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Rajapaksa delegates civil police powers to military
[TamilNet, Monday, 23 April 2007, 11:23 GMT]
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has delegated civil powers hitherto discharged by the Police to the three armed forces, Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) by a recent Extra-Ordinary Gazette Notification of 1491/18 under Chapter 40 of the Public Security Ordinance dated April 06, 2007. Civil powers entrusted with the police throughout the whole island have been delegated to the military by Mr. Rajapaksa.
Members of the three armed forces, SLA, SLN and SLAF would use the police civil powers to maintain law and order in all districts.
Full text of the Gazette Notification follows:
The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
No. 1491/18 – FRIDAY, APRIL 06, 2007
PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications
CF 1/64.
THE PUBLIC SECURITY ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 40)
BY virtue of the powers vested in me by Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40), I, Mahinda Rajapaksa, do by this Order call out all the members of the Armed Forces specified in the First Schedule hereto, for the maintenance of the public order in the areas specified in the Second Schedule hereto.
MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA,
President.
Colombo,
06th April, 2007.
FIRST SCHEDULE
The Sri Lanka Army
The Sri Lanka Navy
The Sri Lanka Air Force
SECOND SCHEDULE
The Administrative District of Colombo
The Administrative District of Gampaha
The Administrative District of Kalutara
The Administrative District of Kandy
The Administrative District of Matale
The Administrative District of Nuwara Eliya
The Administrative District of Galle
The Administrative District of Matara
The Administrative District of Hambantota
The Administrative District of Jaffna and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Killinochchi
The Administrative District of Mannar and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Vavuniya
The Administrative District of Mullativu and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Batticaloa and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Ampara and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Trincomalee and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Kurunegala
The Administrative District of Puttalam and the territorial waters adjacent to such District
The Administrative District of Anuradhapura
The Administrative District of Polonnaruwa
The Administrative District of Badulla
The Administrative District of Moneragala
The Administrative District of Ratnapura
The Administrative District of Kegalle.
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Media

In the coming weeks and months we will publish all the moments our media teams captured.

In the meantime,
watch the Berlin Legal Tech 2017 Conference Trailer.

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The VAT Immediate Information Supply (SII) entered into law on 7/17/2017. With this new system, the Tax Agency has significantly modified the way of requiring VAT returns, affecting your accounting procedures and IT processes. From July 1st 2017, and January 1st 2018 in the Basque country, VAT declarations will be made online, based on a format and communication standards that are unknown to the Spanish business community.
easyap, based on its experience of communicating several million operations for its clients via SII to the AEAT, will delve into the main pitfalls to be avoided and the most appropriate ways to achieve a smooth, error-free and efficient reporting process.
In this, the 20th seminar on the subject of SII, we will go into detail on the critical points in undertaking the project and clarify many of the more complex aspects of the regulation, both from an accounting / fiscal perspective and a technical one. During the session we will answer all the questions that may arise.
At easyap we have been working on SII for more than two and a half years, which has allowed us, apart from homologizing our exchange platform with the Spanish Tax Agency Portal (AEAT), to acquire a solid knowledge about SII in terms of: requirements, integration, Process design and validation.
In the webinar we will provide you with all the information associated with the requirements of the regulations, a methodological approach to make the necessary changes in your organization and ensure your adherence to the regulations, and different alternatives to guarantee your compliance.
Why is this webinar important for the financial department?
In this Webinar, easyap will present the impact of SII on organizations. Implications that may require changes in the systems architecture and in accounting operation. Discover the methods that easyap customers can adopt to successfully meet the requirements.
Did you know that the average cost of processing a supplier invoice in Spain is between 3.61 and 22.43 Euros? It is difficult to define a strategy to reduce costs if we do not know the cost with some precision.
After working on a study of processing costs per supplier invoice with 1,132 European companies of all sizes, in easyap we have reduced the exercise of calculating the cost of processing a supplier invoice to 4 simple steps, with the help of a sophisticated Supplier Invoice Process Calculator which we place at your disposal.
A market survey conducted in Spain, under the direction of easyap, shows that 87.9% of companies have not implemented methods to measure the efficiency of their departments Accounts Payable.
Even more surprising is the fact that there are 43.2% who do not know precisely the number of invoices processed annually suppliers.
The importance of the Accounts Payable Department in cost containment and the level of satisfaction of suppliers is essential to the supervision of those key indicators to ensure maximum efficiency in the department.
Why is this webinar important for the financial area?
To increase knowledge of the basic metrics on the basis of which can be evaluated. To optimize costs, improve quality and increase service efficiency.
Invoices without purchase order: effective automation and approval.
In the accounts payable area we normally distinguish between two provider invoice processing circuits: invoices with purchase order (comparing with an external element that contains the data related to what was purchased) and invoices without purchase order (where there is no existing element to compare with). Invoices with purchase order require configuration. The invoices without purchase order require accounting and the participation of the approvers.
Thinking of automating the account allocation of 60% of the invoices without purchase order is not a utopia. To also achieve the assignation of approval routes automatically and immediately, based on defined and published criteria (not subject to the arbitrariness of the users) is possible through the use of workflow tools. And all this is independent of the format in which the invoices are received (paper, PDF, e-invoice). easyap explains in this webinar the tools necessary to achieve a high-level of automation in the invoice without purchase order circuit and the application of effective and rigorously applied approval rules.
Provider Invoice process optimization, is digitalization the definitive solution?
The average productivity of an AP employee is 10,000 invoices per year, the objective is to multiply this by 4 or 5, this level of productivity is possible by an effective automation of the process.
Of all the initiatives that are being taken to improve the supplier invoice process, there is one that stand out: invoice digitalization. Without doubt, it is a good measure, but clearly incomplete if not accompanied by other solutions.
Demands and Necessities of the new presentation methods of the IVA (VAT) forms.
Why is this webinar important for the financial department??
Even though the original start date of the 01/01/2017 will probably be delayed by two months the SII will start. With this new work plan, the Spanish Tax office will radically change the way in which VAT declaration forms are presented. SII presents a number of demands that will affect different areas related with Tax presentation, from accounting to IT. Even though the law has not yet been approved and the first quarter of 2017 is still far off, the changes needed and the implications of the SII project are significant. This presentation will be completely online and based on already defined and specified formats and communications. In this webinar, easyap will present the impact the SII can have and the methods that easyap clients are adopting to completely insure that they successfully comply with this demand.


Everybody knows the motive of the Minnesota mall attacker, but authorities are unwilling to say it.
While attending the Minneapolis trial of three Somali-Americans who sought to join ISIS, I had a moment that almost took my breath away. It came when the prosecutors displayed a photograph of one of the defendants wearing a security guard's uniform. He was smiling. Work as a security guard was one of his occasional jobs. It was a photograph that represented the through-the-looking-glass quality of life in Minnesota.
On Saturday night, another man wearing the uniform of a security guard went on a stabbing rampage at the Crossroads Center shopping mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota. St. Cloud is the heart of Minnesota's fourth-largest metro area, some 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis, and home to a large population of Somali immigrants. The perpetrator of the rampage has yet to be identified publicly, but based on an interview with his father, the Star Tribune has identified him as Dahir Adan, an African immigrant.
St. Cloud chief of police William Blair Anderson noted that the perpetrator is reported to have shouted "Allah" in connection with the attacks, and to have asked potential victims if they were Muslim. Yet, Anderson declined to characterize the stabbings as a terrorist attack, declaring that the motive isn't known. "We will be diligent and get to the bottom of this," Anderson said. Richard Thornton, FBI special agent in charge of the Minneapolis division, announced at a press conference with Anderson on Sunday that the bureau is investigating the incident as "a potential terrorist attack." ISIS has claimed credit for the stabbings that injured nine before an off-duty officer killed Adan inside the mall's Macy's store.
You can understand why Anderson preferred not to say more. It was only last year—coincidentally, in St. Cloud—when Governor Mark Dayton warned Minnesotans concerned about the state's ever-growing Somali population to pack up and move on. Dayton weirdly instructed "white, B-plus, Minnesota-born citizens" to suppress their qualms about immigrant resettlement in Minnesota. If they can't, he added, they should "find another state." Anderson, the police chief, evidently wants to stay put. Something is happening here and, while everyone knows what it is, no one in a position of power is willing to say it. Even the police chief is exercising his right to remain silent lest he be stigmatized as a bigot.
By Sunday evening, law enforcement still hadn't identified the perpetrator. Even so, it wasn't too soon for the Council on American-Islamic Relations to speak up. After all, the putative civil rights outfit has business to take care of. Jaylani Hussein, CAIR's Minnesota executive director, said Sunday afternoon that "we are definitely concerned about the potential for backlash in the community, both in the immediate run and the longer term." You can joke about the fear of Minnesota's Muslims over the backlash that tomorrow's terrorist attack will bring. Here, we're living it.


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Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses and can be worn by anyone of any age once their eyes are suitable for them and they know how to look after them. There are lots of different types of contact lenses, so if you have astigmatism or dry eyes, you may be able to wear contact lenses, even if you could not use them in the past. Its always worth talking to your optometrist about contact lenses and discussing what options are available to you.
In Ireland, if you wear contact lenses, it is legally required that you should have a contact lens eye examination every year. No matter how good contact lenses are, they are still something which you put into your eye. The law is there to protect your eyes, to ensure they stay healthy and that your prescription is suitable to your eyes needs and your lifestyle needs.
Children under the age of 16 can wear contact lenses and are often more successful in wearing and caring for them than adults are. If you would like to consider contact lenses as an option for your child, talk to your optometrist.
Annual Eye Examinations are legally required for contact lens wearers.
In order to ensure healthy eyes and optimal contact lens wear, it is legally required that all contact lens prescriptions should be renewed after 12 months. This is to protect the wearer from any adverse effects of lens wear. If you wear contact lenses, make sure you get your eyes checked regularly.


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Danielle McKay, D.M.A.
Lecturer, Soprano
Danielle McKay, soprano, is hailed as having stunning high notes that resound and float delicately in her upper register (D.C. Metro Theater Metro Arts). Dr. McKay feels at home on the opera, concert, and musical theater stage. Most recently, she performed the role of Laurie Moss in The Tender Land. Previous roles include Madame Pompous in Too Many Sopranos, Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Laurette in The Doctor Miracle. She also recorded the beloved duet between Violetta and Germont from La Traviata with Metropolitan opera star Patrick Carfizzi. On the concert stage, she performed the soprano solo in Respighi's Laud to the Nativity broadcasted on EWTN, the soprano solo in Górecki's second movement of Symphony No. 3 for a Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert, and the soprano solo in Brahms's Requiem. Danielle's history of musical theater includes three seasons with Artpark & Company in the ensemble of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, All Shook Up, and Fame. She also performed the role of Jeanie in Hair, under the direction of André De Shields. Dr. McKay holds a Doctor of Music degree in vocal performance from The Catholic University of America, where she studied under Metropolitan opera alumna Sharon Christman. Her Master of Music degree in vocal performance is from the University of Memphis, and her Bachelor of Music Education (K-12 band and chorus) degree is from The State University of New York College at Buffalo. Aside from teaching at CUA, she teaches vocal technique and directs the female ensemble at the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts and teaches yoga at Georgetown Law.
Email: mckayd@cua.edu
B.M.Ed., The State University of New York College at Buffalo
M.M., University of Memphis
D.M.A., The Catholic University of America


No, it's not illegal to photograph them. But it is unethical and could be illegal to publish their photographs without their prior permission.
I was thinking that people might be accused of taking photos of 'vulnerable' people. e.g. if you took a photo of someone in zombie 'mode', they clearly wouldn't in that moment be in a position to make an informed choice about whether their photo could be shared on social media or not.
You don't need anyone's permission to publish a photograph of them in a public place.
Yes, I think we're all agreed on that, Andy. My initial point was that I had hoped the reason people were being asked not to post photos of homeless in Wrexham was out of some noble sentiment, out of concern for what some might view as 'vulnerable' people, rather than the more self-serving motivation of not wanting people to see how grim Wrexham town actually is.
What's legal and what's appropriate according to social norms are not always the same thing. I personally have no problem with photos of the 'homeless' (or as I prefer to think of them, drug addicts & alcoholics) in Wrexham being shared. However, if an elderly person collapsed in Wrexham, I would think it inappropriate to take & share photos of them lying on the ground and even more so if they were identifiable from the photos.
Bubble you have assumed all homeless people are either drug addicts or alcoholics- this is not the case as many people have become homeless through social or employment reasons and don't get tempted by substances.
The test of an appropriate photo would be if you were in the personal circumstances would you want to be photographed?
As stated earlier the taking of a photo in the street is not illegal and there use to illustrate an article or news items – what cannot be done however is the selling of an image for commercial/financial gain as this strays into other areas of legal risk.
I am aware that there is a difference, actually, but I also have no doubt that when it comes to describing those on the streets with substance abuse issues, the terms 'homeless' and 'rough sleeping' are used by some deliberately because they are more sympathetic descriptions. Many of these people are homeless as a consequence of their addictions and if we are to use labels then I would prefer for them to more honestly reflect the issue rather than one of its symptoms. Otherwise it confuses issues and effectively encourages terms such as 'homelessness' to become almost synonymous with terms like 'addiction'.
Wrexham has a substance abuse problem. As well as being able to share photos that give an honest representation of the town's 'rough sleeping' problems, surely we should also be honest about what the main cause of the problem is.


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JuJutsu Kaisen Episode 3 is Ready to Release: JuJutsu Kaisen is Must Watch Anime of This Fall
Here is everything that gives you reasons why the Shonen series is special and must-watch for you. It would be able to grab your eye-balls to the show. Later enjoying the story of a high schooler, 15 years athlete Yuji Itadori, the lead discovers himself having the disbranch finger of a demonic substance and obtaining the power of a curse to preserve his friends. Till the date, it has delivered two episodes. The first one on 3rd October while the rest one on 10th October. The Shonen series coming from Mappa studio has received a great response from the viewers.
Also Read: The Boys Season 3 is Happening?
JuJutsu Kaisen Episode 3 is Ready to Release
Mappa has animated the much-loved Jujutsu. The developers are busy to create the fourth and the final episode. After enjoying the adventure, dark fantasy and the stunts of Yuji Itadori we assure the Survey Corps fans, won't be disappointed. They don't need to worry. Mappa has brought many amazing scenes to us. The character expressions and smooth and brilliant animation has captivated the eye-ball of the audience. The first episode has been titled Ryomen Sukuna which premiered on 3rd October while the second is For Myself, released on 10th October, and the 3rd episode is ready to release on this 16th, October.
Also Read: Away Season 2 Release Date Confirmed?
Sunghoo Park has directed he anime series. Hiroshi Seko has penned the amazing plot. The attractive and amazing characters were created by Tadashi Hiramatsu. The series officially debuted on MBS and TBS. The series will last after 24 episodes. In the comparison of past Shonen series, this one resolves its odds. Yuji has received one of the most powerful curses which the world might have seen. He has been given many powers which includes speed and strength. In the first episode, we have enjoyed some of the most entertaining battles. though many of them are yet to come.
JuJutsu Kaisen is Must Watch Anime of This Fall
The initial two episodes ticked our bones badly and Yuji proved himself as the most entertaining and hilarious lead. We have seen him breaking down for his crush, Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence and also one-sided fight with a doll. The series proved to be the great mixture of action and laugh.
There could be no better time for the series to come except the October month. The month is completely dedicated for the Halloween season. This Shonen series is a complete package of supernatural entities, ghosts and monsters. Would you love to give your watch to the dark fantasy in the Halloween month? Stay connected with us to get latest updates from around the world.


The skateboards of the Düsseldorf based brand Rebel Rockers Skateboards are still chiefly handmade. I was commissioned to create a five deck series ( Lemmy, Keyhole, Rebel Bräu, Rebel for Life, Pro Team).
As an essential feature "rock'n'roll" is characteristic for this rider driven skateboard company. For this reason the graphics are created accordingly.
Might be interesting as well?


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Late rally lifts Lockeroom into semis
By Neal Denton, ndenton@baxterbulletin.com June 14, 2015 12:31 am
By Neal Denton, ndenton@baxterbulletin.com | June 14, 2015 12:31 am ET
Lockeroom first baseman Cole Anderson flips to first base while second baseman Matt Robbins backs up the play during the first inning of a 7-6, eight-inning victory over Benton on Saturday night at Cooper Park.
The comebacks keep coming for the Lockeroom American Legion Baseball team.
Facing a six-run deficit and possible elimination from its own Twin Lakes Classic, the squad made its biggest comeback of the season to earn a trip to Sunday's semifinals.
A rally in the bottom of the seventh forced extra innings, and a bases-loaded passed ball in the bottom of the eighth sent Lockeroom to a 7-6 victory over Everett GMC of Benton on Saturday night in the quarterfinals on Lester White Field at Cooper Park.
2015 Twin Lakes Classic scoreboard
After trailing by 6-0 early, the hosts scored three in the third and three more in the seventh to even up the score. After Hayden Hall twirled his fifth inning of stellar relief in the top of the eighth, Lockeroom loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame and a passed ball scored the winning run.
"They do have a never-die attitude," Lockeroom head coach Lester White said of his team. "They never think they're out of a game. It was a great win for us, a great comeback. We've been down 4-0 and 3-0 this year, and there's 6-0. We've come back and won all those games."
Trailing 6-3, the hosts mounted a huge, two-out rally in the bottom of the seventh. Cole Anderson and Hayden Hall each had base hits, and after the second out, both came home when Brody Ninemire reached on an error on the shortstop.
After Mason Smith was hit by a pitch, Kyle Stephens came in to pinch hit and reached on catcher's interference to load the bases. Quinn Ellison came back from a 0-2 count to coax a bases-loaded walk to plate the tying run. A fielder's choice ended the rally and forced extra innings.
"We went down, then up, then down again because we had two great chances of scoring again but didn't put the ball in play," White said of his team's missed opportunities earlier in the game. "We just kept battling, and I told them, 'let's just get a couple here and a couple there and get back in the game,' and that's what they did."
Hall pitched his third 1-2-3 inning of the game in the top of the eighth to set up the walk-off victory.
"Hayden did a fantastic job," White said. "Fantastic. He shut them down and gave us a good chance of coming back."
Cole Anderson led off the eighth with a double down the left-field line, and with first base open, Benton elected to intentionally walk Sky-Lar Culver, who currently is batting .615 (8 of 13) for the tournament. Everett GMC also walked Hall to load the bases, and with no outs and Matt Robbins at the plate, a ball got away from the Benton catcher to plate the winning run.
"They did great with good, timely hitting," said White, who earned his 884th career victory. "We had some great at-bats. Sky-Lar, he's on fire, I mean he's just knocking the cover off of it."
Lockeroom (9-1) will face Pontotoc, Miss., at 11 a.m. Sunday in the semifinal round. Blue Springs, Mo., will face Rogersville, Mo., at 1:15 p.m. in the other semifinal.
Benton had four hits and took advantage of a pair of errors and two hit batsmen in the third inning to grab a big lead.
Jack Jumpers beat out an infield hit to start the uprising, and after Cletus Storment was hit by a pitch, Chris Musteen hit into a fielder's choice that retired Storment. Colton Lane followed with a squeeze bunt that brought home Jumpers, and Lane reached on the bunt.
Austin Sheridan was hit by a pitch, and Kyler Nitschke singled home a run to make it 2-0. Cody Icenhower followed with a base hit to left field that brought home another run, and two more runs scored after the ball got past the leftfielder. Icenhower took third on the error and later scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-0.
Lockeroom got three runs back in the bottom of the third. Ellison laced a double inside the first-base bag, and Austin Jacobelli singled to lead off the rally.
Anderson smacked a triple to right-center field, bringing home both runners, and Culver followed with a walk. Hall reached on an error that scored Anderson to make it 6-3, but Benton pitcher Tyler Hamilton coaxed three straight outs to end the inning.
Lockeroom had the bases loaded with one out in the fifth inning, but a strikeout and a groundout on a ball that was deflected by the pitcher to the second baseman got Jumpers, the Benton reliever, out of the jam with no runs scored.
Hall earned the win in relief, striking out striking out five and allowing just two hits over five innings. Ryan Czanstkowski allowed six runs — three earned — and five hits over three innings in the start for Lockeroom.
Rogersville, Mo. 12,
Harrison 9
The McDonald's Big Macs jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Rogersville answered with eight runs in the top of the third. Bailey Rettman provided the big blast with a three-run home run for Rogersville.
A pair of errors led to two more runs for Rogersville in the fifth as it took a 10-2 advantage, but Harrison kept from being run-ruled with four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Rogersville made two errors in the inning, and Will Spry came up with a big RBI double for the Big Macs.
Nathan Chainey and Rettman each score to push Rogersville's lead to 12-6 in the seventh, but Harrison had another rally up its sleeve in its final at-bat.
Adam Brown singled, and Spry belted a two-run homer to close to within 12-8 with no outs. Logan Schuh doubled, and with one out, Lane Hiliard singled him home to cut the lead to three. After a walk, Rogersville recorded the last two outs to preserve the victory.
Pontotoc, Miss. 12,
Eureka, Mo. 4, 5 in.
Facing a team that had allowed only one run through three games in the Classic, Eureka Post 177 plated two in the very first inning, but it still didn't generate enough offense to compete with the heavy-hitting Red Sox lineup.
Garrett Witte and Avery Driggs each scored runs for Eureka in the first, but Pontotoc (7-0) plated six in its first-inning at-bat. Chance Witt clubbed a three-run homer to cap the scoring, while Tyreque Reed bashed the Red Sox's sixth homer of the tournament with a shot in the second inning.
Pontotoc led 9-2 after the second, but Post 177 scored twice in the third as Driggs and Andrew Bujnak each scored runs.
Delvin Zinn, Reed and Jake McDonald each scored runs to stretch the Red Sox's lead to 12-4 after four innings. Zinn and McDonald had two hits each to lead the Red Sox at the plate.
Blue Springs, Mo. 15,
Batesville 3
Fike/Post 499 scored three runs in the top of the third to begin pulling away, and it plated three more in the fourth an dealt the knockout blow with seven in the top of the seventh to advance to the semifinals.
Nate Pecota – who had an RBI double in the first inning – smacked a three-run homer to culminate the seven-run seventh for Fike (9-3).
Cale Benson had three hits and scored three runs for Blue Springs. Heath Fortson bashed a solo homer to left in the bottom of the fourth for the Highwaymen.
For local sports updates, follow Neal Denton on Twitter @BBSportsNeal and Like him on Facebook at facebook.com/BBSportsNeal
Adam Brown, American Legion, baseball, Baxter Bulletin, benton, Boston Red Sox, classic, comeback, Hayden Hall, Lockeroom, tournament, Twin Lakes, Tyler Hamilton, News
No. 21 Chandler engineers comeback in final 24 seconds to reach 6th-straight title game
https://usatodayhss.com/2015/late-rally-lifts-lockeroom
Tourney hosts rally from 6-run deficit to win in eight innings


Photography is indispensable to the success story of the record format: From Grace Jones to David Bowie or the Rolling Stones, photography has given many musicians and bands an unmistakable visual identity and transformed them into icons. Covers such as Abbey Road by The Beatles have achieved cult status, like the musicians and their albums. Richard Avedon, David Bailey, Guy Bourdin, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Irving Penn and Juergen Teller are just some of the best-known photographers commissioned by the record labels.
With over 500 record covers, Total Records shows the innovative and artistic interaction between vinyl and photography, taking us on a journey through a cultural and media history of the twentieth century.
An exhibition by the Rencontres d'Arles, curated by Antoine de Beaupré, Serge Vincendet, and Sam Stourdzé.


The bidding for shares of Esquire Knit Composite Limited (EKCL) by the eligible investors started on Monday for discovering the cut-off price.
Esquire Knit Composite, a unit of Esquire Group, will raise a capital worth Tk 1.50 billion from the capital market under the book building method for its business expansion.
The bidding of shares of the company through the uniform and integrated electronic subscription system of the stock exchanges will be continued till July 12.
The offer period for eligible investors (EIs) will start at 10:30am on July 15 and continue till 10:30pm on July 16, according to a disclosure posted on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Monday.
The EIs shall submit their valuation report along with workings and calculations to the exchange through electronic subscription system from 10:31am on July 16 to 10:30am on July 18.
According to the disclosure, the EIs, who will not participate in the bidding during the bidding period, will not be able to participate in the offer period.
The EIs, who will participate in the bidding period above the face value, will be able to participate in the offer period irrespective of cut-off price, said the statement.
The export-oriented knit garments factory held a road show in April 2017 as part of its plan for the initial public offering (IPO).
Book building is a process through which an issuer attempts to determine the price to offer for its shares based on demand from institutional investors.
As per the book-building method, the institutional investors will get 60 per cent shares at the cut-off price which will be set by the EIs through electronic bidding.
The remaining 40 per cent shares will be opened for the IPO participants, including affected small investors and non-resident Bangladeshis, at 10 per cent discount on the cut-off price.
Esquire Knit will use the IPO proceed for buying machinery, constructing building and civil construction, and to meet the IPO expenses.
Prime Finance Capital Management is the issue manager of the Esquire Knit IPO.
Currently, the company's paid-up capital is Tk 1.0 billion and authorised capital is Tk 2.0 billion.
Esquire Knit's revenue stood at Tk 4.45 billion for the year ended on June 30, 2017. Its net profit was Tk 312 million.
The company's weighted average earnings per share (EPS) was Tk 2.52 and net asset value (NAV) per share (with revaluation reserve) Tk 45.83 at the end of June 30, 2017.
Located at Sonargaon in Narayanganj, Esquire Knit has been emerging as a conglomerate with knitting, fabric dyeing and finishing facilities under one roof since its commercial launch in 2001.
The knitting unit of the company has a capacity of producing over 2.0 million pieces of garments per month.
At present, 50 textiles and garment companies are listed on DSE, accounting for about 4.0 per cent of total market capitalisation.


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Danville (217) 446-9574 | Terre Haute (812) 561-0211 | Indianapolis (317)-759-1051
Twitter Will No Longer Auto-Crop Photos On The Web
Posted by ctscomp On November 29, 2021
Twitter hasn't had a very good relationship with auto-cropping. Images just haven't historically displayed very well on the platform.
Fortunately that is soon changing. The company recently announced that it is dropping crop on the web altogether on both its Android and iOS apps.
It may seem like a small change but Twitter's auto-cropping algorithm was at the heart of a controversy last year. That was when it was pointed out that there was evidence that the company's auto-cropping algorithm favored white faces over black faces resulting in black faces getting cut out and white faces displayed more prominent.
Research into the issue revealed a minor bias but the issue wasn't as serious as was being described. The company nonetheless decided to disable the feature and now it seems that it's going away for good.
The coolest aspect of the change is that rather than getting a clumsily cropped image preview of your tweet viewers will get to see the entire image. That matters especially if you're in the habit of posting memes which often lose much of their punch and impact if you can't see the whole thing. Worse is that relatively fewer people are likely to click on your tweet to see the complete image if it's cropped in such a way that it's hard to tell what it is.
We applaud Twitter's decision here. They weren't very good at auto-cropping anyway. Abandoning the feature makes the platform richer and more interesting. That's the kind of thing that attracts users and advertising dollars. So kudos to Twitter all around.
It's also great from a marketing perspective. So if your business leverages the power of Twitter there's even more to smile about. You won't have to worry that your image heavy advertisements and branding tweets are getting cropped in inconvenient ways.
Recently digital media giant Shutterfly was hit by a major ransomware attack. The attack disrupted broad swaths of the company's services[...]
The great thing about standards is that they provide a standard. A common framework that the manufacturers in any given[...]
There are strange events swirling around LastPass. LastPass is a popular password safe and identity protection service. Recently Twitter exploded with[...]
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You're going to love the versatility that you get when you have modern shoes like these ones available to you. The almond shaped toe box of the shoes is perfect to blur the line between a casual look and one that is more sophisticated. This makes the shoes perfect for you to wear to work when you're going to out afterwards. The high back to the shoes makes it possible for you to get the kind of fit you need after you simply slide your foot inside. The back of the heel includes a leather ribbon embellishment that is purely decorative. Short heel is wide enough to maintain your stability as you're walking throughout the day on several different kinds of terrain. The single color design of the shoes will help you to combine them with the kinds of looks that you're looking to create.


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Дамбах () — многозначный термин.

Топоним
 Дамбах — коммуна в Германии, районный центр, расположен в земле Рейнланд-Пфальц.

Фамилия
 Дамбах, Отто (1831—1899) — немецкий юрист.

См. также
 Даммбах

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Share this Story: Salvation Army pulling volunteers from Kettles Campaign
Salvation Army pulling volunteers from Kettles Campaign
Dan Marcinkowski
Dec 16, 2020 • December 16, 2020 • 2 minute read
On Dec. 12, the Foothills Salvation Army's Shiela MacDonald gathered toys from the community as the Salvation Army did their Christmas Toy Drive just outside the Salvation Army Foothills Church in High River. Photo by Dan Marcinkowski
The Salvation Army will no longer have volunteers at their Christmas Kettle locations here in the Foothills and also across Alberta as part of new safety protocols to deal with COVID-19. The Kettles will remain in those locations only where permitted and outfitted with an electronic donation option as well as signage to donate online, by phone, or via text message. The last day for volunteers was on December 12th.
"Since the beginning of our campaign this year, the safety of our volunteers and donors has always been our first priority," says Major Al Hoeft, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations.
Salvation Army pulling volunteers from Kettles Campaign Back to video
"In response to the increasing cases and the recent safety protections by the province and AHS, we will no longer have volunteers ringing the bells at our Kettles in Alberta."
The Salvation Army has been serving Albertans since 1887 and to potentially lose Kettle donations will greatly impact the programs and services that The Salvation Army provides, not just at Christmas, but all year, as the kettle campaign is the Foothills Salvation Army biggest fundraiser of the year. Kettle donations stay local to fund programs such as food bank services, hot meals, Christmas food & toy hampers, job search programs, counselling, ESL classes, back-to-school supplies, and much more.
There are still ways for people to donate to the campaign.
By phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at FIllTheKettle.com
Mail your donation to The Salvation Army, 200-5615 101 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6A 3Z7
Text your donation to make a $5, $10, or $20 donation: text GIVEHOPE to 41010
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in 131 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and vulnerable people in your community.


Whether it's gardening, typing, shopping or dancing, PR professional Jane Dean does everything she did before having osteoarthritis diagnosed and more, thanks to the power of positivity.
Osteoarthritis has not got in the way of a good vegetable patch. This year, Jane Dean's runner beans and tomatoes are doing nicely, and her flower beds are spick and span, despite her arthritic hands and back.
When she was in her forties, Jane, a public relations consultant, was told by doctors that the strange shooting pains in her fingers and swollen knuckles and joints signalled the onset of osteoarthritis.
Living close to the South Coast, she walks by the sea as often as she can to clock up her target 10,000 steps every day. As a young girl, she loved the disco, and is planning to rediscover her delight in dancing and music when a regional dance competition kicks off this year.
Jane works from home – a cottage on the edge of the New Forest – and her clients include local and larger businesses, theatres and artists. She uses a keyboard every day.
While her daughters look after her, Jane believes her wider family – she has five brothers – and friends do not even know about her osteoarthritis.
When she first had her diagnosis, Jane was told by her doctor that one of the secrets of dealing with osteoarthritis was to develop a positive outlook, and that has certainly worked for her.


Our client, a sizable Chinese Bank is now actively hiring for a Senior Manager to join the Market Risk Management team. Report to the Head of Market Risk, you be responsible for monitoring Market Risk and interest rate risk. You will be also responsible for drafting risk monitoring reports and risk analysis reports. Other duties including analysis on various risk indicators (eg, BPV, CS01, NOP etc), VaR, and stress testing. Perform UATs and other related projects.


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Home Football Soccer News I JUST NEEDED TIME TO SETTLE IN AT TOTTENHAM: MOUSSA SISSOKO
I JUST NEEDED TIME TO SETTLE IN AT TOTTENHAM: MOUSSA SISSOKO
SPORTS LIBRO FOOTBALL- FOOTBALL NEWS:
1 SPORTS LIBRO FOOTBALL- FOOTBALL NEWS:
1.0.1 LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS:
1.0.2 The France international and New Castle United's midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who is currently playing for the Tottenham Hotspur has recently admitted that he just needed time to settle in at Tottenham.
The France international and New Castle United's midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who is currently playing for the Tottenham Hotspur has recently admitted that he just needed time to settle in at Tottenham.
"I just needed some time to be ready"
Sissoko claims he's now settled at Tottenham following a rocky start – https://t.co/nQ9Dosj8Or #THFC pic.twitter.com/vAODI6bQuY
— Yahoo Sport UK (@YahooSportUK) December 16, 2016
After making a slow start for the Spurs, the 27-year-old appears to be finding his feet and starred in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Hull City following an impressive performance in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Hull City, having made an impact off the bench against Manchester United last week.
EPL TRANSFER NEWS:
The 27-year-old France midfielder Moussa Sissok, who has made 118 appearances for his former club New Castle United before he joined the Spurs in 2016, which was record signing in the Tottenham history, but unfortunately he has failed to, made a big impact for the club in the starting of the season, on what the France international admits he just needed time.
As after making a slow start for the Spurs, the 27-year-old appears to be finding his feet and starred in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Hull City following an impressive performance in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Hull City.
In a recent interview the France midfielder said,
"For me the manager said what he thinks,"
"For me it was the same, just to come into training and try to give my best."
'I know what I can do for the team. I know what is my level."
"I just needed some time to be ready on everything because it was a big change for me. Now I understand everything and everything is better for me and that's good."
"The intensity of the training has been particularly difficult. The style of how he wants us to play. A lot of things,"
"What we do at the training. It was a lot of change. Every manager has his style of training so now I understand everything." Sissoko concluded.
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Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with all the headlines and the goings-on, with a week being an exceptionally long time in news.
But don't worry, folks, we've got you covered.
If you've been busy over the last week, or simply want a digest bulletin of news, we've got a list of our most-read stories from the past seven days.
It was another record breaking year for Coventry Motofest as around 125,000 people visited the country's largest motoring festival across the weekend.
Organisers have confirmed they will be back bigger and better than ever in 2017.
To find out the dates of next year's event, click here.
The next generation of driverless cars are set to be unveiled by a Coventry company.
RDM Group, which is heavily involved in the Government-backed LUTZ and UK AutoDrive projects, is set to reveal its new Pod Zero range of vehicles that for the first time ever be available with two, four and eight seats.
The futuristic pods are described as ideal for city transport authorities, airports, shopping centres and theme parks and have a range of 60 miles.
They are set to be revealed at the Automechanika event at the National Exhibition Centre tomorrow.
Coventry residents and readers have had their say on the news the city is one of the fastest growing destinations for overseas tourists in the UK.
Figures released from the annual international passenger survey state that the number of holiday trips to the city by foreigners rose from 14,894 in 2014 to 26,544 in 2015 – an increase of more than 78 per cent.
The average growth among the top ten tourist cities in the UK is just 4.6 per cent.
See how city residents reacted by watching our video above.
Roads in the west of the city were badly affected o Wednesday afternoon, as Coventry was gripped by heavy rain and torrential downpour.
Motorists were urged to find an alternative route - and you can read the updates as they happened by clicking here for our live-blog.
On Friday, a trio were arrested. Click here for more.
Coventry residents and readers have reacted to the news that a man was fatally stabbed in Holyhead Road yesterday evening.
The victim, believed to be in his 20s, was found near the junction with Northumberland Road just after 10pm.
One resident wrote on the Telegraph's Facebook page: "Nowhere is safe anymore."


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The quiet achiever
Published by Peter Collins on November 6, 2017
Guarding the Seas.
Silent Work of the Navy.
Commander's Reminiscences.
GREY phantom shapes moving through the morning mists, guarding the shipping lines of the seven seas, silently doing their work that the life blood of a great Empire may pulse evenly through its veins and that the humblest individual of the greatest Commonwealth of Nations the world has ever seen may rest in peace knowing that nought will come to trouble him; the silent navy of the British Empire about which romance has wreathed its glamour and on the doings and ideals of whose men and officers have been built the traditions upon which, in turn, depends our very existence.
Mighty ships that proudly ride the waves, in all their pride or slip quietly through the night, always watching, always ready to do, or dare in securing freedom for a far flung people.
But behind the silence of the Navy, behind the secrecy, the tradition and the romance there is another side, human, businesslike; just a matter of a man doing his work, day in and day out, never coming into the limelight but who, when he comes to the end of his period, has a scrapbook filled with kindly references, with official documents phrased in stereotyped form and with that most prized of all things, mention in official dispatches.
A week ago last Saturday [ 13 April 1929 ], Commander E.S. Mutton [ Edward Smith Mutton ], District Naval Officer, Brisbane, received a printed form on which was stated the bare announcement that his work with the navy was finished.
Reason— "Reached age limit, 60." This differs from all the others he has in his possession.
They, in every instance, contain the opening sentence that he was being transferred and that he had carried out his duties "with sobriety and to my entire satisfaction".
That is the stereotyped phrase an admiral fills in on the official "flimsy" he hands in to his next of command when the latter goes to take up a higher position.
It is the Navy's curt way of saying that the recipient did what he was expected to do.
Born in 1869, Commander Mutton went to Bowles College, Portsmouth, England, where he commenced training for a midshipman on the Britannia.
When he was 10, however, his father died and a change in the family plans was necessary and the budding middy was transferred to the Greenwich Royal Naval School.
OFF TO SEA.
But in his blood there was the urgent call of the sea inherited from his father who had also been in the Navy. He never became a midshipman.
Instead he joined a windjammer of the Black Ball line, at that time owned by R. Green and Co., which firm later became the Orient Company [ Orient Steam Shipping Line ].
And there in the rough old days before the mast he learned his sailoring, laying the foundation of a knowledge that has stood him in good stead through the later years and which enabled him to carry out the important transport work at Albany during the years of the war in such a manner as to gain that most coveted of all honours, mention in official dispatches.
In 1886 he came to Victoria still as a seaman and there it was that a friend gave him some advice that altered the remainder of his life.
"Why stick at being a sailor?" asked the friend.
"Leave your ship and join the Victorian Navy," for at that time every State had its own navy, ready to defend its shores not only against outside attacks but also against those of the navy from other States if necessary.
There was only one thing likely to cause a hitch in the arrangements, and that was that you could not walk off a ship once you had signed on.
As everyone knows there are always times when a man has to make up his mind to step a little way from the beaten path and he did so.
OUT ON LOAN.
The next thing was that erstwhile Seaman Mutton became a seaman in the Victorian Navy and a little later was made a torpedo instructor which carried with it the rank of Petty Officer.
But they had curious ways of doing things in those days, and Petty Officer Mutton took advantage of them.
He went up to Melbourne Town and sat for the public service examination.
What is more, he passed it, and was then loaned by the Navy to the civil service, where he was appointed as a tax assessing and income tax officer.
Then the Navy suddenly remembered that one of its Petty Officers was overdue on loan and once more he trod the decks of a warship.
But the public service asked for another loan and, doffing his uniform, he joined the staff of the Government Statistician and collected the wheat figures for the southern State.
SAW BOXER REBELLION.
But the Navy is nothing if not persistent, and once more brought him back again.
Then another change was made and this time the sailor-long shoreman was transferred to the military — also on loan.
The Boxer Rebellion had broken out and the years 1900 and 1901 saw him in China serving under General Lorne Campbell.
There he had charge of the transport arrangements and won high praise for the way in which he carried out his work.
He was not at the Siege of Pekin [ sic, Peking ], but made visits to other Fronts with the General.
The Rebellion over, he was brought back to Victoria, and for some years the Navy allowed him to remain with-out being loaned out to anyone.
Then in 1906 he was made a Warrant Officer and had the job of starting the training depot at Portland, Port Fairy, and Warrnambool, in Victoria.
Once he had completed the organisation for this scheme he was again transferred, this time to Western Australia, where, with headquarters at Fremantle, the into being the Naval Forces for that State.
For some years he remained on the job there and then, in addition, was told to take charge of the training of the naval trainees in Fremantle and Albany.
So efficient was his work there that at a conference of the Australian Natives' Association a special resolution was carried him on the efficiency with which he had carried out his duties.
Soon after this he was made Chief Gunner, a position that carried with it a commission.
AT THE FOCUS POINT.
Then came 1914 and with it the great task for which all his previous years of training had fitted him. He was transferred to Hobart to take charge of naval transport, but the Naval Board stepped in and said that it could not spare him from the important work lying ahead of him at Albany.
So it was that during the whole of the war period every boat that came and went from this jumping off point of the Commonwealth moved only under orders from Chief Gunner Mutton.
And of those days, although so strict is the code that he cannot even now tell the real story, he can give some slight insight into the wonderful network the Navy spread through the world guarding the possessions under its charge.
The first transport to arrive consisted of 62 ships. These were made up of 28 Australian transports and 10 New Zealand, the remainder being men-o'-war and store ships.
Every detail in connection with the handling of this enormous fleet, all arrangements for leave ashore for the thousands of troops and the thousand and one details that cropped up during their stay preparatory to sailing across the world, were in his hands.
It is not hard to visualise what lay behind a quiet remark dropped by him in passing as he was giving these details.
"We had a lot to look after and during that time I was working 24 hours a day."
But this was not all. Every ship that left Australian shores followed a route marked and set down by Chief Gunner Mutton.
There was not a part of the great oceans that was not patrolled by British men-o'-war or her allies and this was so charted out that when a ship was sent from Australian shores it was known — unless she deviated from her instructions — just exactly where the patrols would pick her up, report "All well" and see her on her way to the next point of contact.
Some of them were sent back 60 miles along the coast before they were allowed to strike out on their course.
"What for?" was the eternal query from ship masters.
"Orders," was the laconic response of the Chief Gunner.
And so during the years of upheaval he sat there at the point of the Continent directing the stream of shipping to its varied destinations, meeting the incoming tides, arranging for transports, for the comfort of troops; sat there in the midst of the maze without ever hesitating and without ever being in error.
And when his work was over and he was transferred his "flimsy" read that he had done his work "with sobriety and to my entire satisfaction".
AFTER THE WAR.
But his scrapbook contains messages and letters of appreciation from men standing high in the service, from Generals down to ordinary officers and from Lord Jellicoe down to plain Commanders and all of them say the same thing — thanks, not only for having carried out an official duty, but thanks, also, for having done that little more, for having given that extra effort that meant so much to everyone on board.
And in culmination came the mention in official dispatches — the highest honour a man in the Silent Service can get.
The war over, life gradually swung back to normal again and he was transferred to Newcastle, New South Wales, as Sub-District Naval Officer in charge.
In the three years there he reorganised many things and, incidentally, kept a watchful eye on the naval coal reserve, some 250,000 tons of coal lying at grass and which had to be checked at regular intervals for fear of combustion.
Then came his transfer to Brisbane in the position of District Naval Officer, where the work and courtesy of Commander E.S. Mutton is too well known to require comment.
Today he is having a rest.
"I am 60," he said, "but I am in perfect health and do not feel inclined to sit down and just watch the flowers grow.
"I don't know what I shall take up yet, but I shall certainly do something.
"I am too old for the Navy but don't forget that I still hold a Chief Officer's ticket and that may be something."
— from page 2 of "The Telegraph" (Brisbane) of 23 April 1929.
ABOVE: Edward Smith Mutton was born in the June quarter 1869 at Portsea, Hampshire, England, He was the son of Joshua Hopkins Mutton, a Boatswain on the permanent Royal Navy list, and the former Everald Penn Crosoer. The-then, Seaman Edward Smith Mutton, married Ellen (Nell) Mary Troy in 1891 at Portland, Victoria. CMDR Mutton died, aged 74, at Pymble, Sydney, on 30 July 1943. His wife predeceased him on 29 October 1935, and was buried at Brisbane's Toowong Cemetery. Below are the respective funeral notices that appeared (top) in "The Argus" (Melbourne) of 2 November 1935 (page 17), and "The Sydney Morning Herald" of 2 August 1943 for CMDR Mutton.
ABOVE: A group photo which appeared on page 13 of Brisbane's "The Daily Mail" of 13 May 1926. It shows the instructional staff who the-then LTCDR Mutton lead as District Naval Officer at Brisbane.
ABOVE: When his retirement was gazetted on 13 April 1929, the-then LTCDR Mutton's career had encompassed being Honorary Aide-de-Camp to two Governors-General of Australia – firstly in 1925 to Lord Forster (Sir Henry William Forster) and then to Baron Stonehaven (John Lawrence Baird Stonehaven).
Categories:	RAN Milestones
Tags: Milestones
RAN Milestones
Brisbane salutes the King
NAVAL OFFICER ON HORSEBACK Royal Review of Forces THE Royal Review of naval and military forces, to be held in The Domain on Monday [ 29 June 1936 ], in commemoration of the King's birthday, Read more…
Training in 1921
The Naval Brigade. Brisbane Boys. Sailors in the Making. "Non Sibi Sed Patriae" — not for himself, but for his country — a great motto; a motto expressing the highest of ideals; the motto of Read more…
Naval Brigade: Annual Training Work. Gunnery and Mine Practice. WHILE the gunboats, Gayundah and Paluma, manned by 11 officers and 102 members of the Naval Brigade under Captain Creswell [ the future Sir William Rooke Creswell Read more…


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Posts Tagged 'Wireless concentration'
Carleton Study Challenges Claims of Big Wireless Players and Promotes Need for Maverick Brands
November 21, 2013 Dwayne Winseck's Media Blog	1 comment
Cross posted from Carleton University homepage.
Well, this is a bit of a cheat, but Steven Reid at Carleton University did such a great job conveying the central message of a new report that we put out at the Canadian Media Concentration Research Project that I thought I'd just crib the whole thing and re-post it here. Thanks Steve.
Steven's wordsmithing follows:
Carleton University's Canadian Media Concentration Research project, directed by Dwayne Winseck of the School of Journalism and Communication, has released a report entitled Mobile Wireless in Canada: Recognizing the Problems and Approaching Solutions. The study outlines the state of wireless competition and concentration in Canada in relation to 57 countries worldwide, covering a period of three decades.
"The deep divide between the wireless industry and the government that has erupted over the latter's attempt to reduce domestic and international roaming charges and foster more competition is the focus of the study," said Winseck. "The study challenges the industry's claim that there is no competition problem in Canada and emphasizes the importance of maverick brands that extend the market to those at the lower end of the income scale – women and others who are otherwise neglected by the well-established wireless players."
The report supports the assertion that mobile wireless markets in Canada are not competitive. It offers a comprehensive, long-term body of evidence that places trends in Canada in an international context. The study shows that Canada shares a similar condition with almost all countries that were studied: high levels of concentration in mobile wireless markets.
The difference between the wireless situation in Canada and elsewhere is the lack of resolve to do anything about this state of affairs said Winseck. The study concludes that Canada's situation is not promising, although there are some bright spots on the horizon.
"For the time being, the tendency is to deny reality, even when incontrovertible evidence stares observers in the face," said Winseck. "This, however, is symptomatic of a bigger problem, namely that in Canada the circles involved in discussing wireless issues are exceedingly small and they like to hear the sound of one another's voices. Their members do not look kindly on those who might rock the tight oligopoly that has ruled the industry from the get-go."
The study highlights the importance of emerging maverick brands like T-Mobile in the U.S., Hutchison 3G in the U.K., Hot Mobile and Golan Telecom in Isreal, and Iliad and Free in France.
Maverick brands have many things in common:
All have faced aggressive incumbents and they tend to disrupt the status quo, pushing down prices, driving massive growth in contract-free wireless plans and unlocking phones.
They have relied on the state for a fundamental public resource that underpins the entire mobile wireless setup: spectrum.
Incumbents have fought against new wireless companies, challenging governments in an attempt to preserve their domination of the spectrum. In Canada, three companies currently hold 90 per cent of the spectrum: Rogers (41 per cent), Telus (25 per cent) and Bell (24 per cent).
The study shows that compared to the countries included in the study:
Wireless markets in Canada, regardless of how they are measured, are remarkably concentrated;
Canadians are first in terms of time the spent on the Internet, GBs of data uploaded and downloaded, smartphone data sent and received etc.;
Canada is highly ranked when it comes to capital investment in its wireline infrastructure, but lags in wireless investment.
"Whether or not people get the media, wireless and Internet capabilities they need to live, love and thrive in the 21st century depends on making the right choices now," said Winseck. "Those choices are staring Canadians in the face. How we act, and how our government moves ahead, will set the baseline for how mobile wireless media in this country will evolve for the next two decades – the length of the licences being awarded in the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction – and probably for a lot longer than that."
An executive summary of this study can be found at: http://www.cmcrp.org/2013/11/18/executive-summary-the-cmcr-projects-wireless-report-mobile-wireless-in-canada-recognizing-the-problems-and-approaching-solutions/
The full report can be viewed at: http://www.cmcrp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Mobile-Wireless-in-Canada2.pdf
Categories: Internet Tags: Bell, Church Wilkins, mobile wireless, Rogers, spectrum caps, Telus, wireless competition, Wireless concentration
Ask the Wrong Questions and . . . : the CRTC's Review of Wireless Competition
April 7, 2012 Dwayne Winseck's Media Blog	11 comments
In the middle of last week the CRTC began to solicit views on whether or not a national code for wireless services is necessary. The CRTC had received several applications, it said, suggesting that such a code might be needed.
Who might want such a code? The big wireless providers, Rogers, Bell and Telus, that's who, and their lobby group, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.
Why? Because they've been facing mounting efforts at the provincial level to more strictly regulate their pricing and service packaging. Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec have been leading the way (see here). Rabble rousing Openmedia also has the wireless industry in its sights with its "stop the squeeze" campaign (also see the Open Media/CIPPIC study here). A standard code generated by the industry could help dampen the clamour.
In its notice, the CRTC wondered aloud about whether its reliance on competition to the maximum extent possible in wireless, and its decision way back in 1994 to not regulate the sector, might be misguided in light of stubbornly low levels of competition. Anybody who thinks the regulator should actually do something has to (a) show the circumstances have in fact changed and (b) that this change represents a turn for the worse. Only then will the CRTC intervene.
And if does intervene, what can we expect? Not real regulation, but rather a "national code for wireless services" designed by and mostly for the industry.
So, have things changed? Well, yes, of course: 2G, 3G, now 4G and LTE. Smart phones are increasingly making their ways into the palms of Canadians across the land. The internet of devices is highly wifi dependent, and mobile data and video use is growing fast. The industry has also grown from a $3.7 billion industry in 1996 to $18 billion in 2010.
However, one thing that has stayed constant is the fact that the wireless services have never been truly competitive and likely never will be. Nor, however, is it necessary that we expect them to be. But the CRTC said that it would need evidence to indicate that market forces are not working before it would act.
Let me introduce two such indicators: one, the empirical evidence on the state of competition and concentration in the wireless sector between 2000 and 2011 and, two, some indicators of price and quality drawn from relevant global standards.
1. Competition and Concentration: In 2000, the big three wireless providers — Bell, Rogers and Telus — accounted for just over 87% of the industry. Today, they account for just over 93%. The "big three" control more of the sector than ever, and besides that Rogers and Bell now straddle every other significant segment of the telecom-media-internet industries. What they do in any one of these areas affects the developments elsewhere, and broadband wireless services in particular.
The wireless industry was already highly concentrated in 1994 when the CRTC decided that the market was competitive enough to stop doing what it's suppose to do: regulate. Competition did increase modestly during those early years, with two new rivals – Clearnet and Microcell — snatching away 12 percent of the market away from the incumbent telcos and Rogers by 2000. The two rivals were short-lived, taken over by Telus and Rogers in 2000 and 2004, respectively.
Competition peaked in 2000, then the sector became sharply more concentrated by 2004, before falling slightly and staying relatively flat ever since. Whether recent newcomers — Mobilicity, Wind Mobile, Public and Quebecor — will fare any better, it is still too early to tell. With only 2.7% of the market as of 2011, they are far off the mark set at the high-point of competition in 2000.
The graph below charts the trend between 2000 and 2010 using the Herfindhahl – Hirschman Index (HHI). Remember, the basic rule with the HHI is that scores under 1000 indicate reasonable competition, 1000-1,800 moderate levels of concentration and anything over that, high levels of concentration. They've been over 3000 for most of the decade.
HHI scores for the Wireless Sector, 2000 – 2010
Sources: CRTC's Communications Monitoring Report for 2008 and 2010, and the Telecommunications Monitoring Report from from 2000 to 2007, Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association's Wireless Phone Subscribers in Canada.
While there's room for interpretation, the bottom line is that the wireless sector is and always has been highly concentrated. It is less competitive now than it was in 2000, when 'market forces' peaked. The CRTC is right that after this length of time, and in the face of the immovable reality of high levels of concentration, yes, maybe it is time to temper the 'maximum reliance on market forces' mantra. A code may just be in order, although one might go even stronger and ask for proper regulation, i.e. for the CRTC to do its job versus playing overseer to an industry-developed code.
2. What about Prices and Quality?
In terms of prices, we can look at things charitably and not so charitably. First, we can look at the CRTC's data for information on pricing for wireless services, but we'd look in vain. The best I can see is a combined price index for wired and wireless telephone service in comparison to the cost of cable and satellite services as well as Internet access services. The figure shows the trend below.
Source: CRTC (2011). Navigating Convergence, p. 65.
Seen from this angle, things look not too bad, at least between 2002 and 2007, when prices were falling below the level of the general consumer price index. The situation reversed after that, however, with the price of wireless services rising relative to the cpi since 2007. Prices have not risen as fast as in cable and satellite subscriptions, but they have not fallen to nearly the extent as they have for Internet access.
We can also look at this relative to seven other countries that can be meaningfully compared with Canada. As the following figure drawn from the UK regulator, Ofcom, shows, the amount that Canadians pay to their wireless provider each month is at the high end of the scale and always has been throughout the period covered. Also note that prices in every other country surveyed, except Australia, have been falling, while in Canada they've been on the rise.
Source: Ofcom (2011). International Communication Monitoring Report, p. 256.
We can also look to the OECD for some guidance. In terms of wireless broadband access per 100 people, Canada ranks 26th out of 34 countries. The following chart shows the comparison.
Source: OECD (2011). Broadband Portal.
Of course, there's much more that could be said, but just from a cursory glance, all is not right in the wireless kingdom. Of course, many seem to think that opening up foreign investment is the way to go. As I've said before, I'm not so sure. Now is not exactly the high-tide of foreign investment in mobile services, at least in the Euro-American economies. And many of those same sources seem to have the US in mind when they hope that big foreign investors will come in to save us from the rapacious grip of Rogers, Bell and Telus. I'm afraid, however, as Susan Crawford, amongst others observe, the US is no better than here, and even more of a basket case on some measures.
The upshot of all this: wireless will likely never be competitive. The CRTC needs to regulate versus oversee an industry-developed code. Lastly, instead of auctioning off all the spectrum, Industry Canada should look to develop an open wireless model.
Categories: Internet Tags: Bell, CRTC, open wireless model, Rogers, Telus, Wireless concentration


We at Digital Doggy love all dogs! But we also have a special love for senior dogs during November. Why you ask? Because its National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. So if you're looking for a new family member, keep a senior dog in mind. They just happen to be some of the cutest dogs out there!


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> Dr Nathan Baddoo
Dr Nathan Baddoo
n.baddoo@herts.ac.uk
Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research
Nathan Baddoo is a Principal Lecturer in the School of Computer Science. He is also a member of the Science and Technology Research Institute (STRI). Nathan was involved in a European initiative, with the European Network of Excellence (NoE), to standardize empirical software engineering research in Europe. His research focuses on the relationship between developer motivation and software quality, software process improvement (SPI) and software project performance. A recent output of his research is a model of motivation that was developed in close collaboration with researchers from Brunel University and the Open University.
Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review into the Key Elements that contribute to Digital Capability Maturity in Tertiary Institutions
Bello, Z., Baddoo, N., Lilley, M. & Wernick, P., 14 Dec 2018, (Unpublished) 10 p.
Research output: Other contribution
A Semantic-Agent Framework for PaaS Interoperability
Hoare, S., Helian, N. & Baddoo, N., 16 Jan 2017, The IEEE International Conference on Cloud and Big Data Computing. Toulouse, France: IEEE, p. 788-793 6 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Building an Ensemble for Software Defect Prediction Based on Diversity Selection
Petri, J., Bowes, D., Hall, T., Christianson, B. & Baddoo, N., 9 Sep 2016, Proceedings of the 10th ACM/IEEE International Symposium on Empirical Software Engineering and Measurement. New York, NY, USA: ACM Press, p. 46:1-46:10 (ESEM '16).


There is an interesting choreography between trademark holders and domain name registrants when the prize is a combination of two or three dictionary words both covet. The former must set out with specificity their historical presence in the market place – prove targeting – and the latter must emphasize the commonness of the words and their lack of knowledge of the trademark. Slickdeals, Inc. v. Chad Wright a/k/a WebQuest.com Inc., FA0910001289878 (Nat. Arb. Forum January 29, 2010) (<slickdeals.com>).
The greater the geographic distance between the parties the less the respondent's hurdle, and vice-versa. The dance is particularly intense when the trademark is registered in a national registry different from the location of the respondent and the complainant has no presence in the respondent's market, Starmail Distributors Inc. v. Xedoc Holding SA aka domain admin, FA0911001296166 (January 27, 2010) or the trademark is unregistered and local, Trade Me Limited v. Vertical Axis Inc, D2009-0093 (WIPO April 7, 2009) (<trademe.com>).
Complainant seems to believe that only the owner of a registered trademark can use that mark within a domain name. This is of course not the case. Ownership of a trademark does not confer the exclusive right to all domain names containing the mark. And using a domain name for commercial gain is not, per se, a bad faith activity prohibited under the Policy.
Complainant's marks consist of two common dictionary words that make up a common everyday phrase. On the Internet this phrase appears on more than 200,000 third-party websites "wholly unrelated to Complainant," and Complainant has no exclusive right to it. Because the words are "generic" or the phrase is used often in everyday English, "Respondent, ipso facto, has rights and a legitimate interest" in it.
The simple gist of Respondent's defense is that anyone who is first to register has a right to an available domain name that consists of or includes a common word or phrase, regardless of trademark rights of others. That is simply not true. (Emphasis added).
This brings us back to Slickdeals. When the music stops, the Complainant has the chair, for three reasons: first, the trademark has and had national exposure in the United States where both parties reside from prior to the registration of the domain name; second, the domain name is identical to the trademark; and third, the Respondent is using a domain name to offer links to third-party websites that offer services similar to those offered by the Complainant. It is not out of the question that <slickdeals.com> could have been used for the bona fide offering of goods or services, but the circumstantial evidence supports targeting.


The UW Office of the CIO is very pleased to announce the new Portfolio Manager joining the IT Center of Excellence is Troy Dreyer. He has an extensive background in portfolio management at Epic, CUNA and others. Troy's first day will be Monday, October 1.
Upon his arrival, he will begin managing the IT Project Intake process, and help the IT Center of Excellence establish Project Portfolio management across campus.
Background on the search and screen effort is here.


(Ages 6-11) Instructors Jose and Alisha will teach the proper techniques of one of the purest forms of hip-hop. This breakdancing class will help children the basics of this art form such as top rock, foot work, power moves, and more. Class ends at 6:30pm on Fridays. Included in the All Access Passport.


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Olivier Doll (ur. 9 czerwca 1973 w Brukseli) – piłkarz belgijski grający na pozycji środkowego obrońcy.

Kariera klubowa
Piłkarską karierę Doll rozpoczął w klubie RFC Seraing. W sezonie 1989/1990 zadebiutował w jego barwach w trzeciej lidze belgijskiej. Przez pierwsze dwa lata rozegrał tylko jedno spotkanie w lidze, ale już od 1991 roku był podstawowym zawodnikiem zespołu, który był wówczas beniaminkiem drugiej ligi. W 1993 roku awansował z Seraing do pierwszej ligi. Beniaminek zajął w sezonie 1993/1994 3. miejsce, a Dolla uznano najlepszym Młodym Piłkarzem w Belgii.

Latem 1994 roku Doll przeszedł do Anderlechtu, ówczesnego mistrza Belgii i zdobywcy tamtejszego pucharu. W 1995 roku osiągnął pierwszy sukces w tym klubie i został wówczas mistrzem Belgii. Latem tamtego roku zdobył Superpuchar Belgii. W 2000 roku drugi raz w karierze wywalczył mistrzostwo kraju, a w 2001 roku obronił z Anderlechtem tytuł mistrzowski. W tamtych dwóch latach zdobył też kolejne dwa belgijskie superpuchary. W sezonie 2003/2004 ponownie został mistrzem kraju, ale był to ostatni jego sezon w barwach Anderlechtu. Przez 10 sezonów rozegrał dla tego klubu 183 ligowe mecze, w których zdobył 4 gole.

W 2004 roku Doll odszedł do drużyny KSC Lokeren. 7 sierpnia 2004 rozegrał dla Lokeren swoje pierwsze spotkanie, zremisowane 2:2 na wyjeździe z Cercle Brugge. W Lokeren stał się podstawowym zawodnikiem, po tym jak w Anderlechcie pełnił na ogół rolę rezerwowego. W sezonie 2008/2009 tworzył linię obrony wraz z Marokańczykiem Hassanem El Mouatazem i Izraelczykami Jo'awem Ziwem i Awi Strulem. W 2010 roku zakończył karierę.

Kariera reprezentacyjna
W reprezentacji Belgii Doll zadebiutował 30 kwietnia 1997 roku w wygranym 3:1 wyjazdowym spotkaniu eliminacji do Mistrzostw Świata we Francji z Turcją. W 57. minucie tego meczu zmienił Erika Van Meira. Do 2005 roku rozegrał w kadrze narodowej 6 spotkań.

Bibliografia

Reprezentanci Belgii w piłce nożnej
Piłkarze RFC Seraing
Piłkarze RSC Anderlecht
Piłkarze KSC Lokeren
Urodzeni w 1973
Ludzie urodzeni w Brukseli


Nationwide Natural Foods (2000) Inc. is a Canadian owned & family operated business since 2000. Nationwide specializes in the distribution of various domestic & imported products to retailers across Canada. We offer a wide selection of natural, organic, gluten free, vegan & vegetarian products, with products ranging from dry, refrigerated, & frozen. As a family, operated business every employee is treated like a family member at Nationwide. The family atmosphere helps Nationwide differentiate themselves in the market. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of quality products & customer service in addition to affordable pricing.
Currently, we are hiring to fill full-time and permanent Shipper-Receiver positions in our Warehouse Operations Department. The Shipper-Receiver is responsible for shipping, receiving and recording movement of supplies, materials and stock to and from the establishment.
Company: Nationwide Natural Foods (2000) Inc.
�	Scan in all incoming distributions and transfers, maintain shipping logs, and file all paperwork.
�	Arrange containers and crates, record contents manually or by computer, pack goods to be shipped and affix identifying information and shipping instructions.
�	Oversee loading and unloading of trucks or other conveyances.
�	Verify and inspect received products against invoices or other documents, recording shortage and rejecting damaged goods.
�	Unpack, code and move the received product to its appropriate destination in the warehouse using the appropriate equipment in a timely manner.
�	Prepare and maintain bills of lading, invoices and other shipping documents.
�	Maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
�	Completion of secondary school.
�	Experience in related occupation or as warehouse worker would be an asset.
�	Computer skills including Microsoft Office will be an asset.
�	High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
�	Excellent work ethic, accountability and dependability.


Less than two months after the Helio P70 introduction, MediaTek launched the successor Helio P90 with better AI and even faster CPU. The new SoC comes with Google Lens and ARCore support, as well as a second generation of the MediaTek APU for more accurate AI. It is built on the TSMC 12 nm FinFET process and should hit devices in Q1 2019.
All the key power units are improved, compared to the Helio P70 predecessor. While the CPU cluster is different and aimed at better power optimization, the camera capabilities have improved significantly.
While a 48 MP camera sensor in a midranger is highly unlikely, TL Lee, General Manager at MediaTek, said that the important updates are the support for 480 fps slow-mo videos and triple ISP for RAW images and better AI shots in a low-light environment.
The GPU is completely new in the Helio P90 - IMG PowerVR GM9446 at 970 MHz that should bring 15% improvement over the Mali-G72 MP3 used in the Helio P60 and Helio P70.
The new platform implements AR and MR acceleration, while developers can introduce applications using common frameworks such as TensorFlow, TF Lite, Caffe and Caffe2, based on MediaTek's NeuroPilot SDK, thanks to the partnership between the chipset company and Google.
Connectivity-wise nothing has really changed - Category 12 down speed with 4x4 MIMO, dual 4G VoLTE, but Bluetooth has evolved to 5.0 and now all Wi-Fi standards are compatible. Production of the chipset has already begun with the first Helio P90-powered smartphones expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2019.
In the meantime, Mediatek will push updates to devices on Helio P60 and Helio P70 with Google Lens and ARCore support, with a final release expected before the end of the year.


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The list of Valdosta State University people includes notable alumni, faculty affiliated with Valdosta State University, and famous athletes.
(Members of each section are in alphabetical order)

Notable alumni

Academia
Terrence Leas, academic administrator
Donald Stoker, military historian
Sonya T. Smith, mechanical engineer

Arts, media, and entertainment
6lack, R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper(he did not go to Valdosta state University)
Lisa Blount, actress, Oscar-winning producer
Brad Carter, actor and musician
Debra Fordham, Emmy-nominated writer and producer for sitcom Scrubs and series Army Wives
Nancy Grace, worldwide CNN media personality, attended Valdosta State University, later received B.A. from Mercer University
Amanda Kozak, pageant titleholder from Warner Robins, Georgia who competed in Miss America and Miss USA pageants
Ray McKinnon, actor and husband of Lisa Blount
Pauley Perrette, actress, known for playing Abby Sciuto on TV series NCIS
Joshua Rouse, actor, known for playing Jerry Ford in movie, The Sim Racer

Gail "Bean" Mitchell, actress, known for playing Wanda in TV series, Snowfall

Athletics
Briny Baird, professional golfer on PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour
Dusty Bonner, two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner and quarterback in the National Football League (NFL)
Jason Bulger, professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of the MLB
Richard Collier, former offensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL)
Larry Dean, linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL)
Antonio Edwards, ex-NFL defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons and others of the National Football League (NFL)
Glacier, professional wrestler
Chris Hatcher, football head coach, Samford University
Seantavius Jones, wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL
Edmund Kugbila, ex-offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL
Maurice Leggett, defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL
Alvoid Mays, former NFL player who played at VSU
 Billy McShepard (born 1987), basketball player in the Israeli National League
Kenny Moore, American football player
Ryan Schraeder, offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL
Jessie Tuggle, linebacker who played for the Atlanta Falcons his entire career from 1987 to 2000
Artie Ulmer, linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and other teams of the NFL
Lawrence Virgil, defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL

Business and industry
Justin Lewis, software designer and entrepreneur, and one of the founders of NationalField, a software company that makes private social networks.

Government and law
 Ashley Bell, National Director of African American Engagement Office and the Director of the Small Business Administration's Southeast Region
Amy Carter, Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 175th district since 2007.
Patrick Faber, Belizean politician, currently the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports in Belize
Tim Golden, Republican member of the Georgia State Senate, representing the 8th District since 1998.
Vernon Keenan, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the state's primary investigation and law enforcement agency.
Marc Thomas Treadwell, judge, United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

Religious figures
Randy Brinson, Christian right activist and gastroenterologist from Montgomery, Alabama

Notable faculty

Administration
Ward B. Pafford, chairman of the English Department at Emory University from 1953 to 1958, Dean of the college at Valdosta State University from 1966 to 1971, and president of the University of West Georgia from 1971 to 1975.

Athletics
Bret Campbell, current director of basketball operations at Murry State University and former head coach of UT-Martin.
Mike Cavan, American football coach who served as the head coach at Valdosta State University (1986–1991), East Tennessee State University (1992–1996), and Southern Methodist University (1997–2001)
David Dean, current head football coach of UWG; won the NCAA Division II Football Championship in 2007 (his first year as coach), and 2012 with Valdosta State, and had a short-lived stint as co-offensive coordinator at Georgia Southern.
Matt Dunigan, former offensive coordinator at VSU  and ex-CFL player and current TSN sports commentator
Chris Hatcher, former quarterback for Valdosta State (1991–1994) and current head football coach at Murray State University. Hatcher was the former head coach of Valdosta State University and Georgia Southern University
Dana Holgorsen, quarterbacks, receivers and special teams coach at VSU (1993–95) and current head football coach of University of Houston
Guy Morriss, offensive line coach at VSU (1992–1993) and current head coach of the Texas A&M–Commerce Lions football team
Hal Mumme, VSU head football coach from 1992 to 1996, and current the offensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University.
Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator for VSU football in 2000; former head coach of the Florida Gators football team of the University of Florida.
Mike Leach, offensive coordinator at VSU (1992–1996), former head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team, and currently head coach at Washington State University.
Kirby Smart, former VSU defensive coordinator and current Head Football Coach for the University of Georgia
Tommy Thomas, former head coach of the VSU baseball team from 1967 to 2007, and the first and only Division II coach to reach 1,200 wins

References

Valdosta State University

de:Valdosta State University
no:Valdosta State University


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BNG's 2009 Game of the Year Awards
December 13th, 2014 3DS, DS, E3 2010, Hand Helds, Meta, PC, PS3, PS4, PSP, Stop Bitching, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One 0 comments
Game of the year picked by Brave New Gamer. GOTY. It's pretty damn important, isn't it? To say just how good a game is every year. To give one developer an award above all the others because of their exemplary work.
This year wasn't so clean cut. There were some impressive contenders, as you well know. We've argued, spat in each others faces, and thankfully most of it was online, so no physical damage was done (psychological damage, however, may be permanent to a few staffers), over who was truly the greatest.
But it's not only about which game is king, but what game performs best in certain categories. Some of our choices may shock you. Others may not. In the end, what it all comes down to is who made the best games, and that's what we're here to tell you. Canadians do seem to have a promising future, as they are slowly reaching out at the top of the market. Whether we speak for video games, casino games, or sports games, they are surely heading towards victory. Before we get into the most popular categories, you should definitely try out and PlayCanadianGames and earn real money.
Best FPS Game
PC | Xbox 360 | PS3
Despite all the controversy, despite the design decisions Infinity Ward made, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one hell of a game. Sure, the single player fails horribly with an awful campaign, but the multiplayer is another story. Of course, you don't need to hear that from us. It shattered sales records, grossing nearly $550 million in the first week of release, meaning you probably already own it. Because it's so damn good.
Best Adventure Game
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 2 is the reason to own a PS3. Yeah, there are other games, but this is the must-have adventure title. It's an adventure with wit, style and class, and the most cinematic gameplay experience you'll find this year. You won't only be hard pressed to find a better PS3 game, you'll be lucky to find a better game out this year at all. That's not even talking about the multiplayer, which is damn well spectacular. Uncharted 2 is the whole package: good looks, charm, and it'll have you coming back for more. If you are a big fan of playing different kinds of challenging games, and you always want to try out something new, then we are here to offer you a new adventure to begin. Why don't you go to these guys and find out the best slots casino reviews, and learn how you can earn money out of playing online slots.
Best Action Game
Arkham Asylum holds a Guinness World Record for 'Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever', beating out Marvel vs Capcom 2. It's easily the best Batman game to date, thanks to…well…everything. With voice acting from the likes of Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy and the same actors from Batman: The Animated Series, the world of Batman comes alive. Combine excellent storytelling in a compelling location, and Batman comes into the fight with an incredible mix of acrobatic feats, combat maneuvers, and investigative sleuthing. This isn't simply the best action game of the year, it's the Batman game we've always wanted, but never got. Hear, hear, here comes the one of a kind chance to save Gotham city by playing free Batman-themed slots games. Use the no deposit offer of 35€ plus 100 Free Spins provided by the best no deposit casinos for Francophones and gain super skills. Gotham City is waiting for you.
Best Fighting Game
The last of it's generation, Street Fighter IV is a 2D fighter for the masses. It takes all the incredible gameplay we've not only loved and cherished, but to honed our abilities for. SFIV introduces new characters, new abilities, improved graphics for this generation of gaming, and a near-perfect 2D fighter that can only be supplemented by more characters (which is Super Street Fighter IV, coming soon). SFIV is the reason today to play fighting games, to own an arcade stick, and to enter competitions that aren't for Halo or Counter-Strike. Hell, it's the reason to play fighting games at home today.
Best Racing Game
This year's racing games were very few: Need for Speed: Shift, Dirt 2, and Forza Motorsport 3. Only one shined above, and we mean way above the rest. Forza destroyed the competition with the best sim racing we've ever seen, hundreds of cars and tracks, and the best graphics to date. It's the complete package, and we can't wait to see if the famed Gran Turismo can compare.
Best RPG Game
When it comes to RPGs, BioWare obviously knows what they're doing. Dragon Age: Origins had barely any competition when deciding which game got our Best RPG Game of the Year, thanks to the game's moral choice system, gameplay and visuals.
Best RTS Game
The fifth installment of the Total War series, Empire: Total War has become the fastest-selling Total War game to date. Thanks to the games large scope and refined interface, along with a new technology tree and the extensive number of factions, Empire: Total War is one of the best games of the franchise and a clear choice for RTS game of the year.
Best Rhythm Game
The Beatles: Rock Band
Xbox 360 | PS3 | Wii
With competition like DJ Hero and Guitar Hero Metallica, choosing the best Rhythm game was more about the experience than just playing the music. We're not huge Beatles fans, per se, but what Harmonix did with the game is simply wonderful. There is no better way to express who the Beatles were than in a video game format, and while DJ Hero offers something unique and Metallica the ability to rock out like never before, The Beatles Rock Band let's us play some great music and see the band like never before.
Best Sports Game
Xbox 360 | PS3 | PS2 | Wii
When it comes to Football (as the rest of the world calls it), there's little else that comes close to exciting. Sure, in the US you probably thought Fifa came and went, but everywhere else it's been adored, cherished, praised and made the undisputable best sports game of the year. Hell, even we like it (and half the staff doesn't play sports games at all). Add to it that Madden was disappointing compared to previous years, and Fifa 2010 is a clear winner.
Best New IP
Borderlands is an awesome FPS RPG from Gearbox Software. The game has a vast number of weapons, excellent 4-player co-op, a beautiful art style, and exploding heads. Combat is engaging and Gearbox does a wonderful job of combining the RPG elements into the game. Leveling up and improving your weapons and skills is very satisfying. With the lack of captivating new IPs in the gaming industry, Borderlands is a welcomed title for both role-playing and shooter enthusiasts, and it's certainly the best new franchise this year.
Shattered Horizon
Shattered Horizon is great for many reasons. Besides being a formidable shooter and an excellent PC multiplayer title, it's in space. You use jetpacks. In fact, you don't just think in two dimensions, you have to think in three. It's like that feeling of WHOA when you figure out something in Braid or Portal, but all the time. Your mind won't only be blown, it'll probably grow from the experience. Just don't play too hard, Ender.
Best PC Game
How do you make a great game better? Improve everything for the sequel! That's exactly what Valve did with Left 4 Dead 2, the game where mass murdering zombies isn't just a past-time, it's a fetish. New weapons, zombie types, and a whole new campaign and set of characters makes Left 4 Dead 2 the best PC game this year. If only Valve didn't slow down production of Half-Life for it.
Best Xbox 360 Game
Grand Theft Auto: Ballad of Gay Tony
Go ahead haters, disagree. But this year, Xbox 360 specific titles were low in numbers. Sure, L4D2 is a PC/360 title, but it's a PC game. The Ballad of Gay Tony is brilliant: the best writing you can find, in the same great city you know and love, and with the one thing everyone who played San Andreas complained GTA IV lacked: parachutes. It's nothing short of spectacular.
Best PS3 Game
Uncharted 2 already won one, and you'd think it has lots of competition. Well, it doesn't, only competing against Killzone 2, another fine title that doesn't quite reach the crazy-high standards that Uncharted breaks. Killzone 2 may have been your original reason to buy a PS3, but Uncharted 2 is why you own it now.
Best Wii Game
We're going to skip best game for the Wii for three reasons. 1) Of the few staff members who own a Wii, none of us have played a single game we can consider a victor for GOTY. 2) Of the few staffers who own a Wii, not many Wii games were played. And 3), Of the few staffers who own a Wii, none has reviewed a game on it this year save for James, which was New Super Mario Bros. Wii. And you can see how that went here. Wah wah wahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Best DS Game
Rockstar said from the beginning that Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars wasn't going to be just your ordinary portable GTA game, and they were right. Chinatown Wars' storyline, visuals and top-down view all come together for one kick-ass game, and is widely rated as one of the best games for the DS yet. The game's use of the stylus is also a unique feature, and is a rare instance where it doesn't get annoying after a few hours of gameplay. It's unfortunate, however, that the game didn't sell as expected. Only 90,000 copies were sold during the first two weeks in the US.
Best PSP Game
Yeah, it seems like a copout that GTA: Chinatown Wars is the best game on two consoles. We even argued about that fact for awhile, because seriously, how unfair is that? Then again, the competition on the PSP is so scarce, that the decision we had was whether we gave it Best PSP game and not Best DS Game, or give it both. Now that wouldn't be fair. So if you need an explanation why, read up.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves clinches our GOTY award for several reasons. It's an awesome cinematic gameplay experience. It's got some tremendous acting and storytelling. Multiplayer is as fun as it gets. And as we said before, it's the complete package, with no missing or loose parts. The only reason you shouldn't own it is if you don't play videogames, and even then, Uncharted 2 would spoil 99% of all games for you because of just how good it is. That, or it'll make you a gamer for life.
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