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REVIEW: 'Star Trek: Picard' - Picard's New Call to Action Sends Him to Deal with Some Familiar Faces in 'The Star Gazer'
Paramount+'s Star Trek: Picard - Episode 2.01 "The Star Gazer"
Starfleet must once again call on legendary Jean-Luc Picard after members of his former crew - Cristóbal Rios, Seven of Nine, Raffi Musiker and Dr. Agnes Jurati - discover an anomaly in space that threatens the galaxy.
"The Star Gazer" was written by Akiva Goldsman & Terry Matalas and directed by Doug Aarniokoski
Some of the chief complaints of the first season were how slow it was to get to its stories and how nonsensical it was when it actually arrived. As such, it's easy to see the course correction right away. It touches base with the core characters to update what their lives are now like. Picard is done with the one final mission that took him out of retirement. He was relaxed on his chateau on Earth. He was connecting with his family lineage away from his destiny in the stars. He was pulled back into the drama. That continues to be the case this season. The same impulse is driving the storytelling. That's not all that reassuring given how it turned out last time. Picard is tasked with a mission that only he can complete. It's a mystery calling out to him by name. It can't be denied. It simply asserts that the storytelling can only offer him this one way. Him yearning for answers within his true final frontier is simply a novelty that delays his journey to action. He has to be at the helm of a ship in deep space. He can still ask existential questions out there. It's just awkward as the show positions his time on Earth as where he does his deep thinking only to never arrive at any real answers. That's true in abundance here. He's stuck to one path for so long that he has believed everything he told himself to go out on that adventure. It presents him as an old man still dealing with the traumas of youth. Those events shaped him. He looks back on them. They are still traumatizing. The loss of a mother shaped who he was. He has passed on that leadership to so many. He loves seeing familiar faces in this line of work. But again, that's what he is counted on to do. He is the one who must make the hard calls. The supporting characters are the ones fighting these battles. They have signed up for the mission. Picard offers the importance that everything else must ultimately pivot around. In his quest for self-reflection and love, he ends up back on the USS Stargazer confronting the Borg Queen. It's a familiar position. One where Seven of Nine operates in extremes because she knows the threat and terror offered by the Borg. They aren't a relic of the path. They will do anything to amass control. It may even take the ultimate sacrifice to stop that. It's all driven forward by a strange anomaly happening in space. That too is a familiar position. One that offers no easy explanation right away. It's simply meant to be a mystery. That's how this new generation of Star Trek shows choose to operate. This premiere at least has the benefit of catching up to the dire threat it teases in the beginning.
Of course, something does ring true from the central question placed on Picard. Why has he chosen to forsake love? He is the end of the Picard lineage. He is all that's left. He has joy and purpose. However, he is all alone. People believe that's how he functions. He is an adventurer willing to risk his life but not capable of settling down and causing his loved ones to worry. That was true when he was traveling across the universe on various missions. He has been on Earth for years. His nature has gone unchanged. The show forces him to connect with Laris in a more intimate way. He backs off from that. It's still enough to change their dynamic. She can't embrace that awkwardness. He seeks comfort and guidance from Guinan. That too offers him nostalgia. He's catching up with an old friend who knows him so well. They've chosen where they want to be and how they want to behave. Something deeper holds Picard back from embracing something more. It's presented as a mystery that needs to be solved. Romance doesn't naturally have to fill a role in a person's life. Here, it becomes the central question. It's presented alongside updates on the other romances. Raffi remains devoted to Seven. However, she is too committed to the cause of saving lives to offer much of anything in a relationship. Meanwhile, Jurati shuts down any possibility because her life is a mess after she was only lightly punished for killing her boss who she happened to be seeing romantically. Chris and Raffi command their own ships now. They represent parts of the Federation fleet. They offer support to the mission. Picard is brought in to lead diplomacy. It quickly descends into chaos. And then, it's all revealed to be a massive manipulation brought on by Q. The former foe of Picard's has returned with a vengeance. He has altered Picard's life so that he can recognize it and know how out of place it has become. It all makes no sense. He is confused. Again, the forces at work refuse to allow him peace. That's the tradeoff for centering a show around the famed character once more. The narrative knows how to be grand in its scale of conflict. The more personal moments are where it continues to be lacking. It loves callbacks to the history of this franchise. Time is what Picard focuses on nowadays. It's a conversation built around second chances. Picard may be offered that given how the Borg Queen confrontation plays out. It all happens so quickly that it seems unlikely that things could have gone any differently. That possibility remains albeit in slightly confusing terms.
Labels: Episodic Reviews , Paramount Plus , Star Trek: Picard


My first trip to the Caribbean was last January when a friend of mine and I went to Jamaica. Have you ever been? It is just a lovely place to visit - for the people, for the water, for the forests ... We stayed at two locations (a retreat place in the mountains and a seaside cottage) and got around the island on day trips or walks. We took pictures; we ate good food; we listened to local music.
But when we came back home (to a rather chilly Washington D.C.), some of the memories faded. And those that stuck around are documented below in my photos. I like taking photos to capture snippets of time and experiences.
I treasure these moments and adventures as they enrich my life. What moments most resonate with you? What do you take away from your travels?
Having a friendly encounter on a hike ..
... and watching the loveliest of sunsets!


Hi everyone! My name is Sara Miller and I have been a science teacher at Pottstown High School for 13 years. It has been a great 13 years.
I attended Penn State and move to the area right after graduation. I live with my husband and 2 boys in Reading. In my class you will hear me tell fun stories about my 2 boys, they are my favorite things in the world!
I currently teach physical science, anatomy & physiology, and environmental science. I am also a class advisor, with Mr. Anspach, for the class of 2017.
I love science and hopefully will be able to convey my love of the subject to your child this year.
Physical Science: In this course we discuss the basics of chemistry and physics. We will spend one marking period on chemistry and one marking period on physics. During this course we will be going into the chemistry lab to complete experiments. For the physics component we will be using computers to make roller coasters, as well as our testing equipment such as ramps, toy cars, designing planes.
Anatomy & Physiology I: This course is an honors level course that goes over structure and function of body parts. In the first part of this course we will be discussing the basics of the body; integumentary, endocrine, reproductive, and digestive body systems; and bloods function in the body.
Environmental Science: This science course deals with the world around us. We learn how everything we do (and what others do) affects the way we live. We also discuss health issues that result from the world we live in. In this course our major areas will be ecology, energy, and human population dynamics.
Prom is Friday, May 6th.
The prom is being held at the Abraham Lincoln hotel in downtown Reading.
It will be from 6-10:30. You may check-in beginning at 5:45.
The promenade is being broadcast by PCTV. It will be taped from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Fun things included in prom: 2 photo booths, DJ, 2 caricaturists, and a magician.


Play with all the patterns: I love all of the black and white wool carpet tiles accessories especially the combination of them in pattern like domino, zebra, strips, zigzag, and a lot more. You may select all sort of layout for soap and shampoo container and for the other accessories. Or, if you would like to live your wall colour, just place the white and black pattern wallpaper just in 1 side of your wall.
Gray and white are the best option if you deal with little wool carpet tiles. It gives ample impression and neutral feeling. Those colors are acceptable for minimalist design. But it can be applied for carpet tile with a couple details too. It is possible to attempt to pair it with a pattern. As an instance, you can put yellow dots on the plain gray curtain for tile. Layout will be appropriate so long as the intensity is not too much. It is also great to insert contrast color as opposed to white as long as you set it with neutral best pain colors for tile. Apart from that, it's important to keep the tile colour less than 3 major colours in it.
You're able to remake your white wool carpet tiles vanity cabinet with the navy colored paint. Simply leave the very best counter using white. Paint a bronze line around the top also. This easy vanity will seem more costly than previously. To make it even more functional, you may add some storage such as medicine cupboard or shelves.
Mini Birch Lane Chandelier. This sort of miniature outfits is quite suitable for the easy design, small design, or vintage style of your wool carpet tiles. The thoracic chandelier framework could be included with oak or stainless steel substances which makes the world form. The framework can also be may be design similar to the rat cage. Mini chandeliers is very useful for your carpet tile. It may be the significant thing which should be put on your tile. Thus, let's begin to use the miniature chandeliers for tile!


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Google Voice Search gets another 13 languages added
August 17, 2012 by Matthew Leave a Comment
Google Voice Search now works in 13 more languages thanks to an update by Google [GOOG]. In total that makes the software support 42 languages which are found in 46 countries.
Over the last few years, Google has wanted to make search far quicker. On the desktop and mobile they introduced instant search where you type a search and the results are updated real-time, without hitting enter. Also to speed up search they added voice search so that you can say something rather than type it as this is also generally quicker for most people.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean ROM leaks online
Although I mentioned recently that Samsung seems to have kept the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S III secure and safe, I was wrong. The ROM has now leaked out on to the web with a demonstration of it showing in the video below.
Instagram 3.0 update launches
Instagram for iOS and Android has been updated to version 3.0. The new version enhances the app and brings new features such as updated profiles as well as Photo Maps.
Samsung Galaxy SIII Jelly Bean Update for international devices could launch August 29
At the moment the Galaxy S III flagship smartphone from Samsung runs the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android. Shortly after launch, Samsung mentioned that Jelly Bean 4.1 was being prepared for the SIII although no date was provided. The rumour going around today is that Samsung will now be launching the Jelly Bean update on August 29.
SkyDrive app for Android announced – official app
Microsoft has announced that an official SkyDrive app will soon be launching on the Android platform. The new app, pictured below, has been built by Microsoft and will allow Android users to easily connect to their SkyDrive account to grab, edit or move files around whilst on the move.
Samsung Galaxy Note II picture spotted
The picture below reveals what the Samsung Galaxy Note II could look like. The picture was found by GSMArena and shows the front panel of the device along with a speaker, camera and what looks to be a proximity sensor at the top of the device with a few buttons found below the screen.
Photos of iPhone 5 logic board appear online
Some pictures of the iPhone 5 logic board have been uploaded. The images show a slightly different board to that of the iPhone 4/4S. Although these may or may not be actual logic boards that Apple will use, the interesting point to be made is that the screw holes line up perfectly with the leaked casing we have seen several times.
HTC Desire S and Thunderbolt to get Ice Cream Sandwich update
HTC has announced that the Desire S and Thunderbolt will be receiving an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich by the end of this month. The announcement was made through Facebook which has been the way HTC has made these sorts of announcements for a while now.
WiFi Plus Cellular option appears in iOS 6 beta 4
Apple is adding a new setting to iOS 6 that will make data connections run a little smoother. The setting is called WiFi Plus Cellular and has the aim of making connections better for situations where WiFi starts to struggle and slow down. When this happens, connections will jump automatically to 3G while the wireless network clears up any congestion.
T-Mobile US Galaxy Note now available
August 9, 2012 by Matthew Leave a Comment
T-Mobile in the US is now selling the Samsung Galaxy Note. The large smartphone has been available in various locations since October 2011 but has now finally made it on to the T-Mobile network.
The Note costs $249 although to get it at that price you'll need to mail in a $50 rebate. This is also the price of the device on a two-year contract.
T-Mobile G1 Android Jelly Bean 4.1.1 demonstrated
The original Android smartphone can now run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Note that this isn't an official update by any means, but some developers have managed to port Jelly Bean on to the device to see how it runs.
CWM.zip for Galaxy Note Causes Hard Bricks to occur
Samsung Galaxy Note users (as well as other ICS device users) who root and update the OS of their device to leaked builds need to be very careful at the moment. Due to a problem with some Galaxy Note devices as well as other Samsung devices, the leaked builds are bricking some devices.
It turns out that there is a major bug in the leaked ICS kernel that affects the /data partition in the eMMC chip, which apparently gets corrupted during certain operations such as wiping and flashing.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Ottawa's new tariffs on foreign steel put Canadian construction industry in 'dire position'
The surtax on products such as rebar, steel plate and wire rod will increase construction costs for a long list of projects across the country
October 15, 2018	By Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
The country's geography deters West Coast buyers from purchasing from central Canadian steel mills. PHOTO: Getty Images
OTTAWA—The Canadian government says it will impose a 25 per cent surtax on some foreign steel products in a bid to head off dumping.
The Finance Department said "excessive imports" are harming the steel industry, prompting it to impose a surtax on seven products that range from rebar to wire rods.
The surtax, which begins Oct. 25, will be in place for 200 days, pending an inquiry by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal into whether longer-lasting safeguards are necessary, the government said.
The announcement comes more than three months after Canada imposed tariffs on $16.6 billion worth of American goods in retaliation for hefty U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Related: U.S. trade spat exposes Canada's dangerous, but arguably unavoidable, dependence on foreign steel
The government also announced last week that some Canadian manufacturers can now import those products from the U.S. without paying the surtaxes that have applied since July 1. A portion of the relief will be temporary, offered until Canadian producers are able to adequately meet domestic demand.
The exemption applies on a case-by-case basis to companies that applied for it, and pertains to American steel, aluminum and certain other products.
The products affected by the fresh tariffs go into structures from condominiums to dams and bridges, "which encompasses a heck of a lot of steel," said Jesse Goldman, a lawyer representing the Canadian Coalition for Construction Steel.
He said the surtax puts the construction steel industry in "a very dire position" because of Canada's limited domestic steel supply.
"Because of the actual quota amounts for this type of steel from non-U.S. sources, U.S. steel is going to come into Canada at record high prices. They will simply pass on the 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs to their Canadian customers."
The surtax on steel plates and other products could "jeopardize" mega-projects in Newfoundland, which relies almost exclusively on foreign steel, primarily from Europe, Goldman said.
A lot of imported structural steel has been put toward the refurbishment of the Parliament buildings, he added. "It's more ironic than intentional, but it gives you an example of the importance of imported steel in Canada."
The country's geography deters West Coast buyers from purchasing from central Canadian mills. It costs more than four times extra to ship a tonne of steel to Vancouver from Ontario than it does from China or Korea, said Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario.
With rebar an essential component in residential towers, the new steel tariff could boost the price of new condos in Vancouver by up to $10,000 per unit, Lyall said.
"Housing affordability got thrown under the bus on this one," he said.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau is slated to address the Commons international trade committee Tuesday on its study of how tariffs are impacting Canadian businesses and workers.
Construction industry to feel some of the heat from hefty U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum
Steel relief? U.S. 'might' lift tariffs once new trade deal is signed, incoming Mexican minister says
U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs 'contradict' new NAFTA deal and have to go, Freeland says
Feds mulling safeguards to prevent 'surge' of cheap steel imports into Canada
2 Comments » for Ottawa's new tariffs on foreign steel put Canadian construction industry in 'dire position'
Karen mills says:
How about a follow up article on Canadian suppliers who produce these products? I just did a search on rebar and only found a few distributors who operate from their homes. I live in Hamilton so to see that was pretty strange.
David Kennedy says:
Thanks for the comment. We'll see what we can do on this topic as a followup. I know stainless steel rebar isn't produced in Canada currently, though other types certainly are. If you haven't already, you should give this recent feature a read through as well. It touches on some of the issues around construction steel production in Canada. https://www.on-sitemag.com/features/steeling-for-a-trade-war-canadas-dangerous-unavoidable-dependence-on-foreign-steel/
Construction worker allegedly shot in back with nail gun on Nova Scotia job site
Work begins as part of long term plan to remove red lights from Winnipeg highway


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Helmut Schlesinger (born 4 September 1924 in Penzberg) is a German economist and former President of the Bundesbank.

Education
After his military duty, he studied economics at the University of Munich, from where he graduated with a Diplom in 1948, and with a Dr. oec. in economics in 1951.

Career
He entered the German Central Bank in 1952 and ascended rapidly to the position of a department head. In 1964, he was appointed Director of Economics and Statistics, and became a member of the executive board in 1972. He served as deputy chairman from 1980 to 1991 and as President of the German Central Bank from 1991 to 1993. Schlesinger has been a distinguished honorary professor at the German University of Administrative Sciences. He is currently an advisor to IDEAglobal Group, a global financial research organisation.

Awards
He is a member of the Orders of Merit and of Chivalry of Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, and Luxembourg.

References

1924 births
Living people
German economists
Grand Crosses 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
German chief executives
Presidents of the Deutsche Bundesbank
People from Weilheim-Schongau

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Phlebotek is the leader in Florida for phlebotomy and medical assistant employment and staffing services. We provide volunteers, interns, per-diem, temporary, part-time, and full-time phlebotomists and medical assistants to all sectors of the medical / healthcare industries in Florida.
We service organizations both large and small. Phlebotek has phlebotomists and medical assistants in Florida especially in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.


Dr. Aric Sigman is a child health education lecturer and author of a number of books including Alcohol Nation, The Body Wars and The Spoilt Generation. He consults for parliamentary working groups, speaks at international conferences and is frequently invited to offer his opinion on the mental health of children on TV and radio and in the national press.
Dr. Sigman has kindly offered to answer some questions for This Can Happen. This is recommended reading for anyone who is a parent, carer, teacher or has an interest in the future of our world. The next generation of leaders may need our help to overcome obstacles they face daily.
TCH: Does alcohol play a major role in the mental health of teenagers?
AS: Most teenage mental health problems are unlikely to be caused solely by alcohol. However, alcohol misuse – especially 'binge drinking' is now believed to put teenagers' mental health at risk. Teenagers who drink high amounts of alcohol are vulnerable to increased risk of developing a mental health problem such as depression and alcohol can be a contributing factor to some mental health problems and can also make existing mental health problems worse. New evidence finds that teenage binge drinking disrupts the neuroimmune system leading to brain cell damage which can affect brain function and mental state. Regular drinking alters brain chemistry for example by decreasing the levels of the brain chemical serotonin – a highly important chemical in depression. As a result of this reduction, a pattern can begin begins where a teenager drinks to relieve depression, which causes a drop in serotonin levels causing them to feel even more depressed, and a cycle begins.
TCH: Have body image pressures evolved over time, or have many young people always been troubled by their appearance?
AS: When children reach puberty they often become more self-conscious about their appearance. However, we've recently witnessed an unprecedented rise in body dissatisfaction. Initially it was girls that concerned us, however boys are increasingly showing signs of body dissatisfaction and developing problems such as muscle dysmorphia where they wrongly believe their body is too skinny and lacking muscles when in fact they often have a normal body shape or may even be quite muscular already. Body dissatisfaction raises the risk of some children developing eating disorders or muscle dysmorphia. In an increasingly complicated and fast changing world, children may focus on their own bodies as something they hope to have control over, and they may unknowingly express difficult unarticulated emotions through concerns over their bodies. Mental health professionals increasingly believe that the rise in photo and video based media – particularly social media – has at the very least exacerbated these problems and in some cases may have caused the problem. No previous generation has ever seen so many idealised images on a daily basis.
TCH: Do you have any top tips for managing screen time, especially social media?
AS: There is good evidence that children's discretionary (non-homework) screen time (DST) can be reduced through parental measures.
Parents must have a view on children's excessive screen use and establish some limits and boundaries. Talk to your children about DST being an important health and development issue.


The Health Care and Social Assistance sector comprises establishments providing health care and social assistance for individuals. The sector includes both health care and social assistance because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the boundaries of these two activities. The industries in this sector are arranged on a continuum starting with those establishments providing medical care exclusively, continuing with those providing health care and social assistance, and finally finishing with those providing only social assistance. The services provided by establishments in this sector are delivered by trained professionals. All industries in the sector share this commonality of process, namely, labor inputs of health practitioners or social workers with the requisite expertise. Many of the industries in the sector are defined based on the educational degree held by the practitioners included in the industry.
Excluded from this sector are aerobic classes in Subsector 713, Amusement, Gambling and Recreation Industries and nonmedical diet and weight reducing centers in Subsector 812, Personal and Laundry Services. Although these can be viewed as health services, these services are not typically delivered by health practitioners.
This page was last modified on 16 May 2010, at 01:41.


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Flying distance between Mentor, OH and Bucyrus, OH is miles, and estimated flying time is around , assuming an average flight speed of 560 mph.
If you leave right now from Mentor, OH () you would arrive on to Bucyrus, OH.
All the nearest airports to Mentor, OH and Bucyrus, OH are listed below. There are 2 airports in or close to Mentor, OH and 3 airports in or in driving distance to Bucyrus, OH. The nearest airport to Mentor, OH is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and the nearest airport to Bucyrus, OH is Port Columbus International Airport.


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Silver High wind ensemble takes first place at state
Written by Christine Steele" title=" Christine Steele" class="author-link" rel="author"> Christine Steele on May 2, 2018
Sometimes shooting high pays off. For the third year in a row, Silver High's wind ensemble took first place at the state championship, held in Rio Rancho last month, this time tackling a tough piece that they feared had them a little bit over their heads.
Led by Jonathan Wheatley, director of bands and choirs at Silver High, who is in his eighth year, the 35 young musicians in the Advanced Band class competed with Robertson High School in Las Vegas, St. Michael's in Santa Fe and their local rivals, Cobre, to take home first in the 4A class.
The three-peat was particularly rewarding, Wheatley said, because the band took on the college grade piece "Festivo," by Edward Gregson.
"It's a really hard piece, so the kids had to really step up this year to play and the kids were really proud of that," Wheatley said of their first-place standing.
"We could have done easier music," he said. "We took a chance by going harder. The band really pushed themselves this year. And the judges were pretty tough, but they were consistent. We got a 80.3, and we had to really fight for it. I'm very proud of them. I was pushing them pretty hard this year and I feel like they stepped up and became a much better group because of it. They deserve the place they got."
"We did take on some challenging music and at the beginning of the year everyone was very scared about it," said clarinet player Gabriela O'Keefe, 17. "It was very daunting."
The night before, the group was rehearsing with the band director from Sandia High School.
"We kind of had a wake-up call," she said. "He told us he knew we could play it but we weren't playing with confidence since we didn't think we could play it. The energy wasn't there. We were very scared and timid, but our main song ('Festivo') is something you can't hide [in]. Everyone has their own part. You can't hide behind anyone. Once he told us that, we just kind of came alive and we had a really good performance."
She said their own director had been telling them the same thing, but hearing it from someone else reinforced what he was saying.
"It was like, 'Oh, wow, everyone is saying this.' I think we definitely lacked self-confidence. Listening to Cobre, we were scared we didn't think we would win, but the next day everyone played with energy and you could definitely tell."
"We pushed ourselves to new standards," said senior alto saxophonist Jordyn Terrazas, 18. "Being able to play those really difficult pieces is what helps me grow and learn."
"Winning state with such hard music was very fulfilling," O'Keefe said. "We definitely did not think we could pull it off."
—Christine Steele
Silver High's Jordyn Terrazas, 18, and Samuel Nix Jr., 16, fist bump while practicing the night before the state competition.


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With BJP in government at the Centre and seven states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi now controls the political system in Delhi, the finance capital in Mumbai and growth impulses in major provinces. A historical opportunity therefore presents itself to Modi and the BJP leadership to qualitatively transform the tenor, idiom and objective of government-business relationship. This is needed to counter the growing public perception that vital national interests are being sacrificed by a self-serving nexus of politicians and businessmen.
The relationship between the political class and Indian business has changed over time. A number of leading industrialists were in the thick of the national movement. Nonetheless, political leadership maintained a visible distance from business houses. This distance became a virtual gulf during the socialist and centrally planned period presided over by Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi. This lasted until the mid-1980s.
Rajiv Gandhi, faced with opposition from the protectionist domestic industry, actively sought the cooperation of apex chambers of commerce and industry in pushing forward his liberalisation agenda. This marked the beginning of a closer and, some would argue, a cosy relationship between government and business.
Starting in mid-1980s and gathering pace after the 1991 liberalisation, an overt and visible cosy relationship has developed between government and big business both in Delhi and state capitals. Consequently, public discourse has become rife with talk of crony capitalism, policy capture by large business houses, and of active government and big business collaboration in determining India's negotiating positions.
This degenerated into an unethical nexus during 10 years of UPA's dispensation. The nexus was evident in, first, the large number of opaque allocations of natural resources to select companies, later exposed by CAG. Two, the award of PPP projects to a chosen few with hidden provisions for sweetening these deals post the award. Three, an ever-increasing incidence of political leaders or their direct and close relatives establishing large businesses themselves.
The political class, government and private business became a seamless continuum. This was further evident in large business delegations accompanying the president, prime minister and senior ministers on their foreign sojourns.
All this looks set to change under Modi. He has taken the right step of not taking business delegations with him. He has reportedly also advised his cabinet colleagues against publicly cavorting with select businessmen. Streamlining processes, rolling back inspector raj and improving the business environment will make him far more popular with genuine investors than photo-ops with them. As in Gujarat, this will benefit the entire business class, including foreign investors and not merely some select business houses.
So far big Indian business houses have enjoyed a huge competitive advantage of 'being on the inside track' and having the networks to successfully cut through the labyrinthine licensing and regulatory processes. This will hopefully change as governance becomes more transparent. SMEs will benefit enormously by the rolling back of inspector raj. Hopefully, it will also result in larger FDI and greater entry of multinational companies, attracted by the huge Indian market, declining transaction costs and greater regulatory transparency.
Large Indian companies would do well to start investing more in genuine R&D instead of spending large sums on election financing, government relations, and controlling business and industry chambers. This is done entirely to provide photo-ops and face time with political leaders and senior bureaucrats, which is seen as an integral part of staying on the inside track.
For changing the reality of crony capitalism and reversing the public perception of a self-serving political-business nexus, some measures are urgently needed. First, government should go beyond the top 100 companies, and encourage the next tier of businesses. These companies have real hunger for growth and for a larger share in global markets for which they need new technologies and joint ventures.
Second, FDI in employment generating export industries should be actively promoted. Our foreign missions can be charged with this responsibility. This will be in line with the prime minister's recent pronouncements. FDI brings with it additional financial resources, global marketing networks, and will help break entrenched domestic cartels that are ini-mical to innovation and growth. Third, as in Gujarat the government should focus on facilitating business and investment, and neither encourage nor be seen to encourage particular business houses.
Fourth, the government should encourage business chambers and industry associations to truly represent wider industry interests on the basis of in-depth and autonomous research. This will be quite different from the present situation in which chambers are used as event managers, often subsidised by taxpayers' money.
With these steps, Modi can transform the government-industry relationship and raise his government's effectiveness in promoting employment and growth.
India has been rocked by a spate of scams in the recent past. Here is an overview of some of the most infamous scams that have hit the country over the years. Tell us which of these scams has caused the most damage to the country?
Better known as Choppergate, the scam involves several politicians and defence officers, who have been accused of having accepted bribes from AugustaWestland to clear a contract to supply 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters to India.India had signed a contract to purchase 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters in February 2010. The Rs3600 crore-scam came to light on February 12, 2013, when Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi was arrested by Italian authorities for bribes allegedly paid to secure the sale of 12 helicopters to India.Finmeccanica is the parent company of AgustaWestland.Indian Defence Minister AK Antony ordered a CBI probe into the contract the very next day. Investigations revealed that three persons related to the then Air Force chief Shashi Tyagi had bended the rules in the tender to help AgustaWestland secure the contract.On March 13, 2013, the CBI had filed an FIR against the former IAF chief and 12 others for alleged cheating and criminal conspiracy in the Rs3600 crore VVIP helicopter deal.Tyagi is first chief of the Indian Air Force to be named in a corruption or criminal case by the CBI.The FIR also named brother of former Union minister Santosh Bagrodia, Satish Bagrodia and Pratap Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of IDS Infotech in the case.According to Reuters, the investigation into the Italian firm Finmeccanica, which started more than a year ago, is one of a series of corruption scandals in defence dealmaking in India.
Dubbed as Coalgate by the media, the scam once again exposed corruption in the higher echelons of power in the country. The scandal involves allocation of the country's coal deposits to public and private sector companies by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in a draft report in March 2012, accused the government of allocating coal blocks in an arbitrary manner during the period 2004–2009, causing a loss of Rs1.86 lakh crore.
Initially the loss was pegged at over Rs10 lakh crore, but the CAG revised it to Rs1.86 lakh crore after leaving out PSUs from its final report.The BJP lodged a complaint regarding the matter which led to a CBI probe into the scam and demanded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation.However, Singh read a statement in the Parliament on 27 August 2012 refuting the CAG's report.The scandal caused a lot of furor both inside and outside the Parliament due to its magnitude. The scandal got murkier when 43 files containing crucial information on how the coal fields were allocated to private firms went missing.Dr Manmohan Singh was in charge of the Coal Ministry between 2006 and 2009. Some of the files missing contain information on allocations of coal fields during this period. After a lot of hammering by the Opposition, all except seven files were traced and sent to the CBI to further the probe.
On May 3, 2013, CBI arrested former Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's nephew, Vijay Singla, from Chandigarh for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs90 lakh from Narayana Rao Manjunath and Sandeep Goyal on behalf of Mahesh Kumar, a member of the Indian Railway Board, in exchange of getting a higher ranking position on the Railway Board.Suspecting Bansal's involvement in the scandal, the CBI started scrutinising all recruitments, transfers, postings and promotions since October 28, 2012, the day Bansal took charge of the ministry.The probe revealed that during Bansal's term as finance minister in 2007, borrowings of Theon, a company owned by his wife and sons, from Canara Bank had gone up to Rs23 crore from Rs7 crore.As Congress higher-ups started feeling the heat of the scam, party president Sonia Gandhi said that "the party would not "spare anybody mired in corruption".Following Gandhi's statement, Bansal was forced to step down on May 10, 2013. His nephew Singla and Mahesh Kumar were arrested after the investigating agency traced them with the help of telephonic conversations between the two.
Top officials of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), a defence public sector undertaking, and the defence ministry siphoned off Rs750 crore in bribes and commissions over the past 14 years in the purchase of components for Tatra trucks.For over a decade, the BEML flouted defence procurement guidelines and sold Tatra trucks to the army at an inflated price.Flouting defence ministry guidelines, BEML, formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited, a Rs3,500 crore company in which the government of India is the majority shareholder, has been buying components for the 6×6 and 8×8 trucks from a middleman in London.The defence procurement guidelines clearly mention that all purchases are to be made from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).However, a DNA investigation revealed that BEML, was dealing with Tatra Sipox (UK) Ltd, which is neither the OEM nor a subsidiary of the OEM.However, no action was taken by the government until former Army Chief General VK Singh, in an interview, admitted that he was offered bribe of Rs14 crore for clearing the purchase of 600 substandard Tatra-all-terrain vehicles.
Following this revelation, Defence Minister AK Antony was forced to order a CBI probe into the scam.
The scam involves former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair and three other scientists who were responsible for a controversial contract between Antrix Corporation and Devas Multimedia Private Limited on January 28, 2005.Under the deal, Antrix was to provide 70 MHz of S-Band wavelength to Devas for broadcasting purposes. This was to be done by ISRO leasing out S-band transponders in two satellites (GSAT6 and GSAT6A) to Devas.A CAG report revealed that the department of space (DoS) had violated rules and policies for approving the agreement. The audit report pegged the loss at Rs200,000 crore.It was revealed that the DoS got approvals to build the satellites without disclosing the fact that they were to be utilised primarily for Devas' benefit.
One of the largest financial scams in the country, the 2G scam involves undercharging by government officials to various telecom companies during the allocation of 2G licenses for cell phone subscriptions.
The telecom bandwidth tender was undervalued and offered to a preferred few on a 'First-Come-First-Served' basis instead of a transparent auction system, advised by the PMO.
While the CAG pegs the scam amount at Rs176,000 crore, the CBI estimates it at Rs30,984 crore.
Investigations revealed that 122 122 licenses were issued in 2008 during the tenure of then minister for communications & IT A Raja, who is the main accused in the case.
Raja was forced to resign on November 14. and has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act for accepting illegal gratification. Apart from Raja, daughter Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, MK Kanimozhi and late Pramod Mahajan have also been named in the case.
Other bureaucrats whose names surfaced in the case were former telecom secretary Siddhartha Behura, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications PJ Thomas , bureaucrat Pradip Baijal and Raja's private secretary RK Chandolia.
Among all the scams in India, the CWG scam is perhaps the only one that drew the attention of media worldwide.
A day after the conclusion of the Games, the Centre announced formation of a special committee to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the Organising Committee (OC).
During investigations, Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi's name surfaced as the main accused. Kalmadi has been accused of awarding a contract to install Timing, Scoring and Results (TSR) system for the 2010 CWG to Swiss Timing at inflated rates causing a loss of over Rs 90 crore to the exchequer.
The CBI has alleged that Kalmadi awarded the contract to the Swiss firm at a much higher bid despite having a cheaper option.
Apart from Kalmadi, the CBI has named eight persons including OC former Secretary General Lalit Bhanot and former Director General VK Verma as accused.
Promoters of two construction firms, PD Arya and A K Madan of Faridabad-based Gem International and AK Reddy of Hyderabad-based AKR Constructions are also accused in the case.
Known as the mother of all scandals, though the Fodder scam had been going on for over two decades before it came to light in 1996 in the town of Chaibasa, Bihar.
The scam involved fabrication of fictitious livestock for which fodder, medicines and animal husbandry equipment was supposedly procured. The animal husbandry department is said to have embezzled Rs950 crore through the scheme.
Then chief minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad Yadav was forced to resign along with former chief minister Jagannath Mishra in the wake of the scandal.
Ketan Parekh is a former stock broker from Mumbai, was involved in circular trading throughout the time period and with a variety of companies, including Global Trust Bank and Madhavpura Mercantile Co-operative Bank.
He was sent to jail with two others for swindling Rs48 crore from a unit of Canara Bank in a 1992. He has been debarred from trading in the Indian stock exchanges till 2017.
In this biggest scam ever to hit India's IT sector, Chairman of Satyam Computers, B Ramalinga Raju, admitted to to doctoring the company's balancesheets.
In a letter written to the board, Raju admitted that he inflated the balancesheets to show Rs5,361 crore at the end of September 2008, which was over 300 crore more than the actual amount.
Popularly know as the Big Bull, stock broker Harshad Mehta engaged in a massive stock manipulation scheme financed by worthless bank receipts, which his firm brokered in "ready forward" transactions between banks.
Mehta was convicted by the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court of India for his part in a financial scandal valued at Rs50 billion which took place on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). He was tried for 9 years, until he died in the late 2001.
The Bofors scam that took place between 1980s and 1990s had stirred a big controversy in the country as then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and several others were accused of receiving kickbacks from the now defunct Swedish arms company Bofors AB for claring a contract to supply India's 155 mm field howitzer.
In March 1986, a $285 million contract between the Govt of India and Swedish arms company Bofors was signed for supply of 410 155mm Howitzer field guns.
About a year later, in April 1987, Swedish Radio alleged that Bofors paid kickbacks to top Indian politicians and key defence officials to seal the deal.
The middleman associated with the scandal was Ottavio Quattrocchi, was believed to be a major player in the scam.
However, after years of legal battle, the Bofors saga came to an end on July 13, 2013 with Quattrocchi's death.
The scam involves the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society. The building, which was originally meant to be a six-storey structure for Kargil war heroes and war widows, was converted into a 31-storey highrise.
Built with the sole purpose of housing war veterans, the society now houses members including relatives of former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan and other politicians, military officials and bureaucrats, who got the flats at a lower price.
Former Army chiefs Generals Deepak Kapoor and NC Vij and former Navy chief Admiral Madhavendra Singh and Vice-Chief Gen Shantanu Choudhary also got flats in the society.
An inquiry by the CBI, IT department and the Enforcement Directorate unearthed Sushilkumar Shinde, Late Vilasrao Deshmukh and Ashok Chavan's involvement in the scam, leading to Chavan's resignation.
The Hawala scandal or hawala scam was involved payments amounting to Rs1,000 crore allegedly received by politicians through four hawala brokers, the Jain brothers.It was alleged that terrorist outfits in Kashmir received funding by this means.
The scandal saw accusations being leveled against the country's top most political leaders including LK Advani, VC Shukla, P Shiv Shankar, Sharad Yadav, Balram Jakhar, and Madan Lal Khurana. However, no one was convicted after the hawala records were judged inadequate as main evidence in court.
The scandal exposed the rampant corruption that prevails at all levels in the country. It involved the Sonia Gandhi-led UPA, which bribed MPs in order to survive a confidence vote on July 22, 2008.
The confidence vote was triggered in the Lok Sabha after the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front withdrew support from the government, which wanted to pursue the Indo-US nuclear deal.
G Karunakara Reddy and G Janardhana Reddy had paid money to bag contracts for their mining company, Obulapuram Mining Company, in Bellary.
A report published by former Lokayukta of Karnataka, Justice Santosh Hegde said that Yeddyurappa and his family members had accepted bribes in the form of donations to trusts from mining companies in exchange for issuing mining leases. The Karnataka government suffered a loss of Rs16,085 crore.
The financial scam was caused by the collapse of a Ponzi scheme run by Saradha Group, a consortium of companies which was believed to be running a wide variety of collective investment schemes (popularly referred to as chit fund) West Bengal.
The group collapsed in April 2013, causing an estimated loss of Rs200–300 billion to over 1.7 million depositors. In the wake of the scandal, the Mamata Banerjee-led state government had set up an inquiry commission to investigate the collapse and also set up a fund of INR 5 billion (92 million USD) to ensure that low income investors are not bankrupted.
The Centre also launched a multi-agency probe to investigate the Saradha scam, as well as other similar Ponzi schemes.
Group chairman Sudipto Sen, in a letter to the CBI, admitted that he had paid large sums of money to several politicians.
He also stated that Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh had forced him to enter into money-losing media ventures and blackmailed him into selling one of his channels at below market price. Sen fled after posting this letter on April 10.
He was arrested in Kashmir on April 23, 2013. His close aide Debjani Mukhopadhdhay was also arrested for her involvement in the scam.
In the scam, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati and a minister in her government, Nasimuddin Siddiqui, were charged with corruption.
The Taj Corridor project was intended to upgrade tourist facilities near the Taj Mahal and was to be implemented during her tenure as Chief Minister.
The then BJP government at the Centre gave the Environmental Clearance required for the project near Taj Mahal. However, later on the BJP backed out and alleged that the project was not cleared by the Environment Ministry and blamed Mayawati for starting construction work near the Taj Mahal.
Top politicians and bureaucrats are alleged to have siphoned off Rs10,000 crore from the National Rural Health Mission, a central government scheme, meant to improve health care delivery in rural areas.The CBI is investigating several former ministers of the Bahujan Samaj Party, the then ruling party, in the case.The scam came to the limelight after two Chief Medical Officers (CMO) were shot dead outside their houses. Deputy-CMO YS Sachan, who was suspected to have had a role in the murders, was arrested, but died mysteriously in prison.
One of India's largest bribery scandals, in which Rs500 crore is alleged to have been paid to government decision makers by Thales, the makers of the Scorpene submarine.The amount was channeled via middlemen such as Abhishek Verma. Apart from him, the sacm also involved Ravi Shankaran, a relative of the then chief of navy staff Arun Prakash. He is also the prime accused in the Navy War Room spy scandal.
India must respond to minimise Red-tapism & Rampant corruption to pave way for doing business in india, Scams bother Investors & business.


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"Laid off? Take off!"
10/3/2012 — By Alison Rohrs
Courtesy René Ehrhardt/Flickr
During these tough times, a few of my recently downsized friends have optimistically referred to their layoffs as extra vacation time.
Karen Duncan, 53, had the same idea. She lost her job as an electrician in December and seized the opportunity to take her dream trip. "I've wanted to go to Thailand for a long time, but the flight is so long I don't want to go for a short time," says the New Jersey native. "It's not in our American culture to take really long vacations."
Next week, she'll embark on a much-anticipated four-week tour of the country, with the help of a timely offer from Intrepid Travel. For bookings made through the end of June, the Australia-based outfitter is offering anyone who's been let go since last September a 15 percent discount on more than 400 of its tour packages.
With the cheekily titled "Laid Off Take Off" deal, a 23-day Thai tour with lodging, 13 meals, and all local transportation starts at $1,533 per person (including a local payment of $437 but not including airfare). That comes out to about $67 per night.
Duncan also looks forward to being thrifty while she's abroad. "It's about 35 Thai Baht to the dollar now," she says. "You can get a good dinner there for $5."
For something a little closer to home, this discount would make a 14-day tour of the Western U.S. with plenty of guided hikes a manageable $1,485 per person, or about about $115 a night. Not as nice as a new job, but a good way to escape for a bit.
Good news for solo travelers: Intrepid does not charge an additional single supplement to solo travelers. Instead, single travelers will be paired with roommates of the same sex.
Most trips require a local payment, and the 15 percent discount does not apply to that. Excludes some packages. Travel must depart by Dec. 31, 2009. You need to send in an e-mail or letter from your former employer to receive the discount. Use promo code 2653.
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Featuring plunge pool or spacious balconies, contemporary rooms have large bay windows with garden views.
The hotel is near Lutyens Delhi and the famous Lodhi Gardens which feature beautiful tombs.
Hot stone treatments and Turkish hammam at The Lodhi Spa, outdoor pool, Pilates studio, and tennis court.
Awarded the prestigious San Pellegrino Best Restaurant in India, it serves Indian food with a contemporary twist.
The library offers a wide selection of literary works while the adjacent Cigar Lounge offers premium cigars.
Enjoy INR 1200 credit voucher for exclusive spa therapies at this luxe property.
An urban oasis centrally located in New Delhi, The Lodhi is spread across nearly seven acres on Lodi Road near the Lodi Gardens, an extensive parkland with historic tombs dating back to the 15th century. A member of The Leading Hotels of The World, The Lodhi offers 48 rooms and suites which are amongst the largest in the city and most of them have a private plunge pool and expansive balconies with panoramic views.The hotels dining scene is considered one of the best in the city, offering eclectic options ranging from local specialties to international delicacies. These restaurants and lounges are a popular social epicenter for residents and guests alike, providing the perfect setting for special occasions and meetings.Additionally, The Lodhi offers a world-class spa with an exclusive Hammam, a stylist curated salon, state-of-the-art gym, 50-meter lap pool, three tennis courts and two squash courts, with personal fitness trainers available for assistance. The hotels world-accredited Les Clefs DOr Concierges can also create tailored excursions and experiences in and around Delhi.
Location: Set amidst elegant lawns, The Lodhi offers a pleasant stay and ambiance with the wide portico designed in contemporary style and rooms equipped to cater to every comfort. The hotel is located 11 km from Dhuala Kaum Metro Station, 3 km from Nizamuddin Railway Station and 20 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The hotel is in close proximity to some of the main tourist spots such as Humayun's Tomb (1 km), Pragati Maidan (3 km) and Jantar Mantar (6 km).
Room Amenities: The Lodhi Hotel offers over 111 rooms, each with their own personal plunge pool. The rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, balconies and large bay windows with views of the hotel lawns and garden area, coffee/tea maker, mini bar, refrigerator, work area, living room, upholstered sofa and chairs along with elegant bathrooms with shower, bathtub and toiletries.
Hotel Facilities: The hotel features extensive event spaces and conducts symposiums and business meetings in their spacious and well-equipped business center. Apart from this, the hotel also features a spa along with a wellness center offering holistic treatments. It also provides 24-hour room service, a 24-hour concierge desk, travel desk, currency exchange, a doctor on call, laundry and dry cleaning services.
Dining: The hotel has multi cuisine restaurants, Elan and OTW which offer fine dining complete with in-house specialty desserts. It also features a bar as well as a 24-hour cafe.
Get INR 1200 Lodhi Experience card valid on SPA services.
Everything is good, please improve food quality more.
Great place, food and service.
Loved the entire experience. From breakfast to the amazing spa. To top it all absolutely gorgeous room and a lovely day trip to agra complimentary by the hotel.
Loved the plunge pool and the dinning area.
Awesome place to stay with lot of amenities. Go for a vacation and you have all indoor activities and outdoor as well.
Awesome stay and amenities guys. You will be awestruck with the facilities provided. Food is also good. Give it a try to experience the marvelous hospitality.
Good food, excellent room and well maintained hotel.
Great room with air purifier.
No comments, it was a good comfy stay and enjoyed it.
Nice facilities. Felt so royal.
Everything was up to the mark.
Awesome stay. We'll plan a visit again.
It was amazing. Beautiful room and courteous staff. Special thanks to Rohit Belwal for the hospitality.
The room is ultra luxurious. The staff was courteous especially Rohit Belwal.
Stayed at the suite. It was huge and steal.
You walk into an elegantly and thoughtfully appointed living space, not a hotel suite. And the manager says "junior suite", about 2000 sft inside, another 800 sft or so including the long verandah and plunge pool, with a bed straddling the pool and verandah. EVERY single thing that I checked off or asked for on the pre-check-in questionnaire - all there. Softly lit living room with coffee table books and other reading, a giant L-couch, a gigantic TV, dining table and deep Nawari chairs, beautiful decor and wall paintings, Bed and bath linens so large and heavy a grown man would have difficulty lifting them with just your wrist, dreamy, aromatic, natural bath and body gels and lotions, Fresh fruits, a fully stocked kitchenette with complimentary Nespresso style coffee pods and machine, sweet and savory cookies and bites, a fully stocked bar if you choose to partake or entertain a small army, unobtrusive yet very indulgent service, a view that relaxes and invites you at the same time across the courtyard and gardens, privacy elegantly designed into even the open spaces with marble filigree screens, and slide out of the walls solid wooden screen doors along with every 9 foot by 5 foot bay windows, plus a walk-in shower, plus a bath tub, plus a twin-basin vanity space, a full sized wardrobe, and to top it all off - top of the line air-purifiers in every single room and common space . Thoughtful. Very. No complaints at all with the food either. Each cuisine's order is true to its origin, service impeccable, cutlery and table linen gorgeous, and overall, I actually felt guilty that I was getting SO MUCH for what I was paying and the deal I got (thank you MMT). Undoubtedly one of the best suites and experiences I've ever had in all my travels in the world at this price point or even 1 level higher - you will pay at least twice, in India or elsewhere, and it will be hard to look at any other hotel in Delhi after this complete experience. To say I'd love to be back, is an understatement. I could live in this place long term, and not regret it a single moment. It's that good.
We never got the room because apparently they didn't allow guests(my friend's birthday practically got ruined). Also, you can't bring food from outside, so get ready to pay a bomb if you plan to stay in their rooms.
6th month anniversary celebration, I loved the property and room finally I was there it was my dream that I want to celebrate one of our anniversary there. Thanks to all staff of the Lodhi. 5 on 5 for everything.
No problem in the room or anywhere, perfect 5 on 5.
Room service was sluggish and food wasn't at par with world class hotels.
Standard rooms are not good, one should go for upper and middle category.
Only one word, excellent hotel and staff.
Excellent good service and staff.
The only thing redeeming about this The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World was the large area. Room was huge and the balcony and pool were great. Besides that, everything else was average. They kept me waiting for a half hour because my room wasn't ready (even after I gave them prior notice about my check in time). Didn't expect this from a 5 star The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World. Fancy The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The Worlds usually have the best hospitality, but this The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World was a disappointment. And they had the most unusual policies that I felt like I was staying in a hostel. They didn't allow guests after 8pm. I booked the The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World for my bday night, but the The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World management told me that no one could come visit me at 12am. I kept requesting but they didn't allow even for ONE hour. They also have a policy of outside food not allowed (which is fine), but they even had a problem when I had a cake delivery at 12am. I loved the spaciousness of the room, but overall experience was not too great. Hotel staff need to improve on their hospitality.
Everything was so perfect, only the mosquitoes were a little disturbing.
The overall experience at The Lodhi was absolutely perfect. The staff were at top notch. The food there is scrumptious. The ambience is the total beauty. The plunge pool was soo damn clean and very refreshing to have a small swim and a very relaxing place to be on vacation.
It was amazing experience of stay. It was huge 1350 as. Ft. Room with plunge pool, big balvony, spacious room, big bathroom and big mini bar. It is full of luxury what you can expect. Beauty is plunge pool and nice mini bar with bottles. You can smoke in balcony area.
If you're looking for a Plunge pool in your room this is the place. It's modern contemporary room. Not a heritage luxury The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World. Good for a weekend stay in the city if you are not willing to travel far.
Thanks make my trip for your full cooperation. It is situated near JLN stadium. Superb room with plunge pool was the highlight of our stay. Very courteous staff. Welcome drink on arrival. Complimentary fruit basket in the room.
All rooms are suites, with a large plunge pool attached To the room with a huge balcony overlooking the greens. A Beautiful getaway within the city. Very courteous and friendly staff, great food and great service.
It is a good experience, rooms were spacious and the food was excellent.
Good The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World to stay and the pool was awesome.
Hotel was unusual with very low occupancy.
From accomodation to rooms everything was perfect.
Stay was really good, love the atmosphere and place.
Noise at night from other room.
Bad management smelling room AC filter choked.
Bad management room was dirty I updated my room I wasted my money.
It was awesome stay loved the The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World.
One thing that makes this The Lodhi:A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World different from others is the private pool. Loved my stay.
Overall stay was fantastic. Rooms are good with the plunge pool and neatly maintained. Food was average. Specially breakfast menu needs a revamp. Overall a good stay.


Sydney "Boo" Aust and Clayton W. Randle were married in the gazebo in the garden of the Benachi House on Saturday evening, March 7, 2009. The Reverend Dr. Murray R. Wilton, a family friend from Huntsville, AL, officiated. The bride and groom make their home in Manhattan, where she works in fashion and he in real estate. They met through mutual friends. Both families have ties to the South. The bride's father, Dr. Gilbert M. Aust, graduated from Tulane University; and family on both sides share a fondness for New Orleans. The couple made a spectacular and restrained interpretation of the rear garden, by adding Chinese lanterns to the gazebo and several of our sabal palms, and by extending seating across the lawn for 250 guests. Candelarios added definition to the flower beds and walkways. Rachel Schwartz, a friend of the bride from New York, was the set director. Event Rental furnished the equipment, including a sound system and additional lighting. Emily Sullivan, one of our recommended planners coordinated. The New Orleans String Quartet provided music for the procession and ceremony. Hotard Coaches shuttled the guests from their French Quarter hotels to the ceremony, and then on to the Windsor Court for the reception.See all BH&G photos of the Aust-Randle Wedding Ceremony: http://picasaweb.google.com/jgderbes/AustRandle03082009# Congratulations to Boo and Clayton!
Thank you again for everything. It was unbelievably wonderful and everyone went on and on about how beautiful your house is. Thank you!!
I appreciate it so much more than I can say in words.


The Blackfoot Challenge will be tabling at Lucky\'s Market in Missoula\'s St. Patrick\'s Day Celebration. Come by and say hello! We\'ll have water conservation information and kids activities galore. Click for details.


It seems like all my recent posts begin with something about winter and let me warn you it's not going to stop anytime soon. As you probably guessed from the title this post is no different.
It is cold, blah, blah, blah we have already established this but now it is time to come up with a game plan. How do we survive yet another winter? Unfortunately, hibernating is not an option.
Dear whoever who invented these, thank you! This is a great way to keep your ears warm and to cover a bad hair day. Hitting two birds with one stone.
I am quite sure coats are the reason winter was invented. With a thick, versatile coat you are guaranteed to combat the cold.
I know mom, you told me so. There is nothing better than a sweater connected to a mini scarf. Too bad I viewed it as a strangling device when I was younger, now that I am a wise sixteen year old I understand.
As some people like to say ' A South African winter is not so winter. ' Which means that on some days a pair of stalkings with your favourite summer outfit will do the trick.
Everyone needs a pair of boots for the winter. Even though you don't want a pair, I promise you, you probably do. There are so many different types to choose from which makes them the ultimate survival item.
I was never a huge fan of these but my friend winter changed my mind.
Last and definitely not least. As an avid reader, coffee drinker and movie watcher, a cup of coffee and a blanky always help me survive a chilly day in and a onesie is the perfect outfit.
Now that we've got what we need winter, come at us bruh (but take your time ).


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No Nomination For India's Last Picture Show
A still from Last Picture Show
Last Picture Show, India's official Oscar entry, has missed out on a nomination at the 95th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Chhello Show, which translates to Last Picture Show, is a Gujarati-language movie directed by Pan Nalin and had made it to the shortlist for Best International Feature. The five films that have been nominated are – Argentina, 1985 (Argentina) which won the Golden Globe in the same category, All Quiet On The Western Front (Germany), Close (Belgium), EO (Poland) and The Quiet Girl (Ireland).
However, it's a bumper year for India with three nominations in other categories. Naatu Naatu from RRR is up for Best Original Song, All That Breathes is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film and The Elephant Whisperers is competing for Best Documentary Short Film.
The only three Indian films to have been nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars so far are Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. None of the previous three nominees won. Indian Oscar winners include Bhanu Athaiya (Best Costume Design for Gandhi), AR Rahmah, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty, all of whom won Oscars for their work in British-made film Slumdog Millionaire which is set in India. Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray received an honorary Oscar.
The Oscar nominations were announced by actors Riz Ahmed and Alison Williams. The 95th Academy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on March 12 and will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
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CCH welcomes new pediatrician
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 3, 2006
Patients at Crenshaw Community Hospital will see a new face joining the hospital's staff.
Dr. Marylou Bernardo, a board certified pediatrician, has joined the hospital and is already seeing patients each Friday.
&#8220I began here at Crenshaw Community Hospital the first week of July, and I am really excited to be here," Dr. Bernardo said.
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At this time, she is seeing patients on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., but she is available for consultation at any time from Monday through Thursday.
Bernardo said that if anyone needed to contact her, he or she could call Elizabeth King, who is a nurse practitioner at the hospital, at 335-1212.
&#8220If I see that I need to be here more days, then I certainly will be," she said.
Bernardo's office will be located in the new part of the hospital after completion of the new construction project. She is currently located in the Family Care Center.
Some of the services that Bernardo provides include healthcare services for infants, children and adolescents, regular, preventive check-ups for children, immunizations, sick visit consultations and family planning. She is also beginning a new wellness program that will focus on obese children.
&#8220The Family Care Center is currently enrolled under the 'Vaccines for Children Program' that provides free immunizations for children in Alabama," Bernardo said.
Dr. Bernardo, who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is presently in her second term as Chief of Staff at the Bullock County Hospital in Union Springs, where she has served since 1999. She is also the Rural Health Clinic Medical Director for the Perfect Kids and Family Care Clinic in Union Springs, as well as the Laboratory Medical Director at the Bullock County Hospital.
She received her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines.
While serving in the department of pediatrics at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in New York, Bernardo received the &#8220Most Outstanding Intern" award.
Her many certifications include the American Board of Pediatrics, Certification of Business Administration, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Neonatal Advanced Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Bernardo, who has lived in Alabama for six years, has family in Florida. Her hobbies include playing tennis, swimming, playing golf, hiking, and she enjoys ballroom dancing. She also enjoys learning new languages and is currently studying Korean.
County takes no action on beer license
Massey team wins wild game cookoff
Girl falls from car in River Falls
PAINTED SPIRIT
Real Estate Preview
Which of these major projects underway in Andalusia are you most excited about?
Heritage Park (tentative name)
Covington Mall (shopping)
Prestwood Building Project (food & shopping)
Timmerman Building (hotel)
Absolutely Andalusia
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demise and it looks like the camaraderie is starting to pay dividends.
Match photos from match against Banyule City. More photos here.
Melbourne Cleaning Group have signed on as a club sponsor for the 2019 season.
invite others to ustilise their services.
Big things are coming in 2019! We are very excited to share the progress of the Georgies' new home due for completion in May 2019.


text:
Breitenburg Subcounty (Germany)
Amt Breitenburg, Kreis Steinburg, Schleswig-Holstein
Last modified: 2017-11-11 by klaus-michael schneider
Keywords: breitenburg subcounty | breitenburg | laegerdorf | muensterdorf | oelixdorf | oak | castle | renaissance palace | gear(half) | fess wavy | waves | crozier | grain(ears;2) | beech | hill |
3:5 image by Jörg Majewski, 5 Jun 2006
approved 12 September 1995
Breitenburg Subcounty (Amt Breitenburg)
Breitenburg Subcounty Flag
Breitenburg Subcounty Coat of Arms
Municipality of Breitenburg
Breitenburg Municipal Flag
Breitenburg Municipal Coat of Arms
Municipality of Lägerdorf
Lägerdorf Municipal Flag
Lägerdorf Municipal Coat of Arms
Municipality of Münsterdorf
Münsterdorf Municipal Flag
Münsterdorf Municipal Coat of Arms
Municipality of Oelixdorf
Oelixdorf Municipal Flag
Oelixdorf Municipal Coat of Arms
Schleswig-Holstein counties and municipalities
Steinburg County
Description of flag:
The ratio is 3:5. It is red - white vertical bicolour. A slightly modified version of the coat of arms - roof white, port and windows red - is in the centre of the flag.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 26 Nov 2012
Description of coat of arms:
The shield is divided per pale. On the dexter half is a green, rooted seedling of oak in a silver (= white) field. On the sinister half is a half embattled silver (= white) castle with roof, port and windows black.
Oaks are the most common kind of tree in the area. The castle is symbolizing Breitenburg Palace and is alluding to Johann and Heinrich Rantzau, who built and extended the castle. Red and silver are the colours of the Rantzau family. Nine roots, nine leaves and nine windows are symbolizing the municipalities of the subcounty. Those were /Breitenberg, Breitenburg, Kollmoor, Kronsmoor, Moordiek, Moordorf, Münsterdorf, Oelixdorf/ and /Westermoor/.
Source: Reißmann 1997, p.37
The flag was approved on 12 September 1995. The coat of arms was approved on 10 September 1987. The artists are Paul Holtorf and Lothar Leissner from Itzehoe.
3:5 image by Jörg Majewski, 11 Jun 2006
approved 12 May 1990
The ratio is 3:5. It is a white flag with a red stripe at the top- and bottom-edge. The municipal coat of arms is in the centre of the white stripe.
In a red shield is a silver (=white) renaissance palace with four gables and a central tower. The palace stands on a green fess. The blue base is divided by two silver bars wavy.
Breitenburg Municipality of evolved from a real estate district (Gutsbezirk) having the same name. District and palace has been possessions of the counts of Rantzau since 1528. The palace was extended by Johann Rantzau, who had been the bailiff of the Danish Kings in the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. The form depicted in the arms is known from paintings since 1590. The fess and the base are symbolizing wall and moat of the estate. Although being one of the strongest fortifications in Holstein, Breitenburg was conquered by Catholic general Wallenstein in 1627.
Source: Reißmann 1997, p.105
The flag was approved on 12 May 1990. The coat of arms was approved on 18 March 1966. The artist is Paul Holtorf from Itzehoe.
approved 30 January 1998
The ratio is 3:5. The flag is divided by a sinister bendy line into green (hoist) and white (fly). The coat of arms is shifted to the hoist. The sinister bendy line in the arms is continued on the sheet to the top edge and to the bottom edge.
The shield is divided per bend sinister. Above the field is eight times divided per fess wavy into silver (= white) and blue. Below in a green field is a half silver (= white) gear.
The wavy lines are symbolizing the primeval sea, that covered Lägerdorf. As a result today in this place are great deposits of chalkstone, which are the base of local economy. Due to technical progress cement industry developed in Lägerdorf in the 20th century. Source: Reißmann 1997, p.220
The flag was approved on 30 January 1998. The coat of arms was approved on 14 February 1939. The artist is Gustav Adolf Cloß from Berlin.
approved 6 February 1992
The ratio is 3:5. The ratio is 3:5. It is a white flag with a blue stripe at the top- and bottom-edge. The municipal coat of arms is in the centre of the white stripe.
In a blue field is a silver (= white) crozier flanked by two golden (= yellow) ears of grain. The base is five times divided per fess wavy into silver (= white) and blue.
The village had the name "Welanao" - i.e. wavy, wet meadow - in the early middle ages. Archbishop Edo of Reims established a base for his missionaries in this place in 822, but his efforts failed. When Ansgar, the apostle of the north, became archbishop of Hamburg in 834, he continued the work of Ebo and established a house of prayer, dedicated to St.Sixtus. Since then the name was changed, meaning "village with a monastery". The crozier is symbolizing the efforts of both archbishops. The grain is symbolizing prosperity by agriculture. The waves are symbolizing the Stör river and the old name of the village as well. Source: Reißmann 1997, p.245
The flag was approved on 6 February 1992. The coat of arms was approved on 18 July 1990. The artist is Lothar Leissner from Itzehoe.
Municipality ofOelixdorf
approved 24 November 1994
The ratio is 3:5. It is a white flag with a green stripe at the top- and bottom-edge. The municipal coat of arms is in the centre of the white stripe.
In a green field stands a silver (= white) beech tree on top of a hill of the same colour. The tree is flanked by two golden (= yellow) ears of grain. The base is divided by a blue fess wavy.
The green colour and the tree are symbolizing forestal riches. The tree on the hill is also alluding to numerous tomb hills in the area. The grain and the yellow colour are symbolizing the rual character, agriculture and prosperity. The fess wavy is symbolizing the riches of water. Source: Reißmann 1997, p.260
The flag was approved on 24 November 1994. The coat of arms was approved on 8 November 1990. The artist is Lothar Leissner from Itzehoe.
back to Steinburg cities and municipalities click here.


Firm to take any "necessary decisions and measures ... to ensure it honoured commitments to customers and partners".
Qatar Petroleum has said in a statement that it is "business as usual" despite a worsening diplomatic crisis involving Qatar and its Gulf neighbours.
In an attempt to reassure customers, the state-run company said on Saturday it had "mobilised all available resources" to mitigate any actions that could disrupt supplies.
"Qatar Petroleum, and its subsidiaries, wishes to affirm that it is conducting business as usual throughout all its upstream, midstream and downstream businesses and operations, and in all activities across all of QP's world-class facilities," the statement read.
Qatar is the world's largest exporter of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), and produces up to 77 million tonnes of gas each year.
In April, Qatar announced it was boosting output in the world's largest gas field, the North Field, off the Gulf state's northern coast, which it shares with Iran.
Gas has helped transform the tiny emirate into one of the richest countries in the world, fuelling its rise into a major regional player and helping fund huge infrastructure projects such as the 2022 football World Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar.
Qatar Petroleum's statement comes during the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the Arab Gulf states in years.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain led a string of countries that cut ties with Qatar over what they say is the country's financing of extremist groups and its ties to Iran.
Qatar vehemently denies the claims, and says it is the victim of an orchestrated campaign to force Doha to change its foreign policy.
The row threatens to draw in many countries, and on Friday US President Donald Trump accused Qatar of being a "funder of terrorism at a very high level".
On Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's foreign minister, continued a diplomatic offensive in Europe, meeting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.


I hope this reaches you, as I'm writing from another dimension. I was walking home through a really dense fog late one night, and took a shortcut through a field. It seemed a lot larger than I remembered, but I kept going, and then I was walking through crops, not just grass, and I came out in what looked like a medieval village.
Of course, I didn't believe it at first. I thought it was some festival or Ren Faire, and I got mad because nobody would speak normal English. I was just about to go back across the field when some big guys in armor showed up, carrying real swords. They didn't talk much. They grabbed me and hauled me off to a castle. That's when I realized I wasn't anywhere near home.
After a couple hours in a cell, two priest guys came to talk. They could at least understand me, although they didn't recognize basic words, like when I said I was walking home from the mall. They got real excited when I said that we didn't have castles or peasants where I came from. It turns out there's a prophecy that a stranger from far away will find some Sword of Power and save the kingdom from an army of monsters created by an evil wizard. Since there's just such an army heading for this kingdom, everybody here seems to believe that means me.
Next thing I know, the priests and I are sent off with a group of soldiers, riding horses across the country to find that sword. They're all excited, but I've got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It feels like I've got more chance of getting killed than saving any kingdom. What makes it worse is that everyone's all in awe of me, like I've already done something amazing.
The Evil Wizard knows about me, too. We were attacked by some huge birds, and then nearly crushed by a rockslide. These were both really close calls, and we haven't even found the sword or gotten to the monster army yet. I don't want any of these people getting killed protecting me, when this is all just a big mistake.
Here's the thing: I want out. I'm sure these people can find the right stranger and solve their problems without me, so how can I get home?
GO HOME? Why? I should tear a hole in the time-space continuum, reach through and slap some sense into you, you ungrateful little nobble. What are you thinking?
Okay, I know your situation is scary and disorienting, and I shouldn't make it worse by yelling at you. It vexes me when people win the Lottery of Destiny, and they want to trade it in for a used toaster. One of the cruel ironies of Life is that the people who are thrust into these situations are the least likely to appreciate their circumstances. Like in the "Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy ends up in a place MUCH, MUCH better than Kansas, yet all she wants to do is go home! What the Oxford is up with that?
So, are you a billionaire rock-star/fighter-pilot/model in this universe? That would explain why you want to chuck the life of a conquering hero and the gratitude of an entire kingdom with all the accompanying riches and power. Or are you merely craving the familiarity of a one-bedroom apartment and your job at the "Kitchen Kollection?" Well, screw that! There are thousands of people who would sacrifice precious body parts to get the Call to Adventure. Their role-playing games and fandom conventions are pale substitute. Granted, a lot of them couldn't fulfill a prophecy about getting a bag of chips from the grocery store, but you get the idea. They yearn for what you've got. Don't be so quick to fold when you're holding the archetypal equivalent of a Royal Flush.
I know it's frightening now. Things will get bad, and then even worse. But you've got Destiny on your side. Stick it out, Prophecy Boy, get in touch with your Inner Hero, do the best you can, and all will work out triumphantly. Then marry the princess and bask in the glory of your victory for a few years. If you still want to return to this mundane existence after that, so be it. If you give up now, the best you can hope for is a long life filled with regret, misery and shallows. So stop whining, get out there and kick some!


In Aloha Communication, we hear your brand needs to develop an strategy to increase your visibility in the maket, making it well-known and creating a lifestyle around it.
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In the course of a single day, this has suddenly become a thing on Instagram, and women started putting all sorts of different weapons underneath their dresses. Just go check out the hashtag #WWgotyourback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and see for yourself!
1.Every swashbuckling princess needs a place to for her saber.
3. This is actually a very similar sword to the one we saw in the movie. Where did she get one?
4. This dress is just too hot. Not to mention the blade.
5. You can clearly see, that you can't see anything.
6. That's a nice-looking hilt, if you ask me. Also, what is up with that door frame?
7. Who said you can only use swords?
8. Or only European swords?
9. Katanas are way better than regular swords. Have I said the word sword enough times?
10. Cute dress, terrific … sword, and a polished dancing pole.
11. This is not even a dress yet it still fits!
13. Minecraft fans also added their beautiful candidate.
15. You go girl, the size doesn't matter!
17. Blade, as in THE Blade, would be so jealous!


text:
Андрій Анатолійович Калінчук (нар. 3 грудня 1995, Верховина) — український стрибун на лижах з трампліна, член збірної України у стрибках з трамліна. Свою кар`єру почав 6 серпня у Щирку де, з результатом 83,5 м. посів 62 місце.

Посилання
 Профіл Андрія Калінчука на сайті FIS (Міжнародна лижна Федерація)

Персоналії за алфавітом
Українські стрибуни з трампліна
Народились 3 грудня
Народились 1995
Уродженці Верховини


Bring sparkle to her life with this eye-catching marquise cut sapphire and diamond ring. The stones are set in a polished 9ct gold band. Sapphire is the birthstone for September, making this the ideal gift for any woman born during that month.
9ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring is rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Sapphire and diamond eternity ring. Admired this ring for some time, tried it on, placed a deposit, removed the deposit, went back and admired it again, looked and tried various other eternity rings in the shop. In the end, my husband suggested that if I liked the ring that much, then I could have one. My husband decided to order it online because our local store was miles away, and so having it home delivered made the whole experience that more surprising. Because as soon it arrived, my husband went down on one knee and proposed again. We've been married for just over 5 years, however rather than wait until we were married further down the line, he thought it would be lovely surprise to do it as soon as the ring arrived. Of course, I said yes, but only after I made him wait for a bit. Or until I couldn't turn a corner without him following me around with the ring. It was a gorgeous ring that I admire so much, from the man I love so much. Arrived on time in a beautiful box. However when my husband removed the ring to inspect it, before he chased me round with it. He did say that he felt it bit disappointed, because at first it didn't look the same ring he ordered. Since then though we gave it a quick wipe over, and it looks much better. And is quite comfortable sitting on my finger next to my wedding ring.