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Third Houston hospital gets sanctioned for insufficient care
HOUSTON (AP) — Federal health officials have sanctioned another Houston hospital after a state investigation found inadequate care in a case involving a patient's death.
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified public hospital network Harris Health System on Wednesday that Ben Taub Hospital violated federal patient care and safety requirements. The agency said Texas health officials found deficiencies in the April case.
The hospital system that runs Ben Taub hadn't reported the death to the agency, and the agency instead learned of it in a complaint.
CMS has now placed Ben Taub under state and federal authority, the Houston Chronicle reported.
"These deficiencies have been determined to be of such a serious nature as to substantially limit your hospital's capacity to render adequate care," CMS wrote in the notification letter to Harris Health.
It's the third hospital to be sanctioned by CMS in recent months; MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor St. Luke's have also been placed under state and federal authority.
George Masi, CEO of Harris Health, revealed the death and CMS decision earlier this week in an email to hospital staff. He wrote that the death in the Ben Taub Emergency Center stemmed "from an ineffective process in patient monitoring and communication of critical lab values."
No additional details were provided about the incident.
In Masi's letter to staff, he wrote that Harris Health is working to resolve the matter.
"Harris Health's leadership takes this matter very seriously," Masi wrote. "Since the completion of the HHSC survey, Harris Health made substantial strides in achieving full compliance and will continue to work diligently to meet all of the applicable standards of care."
Harris Health is now working on its corrective action plan, said a spokesman. It has 10 days to submit the plan before the Texas Health and Human Services Commission conducts a follow-up investigation.
Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com


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Ep-28: Mere Hisse Ki Hansi – Child marriages (Hindi)
'Mere Hisse Ki Hansi' is a joint initiative of Save The Children India and OneWorld Foundation India to sensitise the community and children on key child rights issues and bring about behaviour change. Each episode of 15 minutes duration broadcast at 4:45 pm every Saturday on AIR FM Rainbow 102.6 MHz includes radio drama backed up by folk entertainment and an expert interview to reinforce the message.
(This episode was aired at 2.30 pm due to unavoidable reasons by AIR FM Rainbow.) This episode is on child marriages and includes an interview with Stuti Kacker, Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Participants: Soumya Jha, Ashok Kumar, Mayank Kumar, Riddhima Gautam and others
Experts: Stuti Kacker, Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
Programme Format: Magazine
Date of Broadcast: 2018-07-14
Date of Upload: 2018-07-22 05:07:15
File Format: MP3
Themes: Inclusion and Equity --> Child Rights

subset: commoncrawl


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Keeping employee records: What small business owners need to know
The GDPR gives people more control over their personal information and requires organisations to clarify exactly where Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is stored – and how it is used.
Less well-documented than data protection regulations, but no less important, are data retention regulations. To outline what your legal obligations are when it comes to keeping business records, we asked Paul Ravey of Access Records Management to explain.


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To go from fear to elation then grief is a kind of torture'
From The Times January 5 2006
IN OUR culture we probably use the word trauma too lightly as we attempt to
compensate for everyday loss of life. It is also true that in mining communities such
as West Virginia the families involved knew what they risked. Mining has always
killed miners and it always will. Death itself is not the problem.
The difficulty in this event is how far the human coping response can stretch before it
snaps. To be told that relatives whom you feared dead are alive only to learn they are
dead after all amounts to torture. The result is double bereavement.
When we fear the worst, although still hoping for the best, we are at least braced. All
our physical senses are on alert. We may label this state high anxiety but at this
stage levels of chemicals such as noradrenaline and cortisol soar to cushion the
impact of shock. The brain clears its deck of everyday mental clutter so that we can
face a true nightmare and begin to interpret the potential consequences.
Receiving good news will naturally reverse these processes. We lower our security
guard because it is metabolically expensive. Mentally, we start to place an ultragloss
on an excitingly rosy future. Literally, we breathe a huge sigh of relief. But to go from
fear to elation to ritual celebration only to have the whole edifice crash down is to be
"battered between two mallets", as the therapist Alan Jamieson has put it. Here is an
emotional ambush of maximum impact that caused fistfights among those gathered. I
am only surprised that nobody died outright of shock.
It is redolent of the scenes among relatives of those who died on the submarine
Kursk in August 2000 after the Russian authorities had initially reported that all was
well with the boat apart from slight technical problems.
Wives and children were allowed to hope that their men would return, when in truth
all 118 hands were doomed.
The relatives at that time vowed that they could never forgive the cover-up and
dissembling because it really did trivialise human grief.
For officialdom, this became unendurable and some of the widows were forcibly
tranquilised to stop them making trouble.
The emotional consequences in West Virginia now will include a grief anger that will
be unlimited because some of the bloodshed will appear to be on the authorities'
hands. Homicidal rage in a society of gun owners is a concern.
Modern trauma response avoids any specific debriefing, wisely waiting instead to see
who might need professional counselling or psychotherapy. In the short term, it is
family and friends who offer the key support.
When a community is shattered it is imperative that the authorities establish some
form of truth commission alongside any legal processes to vitiate the fury and grief.
But above all the plight of the potential survivor Randal McCloy Jr must be
considered. If he lives, he will not only have lost colleagues and perhaps his religious
faith but will find himself the target of unappeasable and paradoxical animosity from
parts of the community. Survivor guilt may collide with the envious resentment of the
bereaved. As a survivor, Mr McCloy will prove to be no man to envy.


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Making the complex simple: top tips for writers
The point of good content is to convey information to the reader in the simplest and most direct way possible. This is pretty easy to do if you are writing about relatively simple concepts, but becomes more difficult if you're writing about scientific, legal, tech or financial topics (as we often are).
The people who work in these industries, creating innovative products and writing technical documents, are experts in their fields. This means that they have a deep knowledge of a particular area. It also means that they can often appear incomprehensible when explaining their field to a layperson.
A really good example of this is the recently established, and currently flourishing, blockchain market. One of the characteristics of blockchain companies is the use of dense, intentionally difficult technical language. Here is an example from a company called Decred, explaining their core offering:
"Our modular codebase offers unique adaptability and can scale to the latest blockchain technology. Decred's technology enabled the world's first successful direct on-chain user-activated consensus vote. This represents a revolutionary approach to stakeholder governance where our community directs the project and makes decisions together."
What does this mean?
Don't worry if you can't decipher what Decred is claiming to do. As we said earlier, the language being used has been chosen deliberately.
So, how would you summarise what this company does so that a reader with little knowledge of what a blockchain is would be able to understand?
Here are our top tips for writing about complex topics.
Get some context
Nothing exists in isolation, everything is connected to something else. An important first step is putting the subject you are writing about in context.
This not only helps the audience get a better handle on the subject matter, but it is important for understanding why the audience needs to know about it in the first place.
The context here is blockchain, so let's start with that.
Blockchain technology is an innovative way of storing and distributing information. Instead of a piece of data being stored on a central server and then retrieved by each individual device that needs it, on a blockchain network the data is distributed (not copied) across every device in the network. This means that it cannot be tampered with without everyone in the network consenting, validating and recording the change.
The technology is currently taking the financial world by storm as it could greatly speed up transactions. The shipping and logistics, pharmaceutical and real estate are also actively piloting the technology.
So Decred's claim of "unique adaptability" means that blockchain technology can be applied to a wider range of scenarios.
Break it up
The best way to learn about something is to break it up into its smallest constituent pieces, before building it back up again.
In Decred's example, the smaller chunks of quick research could look like this:
Modular codebase >> blockchain technology >> "on-chain" >> "user-activated consensus vote" >> stakeholder governance
By researching each of these phrases individually, you would end up with something like this:
Programming code that can be broken into smaller, distinct pieces for use in a variety of applications >> an innovative new way for transferring data >> cryptocurrency transactions that occur on a blockchain >> a method for allowing users to directly control matters relating to the network >> decision-making process defined by participation of multiple independent parties
Even just this brief outline begins to present a much clearer picture of what the company actually does.
To continue reading this article, please click here.


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Unified inventory management facilitating all daily tasks, from documentation to planning and analysis
Modern infrastructures are in a constant state of flux. Continuous expansion and upgrading creates hybrid environments in which new technologies coexist with legacy systems. Overcoming this complexity to deliver reliable, high-quality services for IT, telecommunications, and data center applications requires a complete overview of the entire system landscape.
In today's digitally transforming environment, data center facilities must master an increasing volume of assets. That's only possible if data centers have a unified inventory management in place which allows them to manage numerous resources holistically – whether they are physical, logical or virtual. FNT DC Inventory Management is specifically designed to deliver end-to-end visibility across the entire data center network.
Request your demo now!
Request your demo now!
Three Solution Levels
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to software. All solutions are available in three versions of progressively increasing functionality. Choose the level of support that best suits your needs. Change your selection as your needs change.
Request your demo now!
Use Cases
As an integrated service and infrastructure management system, it supports all tasks from documentation and management through to planning and analysis.
- Maintain detailed record of all physical and virtual assets
- Location information
- Standard and custom reports
- Configurable dashboard views for inventory usage
- Relationships and links
- Warranty and SLA information
This information can then be evaluated for one or more CIs using the comprehensive reporting function. External events, such as incidents, changes, or system states, can be manually stored or captured via an interface.
- Maintain accurate data and statuses of assets from acquisition through disposal
- Track assets from planning to decommission
- Logbook and change history
Major Benefits
- Unique and complete data model with easy configuration options
- Single system of record for all DCPI, IT, and network assets
- Full transparency across passive inside and outside plant resources
- Schematic views as well as GIS based graphical network visualization
- Improved efficiency in day-to-day operations supported by end-to-end signal tracing
- State-of-the-art data center inventory management over entire lifecycle of equipment
- Clear, accurate, end-to-end view for all objects and relations
- Track key performance indicators, including historical changes
- Share meaningful status and performance data with users and clients
- Powerful analytics features and graphical evaluations support better understanding of all capacity utilization and growth
- Supply needed information to all types of users


text:
Price: $25.00
Quantity: 1 available
Title date 1945, CR 1938, 1st printing for Tudor, 314 pages w/index. Dust jacket has slight tears, illustrated endpapers, bookplate, covers and content good+. Illustrated with photos. Foreward by Dr. Herbert Bolton. P reface R.L.Duffus. Author delved into ancient records and recreated unforgettable scenes of discovery, conversion, hunger, raids, fiestas, neglect, disintegration and finally redemption of the mission s by restoration in our day. Western Americana, History, Americana, California, California Missions.
Title: California Missions and Their Romances.
Categories: California,
Publisher: Published by Tudor Publ:
Binding: Hard Cover
Item: 1.00 Item
Seller ID: 000371
Keywords: AMERICANA, CALIFORNIA, WESTERN AMERICANA


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Reviews summary
188 Traveller reviews from Holiday Watchdog
An Honest Review
"We usually go to Corralejo for two or three weeks, but this time, we decided to split it between Caleta De Fuste and Corralejo just to see what the differences in the areas are and were. We found absolutely nothing at all to complain about at Broncemar Beach Aparthotel and enjoyed our stay here. Although we did find it and the entire surrounding area to be very much and overly Anglicised. This, we didn't care for in the least. We go on Holiday to escape from this. Which is why we preferred and still do prefer Corralejo and will not return to Caleta De Fuste. Again, nothing against Broncemar Beach Aparthotel. We have still seen all the normal complaints from The British tourists, mainly English, about rubbish lying around, not frequent enough towel and bedding changes, etc... The rubbish is your own responsibility to clean up after yourself. The housekeeping services and cleaners are NOT servants and are not there to chase after you and clean up YOUR slovenly, laziness caused mess that you make. If the change of towels, bedding and the general cleaning of your room / apartment isn't enough at around once a week or every few days or so, it says more about you and your personal hygiene and habits than it does about the efficiency of the housekeeping services. If it is an escape from the routine things that you can see, have and do by not leaving The U.K., this place isn't for you. But if it IS a complete "just like home" holiday that you are looking for or actually want, by all means, spend your money and go here. But you would probably be more suited to going to Butlin's or Pontins."
Holiday details
- Travel date: 1st January 2017
Very good value for money
"Been here 4 times excellent for kids, we had an issue with the door lock battery failing,after telling reception approx 19 mins later it was sorted*staff very apologetic .I compare this to the premier inns not the best & definitely not the worst,food is excellent (all inclusive) Plus points-pools,restaurants,bars,12 min walk to beach,entertainment team very good for kids & adults.taxi rank 5 mins away,shops\bars etc 5 mins away, as there is only 1 way in & out feels quite secure unlike some complexes where anybody can walk in, Bad Points- the rooms do what they say on the tin, everything you need for sleeping showering etc not a problem,some could be in better condition but it's the holiday makers that abuse them.i guess if you got a room above the bars \ party area could get quite noisy till late (unless you just go down & join in) The pool side gets very slippery with all the sun oils etc If your a sun worshiper you need to get down to the pool sunbeds early (7am) & yes it's us Brits.if the pool guys see towels on a bed too long with no one there they will remove the towels for you,a lot of Brits put towels on the beds then go to the beach till dinner time come back then jump on the beds Mmmm Value for money 10 Quality of building \ interiors 7 (but were all getting renovated aug 2016) Position in Caleta 10 not too close to things not too far away Restaurant \ food choice \ bars DEFINITELY 10 Would we go back for a 5th time YES if the Mrs gets her purse out :-) "
Holiday details
- Travel date: 22nd April 2017
Great hotel brilliant for kids
"We have just returned from a week in this hotel kids loved it loads for them to do we all enjoyed the food and the snack bar was brilliant for the kids staff were very friendly and well turned out hotel was clean and situated in a great location plenty of sunbeds considering it was very busy being half term we'll be returning next year"
Holiday details
- Travel date: 8th June 2016
Broncemar Beach AVOID!!!!!
"The only positives of Broncemar Beach some of the staff are nice not all! two ladies on reception and one bar staff in pool side bar, main member of staff in Irish bar is A* and Thomas cook reps A* however the Thomas cook reps will not be there much longer as the hotel has had that many complaints they don't want to deal with them anymore! I have just arrived back from what i can only describe as a holiday from hell! the day we arrived we were transferred to another hotel due to being overbooked by MANY! (approximately 15 people been over booked in reception whilst we was there!). When arrived to the Broncemar Beach the next day we was moved to another room given what we was told air conditioning which was a fan! and given a free safe hire. When we got into the room there were ant mounts above the door and ants and small bugs in the hotel room they were also in the cupboard so we couldn't store any food or drinks anywhere apart from the fridge! The cleanliness of the room was disgraceful there were long black hairs all over the bathroom the floors were black the walls were black, there was a rotting smell in the wardrobe therefore we could not hang our clothes in the wardrobe so had to squeeze all of our clothes in the drawers. Allocated in the room was a long sliding window which had no handle or lock on so allowed easy access into our room from the outside! leading to the outside was a terrace which was covered in bird droppings. we had cleaners in quite a lot during our stay however I am not quite sure what they actually cleaned because it was always the same when they left! we couldn't walk round the apartment with our shoes off unless we wanted black feet! The shower pipe split so we had to move rooms which I was not happy about as we had to pack everything back up! DIY work being done early morning waking us up! Our safe was tampered with as we used it in the morning before cleaners went in when arrived back later in the day we couldn't access it, we went to reception and was then approached by a very rude manager raising his voice saying it was impossible that anyone had been in and that I had entered the code incorrectly! we met a family that night that had had all of there money stolen from there safe that day too in which the manager refused to ring the police and shouted at them saying it was there own fault too!my mums safe wouldn't work due to low battery!!! in the rooms and outside all round the pool there was very bad drainage smells to the point that we couldn't sit round the pool for long due to the smells! it was hardly cleaned round the pools as there would be dirty cold puddles from the day before and when it was cleaned they used dirty black mops and dirty black water in the mop buckets! there were cockroaches and birds in the eating area, birds eating from plates and bird droppings everywhere! there was an open bin liner with rubbish in left outside our hotel for 3 days! me and my partner had bite marks all over our bodies from the beds we didn't sleep a wink all holiday and was itching when laid in bed(clearly bed bugs!) we asked for a double bed which was 2 single beds put together so we fell down the middle when we rolled over to the middle of the bed! the shower didn't work properly slowly dribbling also the toilet didn't always work! there was a bath but didn't have any taps to fill it so had to fill it with the slow dribble from the shower head! we arrived back to the room at 1.30am one night and the key wouldn't work for the room in which we had to go to reception and was battling with the language barrier of the receptionist! both swimming pools had black mold floating around in and the water was cloudy therefore we went in the pool once during our 10 day holiday! the pool was not cleaned once in the whole 10 days that we was there! a child soiled in the water in which the lifeguard closed the pool didn't tell anyone but one family expecting them to tell everyone! he threw chemicals into the water and left, a small child jumped into the water in which the parents were then informed about the chemicals and had to drag him out of the water! no warnings around the pool etc! the swimming pools were cold! also the lifeguard was never present around the pool, he was never seen around the pool. there were 3 toilets around the pool which is nowhere near enough for the amount of people catering for, they were also disgusting to use! buffet and snack food always repeated, food was vile therefore me and my partner spent a lot of extra money having to eat out as we couldn't eat the food the hotel provided! was all deep fried, fatty, frozen meat and the salad and veg were vile! also all inclusive drinks to me is get as many drinks as you wanted when you wanted however this was not the case you could only get 2 drinks per person therefore if we were getting drinks for the table we had to constantly get up in which you constantly had the bar staff watching you or more than one person had to get up at once in which you had to cue 10 minutes before you was served! i have never been on holiday and had to deal with things like this! i have never had to deal with such rude staff and an arrogant manipulative manager who cannot accept any negative comments!"
Holiday details
- Travel date: 10th September 2014
stop moaning or pay more
"superb value hotel in quiet area yet only 10 mins to beach and small spread out town even less, kids play areas dotted around throughout resort inc on beach, plus small slide and climbing frame on site. beach and sea lovely, yet better the further you walk away in direction of atlantico shopping centre, which is a 18 min walk along the beach, which can turn into an hour or two if you stop for a drink and watch the sunset on your way back. the rooms are basic, if you pay slightly more you get an upstairs room with large patio, slightly more again and you get more space plus air con. people that moan about no air con have the option if required but if going between nov and feb you need another blanket if anything at night not air con. the tv is chargeable, but who goes on holiday to watch tv. all bars inc the pub on site show english tv and sport anyway, so go out you might just enjoy meeting people! the food is excellent, the breakfast is very good with a full english on offer plus yogs, breads, fruit, cold meats and salad, fresh juices and cereals, how can anyone complain. lunch was served in the main buffet area and again exc with salad, meats, fruit, fish options, kids can eat all these things too, those that class kids options as being nuggets and chips perhaps try and sit them down to a large mixed salad with grilled fish and chicken, watermelon, juice, water and a pastry as my 3 year old had daily! there was a pool snack area too serving basics like burgers salad and sandwiches, this was maily for those that didnt want to leave there sunbed or change out of wet shorts etc, so to have this option is useful to some. dinner was again very good with a carvery and a theme night every day, all food was well cooked and hot, too hot in fact sometimes as had to cut up and cool for the little one, but rather this than cold like some suggest. drinks are ok, local beers and spirits were all good enough on the all inc package, plus coke, juices, water, tea, coffee and ice cream available all day too. we ate out and went for drinks daily as i prefer san miguel or sangre de toro wine to amstel or the cheap red wine on offer at the hotel, then went back for the half decent kids shows and a few coffees, baileys or brandy before bed. yo can walk into most hotels around the resort and nobody asks questions, not to use the pool or get free drinks, but you can use the kids play area at the barcelo or grab show in the evening, which are good and worth a watch. some very good steak places and chinese too, although dont go cheap as it will taste cheap, slow boat for chinese not the 5 euro buffet one and gambinus for. t bone at arond 20 euros is superb value once you see the size of it. bars there are loads, some relaxed, some sports with every match, some spanish run and some very english like the windmill, dont let that put you off though as there is a lovely little kids play area in a large non smokng area to the rear and its buy one get one free all day on drinks, this sometimes drags in a few chavs though so be warned. this is our 7th time in fuerteventura in 5 years as its great weather, a good mix of everything, lovely beaches, never too busy, ideal for families and kids, only a 4h flight and its good value. we have stayed in the broncemar before on self catering basis and this was a bit of a joke as you dont getnenough bits to cook a proper meal and the cooker is useless, so dont recommended you entertain the idea unless a lot cheaper and you plan to eat cereal and sandwiches. this year the price was stupidly low at 742 self catered or 750 all inc, thats for 2 adults and a 3 year old total inc flights, transfers and bagage etc, so extremely good value week of jan sunshine. i could afford to pay more but unless i was paying a lot more, i think id perhaps feel i wasnt getting much more for my money. i only saw two roaches all holiday, none in my room both dead on the path areas around the grounds, so again i think this is just something people chose to moan about for the sake of having a moan. if you want 4 or 5 star luxury then pay for it, this is a 3 star, but a good 3 star that i would recommend to all and we will be back later in the year for xmas break. sorry for ipad auto text spelling errors, its late and im not manually spell checking now. enjoy your hols all and thanks to all broncemar staff, all were brilliant bar, restuarant, pool, maids who came daily except friday which was there day off and reception which is 24h. lastly there are loads of sunbeds you dont need to reserve, although perhaps you do at peak season, we have been here in april, dec and jan though and more than double to go around we found. middle pool is heated as well as kids pool, i got straight in daily without issue, the other large pool is freezing and i never got in further than my knees, so good luck with that one."
Holiday details
- Travel date: 28th January 2013
what do people expect?
"i find some reviews hard to believe we stayed in the same hotel.i have never done a review before but i felt i had to do with this.first the apartment,was clean and comfy.pool areawas good,plenty of sunbeds the only trouble with cleanliness wasnt the fault of the hotel it was down to the people who coldnt be bothered taking uneaten food and paper cups to the bins,it dosnt hurt to clean up after youself.entertainment day and night was don by three hard working yong people from thomas cooks,ok they wernt superstars but they woked hard and long hours and entertained lots of people the best they could.the food and the waiters were brilliant.every meal was realy good,if you couldnt find something you liked there is something seriously wrong with your diet.ok at times something might not be hot but it was well cooked so it wasnt a big deal the pop it in the microwave.WELL DONE BROCEMAR these two 73year olds WILL return,thank you"
Holiday details
- Travel date: 26th January 2013
Perfect hotel for families
"I visited Broncemar beach with my 6yr old son and my parents, October 2012 for 9 nights. We went for all inclusive. The 1st room we were given felt a little far away from the pool area which is also where all the entertainment is day and night. Going back and forth to the reception we got lost even when using a map ! We asked to change rooms and was given a room next to the pool. At 1st I was a little worried it may be to noisy there of the evening but found once the entertainment was finished around 10-11pm most of the guests headed back to there rooms, I think partly because all inclusive drinks end at 11pm. The room itself was quite good. Decent size bedroom with plenty of room to put away clothes/suitcases. Reasonable size kitchen/lounge area. Which also doubles up as 2nd bedroom using the sofas. (Something to bare in mind if with small children ) on various websites I was led to believe you have a hair dryer in the bathroom but this is not true however you can hire one from reception. WiFi also available but I did not bother as I personally thought the charges were a little high. My only complaint with the room was that there was no air conditioning and the shutters on the outside of the window was broken so you could not lock the shutters and keep your window open, As we were on the ground floor I did not feel secure to leave the window open At night time. Maid service most of the time was quite good near the end of the holiday I broke a glass on the bedroom floor and when I returned to the room The maids had been but not bothered to clean the Glass up so I ended up having to try and clear glass myself so my son would not step on to it. The pool area was Quite hazardous as it was extremely slippery once it was wet and at least six or seven people inc children ,adults and elderly had fallen over daily. Otherwise the pool area was great fun and kept clean. The entertainment for both during the day and the night is mainly aimed at children. But there is some entertainment for adults including bingo and competitions e.g. darts and pool. The entertainment staff were fantastic with the children and the children love them. There Where no problems with the food being all-inclusive there was usually plenty to choose from including fresh fish and meet like pork and beef that could be cooked/carved for you. However they run the menu on a seven day cycle so if you are there for two weeks the second week you will be eating the same as the first week. Overall my rating for this hotel would be 9/10 mainly due to the entertainment team. We all enjoyed our holiday and made some great friends several of whom decided to stay and pay for another week there ! For me it was the first time paying for all inclusive we managed to get this hotel inc flights for £300 pp and we hardly spent any money. It's definitely worth paying for all inc. out and about the shopping area is very small it's worth grabbing a taxi to the nearby Indoor shopping center where you will also find a much better beach then the one that's down the road from the hotel."
Holiday details
- Travel date: 15th January 2013
"Hotel superb the thompson team where brilliant, and the food was great. We had 7 days there and came home sat 24th nov 2012, we loved every minute of it. but get a taxi from airport only 10 euro tops. Many people make the mistake of booking thomas cook coach who charge 21 pound each."
Holiday details
- Travel date: 26th November 2012
the broncemar is brilliant!!!!!
"we had a amazing holiday at broncemar beach hotel.we arrived back on the 18.11.12.it was brilliant the food was not that bad so was lunch and dinner the entertainers were the best ever(Kim Jo Stevie and Adam).my daughter loved it she liked all the kids fun time and the game of giant jenga and to mention the biggest splash was fun to do.on the 6th day of our holiday i found a colossal cockroach in my suitcase so that is 1 thing i don't like and these little things that looked like ants but were termites the beach was close by and lots of mini marts and a hipper Dino around.the room was like lux we got the back rooms witch was room 140 and was very close to the pool though i recommend this to any one who wants a holiday and the broncemar is to my NOT 3 STAR IT IS 10 STARS EVEN THOUGH 10 STARS IS OVER THE LIMIT.any one who likes a nice holidat try this one out it is very carm no like drunk ppl around so at least go to broncemar 1 or 2 times.thanks for reading....... "
Holiday details
- Travel date: 19th November 2012
"{03/10/12}Would highly recommend this holiday, fantastic place, lovely apartments, the entertainment was outstanding , the weather was georgeous. we have never been to a place where everyone is so friendly would definatly go bk.we cant comment on food as we didnt go all inclusive "
Holiday details
- Travel date: 22nd October 2012
"Its hard to pin point anything positive to say about this place. I would best describe it as a Cockroach infested zoo. We arrive in our room to be greeted by a dozen coackroaches and 3-4 every day after that for 11 days. I have never been to a pool where your feet stick to the floor as it was filthy and every morning having to get up at 6.30 to ensure you got a sunbed as there was a distinct lack and to be greeted with rubbish everywhere that looked like the outside of a football ground on match day. Not a quiet relaxing holiday as screaming kids everywhere until all hours plus the locals seem to squat in rooms on a weekend and party all night. No Air conditioning but you could rent a fan for â¬15 a week and slot TV at â¬1 per hour The food was average to poor, but great if you liked Cheese & Ham sandwiches all day. We would never go again and could not wait to leave. "
Holiday details
- Travel date: 10th September 2012
A great family hotel
"This hotel is just perfect if you are taking children between 2 and 12, the entertainment staff (Kim & Steve are amazing) work tirelessly every day (except Sat) from 10.30am till 10.30pm to keep the children (and the adults) entertained. All the usual pool games, darts, ping pong etc but they don't force it onto you, so you can join in if you want to or not. Bingo in the afternoons for the adults and then again in the evening too, prizes reaching 200/300 euros each day. Plus lots of quizes, fun games and shows, plus the kids disco and some fun kids games too (more tea vicar!) The rooms are spacious and clean, first floor apartments only accomodate 3, so if there are 4 travelling you will be on the ground floor, these apartments are fine and although there is no balcony, the patios are nice too. The food was more than adequate and there was always plenty of choice & nice and hot too, my only critism was there were very few desserts (come on Broncemar put on some nice puds). The A/I drinks available till 11pm and then you can buy them in the irish bar within the complex (great Karaoke). The beach is ok (ish) and is about 5 minutes walk away and there are some lovely shops & bars in the area. If you go Self Catering, then Fado rock & the Trafalgar are good value. Altogether a great complex for all the family, but please remember this is a 3 star plus and not a 4 or 5 star. I think it is a safe bet for a value family holiday."
Holiday details
- Travel date: 2nd July 2012
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Hotels near Broncemar Beach
- Barcelo Castillo... Distance: 958 meters
- Bungalows Castil... Distance: 401 meters
- Barcelo Fuerteve... Distance: 365 meters
Top traveller tips for Broncemar Beach
"Plenty of suncream - get up early if you want a sunbed by the pool"
"We upgraded to all inclusive - it was worth every penny"
"could be a great family hotel if they upgraded everything and the manager had training!"
"upstairs room, omlette sration at beakfast, take pool shoes as can get slippy, fleece or jacket for evenings as chilly, spanish baileys is l..."
"give the nightime entertainment bar a makeover and a complete refurb"
"Take a taxi to nearby indoor shopping centre much bigger and generally cheaper then the shopping area near hotel also the beach is much bett..."
"you must join in all the fun around broncemar"
"if you dont like cockroaches dont go abroad"
"Rooms around the pool can get a little noise, 257 to 267 are close to rest/pools but without the noise."
"Go with an open mind. Talk to reception if you have any problems."
"Irish bar and go swim with the sealions at the harbour."
"there are very nice places to eat :) "
"Very central location for all amenities"
"brilliant staff, brilliant location clean and welcoming"
"Everybodies account is a difference experience!"
"Costa Caletta is low key but friendly, good place for families"
"I wouldn't return. I was truly awful ~ It was like Jeremy Kyle show meets ramshackled hellhole!!"
"Nicer hotels to stay at"
"Don't stay at Broncemar Beach other than that Fuerteventura is very nice"
"great value for money "
Broncemar Beach is also called
- broncemar
- broncemar beach caleta de fuste
- broncemar beach fuerteventura


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Your favorite explosive goat simulator is back for another round of dynamite fun. This time he enters a crowded
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Push some things together - plant the dynamite - and Boom goes the dynamite. (Classic youtube video). Cars, People, boxes, crates, pipelines, houses, grills, mailboxes, trash cans and- Gas Station!! Plenty of fun.
Step into the farm level - only available for those cool enough to get the Pro version.
Enjoy all the fun effects - get shocked by the light poles, see it rain fire when you knock over a fire hydrant. Plenty more fun surprises are in store for you.
Goat Gone Wild Simulator 2 is just the game you have been looking for. If you think we can do better, please let us know. We tried our best to make it super fun and optimized for most devices. If you have an older device, you are going to have some slowness. Sorry, we tried hard to make it fun for the majority of player. Just a 3D goat living in a 3D world.


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Lobster and peaches have little to say to each other, according to Jane Grigson, an English writer who has done considerable research about fruit and its affinities in her new cookbook.
Mrs. Grigson has found through experience that imaginative and unusual combinations of food need to make sense, to be reasonably practical, and most of all, to have good taste.
''I really hate trendy foods,'' she said, ''and peaches and lobsters don't go together well, even though they are both nice foods.''
But the recipes in her newest cookbook have something to say to each other and will speak well to many palates.
''Jane Grigson's Fruit Book,'' a companion to ''Jane Grigson's Vegetable Book'' (Atheneum, $19.95), is illustrated by Yvonne Skargon and has a glossary in the American edition by Judith Hill.
''I like fruit because there's something happy about it,'' Mrs. Grigson said in an interview in her New York publisher's office. This was her first visit to the United States but her seventh cookbook. She has written books on mushrooms, fish, charcuterie, English food, and other subjects.
''People joke more about fruit than any other kind of food,'' she said. ''Every country has its slightly ridiculous fruit, it seems - and it's such a handy food - you can eat it out of hand, sometimes just pick it off the tree or bush.
''It's available to everyone, whether it's wild fruit or berries or grown in the backyard. For many years it has been the hobby of elegant gardeners. It seems always to belong to a more graceful part of life,'' she said.
Writing cookbooks has not always been a way of life for Mrs. Grigson, who says her husband, Geoffrey, a poet, author, and anthologist, is the writer in the family.
''Geoffrey is not only a poet,'' she said. ''He dabbles in lots of things. He got me interested in hunting wild mushrooms.''
Jane Grigson was born and brought up in northeast England; she got a degree in English at Cambridge University and then worked in art galleries, in publishing, and as a translator.
When her work took her to France for three months each year she started to think seriously about food. ''But I came by food writing quite by accident,'' she said.
The first cookbook came from an idea she gave to a publisher that someone should explain all the interesting things found in the French charcuterie shops. It turned out to be her own first cookbook, ''The Art of Charcuterie.''
The Grigsons live in a 17th-century farmhouse in Wiltshire, in southern England, where they enjoy gardening and grow quince, pear, and medlar trees, and she does a lot of food testing.
They spend four months each year in northern France, in Troo, in a home of theirs that is in a cave - with an incredible view.
''Geoffrey wrote a book about painted caves and shortly after we received a letter about this cave with the view that could be bought for a small sum,'' she said. ''It was a long time ago.''
The cave has an added-on front ''house,'' and the original limestone dwelling is the master bedroom and cellar. Until a few years ago there was no electricity and the kitchen had a camp gas burner for a stove.
In New York on her first visit, Mrs. Grigson was introduced to the press by James Beard, the food writer, who gave a luncheon for her at his Greenwich Village town house.
Food writers of magazines, newspapers, and other media mingled up and down stairs from the glass-enclosed conservatory balcony to rooms lined with books, mostly on cooking; to rooms with food objects such as a handsome collection of faience and amusing pigs of all sizes; to the first floor kitchen, scene of the famous James Beard cooking classes.
Food served at Mr. Beard's buffet included fruit in every dish. There was prosciutto curled around melon, apple, and pear; shrimps with pink grapefruit; a chicken salad with fresh grapes; and wonderful tiny fruit tarts with just three fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries in each.
Jane Grigson's cookbooks are a pleasure to read. There are well-chosen history and lore about each fruit, an occasional quotation from literature and poetry, some excellent recipes, and most of all a happy style of writing that is natural and often amusing.
In the fruit book she says she is intrigued by such things as where kiwi fruit comes from.
''We know New Zealand got the seeds from China,'' she said, ''but I can't find any reference to it in Chinese food history.
''I have never seen it in books about Chinese painting, or sliding round the edge of a decorated porcelain bowl.''
She tells of her search for the magnificent Montreuil peaches favored by Louis IV and Edward VII when he was in Paris.
And she reminds us that because we are so accustomed to the Golden Delicious apple, which never changes, it comes as a surprise that peaches from the same suppliers vary from year to year, since even from every tree the taste can range from tasteless to superb.
Sections in the new fruit book vary, with lists of the great cooking fruits, favorites when it comes to jams, pastries, drinks, and so on. Dried fruit is another matter, and makes another section of recipes.
There are the fruits that have been much liked for hundreds of years and new tropical fruits just now being added to our repertoire. ''How many people would have known what to do with a mango five years ago?'' she asks.
This author admits that raspberries and strawberries are rarely improved by cooking or complication, nor is the peach.
The new book includes recipes for 46 fruits from apples to watermelon, including all the familiar favorites such as oranges and bananas, and some less common varieties like carambala, lychee, passion fruit, medlar, and sapodilla.
There are chapters on mixed fruit recipes, pastry, preserves, breads, and fruit creams and sugars.
There is a Cauliflower Salad With Grapes and Walnuts and Baked Papaya With Ginger, Turbot With Orange, Quail With Slices of Quince, and Braised Veal With Grapefruit.
There are dozens of recipes for delicious desserts, including fruit tarts, pies, crumbles, and ice creams. All ingredients are given with the metric measurement first, followed by the American measurements in parentheses. British spoons are slightly larger than American ones, but with very small quantities the difference does not much matter. Here is one recipe from her book. Pineapple Upside-Down Pudding (Cake)
A splendid pudding when made with fresh pineapple, which lifts it right out of the second class. Resist the temptation to stick glace cherries into the holes of the pineapple slices; lightly toasted hazelnuts rubbed free of skin are more harmonious. I agree that you need something to bring the final appearance up to the taste.
For 6 to 8 people, I use an oval gratin dish of 2-liter (4 pints/10 cups) capacity, measuring 35 by 25 cm (14 by 10 inches). It takes a large pineapple, peeled and not too thickly cut, to cover it. Remove the central core from the slices and halve all except three slices to go in the center. Toast 60 g (2 ounces/1/2 cup) hazelnuts in the oven that you have switched on to heat up for the pudding. Rub off their skins.
Into the base of the gratin dish pour 60 g (2 ounces/1/4 cup) each of butter and sugar that you have melted together. Brush the mixture up the sides, then let it fall back. Put the pineapple slices on the base, with hazelnuts in the holes and gaps. Now mix with an electric beater or processor the following ingredients: 250 g (8 ounces/1 cup) soft butter 4 large eggs 250 g (8 ounces/1 cup) sugar 200 g (6 ounces/11/2 cups) self-raising flour 2 level teaspoons baking powder 50 g (2 ounces/1/2 cup) ground hazelnuts, or hazelnuts and almonds mixed Liquid left from cutting up pineapple
When smooth, spread over the pineapple evenly. Bake at gas 4, 180 degrees C. (350 degrees F.) for about 50 minutes, or until cooked - if you use a deeper dish than mine, it will take longer. The top should be a beautiful golden-brown. Run a knife blade round the edge of the pudding and turn it out on to a hot dish. If any nuts have moved out of place, put them back where you can and don't worry about the rest. Absolute precision is not always appetizing. Serve hot, warm, or cold.


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The $1500 Discount On These Huge 75″ & 82" 2018 Samsung QLED 4K TVs Is Superb
Stephan Jukic – November 21, 2018
Two ultra-premium fully HDR-capable name brand 4K TVs with gargantuan 75 inch and 82 inch screen, each for $1500 off? That's what Amazon is offering right now for Samsung's ultra-premium 2018 QLED Q6FN HDR ultra HD TV and these are two of the best deals we've seen so far before Black Friday itself.
The Samsung Q6FN is one of the brand's four QLED TVs released in 2018, making it one of the company's ultra-premium models, and this TV has a whole pile of high caliber features and technologies built into it for extremely high-level picture performance for nearly any kind of content or games.
We reviewed the Q6F in recent months and while this model isn't without its minor defects compared to its even pricier cousins the Q8FN and flagship Q9FN QLED TVs, it blows any average 4K TV out of the water in terms of overall performance. Speaking of particular qualities, the Q6FN delivers some of the best and most vibrant color for both HDR and ordinary SDR content that you'll find on the market today in its (regular retail) price range. Beyond this, the Q6 is fantastically capable of high screen brightness and superb contrast ratios/black levels, all three of which are extremely important for high quality picture performance.
Also Read: Our detailed review of the Samsung Q6FN 4K HDR QLED TV
Additional top-shelf aspects of the Q6FN include an incredibly effective level of connectivity for both PC connections and console gaming via HDMI. In these, this TV comes with extremely low input lag almost across the board and support for multiple color, resolution, frame rate and HDR formatting options in both console and PC games.
Some further features of the Q6FN include the following:
- Q Contrast: Experience dramatic depth from the darkest to brightest scenes.
- Q HDR: See colors in movies and shows pop, just as the director intended, in stunning high dynamic range.
- Q Style: A thoughtful design with a clean cable solution allows you to focus on a TV without the clutter.
- Ambient Mode: With our new Ambient Mode, you can elevate your living room with decorative content, useful information, your own photos, and even some background music. You won't notice the TV on the wall as it blends perfectly with your décor.
- Smart TV with Bixby Voice: A revolutionary way to help find streaming and live TV shows with a universal guide, OneRemote and voice assistance.
In very basic terms, we really liked Smasung's QLED Q6FN TV even at its regular retail price and right now at $1500 off for the immense 75 inch and 82 inch models, we sincerely respect the deal value this represents. The quality and quantity for your dollars on this discount offer is very high.
Here's the Amazon offer for the 75 inch and 82 inch QLED Q6FN 4K HDR TVs, and bear in mind that stocks possibly might not last through to Black Friday at this price tag.
75″ Samsung QLED QN75Q6 4K HDR TV: $1,997.99
82″ Samsung QLED QN82Q6 4K HDR TV: $2,997.99
Check the Samsung Q6FN QLED 4K HDR LCD TV (2018 Model) on Amazon
4.7 – 4 Reviews


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Your secret is safe with us! Our Secret Kiss No Show's have the ideal silhouette for those wanting an invisible option with just the right amount of edge. Silicone on the back heel ensures your socks will stay slip-free from desk to date.
Care Instructions:
Hand wash recommended. Machine wash in cold water. Lay flat to dry.


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If you know any farmers, you know that earning a living is very difficult. Much money is spent – on equipment of all sorts, high labor costs and a myriad of other things – and the markets are volatile at best. Farmers who raise livestock – be it cattle, chickens or hogs – know that the demand from consumers for humanely raised animals is growing.
Change, however, costs money, something that's usually in short supply for the American farmer.
But there's hope out there and resources that farmers can reach out for to help them transition to a third-party certification of humanely raised farm animals.
There are of course the usual options – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants, bank loans, personal savings, crowdfunding, and even CSA-type investments from customers. And some foundations focus on animal welfare and offer grants.
Here are a few other good options.
- The Chicago nonprofit Fund-a-Farmer program at Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT). It offers grants of up to $2,500 for such things as mobile chicken houses, portable electric livestock fencing, frost-free irrigation systems, and shade protection for pastured animals. To date it has awarded 67 grants totaling $138,000 to 63 farms in 26 states.
- Another interesting option is to acquire livestock guardian dogs. They keep predators away from pastured livestock. Grants have helped farmers safely pasture their animals, leading to certifications such as grass-fed, a much prized consumer product.
There are other options farmers can take advantage of. The point is that as American consumers demand better treatment for farm animals, farmers – many of whom really do care about how their animals are treated – will have to come up with funds to make these important changes.
As you may have read here in the past (and will again in the future I'm sure) new solutions create new problems. But problems do have solutions and, in this case, it's both about expanding the options farmers have and educating consumers in tandem. Perhaps those giant retailers who are building their sustainability brand and image could offer more and/or larger grants for farmers or their suppliers. That would allow the suppliers to make the necessary changes more quickly and painlessly. A real case of everybody wins.
Filed under: Farm Animal Welfare | Tagged: animal welfare, certified humane, crowdfunding, CSA, farmers, Food Animal Concerns Trust, USDA |


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Town council warns of road closures and utility works
PUBLISHED: 12:30 11 December 2018 | UPDATED: 12:30 11 December 2018
A north Norfolk town council have announced road closures due to utility works taking place this week.
Cromer town council have warned residents to leave extra time for journeys on routes in and out of the town.
The utility works began on Monday, December 10, and end on Sunday, December 16.
The council said: "Cross Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic between Monday, December 10 to Thursday, December 13, to enable BT works.
"On Hall Road, by the junction with Metton Road, manual traffic control will be in place over the weekend of the 15th/16th to enable UK power networks works.
"Work will commence or continue on Roughton Road and The Warren."
Drivers are advised to leave extra time for journeys on the A149 Runton Road until Friday, December 14, and on the A148 Holt Road and B1436 from Wednesday, December 12, and Friday, December 14, due to works beyond the Felbrigg roundabout.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the North Norfolk News. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Kombat Group Thailand, based in Pattaya, Thailand, offers training in Muay Thai, Western Boxing, Krav Maga, Mixed Martial Arts, and Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Christian Daghio made his debut as a professional fighter in 1993 and by the year 2000, he became a pro Muay Thai European champion and became a pro Muay Thai world champion the next year. By 2002, Christian became the first Italian to fight and won at the famous Lumpini And in Bangkok. In the next year, he became a Muay Thai Boxing Champion at the Thepprasit And in Pattaya and also became the first Italian to fight at the King's Cup of Thailand in Bangkok. Currently a professional athlete in Thailand, he is the founder of Pattaya Kombat Group. He will be present in every training session.
Yai is a trainer for professional fighters and in advanced Western Boxing. His record includes 180 fights. He won the title of Champion of Chonburi Province.
Poo is a trainer for professional boxers and striking teacher for MMA. His record includes 250 fights, of which he won 237. He won two titles: Champion of South Thailand and Champion of Rayong Province.
Yut's specialty is training for beginners. He has a record of 180 matches with 150 won. He has gained the following titles: Champion channel 7; n.1 channel 3; and Champion of Chonburi province.
Wao trains in bag work, is a striking trainer for Krav Maga, and a sparring partner. He currently fights in Thailand and in Max Muay Thai Circuit. His record includes 210 fights (150 won, 50 lost, and 10 draw).
Tee is a trainer for professional boxers, a clinch partner for MMA fighters, and a sparring partner. He currently fights in Thailand and in Max Muay Thai Circuit. His record includes 150 fights (110 won and 40 lost).
Joe is currently fighting in Western Boxing. His records in the amateur league is 44 fights, of which he won 30 and lost only 14. In the professional circuit, he has had 12 fights, winning half, and losing 3.
Uchechukwu Njoku
from United States, August 2017
"An Amazing Vacation Training in Muy Thai & BJJ"
I loved everything so much that I extended my stay from 7 to 10 days. The staff and facilities are amazing. The attention to detail was great and I learned so much during my time. Plus Thailand is an amazing country.


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Thank you Sriramana Muliya for sending me this book. It is presently hiding in my fridge, from where I am hoping it cannot scare me anymore (yes, it was Joey Tribbiani's idea to hide it there, but I am sure it works).
Frankly Spooking is a collection of thirty short stories. The flies on the front cover were enough to spook me out as they looked like they may fly out of the book and haunt me in my sleep!
Genre: Paranormal, gore, horror, suspense etc.
Description: While not all stories are truly scary (some like "Soul Stirring" are quite touching, in fact) most are the kind you do not want to read before sleeping. The author deals well with the paranormal kind, but less so with gore. The first story truly spooked me (won't spoil it for you, so I won't tell you why) but some stories, like "The Cable" would have been more scary if the author had described the scenario from the victim's point of view, rather than explaining what was happening to him (show – don't tell), as the author has done quite well in "Inked". I found "Mannequins on the Move" and "The Real Thief" to be similar (a vague resemblance).
My favorite out of this collection is "The Team Player". It was twisted in the most dark and brilliant way. However, (and I would say this about almost all the stories), the title could have been different. In fact, the book's title itself, led me to believe at first it's more of a comical take on the supernatural. A more serious title next time, Sriramana? (Yes, when there's a next time, I would pick that book up too!)
Characters: Well, as this is a collection of short stories, there really isn't much I can say about the different characters in the stories. A little more description of their behaviors and appearances would have helped though.
Language/Grammar: Some Indianism (off the top of my head – "cousin sister"). Otherwise, the book is simple and easy to follow. The layout and simple language would encourage more people to take up reading as a hobby again (hopefully!)
The stories could have been a bit longer. For example, the last story Blogosphere was really well written, especially because it is not too condensed or scrunched up. Short stories are tricky, but expanding them by a few paragraphs would have helped the buildup leading to the sudden and unexpected climaxes of the stories.
When I read Blogosphere, I was half hoping the author would add a more autobiographical touch to it, to spook his readers out even more! I was not entirely sure if that is what he had tried, but if yes, a bit of polishing would have convinced the reader and made him question if it is indeed true or not! (For example, consider what John Porter has done in Solitude's Fine. It truly made me question how much of it was actually fiction)
Waiting for Sriramana Muliya's next!
Overall Rating: 4/5
The book is available on Flipkart and Amazon
Do buy it; you will not regret it!
Note: This book was sent to me by the author, but a review was not requested. I am reviewing it here as I review most of the other books that I read. This review is not influenced by the author or anyone else in any manner.


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Fall Report: TexasFall Report
AUSTIN, Texas — Restoring order in immediate fashion can be a daunting task at a place like Texas, but coach David Pierce and his staff were up to the challenge last season.
The Longhorns entered the season with a little uncertainty, but there was a constant – the pitching staff was in terrific shape. The 'Horns rode those arms to success much of the season, finishing the year with a 39-24 overall record, while also being in the mix for a regional host entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Most importantly, the Longhorns set the foundation for the new staff with a trip to the NCAA postseason and the Long Beach Regional title game. UT was in the driver's seat in the regional before host Long Beach stormed back to win the final two games of the tournament to advance to the super regional round.
Yes, the Longhorns were disappointed to not make an even bigger splash in the first year of a new era. But it was a stepping stone for a program that either struggled to make the postseason or not made it at all the past few seasons.
There were some familiar and fresh faces around UFCU Disch-Falk Field this fall. Morgan Cooper, Kyle Johnston and Nick Kennedy, three big-time arms on last year's club, had moved on to the professional ranks, while offensively, Kacy Clemens and others also had moved on to the pro ranks.
UT's weekend rotation is in good standing after fall workouts. Nolan Kingham and Blair Henley will undoubtedly give Pierce's club a stellar one-two punch, while the biggest story line of the fall might be the potential move of hard-throwing Chase Shugart to the rotation. Shugart has an electric arm with a fastball in the mid-90s. And while he came out of the bullpen the last two seasons, the Longhorns are thinking hard about moving him into the rotation. The plus to that is having another big-time arm in the rotation, while the potential negative is a more uncertain situation at the back-end of games.
The offense hopes to come together, too. Kody Clemens had a strong fall and showed more pop, while the Longhorns are hopeful that guys like Ryan Reynolds and some impact newcomers will make big waves.
"You're always trying to get better, and I think if you look at our lineup, there's some versatility and athleticism," Texas coach David Pierce said. "We have a chance to average 6.7-6.8 runners in our lineup, and even a guy like Michael McCann can run as a catcher. We'll be really fast in the outfield, too, but we just need to calm down when we get around the ball and such."
What's the inside scoop on the Longhorns after fall workouts? Let's dive in …
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CD11 Flashpoint: Pence Comes to New Jersey
Jay Webber is a clever guy – maybe.
Webber, the Republican candidate for Congress in the 11th District, scheduled a fundraiser Friday with Vice President Mike Pence. This was a pricey affair. Tickets began at $1,000 but rose to $25,000 a couple if you wanted to take part in a "roundtable" with Pence.
The Webber campaign last week gave a perfunctory statement saying how delighted it was to have the VP stumping for the candidate. But other than that, the campaign was pretty secretive.
The location for the luncheon fundraiser was not publicly released, although sources said it would take place at the Baltusrol Golf Club in Union County.
But wait – Friday came and there was no fundraiser at Baltusrol.
Reached by phone, a golf club official said he had no information about a Webber fundraiser.
A group of would-be protesters said they were told by a golf course security guard that the event had been moved to Bedminster.
This group of protesters adopts the red robes and hoods of characters in a "Handmaid's Tale," a television show set in an authoritative society where women must wear red cloaks and exist essentially just to bear children.
The activists said the show in exaggerated form, of course, symbolizes the anti-women philosophy of the Trump Administration. The group planned to march in protest in front of the golf club, but the relocation stopped those plans.
Sort of.
Some members of the group gamely traveled west to Bedminster and set up shop at the intersection of Route 206 and Lamington Road, about two miles or so up the road from the presumed site of the Webber fundraiser – Trump National Golf Course.
They held signs criticizing Pence's anti-gay rhetoric and linked him with Webber, whose votes in the state Assembly often have opposed interests of the LGBT community.
But ah, there was a problem.
The fundraiser turned out to be not in Bedminster either.
What was going on?
The Webber campaign, not surprisingly, did not respond to questions about the event.
As it turned out, the fundraiser took place at a private home in Morris Township, which, at least, unlike the other presumed locales is in the 11th District. Attendees parked their cars at the Washington Valley Chapel on Kahdena Road and were driven to the site of the event.
One man who attended said that the vice president praised Webber as a "man of faith." He said about 120 people were there, including Kellyanne Conway, a White House advisor and New Jersey native.
So what happened?
Just maybe, the clandestine identification of Baltusrol as the site was a ruse to confuse the public, or more specifically, protesters and the press.
That's where Webber looks clever.
Then again, the relocation may have been attributed to something more mundane.
Beyond the mystery of the moment, however, is the fact Webber needs money. Democrat Mikie Sherrill had almost $3 million in hand as of the June filing deadline; Webber had about $171,000.
If about 120 people attended, that means at least $120,000 for Webber's coffers. But that doesn't take into account how many people paid more for added perks, or on the other end of the spectrum, how many were comped.
The Webber campaign may have been coy about Friday's fundraiser, but it will need to be more forthcoming in its upcoming FEC reports about how much money was raised and from where it came.
Being clever has its limits.
Click here for the full Insider Index


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Lightopia Festival London at Chiswick House and Gardens
Step into a winter wonderland filled with handmade lanterns and light installations during Lightopia Festival London at Chiswick House and Gardens. Wander along magical trails, punctuated with acrobats, musicians and food and drink stalls, leading past a sound-interactive 18-metre (59ft) peacock, gigantic sparkling eggs and a field of 70,000 individual twinkling roses. Book Lightopia tickets now
Illuminated River boat tour with Thames Clippers
See some of London's most famous bridges along the river Thames lit up during an Illuminated River cruise with Thames Clippers. See the landmarks shining bright with colourful light installations and learn all about the Illuminated River artworks, while on a tour with a fascinating specialist speaker.
Illuminated River cruise with City Cruises
Shard Lights
Look up to one of the highest buildings in Europe and see The Shard's top 20 storeys lit up in a bright illuminated display, visible from across the city. The Shard Lights reflect designs created by local schoolchildren during a 30-minute visual spectacle.
Christmas at Kew
Winter Lights at Canary Wharf
Marvel at thousands of lights during the award-winning Winter Lights festival. As Canary Wharf glows in the wintry dark, you can discover more than 25 artworks and immersive installations from across the world, all dotted around the area.
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
Discover the magnificent 600-year-old gardens of Syon Park in a brand new light. Follow a trail of sparkling lights through the Enchanted Woodland, to be dazzled by laser shows, light displays and music, ending up at the historic Great Conservatory.
Enchanted Eltham Palace
Discover more fun things to do in London: search for the best London Christmas lights, see the city sparkle from a rooftop bar or be dazzled by Bonfire Night fireworks in London.


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Tivoli Audio Announces Portable Audio Line
The new Tivoli Go collection launches in June with the Andiamo portable Bluetooth speaker ($199), which will be joined by the Fonico ($129) Bluetooth-enabled wireless earbuds in September.
Shaped like a mini canister, the stylish Andiamo features an Italian leather carry strap and has a battery rated for up to 20 hours of play time. The speaker is made of aluminum and available finished in black or silver (shown).
A first for Tivoli, the Fonico earbuds are waterproof — they can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water — and deliver stereo sound wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2 for up to nine hours per charge. The buds feature automatic stereo pairing and are compatible with Skype as well as Android and iOS devices. A portable charging case is included.
The Model CD is a disc-shaped CD player featuring a touchscreen LED control panel and Tivoli's signature wood cabinet. The Wi-Fi-based device makes CD playback available wirelessly to other Art series speakers on the home network and has a stereo line out for connection to a receiver or stereo system. Pricing was not announced but the player will be offered in black (shown), white, or walnut when it becomes available in September.
Inspired by modern furniture design of the 1960s, the Wi-Fi-based Music System Home supports Bluetooth streaming and Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant platform and is equipped with an FM tuner, CD player, Ethernet jack, and line inputs and outputs. A four-channel amplifier powers two 3.5-inch full-range drivers and a pair of 0.75-inch tweeters. A version without Wi-Fi and Alexa, called Music System Digital, will also be available when the system ships in September. Both models will be available with walnut (shown), white, or black wood panels. Pricing was not announced.
For more information, visit tivoliaudio.com.


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NEW YORK, April 6 (Reuters) - U.S.-listed American depository receipts (ADRs) of Vodafone Group PLC, Europe's largest wireless carrier, could rise by 20 percent or more in the next year, according to an article in the April 7 edition of Barron's.
The company's ADRs look appealing at $36, down from a recent high of $42, as speculation cools that AT&T Inc will buy the company, the financial newspaper said. AT&T has expressed European ambitions, and may still seek to buy Vodafone, it added.
Vodafone sold its 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless to Verizon Communications Inc for $130 billion in a deal that closed in February.
While some American investors may be more comfortable owning Verizon or AT&T, Vodafone is a good play for those seeking European telecom exposure, Barron's said.
"Vodafone is a bet on an upturn in Europe, improving conditions in the European wireless market, and the rollout of next-generation 4G data services, which are more prevalent here," it said. (Reporting by John McCrank)


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Sunday, December 28, 2008
Winter Wassail and a tribute to the trees
As a tribute to the apple trees that fed them year round, the Anglo-Saxons made a drink of mulled cider that they would bring to wassail the trees in the orchard.
The drink was simmered apple cider, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, a slice of orange, a dash of ginger, and a finger full of honey. Since apples are the property of Bride, honey should be added from the mount of Bride (Venus) - having been tasted first, so the Goddess may trust the honey's source.
When the Wassail was ready it was custom to gather in the apple orchard and sing and toast with drink. Sing to the trees your thanks for all they give - asking nothing but good stewardship in return. Sacrifice some of the Wassail at the root of the trees with your blessing.
If you do not have apple trees, then choose what works for you. The winter is when nature takes her rest from all the work she does to provide us with sustenance the rest of the seasons. Any time around the solstice is a great time to appreciate her with this simple ritual.
Posted by Stop by for a Spell at 1:48 PM
Labels: apple magic, apple trees, Bride Goddess, Venus, wassail, winter solstice
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Year 2013
Make Chevrolet
Model Silverado 1500
Body Extended Cab
Num Doors 4
Trim LT
Mileage 75,570
Engine Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI VVT Flex Fuel
Fuel Type Flex Fuel
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Unidentified miscreants have tried to torch a book stall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.
The book stall did not face much damage as fire service personnel soon arrived at the scene and doused the flame Monday evening.
"They had set fire to a heap of paper behind the stall. We smelled petrol," said 'Prasenjeet', a salesman at the stall.
He informed that police has detected two men from CCTV footage and one of them had a beard.
Jalal Ahmed, a member of the fair's organising committee, said police were trying to identify the two men.
"They're investigating. They assured us that these two be caught," Jalal said.


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Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)
Preston Dyches, "Swirling Cloud at Titan's Pole is Cold and Toxic," (October 1, 2014)NASA's Cassini mission observations of __________ revealed the temperature and chemical composition of the south pole cloud of Saturn's largest moon, Titan.
(A) a comet impact.
(B) radio interference.
(C) reflected sunlight.
(D) auroral lights.
(E) lightning storms.
Correct answer: (C)
Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 5 students
(C) : 16 students
(D) : 6 students
(E) : 11 students


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Initial Loss for Flood Estimation and Forecastingby Ian Cordery, Res. Asst.; Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Imperial Coll. of Sci. & Technol., London, England,
Serial Information: Journal of the Hydraulics Division, 1970, Vol. 96, Issue 12, Pg. 2447-2466
Document Type: Journal Paper
Estimation of a flood from a design storm is made difficult by the need to estimate losses from the storm. The amount of initial loss is usually fixed in some arbitrary fashion. It is shown that potential initial loss may be estimated on any day from a simple antecedent precipitation index (API) model. The model provides an index of watershed wetness. The evapotranspiration of moisture from the watershed is represented by a variable API recession factor which is related to monthly evaporation, temperature or a sine curve which approximates the variation of monthly temperature. Initial loss is related to this API. Median initial loss which, it is suggested, is required for design may be estimated given daily rainfall data and the API—initial loss relationship. For eastern New South Wales, Australia, median initial loss is shown to be related to watershed area and mean annual rainfall. For ungaged watersheds sufficient information is available for an API—initial loss relationship to be estimated.
Subject Headings: Watersheds | Floods | Forecasting | Storms | Temperature effects | Hydraulic design | Arbitration | Precipitation | Australia | New South Wales
Services: Buy this book/Buy this article
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Bullying and Harassment creates an unhappy and unproductive workplace which can result in poor morale and poor performance. With 1 in 3 employees reporting they had been bullied at work and over 18 million working days every year lost due to bullying, it is a major issue that needs addressing. Our training programme can help.
For further information or to book one of our training sessions, please contact us.
It is important that employees understand the fundamentals of workplace bullying and harassment and are aware of the role they play in creating a bully free working environment. This interactive, training includes:
Increasing the understanding of bullying and harassment for those with managerial responsibility is vital and our interactive training will help. It also explores current legislation and how to implement the organisation's anti-bullying policy. This session will include:


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South Carolina's Buckle Up Seatbelt Campaign Begins in Time for Summer Road Trips
Summer is a busy season for drivers. Children are out of school, and many families go on vacation. That means that drivers and passengers alike should be aware of seatbelt safety.
South Carolina has officially launched the state's annual Buckle Up South Carolina seatbelt campaign. The program includes additional seatbelt safety enforcement, as well as education outreach.
The seatbelt program launched on Wednesday, May 14th, which law enforcement officials dub "100 Deadly Days of Summer" – the span from just before Memorial Day through the end of summer over Labor Day. This period sees the highest rate of traffic accidents across the country, which means that safety campaigns like Buckle Up are hugely important to prevent deadly disasters.
According to National Safety Council statistics, if seatbelts were used 90% of the time in every state, "1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 injuries prevented." However, as of 2009, seatbelt use across the country was 88% – up from 1998, when seatbelt use was only 69%. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta show that adults who live in rural areas are 10 percent less likely to wear seat belts (78 percent use) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87 percent use). The report notes that seatbelt use can reduce serious car crash injuries and deaths by 50%, and that airbags and seatbelts together provide the greatest amount of safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that seatbelt use is lowest among young drivers, who are also the highest risk-takers on the roads.
Car accident deaths are down in South Carolina over the last year, as well. From the beginning of this year through May 11th, 248 people died in car crashes on South Carolina highways, but that number is down slightly from the same time period last year, when 251 people died in accidents.
According to current South Carolina law, drivers, who are legal adults, are responsible for ensuring that passengers 17 years old or younger are wearing seatbelts. Legally, all passengers and drivers in South Carolina must wear seatbelts. Drivers can be fined up to $25 per violation, up to a total of $50 per traffic stop. However, no points will be assessed for the offense.
"While more people are buckling up during the day, far too many choose to disobey the law at night when the risk of getting into a fatal collision actually rises," said Leroy Smith, director of the state Department of Public Safety, during last year's Buck Up South Carolina campaign. "The simple act of buckling up could save hundreds of lives each year. We want to bring a focus on this deadly trend, especially going into summer when travel on our roads will increase."
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Seatbelt Safety
If you or a loved one have been pulled over due to a traffic violation, such as improper seatbelt safety, distracted driving, or DUI, you do not have to face the charges alone. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand the complexities of traffic safety regulations in South Carolina, and can help you fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. 803.252.4800.


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Shawn Mendes Gets Ambushed & Covered In Slime After Winning Best Male Artist Award At KCAs
Surprise! Shawn Mendes wasn't able to make it to the 2018 Kids' Choice Awards so the event came to him. He got slimed as he was named Favorite Male Artist.
Is this a first? Shawn Mendes, 19, wasn't able to make the 2018 Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles on March 24, so the show came to him! He was up for Favorite Male Artist, and host John Cena tossed the action to Nickelodeon star Jace Norman, who was on a movie studio lot and creeped up on Shawn's trailer with a couple of guys carrying massive buckets of green slime. Jace knocked on the door, pretending he was a production assistant, telling Shawn "We need you on set." He came out to get clobbered head to toe in the green stuff.
"You guys are amazing, thank you so much," Shawn said with a smile as he held on to his new orange trophy and wiped the slime out of his eyes. Shawn had such a killer 2017 with hits like "Nothing Holding Me Back," and he just dropped brand new 2018 music on March 23 ahead of the show with the R&B tinged single "Lost in Japan." It was his second song he dropped in two days time, releasing the rocker "In My Blood" the day prior. Both tracks are mind-blowing and fans are now so stoked for his second album to come.
Shawn was in good company in the slime department, as America's Got Talent hosts Heidi Klum and Mel B. were on swings over a pit of the green stuff when it suddenly erupted, covering their gorgeous glam sequined jumpsuits in the sticky goo. Mel in particular seemed totally shocked to get hit with it, but hey…it's the KCAs. Wearing your best outfit will pretty much guarantee it will end up ruined. Congrats to Shawn and all the other 2018 KCAs winners!
Shawn mendes i'm pretty sure Shrek told you to get out his swamp and you didn't smh😤 pic.twitter.com/CjZQzBPWOt
— shawn mendes (@MendesNotified) March 25, 2018
Click here to see all of the other stars who got slimed at the 2018 KCAs.


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Introduction: We offer both a public website design and custom Web software services. Creating an online Web presence is crucial, but so is having your products and services available to clients, vendors and your own staff. A software product or service designed with you and for your organization can enable you and your staff to focus your energy on critical business issues. Give us a ping and see how we can help you be more effective..
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The Town of Elon has a diverse business climate. With businesses that create works of art through calligraphy, hair salons that make you look fabulous, retail shops with clothing and accessories, restaurants that take your taste buds around the world, manufacturers, and an internationally known university, Elon is a great place for small and large businesses to make their home.
Check out the variety of businesses here and visit them today.


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Back in the final week of the 2007-08 season, the people in the NBA office who oversee playoff scheduling nearly had a collective coronary.
There were four teams within a game of each other vying for the top spot in the Western Conference. What should have been an exhilarating push over the final few games to determine a conference champion was instead turning into a potential nightmare.
Three of the teams were in the Southwest Division: Houston, New Orleans and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. If those three teams ended in a tie, the league's tiebreaker formula would kick in and give the division title to the Hornets. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was the fourth team, the Lakers.
If all four teams ended with the same record, which was entirely possible, then the Rockets would emerge as the tiebreaker winner. And there you had it: A team that could not win its division under one scenario emerged as the No. 1 seed in the conference under another scenario. The league did not want that to happen.
Luckily, the Lakers won out and secured the best record in the conference by a game over the Spurs and Hornets and by two games over the Rockets. But the matter moved the NBA to institute a minor wrinkle in the tiebreaking formula for the following season, 2008-09: If a division winner finished with the same record as a non-division winner, then the division winner would automatically receive the higher seed. Head-to-head results from the regular season would not matter.
"We added division winner as the first tiebreaker in an effort to provide a larger benefit to capturing a division title," explained league spokesman Tim Frank.
The board of governors approved the change, but there was no announcement from the league. The new wrinkle factored into the playoff seedings last season, when the Southwest Division-winning Spurs were awarded the third seed over the Blazers. The two teams had identical records and Portland had a 3-1 edge in the season series, but San Antonio got the nod by virtue of being a division champion. The rule has been thrust into the spotlight again this season as the Celtics and Hawks go into the final nine games with the same record (47-26).
Simply put, if Boston and Atlanta finish the season with identical records, the Celtics will receive the higher seed (most likely the No. 3) even though they lost all four regular-season games to the Hawks. That is because they will be champions of a division (the NBA's Hindenburg) while the Hawks will not, losing out to Orlando.
"I don't understand that at all," said ESPN analyst Jon Barry. "Why wouldn't head-to-head be No. 1? There's no fairer barometer than head-to-head. It doesn't seem right. I'm shocked. The Celtics are in a terrible division, which they're going to win. But realistically, what does a division title mean anyway?"
Here's what it means: a better seed, with possibly huge implications in the playoffs.
Should the Hawks and Celtics finish with the same record behind Cleveland (duh!) and Orlando (all but a lock), then the Celtics would get the third seed and Atlanta the fourth seed. Not only does that give Boston a (theoretically) easier opponent in the first round -- say Miami or Charlotte instead of Milwaukee -- it also takes the Celtics out of the Cavaliers' bracket until the conference finals. So should the Celtics and Hawks both prevail in their first-round series, the Hawks would then draw the Cavs in the second round. The Celtics would be in line to meet the Magic, assuming everything goes according to Hoyle.
Ever since the NBA went to six divisions in 2004, it has wrestled with possible injustices and inequities in the postseason. The league at first gave the top three seeds to the division champion, regardless of record. That blew up in 2006, when the Mavericks finished with the second-best record in the conference but were given a No. 4 seed, even though they won 16 games more than Denver, a division winner. Dallas thus had to play a 49-win Memphis team in the first round while Denver got the 47-win Clippers. Los Angeles, however, received home-court and dispatched the Nuggets in five games, the franchise's sole playoff win since it moved west from Buffalo in 1978.
Dallas and San Antonio then met in the second round, even though they were the two best teams in the conference over the regular season. (The Mavs prevailed in seven games.) To fix that, the NBA decided to seed the top four teams according to record, regardless of whether the team won its division.
There was peace and quiet on the playoff front after that change. In 2007, the Cavs finished behind Detroit in the Central Division, but, with 50 wins, had the second-best record in the East. Cleveland got the No. 2 seed. No one complained. There was the aforementioned scare in 2008, which resolved itself, but which also brought the new change to 2009. We are now seeing that change play a role in 2010.
Both teams have six possible playoff opponents in their remaining nine games. Atlanta has two games against the Cavs and a home game against the Lakers. The Celtics have two Western Conference teams this week (the Thunder and Rockets), as well as a home game with the Cavs and two games with Milwaukee.
It will all be moot if they don't finish with the same record. But if they do? You wonder how the Hawks are going to feel after what they did to the Celtics this season.
Longtime Celtics reporter Peter May is a frequent contributor to ESPNBoston.com.


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Moving past early stage and the challenge of scalability 35: reconsidering and rethinking the supply chain 4
This is my thirty fifth installment in a series on building a business for scalability and long-term success (see Startups and Early Stage Businesses, postings 96 and scattered following for Parts 1-34.)
I have written repeatedly in this blog about lean and agile supply chains, and about dynamic on-the-fly assembled supply chain systems that would be organized quickly to capture and develop short-term and newly emerging opportunity. In that regard, I cite postings such as:
• Reexamining Business School Fundamentals – strategy and strategic vision in the interconnected, interdependent marketplace,
• Fine Tuning and Adjusting a Business in the Face of Change 7: tapping into supply chain partnerships and collaborations and
• Moving Past Early Stage and the Challenge of Scalability 9: supply chain-ready business models from this series.
Then in the most recent installments to this series I have leavened that discussion with consideration of how:
• Shortsightedness and a failure to either appreciate a business' workers and their safety,
• And the potential for long-term risk that that approach can take,
• Can lead to disaster, abrogating any potential positive value for all partner businesses involved in those supply chain systems.
I began discussing the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Part 32 and continued that in Part 33 and Part 34. My goal for this posting is not to repeat or to further add to the details of that discussion of this event as touched upon in those three postings. I simply note that every business involved in the supply chain systems that sought profits from the Rana Plaza building and its sweatshop business practices will suffer damaged reputations and loss from this catastrophe, and of a type that will take time and effort and expense if nothing else, to repair. The marketplaces and the consumers who comprise them, that these businesses rely upon, will demand that and more.
I find myself thinking of several particularly pertinent books on globalization and its impact as I write this, including:
• Friedman, T.L. (2007 edition) The World Is Flat. Picador/Farrar, Straus and Giroux. New York, and
And I could just as easily add a series of books and articles by others that this work in particular has spawned, to the effect that the world is still and certainly as of this writing, not a flat and level playing field yet and for all nations and all peoples. The world is flattening, but it still has its disparities and even vast ones. And the fact that the average monthly wage for a full time garments factory worker can be as low as the local currency equivalent of $37 – as is the case in Bangladesh, proves that. The corner cutting, big brand name clothing manufacturers who entered into contractual agreements with the factory operations that resided in that building were leveraging these disparities to maximize their profits.
But that approach overlooks one of the defining drivers behind the flattening that Friedman writes of – the development of a basic and even automatically assumed real-time or at least very near real-time anywhere-to-anywhere, and anywhere-to-everywhere communications capability. When that factory building went down people saw that and the consequences of that on real individual people, and they saw this everywhere. The global market that would buy brand name clothing saw and heard the images and voices of injured survivors and saw the effort to recover crushed bodies of those who did not survive – and the faces of their families. They saw the poverty and they saw stark and undeniable signs of the local governmental corruption that made this event possible, and with time inevitable.
• The phenomenon that I write of here is well established from the advent of real-time, in your home and in your face news reports coming out of war zones, and how a public that sees war's carnage loses faith in the rhetoric that would support it.
• When cause and effect are immediately and forcefully visible, and even all but impossible to overlook, that fact drives change in public perception and in publically held goals and priorities.
• The cost of social irresponsibility and of social and socioeconomic injustice, and of being perceived as condoning and even benefiting from them has to be considered as a possible adverse outcome in any risk management or due diligence driven decision making process, when weighing the costs and benefits of entering into international supply chain systems. And this certainly holds when cutting corners by leveraging those not so globally flat disparities, is being considered as a possible route to increased profitability.
Buyers demand low-cost clothing. This puts tremendous pressures on manufacturers and on all of the businesses in their supply chain systems, to cut costs – and at any risk or potential price due. But those same communities of buyers have families and watch the news and go online and see the consequences as they develop – and they also see fairness as a necessary goal and even with its costs too.
• Is there an easy answer to this for the brand name garment manufacturers that see what has happened here and that look forward to its possible repercussions? No.
• They face a conflict of needs and pressures and of demands placed upon them that do not hold to any easy answers. Wages will have to go up, and working conditions will have to be made safer for workers in places like Dhaka, Bangladesh. And factory sites like the Rana Plaza will have to be closed down or upgraded and corrected so as to be safe places to work. And it is inevitable that the costs of that will carry through the supply chain process and end up increasing final end product production costs and costs to end-user consumers. And those consumers, while reacting strongly against what happened at the Rana Plaza will still demand low cost clothing. And as a mature, highly competitive industry, profit margins will remain slight and even razor thin anyway.
I stated at the end of Part 34 of this series that I would discuss "some of the issues and some of the basic parameters" that would have to be addressed in developing remediative and preventative approaches to resolving challenges like this, and I have. But in that I have only raised new issues and questions in doing so. There are, as stated above, no easy or quick fixes to any of this. I am going to end this series, again, here at this point at least for now. I will, however, come back to discuss issues I have raised here again in future postings.
Meanwhile, you can find this and related postings at Startups and Early Stage Businesses. You can also find related material at Business Strategy and Operations and at its continuation page: Business Strategy and Operations – 2.


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Spring's finally arrived in London and I'm finding it hard to accept, as in, not leaving the house without a floor length woollen coat in hand. Silly. But I was always more into layering anyway. Really into this classic black sweatshirt from Neige Tees, found it hard to choose between black and white but maybe this will stay black for longer than the white, white. Paired with my favourite leather from BLK DNM and my Nike Air Force 1's.
Photos by India