text:
The classic grand tourer, reincarnated: We drive the David Brown Automotive Speedback GT
Mr. Brown built this car for himself, but he'll happily sell you one for $753,000
Graham Kozak
The David Brown Automotive Speedback GT combines classic grand tourer looks with a modern Jaguar powertrain. Here's what it's like to drive this hand-built luxury coupe -- and talk with its creator.
David Brown Automotive
David Brown is riding shotgun in the plush leather seat of his creation -- the David Brown Automotive Speedback GT -- articulating his philosophy of luxury as we race up a mountain somewhere on the Monterey Peninsula. I'm sitting to his right in the driver's seat, gripping a wood-rimmed steering wheel in a richly, yet tastefully, appointed cabin.
And from my extremely comfortable vantage point, his way of thinking is starting to make a lot of sense.
Imagine the perfect car for a transcontinental trip -- a casual jaunt from, say, London to Monaco. A vintage Ferrari is the obvious choice: something fast, with dramatic proportions, a stylish interior and a heavenly engine note. But it also needs to be composed and coddling; nothing worse than showing up in Monte Carlo sweaty and stiff-necked.
What you need is a classic grand tourer, only with power-adjustable seats and a more or less bulletproof set of running gear. And functional air conditioning.
That's what Brown wants, at least, and it's what he was gunning for when he developed his Speedback GT. On the surface, the result is puzzling: Is there room in this world for a retouched Jaguar XKR convertible with a $753,000 starting price tag?
Actually, that's not quite accurate -- on the surface, there's no trace remaining of the donor car. The exterior is a medley of 1960s styling cues; your first impulse is to call out the obvious Aston Martin elements, but Brown insists there's some E-Type in there, as well. Here's one case where photos can't quite be trusted; the styling works surprisingly well when viewed in real life.
The liftback is a modern add-on, but it's a practical one. "You can fit three sets of golf clubs in the back," Brown says proudly. Plus, there's room for a slick flip-down picnic seat.
Perhaps fittingly for a car built on the bones of a Jag, Brown took his "head full of ideas and images" of the ultimate GT to Alan Mobberley, formerly of Jaguar-Land Rover. "We put pictures of people like Sophia Loren and other famous models of the era up on the wall, played some rock music, stuck up some pictures of Riva speedboats and everything from that era that looked great … and that was it."
A full-size clay model followed; digital scanning permitted aerodynamic refinements and also allowed the production of accurate forms. The body is hand-hammered, hand-shaped aluminum, but it's free of the imperfections typical of period carrozzeria work thanks to digitally-rendered bucks.
The finished product, which seemed symmetrical so far as I could tell, rides on wire-spoke wheels wrapped in higher profile tires than you'll see on a typical performance car these days. As with everything else on the car, that's by design. "I hate low-profile tires, full stop," Brown says, describing the Range Rover he recently bought as "a pimped-up thing for some drag strip. When I put the higher-profile tires on, the ride improved massively, as did the noise." Alloy wheels, which look somewhat more comfortable on the car than the wires, are also available.
The old-school sensibility continues inside. "It's a lot more vertical than what you find today," Brown says of the dashboard. The windshield wraps around you a little bit; it's the kind of thing you might not notice until someone mentions it. "The point about it is that it should be subtle," he explains. "It should be there, but it should be something that is not immediately apparent."
Compared the attention lavished on the interior and exterior, the Speedback's mechanical bits have been more or less neglected. The rear suspension has been softened -- something I've never heard a luxury/performance automaker brag about before -- and there's a new exhaust system, but the 5.0-liter supercharged heart is the same one you would have found on a stock XKR.
Not that it really needed a boost: With 503 hp and, more importantly, 461 lb-ft of torque, there's plenty of oomph to get the car going in a drama-free manner. Brown will build you a car with as much power as you want, provided that is what you want; the AJ133 V8 is certainly capable of higher output.
And, at first, a hotter engine would have been right up there on my Speedback GT order sheet. "You put it into sport mode," Brown notices after a few minutes on the road. True enough; I tend to reflexively dial things up whenever I'm not facing gridlock traffic.
Brown does things differently. "I've never driven it like that," he claims, after which I switch into regular drive mode. I can see why almost immediately: holding onto gears for longer than necessary, letting the supercharger whine and the engine drone -- it all seems uncouth in this car, on these roads, while holding a conversation.
It's a non-intuitive concept in this age of go-fast super-coupes, but the Speedback GT comes off as a car that's meant to be driven fast, not quickly. "If you want the performance, it's still there -- but it's less frantic, if you know what I mean," Brown says of the relaxed, enjoy-the-journey feel of the car on the road. Soft and smooth but with a deep well of power from which you can draw at a moment's notice, the whole effect is very much like that of an old car -- and that's meant in the most complimentary way possible.
In that sense, the Speedback GT is an unlikely counterpoint to, for the sake of example, a Singer 911. Both cars aggressively pursue their respective, if wildly divergent, goals; both flaunt their hand-crafted exclusivity (Brown says no more than 100 Speedback GTs will be built, if that); both are designed for clients who have no desire, or financial need, to compromise. Realistically, anyone who could afford one of those cars could afford both. So why muddle things up with a car that struggles to do it all?
Brown owns a rabid little Mercedes A45 AMG and rallies a Ford Puma. He's a fan of the rowdy F-Type. He's done endurance rallies in a range of classic cars, some less functional, durable and pleasant than others. All of which makes him the right man to credibly champion this old-fashioned take on luxury. "What we're trying to do is all about style, all about a different look and feel to the car. We really are trying to go back to the great old days of GT motoring in terms of building something that you'll want to spend all day in."
But will you actually want to spend all day in one -- or buy one? Would-be American buyers will at least have the option. Since it's based on a Jag, retains all of the emissions and safety gear of a Jag and will presumably be registered as a Jag, there's reportedly no trouble getting one on the road here in the States.
Whether you like the Speedback GT is largely immaterial: By design, it is not a car for everyone. Even once you get past the sky-high price tag and the limited planned production run, Brown's nostalgic sensibilities make the exterior a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. It attracted lots of smiles, thumbs-up and enthusiastic questions during my test drive, though, and given the caliber of what you're likely to see stuck at a typical red light during Monterey car week that's no mean feat. Beyond that, it has a well-defined purpose and it achieves it with no apparent compromise, which makes it a car worthy of respect.
Above all else, however, Brown stands by his creation, which I sense is ultimately all that really matters to him. "You could park it right next to that Bugatti, and I wouldn't be ashamed of it," Brown says, waving at a Veyron sitting in front of the Quail Lodge (and attracting absolutely zero attention from passers-by). "It's not the poor relative. … It's the different relative."
Here's to thinking different.
POWERTRAIN: 5.0-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 503 hp @ 6,000-6,500 rpm, 461 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
0-60 MPH: 4.6 sec
PROS: Arresting style, old-school comfort, zero track-day pretensions
CONS: This is David Brown's vision -- you either understand it, or you don't


This week the lovely Mitch – a PT at Genesis Preston – offered us a session.
Neither of us had done personal training before so we were a bit nervous, but we went along and actually had a really good time and got a great work out!
Ok so we were't exactly doing push ups like this but ours were still hard!
We worked out many different muscles here and built up a good sweat!
Then, he had us on the ropes – we were super excited about this as we'd seen the Commando doing this on TBL!
If you're wondering if all these pictures of Commando are really necessary when we barely mentioned him… the answer is yes. Absolutely.
So if you've made it past those photos, the point was; Commando made it look easy enough so we thought it would be for us!
While one of us worked hard whipping the big heavy ropes up and down the other did a plank. We did this in 30 second intervals.
It was a really fun morning! Not quite as fun the next morning though – our thighs and triceps were so sore, but we're happy because that just meant we worked hard and it's paying off on our bodies!
A massive thanks to Mitch- it was a great addition to the exercise for the week!
This week, Hannah lost another whopping 1.1kgs.
Which means Red Team won this week's weigh in as Mel fell below the line with no change in weight at all.
She acknowledges a pretty terrible eating week that included giving into her boyfriend persisting they have pizza for dinner, and snacking on finger food at a 40th party. So this week, she's decided smash the gym extra hard and eat like a rabbit to make up for it!
In juxtaposition of what was just said (our old English teachers would be so proud we just used that word!) We are going to a ball this Friday which has a big three course dinner and drinks flowing all night! Now we might be dieting, but we're still poor uni students who could use a good feed and some free drinks… so we'll have to do A LOT of gym to make up for this one – hopefully it doesn't do too much damage!


text:
Kentucky Siblings Open Up About Their Weight Loss Journey Ahead of New Series 1000-Lb Sisters
People December 30, 2019
At nearly 406 lbs. And 605 lbs. respectively, Amy and Tammy Slaton say their weight gain had led them to a dark place.
Tammy, 32, hadn't left her house in six years except for doctor's visits, and the isolation intensified her depression.
"I attempted to kill myself last January," she reveals to PEOPLE.
Amy, 31, and her husband Michael want to start a family soon, but have struggled to get pregnant. The Kentucky siblings grapple with serious weight-related health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. Everyday tasks like cleaning the house and going to the bathroom became exhausting.
Last year was a wake-up call for the sisters, they say, and they vowed to try and lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery.
"I had a feeling that if I didn't make changes now, I wasn't going to live past 35," Tammy says.
RELATED: Bob Harper Reveals How The Biggest Loser Is Changing: 'It's Not About Getting Skinny'
The Slaton Sisters, who are also YouTube stars, will be documenting their weight loss journey on TLC's upcoming six-part series, 1,000-Lb Sisters, to premiere on New Year's Day.
The show will chronicle doctors' appointments, healthy eating challenges, and reveal the final decision about their surgery.
Tammy moved in with Amy and her husband following her last hospital stay and requires their help with everyday tasks.
In an exclusive clip from the series, Amy and Tammy poke fun at themselves as they try different exercise equipment.
"Ain't that how you work it?" Amy asks Tammy as she tests out a Shake Weight. "Yes but it looks nasty," Tammy says. "You're gonna make me pee!"
The pressure to lose weight also caused tension between the siblings.
Another clip from the series shows the sisters arguing about their living arrangements.
"We started this journey together, but there's only so much one person can do," Amy says after an argument where Tammy asks her to "get the f— off my back."
"In some ways we drifted apart from each other, because of the fighting, but we're still sisters and we love each other," Tammy says.
The most challenging part of the Slatons' journey was sticking to an exercise regime and healthy diet, they say.
RELATED: This College Student Lost 184 Lbs. and Just Completed the Chicago Marathon
Growing up, the siblings say they didn't have access to nutritious food. Their mother worked several jobs to keep the family afloat, and their grandmother and father died when the girls were young.
Amy and Tammy relied on inexpensive microwave meals, fast food and canned goods to feed themselves, and rapidly began gaining weight.
They have been trying to lose weight since middle school, but "nothing worked," Amy tells PEOPLE.
Now, the sisters say they are happier and healthier since filming the docu-series in May.
"I can go to the store and not worry about my looks because I feel good about myself regardless of what other people say about me," Amy says. "I'm beautiful the way I am."
Tammy says the experience helped her set more ambitious goals for 2020. She and her boyfriend are planning to move in together soon, and she is hoping to find a full-time job.
The sisters also cut sugar out of their diet in favor of low-carb, high-protein meals like shrimp stir-fry and cauliflower mac and cheese.
They have also discovered favorite exercises to incorporate into their daily routines: Tammy likes to swim, while Amy prefers to dance or go for long walks outside with her husband.
RELATED: J.P. Rosenbaum Reveals the Hardest Part of His Health Crisis: 'I Can't Even Pick Up My Kids'
As the premiere rapidly approaches, the Slaton Sisters say they hope people can empathize with their struggles and cheer on their accomplishments.
"I don't feel like I have to wear a mask or hide my body when I leave the house anymore," Tammy tells PEOPLE. "I'm not afraid to let people see me."
1000-Lb Sisters became available on TLC Go on Dec. 20 and will premiere live on Jan. 1, 2020 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.
Trump is struggling to convince even his own base that they shouldn't hear new evidence in his impeachment trial
dbo880: There have been 19 previous Senate impeachment trials, EVERYONE has had witnesses, is this clear enough, but then every presidential candidate has released their taxes.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


To seek new challenges which create opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Discuss topics you and Daniel Schön are interested in in XING Groups.
Daniel Schön attended the following events – were you there as well?
Webinar: "Webinare - So geht innovative Wissensvermittlung"


text:
Just a-fiddlin' around
By BEA LEWISbwheel@metrocast.net
Ellen Carlson has two passions: Fiddle music and mathematics.
Carlson has been playing the fiddle since she was 11-years-old and is a New Hampshire-certified middle school math teacher with 15 years' classroom experience.
She grew up in the foothills of the Berkshires on a small farm in Kent, Conn.
"There wasn't a lot to do," she recounted. "It wasn't as if we had piles of neighbors."
Her very musical family, which includes five siblings, often threw parties and Carlson still can recall her father playing the fiddle for guests.
"Our parents never had to push us. We did it because we wanted to," she said of how she and her siblings ended up playing an instrument.
Carlson taught middle school math in Laconia for four years and another 10 at Sanbornton's Sant Bani School. She holds a master's degree in Education as well as a degree in Business.
"I keep changing what I'm doing to keep myself interested," she said.
Those interests as of late include teaching programs at libraries on the wide variety of fiddling styles and teaching an integrated quilting, math and fiddling history course for elementary school children.
"In both mathematics and music you use every part of your brain. The key thing with music is it just makes things more fun and any time you can connect anything in the brain it's good," she said in explaining how her programs integrate music and math and explore the rich intersections of music and history.
When she's not giving a lesson, performing or teaching a workshop or educational program, Carlson is frequently asked to head to the recording studio, where she especially likes to work with vocalists.
Carlson has performed with the swing trio Sweet, Hot & Sassy, with the award-winning country band the Blue Hill Kickers and with the high-energy acoustic roots band High Range. She also plays for square dances and in bluegrass, old-timey and rock bands.
A member of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts' Artist in Education Program, she said her goal is to inspire people of all ages to enjoy the many facets of fiddling as well as the joys of making music together.
"Two of my students are in their late 60s and connecting them with other people is what you need to do in this day and age with so much technology," she said.
She laughs when she recounts that cell phone technology allowed the wife of one of her students who winters in Florida call her while her husband fiddled in a contest and let Carlson hear the result of her teaching firsthand.
During a Friday performance at the St. Francis Home in Laconia, Carlson played with great joy and demonstrated proficiency across a variety of musical styles, ranging from rock to Civil War-era reels.
"Boy she's wonderful, just terrific," audience member Lucie Gumulaski said.
About two dozen residents gathered to hear Carlson perform and her upbeat playing prompted hand-clapping, toe tapping and heads bobbing in rhythm.
"My brother used to play the violin, but never like you," a smiling Rachel Gilbert told Carlson.
The musician recounted that her paternal great-grandfather, Carl Carlson, came from Sweden and was an accomplished player of Swedish fiddling music.
Automotive pioneer Henry Ford was interested in preserving fiddle music, Carlson explained, and frequently held contests at his car dealerships. Her great-grandfather was a regular competitor and frequently won.
Today Carlson treasures one of his fiddles, as well as a binder of Swedish fiddle music written out by her great-uncle, Eddie. Carlson also owns and plays a mezzo violin handcrafted by famed violin-making pioneer Carleen Hutchins, who died this past summer at age 98.
"She was an inspiration to me and just did her own thing," said Carlson, who lives in the Lochmere section of Tilton.
Carlson also has fiddled in contests and credits participating in them during her early years with helping her to learn to play in front of an audience, teaching her a variety of songs and allowing her to meet some wonderful people.
The Lakes Region and New Hampshire are hotbeds for talented fiddlers, Carlson said, adding that connecting with people is the most important part of the music-making process.
More information about Carlson's lessons, performances, workshops and educational programs are on the web at www.ellencarlson.com. Contact her via e-mail at ellen@highrangeband.com or call 603-661-1981 or 603-528-1705.


Gardenia Townhomes by Wasl Properties at the most sought after community Wasl Gate offering 3 & 4 bedroom townhomes at Jebel Ali, Dubai with an attractive payment plan for buyers. The well-structured development crafted with high-class features and followed by splendid interior design to build a better lifestyle. Magnificent stunning town-homes nestled in the lush green lands with its key locations to the rest of the city.
It is designed and structures set to be the ultimate haven for the residents featuring immaculate infrastructure and with state of art interiors. The Townhouses are exclusively designed with the dedicated lawns in the front area with spacious backyards. The Project is set to be at the best location provided by the Wasl with key access to the Sheikh Zayed Road and access to the city's best retail outlets, dining, and the favorite regional business area.
Gardenia Townhomes at Jebel Ali loaded with all the premium amenities for the residents to inspire the modern lifestyle. Each residence is crafted with highly elegant interiors design best in the locality. A gated community with luxurious town-homes provides all the amenities from retail outlets to various dining options, connectivity at your doorstep with the lush green environments.
Gardenia Townhomes provides very easy and flexible payment plan option for the home buyers. One can have down-payment option provided at the time of purchasing property or can have easy installments option also.
Gardenia Townhomes is located at the well-established community of Wasl gate in Jebel Ali with key access to all the rest of Dubai. It is located in the centric part of the city, so the residents can have access at the doorstep.
Wasl Gate is located to the close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Maktoum International Airport with easy connectivity to the highly anticipated Expo 2020.
The project creates new development on Sheikh Zayed Road within proximity of lbn Battuta Mall and the garden area with expected major living, working and entertainment destination. It provides all the facilities with leading retail brands, central parks, hotels, restaurants and cultural venue for concerts, sports events and various activities for the residents.
Gardenia Townhomes a well master-planned development by Wasl properties provide best in class development facilities with its utmost natural surroundings. It has well connectivity to the Sheikh Bin Zayed Road and in close proximity to business, bay provides easy access to all the key location. The residents can easily access the Golf Resort and Dive centers with connectivity to Dubai Marina, Ghantoot racing and polo club, Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo 2020.
It is well created for modern day lifestyle with exceptional finishing and design for the residents. It is located in the truly integrated community that brings a new definition of life with high-quality standard living and modern amenities. The project offers liberal living spaces with balconies, courtyards and lush green open space.


Fierce is the adjective used to identify the individual or group entering battle, attacking insurmountable odds or challenges.
Wars have produced fierce, violent attackers eager to fight or kill.
When not being used to describe wars or battles, the adjective is applied to persons in a sporting event.
The fierce golfer, of a final round to win a tournament handles the pressure to win.
The pitcher who throws a no-hitter is described as a fierce attacker to strikeout the final batter.
The adjective has been used to describe the mother who prepares a 7-course Thanksgiving dinner including dessert within ten hours for a family of five with attention to detail without any assistance is described as fiercely attacking the kitchen to fed her family.
And then there is me after the Thanksgiving blessing is finished, I fiercely attack my plate of food consuming everything to get to the dessert.
Next Next post: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument & Museum.


text:
package gce

import (
	"fmt"
	"net"
	"reflect"
	"testing"

	"github.com/coreos/coreos-cloudinit/datasource"
	"github.com/coreos/coreos-cloudinit/datasource/metadata"
	"github.com/coreos/coreos-cloudinit/datasource/metadata/test"
	"github.com/coreos/coreos-cloudinit/pkg"
)

func TestType(t *testing.T) {
	want := "gce-metadata-service"
	if kind := (metadataService{}).Type(); kind != want {
		t.Fatalf("bad type: want %q, got %q", want, kind)
	}
}

func TestFetchMetadata(t *testing.T) {
	for _, tt := range []struct {
		root         string
		metadataPath string
		resources    map[string]string
		expect       datasource.Metadata
		clientErr    error
		expectErr    error
	}{
		{
			root:         "/",
			metadataPath: "computeMetadata/v1/instance/",
			resources:    map[string]string{},
		},
		{
			root:         "/",
			metadataPath: "computeMetadata/v1/instance/",
			resources: map[string]string{
				"/computeMetadata/v1/instance/hostname": "host",
			},
			expect: datasource.Metadata{
				Hostname: "host",
			},
		},
		{
			root:         "/",
			metadataPath: "computeMetadata/v1/instance/",
			resources: map[string]string{
				"/computeMetadata/v1/instance/hostname":                                          "host",
				"/computeMetadata/v1/instance/network-interfaces/0/ip":                           "1.2.3.4",
				"/computeMetadata/v1/instance/network-interfaces/0/access-configs/0/external-ip": "5.6.7.8",
			},
			expect: datasource.Metadata{
				Hostname:    "host",
				PrivateIPv4: net.ParseIP("1.2.3.4"),
				PublicIPv4:  net.ParseIP("5.6.7.8"),
			},
		},
		{
			clientErr: pkg.ErrTimeout{Err: fmt.Errorf("test error")},
			expectErr: pkg.ErrTimeout{Err: fmt.Errorf("test error")},
		},
	} {
		service := &metadataService{metadata.MetadataService{
			Root:         tt.root,
			Client:       &test.HttpClient{Resources: tt.resources, Err: tt.clientErr},
			MetadataPath: tt.metadataPath,
		}}
		metadata, err := service.FetchMetadata()
		if Error(err) != Error(tt.expectErr) {
			t.Fatalf("bad error (%q): want %q, got %q", tt.resources, tt.expectErr, err)
		}
		if !reflect.DeepEqual(tt.expect, metadata) {
			t.Fatalf("bad fetch (%q): want %#v, got %#v", tt.resources, tt.expect, metadata)
		}
	}
}

func Error(err error) string {
	if err != nil {
		return err.Error()
	}
	return ""
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Written by Alice Smith, Solicitor, Doogue + George.
Working as a criminal defence lawyer is not just about helping people with their legal issues. People who are charged with criminal offences have a story to tell about how they ended up in the criminal justice system. Abuse, homelessness and drug and alcohol dependency feature so often feature in these stories.
Putting clients in touch with appropriate services is a huge part of our role. Gen Anderson, Program Coordinator from Women And Mentoring (WAM) provides one of those services. They are running a somewhat unique program for women who have legal issues.
WAM have trained a number women, from a range of walks of life, to act as mentors. The target mentorees are women at risk of offending or have been charged, or women who require support through the court process for child custody matters or intervention order matters, for example.
WAM mentors provide a support role with the objective of building up linkages in the community and independence. The objective of the mentoring service is to equip and empower the mentoree such that they no longer require the service.
WAM are based in Sunshine and the City of Yarra. They are open to receiving referrals from any source – police, Corrections or solicitors.
We look forward to future referrals to WAM and working in tandem with them to assist our female clients.


I-732 would make Washington the first U.S. state to have a carbon tax. The tax would be levied on refineries and utilities, who would then pass the tax on to consumers in the form of higher gasoline, electricity and natural gas prices. The tax would start at $15 per ton of carbon dioxide in July 2017, increase to $25 after one year, then rise with inflation plus 3.5 percent in each subsequent year.
I-732 addresses one of the major concerns of a carbon tax — that it would hurt low-income households. But it also exposes the difficult and complex politics of environmental policymaking: A number of environmental groups have failed to get behind the measure, potentially derailing an opportunity for Washington to lead on climate.
Washington state is well-known for strong environmental groups, yet most of these groups are failing to support I-732.
Fossil fuel was needed in the past because technology wasn't there but now there are other ways to make energy without hydro power, oil or coal.
California has essentially had a carbon tax since early 2012.
btw faulting environmental groups for sometimes contradicting common sense is like faulting politicians for sometimes not telling the truth.


Devwah Whaley's Arkansas sophomore running back teammate Rawleigh Williams had a career performance in Davis-Wade Stadium, rushing for 205 yards and four touchdowns and passing for a touchdown to lead the Razorbacks to a 58-42 win over Mississippi State for its seventh win of the year.
Williams' performance will go down as one of the best under current head coach Bret Bielema as he is the first Razorback player to rush for three or more touchdowns and pass for one touchdown since Darren McFadden against LSU in 2007.
Williams yards on the ground and rushing touchdowns were easily new career-highs, while his passing touchdown in the third quarter to Austin Cantrell was his first of his career.
Keon Hatcher and freshman running back Whaley provided the final Razorback touchdowns in the game. Hatcher caught his second touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter to keep the Hogs in front by three scores. It was Hatcher's second game this season with two touchdowns and fourth of 60 yards or more.
For Whaley, he now has two touchdowns this season and finished with 112 yards against the Bulldogs, his second highest total and second 100-yard game this year.


Handmade by ceramicist Wundaire from a blend of four stoneware clays, prepared in the Japanese Nerikomi style. Jeweller Natalia Peri then turns them into earrings with sterling silver. Each pair are completely unique and intriguing. Dimensions: pendant Ø approx. 15mm. Handcrafted in New Zealand.


text:
Q: Artisan commands not running (Laravel) I have a Codecanyon script which is running fine on localhost, however when i try to run artisan commands it shows me following error:
In Connection.php line 759: SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] No such file or directory (SQL: select * from general_settings limit 1)
I also wanna make a point here that Script folder structure is different from default laravel folder structure. It has two main folders 1-> Assets 2-> Coreenter image description here and inside core there is laravel code and inside core i am trying to run Artisan coomands.
enter image description here

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Brio is a mid-height boot with an oiled full-grain leather upper, rolled cuff detailing, and waxy round cotton laces.
What happens when you take proven Chaco technology – like pull-through adjustable webbing straps and the LUVSEAT™ PU footbed – and marry it with modern design? It might look something like the Z/Volv.
What happens when you take proven Chaco technology – like pull-through adjustable webbing straps and the LUVSEAT™ PU footbed – and marry it with modern design? It might look something like the Z/Volv 2.
Built with the same long-lasting comfort as Chaco sandals, the Natilly offers a LUVSEAT™ PU footbed with a siped and aggressive EcoTread™ outsole.
What happens when you take proven Chaco technology – like pull-through adjustable double straps and their LUVSEAT™ PU footbed – and marry it with modern design? It might look something like the Z/Volv X2.
A full-grain leather upper with handcrafted stitch detail accent this island style. Our EcoTread recycled rubber outsole and soft poron layered BioCentric footbed provide miles of support.
Introducing the ReversiFlip, featuring interchangeable and reversible webbing straps, so you can pick the pattern to match your style.
Slide into the Quinn and experience the casual comfort of our Mountain Lifestyle collection. Rich leathers pair with warm fabrics and tonal colors for a slip-in option that's both effortlessly stylish and comfortably "outdoors."
Interchangeable straps for the ReversiFlip, available in 3 sets and 12 color options.
Meet your new favorite hat. Made with 100 percent organic cotton twill, a Chaco heritage graphic patch, and an adjustable snap closure.
Chaco is thrilled to partner with the National Park Foundation to bring you a limited-edition sandal collaboration.
The Mega Z Cloud takes the webbing patterns you love and gives them more room to thrive. Now updated with our instant-ahh inducing Chaco Cloud cushioning and burly metal buckle.
Back and better than ever. The Tegu was a Chaco fan favorite, so for our 30th anniversary we brought it back. Rugged, repairable, and remastered, this sandal is easy to slip into, secure where you need it, and comfortable where it counts.
The Z/Canyon takes the whitewater inspired design of the original Z/Sandal and upgrades the performance potential.
Meet your new favorite hat. Made with 100 percent organic cotton twill and a campfire graphic patch.
Introducing our travel-ready Z/Cloud series, featuring our same custom adjustable double-strap system, performance ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, and a top layer of ultra-soft PU for instant-cushion underfoot.
These bold Z's display a psychedelic explosion for your far-out style. Featuring printed straps and the option of a printed foot bed, these Z/ Sandals are assembled in the USA and available for a limited time.
Share the good vibes with the limited edition red white and blue Tie-Dye collection. These bold Z's display a psychedelic explosion for your far-out style.
Everything you expect from Chaco—in a sling. Defined by outgoing patterns and multiple compartments, the Radlands collection secures your essentials during mountain excursions or weekend-long festivals.
Streamlined and dependable since 1989, Chacos Classic series is comprised of only 8 component parts, making for the simple, timeless sandal design that made the name.
Boot up for autumn's storms and winter's worst. Naturally insulated with a recycled coffee bean composite to trap body heat the Borealis Tall WP features an easy lace up system to protect your feet from the elements.
Introducing the travel-ready Z/Cloud series, featuring the same custom adjustable strap system, performance ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, and a top layer of ultra-soft PU for instant-cushion underfoot.
Stow and go. It's that easy with the Radlands Hip Pack. The roomy interior holds essentials while hiking, traveling, or festival-going. And the adjustable strap offers the versatility to wear on your hip or cross body.
This is Chaco's travel-ready Z/Cloud series, featuring their same custom adjustable strap system, performance ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, and a top layer of ultra-soft PU for instant-cushion underfoot.
Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit. Toe loop for secure fit.
Put your Chaco pride on display with our webbing Wrist Wrap, made from the same polyester jacquard straps as our Classic Z sandals. Just grip the webbing strap, wrap around your wrist, and pull through the buckle to tighten.
Introducing Chacos travel-ready Z/Cloud series, featuring their same custom adjustable strap system, performance ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, and a top layer of ultra-soft PU for instant-cushion underfoot.
Machine washable and durable, this kids version of our classic Z/1 can handle anything your kids can put them through.
Two narrow polyester straps in the Custom Adjust'em system offer a more secure fit by conforming to the curves of mini feet.


I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #PAPH690720). Please send me more information regarding 925 Afton St, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19111. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 925 Afton St, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19111 (MLS® #PAPH690720). Thank you!


text:
Henri-Bernard Dabadie (19 January 1797 – 20 May 1853) was a French baritone, particularly associated with Rossini and Auber roles.

Life and career
Born in Pau, Dabadie studied at the Paris Conservatory and made his debut at the Paris Opéra in 1819 as Cinna in Spontini's La Vestale.

He was to remain at the Opéra until 1836, creating roles specifically written for him by Rossini – notably the Pharaon in Moïse et Pharaon, Raimbaud in Le comte Ory, and Guillaume Tell. He also created roles in opera by Auber – Pietro in La muette de Portici, Jolicoeur in Le Philtre, and Jean in Le Serment.

He also sang in Italy, where he created Belcore in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, in Milan on 12 May 1832.

On 6 November 1821, Dabadie married soprano Zulmée Leroux (1795–1877), who began using her married name Dabadie, when she sang at the Paris Opera, where she created the role of Sinaide in Moise and Jemmy in Guillaume Tell.

References

Bibliography
 Mancini, Roland and Jean-Jacques Rouveroux (orig. H. Rosenthal and J. Warrack, French edition) (eds): Guide de l'opéra (Paris: Fayard, 1995);
 Tamvaco, Jean-Louis (2000). "Dabadie / Leroux [les]", pp. 919–921, in Les Cancans de l'Opéra: Chroniques de l'Académie Royale de Musique et du théâtre, à Paris sous les deux Restaurations. CNRS. 1307 pages. . .
 Warrack, John; West, Ewan (1992). The Oxford Dictionary of Opera. Oxford: Oxford University Press. .

1797 births
1853 deaths
19th-century French male opera singers
Conservatoire de Paris alumni
French operatic baritones
People from Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Domestic Work
SfL NETWORK
Delmarva
U.S. Clean Energy
SfL Engaging Global Landscapes
Domestic Platform
SfL is currently engaged in a national program of sustainability advocacy by sharing the findings of its established state CSA network and leaders.
Global Platform
Learn More (below)
A Global Stage
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations (UN) member states in 2015, calls countries to work together to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide "a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future."
Farmers, ranchers, foresters, and all their partners in agriculture will be fundamental to establishing the social and environmental foundation for this vision.
Continent- and Global-Scale Challenges
Global-scale initiatives include:
The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA)
The SfL International Work Program
Across the globe, the future of agriculture is being shaped by member-state governments at home and at multiple UN forums and committees. By collaborating with agricultural stakeholders throughout North America to participate in national and international policy platforms such as the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, the FAO, and others, SfL is on the scene to put farmers at the center of these discussions and decisions.
SfL's International Work Program:
Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture
The UNFCCC was a near-universally ratified international treaty that went into effect in March 1994 with the objective to "stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere" and prevent anthropogentric harm to the climate. During COP 23 in 2017, the UNFCCC for the first time officially acknowledged the agriculture sector's role in adapting to and mitigating climate change with the start of the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA).
As an official UNFCCC Observer organization, Solutions from the Land has partnered with the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance to provide agricultural policy recommendations to the member bodies through each round of KJWA program development.
Committee on Food Security
Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture
Guidelines on Agroecology and Other Innovative Approaches
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs on all matters related to agriculture. The organization has more than 180 members and is governed by the biennial FAO conference representing each member country, as well as the European Union.
SfL engages FAO through membership in the International Agri-Food Network and participation in the Committee on Food Security (CFS) Private Sector Mechanism (PSM). SfL has contributed significantly to workstreams such as "Agroecological and Other Innovative Approaches" with producer-led commentary that has shaped conversations and final policy recommendations.
Food Systems Summit
Action Track Submissions
U.S. Producer Dialogue
Global Farmer Dialogue
UN Secretary-General António Guterres plans to convene a Food Systems Summit (FSS) to raise awareness and secure global commitments to radical action to transform food systems, resolve rapidly expanding hunger, and reduce diet-related disease. Stakeholders across the globe are stepping forward to suggest food systems changes at this, the first global food summit in 25 years.
SfL has already staged one independent Food Systems Summit Dialogue and will continue engagement until the summit is held in Fall 2021 in New York.
SfL Food Systems Summit Dialogue #1
Boosting Nature Positive Agricultural Solutions: U.S. Farmer, Rancher, Grower Perspectives As documented in the fourth annual Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC 2020), the number of people across the globe that are suffering from hunger and malnutrition is rising....
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text:
The Resonance campus: music is in our blood.
Resonance is based at Cable Plaza, part of the spectacular Waterfront complex in Brierley Hill, West Midlands.
Brierley Hill is right at the heart of the Black Country, home to some of the most iconic musical legends of the last 50 years or so.
It's a region that was the cradle of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, and that tradition of innovation, experimentation and individuality is alive and kicking today.
The rollcall of local artists, composers and performers will be recognisable to anyone with an interest in the last 50 years of music and popular culture. It's renowned as the birthplace of heavy metal and has nurtured home-grown talents like Led Zeppelin, Slade, Judas Priest, ELO, Black Sabbath, UB40, The Moody Blues, Robert Plant, Roy Wood, Ozzy Osbourne, The Wonder Stuff, Pop Will Eat Itself, Goldie, Babylon Zoo, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Beverley Knight and Mark Willott, along with many others.
Resonance builds on this heritage and offers students one of the most progressive and well-equipped music campuses currently available in the UK Higher Education sector.
Three state-of-the-art recording and production studios
Radio Station (hosting Black Country Radio)
Lecture theatre, teaching rooms and music technology suites
Listening room, video production and green screen suite
Eating, socialising and relaxing


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text:
WE'RE THE GOOD GUYS! : OBNOXIOUS RAVENS MAKE GIANTS LOOK ANGELIC
By Wallace Mathews
January 28, 2001 | 5:00am
TAMPA – Now, here's a sporting event with a twist.
For the first time in recorded history, the New York team is – take deep breath here before continuing – the good guys!
Unaccustomed as we are to affection from any life form existing on the wrong side of the Hudson River, tonight's Super Bowl XXXV will be a healthy dose of culture shock for anyone in Raymond James Stadium tonight, or camped out in front of 200 million TV sets around the world.
Thanks to the proliferation of cameras, microphones and notebooks that descended upon Tampa for Super Bowl week, the world already knows that the nasty, arrogant, selfish, big-mouthed and big-headed team – and that only covers Tony Siragusa – is the one from the charming and genteel city of Baltimore.
Now, those are adjectives usually reserved as the sole property of whichever team represents New York. Any sport, any season, we always seem to have the team America loves to loathe.
So here come the New York Giants to the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years, and guess what? They forget to bring even a single convicted felon with them.
Their coach, Jim Fassel, could never win an unpopularity contest against Brian Billick, who this week retired the award for insufferability, previously owned by one of our own, Bill Parcells.
Nobody has a nasty word to say about Wellington Mara or Bob Tisch, the co-owners of the Giants, but plenty of people in two cities have nothing good to say about Art Modell, and I haven't even asked anyone in his old Brooklyn neighborhood for an opinion.
All week long, while the Ravens have been blowing more smoke than a Baltimore sweat shop, the Giants have been humble and low-key.
They come to this Super Bowl hat-in-hand, staring down at the ground while chewing on a fingernail and pawing the dirt with the toe of their boot.
They began every answer with something like, "Aw, shucks, ma'am . . ."
And to top it off, they are the underdogs, expected not just to get beaten by the Big Bad Ravens, but maybe even shut out!
Face it, New York, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves.
How could we ever send such an ill-suited group of – dare I say it? – gentlemen to a ground war like the Super Bowl?
No wonder some people persist in calling them the Jersey Giants.
New York teams are supposed to have guys like Ray Lewis, who has the same Hall of Fame numbers as O.J.: two murder charges, one dubious "acquittal."
Instead, we got Jason Sehorn and his supply of hair gels, sprays and pomades.
The Baltimores have big, fat, blustery Siragusa. A savage who probably uses the wrong fork at dinner. If, in fact, he bothers to use a fork.
The Giants have big, fat, serious Glenn Parker. A wine connoisseur!
We're supposed to have the greedy and obnoxious owner. After all, this is the hometown of George Steinbrenner, isn't it?
Our coach is expected to be the blowhard. We let this hayseed Billick walk off with a distinction that used to belong to us.
And it was our tarnished quarterback, Kerry Collins, who set the tone for the week with his Oprah Winfrey moment before the 3,000-headed monster known as the media.
Just what in Tarpon Springs is going on here?
Clearly, there is only one thing left for the New York Good Guys to do: Go out and give the Big Bad Ravens a good beating.
It can be done, you know.
A year before these Baltimore Ravens were dubbed – mostly by themselves – as the second coming of the '72 Dolphins, they were a mediocrity, an 8-8 team with a pretty good defense and a pretty bad offense.
Now, they boast of having The Greatest Defense of All Time, and yet, a month ago the Jets – the hapless Jets of Testaverde, Groh, and a receiving corps of flashlights – lit up the Ravens for 481 yards passing.
And that ain't all. In Week 2, before The Legend had started to bloom, the Jaguars' Jimmy Smith dropped 15 catches on them for three TDs and nearly 300 yards.
I know it's out of character this week for a New Yorker to be so brazen, but allow me to suggest that perhaps, the Greatest Defense of All Time can be had through the air.
And let's also not forget that the Giants have a pretty good defense, too.
In fact, if any defense in this game is likely to pitch a shutout, it is the Giants'.
After all, the unit that shut down Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Robert Smith shouldn't lose much sleep over the likes of Trent Dilfer, Shannon Sharpe and a bunch of guys named Lewis.
In fact, if any team should be laughing right about now, it is the Giants contemplating the Big Bad Baltimore offense. Operative word: Bad.
The Ravens have dug a pretty deep hole for themselves with their mouths this week:
Peter Boulware: "One of our goals is to get a shutout. We expect that, and anything less than that is beneath our standards."
Chris McAlister: "We don't feel like anyone can beat us. We've been thinking about a shutout all week."
Siragusa: "You don't think this team can shut out the Giants?"
At this point, it seems like shutout or Shut Up for the Ravens. There is no in-between.
Personally, I never think it is a particularly good sign when athletes in any sport mouth off too much.
It usually means they are trying to convince themselves, and all they wind up doing is revealing to their listeners just how unsure they really are.
But it really doesn't matter whether the Ravens win or lose the football game tonight.
They've already lost the war for the affection of the American public.
That's one the New York guys never win, but faced with this kind of opposition, it was never even close.
Don't be surprised if the game turns out to be just as much of a mismatch.
PILON A NEW MAN WITH RANGERS
Mike Vaccaro
Mets' Amed Rosario is entering dangerous territory


text:
Home Airlines Singapore Airlines raises US$500 million
Singapore Airlines raises US$500 million
US dollar bonds will be used for aircraft purchases, related payments and other general purposes including refinancing of existing borrowings
Airlines like Singapore Airlines are bringing planes out of storage as traffic improves with the removal of some COVID restrictions. (PHOTO: Steve Strike/Outback Photographics)
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has successfully raised US$500 million via its first US dollar-denominated bond issue. The issuance was oversubscribed with the final demand at more than US$2.85 billon, and it was anchored by high quality institutional investors including real money asset managers. The bonds are being issued at an issue price of 99.573% of their principal amount, with a maturity date of 20 July 2026, and will carry an annual coupon of 3 percent per cent per annum. Citigroup was the sole global coordinator for this issuance. Citigroup, HSBC and BofA Securities were the joint bookrunners.
The proceeds will be used for aircraft purchases, related payments and other general purposes including refinancing of existing borrowings. The issuance further strengthens the company's liquidity position, and provides SIA with the financial flexibility to capture medium-to-long term growth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
As previously indicated, SIA will continue to explore other means to further strengthen its liquidity as necessary. Since the start of the 2020/2021 financial year, including the latest issuance, Singapore Airlines has raised approximately S$13.3 billion (US$10 billion) in additional liquidity. This includes S$8.8 billion from SIA's successful rights Issue, S$2 billion from secured financing, S$850 million via a recent convertible bond issue, another S$500 million via a private placement of new 10-year bonds, and more than S$500 million through new committed lines of credit and a short-term unsecured loan.
Including the new lines of credit, SIA will continue to have access to more than S$2.1 billion in committed credit lines. For the period up to July 2021, the company also retains the option to raise up to S$6.2 billion in additional Mandatory Convertible Bonds that would provide further liquidity if necessary.
bond sale
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text:
Die Flagge "Nationalflagge Saudi-Arabien (150 x 90 cm)" ist bei fahnenversand.de erhältlich.
Klicken Sie hier, um den Artikel anzuzeigen.
Die Flagge "Nationalflagge Saudi-Arabien (250 x 150 cm)" ist bei fahnenversand.de erhältlich.
Die Flagge "Nationalflagge Saudi-Arabien (90 x 60 cm)" ist bei fahnenversand.de erhältlich.
Die Flagge "Stockflaggen Saudi-Arabien (45 x 30 cm)" ist bei fahnenversand.de erhältlich.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Al-Mamlakat al-'Arabiyat as-Sa'udiyah
Keywords: saudi arabia |
image by António Martins-Tuválkin 2:3 |
National Flag:
National Flag at the London 2012 Olympics
The Shahada
Reverse of the Flag
Vertical Version
History of the Flag
Unofficial Variants
Civil Flag (Reported)
A second flag for Saudi Arabia?
The national flag in an unusual environment
Civil (Merchant) Ensign
Royal Standard
Emirate of 'Asir ?-1920s
Emirate of Ha'il 1835-1920
Kingdom of Hejaz 1915-1925
Government Flags
Board of Grievances
Ministry of Civil Service (former ministry)
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Economy and Planning
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
Ministry of Housing (former ministry)
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Investment
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Ministry of Labour and Social Development (former ministry)
Ministry of Media
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (former ministry)
Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing
Ministry of National Guard
Ministry of Sports
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University
Sporting Flags
Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee
Saudi Arabian Paralympic Committee
Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Saudi Arabian Handball Federation
Ittihad Football Club
King Khalid International Airport
Corporate Flags
Kingdom Holding Company
Saudi Red Crescent Authority
League of Arab States (Arab League)
Neighboring Countries:
Proportions: 2:3
Description: Green flag with a white shahada and sword. The hoist of the flag shown above should be at the viewer's right, as it is the case for all flags featuring Arabic writings (which read from right to left).
Use: on land, state and war flag, at sea, state and war ensign.
Colour approximate specifications (as given in Album des Pavillons [pay00]):
Green: Pantone 330 c / CMYK (%) C 100 – M 0 – Y 50 – K 50
Adoption: Basic design in use by 1932; current version adopted 15 March 1973
In The International Flag Book [ped71], Christian Fogd Pedersen gives the date 1946 for the adoption of the national flag (with the older pattern of sword). The current design of the flag was established in Article 1 of Cabinet Decision 101, as approved by a Royal Decree dated 15 March 1973, and further specified by Mandatory Standards issued by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization, approved by the board of directors 25-5-1404 A.H. (26 February 1984), published in the Official Gazette of 10-8-1404 A.H. (11 May 1985), and with an effective date of 2-10-1404 (2 November 1984). I also have another possible date for flag legislation of 22-10-1377 A.H. (12 May 1958), with a decree number 38 [content of the decree not reported – Ed.].
Christopher Southworth, 14-15 April 2003
The Dorling Kindersley 1997 Ultimate Pocket Book of Flags [rya97] mentions that the current version of the sword was adopted in 1981, and that it represents the sword of king Abd al-Aziz, given to him by his father. However, Dorling Kindersley's flag books are not the most precise vexillological source – actually they should be called DK's handbook of flag urban legends. So most probably the 1981 date is a mistake and bears no relationship with any adoption, either de facto or de jure, of Saudi flag elements.
Santiago Dotor, 15 April 2003
If the sword was adopted in 1981, it apparently wasn't by legislation, because the only law mentioned in the Mandatory Standards (which themselves formed part of the law after 11 February 1984) is the Decree of 1973. Figure 2 and Table 8 of the standards give precise geometric instructions for the sword, which the original decree did not.
Christopher Southworth, 15 April 2003
The point of the sword always points to the viewer's left, no matter what side of the flag you're looking at. The sword points in the direction in which you read the shahada--right to left.
Joe McMillan, 31 August 2006
A few items about flags found here and there in Arab newspapers and websites:
Since 25th May 2011 the six GCC countries decide to fly the GCC flag alongside their national flags according to the decision by the organization.
News with/without pictures, from Arabic websites (can be translated!):
Bahrain: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-to-fly-gcc-flag-alongside-its-own-1.811541
Kuwait: http://alwatan.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?Id=113125
Oman: http://www.arrouwad.net/news/2011-01-17-21-12-19/2011-01-17-21-16-01/6324-2011-05-25-23-45-28.html
Qatar: http://www.alarab.com.qa/details.php?docId=189552&issueNo=1257&secId=16
Saudi Arabia: http://www.aleqt.com/2011/05/25/article_542200.html
UAE: http://www.alittihad.ae/details.php?id=50338&y=2011
Various pictures: http://www.3rabpet.com/vb/showthread.php?t=310995&page=1
Jalal Muhammed, 11 February 2012
The protocol manual for the London 2012 Olympics	(Flags and Anthems Manual London 2012 [loc12]) provides recommendations for national flag designs. Each NOC	was sent an image of the flag, including the PMS shades, for their approval by LOCOG. Once this was obtained, LOCOG produced a 60 x 90 cm version of the flag for further approval. So, while these specs may not be the official, government, version of each flag, they are certainly what the NOC	believed the flag to be.
For Saudi Arabia: PMS 355 green. The vertical flag is simply the horizontal version turned 90 degrees anti-clockwise. Both sides are identical.
Ian Sumner, 10 October 2012
The sword on the national flag is not slightly curved, but is entirely straight-bladed according to a precise construction diagram contained in Mandatory Standards effective 11 March 1984. According to both the Law of 1973 which regulated the design and the Mandatory Standards mentioned above, the sword's hilt is always to the right on both the obverse and reverse of the flag and is never reversed.
Christopher Southworth, 29 August 2006
At a business ceremony in Tokyo on Apr 2 1980, they still used curved sword.
I saw a documentary about two English guys who flew around the world (in 80 days) on a microlight. They had to get customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, and when the camera rolled – right there behind the customs officials was Saudi Arabia's National flag with – a curved sword! The Shahada was smaller too.
Martin Grieve, 28 October 2006
The inclusion of sacred Islamic Text on the flag of Saudi Arabia has created problems when the flag is reproduced on souvenir items or as a throw-away hand-waver. An example of this problem occurred when Muslims complained of the flag appearing on World Cup footballs. I recall that one solution was to reproduce the flag with only the sword, deleting the text. However I cannot locate any source for this approach. Does anyone know if this or of any other approach to including Saudi Arabia in a flag display without giving offence to devout Muslims? If the sword only is used, is it centered?
Ralph Kelly, 12 December 1998
Flags are not flown at half-mast because the green Saudi flag is inscribed with Islam's testament of faith and lowering it would be considered blasphemous.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4736935.stm
contributor and date unknown
The Reverse of the Flag
image by António Martins-Tuválkin
If made according to law, the Saudi national flag should be identical on both sides, i.e., with the Testament or shahada reading from right to left and the hilt of the sword hilt to the right, under the beginning of the inscription. The flag therefore, looks the same whether it is the obverse or reverse which is being shown – the only way to tell which you are viewing on an image of the flag is to show a flag pole or halyard along with the image. Article 1.1 of Decision 101 (8 March 1973) is specific about this, and states that "The Testament and sword shall be clearly shown in white and appear identical on both sides of the flag." The legal position is further clarified in "Mandatory Standards" (enforced 3 November 1984) in which Article 3.3.1.1 states that, "The body of the flag shall be composed of two layers of green fabric, printed on them El-Shahada and the Sword in white (as per figure 1)."
Christopher Southworth, 23 September 2003
Based on description above, shouldn't both sides of the flag be identical except for the location of the flag pole?
Lorraine Gillespie, 27 June 2013
According to the Law (of Saudi Arabia) copies of which I have on file (and have quoted in the past), Lorraine is perfectly correct and our image [was] incorrect.
I was not checking the mentioned law, but I believe it is so. I believe that the Antonio's image was made to illustrate one of the variants of the reverse, i.e. not all flags are made according to the law - sometimes the flag with the sword part is made printed and the inscription part is appliquéd on a green patch only to be correctly readable, so making the illustrated flag. Other techniques may be used as well, but following the Law the design should be as pointed out.
Željko Heimer, 29 June 2013
Actually, the official Saudi hanging flag reads correctly and has the sword underneath the shahada, just like on the flag. In other words, take a Saudi flag and make it longer than wide with the heading at the top and you would have it.
Dave Martucci, 02 February 1998
Consider the citation from page 47 of Znamierowski [zna99]:
"Indeed, at least four countries, namely Brazil, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, explicitly forbid vertical display of their national flags."
If so, we can ask what this vertical flag is? Indeed, there has been a tendency of vertical hoisting of flags recently, especially at big international events like Olympic games, and in several such occasions the vertical Saudi flag was surely used. Is it the official design, officialized recently just for that reason, or is it only an unofficial rendition of the Saudi flag made by foreign flag makers, as a way to display the text rightly? That is, is this an official design, a de facto flag or simply an erroneous design that might have been used somewhere?
I have the idea that Saudi law prohibits the vertical hoisting of the normal flag, because the writing would become illegible. Maybe the design with the writing set horizontally across the middle of a vertical flag is done not in spite of this legal provision, but because of it.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 08 June 2000
I am not sure that the religion prohibits writings from the Quran from being written vertically. If I am not wrong, the inscriptions, in various ornamental forms, are used throughout the Muslim world as a very developed form of art, and scriptural ornaments are to be found in many places. So, if there is a ban on vertical hoisting of the Saudi flag (and it seems there is), that would be for other reasons – first due to the design that is not suitable for vertical hoisting, and second, and not quite unrelated with the first, due to the apparent tradition of "horizontal-only" hoisting of flags in the Arabian Peninsula. Comparably, there are bans on vertical hoisting in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as mentioned above. These flags are not to be hoisted vertically for the same reasons as mentioned above, and not due to religious reasons. Other flags in the same part of the world are rarely if ever seen vertically hoisted in their own countries – and without any religious reason behind it, and even without the "designwise" problems.
The Mall in London has been lined with flags for the State Visit of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud; alternate Union Jacks and Saudi Flags hung vertically on short almost horizontal staffs. If the unsupported end of the staff is considered to be the 'top', it would seem that the Saudi flags have been hung 'upside down' as the sword is at the unsupported end and the inscription at the supported end of the staff ? A photograph from Tuesday's Daily Telegraph.
David Prothero, 30 October 2007
located by Graham Bartram, 30 October 2007
Yes the flags are upside down on one side (they are fully double sided). Apparently the Saudi Embassy in London agreed the design and had officials present when the flags were hoisted and they approved the "look". I can only think they considered the flags to be vertical flags and decided that it was better for the Shahada to start at the "top" on both sides. If the flags had been made conventionally the Shahada on the Western-style obverse would have started at the "bottom" and read up. The side of the flag we can't see is what you would expect from a conventional Saudi-flag reverse. As the flags are double-sided the writing reads correctly on both sides, with the hilt of the sword being under the initial letter and the blade pointing in the reading direction.
This was also reported in the Scotsman, along with a colour photograph, and on MSN with the same photo.
Graham Bartram, 30 October 2007
Reported Civil Flag
image by Joseph McMillan, 26 August 2006
The Saudi Arabian flag is only allowed for official purposes. Private citizens can fly a plain green flag with a golden palm tree over two crossed swords in the upper fly corner.
Armand Noel du Payrat, 28 June 2002
We have a World Cup promotion poster in Japan which shows 32 national people with their national flag paintings on their faces. Only Saudi Arabia does not use the national flag but a green flag charged with a yellow palm above two crossed swords.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 28 June 2002
The only mention of a "civil flag" I can find in Saudi Arabian flag legislation is contained in a Mandatory Standard ("Dimensions, Geometrical Details and Usages of Flags and Banners of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia") whose date of enforcement is given as 3 November 1985. This is the Civil Ensign (described in the Mandatory Standard as the "commercial flag") used by merchant vessels at sea. There is no other which might conceivably be considered as a civil flag.
Christopher Southworth, 10 July 2003
Large sections of both the law of 1973 which established and defined the present form of the National Flag, and the Mandatory Standards of 1984, are concerned with the proper (and respectful) treatment of the National Flag (with its sacred text), but do not restrict it to official usage so, and completely discounting the (extremely) unlikely thought that the 'album' made it up, we are left (in my opinion) with three main possibilities:
The Law of 1973 (in effect) lifted any restrictions on use of the National Flag by the civil population, so making a previously established flag redundant.
It was established at some date after 1984.
The flag is entirely unofficial but officially tolerated.
Christopher Southworth, 16 February 2018
Unusual Variant of Civil Flag
image by Zoltan Horvath, 29 October 2014
I have attached an image of a flag seen in a clip PSY Champion & Gangnam Style - INCHEON Asian Games Opening Ceremony 2014.09.19 of the 2014 Asian Games opening ceremony. It shows the Saudi Arabian emblem/coat of arms on a green background. I have never seen this as a flag. I don't know if the usual Saudi Arabian flag was used for the actual athletes parade as there doesn't seem to be a video of this available.
Martin Dix, 29 October 2014
It might be the reported Saudi Arabian Civil Flag, although the quality of the photo makes identification difficult.
Pete Loeser, 29 October 2014
While this boy holds this flag by both hands, flagpole is on his right hand, and he grasps upper right part of the flag with his left hand, it seems that this a green flag with a yellow Saudi emblem placed in the middle of this flag.
Zoltan Horvath, 29 October 2014
Adopted 1950.
From the Tunisian blog "Waleg", 30 June 2007:
"A serious decision has been taken by the Saudi authorities to come up with a second flag for Saudi Arabia … one that presents the most significant aspects of Saudi Arabia as a symbol of union so that it could be used in sports events and other occasions. This statement was given by Sheikh Abdallah Saleh Al Otheimin, who felt that the current flag is being degraded by events like Star Academy & other similar programs.
It seems the Saudi citizens are glad to hear this news, because after seeing a singer or dancer holding the flag & dancing around … they would rather have it changed!"
Source: http://www.waleg.com/archives/008519.html
I have not found this information anywhere else but I do not have access to Arabic-speaking sources.
Ivan Sache, 01 July 2007
On 21 May 2008, Farouk Saad Hamad al Zuman reached the top of Mount Everest as the member of an international expedition. The first Saudi to reach the highest mountain in the world, Zuman hoisted the national flag of Saudi Arabia, as can be seen on a colour photography taken by Mingma Sherpa and shown by "The National Newspaper" (Abu Dhabi), 12 June 2008.
A copy of the photograph can be seen on the expedition website: http://www.peakfreaks.com/everestnews2008.htm
http://www.peakfreaks.com/images/Everest_one.JPG - direct link to the image, confirming that the flag has a white border / fringe all around.
Ivan Sache, 13 June 2008
I just wondered, is that white fringe or border official in any way?
Colin Dobson, 14 June 2008
I don't think so. This may have been manufactured for aggressive weather conditions (which we would expect on Everest). Perhaps the "sleeve" is extended around 4 sides to prevent the flag from becoming frayed in the wind.
Martin Grieve, 14 June 2008
I don't think its a "sleeve" on the other 2 sides as it look already frayed. More likely its a fringe for decoration.
Marc Pasquin, 14 June 2008
Kunden, die diese Flagge gekauft haben, haben auch folgende Flaggen gekauft:


text:
Infants can pick out leaders from bullies: Study
New York, Sep 4: Infants, by the age of 2, have the potential to distinguish between the power asserted by a leader and a bully, finds a study, shedding light on how babies make sense of the world.
The study found that 21-month-old infants can distinguish between respect-based power asserted by a leader and fear-based power wielded by a bully.
Our results provide evidence that infants in the second year of life can already distinguish between leaders and bullies, said Renee Baillargeon, Professor at the University of Illinois.
Infants understand that with leaders, you have to obey them even when they are not around; with bullies, though, you have to obey them only when they are around, she added.
For the study, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Baillargeon developed a series of animations depicting cartoon characters interacting with an individual portrayed as a leader, a bully or a likeable person with no evident power.
She measured infants' eye-gazing behaviour as they watched the same animations.
In one experiment, the infants watched a scenario in which a character, portrayed either as a leader or a bully, gave an order to three protagonists, who initially obeyed, Baillargeon said. The character then left the scene and the protagonists either continued to obey or disobeyed.
The infants detected a violation when the protagonists disobeyed the leader but not when they disobeyed the bully, Baillargeon found.
In another experiment, the team tested whether the infants were responding to the likeability of the characters in the scenarios, rather than to their status as leaders or bullies.
In general, when the leader left the scene, the infants expected the protagonists to continue to obey the leader, Baillargeon said.
However, when the bully left, the infants had no particular expectation: The protagonists might continue to obey out of fear, or they might disobey because the bully was gone.
The infants expected obedience only when the bully remained in the scene and could harm them again if they disobeyed, the researchers said.


Beckham & Babies make Five!
Well these past few month have been busy for our little family. In April our favorite Alex went back on his mission after 6 months of surgery and recovery. (twice in that 6 months) So he is back to Spain! See you in November 2012 Alex!
Then last month my dad left for Louisiana to start his training for Afghanistan. He has to be over there for 12 months plus his 3 months in Louisiana that's a grand total of 15 months without his family! and 15 months that we have to miss him.