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World Science Festival: The Dark Side of the Universe [Replay]
Live from the New York University Skirball Center, Thursday, June 2, from 8 P.M.-9:30 P.M. ET
Editor's note: A replay will be posted as soon as it is avaiable.
For all we understand about the universe, 96 percent of what's out there still has scientists in the dark. Astronomical observations have established that familiar matter—atoms—accounts for only 4 percent of the weight of the cosmos. The rest—dark matter and dark energy—is invisible to our telescopes. But what really is this dark stuff? How do we know it's there? And what does it do? From the formation of galaxies to the farthest reaches of space, it appears that darkness rules. Without dark matter and dark energy, the universe today and in the far future would be a completely different place.
Join us in a discussion with leading researchers who smash together particles, dive into underground mines, and explore the edges of the known universe in search of clues to nature's dark side.
Moderator: John Hockenberry
Glennys Farrar
Katherine Freese
Michael Turner
Saul Perlmutter
Elena Aprile
MOMIX Dance Troupe
Twitter: #WSF11
Live blogging by Philip Yam, Scientific American
The World Science Festival 2011: Encore Presentations and More
Rebooting the Cosmos: Is the Universe the Ultimate Computer? [Replay]
The Illusion of Certainty: Risk, Probability, and Chance [Replay]
Cool Jobs, from the World Science Festival [Replay]
The Mind after Midnight: Where Do You Go When You Go to Sleep? [Replay]
Thorium, Polonium, Radium, Oh My! Marie Curie and Maggie Gyllenhaal Kick Off the 2011 World Science Festival
Neda Afsarmanesh
Not That Secure after All: Cryptography in a Connected World

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


To highlight the newly published Army Ethic (within ADRP 1, June '15) and how it guides senior leaders in their strategic stewardship requirement to strengthen the essential characteristics of the Profession.
What are the strategic stewardship responsibilities to ensure the Army remains a profession?
What are the Institutional obstacles, enablers and opportunities to maintain and strengthen trust internally and externally?
What are the Operational obstacles, enablers and opportunities to maintain and strengthen trust internally and externally?
The Army profession is built on trust that starts with every member of the total force, the Army's most senior civilian and military leaders said. These leaders and some West Point cadets were among the 270 people, who attended a conference on the Army Ethic at the U.S. Military Academy here. The July 27-28 event, facilitated by the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic, centered on the strategic stewardship of the Army profession.
The Army profession is built on trust that starts with every member of the total force, the Army's most senior civilian and military leaders said. These leaders and some West Point cadets were among the 270 people, who attended a conference on the Army Ethic at the U.S. Military Academy here.
The highest-ranking leaders of the Army gathered at the U.S. Military Academy for a two-day discussion on the strategic stewardship of the Army profession July 27-28. The forum brought together leaders including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey.
The most senior leaders of the Army gathered at the U.S. Military Academy July 26-28 for a discussion on the strategic stewardship of the Army profession. The forum brought together leaders including Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Secretary John M. McHugh;Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno; and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey.
The Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army co-host the 2015 Army Profession Annual Symposium at West Point, New York, July 26-28, 2015. The APAS theme this year is "Unveiling our Army Ethic and Stewarding our Profession."
With new doctrine in place to define the Army profession, senior leaders from throughout the force gathered here Monday and Tuesday to figure out how to make that doctrine stick. About 270 officers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers and civilians met for the second Army Profession Annual Symposium, hosted by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Army Secretary John McHugh. Discussions covered everything from career progression to cultural behaviors to cyberbullying, but most of the talks got back to a common refrain: Set the standard, and spread the word.


I grew up in Saskatchewan and completed my Juris Doctor at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where I met my wife. I've lived in Grande Prairie and practiced family law exclusively since completing law school. I am passionate about settlement and negotiation-based resolutions and this is my practice focus. While confident in appearing before the Court, I see this as a last resort when all other avenues have been explored.
I am a past Swan City Rotary member, a longtime volunteer for Grande Prairie Legal Guidance and I regularly put on free Divorce & Separation seminars across the Peace Country.
At home you can find me watching documentaries with my wife and three cats or getting my sweat on in the gym.
I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Regina in 2014. Following graduation, I worked in construction for one year prior to being accepted to the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law in 2015 where I graduated with my Juris Doctor degree in 2018.
As a Student-At-Law, I am particularly excited about the challenges I face each day. Each new challenge presents a learning opportunity that allows me to develop my legal knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, my position allows me to resolve complex legal problems on a day to day basis.
While it is not always the case, some clients are experiencing the most challenging moments of their lives when they come to Hayes Fry Law. The most positive impact I can have on a client is to get them through these challenges.
Hayes Fry Law provides me with the opportunity to learn and work in a friendly, welcoming environment. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of Hayes Fry Law, but also appreciate the flexibility the firm allows. At Hayes Fry Law, I practice in Family Law and Estate Planning.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time fishing, playing guitar, or learning how to pilot small aircrafts. I especially enjoy the outdoors and often travel to Northern Saskatchewan each year to fish the northern lakes.
I have lots of experience in the legal field. I love my job because I am always meeting new people and am constantly learning. I'm pretty much always happy and I think that has a big impact on clients and their experience. The atmosphere at Hayes Fry Law is one of my favourite things about working here.
In my spare time I love to knit and craft!
With nearly 7 years of experience in the legal field, I'm happy to work with clients, mortgage professionals, realtors, and others in my community to help manage real estate transactions.
At Hayes Fry Law, my interests, goals and ideas are recognized and considered. I get to work with a great team of people who support and help each other. Our innovative law office supports me in creating new and better ways to deliver the best experience possible for clients.
When I'm not in the office, you can find me in front of a campfire with family and friends. Being active is important to me and I'm part of a Master's swim team that allows me to compete across Alberta and even Canada!
I help our clients finalize their divorce and move on from a difficult period in their lives. What I like best about my job is explaining the separation/divorce process to clients and keeping them in the loop. I enjoy the opportunity for lifelong learning within my career, the great group of people I work with, and the relaxed yet professional environment at Hayes Fry Law.
In my spare time, I like to read and cook.
One of the best things about working at Hayes Fry Law is that I'm constantly learning new things. If I don't know how to do something, there's always someone there to teach me and to take the time to explain what needs to be done. The whole office comes together to finish every job, creating a great work atmosphere.
With this "team-oriented" support, I'm able to provide our clients with clear explanations so they have a full understanding of what we're doing for them.
At home, you can find me playing with my cat, Buddy, and playing video games.
I enjoy my work so much here that it doesn't feel like I'm even working! The team's ability to handle any task and our welcoming environment make this a terrific place to work. Each of my co-workers is more than willing to help and guide me if there's a job I'm not sure how to do.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and seeing new places. It gives me a different outlook on life and opens my mind to different ways people live. It also shows me different values and ways of life. I also like to play volleyball and used to play competitively.
I'm an Alberta girl born and raised. I have always had a passion for business and completed a Diploma at NAIT in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. From there, I completed my Bachelor of Management and finally my Juris Doctor which led me to this wonderful life in Grande Prairie!
Real Estate is what I love, and Real Estate is what I do best. I personally meet with all of my clients and am available for questions anytime. If I'm not educating you, I'm not doing my job. When we started our practice, it was my goal to do Real Estate different and I like to think that I've met and exceeded that goal. Nothing makes my day more than a happy client who has left our office feeling a little more knowledgeable and a little more confident in their major transaction.
I am a past board member of the Grande Prairie SPCA and the Legal Archives Society of Alberta.
If I'm not in the office you'll find me curled up with a book at home with my three kitties, watching netflix with my husband, doing yoga, or out shopping for home décor.


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Poetry Store
Poetry & Storytelling
Normalizing The Less Than Perfect.
With Over One Million Views, Mike Rosen's powerful spoken word poetry is changing the narrative around mental health, grief, and healing. Click below to see why organizations like Yale University, Tang Teaching Museum and Tom's Shoes love his work.
Book Mike for Your Campus or Corporate Event
"I was moved in a way that I've never been before by art."
— Jesse Israel, Founder of The Big Quiet
"Heartbreaking & Heart-Warming Beauty."
— Dylan Dunlap, Recording Artist
"Wow. Thank you, Mike, for sharing so much of yourself and for trusting these teens to meet you there.
— Rabbi Juliana Karol, Rodeph Sholom Day School
"I forgot writing once saved my life. You gave that back to me."
— Aly, 17, Workshop Attendee at Beit T'Shuvah Treatment Center
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I'm a mental health advocate and spoken word artist on a mission to normalize the less than perfect with my new album Might As Well Dance (Timber Mouse Publishing, 2018) about healing from grief and heartbreak.
I am a firm believer that we can't hit what we can't see. So, I use poetry and storytelling to invite topics like mental illness out of the shadows and in a fun and relatable way.
A few years ago my video "When God Happens" went viral. Since then I've performed and taught around the world for venues and organizations like Yale University, The Whitney Museum, Beit T'shuvah, and University of Michigan.
I have twice finished in the Top Ten at College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational and was awarded the Torchbearer's Award in 2016. I was named Best Male Poet at Wade-Lewis Poetry Slam Invitational '11 and was a finalist at Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam 2012.
As an organizer and educator, I founded the nation's largest collegiate poetry slam, WESlam, in 2011. I have taught workshops at Tang Teaching Museum, Columbia/Barnard University, University of Michigan and The Catskill Mountain Foundation. I've also had the privilege of working with poets at Wesleyan University, mentoring and guiding them to 1st place at Yale University's Regional Slam and 6th Place at College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational.
Whether we're focusing on destigmatizing mental illness, writing technique, or performance mechanics my workshops are all about one thing: creating a world where more people feel safe sharing their stories. Each of my workshops can be catered to the specific needs of your community and I'll often create custom curricula for specific occasions.
Contact me to learn how poetry can empower your community to tell its own story.
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Experience a workshop or performance in your area.
Mike Up Your Life
Thank you for signing up. Let the wild rumpus start.
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It's time for a social business design for patent-cost-free global drug manufacturing
The World Wellbeing Assembly, which is assembly in Geneva for the to start with time because the pandemic started, has agreed to set a framework to start planning for long run pandemics. But this choice-generating human body of the Environment Health and fitness Group, with its many delegates from middle- and low-income nations, faces a complicated truth: Even as the entire world only commences to understand the scale of our devastating failures responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the wealthy countries of the entire world want to shift on from the pandemic.
Making ready for the following pandemic will need additional than a commitment from delegates at the Earth Wellness Assembly. It demands a structural shift toward a fairer framework of world-wide overall health, where energy is dispersed much more equitably by way of a social enterprise design of vaccine and drug generation. Social enterprise is the kind of company which is crafted on the theory of solving human complications in a sustainable business way, where by proprietors are not fascinated in having any financial gain other than for the return of the unique expenditure total above a period of time. It is a non-dividend enterprise aimed at solving social difficulties, not personal income-generating.
There are concrete steps that globe leaders can make towards this framework. If governments can give billions of bucks of grants to pharmaceutical businesses to produce and distribute vaccines, they can devote these money in social business enterprise pharmaceutical businesses and pass on the gains to the needy users of the vaccines.
The worldwide inequities wrought by the pandemic are evident: Extra than 20 million persons have died of Covid-19, with the deaths overwhelmingly concentrated in decreased-earnings countries. The WHO had set a goal of vaccinating 70% of the world's population by the middle of this year. But, as we method that deadline, just 16% of people in minimal-earnings international locations have received a one dose. At this price, it will get a further two and a fifty percent several years for the poorest international locations to hit the WHO target.
Just after lessen-money countries have been denied vaccines for extra than a year, some doses are at last starting to get there. Provides arrive unpredictably all at after, in significant volumes, and typically near to their expiration day. When doses do arrive, lower-revenue nations have small say about which vaccines are sent, in what volume, and on what timeline, making it nearly difficult to program vaccination strategies. Manufacturing, in the meantime, remains concentrated in the World North.
And now that powerful treatments this sort of as antiviral drugs have been developed, the cycle is beginning all over again.
Rich countries have by now acquired up virtually the whole offer of Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Lagevrio for 2022. The corporations are gatekeeping which countries can make the drug, excluding quite a few international locations, together with just about all of Latin The usa. Pfizer has even designed the outrageous claim that an try to generate Paxlovid in the Dominican Republic would be a breach of the company's "human rights."
Prosperity is ability. And the brutally unequal international rollout of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments is a consequence of an ever-expanding focus of prosperity and concentration on financial gain maximization. Today's pharmaceutical business provides medication to the best bidder to make ever-greater earnings. Equity and accessibility are addressed as minimal more than community relations challenges.
In opposition to the backdrop of stark inequity, speedy funding for the world wide rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, treatments, and exams is essential. It is the rich nations, the G10, the steady beneficiaries of the prosperity-concentrating economic device, that have benefited from the present-day pharmaceutical model at anyone else's cost. They have the means to narrow the great vaccine hole, if they want to. And to make a get started, I lately named on President Biden to get the guide with a $5 billion motivation to help world wide vaccination attempts.
Expanding figures of vaccines are getting made, but they are not achieving the appropriate locations and the ideal people. When new, much more productive vaccines are completely ready, they will at the time once more be offered to the best bidder, leaving lessen-earnings nations around the world fighting today's virus with yesterday's tools. It's crucial that this technique be modified. We need to have apparent decisions on where by vaccines and treatments are made, by whom, for what objective, and how accessible and very affordable they are. And releasing Covid-19 vaccines from profit and patent is the critical.
ViiV will make it much easier for generic firms to copy its HIV avoidance shot, but it's not crystal clear when
I have appealed for the establishment of social business enterprise pharmaceutical corporations. These would be non-dividend-in search of providers that would develop vaccines and medicines to reach out to sites and persons who are constantly missed by the existing procedure, and offer them at creation charge, with out markups, also at charges that are affordable to the least expensive-profits men and women, by way of cross-subsidies. It is the clearest detail the health sector could do to address one of its most urgent challenges, reaching anyone, everywhere you go from the bottom up. But it demands getting rid of barriers like intellectual assets regulations and social company initiatives. And, although the attraction to make vaccines patent-free to allow for international manufacturing received some fantastic traction, it has not been enough to produce action.
Now, amid a disaster of this depth and breadth, is the very best time to undertake this initiative. If we come to a decision to swap slowly from a charity design to a social company model, we will lay the basis for nearby producing and distribution of vaccines, checks, and therapies. Leaders can begin with the following technology of coronavirus vaccines, by overriding patents and investing in socially pushed generics makers, to be certain the world wide south does not have to combat tomorrow's variants with yesterday's instruments.
World leaders can crystal clear absent the obstacles to generic vaccine and procedure manufacturing, by supporting a comprehensive waiver of intellectual house procedures on Covid-19 tools at the World Trade Organization this thirty day period. And they can do almost everything in their electrical power to compel pharmaceutical firms to share their vaccine, exam, and therapy technology with the worldwide south.
Instead, on the other hand, the E.U., U.K., and Switzerland have blocked an mental property waiver for much more than a year. The United States has refused to countenance getting rid of these obstacles for treatments, insisting that a waiver deal with only vaccines. They can sense that domestic political pressure on Covid-19 is waning. So, just as negotiations intensify, prosperous nations are closing ranks.
Any significant development will be way too late for the millions who have died needlessly from Covid-19. But our actions currently can suitable our class for tomorrow's variants and set a product for upcoming health crises. There is however time for entire world leaders to say in no way again to guarantee the ideal to health is prolonged to absolutely everyone and to dedicate to a fairer process of global health and fitness that prioritizes human life around the earnings of a handful of pharmaceutical providers.
Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social small business entrepreneur and civil society chief. Founder of the Grameen Lender, he acquired the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his groundbreaking function in microfinance and microcredit, which aimed to market social and financial enhancement.
BusinessBusiness, design, drug, Global, manufacturing, patentcostfree, social, time
How e-commerce seems various in Africa
Pentagon names new main of accountable artificial intelligence
January 24, 2023 Greta
Scott Bairstow appointed Head of Aerospace Business Development at Unipart Logistics
OXFORD, England, Jan. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Bairstow has been appointed Head of Aerospace Enterprise...
Maximus Names Deron Clements as New Business Development VP for Canada
TORONTO–(Company WIRE)–Maximus, a primary employer and service provider of governing administration products and services worldwide, currently...
CEDC boosts business startups | Local Business
Calendar year IN Assessment The Thunder Bay Community Economic Enhancement Commission (CEDC) says 331 local businesses...
Health Medical Centre


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Archive for the 'Philadelphia Eagles' Category
Eagles Not Done Yet; Sign Steve Smith
Posted by Brad On August – 10 – 2011
Apparently the Philadelphia Eagles haven't gotten the league-wide memo calling a truce on free agent pickups. The Eagles have now added former New York Giant WR Steve Smith.
The deal is reported to be a one-year deal for a "reasonable price." Smith met with his former team this week but there must have been concerns about the health of his injured knee. Now he'll be suiting up against the Giants (maybe).
Smith was off to a great start to 2010 following his spectacular 2009 season that saw him catch 107 balls, 1,220 yards, and 7 TD's. He will join a WR corps that is in a state of flux. DeSean Jackson is undergoing contract issues, Jeremy Maclin is undergoing health issues, leaving Jason Avant and Riley Cooper as the "other options." Smith was expected to at least several games but looks to be on the field by mid-season. Adding Steve Smith to DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, and Jason Avant will give Michael Vick one of the best WR corps in the NFL. As if they needed anymore help.
Blog, Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles Continue Talent Spree, Pick up Ronnie Brown
Posted by Brad On August – 2 – 2011
As I wrote earlier today the Eagles still have $4 million and some change plus the possibility of trading away Asante Samuel's contract. And it appears they are dead set on spending that money.
The Philadelphia Eagles and free agent RB Ronnie Brown have agreed to a one-year deal. Philadelphia was in need of someone to spell LeSean McCoy and Brown is more than capable of filling that role.
Andy Reid has a history with versatile RB's with Brian Westbrook most noteably. Brown will bring that Westbrook-eque versatility that should be a major asset to an already stacked offense. This is another solid move by the Eagles and another addition to the 'Dream Team'.
Eagles Add Cullen Jenkins to "Dream Team"
Posted by Brad On July – 30 – 2011
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to make every other NFL team look like a bunch of unprepared, shiftless, lazy slobs during the 2011 free agency period.
Continuing their "Super Bowl or Bust" shopping spree, the Eagles have reached agreement with former-Packers' defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins on a 5-year, $25 million deal, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Michael Lombardi of NFL Network has reported that the contract could essentially be a one-year, $4 million deal if Philadelphia decides to release Jenkins after the 2011 season. In essence, the Eagles are getting an economical, one-year rental on one of the best interior pass-rushers in the game. Not bad.
Jenkins, coming off of an injury-shortened 2010 season that saw him pile up seven sacks in eight starts, has built a reputation as a knifing, interior disruptor during his 8-year career. If healthy, he should add a pass-rushing dimension to the Eagles' DT group, which has featured steady but unspectacular Mike Patterson and underachieving Brodrick Bunkley for the better part of the last decade.
Stay tuned to NFL's Future for more Eagles updates, as they'll probably sign Vonta Leach, Zach Miller, Olin Kreutz, Rocky McIntosh and Stephen Tulloch over the course of the next 48 hours…
Brodrick Bunkley Traded to Cleveland Browns
With Philadelphia's acquisition of Cullen Jenkins, Brodrick Bunley became expendable. And they quickly expended him to the Cleveland Browns. With the Philly spending spree that has consisted of Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Vince Young, and Jason Babin it is going to be imperative that they cast off some high priced baggage.
Brodrick Bunkley was the 14th overall selection in 2006 and hasn't lived up to expectations. So he was cast off for a 2012 5th round pick. Bunkley lost his starting job in 2010 due to being hampered by an elbow injury. He has flashed potential throughout his career but hasn't been able to live up to the expectations placed on the 14th overall pick.
From a Cleveland standpoint, this was low risk, high reward. They gave up a 5th round pick on a DT that is still young (27) and has shown the abilities to be a starter in the league. Cleveland has Ahtyba Rubin and rookie Phil Taylor but very little for depth. Bunkley will challenge Taylor for the starting spot next to Rubin and at the very least provide solid depth to spell the two mammoth DT's.
In his five seasons as a pro, Bunkley has 144 tackles and 6 sacks in 76 games.
Blog, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles Swoop in to Snatch Up Asomugha
MICHEAL PROFETTA
As a Jets fan, it's with a heavy heart that I report this breaking news…the Eagles have signed CB Nnamdi Asomugha to a 5-year, $60 million deal with $25 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter (via league sources). In the battle for the rights to the premier free agent on the market that saw the Jets, Texans, Cowboys, Buccaneers and 49ers take turns as major contenders, it was an unexpected, last-second pitch by Philadelphia that won out.
The Texans were proactive after bailing on the Scrabble Sweepstakes, signing CB Johnathan Joseph and S Daniel Manning to vastly upgrade their porous secondary, but teams like Dallas and the Jets, who've concentrated most of their efforts on the singular purpose of netting the best cornerback in pro football, are suddenly back to the drawing board with a thinned-out crop of free agent CBs. In the wake of today's developments, look for the Jets to fall back on Antonio Cromartie or Chris Carr (if Cromartie isn't too keen on his "second choice" status). The 49ers are expected to re-sign the recently released Nate Clements to a restructured contract. Expect the remaining free agent CBs to start coming off the board at a rapid clip in the next few days.
The Eagles have emerged from the 2011 offseason as clear winners with signings of Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Vince Young, Donald Lee, and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Factor in the Kevin Kolb steal which gave the Eagles the rights to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 2nd round pick and you have 31 teams very jealous right now. Congrats Eagles fans and enjoy your new toys.
Kevin Kolb to Arizona Done After Months of Speculation
We can all stop speculating on Kevin Kolb's eventual landing spot. With no football action for over four months the only thing we could talk about was where Kevin Kolb would land once football began? Well that question has been answered and it where we all thought he would land.
Officially, Kevin Kolb has been traded to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Cardinals have given Kolb a five-year extension for $63 million with $20 million guaranteed.
Kolb's has produced 2,082 yards, 11 TD's, and 14 INT's in 19 games. These numbers don't inspire the ground swell that has occurred over the last several months. But if you are faced with the option of Max Hall or John Skelton, I guess you get enamored with an 11/14, TD/INT ratio.
Kolb does have upside and has shown the ability to move the offense if given the opportunity. Unfortunately for him he has been stuck behind Donovan McNabb and eventually Mike Vick for his four year career.
Time will tell on whether Kolb can be Matt Schaub or Jay Feely. But Philly has a knack for turning backup QB's into high draft picks. From a Philly standpoint you run with this deal and never look back.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has amassed 136 tackles, 13 INT's, and 3 forced fumbles in his 3-year career. Cromartie will never be mistaken for Antoine Winfield as a tackler at the CB spot but is a ball hawk. He was exposed last season but so was the rest of the Cardinal team. He could be a Pro Bowler in Philly and learn under one of the best cover guys in the league in Asante Samuel.
In case it wasn't blatantly obvious from my strong overtones in this article, I think Philly got a steal in this deal but it is one that Arizona had to make given their QB situation.
Arizona Cardinals, Blog, Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Babin Agrees to Five-Year Deal with Philly
Jason Babin has said all along he would like to follow Jim Washburn to Philadelphia. Today he follow through on his wish.
Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reported this morning that Jason Babin will join Philadelphia on a five-year deal (terms undisclosed). Babin played for the Eagles in 2009 before heading to Tennessee in 2010.
The eight-year veteran has amassed 230 tackles and 30 sacks while playing for Houston, Seattle, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Tennessee, and now Philadelphia, again. Babin is coming off a strong 2010 season for the Titans where he posted 58 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Philadelphia has solid starting DE's in Trent Cole and promising but injured 2nd year player Brandon Graham. They also have solid depth in Darryl Tapp and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim but they remained active in free agency for another addition to the DE position. They were one of the favorites to land Ray Edwards but we'll take them out of that mix for now.
The "Suck for Luck" Power(less) Rankings – Week 4
2012 NFL Draft Rising and Falling – Week 5
2012 NFL Draft Team Needs: AFC North
2012 NFL Mock Draft – October 2 Update
Robert Griffin III Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Ohio St. vs. Michigan St.
2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Texas vs. Iowa St.
Profetta's 2012 NFL Mock Draft – September 30 Update
2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Virginia Tech vs. Clemson
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Game of the Year awards almost seemed myopic for The Last of Us when it was released in 2013. It topped plenty of lists that year, but its impact outlasted its flood of accolades. Strategic, survival-based combat, believable characters, and a unique multiplayer mode gave The Last of Us its initial praise, but the unforgettable ending kept discussion surrounding the game alive. Because of this strong finale, many sites – including Game Informer – have suggested that The Last of Us shouldn't get a sequel. Naughty Dog went against that sentiment by announcing The Last of Us Part II at the PlayStation Experience this year, to high praise and skepticism. Those on both sides have valid arguments concerning the sequel's existence. But I'm confident in The Last of Us Part II because Naughty Dog has displayed a history knowing how and when to tell a story and when to let one be.
Ironically enough, The Last of Us' inception was originally bred out of the studio's passion to move forward with a game they felt was right. After finishing Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, they tried to resurrect Jak and Daxter but canceled the project because it started going in a direction that would "do everybody a disservice." Scrapping another entry in a proven series in order to create something new and untested gives Druckmann's statements about Part II more weight and shows that Naughty Dog makes what they want instead of what they feel pressured to. Part II echoes the fate of the first game by being created out of passion, not obligation.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End also shows Naughty Dog can justify going back to the well one more time than anticipated. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception wrapped itself up neatly with Nathan Drake walking away from his life of thievery into the sunset with his wedding ring replacing his coveted ring from Sir Francis Drake. Uncharted 4 had a more creative and definitive ending to the series that far exceeded Uncharted 3's heartwarming but typical finale. Uncharted 3's ending could have been considered final, but Naughty Dog went back one more time to make the best overall Uncharted game with a more emotional and resonant last chapter. Naughty Dog now has the opportunity to do the same thing with The Last of Us.
The lack of definition is why The Last of Us' ending struck a chord with so many players. However, Naughty Dog has plenty of chances in the sequel to supplement or move on from what we already know without tarnishing the meaning behind the poignant "Okay" in the finale. Picking up right after that ending is tricky, which Naughty Dog might be aware of given the five-year time jump in the debut trailer. Skipping ahead a few years would be a good way to distance Joel and Ellie from their past adventure. This gives them the room to move on, and is more likely to keep the sacredness of the first game's conclusion intact. Audio logs and journals could also hint at the duo's relationship post-The Last of Us while also being vague enough to maintain the fog of uncertainty – if Naughty Dog decides to touch it at all.
Ish's story in The Last of Us was a good example of painting enough of a picture in our minds without explicitly showing what happened. Ish is a mysterious character revealed strictly through collectible notes and environmental storytelling and has garnered multiple fan theories regarding his unknown fate. Druckmann has even stated that the ambiguity surrounding Ish is why they didn't make DLC about him despite numerous fan requests. Naughty Dog's reluctance to reveal too much about Ish gives me confidence that they won't pull a George Lucas on the main game's finale.
There's already plenty of mystique in the trailer that can live on without retreading old ground. Fans have speculated whether or not Joel is even physically there, what Ellie's tattoos mean, and why she is dressed eerily similar to her close friend Riley from the Left Behind expansion and American Dreams comic miniseries. These great cryptic hooks and teasers are interesting independent from the first game's conclusion and enhanced by the foundation that game set. The deep and fascinating world and characters can still evolve, which seems to be the driving force behind Naughty Dog's reason to go back. And Part II can extrapolate on this established setting and delve into new mysteries without spelling it all out or tampering with the ending.
I understand the sanctity of the original Last of Us ending. I've seen it at least six times and it still gives me goosebumps. I also understand some fans' desire to not want those final moments tainted by a sequel. Naughty Dog knows that as well and, through its actions and words, has demonstrated a knack for knowing when to expand on a story and when to let it be. That studio has spent over two decades earning faith and stockpiling goodwill that we shouldn't overlook when it comes to The Last of Us Part II.


text:
Mathews Maritime Foundation
Museum & Boat Shop
Join Renew
Museum Boat Shop Gift Shop
Boats for Sale Boat Donor Form Klingel Project Heritage Trail Youth Programs Peggy Freya Today Freya's Journey Boatbuilding Past Projects
The Mathews Maritime Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation.
The mission of the Mathews Maritime Foundation is to preserve, present, and participate in the rich maritime and cultural heritage of Mathews County, Virginia. The foundation is dedicated to preserving this rich heritage through research, documentation, conservation, and education. Incorporated on January 6, 1999, it has 2 locations, the Mathews Maritime Museum and the Gwynn's Island Boat Shop, and continues to expand its presence in the county.
Maritime History of Mathews County, Virginia
The building of sailing ships in Mathews began in colonial times.
Schooners were the workhorses of the Chesapeake Bay beginning in the 1700's, and many were built up to 1900.
Our logo is the schooner "Experiment," built on the East River in 1808, and typical of the more than 2,000 seagoing vessels built in Mathews during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Revolutionary War increased the need for sailing ships.
Shipbuilding was the major industry of Mathews from the American Revolution until before the Civil War.
1800-War of 1812
Before the Civil War, more sailing vessels were built in Mathews than in any part of Va. According to research done by Peter J. Wrike, there were at one time at least 6 shipyards on the East River.
Before 1860 shipbuilding sites also existed on Blackwater Creek, Cobbs Creek, Winter Harbor, Milford Haven, North River, Pepper Creek, Point Breeze, Put-In Creek, Sloop Creek and Stutts Creek.
The East River was the official port of entry to the U.S. for 10,000+ vessels. 9 wharves dotted the shoreline providing transportation for passengers and cargo. Numerous packing houses and canneries created a vibrant economic waterfront.
The shipbuilding trade often passed from father to son for generations, including the families of Ashberry, Gayle, Billups, Hudgins, Hunley, Miller, Smith and others.
Photo courtesy of Mildred Smith Stillman.
Photo courtesy of the late Richard D. Booker.
Many Mathews men made their living on the water as merchant mariners, watermen, and in the nation's coast guard and navy. It is said that in ports around the world rarely did a U.S. ship come in that didn't have at least one Mathews man among her crew.
Member of the American Association or State and Local History
Chesapeake Maritime Museum Consortium
Mathews Blueways Water Trail, Member of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
Partner of the Chesapeake Conservancy
Mathews County Visitor Center
Gwynn's Island Museum
Godspeed Voyage Site
Mathews Historical Society
Baylab/Undersea Research
Reedville Fishermen's Museum
Deltaville Maritime Museum
Yorktown Watermen's Museum
Watermen's Heritage Foundation of VA's Eastern Shore
Mathews Maritime Museum
Mathews, VA 23109
Open MAY-NOVEMBER,
Fridays & Saturdays, 10am-2pm
Mathews Maritime Foundation, Inc.
Mathews, VA 23109-1201
Gwynn's Island Boat Shop
Boat slips available.
Call Pete
Call Dave
Email Boat Shop
Boat Donor Form
Copyright Mathews Maritime Foundation | All rights reserved.


text:
Remembering the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin (Demo)
by Shameika Rhymes | Aug 16, 2018 | Artist Information, Blog | 0 comments
The world has lost an icon that shaped the genre known as soul. Aretha Franklin passed away August 16 at the age of 76. America's soundtrack wouldn't be complete without the soulful vocal stylings of Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul broke barriers and paved the way for those following in her footsteps. Her voice was the epitome of gospel, soul, and the blues all rolled into one making her one of the greatest singers of all time.
Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up in Detroit to Baptist preacher, Reverend Clarence LaVaughn "C.L." Franklin and gospel singer Barbara Siggers Franklin. By the time she was 10, her mother passed away and the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where C.L. began preaching at New Bethel Baptist Church where he gained national recognition. His services were broadcast locally and in other urban markets around the country, and 60 of his sermons, including the legendary "The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest," were released in album form. Aretha got the best musical education with some of the greatest vocalists of the gospel genre that were frequent guests at the Franklin household. Aretha and her siblings great up listening to Clara Ward, Mahalia Jackson, and James Cleveland.
Making African American Musical History
Starting at an early age, Aretha began singing at her father's church and by the age of 14, her first recordings turned up on an album called Spirituals. Spirituals was released locally on the J.V.B. label in 1956 and re-released on the Battle label in 1962. Aretha's five tracks formed the basis of the 1964 album Songs of Faith: The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin, issued on Checker Records, with additional material recorded by Franklin at services in other locations. She performed with C.L's traveling revival show and became friends with Sam Cooke. Although gospel music was her foundation, Franklin also drew her musical prowess from blues and jazz legends such as Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughn to help develop her own vocal stylings. She was also inspired by Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Nat King Cole, Lavern Baker, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. With a diverse range of influences, Franklin was able to fuse them all together to speak to the world in her own voice that defined soul music. Before she signed with Atlantic, she spent six years at Columbia Records. She was signed to the label in 1960 by John Hammond, the label's legendary producer and talent scout, who'd heard a demo she cut in New York.
Inspiring a New Wave of Artists
In an interview with SoulTracks, Sam Cooke's younger brother L.C. Cooke talked about writing Aretha Franklin's song "Once in a While (Please Answer Me). "I was on my way to record in Atlanta, Georgia. So, I had just gotten out the shower, and had a towel wrapped around me. Aretha Franklin had stopped by, so I came out singing that song, she asked me what it was and I told her it was something I wrote. Aretha sat on my bed and cried until I gave her that song. That girl sat there and literally cried until I said I'll let you record it. She said, "you can write another song, I just love that song. So, I said okay, you can have it," said L.C.
Meanwhile Franklin's tenure at Columbia yielded nine R&B hits including "Today I Sing the Blues" and "Runnin' Out of Fools." She also scored some pop crossover hits including "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody" and "Won't Be Long." The songs were were far removed from the fiery, gospel-tinged soul for which she would become known.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht7odW7VFU0
Jerry Wexler signed Franklin when her contract with Columbia expired. With her switch to Atlantic in 1966, Aretha proceeded to revolutionize soul music with some of the genre's greatest recordings. Her reign began with her first Atlantic single, "I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Loved You)," a performance that unleashed the full force of Franklin's mezzo-soprano.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4rMZCDQukQ
Offering call-and-response background vocals on this and other tracks were Aretha's sisters, Carolyn and Erma. The Sweet Inspirations, a Memphis-based vocal quartet that included Cissy Houston, also contributed background vocals to Franklin's work in the studio and onstage.
Aretha Franklin and America's Soundtrack
Franklin's most significant contribution to America's soundtrack landed in the form of "Respect," which was her soulful take on the Otis Redding penned song.
The song reached number one on both the R&B and Pop charts, earning Franklin her first two GRAMMYS. It was the opening song on 1967's I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You. Other songs from the album included "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," "Dr. Feelgood" and her cover of "A Change Is Gonna Come," Sam Cooke's civil rights-era anthem.
Her next three albums; Aretha Arrives (1967), Lady Soul (1968) and Aretha Now (1968)—included "Chain of Fools," "Think," "Baby, I Love You," "Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)" and a soulful rendering of Carole King's "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)."
Her fifth Atlantic album, Aretha in Paris (1968) was recorded live in Europe. In 1968, she was hailed the Queen of Soul when legendary deejay Pervis Spann, the Blues Man, placed a crown on her head during a performance in Chicago. In 1968, Franklin performed at the funeral of her father's friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where she paid tribute to him with a stirring rendition of "Precious Lord."
In the 1970s, Franklin saw even more success as she released albums Spirit in the Dark (1970), Aretha Live at Fillmore West (1971), Young, Gifted and Black (1972) and Amazing Grace (1972). Spirit in the Dark featured five songs written by Franklin, which was more than on any album she released. Her 14th album You was released in 1975 and her tenure with Atlantic Records came to an end in 1979 after 19 albums. Franklin won eight consecutive GRAMMY Awards for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance, the last one for her 1974 single, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGpeuvO4sPk
That same year her father was shot during a home robbery and went into a coma and never recovered. Aretha's next home was Arista Records. In 1982, she released Jump to It, produced by Luther Vandross, earning another GRAMMY nomination.
In 1985 Franklin returned to the top of the charts with another hit album: the pop record Who's Zoomin' Who? Featuring the single "Freeway of Love," as well as a collaboration with the band The Eurythmics, making that record one of Aretha's biggest-selling albums. In 1987, Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
That same year, she released the album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, which won the GRAMMY for Best Soul Gospel Performance. Franklin scored the second number one pop hit of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)," a duet with George Michael.
Continuing Her Reign as a Musical Influence
In 1993, she was invited to sing at former President Bill Clinton's inauguration and the following year she received both a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and Kennedy Center Honors. She also later stood in for Luciano Pavarotti, who was too ill to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award, with her rendition of "Nessun Dorma."
In 1998, Franklin was back on the charts with A Rose Is Still a Rose which was written and produced by Lauryn Hill.
In 2003, Franklin released her final studio album on Arista, So Damn Happy, and left the label to found Aretha Records. Two years later, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and became the second woman ever to be inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. In 2008 she received her 18th GRAMMY Award for "Never Gonna Break My Faith," a collaboration with Mary J. Blige.
She was also invited to sing at the 2009 inauguration of former President Barack Obama.
In 2011 Franklin released her first album on her own label, A Woman Falling Out of Love. In 2014, Franklin released Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics which reached number three on the R&B charts.
Celebrating Her Achievements for African Americans in Music History
Franklin was able to stay relevant and have hits over the course of her six-decade career crafting a sound and foundation that music in the future will follow forever. Over the course of her career, she earned 44 GRAMMY nominations, 18 GRAMMY Awards, and many more accolades. While her music lives on, the spirit and soul of Aretha Franklin will continue to be celebrated for years to come. Rest in peace Queen of Soul. We thank you for the soulful music, Aretha Franklin!


text:
package fi.luontola.cqrshotel;

import com.fasterxml.jackson.core.JsonProcessingException;
import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.ObjectMapper;
import fi.luontola.cqrshotel.framework.Message;
import org.apache.commons.lang3.RandomStringUtils;
import org.javamoney.moneta.Money;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Tag;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;
import org.reflections.Reflections;

import javax.money.Monetary;
import java.time.Instant;
import java.time.LocalDate;
import java.time.Month;
import java.time.ZoneId;
import java.time.ZonedDateTime;
import java.util.Arrays;
import java.util.Collection;
import java.util.UUID;
import java.util.concurrent.ThreadLocalRandom;
import java.util.stream.Stream;

import static org.hamcrest.MatcherAssert.assertThat;
import static org.hamcrest.Matchers.is;

@Tag("slow")
public class JsonSerializationTest {

    private final ObjectMapper objectMapper = new Application().jacksonObjectMapper();

    @Test
    public void LocalDate_format() throws JsonProcessingException {
        assertThat(objectMapper.writeValueAsString(LocalDate.of(2000, 1, 2)), is("\"2000-01-02\""));
    }

    @Test
    public void Instant_format() throws JsonProcessingException {
        assertThat(objectMapper.writeValueAsString(Instant.ofEpochSecond(0)), is("\"1970-01-01T00:00:00Z\""));
    }

    @Test
    public void Money_format() throws JsonProcessingException {
        assertThat(objectMapper.writeValueAsString(Money.of(12.34, "EUR")), is("\"EUR 12.34\""));
    }

    @Test
    public void all_messages_are_serializable() {
        new Reflections("fi.luontola.cqrshotel")
                .getSubTypesOf(Message.class).stream()
                .filter(type -> !type.isInterface())
                .filter(type -> !isTestDouble(type))
                .forEach(type -> assertSerializable(type, objectMapper));
    }

    private static boolean isTestDouble(Class<? extends Message> type) {
        return type.isMemberClass() &&
                Stream.of(type.getEnclosingClass().getMethods())
                        .anyMatch(method -> method.isAnnotationPresent(Test.class));
    }

    private static void assertSerializable(Class<?> type, ObjectMapper objectMapper) {
        try {
            var original = newDummy(type);
            var json = objectMapper.writeValueAsString(original);
            var deserialized = objectMapper.readValue(json, type);
            assertThat(deserialized, is(original));
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
            throw new AssertionError("Not serializable: " + type, e);
        }
    }

    private static Object newDummy(Class<?> type) throws Exception {
        var ctor = type.getConstructors()[0];
        var paramTypes = ctor.getParameterTypes();
        var params = new Object[paramTypes.length];
        for (var i = 0; i < paramTypes.length; i++) {
            params[i] = randomValue(paramTypes[i]);
        }
        return ctor.newInstance(params);
    }

    private static Object randomValue(Class<?> type) {
        var random = ThreadLocalRandom.current();
        if (type == UUID.class) {
            return UUID.randomUUID();
        }
        if (type == LocalDate.class) {
            return LocalDate.of(
                    random.nextInt(2000, 2100),
                    random.nextInt(Month.JANUARY.getValue(), Month.DECEMBER.getValue() + 1),
                    random.nextInt(1, Month.FEBRUARY.minLength() + 1));
        }
        if (type == Money.class) {
            return Money.of(
                    random.nextDouble(0, 1000),
                    pickRandom(Monetary.getCurrencies()));
        }
        if (type == Instant.class) {
            return Instant.ofEpochMilli(random.nextLong());
        }
        if (type == ZonedDateTime.class) {
            var zoneIds = ZoneId.getAvailableZoneIds();
            zoneIds.remove("GMT0"); // XXX: cannot be parsed by java.time.format.DateTimeFormatterBuilder.appendZoneRegionId - fixed in Java 9 https://bugs.openjdk.java.net/browse/JDK-8138664
            var zoneId = ZoneId.of(pickRandom(zoneIds));
            return Instant.ofEpochMilli(random.nextLong()).atZone(zoneId);
        }
        if (type == String.class) {
            return RandomStringUtils.randomAlphanumeric(random.nextInt(10));
        }
        if (type == int.class) {
            return random.nextInt();
        }
        if (type == Class.class) {
            return pickRandom(Arrays.asList(Integer.class, Long.class, Float.class, Double.class));
        }
        throw new IllegalArgumentException("Unsupported type: " + type);
    }

    private static <T> T pickRandom(Collection<T> values) {
        var random = ThreadLocalRandom.current();
        return values.stream()
                .skip(random.nextInt(values.size()))
                .findFirst()
                .get();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


IRON HORSE 100% WHEAT GERM OIL: A natural source of vitamin E, fortified with vitamins A &D. Our all natural oil supplement can benefit all types of animals. It is 100% pure, not a blend of cheap refined oils and has no artificial preservatives. Small doses of Iron Horse 100% Wheat Germ Oil promotes health skin and lustrous coat as well as breeding efficiency, performance and first rate show ring appearance. It comes in quarts and gallons. The rate depends on the size and type of animal and whether it has fur or feathers.
Y LP LINIMENT: This liniment is a proven topical application for conditions where inflammation, heat, and swelling are problems. It's action is to penetrate traumatized and injured soft tissue to allow for quicker healing by increasing blood flow. Y L P is a counter irritant used to reduce swelling and heat due to injuries and strain. Examples of application are; swollen hocks, strained ligaments, stretched tendons, bruises and bumps with no broken skin. Comes in a dispensable pint container.
CROWFOOT OIL: (Hoof conditioner and wound dressing) A blend of natural oils with vitamins A, D & E to be used externally on horses and livestock to maintain and promote healthy hoof growth. As a dressing,Crowfoot Oil may be applied directly onto cuts and abrasions, boot and harness rubs, and wounds as a healing aid. Crowfoot Oil comes in a quart bottle and is applied with a brush or clothe.


The FC3050 fiber laser cutting machine is a high-quality laser machine for cutting metal with a work surface of 4000 x 2000mm. Fiber laser metal laser cutter machines are suitable for high precision cutting of various thicknesses and types of metal, without further finishing.
Taking advantage of the IPG fiber delivery, it has extremely low weight to minimize moving mass when cutting small parts at high speed. Rated for laser power up to 10 kW and having an integrated height sensor, the FLC-30 head is compatible across all laser cutting applications.
2.Imported original fiber lasers,high and stable function,lifespan is over 100000 hours. 3.Higher cutting quality and efficiency ,cutting speed is up to 80m/min with appearance and beautiful cutting edge.
High-power fiber metal laser cutter with full cover is specially used for cutting 0.4-25mm carbon steel;0.4-18mm stainless steel,galvanized steel,Electrolysis board,Silicon steel;0.4-16mm Alluminum Alloy;0.4-10mm brass and cooper and other thin metals.
By the video,you can see we use our SF3015G3 laser metal sheet cutting machine to cut 1mm stainless steel with so high speed,this speed mainly used in the thin metal plates cutting business,compared with the normal cut speed,it will save process time and improve work efficiency.If you want to learn more about this kind of machine fiber laser machine,free to contact SENFENG.
ACCURL FIBER LASER CUTTING MACHINE GENIUS SERIES Incredibly fast and fl exible, the Genius KJG fiber laser cutting system is ideal for ultra-high speed cutting of thin sheet materials.
G3015HF High-speed Fiber Laser Cutter is a mature product which is the first in China to reach the international leading level. Series of the product is the first choice for the metal processing industry, strong cutting ability, flying cutting speed, low. MORE INFORMATION.
Find great deals on eBay for fiber laser cutter. Shop with confidence. Skip to main content. eBay: Shop by category. ... High speed USB1000W Fiber Laser Cutting Machine SS MS Metal Cutter. Brand New. $29,999.99. From China. Was: Previous Price $49,999.99. or Best Offer. Free Shipping. 3 Watching.
MEC's programmable fiber optic and CO2 laser cutting services eliminate expensive hard tooling for trial or short production runs. High-speed cutting requiring little or no secondary finishing operations is a key to cost efficiency. Today's Plasma cutters are capable of small dimensional interior cut outs.
The Han's Smart fiber laser cutting machines regards as middle-high power fiber laser cutter, offers ultrahigh metal cutting speed, ensures high quality cutting in sheet metals of SUS, MS, CU and etc.
The gantry type fiber laser cutting machine is gear rack double serve drive and has high moment of inertia and large torque. It ensures high precision and high speed processing with maximum accelerating speed of 1.2G.
High-speed digital motion control by Germany technology system, especially for high-speed, high-precision laser cutting. Integrated design Fiber laser cutting machine is dual-drive mobile gantry structure with linear guide and gear rack drive system.
Realize the full benefits of fiber laser cutting with SINOTECH Laser, our fiber laser cutting system that offers high-speed processing and high flexibility. ST-GT1325 is designed to cut as fast as the thermal process allows and is able to process a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.


text:
Family of Charities
Download Video: MP4, WebM, Ogg
Celebrity XBOX Challenge
Celebrity Casino Royale
About H.O.M.E.
The H.O.M.E. Foundation
The Helping Others Means Everything, or The HOME Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping our Family of Charities during these tough economic times. Through innovative incentives like luxury dream home raffles, home giveaways, and high profile celebrity events from Hollywood to New York City, we bring people together in the spirit of gratitude, social consciousness, and giving.
Lead by President Frankie Verdugo, our mission is to help charities reach their fundraising goals and to bring awareness to their praiseworthy causes. Our high profile dream home raffle and dream home giveaway campaigns will help introduce new donors to our family of charities and allow current supporters another opportunity to participate. By raffling luxury prizes such as a fully furnished LA dream home, a brand new car, special vacation packages, and unique celebrity experiences, new and existing donors are energized and once again brought forth the message of helping others.
And though the gift of giving is a gift itself, a possible prize is always welcomed. The current dream home raffle campaign will be active from November 30, 2012 until the Grand Prize drawing on August 26, 2013. This year the grand prize of a brand new dream home has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and is a 3,100 square foot Contemporary Style dream home, which will be won by one of our charity's donors or contributors. The furnished dream home is valued at approximately $1,000,000 US dollars.
Through ticket sales we will also be giving up to $2 million dollars away to our partner charities collectively. And preparing the next dream home for our next luxury dream home raffle and giveaway.
70,000 Americans between 15-40 are diagnosed with cancer each year. That's one every eight minutes. It's also seven times more than all childhood cancers combined. This is not OK! We exist to ensure that these young adults are made aware of – and given access to – our global support community and the wealth of age-appropriate resources that they should have so they can get busy living.
The H.O.M.E. Foundation is currently qualifying charities to include in our signature fundraiser. We will be giving away a total of $1 million to our family of charities.
Tell us about yourself, a friend, or somebody you'd like to recognize as making a difference in your community; perhaps HOME can lend a helping hand.
Your story:
$1,000,000 Dream Home
Brand New Luxury Car
Enjoy an Italian Villa in Tuscany
Ritz-Carlton Ireland Getaway
Next winner will be chosen 07/31/19


text:
Megyn Kelly, Jerry Seinfeld declining to return to TV
Megyn Kelly — and Jerry Seinfeld. Two star TV personalities have bowed out of the scripted series business recently, and one of them is going back to being a daytime TV talk show host….
Megyn Kelly — and Jerry Seinfeld.
Two star TV personalities have bowed out of the scripted series business recently, and one of them is going back to being a daytime TV talk show host. The other former standout sitcom star is running for Senate.
With the writing on the wall that Kelly's show is in trouble, the mega-producer behind "The Dr. Oz Show" said the syndicated show would not return for another season starting in September. The series, which generated steady ratings but struggled with renewed scrutiny over some of the medical advice it offered in recent years, will conclude with four episodes in February.
A made-for-TV publicist-battle between Kelly and Dr. Mehmet Oz is a perfect and amusing setup for how the future of daytime talk will look. The brash and charismatic Oz took the first steps into daytime a decade ago, signing a cable TV deal that sent his program into millions of homes across the country. Oz made a well-deserved wish that he would have a show on ABC in the rearview mirror.
Kelly, who was dismissed last week from NBC after a less-than-stellar run as the host of "Megyn Kelly Today," has signed a deal with sister Fox News Channel, which could make the future of her series a bit more obvious. The highly polarizing news anchor, who no longer has an ax to grind with Comcast's soon-to-be-razed ABC unit, remains the new face of Fox News.
Oz's story already had been well-documented in the non-fiction arena. The son of Turkish immigrants, Oz started out on TV serving as a medical correspondent for "60 Minutes" while still in medical school. An epiphany came as he sat in the ICU at New York City's Sloan-Kettering cancer institute.
"I realized there are billions of patients that don't really have access to quality health care in this country," Oz told the New York Times in 1998. "So much money is being squandered by health care professionals who are wasting time discussing how someone should inject their own rectum with catheters or how best to go about a prostateectomy. But we should be discussing the lifestyle component, the diet and exercise, too. And we should be looking at diseases, like cancer, that are preventable."
The fertile ground from which Oz sprang made him a natural for TV success.
As the daytime talk format began to fray around its edges, Hollywood responded by playing with reality shows and trivia. Oz began writing books that he can conduct as a "how-to" format. Kelly, whose foray into magazine shows fell flat, is a giant if lesser-known star in that area. But both have also turned their hand to producing.
Oz's "The Dr. Oz Show" won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show and one for Outstanding Talk Show Host. It averaged a 0.8 rating in primetime last year and generated 696,000 viewers in a typical episode, according to Nielsen data. Fox News was the program's largest subscriber and highest-rated outlet.
Categories europe Tags celebrity, influenza, nobel prizes, research, video recordings, downloads and streaming
Mexican firm likely to face charges for animal neglect
Etymology: how nuclear submarines shaped South Korea's naval fleet


text:
Q: How to update time dynamically in flutter I have a list view with list tiles with each containing a region with its specific time.
I am using a Getx controller with the class WorldTime with two parameters location and time.
There is already a timer that's called during setState to update the clock widget, but how do I implement this to update each list tile time or is there any other way to update the time automatically without calling setState.
class _WorldClockState extends State<WorldClock> {
final WorldTimeController worldTimeController =
      Get.put(WorldTimeController());
  String formattedTime = DateFormat('h:mm').format(DateTime.now());
  String hour = DateFormat('a').format(DateTime.now());
  late Timer _timer;

  @override
  void initState() {
    super.initState();
    _timer =
        Timer.periodic(const Duration(milliseconds: 500), (timer) => _update());
  }

  void _update() {
    setState(() {
      formattedTime = DateFormat('h:mm').format(DateTime.now());
      hour = DateFormat('a').format(DateTime.now());
    });
  }

  @override
  void dispose() {
    _timer.cancel();
    super.dispose();
  }

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return SafeArea(
      child: Scaffold(
        resizeToAvoidBottomInset: false,
        body: SingleChildScrollView(
          child: Column(
            children: [
              Padding(
                padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 20.0),
                child: Row(
                  mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center,
                  children: [
                    Text(formattedTime,
                        style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                            fontSize: 80.0,
                            color: Colors.blue,
                            fontStyle: FontStyle.normal,
                            letterSpacing: 5.0)),
                    Padding(
                      padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 40.0, left: 5.0),
                      child: Text(
                        hour,
                        style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                          color: Colors.blue,
                          fontSize: 30.0,
                        ),
                      ),
                    ),
                  ],
                ),
              ),
              Container(
                child: Text(
                  DateFormat('EE,  MMM d').format(DateTime.now()),
                  style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                    color: Colors.white,
                    fontSize: 20.0,
                    letterSpacing: 2.0,
                  ),
                ),
              ),
              const Padding(
                padding: EdgeInsets.only(top: 20.0, left: 30.0, right: 30.0),
                child: Divider(
                  color: Colors.white,
                  height: 2.0,
                ),
              ),
              GetBuilder<WorldTimeController>(
                id: 'Clockid',
                builder: (value) => Container(
                  height: 600.0,
                  width: 450.0,
                  child: Padding(
                    padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 20.0),
                    child: ListView.builder(
                      scrollDirection: Axis.vertical,
                      physics: const BouncingScrollPhysics(),
                      shrinkWrap: true,
                      itemCount: worldTimeController.WorldTimeList.length,
                      itemBuilder: (BuildContext context, index) => Padding(
                        padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 18.0),
                        child: Slidable(
                          key: UniqueKey(),
                          startActionPane: ActionPane(
                            motion: ScrollMotion(),
                            dismissible: DismissiblePane(onDismissed: () {
                              worldTimeController.WorldTimeList.removeAt(index);
                            }),
                            children: const [],
                          ),
                          child: ListTile(
                            leading: Text(
                                worldTimeController
                                    .WorldTimeList[index].location,
                                style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                                    color: Colors.white70, fontSize: 25)),
                            trailing: Text(
                              '${value.getTime(worldTimeController.WorldTimeList[index].location)}',
                              style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                                  color: Colors.white70, fontSize: 35.0),
                            ),
                          ),
                        ),
                      ),
                    ),
                  ),
                ),
              ),
            ],
          ),
        ),
        floatingActionButton: Padding(
          padding: const EdgeInsets.only(right: 192.0, bottom: 20.0),
          child: FloatingActionButton(
            onPressed: () {
              Get.to(() => const RegionSelectScreen());
            },
            child: const Icon(Icons.public),
          ),
        ),
      ),
    );
  }
}

controller:
class WorldTimeController extends GetxController {
var WorldTimeList = <WorldTime>[].obs;
  var newUrl;
  var newResponse;

  Future<dynamic> getTime(location) async {
    newUrl = "http://worldtimeapi.org/api/timezone/${location}";
    newResponse = await get(Uri.parse(newUrl));
    Map newData = jsonDecode(newResponse.body);
    var time = newData['datetime'];
    String dateTime = newData["utc_datetime"];
    String offset = newData["utc_offset"];
    DateTime now = DateTime.parse(dateTime);
    now = now.add(Duration(
        hours: int.parse(offset.substring(1, 3)),
        minutes: int.parse(offset.substring(4))));
    update(['Clockid']);
    return time = DateFormat.jm().format(now);
  }

  @override
  void onInit() {
    List? storedWorldTime = GetStorage().read<List>('WorldTime');
if (storedWorldTime != null) {
  WorldTimeList.assignAll(
      storedWorldTime.map((e) => WorldTime.fromJson(e)).toList());
}
ever(WorldTimeList, (_) {
  GetStorage().write('WorldTime', WorldTimeList.toList());
});
super.onInit();
}
}

A: In your getXcontroller class you can create  function to update the hours and on this function you can add

update(['clockId']);

then in your screen
return GetBuilder<WorldTimeController>(
        id: 'clockId',
        init: WorldTimeController(), // If is init this line is not necessary
        builder: (worldTimeController) => Container(
                height: 600.0,
                width: 450.0,
                child: Padding(
                  padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 20.0),
                  child: ListView.builder(
                        scrollDirection: Axis.vertical,
                        physics: const BouncingScrollPhysics(),
                        shrinkWrap: true,
                        itemCount: worldTimeController.WorldTimeList.length,
                        itemBuilder: (BuildContext context, index) => Padding(
                              padding: const EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 18.0),
                              child: Slidable(
                                key: UniqueKey(),
                                startActionPane: ActionPane(
                                  motion: ScrollMotion(),
                                  dismissible: DismissiblePane(onDismissed: () {
                                    worldTimeController.WorldTimeList.removeAt(
                                        index);
                                  }),
                                  children: [],
                                ),
                                child: ListTile(
                                  leading: Text(
                                      '${worldTimeController.WorldTimeList[index].location}',
                                      style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                                          color: Colors.white70, fontSize: 25)),
                                  trailing: Text(
                                    "${worldTimeController.WorldTimeList[index].time}",
                                    style: GoogleFonts.lato(
                                        color: Colors.white70, fontSize: 35.0),
                                  ),
                                ),
                              ),
                            )),
                  ),
                ),

            );

Then even that change something in your function this will refresh all the list inside your clockId.
Try to avoid setState because this method rebuild all the view and when your app grows does't has good performance
Here an example:

https://github.com/alcampospalacios/GetX_UpdateAll_Example

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


As founder and chief executive officer, Mr. Shah provides overall strategic guidance for the Noble organization and heads its investment committee. He has been profiled in Newsweek magazine as one of the most influential South Asians in the United States, as one of Atlanta's most prominent leaders by Atlanta Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and as one of the 21st century's most influential hospitality industry leaders by both Lodging Hospitality magazine and Lodging magazine. A regular speaker at private equity real estate, lodging, and investment conferences, Mr. Shah is a frequent commentator on business strategy and trends in such publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today as well as a variety of news agencies that cover the real estate and lodging industries.
Mr. Shah presently serves as non-executive chairman of the board for CorePoint Lodging (NYSE:CPLG). He is also a member of the Industry Real Estate and Finance Advisory Council (IREFAC) of the American Hotel and Lodging Association and serves on owner advisory boards with Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Mr. Shah is an active supporter of educational objectives and is currently serving his third term as a member of the Board of Trustees for his alma mater, Wake Forest University.
Mr. Williams is a partner and chief investment officer with responsibility for leading the teams that source and underwrite new investments and executes project management for new developments and re-developments.
Prior to joining Noble in 2004, Mr. Williams was a managing principal with Hardin Capital, a joint venture between DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners and Hardin Construction where he led investment and asset management activities. Mr. Williams previously held senior executive roles with Coopers & Lybrand, InterContinental Hotels and Laventhol & Horwath. He has more than 38 years of industry experience and began his career in hotel operations.
Mr. Williams received B.A. degrees in Business and French from Rutgers University. He currently serves on the owner's advisory board for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Mr. Rafuse is a partner and chief administrative officer with responsibility for leading the teams that oversee Noble's hotel operating strategy and management companies as well as Noble's financial and fund administration team. He has expertise in complex structuring to work with municipalities and other entities to obtain economic subsidies, tax increment financing, and other enhancements which add value to Noble's lodging investments. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council.
Prior to joining Noble in 1999, Mr. Rafuse held senior executive roles with Impac Hotel Group/Lodgian, BMH Wood Technologies, Liuski International and Pratt Industries. He has more than 21 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mr. Rafuse received a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from Loma Linda University. He currently serves as a trustee of the Atlanta Girls School.
Mr. Brunt is a partner with responsibility for sourcing and underwriting new investments encompassing individual asset and portfolio acquisitions, land and new development opportunities, market and investment analysis and brand positioning.
Prior to joining Noble in 2005, Mr. Brunt held senior executive investment roles at Songy Partners and Hardin Capital. He has more than 21 years of hospitality industry experience and began his career in hotel operations.
Mr. Brunt received a B.A. from Trinity College and an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. He is a former professional violinist and spent two years as a member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Brunt currently serves as a board member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Midtown Alliance. He is also a member of the AHLA Lodging Investment Council and a member of the Urban Land Institute.
Mr. Bhoopathy is a partner with responsibility for capital markets, asset dispositions and transaction management. In addition, he leads contract documentation and closings related to new acquisitions, development and financing for all investments.
Mr. Bhoopathy joined Noble in 1999 and has 19 years of hospitality experience.
He received a B.S. from the Cornell University School of Hospitality and is the past-president of the Cornell Georgia Chapter as well as the past-president of the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance. He is a regular panelist at lodging, investment, and financing conferences and is a member of the Urban Land Institute.
Mr. Conley is a partner and chief financial officer with responsibility for financial administration, audit and compliance and institutional fund management. He leads a team responsible for internal and external reporting, treasury operations, risk management, tax, human resources and information technology.
Prior to joining Noble in 2006, Mr. Conley held senior executive and finance roles at Wyndham International and Embassy Suites. He has more than 38 years of lodging industry experience.
Mr. Conley is a Certified Public Accountant and received a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University and an M.B.A from Southern Methodist University.
Mr. Grass is a partner with responsibility for leading Noble's project development team in the execution of renovation, redevelopment and new construction projects.
Prior to joining Noble in 2005, Mr. Grass was executive vice president for the Winter Construction Company where he created the hospitality division and managed all construction-related operations. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council and has more than 28 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mr. Grass received a B.S. in Construction Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a past board member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia and the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia.
Mr. Nicholas is a partner with responsibility for leading Noble's hotel operating strategy and overseeing management company performance.
Prior to joining Noble in 1997, Mr. Nicholas held senior roles at PROMUS Hotels prior to its acquisition by Hilton. He has more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience and began his career in hotel operations.
Mr. Nicholas received a B.A. Hotel Administration from Cornell University and an M.B.A from the Goizuetta Business School at Emory University. He currently serves as the Immediate Past President and member of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Hotel Asset Manager Association and on the executive board of the Georgia Hospitality and Lodging Association (GHLA). Mr. Nicholas is also a member of the Marriott International Advisory Committee for AC Hotels, MOXY and Residence Inn, and is a former President of the Cornell Hotel Society.
Mr. Fisher is vice president of investments.
He joined Noble in 2008 and has more than 10 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mr. Fisher received a B.S. from the Calloway School of Business & Accountancy at Wake Forest University.
Mr. Ledet is vice president of development.
Prior to joining Noble in 2006, Mr. Ledet was with Winter Construction. He has more than 13 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mr. Ledet received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a current board member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia.
Mrs. Payne is vice president of treasury services.
Prior to joining Noble in 1997, Mrs. Payne held senior roles at PROMUS Hotels prior to its acquisition by Hilton. She has more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mrs. Payne received a B.S. in Business Management from Bowling Green University and is a member of the Association for Financial Professionals.
Mr. Quinlan is senior vice president of fund accounting and finance.
Prior to joining Noble in 2007, he held senior leadership roles with four separate publicly traded real estate investment trusts. He has more than 27 years of hospitality industry experience specializing in real estate accounting and finance.
Mr. Quinlan received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of New Orleans.
Mrs. Smith is vice president of asset management.
Prior to joining Noble in 2003, Mrs. Smith held numerous roles in hotel sales, marketing, revenue management and operations. She has more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience.
Mrs. Smith received a B.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences from Georgia Southern University.


text:
Nadyalee Torres López (born May 8, 1988) is a Puerto Rican model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World Puerto Rico 2013. she represented Puerto Rico at Miss World 2013 but unplaced.

Pageantry

Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico 2013
On April 24, 2013, Nadyalee competed in the Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico 2013 pageant representing the municipality of Caguas where she won the title and she also won the Talent competition in an event held prior to the final night of the pageant.

Miss World 2013
Nadyalee represented Puerto Rico at the Miss World 2013 pageant held on September 28, 2013, in Bali, Indonesia.

References

Living people
People from Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican beauty pageant winners
Miss World 2013 delegates
1988 births

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
9 October, 2015 ▪ Lyubomyr Shavalyuk
Merge and Acquire
Ukraine's banking sector faces massive consolidation and change of owners
The recent foreign debt saga and the looming sovereign default stole all spotlight from a series of news that may turn out to be far more important in the long run.
Crucial facts
On July 16, Agro Holdings (Ukraine) Limited, a company owned by the US-based NCH Capital, acquired 100% of Astra Bank that had been announced insolvent in March 2015. By August 13, Astra Bank received cash injections needed to bring its capital adequacy and liquidity back to normal.
On August 7, Primestar Energy FZE, a UAE-based company that is part of the Primestar group, bought 100% of UkrGazPromBank deemed insolvent in early April 2015.
On August 13, Finansy i Kredyt, one of Ukraine's biggest banks that was put on the problem bank list in spring, registered an issue of additional securities worth slightly under UAH 2bn. According to Ukraine's central bank, NBU, other biggest banks have also met recapitalization requirements.
RELATED ARTICLE: Government plans for public property management reform and upcoming privatization
In early August, UniCredit group announced transfer of control over UkrSotsBank to Alfa-Bank for a stake in ABH Holdings SA, the manager of Alfa Group's banking assets. The merger of UkrSotsBank and Alfa-Bank will create the fourth biggest credit corporation in Ukraine. At the end of August, the Deposit Guarantee fund announced a purchase of 100% of PBC, a bank in transition established on the basis of the insolvent Omega Bank, by the Ukrainian Business Group.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends to acquire 35% of Reiffeisen Bank Aval's shares from the additional issue scheduled for October. The decision was taken on July 23.
News of the mergers and acquisitions of Ukrainian banks are only emerging in the media, but it is obvious that they are the early signals of a wide-scale process that will have a serious impact on Ukraine's banking system.
Banks in retrospect
Ukraine saw two major waves of bank mergers and acquisitions over its recent history. The first one took place before the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. Stakes in Ukrainian banks were mostly acquired by non-residents who hoped that Ukraine's economy and banking system would soon begin to grow rapidly and had cheap cash to bring to Ukraine and lend out. The owners were willing to sell banks because they were offered good prices, and they were aware of the low quality of their assets, but preferred to keep investors uninformed of that. At that point, Ukraine's banking system was a market of sellers: investors would buy banks at prices that were five to seven times above their actual value.
RELATED ARTICLE: Proposals for tax reform
The second spate came under the Yanukovych regime and was of a completely different nature. Bank owners, mostly foreigners by now, no longer believed that the banking sector and economy overall had any prospects in Ukraine under the then government. They were fleeing the country and selling assets to Ukrainian businessmen close to the government. These new buyers had much better prospects thanks to friends in power. That was the market of buyers who paid 0.5-1.0 of the bank's capital worth for an institution. After the regime collapsed and Ukraine tumbled into a full-scale financial and economic crisis, mergers and acquisitions of banks virtually stopped. The owners were struggling to clean up the mess they had on their hands and keep what they had afloat. Potential buyers saw no sense in acquiring credit facilities with unattractive balance sheets and obscure prospects operating in an extremely difficult environment.
The fact that mergers and acquisitions resume in Ukraine's banking sector signals that there is a number of agents (buyers) who see good prospects in the country's economy and financial sector, or believe that benefits are far more likely than the risk of continued recession and bankruptcies. Confident of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, they want to do deals quickly, before economic revival becomes obvious and the assets go up in price. There is also another category of agents (sellers) who do not believe in Ukraine's prospects overall, or in the short run. As a result, the market for mergers and acquisition has acquired some balance, even if as fragile as Ukraine's economic balance achieved recently.
Drivers of foreign interest
Foreign investors still have different motives for acquiring banks in Ukraine. NCH Capital intends to create a bank focusing on lending to agribusiness. The company has been working with agriculture in Ukraine for many years. It now hopes to benefit from a synergy of expertise it has accumulated and the bank it just acquired. The Ukrainian Week's sources claim that NCH has long been looking for a bank to buy in Ukraine but was asked exorbitant prices under Yanukovych. Now, it sees a good opportunity to implement its plans at minimal cost. The management board headquartered in New York eyes the deal with a lot of skepticism but relies on the Kyiv office managers for this decision so far. It is to be seen how well the local team copes with the task. However, the move is undoubtedly well-justified.
The UAE investors' deal with UkrGazPromBank is less straightforward. Many experts doubt that Primestar Energy FZE is the ultimate beneficiary of the newly-acquired bank. The company may well be acting in the interests of people who are much closer to Ukraine than the residents of the UAE. On the other hand, Arabic investors are flush with cash accumulated over the period of high oil prices. Primestar Energy FZE is in the oil trade business itself. It may be looking to acquire depreciated assets in countries like the post-crisis Ukraine since projects elsewhere are far more expensive. Moreover, Arab investors have already shown interest in the privatization campaign the Government is preparing in Ukraine.
RELATED ARTICLE: Positive and negative results of austerity and painful economic reforms
The EBRD's motivation is clear. It is part of the pool of Ukraine's financial donors. Therefore, its move to acquire the bank in Ukraine provides the much-needed support to the country and sends a strong positive message that Ukraine's economy and finance are past the most dangerous stretch to the global business community. EBRD representatives have actually stated their intention to send out such a signal.
The motives of the Russian Alfa Group are quite straightforward. The Russians have been expanding into the Ukrainian financial market strategically, and crises play into their hands by helping them increase their presence at minimal cost. The pattern was similar in 2008-2009 and remains unchanged today. The only difference now is that Russia is an aggressor state.
Signaling optimism
All these deals have a number of things in common. Firstly, non-residents assume that FX risks are acceptable, i.e. further devaluation of the hryvnia is unlikely. If they assumed otherwise, the deals would hardly take place: non-residents could wait out a bit more and get the same banks for less money. This definitely sends a positive signal to Ukrainians.
Secondly, foreigners believe that Ukraine's banking sector has passed its worst period in terms of bankruptcy risks. It is one thing when NBU chair claims that the clean-up of the banking sector is completed: theoretically, Valeria Hontareva can say this to calm down Ukrainians. It is something altogether different when a non-resident decides to invest capital in a Ukrainian bank. Clearly, such a decision sends a positive signal not only to other investors, but to average Ukrainians, too. When an asset hunt begins, the balance of payments improves, the economy fills with cash and starts to grow.
Thirdly, non-residents are confident that most of the ballast of the past years has been cleaned up. They are probably right about this. Write-offs and allocations to reserves for bad debts have peaked already, losses are accounted for. According to the NBU, total allocations to reserves for bad debts over the period from January 2014 to June 2015 amounted to UAH 222bn or over 17% of assets as of early 2014. In short, balance sheets have been cleared of all assets that had to be written off, so they now reflect the real status of banks far better than they used to and can thus be reliable indicators for a purchase. For Ukrainians, this means mass bankruptcies of banks and loss of deposits are over. Of course, some banks can still go broke, but people can now largely return to depositing their savings.
Would it not be easier to establish a new bank rather than pay for assets with an obscure balance sheet? The answer is simple: an established bank can be acquired for a sum worth half its capital and less. With it will come client base, market share, established network and a trained team. This will save investors time and money. The only risk is that banks still have residue toxic assets on their sheets after the clean-up. Since non-residents acquire banks, not merge with them, they obviously believe that the scales of write-offs reflect the amounts of remaining toxic assets. Skeptics may say that foreigners don't know the specifics of the local market and can be mistaken about the prospects of Ukraine's economy. However, NCH Capital, EBRD and Alfa Bank have operated in Ukraine for a long time and are very well aware of the local specifics. The fact that Ukrainian shareholders have acquired Omega Bank is evidence that local capitalists are also optimistic.
Tips for the NBU
Acquisitions of Ukrainian banks by foreign investors will benefit Ukraine: it brings in the badly needed foreign currency. Therefore, the NBU should support this wave to a certain extent and with specific recipients, and it has plenty of room to do so given two aspects.
Firstly, most Ukrainian-owned banks were until recently used as pocket banks. They took in deposits from people and lent the money to the projects of their owners. Whenever a bank was sold, all loans issued to the founder's entities were left hanging in the air. Forum Bank was the most telling example. At a certain point, loans to the companies of his founder Leonid Yurushev reportedly amounted to half of the bank's loan portfolio. When the bank was sold to Commerzbank before the 2008-2009 crisis, the German investor had to do huge write-offs for the next couple of years because the recipients of the loans would not pay them back. Eventually, it failed to clean up the bank's balance sheet and sold it to oligarch Vadym Novinsky for peanuts in 2012.
Similar cases were many. With each, Ukraine lost another bit of reputation in the eyes of foreign investors. To stop this practice, the NBU decided to restrict the share of loans issued to affiliated entities legislatively. The central bank should complete this initiative. Ukrainian banks will then have an environment that will dictate them a different quality of operation. That will make them more attractive to foreign investors.
RELATED ARTICLE: IMF Resident Representative Jerome Vacher discusses the review mission and assessments of Ukraine's economic situation
Another aspect is criminal background of the capital used to found banks. Until recently, anyone who had previously earned several million dollars could set up an own bank. Many did so to launder criminal money and earn a pretty penny on helping others do so. Bank managers were often non-professionals. That caused huge risk management problems, particularly for depositors who often ended up losing their money. Whenever that happened, bank owners would get refinancing, siphon off capital and leave Ukraine to avoid responsibility and abandon defrauded depositors at the mercy of the government.
Now, the NBU should take every effort to shut out such practices in the future. Banks should be owned and run by professionals with impeccable reputation and years of experience. One way to accomplish this could be to radically raise capital requirements for banks. If current owners do not have necessary cash for recapitalization and can't draw it because of imperfect reputation, they will sell their assets to owners that are more transparent and professional. This will create an environment where Ukrainians will trust banks more. This will also benefit the country's financial sector by pushing small banks to consolidate into big ones that are more stable and prepared for foreign investors.
Therefore, the unfolding series of bank mergers and acquisitions sends many good signals and gives reasons for optimism. The government should seize the opportunity to increase trust for banks, draw foreign investment and make banks more transparent – and depositors happier.
Georg Milbradt: "Decentralization changes how people think"
And the last shall be first
Light at the end of the tunnel
The Central Electoral Commission conundrum
Oleksandr Linchevskiy: "The best-off Ukrainians are demonstrating against the Health Ministry"
Healthcare and Education Below Poverty Line
Who Are You, Mr. Hrytsak?
Artem Sytnyk: "Our task is to break the stereotypes of society accustomed to living in a corrupt environment"
Systemic Shape-Shifting
Corruption in Ukraine: What Needs to Be Understood, and What Needs to Be Done?
banks, banking sector, banking in Ukraine, reforms in Ukraine, mergers and acquisitions, IMF, Agro Holdings (Ukraine) Limited, NCH Capital, Primestar Energy FZE, UkrGazPromBank