes.
This pistol was presented to Major Barrie Ward Brighouse, New Zealand Army Detachment Vietnam (NEWZAD), by South Vietnamese Sub-General Tran Than Phong, 1st Infantry Division, 32 Division Tactical Area (DTA).
National Army Museum Te Mata Toa
Accession Number: 1978.499
Permission of the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa must be obtained before any reuse of this image.
How to cite this page: '
Homemade Viet Cong pistol
', URL: https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/photo/homemade-viet-cong-pistol, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 28-Apr-2011


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Gwen Stefani, 51, and ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, 55, divorced back in 2015 — and outside of their three kids, the former couple hasn't maintained a close relationship. "Gavin and Gwen don't have a relationship except with the kids. They do not communicate often and it's as minimal as possible," an insider tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY, referencing their children Kingston, 15, Zuma, 12, and Apollo, 7. "They have lived very separate lives for awhile now and don't get along," the source also said.
The No Doubt alum finally tied the knot with longtime beau Blake Shelton, 45, with an intimate ceremony on his Oklahoma ranch July 4 — however, Gavin didn't make the guest list. In fact, British-born musician was spotted walking his dog solo in Los Angeles just a day prior to the nuptials which were about a three hour plane ride away (Dallas-Fort Worth airport is closest to Blake's Tishomingo property). "[Gavin] isn't phased by her remarrying whatsoever and it's zero surprise he's not invited to the wedding," the insider added. "They haven't had a good relationship in quite some time and Gwen feels she's tried very, very hard," they went on.
Notably, Gavin and Gwen met back in 1995, with the musicians marrying in 2002. The pair were wed for 13 years before finalizing the split in 2015 after a separation period. At the time, the pair released a mutual statement that said they had "come to the mutual decision" that they will "no longer be partners in marriage" but remain "partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment." Later that year, Gwen met Blake as they worked together on the set of The Voice. At the time, Blake was also going through a split from his first wife Miranda Lambert.
Effort has also been made by Blake, who is in a stepfather role to Gwen and Gavin's three sons. "Blake has also reached out to Gavin and they are cordial for the sake of the kids," the source spilled to HL. "She runs the boys' day to day lives and activities, but Gavin is very present and loves his children. She knows Gavin is a good father and loves that Blake acts like a father figure to her 3 boys," they concluded. Gwen even wished Blake a Happy Father's Day several weeks ago with a sweet post including several photos of her sons and the country star.