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East Timor: Reflections 41 years after invasion day

Counter Punch - December 21, 2016

Pamela Sexton, Dili, Timor-Leste – Recently, thousands of U.S. military veterans travelled to North Dakota to support the peaceful struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux to defend their sovereignty and protect their land and water. I watched the veterans bend down to ask forgiveness from the many indigenous tribes gathered there. They apologized as veterans from the same military that has carried out genocide against Native Americans since before the U.S. achieved independence. In this way, they acknowledged the past and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the bitter past doesn't repeat itself.

This December 7, I bent down in Timor-Leste to apologize for the crimes of my government against the East Timorese people. On that day in 1975, U.S.-armed and -trained Indonesian troops launched their illegal invasion. I feel a deep sadness and shame that my government has not yet formally and responsibly acknowledged its support for crimes committed here on that day and the 24-year Indonesian occupation which followed. An important first step would be for the U.S. to declassify and release all its records related to Indonesia and its invasion and occupation of Timor-Leste.

As a citizen of the United States, I have a responsibility to learn and respond to injustices done by my own government. While my government would prefer not to emphasize or even acknowledge this past, I can still access this information, and I can speak freely. I am obligated to act when I see injustice – to use nonviolent means to prevent, reduce or acknowledge my complicity in my government's actions.

In the U.S., most people know December 7 as Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the 1941 Japanese bombing of a U.S. Navy base in Hawaii. Japan's target was strictly military, and the pre-emptive strike was carried out because Japan believed that the U.S. was close to joining the war. In contrast, Indonesia's invasion of Timor-Leste was an attack on a civilian population who did not want war with Indonesia. Most people in the U.S. don't know about Timor-Leste, but the Indonesian invasion could not have happened without the military, economic and diplomatic backing of the U.S.

From December 6, 1975, until 1999, the U.S. supported Indonesia's invasion and occupation. For this, they are responsible for numerous serious crimes committed here.

Some basic facts:

  • December 6, 1975: President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger met with Suharto in Jakarta and gave a green light to the invasion.
  • December 7, 1975: Indonesia launched the invasion; 90% of the weapons used came from the U.S.
  • December 1975-1976: President Ford's Ambassador to the UN, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, wrote proudly that the U.S. wanted the UN to be "utterly ineffective in whatever measures it undertook [on Timor-Leste],...and I carried it forward with no inconsiderable success." From 1976 to 1983, the U.S. voted against every General Assembly resolution supporting Timor-Leste.
  • January 1976: A U.S. State Department official stated: "In terms of the bilateral relations between the U.S. and Indonesia, we are more or less condoning the incursion into East Timor.... The United States wants to keep its relations with Indonesia close and friendly. [It's] a nation we do a lot of business with."
  • 1977: President Jimmy Carter (known by many as 'the human rights president') increased military aid to Indonesia, including authorizing an additional $112 million worth of weapons. U.S. support for the occupation continued under the Reagan and Bush administrations of the 1980s.
  • December 10, 1991: A month after the notorious Santa Cruz massacre in Dili, capitol of Timor-Leste – witnessed by U.S. journalists Amy Goodman and Allan Nairn – U.S. officials met with Indonesian military leaders to reinforce their support, telling them: "We do not believe that friends should abandon friends in times of adversity."
  • 1992-1999: East Timor Action Network (ETAN) activists worked with members of Congress to restrict U.S. government support for the occupation, resulting in a decrease in military assistance, training and arms sales to Indonesia. Despite this, President Clinton authorized hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons sales and provided over US$500 million in economic aid.
  • Early September 1999: Despite the killings and massive destruction by the Indonesian military and their militia which preceded and followed Timor's vote for independence – the Clinton administration delayed ending military and economic support for Indonesia. U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Stapleton Roy, told a journalist: "The dilemma is that Indonesia matters and East Timor doesn't." Finally, on September 10, in the face of strong public and Congressional pressure, President Clinton suspended all U.S. economic aid and military ties to Indonesia.

The U.S. government has not yet responded to the basic recommendations presented in Chega!, the report of Timor's truth commission. The commission called on the U.S. and others to support an international tribunal to bring perpetrators of crimes committed during Indonesian illegal occupation to justice. The commission recommended reparations to the Timorese people from countries like the U.S. that backed Indonesia.

Fidel Castro is now dead, and Donald Trump will be the next U.S. president. People in Cuba have access to quality healthcare. In the U.S., 17% of the population are food insecure and at least a million people have no permanent home. While the health system doesn't yet cover everyone, many people's insurance is now threatened with elimination by Trump.

While Cuba has little money, they have sent doctors and provide medical education to develop the health sector in many countries, including Timor-Leste. The U.S., a far richer nation, gives relatively small amount in aid, largely focused on promoting private business and supporting militaries.

As a U.S. citizen, I acknowledge this and redouble my commitment and solidarity as an individual, as an activist, and as a member of ETAN, to struggle to ensure genuine accountability and justice for crimes committed in Timor-Leste. I will continue to push my government to make people and their basic needs the priority, as opposed to corporate profits and the rich. I will continue to demand that my government:

  • release all U.S. government documents relating to Timor-Leste from 1974-1999, including intelligence files and intercepted communications between different parts of the military and government.
  • create an independent commission with the power to investigate, analyze and report on U.S. involvement in Indonesia's invasion and occupation of Timor-Leste.
  • actively support the establishment of an international tribunal or other mechanism that can end impunity for those who committed crimes against humanity.
  • follow through on all the recommendations laid out in the Chega! report, including continuing to block visas to military officers who are mentioned in the report as possible perpetrators or command officers, and stopping weapon sales to Indonesia if human rights violations continue (as they do in West Papua).
  • apologize to the Timorese people for U.S. support for Indonesia and the crimes against humanity and war crimes carried out as part of the invasion and occupation.
  • begin discussions with Timorese people from various sectors about reparations from the U.S. government to the people of Timor-Leste.

A luta kontinua...

See also, Nevins, Joseph. A not-so-distant horror: mass violence in East Timor, Cornell University Press, 2005

[Pam Sexton currently lives and works in Timor-Leste. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the U.S-based East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN, www.etan.org).]

Source: http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/12/21/east-timor-reflections-41-years-after-invasion-day/


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Mahathir and Najib in Divorce Court

The honeymoon between Malaysia's new prime minister, Najib Tun Razak, and the irascible 84-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, who played a major role in driving Najib's predecessor from office, is over almost before it began.

Najib, gambling that the former premier's influence is waning within the ranks of the United Malays National Organisation, has broken decisively over a number of hot-button issues with Mahathir, who held office for 22 years before stepping down in 2003 in favor of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Many of them involve a cozier relationship with the Singapore government, with which Mahathir carried on a rocky relationship.

So far, Mahathir, although said to be privately furious with Najib, has held back from attacking him publicly.

"I believe this is for a number of reasons," says a lawyer with ties to the Mahathir faction. "Remember, we are after all in a recession -- and what good would it do to try to force him out in an all-out war? But Najib is pushing the envelope by making his own mistakes. I think the die is cast, but it's not full blown war yet."

Earning Mahathir's enmity could be dangerous. Badawi, who came into office as a reformer but stumbled, was attacked by Mahathir almost from the time he became prime minister, especially after cancelling a series of Mahathir's favorite projects. He was beset by a series of other problems, including a fading economy, perceptions of rising crime and a passive personality. He led his party to disastrous elections in 2008 in which the Barisan Nasional, or national ruling coalition, lost its two-thirds hold on the national parliament for the first time since independence.

Given Badawi's weakness, it is questionable how much influence Mahathir actually had in engineering his downfall. Mahathir in 2007 left the party he had headed when the government announced he would be investigated on allegations he had rigged judicial appointments. Blasting away from the sidelines, he didn't return until April, when Badawi finally stepped down.

Nor was he especially charitable to Najib. Although he returned to share the podium with Najib at the UMNO national conclave in April, those close to him say he regards Najib as a potentially weak leader because he didn't break with Badawi soon enough. He also is said to think Najib is tainted by a long series of scandals and, in the words of the source, is "yellow" because he lacked the nerve to take on the opposition in a by-election in the state of Penang that is set for May 31.

Najib, according to polls, actually took office with a lower approval rating than the ill-starred Badawi. Party insiders say he recognizes his weakness and feels he has to act fast to try to get the voters to forget his weaknesses. He has cracked down hard on protesters and the opposition at the same time he has instituted measures to try to revive the economy, which shrank at a disastrous 6.2 percent annual rate in the last quarter.

After appearing to embrace the idea of Mahathir's "crooked bridge" proposal to replace half of the narrow, congested causeway that links Singapore with the southern state of Johor, Najib has announced he would go along with a plan favored by the Singapore government for a third bridge. He has also publicly endorsed the massive Iskandar project directly across the causeway in Johor over the objections of Mahathir, who famously said Singaporeans would take over the project and drive Malays out to live in the forest.

Najib has also made a series of appointments to top positions in UMNO and the government over Mahathir's objections, including provisionally naming a former close Badawi associate, Omar Ong as a non-executive director of the state oil and gas company Petronas, which observers in Kuala Lumpur view as a prelude to making him the Petronas CEO when Hassan Merican is expected to retire in 2010. Ong is a member of a group called the "fourth-floor boys," top advisors to Badawi and Badawi's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, in particular a bête noir for Mahathir. To Mahathir's consternation, a number of the fourth-floor boys, perhaps Khairy himself, are gaining influence in Najib's government.

Despite Najib's early pledges to clean out the party and install reformers, as Mahathir has repeatedly demanded in his "Chedet" blog, Najib has also named several individuals to top UMNO party posts in the face of allegations that they were tainted by money politics. They include Mohd Ali Rustam, who was made a member of the UMNO Supreme Council after Ali Rustam had been suspended from competing for the job of party deputy vice president after being caught buying votes. Another is Rafidah Aziz, the long-time trade and industry minister who lost her job as head of the women's wing of the party because of allegations she had been steering contracts to members of her family.

In early April, Mahathir spoke out publicly against Najib's appointment of Mohamed Nazri Aziz as a cabinet minister and Johari Baharum as a deputy minister , whom he called "unsavory characters."

"It is quite obvious that he (Najib) does not depend upon me, for example, he appointed ministers, deputy ministers who I think don't deserve to be ministers, who are involved in corruption," he told reporters.

Most recently, on May 18 Najib announced he wouldn't lead the Barisan Nasional into contesting a by-election in the Penanti district of Penang State, where an opposition figure, Mohammad Fairu Khairuddin, quit as a state assemblyman after stepping down as Penang deputy chief minister in a spat with party leaders. Mahathir told Najib to find a candidate to go for the seat and reportedly said he would lead the campaign himself, although the opposition is extremely strong in the district and so far the Barisan has lost five out of six by-elections since disastrous national elections in March of 2008.

Najib appears to be gambling that the dyspeptic former leader's influence has waned to the point where he can't do the kind of damage to Najib that he did to Badawi. In an unsigned article that appeared last week in the Internet publication Malaysia Insider, the author said that "Pragmatism, and not bending to the will of former prime ministers, has emerged as the dominant principle behind decision-making in the early days of the Najib administration. (Najib) seeks to reconnect the Barisan Nasional government with the elusive non-Malay and younger vote bank."

Najib, the article said, fears leading the Barisan into defeat in the next general election, and that he has less than two years to win back some of the support that has evaporated to the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.

Accordingly, Najib has opened the financial services sector to multinational investors, removed affirmative action quotas for 27 sub-sectors in the services sector and taken on the emotion-laden issue of religious conversion, in which some parents who have converted to Islam have attempted to take their children with them into the new religion over the objections of their spouses. That is particularly galling to the UMNO old guard, who have never given up a single convert from Islam.

Najib faces serious challenges. In addition to the widespread perception of his own corruption in connection with billions of dollars in contracts let to UMNO cronies when he was defense minister, he has the continuing millstone of the economy around his neck. As late as two weeks ago, the stimulus package he put into place was expected to result in gross domestic product growth of plus or minus 1 percent. However, the economy slipped disastrously, by 6.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter and Najib said Thursday that it could contract by as much as 4 to 5 percent for the full year.

And, as Mahathir has pointed out, despite his promises to rid the party of the old-guard rent-seekers that got UMNO in trouble with the wider public prior to the 2008 election, he has brought them back in growing numbers.

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Love & Romance Articles

Is He or She Really Being Loyal?

Is He or She Really Being Loyal?

by Lily St. Thomas

If you have been questioning the loyalty of your partner and it has been on your mind for quite some time, it might be a good idea to ask yourself the following questions to distinguish whether they are in fact being loyal to you. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in suspicions and mind games, so it’s important to be mature and to give your partner the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

If it’s bothering you so much to the point of being physically sick or overly stressed, then you must talk to your partner about your concerns right away. Otherwise, consider these signs on how to know if your partner is being loyal to you.

You Know Their Friends

If you have met your significant other's closest friends, then they are being loyal to you. Most people that cheat will not allow their significant other be around their best friends that also know of the other girl or guy they have been fooling around with. It’s just too risky, as something might slip out. If he or she invites you along with their buddies or gal pals, they aren't hiding anything.

Being in the Right Place at the Right Time

If your partner is home when they say they will be and doesn't disappear without notice, then they are most likely being faithful to you. A loyal partner wants to be around you when they have time off work or school. If your partner lives with you they will always let you know where they will be if not with you. It is common courtesy to let your live-in partner know when you'll be home late. If they are coming home late more and more often, you might want to ask them why, as this can be the red flag of a cheater.

They Hand Over Their Technical Gadgets

If your partner is loyal to you they won't be afraid to show you their phone, laptop, tablet or any other technical gadgets that holds images, video or contacts. An honest person has nothing to hide and will wholeheartedly hand over their devices without worry or putting up a fight.

Investments Speak a Thousand Words

If your partner is prepared to invest in something with you such as a new home or furniture, they are most likely being loyal to you. A person that doesn't have you in mind for their future is not going to make any serious investments with you, as they will only lose out.

If Effort is Involved, So Are They

If your partner spends their every waking hour showing that they care for you, they probably won't have the energy or time to cheat on you. A person who is really in love and cares only for their partner will do just that, every day of every week. If your partner shows how much they care, both by physical and communicative expression, you don't have to worry.

Active Listening Offers Proof

If your partner listens to you and actively engages with you on a consistent basis, he or she is most likely loyal to you. Cheaters are self-absorbed and just plain selfish individuals that don't honestly want to hear about your day or problems at work. If your partner actively listens to you, they are being loyal to you.

If you doubt your partner’s intentions towards you, it is best to take the time to sit down and confront the issue directly. There is no reason why you should regularly doubt your partner, or feel insecure in your relationship. A strong committed relationship involves constant love, dedication, honesty and reassurance.

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Our vote for free speech | AspenTimes.com

Our vote for free speech

Our local television station, GrassRoots TV, this week faces a tough question of whether to air a video that’s offensive to many of its board members and viewers. The video takes a “critical view” of the Holocaust and goes so far as to suggest that Hitler’s Germany was under attack by an “international Zionist elite,” and not the other way around.

We urge GrassRoots to run the video, “Judea Declares War on Germany: A Critical Look at World War II” ” not because we agree with it but because Aspen shouldn’t be frightened of a dissenting viewpoint.

The GrassRoots board meets Thursday to discuss not only what to do about this video, but what to do with other questionable material. We hope the management and the board choose a path of openness rather than censorship; it’s in keeping with democracy and the spirit of public access television.

So, why air such dubious material?

First, the American doctrine of free speech urges us to err on the side of more speech, more viewpoints. Even when speech is offensive or wrongheaded, society is better off to allow it than to suppress it. As a newspaper, we believe this principle is both a right and an obligation.

Second, this video is simply not much of a threat. We’ve taken a look at “Judea Declares War on Germany,” produced in 2004, and we can say that it’s low-budget, abysmally boring and structurally flimsy. There’s a reason that most of us hadn’t heard of this three-year-old product before valley resident Steve Campbell asked GrassRoots to air it. Those who sit through its entire, ponderous length won’t be convinced of anything unless they’re already predisposed to deny the Holocaust.

This video won’t cause riots in Aspen, it won’t traumatize the children, and it won’t change adult minds. There’s no risk of a plague if we let this rat out of the cage.

As one member of this editorial board said, “Give them the rope and let them hang themselves.”

This video shows the Holocaust deniers for the crackpots that they are. If viewers wish to see it, then let them. Suppressing this stuff only gives it power.

Support Local Journalism

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Thursday, 24 Sep 2015

Who’s at fault

Who’s at fault

Under the current legal system, there is only one ground for divorce, namely that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.  This ground must be evidenced by one of five factors:

(a)that the respondent has committed adultery;

(b)that the respondent has acted in such a way that is deemed unreasonable;

(c)that the respondent has deserted the petitioner;

(d)that the parties have been separated for two years with both parties consent;

(e)that the parties have been separated for five years.

These five factors can be the cause to much distress between parties to a marriage. Desertion is seldom used and in any event, must have taken place for a minimum period of two years. Separation also results in a significant period of time elapsing before divorce is available. For parties that wish to divorce inside two years, only ‘a’ or ‘b’ are viable and therefore one party must blame the breakdown of the marriage on the other.

This is the cause of much debate within the UK family Courts. Baroness Hale of Richmond, the country’s most senior female judge, has been a vocal advocate for many years. She suggests that there should be an overhaul to the current legislation that would incorporate “no fault” divorce- this method is used in many other countries including Canada, Australia and Spain.

As the law stands, couples who do not want to apportion blame can wait two years but in the interim period, must make arrangements for dealing with children or financial matters. It is advised that any such arrangements be drafted into a Separation Agreement to allow the parties to have a binding agreement in place that can be the basis of the divorce following the two year period. If it is not possible to wait for two years then unfortunately there is no option but for an element of blame. This can cause difficulties, particularly whilst in the process of making arrangements for children or finances, blame can have a detrimental effect. Every effort should be made to ensure that blame does not impede attempts  at reaching settlements.
For further information contact the AWB Charlesworth Family law team on Skipton (01756) 793333 or Keighley (01535) 613678 or email
Andrew Foulds
Family Law Solicitor
Tel: 01756 692877

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Room facilities

Tastefully decorated

High quality linens and duvet

Complimentary bottled water

Outdoor setting

Air conditioned

Ceiling fan

En-Suite bathroom with hot water rain shower head

Flatscreen TV with cable/satellite

Telephone for local calls/international

Alarm clock

Electronic safe

Tea/coffee making facilitiesDesk and chair

Fast speed wireless internet

Iron/Ironing board

Wheel Chair Access

Ceiling Fans

Daily cleaning service

Room service

Non smoking

Some rooms include sofas

Stylish Modern Rooms at Awesome Hotel

Our rooms are furnished in a Classic Modern style with custom made furnishings and all white bedding with European style comforters. We feature 5 star quality imported orthopaedic mattresses for your sleeping comfort. A work desk, chair and Wi-Fi are Standard features in all rooms. Guest security is enhanced by digital room safes and Vingcard High Security door locking systems. Hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards are also available in each room.

Our rooms  cater to all: singles, couples and familes or groups.

Please click on CHECK RATES for more information including occupancy and availability. And don't forget to check out our special offers and packages deals!

Why book with us?

  • No credit card fees

  • No booking fees

  • Welcome drink

  • Breakfast included

  • Complimentary shuttle van dropoff and pickup anywhere in local area including San Juan and San Fernando

luxury best hotel accommodation luzon surf la union beach, best wedding venue function hire Philippines

+63 (72) 607 4648 | +63 (72) 607 5462

319 Eagle St Montemar Village,

Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union 2514 Philippines

Contact us for weddings, special events and conferences!

Reception: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Restaurant: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM

For restaurant reservations, call or text +63 (925) 724 6835

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© 2019 Awesome Hotel Inc.

All rights reserved.

Awesome Hotel Deluxe room with sofa

Awesome Hotel Deluxe room with sofa and work desk


WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: text/calendar

text: BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//AWLA - ECPv5.1.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:AWLA X-ORIGINAL-URL: X-WR-CALDESC:Events for AWLA BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200827T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200827T203000 DTSTAMP:20200807T050335 CREATED:20200710T202209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200710T202255Z SUMMARY:Drive-Up Rabies & Microchip Clinic DESCRIPTION:AWLA is excited to be hosting Drive-Up Rabies & Microchip Clinics! These clinics will be by reservation only. You must sign up in advance for a designated time. Sign-ups for each date will open a week before the clinic date. \n\nWe will not serve walk-ins at this clinic.\nAll humans need to wear a mask at all times\, and maintain at appropriate distances of at least 6 feet in all situations.\nIf you arrive after your designated time\, you will lose your spot.\nAll dogs must be on a leash\, and all cats in carriers\, even in your vehicle.\nIf your pet is reactive to humans or other animals\, please do not sign up for this clinic\, and seek advice from a veterinarian.\nThe clinic is outdoors in the AWLA parking lot. Arriving in your vehicle is preferred. If you arrive on foot you will still be assigned a parking space.\nRabies shots are $10\, microchips are $35\nNO CASH\, card payment only!\nAll paperwork (rabies certificates and microchip registration forms) will be done digitally\, you must have a working email address to register for this clinic and to complete necessary clinic paperwork. Please bring a device with which you can check your email to the clinic.\nIf you want a 3 year rabies shot\, you must bring proof of prior rabies shot (vet records or rabies certificates only\, or dog licenses only\, tags do not count).\n\nOnce you have signed up\, AWLA will contact you via email to complete necessary paperwork ahead of the clinic. Payment for services is due at the clinic. \nVirginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate\, not a tag) to get a three-year rabies shot. Without it\, your pet will receive a one-year shot. All dogs must be on leash and cats must be in carriers. \nGive your pet the protection of a 24PetWatch MiniChip. Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Microchipping offers the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you\, the owner. \n URL: END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR


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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

American consumers are quite familiar with many of the big-name foreign products — Toyota, Samsung, to name a couple — but brands from China are virtually invisible.

The big picture: Chinese companies doing business in the U.S. are doing their best to hide where they come from. If they're not actively masking their home country, they're certainly not leading with it.

Driving the news: The first publicly Chinese-owned company to make its way into the minds and hearts of American consumers is TikTok. And it’s dealing with headache after headache due to its China ties.

  • The viral social video-sharing app has been downloaded about 80 million times in the U.S., and its skyrocketing popularity has made it the target of a federal probe.
  • TikTok, which is based in the U.S., is desperately trying to distance itself from Bytedance, its Chinese owner. CEO Alex Zhu told the New York Times he'd go as far as to reject a user data request from Chinese President Xi Jinping himself.

Chinese brands have been trying to fly under the radar for years.

  • Take Volvo, one of the most prominent Chinese-owned brands to crack the U.S. market. Volvo is a Swedish subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely. But how many Americans who buy a Volvo think they're buying a Chinese car?
  • Other Chinese brands hiding in plain sight include TCL, the hardware giant that sells in the U.S. under the names of Alcatel and Blackberry, and Lenovo, notes Axios' Ina Fried.

Go deeper:

Go deeper

U.S. economy adds 1.8 million jobs in July

Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

The U.S. added 1.8 million jobs last month, while the unemployment rate fell to 10.2% from 11.1% in June, the Labor Department said on Friday.

Why it matters: The pace of job growth slowed significantly, suggesting a stalled recovery as coronavirus cases surged and states pulled back on reopening plans.

14 mins ago - Sports

The pandemic's impact on how sports are played

Damian Lillard shoots a free throw during one of the NBA's restart games. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Sports are back, and on the surface, the actual gameplay looks fairly similar to when we last saw them.

But beneath that facade of normalcy lie some interesting trends spurred on by fan-less environments, long layoffs and condensed schedules.

A soaring Nasdaq is just one slice of the buy-anything market

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The Nasdaq closed above 11,000 for the first time on Thursday, ending the session higher for the seventh time in a row and eighth session in nine. It has gained nearly 10% since July 1.

Why it matters: It's not just tech stocks that have rallied recently. Just about every asset class has jumped in the third quarter, including many that typically have negative or inverse correlations to each other.


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Brightening, smoothing SPF 15 eye cream conceals dark circles. Retexturize to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines as a chemical-free sunscreen helps to shield against further damage.

Total Eye Care with SPF 15

  • After cleansing in the morning, gently pat around the entire eye area, blending inward from the outer corner.

    quick tip

    Gentle formula is ideal for contact lens wearers.


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Ayrwaves loses a valued friend and colleague

Until the onset of illness, Jimmy Kelly was a regular contributor to Ayrwaves. He not only charmed us with his bitter sweet memories of a Northern Ireland childhood, but willingly helped in the putting together of a newsletter that was produced on such a tight budget that it had to be manually folded, collated and stapled, on what became known as our “folding days”.

No matter what the task, he was willing to give of his best, and no “folding day” was complete without his good humoured presence.

As capable of breaking into song with a surprisingly sweet voice, as being the master of a style of writing that mingled irony and warmth in equal measure, Jimmy has left us with fond memories.

It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences to his dear wife Bridie and family, and all those he has left behind.

May he rest in peace.

©2020 by Ayrwaves Online. Proudly created with Wix.com


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99¢ per month. Save 90%.
99¢ per month. Save 90%.

What's it like when you or someone you know gets COVID-19? Valley 101 shares two stories

Taylor Seely
Arizona Republic
The Urquiza family is furious with Arizona leadership for their handling of the pandemic as they bury Mark Anthony Urquiza who died of COVID-19.

For several people in the Valley who've contracted COVID-19 or watched someone they love contract it, a switch flipped afterward. They felt compelled to convince others to take the disease seriously.

Jimmy Flores, a 30-year-old man from Tempe, told Arizona Republic reporter Audrey Jensen he thought COVID-19 was a joke. He figured he was too young and healthy to be susceptible to any significant danger.

After a night out at the bars, Flores contracted COVID-19 and was subsequently hospitalized. He tried to persuade friends and family to be more cautious. He posted on Facebook about his experience and tried to steer clear of politics, hoping it might help detractors or skeptics grasp reality.

Others trying to spread awareness, though, are diving head first into politics. Mark Urquiza was a 65-year-old resident living in Phoenix's Maryvale neighborhood. He died on June 30 from COVID-19. His daughter, Kristin Urquiza, blames Gov. Doug Ducey

Mark Anthony Urquiza holds his daughter, Kristin Urquiza, in this undated family photo. Mark Anthony Urquiza, of Phoenix, died June 30, 2020, of COVID-19. He was 65.

She published an evocative obituary for her father in The Republic calling out, "the carelessness of the politicians" for jeopardizing public health and "brown bodies." In an interview, she said Ducey has "blood on his hands."

This week's episode of Valley 101 shares the stories of Flores and the Urquiza family. It examines the confusion some felt about Arizona's reopening and the potential effects of returning to life as usual.

Listen to the episode:

The best way to listen is to subscribe to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app, but you can also stream the full episode below.

NOTE: Valley 101 is intended to be heard. But we also offer a transcript of the episode. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio.

Want to submit a question to Valley 101? Click here.

More from Valley 101:


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Our Victories

(520) 790-5600

Premise Liability: Group Home Responsible for Rape of Women in its Care

We represented a mentally incapacitated woman who was a ward of the State and was living in a group home. While there, she was raped by a man, also in the care of the same organization. The rapist had a history of violent behavior and was not to be left unsupervised with women. The rape occurred when the sole employee supervising residents went outside to smoke a cigarette. We settled this case before trial.

Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian

Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian is one of the most experienced, successful personal injury law firms in the Tucson area. Established in 1995, our firm has a long history of success, as seen in our many victories.


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PLO Pure Poker Poker T-Shirt

Our mens Ultra Cotton T-Shirts are made from top quality 100% cotton* which is pre-shrunk.  They have a strong seamless twin needle collar with stylish taped neck and shoulders and a tubular body.  Ultra strong twin needle sleeves and hem ensure our Ts will last you for years to come.  No see through thin material with our T’s, and that’s a promise.

Remember, all our products are printed to order on demand, you just don’t get any newer than that, and as we have no waste, the environment benifits as well.

*Certain colours have various material as well as cotton, see description for more info.

PLO Pure Poker Ultra Cotton T-Shirt

Material: 100% cotton.*

  • Pre-shrunk.
  • Seamless twin needle collar.
  • Taped neck and shoulders.
  • Twin needle sleeves and hem.
  • Tubular body.

  • White 193gsm.
  • Colours 203gsm.

*Ash 99% cotton/1% polyester.

**Dark Heather, Heather Cardinal and Heather Navy 50% cotton/50% polyester.

***Sport grey 90% cotton/10% polyester.

All products are printed or embroidered to order, you can’t get newer than that now can you.

To give you an idea on when you can expect your order, please refer to our production times below and add your required shipping times to this.  Embroidered items such as caps, polo shirts, etc take a liitle longer to produce than our printed items, so please take this into consideration when ordering.

Production Times

Printed items: T-Shirts, Hoodies, Vests, Mugs, Phone Cases

Please allow 3-7 working days for your order to go through our production.

Embroidered items: Polos, Hoodies, Baseball Caps, Snapback Caps, Beanies

Please allow 10-15 working days for your order to go through our production.

Shipping Times

We offer several shipping options depending on your location.  The shipping times are on top of the production processing time stated above.  Please note that quoted shipping times are estimates based on information we are provided by our shipping partners.

Once you have entered your address, you will be shown all shipping options available to you, along with the cost of each shipping method.

We appreciate everyone loves free shipping, but to offer this, stores have to increase the prices of products to cover shipping costs, so this is usually false economy for you, the buyer, especially when purchasing more than one product.  We have therefore decided to give shoppers the best value we can by not inflating our product prices to cover our shipping costs.  However, to thank buyers who wish to purchase multiple products, we do give you free shipping on orders over £60 GBP (around $80 USD).

United Kingdom

  • Royal Mail 48: 2-5 days
  • Royal Mail 48 Recorded: : 2-5 days
  • Royal Mail 24: 1-3 Days
  • Royal Mail 24 Recorded: 1-3 days
  • DPD Local: 1 Day

  • Royal Mail: 3-5 days
  • Royal Mail Recorded: 3-5 days
  • DPD: 2-9 days

United States of America

  • USPS: 3-5 days
  • DPD: 5-7 days

Rest of the world

  • Royal Mail: 7-10 days
  • Royal Mail Recorded: 7-10 days
  • DPD: 5-7 days

Size Guide

Garment sizes are approximate and for guidance only.

Chest (To Fit) - Inches34/3638/4042/4446/4850/5254/5658/6062/64


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HONOLULU — Wally Amos, the man who started the Famous Amos cookie company in 1975 in Los Angeles, is reinventing his brand yet again with the debut of a line of cookies being sold under The Cookie Kahuna name. The cookies are being sold at a candy store at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

Mr. Amos weathered a series of business setbacks that included the ownership of his company switching hands four times, his own position changing to salaried employee and having an injunction issued against him using his legal name as a trademark for a new business venture. Between 1985 and 1989, the Famous Amos company went through four different owners. In 1992, the President Baking Co. purchased the brand from The Shansby Group. Then, in 1998, Keebler purchased the President Baking Co. Then the Kellogg Co. purchased Keebler in 2001. The brand is now a part of Kellogg.

Although he no longer owns the Famous Amos brand, Mr. Amos has not abandoned the cookie category. He has launched several other cookie businesses in Hawaii over the past 30-plus years, including Uncle Noname, Aunt Della’s Cookies, Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co. and Chip & Cookie.

As part of his latest venture, Mr. Amos is offerings his cookies at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, with plans to expand to on-line offerings at TheCookieKahuna.com.


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Belly Dance Reloaded!

Sold out !!
Price plus Shipping

Performances by The Most Fabulous Belly Dancers on the Planet !

This video includes performances by some of the great stars of belly dancing, including:

* Mesmera
* Judeen
* Louchia

This video also features new hot stars of belly dance that cannot be missed!
They include:

* Willow
* Jamileh
* Calypso
* Katayna
* Abhi-Irena Perakh
* Black Opal Dance Company
* Urban Tribal Dance Company

Special Performances by:

* The Legendary Dahlena
* The Dance of the 7 Veils by Leyla Jouvana
with Roland on Tabla

Browse this category: Belly Dance DVD's


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Spire Essentials Vol 8: Bigroom EDM

baltic audio - Spire Essentials Vol 8 - Bigroom EDM
Regular price €9.99 EUR Sale price €8.99 EUR

'Spire Essentials Vol 8: Bigroom EDM' from baltic audio is a must-have product for producers looking to get the sound of current Bigroom EDM. You'll find 64 top-quality presets for the amazing Spire synthesizer to create hit tracks, including hand-crafted leads, basses, plucks, pads, arps and more.

Each preset is perfectly programmed by a professional sound designer and every parameter tweaked with passion and detail and will be your essential source for creating new and commercial sounds within your compositions.

If you're looking for the sounds of Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, R3hab, Showtek, David Guetta, Sick Individuals, Hardwell, Armin Van Buuren and many more, then this product has you covered.

You can also use it for genres like Progressive House, Future House, Dance and more.

In addition, you'll find 8 MIDI files taken from the demo.

Product Details:

  • 64 Presets for Spire
  • 20 Leads
  • 14 Basses
  • 12 Synths
  • 8 Plucks
  • 5 Pads
  • 5 Arps
  • Modwheel Assignment
  • 8 MIDI Files
  • Multi-genre
  • PC/Mac Compatible
  • 100% Royalty-Free

Please Note:

The drums and some FX used in the demo are not included in this product. These presets require v.1.1. or higher of Reveal Sound Spire.


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About us

Emanuele Mongillo

Our italian team crew is headed by Italian senior chef Emanuele Mongillo. Emanuele is young and talented professional, who worked all over the world. He also worked in Michelin Italian famous restaurants, such as 'Il Flauto Di Pan', 'Qatro Passi', 'Il Mosaico'. In New York he worked in Manhattan 'Sistina' and in Broadway 'San Pedro'. And in Australia he worked in the most popular restaurants 'Quay', 'BakoMato Osteria'. Emanuele has his own Mediterranean culinary style which he has improved working in different continents. He and his professional Italian team tern this style into reality in Moscow restaurant Balzi Rossi.

Table booking
Also you can book by phone:
+7 (495) 144-74-14
We'll call you soon to confirm your booking.
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Napkin Holder

Napkin Holder
Item# Napkin-Holder

Product Description

Beak to tail 3 1/2" long.


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“SERVICE” – Our Last Name, Our First Priority!
“SERVICE” – Our Last Name, Our First Priority!

A branch transformation trifecta: Optimize your self-service channel strategy

Today’s financial institutions face yet another challenging stage of change: to align digital and physical touch points with the needs of today’s account holders in the most cost-efficient, effective way possible. Branch transformation strategies must balance, as well as integrate with, the game plans for online and mobile. After all, account holders expect (demand, even) a seamless banking experience.

Thus even as institutions continue to innovate and compete on the digital side of the equation, they cannot neglect the physical side of banking. Humans are, of course, physical beings. We require ways to transfer physical assets like cash into and out of digital accounts. So  we can’t negate the need for physical touch points.

That established, more banking than ever takes place in the virtual realm—and brick-and-mortar nodes become increasingly difficult to cost justify in a digital-first world. Ultimately, this drives the need for branch transformation.

One recent survey found at-home internet and mobile represent the most frequently used channels for banking. For two-thirds of Americans (66 percent), these channels are first choices for accessing their bank accounts. However, accountholders prefer an “and” approach to digital. This means combining digital channels with ATM and branch use. Data from the FDIC, compiled by Mercator, shows 72 percent of online banking customers also use ATMs, while roughly three in four (74 percent) interact with branch tellers.

Branch transformation, smart distribution: three paths

  1. Branch/in-house ATM NetworkBefore online and mobile banking became common, banks had few other reliable ways to offer a full suite of services to customers. Today, digital banking tools meet many banking needs in an extremely effective way. While account holders value the occasional branch visit, immediate access isn’t as vital in terms of convenience. Novantas found that the consumers’ perception of convenience has changed. While “a branch near me” was the leading indicator of convenience in 2014 for 30 percent, only 19 percent felt the same way by 2018.  Digital banking has powered this shift, rising from 20 to 25 percent over the same four-year period and now the number one driver of perceived banking convenience.

    Amidst this decline, operational costs of in-house ATMs and branches are under the microscope. Celent notes that rising operating and labor costs constitute a significant element in a slow-but-steady drop in branches nationwide. Mercator data shows that four in five large financial institutions (81 percent) reduced or maintained branch presence between 2012 and 2017—while just 19 percent increased it.

  2. The digital channelA digital-first approach can alleviate many costs related to opening and maintaining branches and in-house ATMs, with cost savings fueling better rates, rewards and financial management tools, as well as a superior mobile experience.

    But there are drawbacks. PwC’s 2018 Digital Banking Consumer Survey found that 65 percent of customers feel it’s important to have a local branch, and a full quarter won’t open an account with a bank that lacks it. In addition, online-only institutions have more trouble attracting account holders in underbanked and unbanked communities.

  3. Channel optimization

Balancing branch costs with investments in digital resources—without reducing functionality or account holder access—poses a challenge. The strategy must meet the desires of today’s customers while maintaining competitiveness in a market where incumbents and fintechs make significant investments and drive innovation.

As consumers integrate self-service into their everyday lives, ATMs fill the physical access role once dominated by the teller line. They provide the convenience and physical access customers require while allowing for branch rationalization. Mercator highlighted the ability to shift transactions away from branches to ATMs, with 65 percent of consumers treating the convenience of a nearby machine as a major consideration in adopting a new financial institution.

ATMs can indeed fulfill much of a bank’s physical infrastructure with many fewer branches. But just as important is figuring out how to provide that ATM access. High, variable costs—due to regulatory changes, network improvements, software upgrades, security concerns and more—make internally managed ATM networks harder to manage for many financial institutions.

Instead of going it alone with a non-core asset, banks can partner with ATM experts. They not only bring   knowledge of ATM best practices but also offer access to otherwise unavailable locations and networks. To provide ubiquitous access, surcharge-free ATM networks offer a fast, cost-effective option that rivals or exceeds the largest banks for location convenience. In fact, Mercator reports that a surcharge-free network ranks as very important for 65 percent of consumers when they choose a banking partner.

When growing in current or new markets, or defending against challengers, financial institutions can leverage ATM branding to improve access, boost brand awareness and offer opportunities to market to prospective customers thinking about their ATM-based banking relationship. Branded ATMs can simply dispense cash or with the right partner serve as mini-branches with full deposit capabilities. Finally, financial institutions can  save money and reduce long-term headaches by outsourcing management of ATMs at the branches and locations they maintain. Today’s ATM outsourcing arrangements allow banks to improve user experience, employ best-in-class technology and provide a stable, secure transactional environment—even as the refocuses on core strategic assets.

Putting it all together: Top-flight strategy meets critical timing

Financial institutions have an alternative to the high costs—financial and otherwise. That is, they can build and maintain branches, and deploy an in-house ATM network as they balance the ubiquity of robust digital banking tools. With a proven strategy of utilizing a partner’s ATMs and expertise, financial institutions can balance physical and digital touchpoints. In the end, and thanks to you, customers will get the convenience, accessibility and broad range of functionality they desire: major deposits in anyone’s emotional bank account.

Source: David B. McCrary


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“SERVICE” – Our Last Name, Our First Priority!
“SERVICE” – Our Last Name, Our First Priority!

Experts in Branch Transformation

From maximizing your staffing model to implementing the right technology for improved efficiencies and stronger customer relationships, our team at Bankers Equipment Service is here to assist you with all your branch transformation needs. With over 80 years of experience serving banks and credit unions, we know what it takes to fully transform your branch to better meet the needs of your customers. We understand how to help you succeed and differentiate your institution from the competition.

Comprehensive Branch Transformation Services

Branch Transformation

We have partnered with global industry leaders to provide a comprehensive approach to branch transformation, which includes assessing:

  • Branch location & traffic: Which branch locations should remain and what hours they are operating? Are there key locations that you should consider opening a new branch or “mini-branch”?
  • Branch design and layout: The customer experience begins upon stepping foot in your branch’s door. What initial impression does your branch make? How easy is it for customers to find where to go or who to talk to?
  • Branch equipment: Self-service kiosks, currency recyclers, lobby self-service coin and more allow you to streamline certain services, freeing up staff time for more valuable interactions and branch tasks. Do you have the right equipment in place to best serve your customers and staff?
  • Strategic Branding:  Whether it’s a new brand, market position, advertising campaign, retail environment or all of the above, creating a brand to connect in today’s high-speed, short-attention-span world is vital.
  • IT systems: Innovative systems offer the utmost in branch efficiency. Do your IT systems meet your needs? If not, what are you missing?
  • In-person interactions: Branch transformation and automation allow your  institution to focus on engaging your customers with the in person interactions you offer.  Are there other offerings you should consider adding?
  • Branch talent: Do you have the right mix of talent in your branch? Do you need to consider hiring additional staff or reworking current staffing models to better utilize the individuals you already have in house?

What is Branch Transformation?

In short, the shift from traditional banking to a more customer centric retail oriented multichannel branch.

Reasons For Change:

  • Profitability is down
  • Increase in non-bank competition
  • Consumers demand anywhere/anytime banking
  • Branch traffic has slowed

The branch is still critical for more complex operations, though, so it is imperative to increase operational efficiency and sales opportunities by utilizing technology and branch staff more effectively.

Focus is on:

  • Reducing operating costs
  • Driving more traffic to the branch
  • Increasing sales opportunities at the branch
  • Using the branch staff more effectively
  • Utilizing existing technology

Branch Transformation & Automation Technology Solutions

At the heart of branch transformation is innovative technology that increases effciencies, profitability and decreases costs. Branch transformation allows for faster, on-demand services that customers have come to expect. Personalized & meaningful face to face engagements can help you strengthen relationships and improve sales effectiveness.  Reach out to our team to discuss implementing any mixture of branch technologies to improve your branch, including:

Cash Automation
Lobby Self-Service Coin
Self-Service Kiosks
Coin & Currency Solutions
Strategic Branding

Once we identify the right technology to implement into your branch, our certified technicians will work closely with you to ensure a successful installation.  We will then work to help train you and your staff on how to get the most out of the technology using valuable industry knowledge & best practices. Our experienced and proficient service team will provide the ongoing service and support that is essential to get the maximum benefit out of your investment.

Call Our Branch Transformation Experts to Learn More

If you are looking to re-invent the branch experience for your customers through innovative technology and creative design and if you desire to improve the customer experience and strengthen relationships, reach out to our branch transformation experts. We will help you identify the best way to move forward. Call us today at 952.890.6661 or contact our team online.


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Protecting confidential information when firing employees

| Sep 19, 2018 | Intellectual Property Litigation |

Terminating an employee can be a risk to a company, especially if that employee had access to trade secrets or confidential technology. An ex-employee can have many motivations for stealing and selling this type of information, but the motivations behind this activity don’t change the fact that companies need to protect themselves. There are a few best practices that organizations should follow to ensure terminated employees can’t access confidential data.

The first step to protecting IP is to cut off an employee’s access to information during their termination meeting, not after or before it. Removing login credentials before a termination can alert the employee to what’s going on, causing them to act in spite before their privileges are lost. During the termination, management should remind the employee of all restrictive covenants and post-employment confidentiality obligations. They should also make sure the ex-employee no longer carries any company devices that they can take out of the office.

Employees with a high level of technical expertise may still be able to access confidential data even when proper steps are taken. In this situation, a company may want to financially incentivize the ex-employee to comply with their rules during their termination. If an employee feels like they are treated fairly, they will be less likely to act against the company.

In the event that an ex-employee is able to pass on confidential data to a third-party, a company may have legal remedies to offset the financial damage done. An intellectual property litigation lawyer may carefully evaluate a case of IP theft and find out if filing a lawsuit is in the best interests of their client. Attorneys in this area of law are responsible for helping protect the trade secrets of their clients.

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Digital Communication

the digital division

Digital today is not only a crucial communication channel, but a universe in which we are immersed, an environment that contaminates and influences every aspect of our lives.

After changing our habits, the way we relate, the way we travel, the way we consume, the digital revolution is impacting all sectors of business in a disruptive way, from FMCG to retail, from publishing to banking.

In this scenario, the way companies communicate themselves has radically changed. From a multi-channel logic, we moved to an omni-channel or free-channel logic.

Digital is no longer just a key element of the media mix. His language has contaminated other media, forcing companies and their communication partners to think more and more from a “digital first” point of view, even when planning a press release or thinking about creativity for a poster or a commercial TV.

bDigital is the team that in Barabino & Partners studies the latest technologies and new digital trends every day, assessing their impact on the people and business of customers and prospects.

Constantly dialogue and working in synergy with the other historical souls of B&P’s consultancy, bDigital’s services go from strategy to analysis, from content to social dialogue, offering itself as the answer to all the needs in digital communication, in the corporate fields, B2B and B2C.

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World Atlas Set

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ISBN: 7000003860

    Take a trip around the world with this globe-trotting set. Young explorers can travel anywhere they want to go with our bestselling World Atlas, and then brush up on their landmarks, countries and capitals with Cities of the World Memory Game. This gift set contains the hardback edition of Barefoot Books World Atlas and Cities of the World Memory Game.

    Retail price: $36.98 Special Set Price: $34.99

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Most Expensive Pieces Worn to Golden Globes

We all watch the red carpet and drool over the exquisite pieces that most of us will never have the opportunity to wear. It is fun however to watch, wish and dream. So, sit back and drift off into dreamland as we countdown some of the most expensive pieces that have ever graced a red carpet.

1) Kelly Osbourne : this year the earrings that she wore were valued at $3 million (the price did not include the optional body guards that they came with)

Kelly Osbourne at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards

2) Amy Adams: her diamond earrings and diamond bracelets are valued at $425,000 and if you choose to you can actually purchase those earrings.

3) Jackie Weaver: donned $3 million worth of diamonds for the occasion
4) Stacy Kiebler’s : rings and bracelets were valued at $600,000
5) Hayden Panettiere: her five piece set was valued at $500,000
6) Jessica Alba: her necklace was valued at $5.8 million

Jessica Alba and her 5.8 million dollar necklace.

7) Sophia Vergara: her 100 carats of diamonds were valued at $8 million.

Sofia Vergara at the Golden Globes 2013

You may be wondering what goes into selecting who wears what pieces and how they are transported to and from an event. The answer is fairly simple. Jewelry designers work in much the same way that a fashion designer works. The designer simply wants to hear their name on the red carpet. In order to achieve that goal, a designer must get their piece into the hands of an actor or actress that is either a nominee or a presenter. Those people will be the most sought after actors and actresses of the evening and will get the most television time. The next part of the evening is about the logistics of transporting the piece from one place to another. Depending on the value of the piece, some designers will require a paid escort the entire time that the nominee or presenter is wearing their piece.

For most of us we only wish and dream about a night like the Globes, but even if we never get our own personal red carpet we can still watch and dream along with the rest of the world. And that means the countdown to the Grammy’s is in full swing…

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Broken but... Mending: Books 1-3

Broken but... Mending: Books 1-3

by Dale Mayer

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This is a collection of three books of the best selling Broken but... Mending contemporary romance series.

The books are:

A journey of exploration...

A journey of healing...

A journey of love...

Two people are forced by circumstances into a therapy class to help them deal with their problems. They are strangers. Forced to be partners. Naturally opposites.

Kane is dealing with anger of betrayal at the deepest level, needing to find his way back to forgiveness. Tania is a previous rape victim hoping to deal with her fear of intimacy so she can have a loving relationship.

Tania's medium of expression – her camera.

Her subject – the human body – Kane's physical body.

Looking through the lens of a camera, she learns to find beauty and compassion...and the strength to find wholeness...with him.

Some scars are visible...Some scars are hidden...

The worst scars are buried deep inside...

Robin and Sean are existing in their private worlds. Hiding in plain sight, not really living, definitely not thriving. They both need to move forward... if they can.

Yet the price of success is pain as they confront issues that have plagued them for years. They're so different, with such opposite problems. Yet they complement each other – or at least they will, if they can work through their issues and find each other.

This is a story of pain and sorrow, joy and success... and... love.

She thinks she escaped Justice

He is still waiting for Justice to happen.

She's afraid her day of reckoning is near.

He's afraid his day of reckoning will never arrive.

Will love balance the scales of Justice?

Product Details

BN ID: 2940157156893
Publisher: Valley Publishing Ltd.
Publication date: 07/10/2016
Series: Broken But ... Mending , #4
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: NOOK Book
Pages: 674
Sales rank: 121,148
File size: 845 KB

About the Author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author who writes for the young, the old and those in-between – no matter what the age. Some of her books are hot, some are sweet. Some will keep you up at night with a light on to keep the boogie man away and some you’ll want to cuddle close.

She’s long given up on trying to fit a specific genre. Instead she honors the stories that come to her – and some of them are crazy, break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

And that’s okay too.

There is one guarantee with each book – it will be a great read – each and every time.

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  • Charting the Market Today

Stocks in the Spotlight Friday

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Shares declined 8% for the telecommunications equipment vendor after management announced the immediate resignation of Gary Daichendt as president and chief operating officer. Bill Owens, Nortel's chief executive, said: "It has become apparent to Gary and me…that we have divergent management styles and our business views differ." Gary Kunis, Nortel's chief technology officer, is also leaving the company.

Shares increased 12% for the communications equipment company after management raised its earnings forecast for fiscal 2006 to a range of $1.73 to $1.78 per share, up from the previous forecast of $1.63 to $1.68. Officials cited higher-than-expected orders for tactical radios used by the U.S. armed forces, allied military and peace-keeping forces in international markets.

Shares increased 9% for the clothing company after Polo officials announced fourth quarter earnings of 81 cents per share (excluding charges), beating the consensus estimate by a penny.

Shares increased 8% for the motor vehicle company on today's news that officials with the United Auto Workers union are willing to negotiate with GM regarding employee health-care costs. Earlier this week GM announced plans to eliminate 25,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2008.


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The Brief, Aug. 9

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A Turbulent Week. A late-session surge proved unsustainable, and all three major market indexes closed in the red, led by the Nasdaq’s 1% slide. Trade fears ruled the day, after the yuan traded above 7 to the dollar again and President Trump indicated a September meeting with China might be canceled. The International Energy Agency downgraded its forecast for worldwide oil demand, citing concerns about U.S.-China trade and weakening global growth.


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Leeds Super Retro Games Fair, July 2017 – What We Picked Up

Published On June 25, 2017 | By Stephen Johnston | Blogs, Events

Yesterday I took a trip to Leeds for the Retro Games Fair. Wanna know what I picked up? Sure you do!

It’s that time again. Pennies put away, lists made, chin stroke planning… Of course that all falls apart when you actually go into the venue. At that point it’s all AGGHHHHH GAMES OVERLOAD.

Watch the video to find out what I picked up.


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Mary Macleod Monday!

Mary Macleod Monday!

2020 Jul 27th

Enjoy your Monday with one of our absolute favorites, Mary Macleod all-butter shortbread cookies!

There is no better way to start a work week than with fresh, all-butter shortbread cookies from Mary Macleod! Handmade in small batches with the purest ingredients, and made right here in Canada!

a customer favorite gift basket that features these delicious treats is Champlain (L). Perfect for Sharing with 7-8+ people, this awe inspiring gift is filled with a mix of premium goodies! Featured along-side Mary Macleod are mouth-watering Peanut Brittle from Dabble & Drizzle, indulgent chocolates and much more.

Champlain L

Shop our Gourmet Collection to find Mary Macleod cookies paired with many other delicious goodies! Once you starting eating, you won’t be able to stop.

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US & Canada

Women's Equal Rights Amendment sees first hearing in 36 years

Jessica Lenahan, center, a domestic violence survivor, and Carol Jenkins, right, of the Equal Rights Amendment Task Force, attend a news conference at the House Triangle on the need to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment on June 6, 2018. Image copyright Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
Image caption Women advocating for the ERA on Capitol Hill in 2018

The Equal Rights Amendment is back on Capitol Hill - 36 years since its last hearing and nearly a century since the amendment to guarantee equal rights to women was first introduced in Congress.

On Tuesday lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties heard from witnesses - including actor and women's rights advocate Patricia Arquette - about why, years on, the amendment is still worth considering.

Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York in January again sponsored a resolution to restart the ratification process needed to add the amendment to the US constitution.

The provision would not change any laws, but seeks to formally give women the same citizenship status as men.

While 76% of constitutions around the world in some way guarantee women's equality, the US constitution, technically, does not.

Last June, the state of Illinois voted in favour of the amendment, becoming the 37th state to do so.

In theory, only one more state must ratify the amendment to obtain the majority needed to amend America's founding charter.

"With issues of equality at the forefront of today's conversations; with the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, with the Women's Marches and more women than ever before running for and being elected to office - we have an extraordinary responsibility and opportunity to seize this moment," Ms Maloney said when the hearing was announced earlier this month.

It's easy to see why the ERA is back on legislators' agenda in this political climate, but why has it taken so long?

Image copyright Alamy
Image caption Women supporting the ERA carry a banner down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC on 26 August 1977

What is the Equal Rights Amendment?

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) states: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."

Congress first introduced the ERA in 1923, but the campaign for ratification took off in the 1960s during the civil rights movement.

In 1972, Congress passed the amendment and sent it to the states for approval. Thirty-eight states must ratify an amendment before it is added to the Constitution.

According to Gallup Polls from 1975-81, the majority of Americans - men and women - were in favour of the amendment. In the 1970s, only an average of 27% of those polled opposed it.

Senators who opposed the ERA persuaded Congress to set a seven-year deadline for states to pass the amendment. Congress even extended that deadline an additional three years in 1978.

By 1977, 35 states had ratified the ERA - and then the movement stalled until 2017.

Image copyright Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Image caption In 1976, Phyllis Schlafly led anti-ERA protesters in Washington DC

So why did it fail?

Many historians attribute the failure to one conservative woman: Phyllis Schlafly.

Mrs Schlafly was a lawyer and housewife from Illinois who founded the Stop ERA group.

Her campaigning became one of the first grassroots conservative movements in the US.

"Women's libbers are promoting free sex instead of the 'slavery of marriage'," Mrs Schlafly wrote in a 1974 issue of Society Magazine.

"They are promoting Federal 'day-care centres' for babies instead of homes... abortions instead of families.

"Let's not permit this tiny minority to degrade the role that most women prefer."

Mrs Schlafly capitalised on many of the same fears that plagued the suffrage movement: that the ERA would promote abortions and homosexuality, send women into military combat and deny a woman's right to be supported by her husband.

"Those fears at the time were greatly exaggerated or untrue," Jane Mansbridge, political science professor at Harvard University, told the BBC.

"The controversies were all spurred by what I and many lawyers believe to be misinterpretations of the ERA."

Mrs Schlafly motivated conservative women across the country to rally behind "the rights of the wife".

Marjorie Spruill, professor emerita of history at the University of South Carolina, said Mrs Schlafly's campaign used religion to form "an effective coalition" against the ERA.

"Traditionally Catholics, evangelical and fundamentalist Protestants, and Mormons distrusted and were hostile to one another, but they shared a mutual fear and disdain regarding feminism," Prof Spruill told the BBC.

"Conservatives pointed to the many successes of the feminist movement to say that women can achieve equal rights without a questionable, potentially dangerous constitutional amendment."

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Women march in Washington DC after Trump's inauguration

Why are we talking about it now?

The ERA has been before every session of Congress since 1982, but the 2016 presidential election and the #MeToo movement has moved the ERA back into the public eye.

After Illinois' vote, the National Organization for Women president, Toni Van Pelt, told NPR: "The #MeToo movement has underscored the importance of strong legal protections for women's rights."

And #MeToo advocate Alyssa Milano is also present at Tuesday's hearing, highlighting the movement's impact.

Image copyright Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
Image caption Alyssa Milano speaks with ERA activists outside the hearing room on 30 April

Did Illinois' ratification last year actually mean anything?

"Given that Illinois was Schlafly's home state, it is a big symbolic victory," Prof Spruill said.

It was also the only non-Southern, non-Mormon state not to ratify in the first round.

Only 13 states have not ratified the ERA as of April 2019 - and only one more must do so to approve the measure, in theory.

But the 1982 deadline from Congress has long since passed.

So could the ERA make it on to the constitution?

Susan Bloch, professor of constitutional law at Georgetown University, said it will all come down to timing.

"That'll be the question - when they added the time limit, was that legitimate? If it was, then these are clearly too late," she told the BBC.

Those opposing the ERA maintain that the deadline has passed, so the entire ratification process will need to start over for the amendment to be legitimately added.

Supporters of the amendment point to the fact that the 27th amendment - which governs Congress members' salaries - passed after more than 100 years, so time should not be an issue.

They also say that since the constitution does not mandate time limits for amendments, the ERA is still valid.

"When the constitution was written, they didn't contemplate these [amendment proposals] dragging on for hundreds of years," Prof Bloch said.

"I don't think anyone contemplated this crazy scenario. The fact that this amendment has been hanging around so long, and some of the ratifications are new and some are old and some are rescinded or modified weakens the argument that this is a contemporaneous expression of what the people want the constitution to say."

The states who rescinded their ratifications pose another problem. The legality of the recessions has yet to be debated in court.

Image copyright Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Image caption Pro-ERA protesters marched through downtown St Louis in 1970

But do we still need an ERA?

To Prof Spruill, the answer is a resounding yes.

"Having the ERA would make it far more difficult for conservatives to roll back the gains of the women's rights movement," she said.

"It would give women's rights more protection [and] raise the level of scrutiny to gender issues to the level of racial and religious issues."

Prof Spruill acknowledged that much of what conservatives in the 1970s feared has already come to pass, including women joining the military in combat roles, gender neutral bathrooms, the legalisation of gay marriage and abortion protections.

Constitutional lawyer Prof Bloch told the BBC she didn't feel the amendment was entirely necessary given current legal protections for equality.

"It wouldn't hurt if it were legitimately ratified," Prof Bloch added. "If it gets ratified, it is just another arrow in the quiver of legal arguments."

For Prof Mansbridge, the US constitution needs the ERA - not to alter laws, but to maintain principles.

"A good analogy is the first amendment to the US constitution.

"The framers did not have in mind a specific way that this amendment would change the existing law.

"They just thought it was a good idea to have that principle in the constitution."

The equality of women, she argued, is just as important.

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England v South Africa: Kevin Pietersen ton keeps hosts in game

Kevin Pietersen celebrates his century
Second Test, Headingley (day three):
South Africa 419 v England 351-5
Match scorecard

Kevin Pietersen struck an imperious 21st Test century as England closed day three of the second Test 68 runs behind South Africa on 351-5.

Pietersen, dropped on 52, was at his majestic best, with 22 fours and a six in a breathtaking unbeaten 149.

England lost Alastair Cook (24) before a rain delay, and quick wickets after lunch saw them 246 adrift at 173-4.

But Pietersen added 147 with debutant James Taylor (34) and his brilliance changed the complexion of the match.

The 32-year-old's third Test century against the country of his birth saw him pass 7,000 Test runs and go above captain Andrew Strauss as the eighth highest scoring England batsman in Test cricket.

He signalled his intentions by getting off the mark with successive pull shots to the boundary off the rapid Dale Steyn, and he later launched the world's fastest bowler straight down the ground for a magnificent six.

It was in stark contrast to the problems suffered by his team-mates.

Only 12.2 overs were possible in the morning session before rain descended to prompt an early lunch, but in that time Cook was trapped lbw on the front foot and the only thing the review showed was that the ball would have hit the middle stump three-quarters of the way up.

Strauss had looked reasonably untroubled, leaving the ball well outside his off stump, but having hit his seventh boundary and moved within sight of a half century, he rather left his bat out to dry outside the off stump and was caught behind in the fourth full over after the interval.

It brought Pietersen together with another England batsman of South African origin, Jonathan Trott, and that seemed to intensify the fighting spirit of the tourists.

Trott played an uncharacteristic loose cut at Steyn and was caught at first slip by Graeme Smith for 35.

Then Ian Bell, who had struck spinner Imran Tahir down the ground for six, also attempted to cut one from Jacques Kallis that was too close to him and Smith took another smart catch at first slip.

With Morne Morkel steaming in from round the wicket, the field was out for Pietersen, inviting him to attack.

He should have been taken close in as it transpired, fending one to Hashim Amla, who could not react quickly enough as the ball cannoned into him at short leg.

Pietersen thrashed the next two balls emphatically through mid-wicket as if to compound matters for South Africa, and in a thrilling passage of play he added two more swashbuckling boundaries off Steyn in the next over.

As the crowd launched into an enthusiastic if far from classical rendition of the national anthem, Pietersen pulled Kallis dismissively to the boundary and whipped a straight drive down the ground to keep them captivated.

What Taylor would have thought of things is anybody's guess, making 11 of a fifty partnership and 20 of the century stand but he played a calm foil, displaying a determined resistance that his recent predecesssors at number six might not have done.

Having reached 99 with another cavalier boundary through the covers, Pietersen nonchalantly stepped down the pitch to Vernon Philander and placed the ball into the leg side for the single that took him to three figures.

Taylor's encouraging maiden Test innings ended with an inside edge into his stumps but Pietersen remained in the late evening sunshine to add 31 with the fluent Matt Prior (20 not out).

England, who trail the three-match series 1-0, still have to bat for much of day four to put South Africa under any sort of pressure, but with skipper Smith leaving the field late on because of injury, the tourists will not be quite as happy with proceedings as they had been midway through Saturday afternoon.

Smith will have a scan on his knee after falling awkwardly on the field, while the participation of his opening partner Alviro Petersen - who has not taken the field all innings because of a hamstring strain - remains in doubt.

Listen to Jonathan Agnew and Geoff Boycott review each day's play via the Test Match Special podcast.

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Methinks director Peter Jackson is a BBC AMERICA fan. broke the news tonight about several actors who have been cast in Jackson’s upcoming two-part adaptation of The Hobbit, and many names familiar to BBC AMERICA viewers are set for pivotal roles. Martin Freeman (Sherlock, The Office) is already locked in to play Bilbo Baggins, but behold, Richard ArmitageRobin Hood‘s Guy of Gisborne – has been cast as “Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.” And if that doesn’t completely set off your sprinklers, smoldering Being Human star Aidan Turner (Mitchell) is set to play Kili, “a member of the Company of Dwarves.”

About Armitage, Jackson is quoted as saying, “Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakenshield. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle Earth is in such good hands.”

Regarding Mr. Turner, Jackson says, “Aidan is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”

Throw in some rumored star turns from David Tennant (!!), Bill Nighy, Stephen Fry, Andy Serkis, and James Nesbitt, and you have a potential ensemble that’s almost embarrassingly amazing. What next? Is Jackson gonna summon Richard Burton, Alan Bates, and Denholm Elliott from beyond the grave for cameos, simply to show that he’s Peter Jackson and he can do that? I’m sick with anticipation. The Hobbit starts filming in February, with the two parts set to roll out in December 2012 and 2013.

Who are you most excited to see in The Hobbit?

by Kevin Wicks

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By Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks is the founding editor of Anglophenia.


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Tool & Mold Manufacture

Laser welding is quickly becoming the best and most irreplaceable process for tool and mold repair.

Repairing worn edges, molding surfaces, pitting, etc. are all very easily accomplished when using a laser welder. Our laser welding machines are ideal for applying millimeter-thin filler wires homogeneously and crack-free. The deposit application is very similar to the original contour which will require only minor finishing.

The laser welder's laser beam is finely focused, resulting in a minimal heat-affected zone. This helps to avoid tension because only a small area of material is being melted. The user is then able to weld metal in close proximity to heat sensitive stones and other materials.

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