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Chipmakers waiting to exhale
Judging by the numbers, the Street has stopped worrying about the chip slowdown, but recent reports from companies in the sector provide little assurance.
Traders and investors hardly noticed when chip-manufacturing equipment vendor Novellus Systems and chipmaker Altera issued cautions late Thursday. The former sees no signs of a second-half rebound, and the latter sees a sharper second-quarter decline than originally expected.
Warnings from prominent members of the semiconductor industry would have sent shudders through the stock market a couple of months ago, but instead, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index gained more than 3 percent on Friday, outpacing the Nasdaq composite index and relatively broad technology measures such as the PSE Technology 100.
"Overall, there's really no good news at this time," Novellus CEO Richard Hill said during his company's mid-quarter conference call on Thursday. "All the regions are down. Most of the foundries, their capacities remain at 50 percent or below."
So, Novellus has no reason to believe in the kind of third-quarter recovery that its chief rival Applied Materials recently predicted for the industry.
New technology was supposed to be the one segment of the chip industry that would be insulated from the sectorwide decline, but orders for cutting-edge hardware are now being delayed.
One Novellus customer on Wednesday night pushed back an order for equipment to make 300-millimeter silicon wafers, which reduce a manufacturer's cost per chip compared to the 200-millimeter slabs currently used by most semiconductor plants.
"The recent push-out of a 300-millimeter ramp-up to fiscal 2002 from fiscal 2001 leads us to be concerned that other 300-millimeter fabs may follow suit," wrote analyst Edward White of Lehman Brothers.
Applied Materials' relative bullishness about the latter half of this year may lead some observers to conclude that Novellus' order slowdown is company-specific. But in the newest technologies, Novellus' position is large enough to reflect its industry, Goldman Sachs analyst Gunnar T. Miller believes.
"Because Novellus addresses the most leading-edge interconnect applications, one can only view this as further evidence that industry fundamentals continue to erode," Miller wrote. "We reiterate our cautious stance on the group."
Novellus and Altera also added to recent evidence of a technology slowdown outside the United States.
"In our international channels, we are experiencing a sharper decline in demand than we had forecasted and therefore, we have modified our second-quarter revenue guidance," John Daane, president and CEO of Altera, said Thursday. The company now projects a 25 percent drop in revenue from the first quarter, compared to its previous estimate of a 20 percent decline.
If Novellus and Altera are correct about their predictions, there's no reason to be excited about the chip market yet. A recovery might not start for another six months.
Yet chip stocks did well on Friday. Novellus rose 5.2 percent. Applied Materials gained 2.8 percent. Altera picked up 4.6 percent. Intel shot up 6.4 percent.
Even STMicroelectronics--which Salomon Smith Barney analyst Glen Yeung believes is the Novellus customer in question that put off a 300-millimeter order--lost hardly any ground. It was off just 32 cents to $35.23, despite announcing on Thursday a 21 percent reduction in its capital spending budget for this year.
The 300-millimeter order is for a joint venture of STMicroelectronics and Philips, Yeung wrote. A spokesman for STMicroelectronics said late Friday that it was possible his company delayed a Novellus order, but he couldn't immediately confirm it.
Another Novellus customer, Taiwan Semiconductor, is taking another look at the original schedule for upgrading its Fab 14 in Tainan, Taiwan to 300-millimeter technology. "We're close to that point, but we haven't made a decision yet," said Dan Holden, public relations manager for TSMC North America. "At some point, it would be equipped."
Chip foundries may be holding off on expansion, but Wall Street prefers to focus on the fact that technology executives don't believe things are getting any worse. After all, Novellus still expects to meet its original target of $220 million in bookings for the current quarter.
But the company's executives emphasized their success in taking share from competitors, not market growth. In fact, Novellus originally thought order cancellations would stop after the first quarter; instead, about $15 million of business has been canceled so far in the second quarter.
And Novellus, which typically doesn't fill many of its orders until late in a quarter, still has to fulfill at least half of its scheduled bookings for the current earnings period, several analysts noted in research reports released Friday.
"We believe the market will look favorably upon Novellus' reconfirmed bookings guidance," Credit Suisse First Boston analyst John Pitzer wrote. "However...quarterly bookings always tend to be back-end loaded. We believe that 50 percent-plus of the orders need to be booked in June. Guidance in our opinion is still at risk."
Leading companies in the chip industry will thrive when the economy recovers, of course. But until there are real signs of that turnaround, it's hard to defend the stocks. Notes Pitzer: "Valuation needs capacity orders; capacity orders (are) nowhere in sight."


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SEATTLE (AP) — A former worker for a Catholic health care system in the Northwest is suing the organization, saying its insurance plan refused to cover gender-reassignment surgery for her teenage son.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington was filing the discrimination lawsuit against PeaceHealth in federal court Thursday on behalf of Cheryl Enstad, of Bellingham, and her son, Patxon Enstad.
PeaceHealth, which is based in Vancouver, Washington, and operates 10 medical centers, did not immediately return an email seeking comment.
Cheryl Enstad worked at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham from 1996 until last April. She says she was stunned to learn PeaceHealth wouldn't cover Paxton's chest reconstruction surgery, which his doctors had determined was medically necessary to treat his gender dysphoria and its effects, including depression.
She says she paid more than $10,000 herself by taking out loans and dipping into her son's college account.

subset: commoncrawl


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The enormous AES power plant in Redondo Beach, which has loomed over the city's coastline for decades, may be approaching the end of its life as a power-generating facility.
Local officials, including Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, announced preliminary plans Monday to close the plant and redevelop the 50 acres of land that it sits on.
Operator AES California is already planning to replace the plant with a "smaller, cleaner, more efficient and attractive generating facility," but officials want to expedite the creation of a new "coastal recreational facility" on the site and to restore wetlands in the area.
To do that, the city and county would partner with a private developer to acquire the land and create a public park, along with a "coastal resort" or a similar development. The proposal will eventually have to win approval from Redondo Beach voters, so the support of elected officials could be key to any developer's plans for the site.
Whatever type of project ends up replacing the power plant, Hahn says developers and officials will have to alleviate community "concerns about traffic and development in an already dense area."
In 2015, Redondo Beach residents voted down a plan to close the power plant, because it would have allowed a project with 600 residential units and a hotel to rise in its place.
City officials in Redondo Beach have also recently taken an aggressive stance toward new development, temporarily barring mixed use projects and pushing back against long-running plans for an overhaul of the city's pier.
Hahn suggested Monday that county resources could help speed the project along, and both California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and State Senator Ben Allen said that state park bond funding that voters will weigh in on in 2018 could be used to finance aspects of the redevelopment and the wetlands restoration.


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Ground-breaking projects from those changing health guidelines to others profiling the true extent of the contribution of Muslim soldiers in WWI have seen Birmingham City University's research become bigger, better and broader, according to a major review published.
BCU is one of 157 UK universities to have taken part in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) - an independent review assessing the excellence of research in higher education.
Four UK higher education funding bodies use the REF to inform the allocation of around £2 billion of research funding per year.
BCU's REF2021 submission involved research carried out by 310 individual staff members including 56 early career researchers - more than double the number (151 individuals) submitted to the last REF which took place in 2014. From research that has informed the first UK guidance for endometriosis treatment, to projects helping Indonesia to transform waste to clean energy, and expertise that has redefined Islamophobia and influenced anti-Muslim hate crime policy in Britain – BCU's REF2021 submission illustrates the breadth and real-world impact of the University's research.
BCU's REF2021 highlights are:
· 100% of BCU's English Language and Literature research was rated the highest level of 4 stars for impact – with over 85% of English research outputs judged world-leading or internationally excellent;
· 100% of BCU's research in communication, culture, media, music, drama, performing arts, film and screen studies was rated either four-star or three-star for impact;
· 100% of BCU's research in applied health across dentistry, nursing and pharmacy was rated either four-star or three-star for impact, with 70% of its outputs in these areas deemed world-leading or internationally excellent.
Professor Philip Plowden, Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor, said: "We are proud of our research, which is achieved through inquisitive study, sharing our knowledge, learning from others, and harnessing and developing important partnerships with collaborators.
"As a University that prides itself on producing graduates who are powering the front line of public services including the health profession, it is particularly heartening to see our research in applied health is having a true impact and ensuring our students are being taught by leading experts. While we always strive to improve and will not rest on our laurels as we look to the next REF, I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and ongoing commitment to deliver research which provides tangible benefits to the city and beyond."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) at Birmingham City University, Professor Julian Beer, added: "Our REF2021 results reflect the success of our 'Better, Bigger, Broader, Bolder' research strategy aimed at improving the quality and value of our research, ensuring it is more inclusive and delivers greater value to our students, while also creating new knowledge and understanding, which powers innovation, benefits organisations with whom we collaborate, and delivers real-world impact - regionally, nationally, and internationally. As we look to the future, our 2025 Strategy sets out our ambitious research targets as we continue our mission to improve the quality, volume and impact of our research."
Also amongst the research in BCU's REF2021 submission was a series of UK-based research reports shining a light on period poverty, and research that heavily informed the first NICE guidance to improve healthcare for 95,000 babies born preterm every year in the UK. It also included research that led to a 10% reduction in post-surgery infections in women who had c-sections at a hospital trust in Birmingham, and studies increasing access to music education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
BCU's REF2021 submission was driven by £16million of funding, and included 34 research impact case studies - nine more than in 2014. BCU also submitted research in an increased number of specialist subjects, known as units of assessment (UoAs), from 11 in 2014 to 14 in 2021 - including for the first time submissions in psychology, engineering and sociology - ensuring the University's submission spanned all of its academic portfolio.
It comes as BCU aims by 2027 to grow its post graduate research community to more than 800, and plans to invest in 100 STEAM (science, technology, arts and maths) PhD studentships over the next three years. REF is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies: Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE).


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2012 Statute
|Article 20. - SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS
25-2006. (a) "General election" means the election held for school officers on the first Tuesday in April in any odd-numbered year, and in the case of special elections of any school officers to fill vacancies, the election at which any such officer is finally elected.
(b) "Primary election" means the election held five weeks preceding the election on the first Tuesday in April, and any other preliminary election at which part of the candidates for special election to any school office are eliminated by the process of the election but at which no officer is finally elected.
History: L. 1968, ch. 59, § 6; L. 1982, ch. 157, § 1; April 22.
|Article 20. - SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS


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What constitutes the provision of education, and of the supply of services and of goods closely related thereto, that is exempt from VAT? This is the question that came before the Court of Appeal in HMRC v Brockenhurst College [2015] EWCA Civ 1196.
The College teaches courses in (a) catering and hospitality, and (b) performing arts. For the purpose of enabling the students enrolled in the course related to catering and hospitality to learn skills in a practical context, the College runs a restaurant. The catering functions of the restaurant are all undertaken by students of the College, under the supervision of their tutors. The public attend the restaurant and pay for their meal, the charge being around 80% of the cost of the meal. Similarly, for the performing arts course, in order to give practical experience to those students enrolled on those courses, the College – again through those students – stages concerts and performances for paying members of the public.
The issue on the appeal was whether the supplies the College makes of restaurant and entertainment services (that is to say, the supplies that are made by the College to those members of the public dining in the restaurant or attending the performances) are, as the College claims, exempt for VAT purposes, because they are "closely related" to the provision of education.
The Court of Appeal made a reference to the CJEU, because (paragraph 28) the interpretation and application of the exemption on the facts of the present case was not acte clair, and "the facts are not unusual and so the decision in the present case has a potentially wide impact".


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What a doozy I've got for you all this week, freshly released single California Baby by Carrie Biell. Listening to this track is honestly what's got me through the last few days of work, it's upbeat, fun, and hails to the ideas of summer romance in a really nostalgic but fresh way somehow; one of those songs where it all feels a bit familiar, and you're connecting in someway, but is also just completely new to your ears. A magical combination if you ask me.
Carrie Biell is no stranger to the music scene, coming from a background of many different projects and many different sounds, her new solo releases are said to be influenced by the quiet of quarantine, and time spent alone with herself. Which, in and of itself, is something all of us can relate to. She's also a proud queer artist if you didn't need another reason to listen to her! An absolute 'good music by good people doing good things' situation. California Baby is the reminiscent dream you need to be listening to right now. With it's soft vocals that feel like the pastels of her album cover, funky instrumentals and lyrics that you can both scream along to as you drive down a highway somewhere, and also hit you a little hard if you listen closely. It's a song for every mood, every person.
– About The Author –
Sienna Filipetto
Sienna is an Australian musician who made the move to London last year. She's developed a massive love for the UK music scene and has recently become the first person apart from Kevin to write on The Sound Sniffer blog. She's got wicked taste in music and is super chilled.
– About 'The Sound Sniffer' –
The Sound Sniffer is a music blog that's still only a baby – Founded in early 2019 by Kevin Coakley, a music writer and ghostwriter. 'The Sound Sniffer' also runs gigs and showcases in London since Oct 2019. The showcases are picked from artists found in the blog's submission inbox.
Check out my Interviews HERE
Find me on:
Rated as a Top Ten Independent Music Blog Globally by Feedspot – VIEW


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Port of Spain, Friday May 14, 2021 – Effective immediately and until further notice, Republic Bank will be implementing several changes to its operations amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. These changes are outlined below.
ADJUSTMENT TO IN-BRANCH SERVICES OFFEREDCash Withdrawals and Deposits
- Cash withdrawals under TTD5,000 will be facilitated via ABMs only.
- Cash deposits under TTD10,000 will be facilitated via ABMs or in-branch Express Deposit services only.
- Cash deposits will be facilitated via the Night Safe service only.
Cheque Deposits
- Cheque deposits will be facilitated at ABMs or in-branch Express Deposit services only.
Application for Manager's Cheques, Foreign Drafts and Wire Transfers
- These requests are to be made using RepublicOnline, email or by reaching out to respective Account Managers via telephone. In-person requests will not be accepted.
Bill and Credit Card Payments
- Bill and credit card payments will only be facilitated via RepublicOnline, RepublicMobile, ABM and in-branch Express Deposit services.
Digital Services
Clients can sign up for RepublicMobile and RepublicOnline at https://republiconline.republictt.com/signup.html These services can be used to:
- View account balances and statements
- Transfer TTD funds between RBL accounts
- Transfer TTD funds to other local banks
- Pay bills including Credit Cards
• VISA Debit and OneCards can be used at Point-of-Sale Terminals for payments up to TTD10,000 daily.
• Cardless Cash can be used to transfer up to TTD1,500 daily to anyone with a mobile phone. Funds can then be withdrawn from any of the Bank's nationwide ABM machines.
Clients are urged to limit their in-branch visits as much as possible and utilise the services outlined above to do their banking transactions. Clients can send all enquiries to email@example.com.
As the Bank continues to comply with government-mandated restrictions, the national community is encouraged to follow all health protocols implemented by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Stay at home. Wear a mask. Physically distance. Wash your hands. Sanitize.
Event Calendar
- RFHL Records $1.26 Billion In Third Quarter Profits
- Footballers celebrate championship titles in the 2023 Republic Cup National Youth Football League
- Republic Bank supports United Way's National Day of Caring
- Girls from Success Laventille Secondary School benefit from 'Becoming Woman' empowerment workshop
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Less than a year after a white teenager in upstate New York was investigated for making a threatening statement at school, he legally purchased a firearm, which he is accused of using to gun down 10 Black people in a racist rampage, authorities said.
The massacre at Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo on Saturday should have been thwarted by New York's red flag law, which aims to stop people from buying or possessing firearms when they show they're threats to themselves or others, gun policy experts said.
"It was designed exactly for this circumstance," said David Pucino, the deputy chief counsel at Giffords Law Center, a gun-safety group.
Instead, after Payton Gendron appeared on the radar of New York State Police in June over a chilling comment about a murder-suicide he made in the classroom while he was still a minor, he was evaluated and cleared, paving the way for him to legally buy the semi-automatic rifle he is accused of using in the shooting 11 months later, law enforcement officials and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
No official involved in the investigation in June initiated a court process that could have helped prevent Gendron from buying the rifle, a New York State Police spokesperson said Monday.
Now, state legislators are looking into whether those involved followed the proper protocol. "I've asked for the investigation of exactly what transpired there," Hochul told Buffalo's WKSE radio on Monday.
Hochul said a teacher had asked Gendron about his plans just before the start of summer vacation last year. He responded, "I want to murder and commit suicide," Hochul said.
School officials immediately alerted police, Hochul said. Gendron underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was released, Hochul said, adding that there was "not a specific threat" or "something that seemed to be actionable."
"There was nothing that flagged that he wouldn't be able to — from that encounter, at the time — be able to go into a store and purchase a gun," she said. "Now, we need to question that, as well. There's a lot of layers here that we need to get to the bottom of and find out if changes need to be made."
Enacted in 2019, New York's red flag law empowers school administrators, law enforcement officials, prosecutors and family members to pursue court intervention when they believe they know someone who is at high risk of harming themselves or others.
Under the law, a judge could "very quickly" issue an extreme-risk protection order, which could order someone, a minor or an adult, to surrender any firearms, as well as not to try to have or buy any.
Such an order doesn't come with criminal charges or penalties. It is meant to keep guns away from dangerous people, gun policy experts said.
Pucino said he believes a lack of awareness of the nearly three-year-old law likely led law enforcement not to request the court order. He said it's difficult to second-guess the agency's decision to clear Gendron, especially without all of the information the investigators had. But he said their determination was shocking and "baffling."
"They're investigating the risk and then determining that there wasn't a risk. Obviously, that was wrong," Pucino said, adding that there doesn't need to be a specific threat for someone to request an extreme-risk protection order.
"If I had a situation where somebody was raising those kinds of threats," he added, "I think I would pursue every available option to make sure that they weren't able to get a gun."
Other proposed gun safety measures, including a ban on the sale of semi-automatic rifles to people under 21, might have helped stave off the Buffalo shooting, Pucino said. Courts recently struck down such a law in California as unconstitutional.
Since New York's red flag law went into effect on Aug. 25, 2019, 1,464 extreme-risk protection orders have been issued, a New York Unified State Courts spokesperson said. State Sen. Brian Kavanagh, who sponsored the legislation, said at least 530 orders were issued in the first year the law was implemented.
While there's no way to measure whether any one order helped avoid a specific tragedy, Kavanagh and Pucino said peer-reviewed evidence has found that red flag laws in Indiana and Connecticut have prevented gun deaths, including suicides.
When the New York law was established, it was the first in the country to encourage school officials, including teachers, to use the court system to avert school shootings, Kavanagh said.
"We might learn something from this experience, make some change to the law if necessary," Kavanagh said. "But at this point, if there was evidence that this guy was dangerous last June, then somebody should have sought an extreme-risk order."
Meanwhile, amid congressional inaction on gun violence, Kavanagh said, violence, including shootings fueled by racist hatred, will continue as long as there is easy access to guns in America.
"We're grieving and horrified," he said. "But we also have to recognize that these things will continue to happen until we take action."


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Simply Elegant Wedding Menu
Choice of 4 Hors d'oeuvres
Choose from Stationed and/or Passed Hors d'oeuvres
Stationed Hors d'oeuvres
Crudité to include Baby Carrots, Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower Florets, Red Pepper, and Celery Sticks served with Ranch Dip
Aged Cheddar, Hot Pepper, and Provolone Cheese along with Sliced Pepperoni, Genoa Salami and Hot Capicola with a Dijon Dip, Crackers and Crostini
Artichoke and Spinach Dip Served with Warm Pita
Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Berries
Petite Meatballs in Marinara
Petite Swedish Style Meatballs
Petite Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Passed Hors d'oeuvres
Sausage Rounds with Button Mushrooms
Mushroom Caps Florentine
Spinach & Cheese Phyllo Triangles
Chicken Satay with Thai Chili Sauce
Stem Tomato Bruschetta served with Toasted Crostini
Assorted Mini Quiche
First Course Served
(Choice of 1)
Tossed Greens with Garden Vegetables and Assorted Dressings
Caesar Salad Served with Croutons and Shaved Romano Cheese
Homemade Wedding Soup
Buffet Options
Choice of Two Stationed Entrees
Chicken Romano
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan
Gourmet Tavern Ham
Roast Sirloin Au Jus
Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin Au Jus
Baked Cod with Lemon Buerre Blanc
Choice of One Starch
Buttered Parsley Potato
Cheddar Smashed Potato
Roasted Red Potato
Redskin Herb Mashed Potato
Choice of One Pasta
Homemade Gnocchi
Penne in Marinara
Baked Ziti (Meatless)
Penne Alfredo
Choice of One Vegetable
Green Bean Almandine
Herb Butter Green Beans
Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower
Glazed Baby Carrots
Prince Edward Blend
Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls and Butter
Our Executive Chef can customize a menu for your special day if your food preferences are not listed above. We can also design an allergy-friendly menu for special dietary issues.
• Wedding Package Inclusions •
- Wedding Planning Assistance Throughout the Entire Process
- 5 Hour Inside & Outside Rental Including Divided Patios for Smoking and Non-Smoking
- Cocktail Hour and Reception Hosted in the Venetian Ballroom
- Sound System for Background Music with Wireless Microphone
- Wedding Coordinator During your Event
- Private Bridal Suite Including Champagne, Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres
- Bride, Groom and Wedding Party are Served Dinner with Buffet Packages
- Tasting for up to Six Guests Three Months Prior to Wedding
- Ceiling and Wall Draped with Tulle Fabric and Lights
- Customized Visio Floor Plan Design with Table Layout
- 60" Round Guest Tables to Seat 8 Guests with Table Numbers and Stands
- Bridal Head Table or Sweetheart Table Covered with Linen, Skirting, and Lights
- Floor Length Linen on all Guest Tables in any of the Colors That we Offer
- Linen, Skirting and Lights for Buffet, Cake, Gift and Escort Tables
- Linen Napkin in any of the Colors That we Offer with Your Choice of Tent Fold or Flat Fold
- Table Setting with China, Glassware and Polished Flatware
- Champagne Toast Provided for Bridal Table
- Platter and Display of all Your Cookies and Pastries
- Wedding Cake Cut and Plated
- Professional Bartender(s) and Service Staff
- Free Parking Available On-Site
Photo Booth and Up Lighting Service Must Be Contracted Through Antonelli Event Center
(No glitter, confetti, confetti guns, helium balloons, tape, Command Hooks of any kind, or pins on any wall are allowed for any event)
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- Extended Bar Service Per Guest
- Signature Drink served during Cocktail Hour
- Dinner Wine Service
- Champagne Toast for all Guests
- Martini or Margarita Bar (1 hour service)
- Candy Buffet
- Popcorn Bar
- Cannoli Station (1 hour after dinner)
- Photo Booth with Photo Album
- Up Lighting Room Package
- Wedding Cake
- Clamshell Boxes for Cake and Cookies
- Onsite Ceremony in Chapel Room
- Marriage Ceremony on the Grand Staircase
- Shuttle Service to Hotels with Driver
- Chair Covers with Chair Band or Sash
- Specialty Linens and Overlays
- Plated Dinner or Specialty Stations


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EP 7 Preview for Round 2!!!
The guys place their tips for this weekend's games – can Shane go against his beloved Hawks? Will the guys give the Magpies a chance this weekend?
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Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by Jimi Lloyd-Wyatt @ Ginger Recording Studios


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In this article
What do I need to look for in a daycare?Choosing a daycare for your child involves researching your local area, asking plenty of questions and being observant. Start your search as soon as you can; many daycares are booked up months in advance, especially for babies. Use the following factors as a guide, although you may want to add your own criteria about what is important for you and your child.
When you start your search you should look for a daycare with:
- A good reputation (word-of-mouth, inspections)
- Established ground rules and policies
- A stimulating and structured environment
- A stimulating curriculum
- Qualified, caring staff
- Clean, safe facilities
- Key worker system in place
How do I find out if a daycare has a good reputation?A good daycare centre should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment. Ask the centre for names and numbers of current clients and call them for references, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach some other parents then. Also, be mindful of your first impression: in this case it counts a lot.
Jenny Nakumara works in a daycare in Hamilton, Ontario. She agrees that speaking with parents is one of the best ways to find out if a centre has a decent reputation. She warns against a daycare that parents don't enthusiastically support.
Bottom line: Unless parents you like and respect rave about it, the centre's probably not one you'll like either.
What sort of policies should I look out for?It's important for a centre to be flexible — letting you pick up and drop off your child at different times, for instance — but it should also have clearly established regulations for everything from operating hours to how to handle emergencies. That way you know it takes its responsibility — your baby — seriously.
Along the same lines, look for a centre with a strict sick-child policy. Find out which illnesses will keep your child home, and for how long. A tough policy may inconvenience you if your child is ill, but keeping sick children (and staff) away from the centre makes sense. Good centres help cut down on illness by requiring all children and employees to have current immunizations and regular checkups.
If the centre neither has an open-door policy nor encourages parents to stop by unannounced, chances are it has something to hide. Keep looking. A great daycare centre will go beyond merely letting you in and invite you to become part of the centre's community by helping with activities, accompanying the children on field trips, and so on.
Ms. Nakumara advises looking for daycare staff that are flexible enough to support your child's specific needs – whether it's following special diets, or supporting cultural and religious practice .
Bottom line: If a centre is poorly organized or has lax or nonexistent rules, it's not likely to be right for you.
What activities should I expect to find in the daycare?The best daycare centres have structured schedules that include plenty of time for physical activity, quiet time (including daily reading sessions for groups and individuals), group programs, individual activities, meals, snacks, and free time. TV and videos should play little or no part in what your child does all day; if videos are part of the curriculum, make sure they're age-appropriate and, ideally, somewhat educational, teaching about animals, other cultures, and so on. A well-thought-out curriculum stimulates your child's development and makes daily life more fun.
Look for a centre with a wide range of age-appropriate toys that will encourage your child's development and, as she gets older, stimulate creative, imaginative play.
If you have to bring your child's food, find out the centre's guidelines. Some may require you to pack only nutritious foods and that's okay. Centres that don't restrict candy or other sweets may not have your child's best interests at heart. If the centre does have a food plan, find out what it serves at meal and snack times (and make sure the staff is aware of your child's food allergies, if any). Does it encourage healthy eating habits and cover all the food groups? If not, keep looking.
Bottom line: Your child needs a place that offers a regular curriculum with a range of age-appropriate activities.
What qualities should I look for in the staff?A trained, qualified staff is one advantage centres may have over nannies and home daycare providers, who don't always have specialized education. Daycare centre employees should be educated, with at least two years of college, a background in early childhood development (though many provinces don't require this), and CPR and other emergency training.
Note how the staff interacts with the children. Caregivers should be responsible, enthusiastic, and well prepared. Look for a staff that shares your philosophies on sleep, discipline, feeding, and other care issues. Good caregivers will ask detailed questions about your child's health and care to help determine whether their centre is right for you. In addition, Ms. Nakumara recommends looking for staff that seem happy and able to handle the daily activities of the place with little stress.
Make sure the centre has plenty of staff so your child gets the attention and care she needs. The ratio of caregivers to children can vary, depending on group size. Ask what each centre's ratio is and decide whether it's okay for you. A good centre will keep groups of children small no matter how many employees they have, to encourage interaction and development.
Also, look for a centre with good staff benefits. Centres that pay their employees well and offer them vacation time, health insurance, and an education allowance, for example, are more likely to have caregivers who stick around. Low turnover is key to ensuring consistent, stable care for your child.
Bottom line: If staff training isn't up to snuff, and they seem overworked or don't stick around very long, the centre isn't for you.
What health and safety regulations should I look for?A good centre is clean and sanitary. Floors, walks, walls, and the kitchen area should be clean, food preparation areas should be far from toilets and diaper changing stations, trash shouldn't be left sitting full, and the building should be adequately heated, lit, and ventilated. Staff should wash their hands regularly, and after every diaper change. Look for plenty of indoor and outdoor space, too.
Make sure the centre follows the basic rules of safety. Toys and play equipment should be in good repair, upstairs windows (if any) should have screens or bars, all medicines and other hazardous substances should be out of reach, bedding should be fresh and firm (to reduce the risk of SIDS for babies), and the outdoor play area should be level and secure. Smoke detectors should be in place and working, radiators and heaters should be covered or otherwise protected, a first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be close at hand, and all standard childproofing techniques should be used (tamper-resistant electrical outlets or covered outlets, safety gates, door latches, etc.). The centre should be secure, as well, so strangers can't just walk in off the street.
Look for a facility with an outdoor play area. Children should have the chance to play outside every day — running, jumping, and skipping are good for them physically, mentally, and socially. If you live in a city, where even the best centres may not have enough space for a safe outdoor play yard, make sure the centre has a spacious indoor area (the next best thing).
Bottom line: Spot a safety hazard? A missed hand wash? Keep looking.


text:
Planning ahead for what to pack for a vacation to Mexico can make the difference between an OK vacation and a fantastic vacation. You definitely don't want to skip this step! Even if you book an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico where all your food and entertainment are provided for you, knowing what to pack for Mexico is a must!
I consider myself a pretty strategic packer, but on a recent trip we took I left a sun hat off my list when I was packing for Mexico. Duh!
Believe me, it's much easier to relax and enjoy your time in a beautiful pool if you're not blinded by the very same sunshine you came to enjoy!
Table of Contents
What to Pack for a Vacation to Mexico?
I've put together the ultimate packing list for vacation to Mexico that will make your trip much more enjoyable. You don't have to spend much money, but you do want to go prepared.
Many of these items can be used on other trips, too. So, while you're working on your vacation packing list for Mexico, you'll be setting yourself up for better travels in the future!
Packing List for Mexico: What to Wear on Your Vacation
Let's start with the basics of what to pack on a trip to Mexico. It really doesn't matter if you're a world traveler or taking your first trip to Mexico, packing lists are what's going to keep you from forgetting even the most obvious things you'll need. (Yes, I'm speaking from experience!)
What should women wear in Mexico?
Let's start this list of what to bring on vacation to Mexico with some of the main clothing items most women pack.
1. Summer Dresses
When you're planning your outfits for Mexico, pack one or two lightweight summer dresses. Not only will these keep you cool during the day, but some restaurants (especially at resorts) have a dress code for dinner. Go for wrinkle-resistant fabrics because honestly, who's going to iron anything when they're on vacation in Mexico? (Definitely not me!)
2. Skort
The skort has made a comeback, and I honestly couldn't be happier! I've been a fan of these for years and was happy to see them in stores again. When you're planning what to wear to Mexico, put at least one pair of skorts on your list. They are fabulous for adding a bit more style to your wardrobe by looking like a cute mini skirt, but because of the shorts underneath, you can still be active without worrying about showing what's underneath. Perfect.
3. Travel Scarf
I love scarves to begin with, but there's only one kind I'll travel with, and I always travel with it. It's lightweight enough that it doesn't feel bulky, which is important when you're already carrying so much while traveling. It can double as a small pillow on the plane and can add style to your wardrobe, but more importantly, it has a zipper with a pocket! This is perfect for stashing your ID and boarding pass to keep your hands free while going through security. You can also use it to hold your hotel room key and some cash if you don't want to carry your purse around.
4. Light Sweater
You may be planning your Mexico vacation to be warm and in the sun, but when evening comes, temperatures can dip down to where it's a bit chilly. Some restaurants may have their air conditioning on, and having a lightweight sweater or a light jacket to slip on will make your evening much more comfortable. Look for a wrinkle-resistant fabric because, again, who's going to iron while they're on vacation in Mexico? (I always pack a travel sized bottle of Febreeze, just in case I need to spray some wrinkles out of our clothes.)
What kind of purse and wallet are best for Mexico vacation
5. Cross Body Purse
If you're going to carry a purse on vacation to Mexico, make it a cross-body style. That way, you never have to set it down anywhere, and it's much harder for anyone to grab and run. I only travel with my cross-body purse and made sure it's small enough to fit inside my backpack. That way, it doesn't count as a personal item when I'm boarding a plane with my carry on and backpack. (Your purse and your backpack each count as a personal item, and you're only allowed one, so make sure your purse is small enough to put inside your bag or backpack!)
6. RDIF Blocking Wallet or Card Holder
Most new wallets come with this ability, but I wouldn't travel internationally without having some sort of safeguard in place for your cards. Criminals are just so darn tricky nowadays, and your credit card information can even be stolen from inside your own wallet. Keep them safely tucked in an RDIF blocking wallet or card holder, and you won't have to worry about that happening.
7. Neck Wallet
This is a good choice if you're going to be out and about with cash on you and either don't want to carry a purse or want the added security of keeping it out of sight. We've used neck wallets as well as the kind that goes around your waist, but I much prefer these. (I once had the buckle come undone on one I was wearing around my waist. Talk about awkward to fix without announcing to the world you're wearing it!)
What to pack for a vacation to Mexico for swimming
8. Bathing Suit
Actually, you'll want to take at least two swim suits on your list of things to pack for Mexico. That way, one can be drying while you wear the other one. (There's nothing worse than trying to wriggle back into a wet swimsuit!) If you're going to get a massage on the beach, you'll want to go for a two piece. Not a fan of bikinis? No worries, there are plenty of modest tankinis to choose from!
9. Swim Suit Cover Up
With all the time you're going to be spending at the pool or down by the beach, you're going to want something quick and easy to slip on to walk around in. While pretty much any style swim suit is accepted by the water, it's appropriate to wear a cover up when you're walking around the resort or stopping by a market. Besides, they come in some super cute styles!
10. Sun Hat
As I mentioned before, having a sun hat to wear at the beach or in the pool can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time there. Even with sun glasses on, the sun can be so bright you'll be constantly shading your eyes to be able to see. If you're not normally a hat person, there are so many styles to choose from, and remember, you're on vacation, right? Step out of your comfort zone for your own comfort's sake. You'll be glad you did!
11. Sun Glasses
This really goes without saying, but if you don't put it on your list, you might just forget them. (Especially for those of us that live in the Pacific Northwest and can go months during the winter without needing them!) Whether you grab them from your car or treat yourself to a new pair, be sure you pack them. I promise you will want them!
12. Flip Flops
If you go to Mexico without flip flops, are you even doing it right? I think not. I rank them right up there with remembering to pack your swim suit! Even if you don't normally wear flip flops, you'll want to pack a pair to wear around the pool or to the beach. They are so easy to slip off and on and light enough to carry in your beach bag if needed. Don't like the way flip flops feel between your toes? Opt for a pair of slide sandals instead. Either way, make sure one of them is on your list of things to pack for Mexico!
What to pack for a vacation to Mexico for the beach
13. Rash Guard Long Sleeve Shirt
Listen friends, take it from someone who has fried her lily-white skin more times than she cares to count. You don't want a sunburn when you're on vacation! Sunscreen is great (you need that, too!), but if you're spending more than a few hours in the sun, love your skin enough to cover it up. You'll still get plenty of sunshine while you're there without overexposing yourself to the sun's harmful rays!
14. Sarong
While a sarong can be used as a swim suit cover up, it can also be used in quite a few other ways. Tie it around your waist like a long skirt or fold it over and tie it for a short skirt. Use it as a light bed sheet, fold it up to use as a small pillow or even tie the corners to carry things in like a hobo bag or purse. They take up so little space in your luggage that you really can't go wrong adding them to your Mexico packing list.
15. Beach Bag
Be sure to take some sort of beach bag with you. A large, open style tote can carry everything you need to the pool or beach and can also double as a shopping bag when needed. The best beach bag is made of mesh fabric that's water resistant and lets the sand fall out. Depending on how big yours is, you can even use it as your carry on bag.
16. Water Shoes
A good pair of water shoes can double for hiking shoes and will come in super handy if hikes are on your agenda. You can get through the muddy sections without worrying about ruining your shoes, plus they're light weight and easy to pack. Use them if you're going boating, doing water sports, or any place your regular shoes would get ruined or weigh you down.
17. Kühls Shorts
Although they may seem pricey at first glance, don't let that stop you from making these your go-to shorts for traveling. They are made to move with you, stretchy yet contoured. Most of all, they are made to last. Don't like this style? They have plenty of others to choose from with multiple color options. I feel I should warn you, though. Once you wear a pair of Kühls shorts, nothing else will do for you!
18. Sand Free Beach Blanket
This is the coolest thing! It has super tiny holes that allow the sand to sift right through the blanket so it doesn't stay on top with you. The corners stay down so it stays just how you put it and even has a little zipper pocket to put things in like your keys or wallet. It folds very flat and weighs very little so it's easy to pack and enjoy on the beach in Mexico.
19. Waterproof Phone Case
If you're planning a vacation in Mexico, you're most likely going to be in or near the water. I'm always shocked when I see people taking selfies in the pool with no cover on their phones at all. I'm definitely not that brave! Assuming you're going to want to protect your phone from getting wet and potentially ruined, you can either go with an inexpensive pouch or get an actual case like this. I have the pouch but am still very hesitant to actually get water on it so I think I'll get the case for next time.
Travel accessories to pack for Mexico
You may be wondering how to pack light for a trip to Mexico. It can be done! We usually try to fly with just our carry on luggage, but if you're taking a family vacation in Mexico, you may need to check an extra bag or two.
Sometimes it's just not worth trying to fit everything you need into your carry ons. (Find out why we love Southwest Airlines and how they can save you money on checked baggage!) If you can make room, here are some more things I recommend adding to your list of things to take to Mexico on vacation:
19. Travel clothes line
The weather in Mexico can be pretty muggy and sometimes it takes a while for clothes to dry. Having a way to hang swim suits or things you've laundered makes it much easier than hanging them over balcony chairs, shower doors and anyplace else you can find. (Been there? We have!) This one takes up very little packing space, which is of course important.
20. Neck Fan
Call me a wimp, but I hate feeling muggy and getting all sweaty when I'm just walking around. I got one of these neck fans when I was on vacation in Texas one summer and it made all the difference in staying comfortable being outside for hours. I take this baby everywhere I go if I know it's going to be hot!
21. Chill Pal Cooling Towel
Another option to keep from overheating is a cooling towel. I also have one of these that I take on hikes and places where the neck fan isn't a good option. It really does help keep from getting overheated which is so important when the temperatures start rising.
22. Collapsable Water Bottle
Unless you know for certain the water is safe to drink, don't drink the water in Mexico. So what's a person to do to make sure they stay hydrated? Take your own reusable water bottle and fill it whenever you're somewhere you know it's safe to drink. If you're staying at a resort or hotel, fill your water bottle with purified water before heading to the beach or use a LifeStraw to filter the water yourself.
23. Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
If you don't have access to bottled water and know you're not going to be around filtered water to refill your own bottle, you can take a personal water filter. This LifeStraw removes parasites and bacteria so you can be sure it's safe to drink the water in Mexico. That's important to me so I've added it to this Mexico travel checklist.
24. Portable Power Charger
This is a must for me! I love taking photos when I travel and on days we're up to catch a sunrise and still out after sundown, my phone doesn't always stay charged that long. There's nothing worse than missing a once-in-a-lifetime photo because my phone was dead and I didn't have a way to charge it! These are small enough to stash in my purse and I don't travel without one.
25. Travel Power Strip
Some hotels have plenty of outlets available and even lamps with USB ports on the nightstand. That's super convenient for charging your phone at night! Other hotels barely have enough outlets available for the basic necessities, let alone all the things you need to plug in. Having a power strip with a few extra outlets and USB ports makes it so much easier when you're traveling.
You may also find these articles helpful:
- Heading to Puerto Vallarta? Find out how to use Uber and save half the cost of a taxi at the airport!
- Find out how you can get the Southwest Airline's Companion Pass and start getting free flights.
Toiletries to Pack for Vacation to Mexico
We've talked about a lot of basics, but your travel checklist for Mexico isn't complete without a few more basics. You can get away with small amounts of each (think travel sized), but you're going to want to consider each of them. These don't take up much space, and I never travel without them!
26. – 37.
|Make Up Wipes
|Reef Safe Sunscreen
|Aloe Vera
|Deet Free Bug Spray
|Bug Bite ThingⓇ
|Activated Charcoal
|Laundry Detergent
|Poopouri Toilet Spray
|First Aid Kit
|Quick Dry Towel
|Space Saving Liquids Dispenser
This part of the checklist for traveling to Mexico may be obvious, but as I mentioned before, it's the obvious things that often get overlooked. You don't want to get to Mexico and realize you forgot these packing list essentials! Make sure these are on your Mexico packing list.
38. – 43.
|Travel Hair Brush w/ mirror
|Satin Hair Scrunchies
|Leave-In Conditioner
|On the Go Shaver
|Contact Solution (plus extra set of glasses)
|Travel Toothbrush Kit
Essentials for getting a good night's sleep on vacation in Mexico
These things can make all the difference in getting a good night's sleep when you're away from home! They are high on my list when I'm reviewing my packing checklist for Mexico. (I'm betting they are yours, too.)
44. – 49.
|Travel Night Light
|Noise Canceling Ear Plugs
|Eye Mask (with bluetooth ear buds)
|Travel Fan
|White Noise Maker
|Melatonin Gummies
Non-Tangible items for your trip to Mexico
When you're asking yourself "what do I need to pack for a trip to Mexico," don't overlook non-tangible necessities.
50. Travel Insurance
I never used to buy travel insurance, but nowadays I wouldn't even consider traveling internationally without it. With everything we've been through since 2020, you'd have to be a pretty big gambler to not consider it. If you get sick in a foreign country, your normal health insurance most likely isn't going to cover all the things travel insurance will.
Plus, they have plans for pre-existing health conditions, travelers over age 70, specific plans for cruises and more. It's based on the cost and length of your trip and usually isn't very expensive, yet it's so worth it to know you'll have peace of mind on your vacation. Don't skip this step!
51. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
If you've never been out of the country, you may not be familiar with this. However, without a reliable VPN, you leave yourself open to internet pirates. A VPN will provide privacy protection as well as unblock sites you otherwise won't have access to once you cross the border.
If you have plans to travel internationally, your best best is to buy an annual plan and save on the monthly cost. Otherwise, you may be able to do the free trial and cancel it when you get back home. I also appreciate how much it speeds up my internet, which honestly, is worth it right there. I put this on my list of Mexico travel essentials!
Here are some things that are worth considering for what to bring on vacation to Mexico simply because they'll make your trip much more enjoyable!
|If you don't have these things, consider adding one new item to your list each time you take a vacation. If you invest slowly, in time you'll have everything you need no matter where you're traveling to.
Luggage accessories to make packing for Mexico a cinch
You may be wondering how to pack light for a trip to Mexico when this list just keeps getting longer. I hear ya! Everybody has their own comfort level for what they feel is important and what doesn't fit their needs. If you do it right though, what to pack for a 7 day trip to Mexico really isn't any different than what to pack for a 2 week holiday to Mexico.
|Don't just think about the things to bring to Mexico, think about how you're going to get them there.
52. Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
If you haven't updated your luggage in a while, you may not know there's a world of difference between the old style with two wheels and the newer luggage with four spinner wheels. I'll never go back to two wheels again! I'm also not a fan of the hard case (we've had holes punched in two of our checked suitcases so far) so it's soft case all the way for me.
53. Luggage Cover
Ever stand at a luggage carousel and see nothing but black suitcases coming down the ramp? How do you know which one is your and (better question) how can you easily spot if someone (accidentally) grabs yours? Easy! Slip a luggage protector over your suitcase and not only will you be able to easily spot yours at the baggage claim, no one's going to want to steal something so easy to spot.
54. Packing Cubes
By now, I'm sure most people have heard of packing cubes. Maybe you have but you're thinking you can pack just as well without them. Maybe, but I doubt it. That was me before I tried them. I even tried packing individual outfits in gallon ziplock bags once, thinking I could do the same as packing cubes without spending the money. That lasted about half a trip and was not worth the effort! When I did buy them, I bought a cheap set and the zippers broke pretty quickly. They lasted long enough for me to know they made a huge difference in how I packed, though, so I upgraded to a nicer set and am not kidding when I say they're worth a little extra money!
55. Luggage closet/Organizer
I'm already a fan of packing cubes, but this takes things to a whole new level! I don't have one yet, but I've definitely got my eye on this one and plan to get it before our next trip. What a great idea to be able to pack like this and just lift it out to hang in your hotel closet. Super smart idea!
56. Dry Bag
If you're going to be doing any activities where your things could get wet, put them in a waterproof dry bag. Think kayaking, hiking on a rainy day or even sitting by the pool where kids are doing cannon balls. Stuff your extra clothes, a quick dry towel, your phone and anything else you don't want getting wet and you're all set!
57. TSA Approved Padlock
These are not theft-proof for someone who's willing to cut the cable or has a TSA universal key to pick the lock. However, they are a great deterrent for someone who might otherwise have quick, easy access to what's inside your luggage. Keep these on your luggage while you're traveling or when you leave your things in your hotel room in Mexico and you'll have at least some level of security for your things.
Camera accessories to pack for your beach vacation to Mexico
58. Spare SD Card
Raise your hand if you've ever gone to take photos with your camera and realized you left your SD card in your computer? (Raising mine, multiple times.) If you're only using your phone when you take pictures, no problem, but if you're packing another camera, do yourself a favor and always make sure you have an extra card in your bag!
59. Camera Backpack
For our trip to the Grand Canyon, I finally bought myself this backpack that holds my Nikon camera. It was hard to give up my trusty backpack that I usually travel with, but it was so nice to be able to bring my camera without having to stuff the case in one of our backpacks while we boarded! (Edit: I have this for two years now and it's held up very well!)
60. Underwater Camera
If snorkeling is on your list, you're definitely going to want an underwater camera! There's a whole world of colorful, amazing life and your phone isn't going to be a good option here, even with a waterproof pouch. Unless you're going to be content with postcards, you need to get an underwater camera to take your own amazing, underwater photos in Mexico!
61. Selfie Stick
You may have a love-hate relationship with selfie sticks. Believe me, I understand! I saw so many people using them on our recent vacation to Mexico that I wish I had remembered to pack ours. It makes it so much easier to take selfies with more of the beautiful background in the photo and isn't that what you're there for? If you don't have one yet, they're cheap enough to get one even if you only use it every now and then. One awesome sunset selfie is worth it!
62. Phone Gimbal
This little gadget is really cool! If you're going to be making any videos, you are going to want to get one of these. It makes everything so much smoother and takes your videos to a whole new level! Doing videos for YouTube, TikTock, or Reels? Use your new gimbal to show off your vacation to Mexico with super smooth videos that look so much more professional!
What should you keep in your travel backpack?
Speaking of backpacks, there are certain things that stay in mine all the time. I really only use my backpack when I'm traveling, so this works for me. If you use a backpack for more than just traveling, I have another tip for you. (Read on.)
By keeping these things in my backpack, I don't even have to think about them when I'm planning what to bring to Mexico.
63. – 68.
|Travel/Safety Flashlight
|Ear Plugs
|Notepad & Paper
|T-shirt/Socks/Undies (in a ziplock)
69. Airplane Foot Rest
One thing I highly recommend for pretty much any length flight is this footrest you can get on Amazon. Especially if you have any back or leg pain, this little gadget can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are on the flight and is really easy to use!
" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Click to view on Amazon ➡
How to pack a carry on for the flight
It took me a few years of flying to get a good system down, but I finally have it!
|Now, part of my packing process includes putting everything I need in two small zipper bags. One is for organizing electronics and contains my accessories like headphones, power cords, portable power charger, etc. that I might need while traveling. It's small enough I can easily pull it out of my backpack and put it in the seat pocket before I sit down.
The second small bag is for everything else like chapstick, gum, protein bar, tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes (I always wipe down the tray and anything I'll touch) and anything else I want close at hand on the flight.
Having those two bags ready to go makes the process of getting seated and settled so much easier! I grab them and the foot rest I keep ready to go in my travel backpack and I'm all set!
Many people also travel with a neck pillow and a travel blanket. I'm about 50-50 with these, depending on how long my trip is, but honestly, they do make traveling so much more comfortable if you bring them. You can usually snap your pillow on the handle of your backpack so it's hands-free while you're on the move. Pick a blanket that folds up super small and can also snap onto your backpack and there's really no reason not to take it everywhere!
➡ You may also be interested in reading our review of this All Inclusive Resort in Mexico
Best places to vacation in Mexico
Now that we've put together your what to pack for vacation to Mexico checklist, let's talk about where to stay. Some lucky ducks get to take a family vacation to Mexico every year, while others are planning a once in a lifetime trip.
We get it! No matter what your plans are, you'll want to know the best places to vacation Mexico has to offer for your needs.
We took an all inclusive vacation in Mexico for our anniversary and stayed at the Riu Palace Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta. I'd give it two thumbs up for being one of the best vacation spots in Mexico! If you're wondering what to pack when going to Mexico all-inclusive resorts, this list if for you, too!
You can find out what we loved about it here as well as read a full review here. (Hint: it has a killer view of the sunset over the ocean!)
Check it out: Our best recommendation for an amazing All Inclusive resort in Mexico
If you're planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation in Mexico, you're going to want to book many months ahead. You can start by checking sites like Hotels.com, but don't rule out staying in a Vrbo. Some hotels charge for more than four people, so if your family is larger than that (ours is!), staying in a nice Vrbo may turn out to be the cheapest place to vacation in Mexico!
What are the best cities to vacation in Mexico?
Here are ten of the best vacation spots in Mexico:
- 1. Cancun
- 2. Los Cabos
- 3.Tulum
- 4. Cozumel
- 5. Puerto Escondido
- 6. Playa del Carmen
- 7. Puerto Vallarta
- 8. Acapulco
- 9. Mazatlan
- 10. Playa Moroma
We've only been to three of these and they each had their own flavor. Honestly though, if you're looking for one of the best vacation spots Mexico has, search any of these cities and you won't go wrong!
What is the best place for family vacation in Mexico?
If you're planning a family vacation to Mexico, you really can't go wrong with any of the cities listed above, but Tulum and Puerto Vallarta are often at the top of the list for the best place to vacation in Mexico with a family.
Where can you take the cheapest vacation to Mexico?
If you just want a chance to get away and are looking for the cheap vacation spots in Mexico, check out Puerto Escondido and Mazatlan.
You can search here for the kinds of hotels you'll find so you can start planning your Mexico vacation asap.
How to plan a cheap vacation to Mexico
- Consider booking an all inclusive resort that includes food, drinks and entertainment.
- Book a hotel or Vrbo that has a kitchen so you can cook at least some of your own meals.
- Learn how to use Uber to get to and from the airport and save up to half the cost of shuttles and taxis.
- Travel during the off season (May through September) to find cheap vacation spots in Mexico.
- Use shopping portals like Southwest Vacations to find great prices on bundle vacations.
Start your search for cheap vacation packages to Mexico early on in your vacation planning. You can also find some of the best last minute vacation deals Mexico has available by searching sites like Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak and Hotwire. Use these as a travel guide to get ideas for where you want to go in Mexico.
August through September are considered the rainy season in Mexico. If you're willing to take a chance, you can find some great deals. Be sure to add some light rain jacket to your travel gear if you decide to travel during these months.
Use Points and Miles to book your vacation to Mexico
My favorite way to plan any vacation anywhere is to use points and miles to "pay" for them. There are some fantastic deals to be had by using credit card sign up bonuses to earn points. You can then use them to book flights and hotels!
We used Chase ultimate reward points to book four nights in the Jacuzzi Suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. It was amazing! Since it was an all inclusive, we literally paid nothing for our vacation there!
Not only that, we used points to book my flight on Southwest Airlines and my Companion Pass to book Rodney's flight. If you're not familiar with the Companion Pass, it means anywhere you fly on Southwest, you can bring a buddy with you and all you pay are the taxes!
(Find out how you can get the Southwest Airline's Companion Pass and start getting free flights.)
There are things you need to know about using credit cards to collect miles and points (like never spend more on your card than you can pay off each month), but if your credit is good and you manage your money responsibly, the points are there for the taking! That means you can rack up a steady stream of free vacations and travel more for less money.
Is it safe to vacation in Mexico?
Yes, it is safe to vacation in Mexico, but you'll want to stick to popular tourist destinations. Even there, petty crime can be a problem, but it's not as dangerous as going someplace like Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest places to travel in Mexico.
Things to know before traveling to Mexico
At the time of this writing, Mexico is open to travelers, but there are testing requirements to return to the U.S. Many hotels and resorts are providing testing for free (the Riu Palace Pacifico handled this in a very seamless, professional manner,) so consider that when deciding where to stay. It's important to find out about any Mexico travel restrictions before you go, so be sure to do your homework.
What would you add to your Mexico vacation packing list?
I've covered all the basics of what to pack for vacation in Mexico, plus a few things you might not have thought of. I want to hear from you, though! Are there other packing tips, travel tips, or things to take to Mexico you think should be added?
Share it with me in the comments. We want to hear about it!
Till next time,
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Advance Market Analytics recently introduced Vitamin K2 Market study with in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status to 2025. Vitamin K2 Market explores effective study on varied sections of Industry like opportunities, size, growth, technology, demand and trend of high leading players. It also provides market key statistics on the status of manufacturers, a valuable source of guidance, direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.
The study covers a detailed analysis segmented by key business segments i.e. by type (Vitamin K2 (20), Vitamin K2 (35) and Vitamin K2 (45)), by application (Healthcare Products, Food & Beverages, Personal Care Products and Others) and major geographies.
Major Key Players in this Study : 3M Company (United States), B. Braun Melsungen (Germany), Coloplast (Denmark), Genzyme Corporation (United States), Smith & Nephew (United Kingdom), ConvaTec Healthcare (United States), Human Biosciences Inc. (United States) and Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)
Get Free PDF Sample Pages of Vitamin K2 Market Report: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/13484-global-vitamin-k2-market
Market Trend
- Growing Demand for Personalized Nutrition, Increasing Use of Vitamin K2 in Personal Care Products and People Inclination Towards Organic Vitamin K2 Source
- Stringent Government Regulations Regarding Use of Vitamin K2
- Huge Potential of Vitamin K2 Application in Healthcare Sectors and Growing Awareness About Vitamin K2 Products in Emerging Countries
This market research report looks into and analyzes the Vitamin K2 Market and illustrates a comprehensive evaluation of its evolution and its specifications. Another aspect that was considered is the cost analysis of the main products dominant in the Global Market considering the profit margin of the manufacturers.
This research is categorized differently considering the various aspects of this market. It also evaluates the current situation and the future of the market by using the forecast horizon. The forecast is analyzed based on the volume and revenue of this market. The tools used for analyzing the Vitamin K2 Market research report include SWOT analysis.
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The titled segments and Market Data Break Down are illuminated below:
The Study Explore the Product Types of Vitamin K2 Market: Bacterial Skin Infection, Viral Skin Infection, Fungal Skin Infection, Parasitic Skin Infection
by Treatment Type: Traditional Treatment, Basic Treatment, Bio-Active Treatment, Therapeutic Treatment, Advanced Treatment
by Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies and E-commerce, Drugstores, Others
Top Players in the Market are: 3M Company (United States), B. Braun Melsungen (Germany), Coloplast (Denmark), Genzyme Corporation (United States), Smith & Nephew (United Kingdom), ConvaTec Healthcare (United States), Human Biosciences Inc. (United States) and Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)
List of players also available in Coverage: Merck & Co., Inc. (United States) , Allergan plc (United States) , Accord Healthcare Ltd. (United Kingdom)
The regional analysis of Vitamin K2 Market is considered for the key regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Rest of the World. North America is the leading region across the world. Whereas, owing to rising no. of research activities in countries such as China, India, and Japan, Asia Pacific region is also expected to exhibit higher growth rate the forecast period 2019-2025.
The Vitamin K2 Market in terms of investment potential in various segments of the market and illustrate the feasibility of explaining the feasibility of a new project to be successful in the near future. The core segmentation of the global market is based on product types, SMEs and large corporations. The report also collects data for each major player in the market based on current company profiles, gross margins, sales prices, sales revenue, sales volume, photos, product specifications and up-to-date contact information.
Get More Information: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/13484-global-vitamin-k2-market
Data Sources & Methodology
The primary sources involves the industry experts from the Vitamin K2 Market including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industry's value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects.
In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources – Postal Surveys, telephone, Online & Face-to-Face Survey were considered to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study. When it comes to secondary sources Company's Annual reports, press Releases, Websites, Investor Presentation, Conference Call transcripts, Webinar, Journals, Regulators, National Customs and Industry Associations were given primary weight-age.
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Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
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Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enable clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As.
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MTG Streets of New Capenna Draft Booster Pack
Street Date: 4/29/22
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The set takes place on a yet undisclosed place in the Art Deco Noir metropolis of New Capenna, a city that has both grit and glamour. It is a place built by angels but now ruled by five demon crime families battling for supremacy. It is a city important to the planeswalker Elspeth Tirel. Ob Nixilis is seemingly involved with one of the crime families.
Draft Boosters: Of the fifteen playing cards, one is currently a basic land, ten are common, three are uncommon, and one is rare or mythic rare. This distribution was introduced with Shards of Alara and facilitates Limited play (Draft and Sealed).
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By purchasing you agree to the Northwest Sportscards Pre-Order Policy.


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Work and life are often thought of as a zero-sum of hours in conflict but work-life balance also depends on investment in care and men's full participation in the home.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led us to rethink radically how we live, work and combine the two. But even before the pandemic work-life conflict had come to be a key concern in European societies, in the context of the elevated employment of women, the changing nature of work, population ageing and anxieties in some quarters over low fertility.
Under the traditional, 'male breadwinner' model, the competing demands of work and family were managed by a division of labour between the sexes, whereby men were primarily responsible for paid work, women for caring. Increasingly, however, European citizens have to combine caring and employment roles, with consequences for work-family tension.
Meeting demands
The central idea in work-life conflict is that meeting demands in one domain can make it difficult to meet demands in the other. Research on the work-family interface has been dominated by the idea that time and energy are not transferable. 'Time-based conflict' then arises when time spent on responsibilities associated with one role is not available for the other. 'Strain-based conflict' occurs when pressures arising in one domain make it difficult to fulfil other obligations.
Work-life conflict potentially has many negative effects. There can be impacts on personal effectiveness, physical and mental health, the ability to engage in paid work at all, intimate-partner and child-parent relationships and even child development.
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A 'demands-resources' perspective frames much of the research. This distinguishes demands, or role requirements—such as working hours, work pressure and responsibility—and resources, the assets used to cope with these demands. People differ in their resources: some may enjoy a challenging job with long hours; others find that very stressful. For this reason, evaluating work-life conflict typically depends on an individual's own assessment.
Work-life conflict is closely linked to paid work demands in terms of working time, intensity and scheduling of work. Long working hours are one of the factors most strongly and consistently linked with greater work-life conflict in Europe; part-time work is consistently associated with less. Working unsocial hours (evenings, nights, weekends) is also often associated with more work-life conflict.
Working-time flexibility
Forms of working-time flexibility that benefit workers, such as 'flexitime', allow workers to vary working hours to facilitate family demands, such as dropping off children to school, and usually reduce work-life conflict experienced. By contrast, working-time flexibility that benefits employers, such as working overtime at short notice, typically increases work-life conflict, particularly if it happens often or there is a sense that the worker is always 'on call'. People typically value jobs that are regular but somewhat flexible.
Yet other demands from work also play a role in work-life conflict. If a job is very stressful and emotionally demanding, this may leave an individual with diminished resources to participate in their personal life. Research has consistently found that work pressure is closely linked to work-life conflict, with those in very demanding jobs often experiencing spillovers to their home life.
In terms of resources, having supportive work colleagues or a supportive boss is, not surprisingly, usually associated with reduced conflict. One might expect that having greater control over the tasks, pace and timing of work would help alleviate conflict but research findings are somewhat ambiguous: job control often does not reduce conflict for individuals, which may suggest workers are not using their control to facilitate work-life balance.
Caring responsibilities
Home demands, such as having caring responsibilities for young children or dependent adults, increase work-life conflict, particularly for women. How domestic work (caring or housework) is shared within the household can also influence work-life conflict, as does how well favourable gender-role attitudes are matched by behaviour. Couples with egalitarian attitudes who have egalitarian sharing arrangements tend to experience lower work-life conflict than other groups.
Comparing countries, some authors find that 'family-friendly' policies, such as support for childcare, tend to alleviate work-life conflict for families. Others find however that in countries where family-friendly policies lead to high labour-market participation by women this is associated with greater interference in domestic life, though women gain financially. Labour-market policies which set upper limits on working time tend to apply to workers generally and this indirectly reduces work-life conflict.
At European level, the Working Time Directive (2003) plays an important role in limiting long working hours. The Work-life Balance Directive(2019) seeks to reduce barriers to women's labour-market participation, by more flexible work arrangements and family leave and efforts to ensure a more equal division of care.
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Creative arrangements
As European policy-makers try to increase the proportion of the population in paid work, particularly women, to enhance competitiveness and reduce poverty, work-life conflict is important to consider. The pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on caring—paid and unpaid—for the effective functioning of society. Creative ways to combine social and individual investment in child-rearing and adult care with skills accumulation and sustained participation in paid work over the life course need to be considered.
Many European societies, and the individuals who live in them, are struggling to find employment arrangements that are economically viable and beneficial to men, women and children. If the aim is to promote work-family balance and gender equality, policy measures need to be applied to fathers as well as mothers, since paid employment and unpaid domestic labour remain unequally distributed between men and women throughout Europe.
Evidence from the last recession suggested family financial pressures and firm difficulties exacerbated work-family conflict for those most affected but the pandemic has changed work in a rather different way. Up to half of workers across the European Union are currently working from home. Homeworking, for those who can, may offer new opportunities for combining work and home life—provided workers have the 'right to disconnect' and long working hours do not become the norm.
See all articles of our series on the role of women in the coronavirus economic crisis
Frances McGinnity is an associate research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute and adjunct professor of sociology at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on labour-market inequality, work-life balance, childcare, discrimination and migrant integration, in Ireland and from a comparative perspective.


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37 – Gal Gadot Vs Palestine – 14th May 2021
Seån talks about Twitter's reaction to the escalating violence in the Israel – Palestine conflict and then tears in to that Gal Gadot Tweet, her Israeli bias and her awful history of performative activism. He then discuss Irelands affiliation to the Palestine struggle and how Irish Twitter reacted to the Irish governments response. Cormac introduces us to the new DUP leader Edwin Poots through the eyes of Twitter and how a creationist has finally come into power. Meanwhile Fearghal looks at a bizarre Twitter story in Romania, where Dracula's castle is being used to encourage an uptake in Covid Vaccinations.
#Freepalestine #OccupiedTerritoriesBill #BoycottIsrael #Galgodotisatool
Listen Now
Show Notes
Jerusalem Day
Gal Gadot's Tweet
Osman Khalid Butt reaction
Ted Cruz Endorsement
Death on the Nile backlash
Galdot's history of pro IDF tweets
Simon Covney Criticism
Frances Black's call for Occupied Territories Bill
Richard Boyd Barrett gone viral in Gazza
Romanian Vaccines
James Felton dad joke about Dracula's vaccines
Edwin's Poots DUP leadership


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**1 Limited Edition**
10" x 14" intaglio print on water color paper.
Worked back on with chalk pastels.
Signed and numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Jacob's Ladder (pastels)
Art will be rolled and shipped in a tub via UPS. Tracking number will be provided.
Items will ship out within a 10 day period upon purchase.
Items will not be cash refunded.
If the art arrives damaged, the collector will ship back (at our expense)the artwork and upon arrival we will ship a new one.


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COVID jab rollout provides short opportunity for pharma to build trust
After decades of struggling with poor public perception, the pharma industry has an opportunity to generate stronger connections with consumers than ever thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine drive – but it will have to move quickly.
That is the conclusion of a Mediahub study which cites recent poll data in the US giving the industry a 62% positive rating – up 94% in a year – and creates "a unique moment to reset the industry narrative and re-build the consumer relationship".
The survey was carried out in January in 1,000 Americans between 18-75 years old, aiming to understand their changing perceptions and priorities around health and wellness.
Front and centre is an increasing engagement with health and wellness prompted by the pandemic, with 78% of respondents saying that COVID-19 had made them realise they need to take charge of their own health.
That's not particularly surprising, but perhaps more so is that a similar proportion (71%) of respondents also said they were more open to hear from pharma companies in future, which was attributed directly to the success of the vaccine rollout.
Pharma can build on that by providing facts, information and transparency at a time when social media is battling with fake news and ambiguous information. And that is particularly important as a result of the rapid rise of social media as a trusted source of health information, especially for consumers aged 18-44 years old.
All told, 39% of those polled said they are increasing their own research around their own health and the health of their loved ones, with social media ranked third after doctors and online news sources.
Meanwhile, two thirds of respondents reported that when pharma advertising is educational and informative, they will have more open conversations with their doctors.
"Pharmaceutical brands who focus on engaging whole people, not just treating patients, will be best-placed to emerge from the pandemic with stronger trust and sustainable brand reputation," according to the report.
The opportunity looks likely to be short-lived, however, and may not extend beyond a narrow window as society starts to move back towards normality.
The key to unlocking that potential will be to meet a rising awareness among consumers of the importance of holistic health – which brings together physical, mental, social and even spiritual needs – as well as engendering empathy and understanding an individual's post-pandemic health goals.
The challenge will be to honour consumers' priorities towards autonomy and choice in their health decisions, putting the power back in their own hands by giving them the tools they need to make important health decisions, according to Mediahub.
"The sounding board for health issues has expanded from the doctor's office to the newsfeed, designating new sources of trust, from TikTok to Instagram, and opening up new media channels beyond TV for healthcare brands to reach consumers," said Elizabeth Fermon, head of communications planning at the media agency.
"Pharma and healthcare brands can have greater impact and build stronger, longer-term relationships with consumers by meeting them where they are naturally, with factual content that resonates from a storytelling perspective, not a clinical perspective," she added.
Interestingly, the study has a different conclusion to a UK poll carried out three months earlier, which found that the pandemic had had little impact on the public's perception of pharma.


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A recent online article from the BBC News talks about cerebral blood flow and the unhealthiness of standing. We all know that walking helps your heart pump your blood effectively, but how about this?
A recent online article from the BBC News talks about cerebral blood flow and the unhealthiness of standing. We all know that walking helps your heart pump your blood effectively, but how about this?
For every minute we walk on an unpaved trail, we make hundreds of micro-adjustments to our foot position and pace. These adjustments stimulate the hippocampus of the brain which helps our memory formation and retrieval. Translation: there is no better time to start exploring the flora and fauna of New York State.
After a ten year hiatus from exploring New York's rural routes, our weekend ramblings have begun again. I started planning my summer forays into other counties when the frost was thick on the fields and my husband and I were walking the rail trails with the temperatures requiring an extra layer of clothing. Since then, I have added the picnic lunch, and we bring our bicycles in an effort to capitalize on our time in peaceful forested areas.
An Empire Pass purchased online for $80 will give access to any NY State Park for the day and is good for one year from the date of purchase https://parks. ny.gov/admission/empire-passport/. Instead of weekend shopping, restaurant queuing or yardwork, we lace up our well-worn hikers and pack that faded swimsuit with our lunch and try to find some of those blue historical roadside signs on our way to the chosen park.
I had forgotten my old habit of picking up a couple of the I Love New York Travel Planners at the New York State rest stops and keeping a reference copy in our car (plus one to give away). Visit your library and borrow a NY state trail guidebook. I recommend Trails with Tails by Russel Dunn and Barbara Delaney which covers hiking, history and geology in five regions of the Empire State.
While the romantic crowds visit the waterfalls found in the Catskill Region Waterfalls guidebook by Russell Dunn, the quiet seekers can plan a picnic, hike or bicycle ride and wrap up the day with a swim in over half of the New York state parks.
Guidebooks provide an outline for visiting an area and help the reader find their perfect hike or stroll. Two sources in the Ramapo Catskill Library System are 50 Hikes in the Catskills and 50 Hikes on the Lower Hudson Valley by Derek Dellinger.
Whether it is flora or fauna, swimming or bicycling, these lakes, canals, parks and rail trails await you, perambulatory pathways to peace and wellness.
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Safety Goggles (D2)
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The family of detainee Reziq Abdullah Rajoub, 57, from the southern West Bank city of Hebron, voiced an appeal to human rights and legal groups to intervene for his release, especially amidst his deteriorating health condition.Rajoub's brother, Hamdan, said the detainee has been repeatedly imprisoned by Israel, spending a total of 22 years in Israeli prisons. His latest arrest came only 15 days after his release.
He has various health conditions, and requires gallbladder surgery as soon as possible.
"My brother was kidnapped on January 7 2014; Israel issued a six-month arbitrary Administrative Detention, without charges,' the brother said, "He was repeatedly hospitalized due to low blood count, and complications of a surgery that never healed.'
Head of the Ahrar Center, Fuad al-Khoffash, says that Rajoub is facing serious, life-threatening complications, and should be immediately released to receive the urgently needed treatment.
Al-Khoffash warned of the increasing number of ailing detainees, and serious complications they face, due to the lack of specialized and adequate medical attention.
Although no charges were brought against him, Israel refuses to release him, and insists on keeping him imprisoned.


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Some guys are horny in the showers. Some are vulnerable. All are naked. When a shady dude enters too horned up to not take advantage, everyone becomes ShowerBait. But will it make you masturbate?
The GayRoom network brings us ManRoyale, DamnThatsBig, GayCastings, MenPov and nine others sites. Make that ten other sites.
Their brand new ShowerBait is lucky thirteen.
They have nine updates ready for the fapping with some familiar names getting wet for them including; Brenner Bolton, Paul Canon, Mike de Marco, Griffin Barrows, and Jason Maddox for starters.
Of course, the site will be all wet if the scenes are hot. Let's get to work.
First up, Zak Bishop & Vincent James
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Rounding out our previews are Griffin Barrows and Aiden Ward
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One membership gets you access to all 13 sites. They offer everything from $1.12 one day trials to monthly and yearly plans with increasing discounts by duration. But it's not a bargain unless it will get you off. So are you in? Or are they all wet?