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Reviewed: A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh
A Home in Sunset Bay will be published by Carina on February 9, 2016.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.
A Home in Sunset Bay is Rebecca Pugh's second novel, and having liked her debut Return to Bluebell Hill last year, I was looking forward to reading her next book. The first thing I noticed about A Home in Sunset Bay was how much Rebecca's writing has developed. It felt clearer and more grown up, like the author had really come into her own style of writing and was enjoying the storytelling just as much as the reader was meant to. After the first couple of chapters, I was finding the book increasingly difficult to put down and that was all credit to the author for grabbing my attention early on.
Everything in this book is very vividly described. Set in the seaside town of Sunset Bay, this was my absolute favourite aspect to see brought to life through Rebecca's words. I wanted to escape to the seaside myself, dodging seagulls, scoffing fish and chips and ice cream and having a nice summery walk along the beach. The seaside is my favourite place to be and so I couldn't have adored a setting any more than I did Sunset Bay. It's a real picturesque location and the author leaves no detail left desired – the setting is described beautifully.
The beginning of the book introduces us to two sisters living, at the time, very different lives. Younger sister Mia is busy working at Dolly's Diner, the old-school diner that once belonged to her now passed-away Grandma Dolly. Mia's life is her work, though she does have her eye on her sadly taken friend Cal, and she can't imagine being without the diner. Laurie is living her own life in London, with her supposedly perfect job and perfect boyfriend. The moment she catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman is not so perfect, however, and she swiftly makes her escape to Sunset Bay.
I really liked and connected with both sisters, though I was probably a bit more drawn to Laurie. Their story wasn't really what I was expecting, as I thought there'd be more animosity and bad blood between them which wasn't exactly the case. I'm trying to avoid spoiler territory but I guess I was a bit disappointed things weren't massively difficult to resolve. I absolutely loved the first half of this book, couldn't wait for the sisters to meet again and air their dirty laundry. The build up to them seeing each other, and the tense and awkwardness after, was really engaging reading and I was fascinated waiting to see what would happen next. But then around the mid-way point, there was a bit of a lull and the second half of this book fell a teensy bit flat for me.
Other than a family that needed fixing, there was more to A Home in Sunset Bay, like, of course, the romantic elements. It's made pretty clear early on who Mia likes, and being written so obviously (I'm sure we were meant to know the feelings there), I was expecting a twist along the way. The thing is, I love a good sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, and after reading Return to Bluebell Hill I know Rebecca can write one, but I didn't really feel the romance element in this book. It was all a bit predictable and didn't add a huge amount to the story.
There's a bit of love on the horizon for Laurie, too, and her story did interest me more. I think that was down to feeling like I knew her love interest, as we get to hear a bit about his life and his mentality. Though Cal's mentioned more, I didn't feel like I knew anything about him. I could picture him but his personality was a bit missing. I guess throughout I just craved a bit more depth and background for the supporting characters. Mia and Laurie were so highly developed, characterisation is obviously something the author is good at, but personally I would have liked to get to know the other characters a bit more too.
Although my rating is the same, I really enjoyed A Home in Sunset Bay quite a bit more than Return to Bluebell Hill. The author's writing has improved lots, with the characters and dialogue feeling a lot more natural and realistic, the pacing and flow to the story tighter and more absorbing and the ending just as sweet as ever. Sunset Bay, its sights and its weather and its beauty, although occasionally a bit over-described (repeated words like toasty and balmy began to grate on me a bit), was stunning and a dreamy location to set the story in, especially as we're all eager for some sunshine to head our way. I would love to revisit Sunset Bay in future books by Rebecca Pugh, and also to have the chance for a catch up with the lovely characters of Laurie and Mia to see where their lives have taken them. A Home in Sunset Bay is a sincere, summery tale of the bond between two sisters, and how the chance to put things right may be waiting just around the corner.
Above the familiar stretch of golden sand in Sunset Bay, the sky was a brilliant blue, and within this blue the resident seagulls swooped and dived like miniature stunt-planes as they called to each other in morning merriment. The sky was their playground and they took advantage of it, gliding together with their wings spread wide, slicing with precision through the air. On the horizon where the sea met the sky, Mia could see a smattering of white blobs, sailboats she realised, which looked as if an artist had smudged them into the distance with his fingertip. This early in the morning, and with it only being mid-June so not yet in the busiest throes of summer, she had the entire beach to herself and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.
She maintained a steady pace as the sea rushed up to kiss the soles of her trainers and remained focused on the point up ahead near the craggy rocks where she'd stop, turn, and head back in the direction she'd come from. This had become a habit since she'd relocated to the seaside town, but she felt as if she'd been doing it all of her life.
It was invigorating, jogging alongside the sea as it frothed and rolled and sprayed, and when she was alone like this, she felt like the beach belonged to her. She loved the feel of the sea breeze buffeting her cheeks, and found the song of the circling seagulls strangely comforting. Nothing could beat beginning the day in this way, which was why she didn't mind waking up that little bit earlier to ensure she had time to do so.
When she'd moved to Sunset Bay, she remembered thinking to herself during that first morning on the beach, 'I could get used to this,' and get used to it she had. The town thrummed through her veins and she thrived on the very essence of it. It was a delicious slice of seaside paradise which came with the added bonus of a busy seasonal fair on the pier, coupled with the sweet scent of doughnuts, the bustling Christmas market when December rolled around and, last but by no means least, Dolly's Diner, which had been handed down to Mia by Grandma Dolly when she'd sadly passed away. Life had always been brighter and felt so much more exciting beside the sea, so Mia had shot down there like a whippet as soon as she'd been able to.
As much as she loved the town she lived in, there were times when she'd gaze out across the ocean and wonder what else was out there. She lapped up holiday tales from the locals eagerly, desperately trying to picture their descriptions in her mind. As they recalled their vibrant cocktails sipped at the poolside and the unbearable, sweltering heat they'd had to endure, she would imagine herself in the same scenarios and feel a deep yearning in her chest. There were days when the urge to leave and go exploring for a couple of months was so overwhelming that she'd fling open her wardrobe doors and greedily seek out her suitcase tucked away at the back, hidden in the shadows of her hanging clothes. Her fancy ideas of jetting away were replaced with the reality of her responsibilities soon after.
'Good morning, Mia!'
She spotted Jack Nelson up ahead and waved his way. Jack, like many of the older generation in Sunset Bay, had been close friends with Grandma Dolly, which was how Mia had come to know him. When Grandma Dolly had passed away, the townsfolk were devastated, but they'd supported Mia through it all, bringing pies and stews to the cottage. 'We're here if you need anything,' they'd all told her with sincerity in their eyes while lingering on the doorstep. She often crossed paths with Jack early in the morning, their meetings always accompanied by his bouncy black Labrador. Willie honed in on his first victim of the day. He greeted everyone in the same frantic manner, and to Mia's dismay he began bounding towards her with his hind legs kicking up the sand.
'Willie! Down boy!' yelled Jack, shielding his eyes with his gnarled hands. He brandished his walking stick in the air and wiggled it about with a fierce determination, as if that would stop Willie in his tracks, but it didn't work and they'd both known it wouldn't. Once Willie set his mind to something there was no stopping him.
Mia braced herself as the blur of black fur continued towards her, quickly closing the distance between them. His ears flapped and his tail wagged manically. 'Willie, no …' she whispered in horror as she braced herself for the inevitable impact. Given the speed Willie was running at, he'd send her flying if he didn't slow down or stop, the latter being preferable, but her quiet wish went unnoticed and Willie took the final leap. His front paws slammed into her chest with such force that she flew back onto the sand and landed with an almighty 'Ooof!'
'Bloody dog!' Jack roared, approaching as quickly as his little legs would carry him. 'Never listens to a word I say.' When he finally reached Mia's side, he tugged Willie back by his collar and held a hand towards her to help her back onto her feet.
'Oh, he's fine!' Mia laughed as she accepted Jack's hand and returned to an upright position. She brushed her backside free of sand as Willie whined beside his owner. His strength tugged Jack's hand back and forth as he tried his best to keep a tight grip on the collar to prevent another tumble. 'He's just happy to see me, aren't you, boy?' She gave Willie's head a good scratch, unable to be angry as she looked into his chocolate-drop eyes, then tightened her long, brown ponytail and smiled at Jack. 'Well, I'd better carry on,' she said brightly.
'Righto, Mia. I'll be in for my breakfast soon!' Jack patted his stomach then whistled for Willie to follow him. The two of them headed back towards town while Mia jogged in the opposite direction, smiling to herself. It might have only been a simple life in Sunset Bay, but it was a life that made her feel endlessly content.
Fighting against the temptation to stop and walk, Mia pushed herself onwards and jogged back across the stretch of sand, hurried beneath the pier and followed the uneven path that led back up to town with the rocks crunching beneath her trainers. When she arrived at Honeysuckle Cottage, she leant against the fence and allowed herself a few moments' break while she waited for an oncoming stitch to pass. It seemed the delights of Dolly's Diner were taking their toll on her fitness, no matter how often she exercised.
The street on which Honeysuckle Cottage sat seemed a world away from her childhood home in Richmond, London, which had been a three-bedroom, modern townhouse complete with garage and a large, neat driveway. Her mother, Marnie Chapman, was a stickler for tidiness and believed that everything had its place. Each and every item was dusted and polished to within an inch of its life. Mia didn't mind tidiness at all, but there was something obsessive about how her mother handled the cleaning; quite obsessive was how Marnie Chapman handled everything, come to think of it.
In contrast, Honeysuckle Cottage was crammed and cramped with shelves full of knick-knacks, and rooms positively bursting with charm and character. Honeysuckle Row itself was a closed-in, quiet cul-de-sac, with three cottages either side of the road and two sitting snug at the bottom with the sea visible behind them.
Beneath the ground-floor windows, troughs filled with an abundance of wildflowers hung sweetly. They were wild, free, and vivid in colour, blossoming beautifully in the sunshine. She'd always preferred this to the identical, bland townhouses of the street she'd grown up on. The lack of order and neatness was more charming than untidy, exactly how you'd expect a cottage by the sea to appear.
After stepping inside, picking up a pile of post and discarding it on the rickety table beside the front door, Mia hurried up the stairs. The only thing she had on her mind was a cold shower. Afterwards, she dried her hair, tugged on her Dolly's Diner uniform and smoothed it down against her thighs. She slipped on the white plimsolls and left the cottage, ready to begin another day in Sunset Bay. Leaving Honeysuckle Row, she headed towards the busier part of town, where the Cobbler's Pub, Minnie's Cornish pasty shop and the newsagents could be found nestled along the street.
When she approached Dolly's Diner a short time after, she eyed the white exterior and tried to picture it years ago, back in 1951 when it had first opened its doors to the public. Grandma Dolly had told the tale of Dolly's Diner's birth numerous times throughout the years Mia had spent with her.
The diner had begun life in Sunset Bay as an abandoned petrol station which had gone out of business when the owner had upped and left. Apparently, Grandma Dolly had passed by the station plenty of times and the more she'd looked at it, the clearer the vision in her mind had become. Grandpa Robert had been in love with Grandma Dolly since the first day he'd set eyes on her, when they'd passed each other by chance on the beach. They'd quickly grown fond of each other's company.
Grandma Dolly had been fascinated by the original American diners, so much so that her life's dream had been to open up her very own in Sunset Bay. There'd been no way on earth that she'd have been able to afford the premises herself as she'd only worked part-time in the newsagent's, but little did Grandma know that Grandpa Robert had friends in quite a few places.
One night, as they'd been returning from a dance over in the next town with a bunch of friends, Grandpa Robert had stopped the car in the petrol station's car park and switched off the engine. Grandma Dolly always laughed and said she'd readied herself to give him a swift slap if he'd gone there to try something 'rude' with her. Grandpa Robert had climbed out of the car, walked around to open the passenger door and held out his hand for her to take as she'd stepped out, in true gentlemanly fashion. He'd pulled a key from out of his pocket and slotted it into the keyhole. He'd pushed the door open wide and stepped inside, beckoning for Grandma Dolly to follow him. Inside, he'd got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. After she'd cried out a very emotional 'yes' in reply to his proposal, he had slipped the engagement ring onto her finger and slipped the key into the pocket of her cardigan. He'd bought the premises for her. It had taken a while for Grandma Dolly to transform the place into the vision she'd had in her mind, but she'd managed to get there with the help of her beloved. They'd married quickly and moved into Honeysuckle Cottage as soon as they'd been able to.
As Mia approached the diner now, she spotted the familiar figures standing outside talking among themselves happily. Her heart sang at the sight of them. Even if she'd been able to choose, she wouldn't have been able to pick a better bunch of friends to work alongside. They each brought their own unique personalities to the diner and without them it wouldn't be the same.
'Morning, gang!' she called cheerily with a little wave. They were all there. Marco and Cal, the cooks, and Pollyanna, the waitress. They were a small team but they worked brilliantly together and surprisingly slid through the busy periods with ease. 'How are we this morning?' Her fingertips were already touching the key in the pocket of her dress, eager to get inside. 'Ready to rock and roll?'
'Aren't we always?' Pollyanna giggled as she adjusted the mint-green bow nestled among her blonde curls. The bow matched the colour of their knee-length dresses perfectly. 'Can I pick the first track on the jukebox?' she asked sweetly, clapping her hands together in a prayer pose and pouting her rosebud lips. 'Pretty, pretty please?'
'Go on then.' Mia laughed as she pushed open the door. 'Are you both okay?' She directed the question towards Marco and Cal as they passed her by.
They nodded. Cal offered her a grin which, even after being audience to it a billion times, made her knees go weak. The man was indescribably handsome, there was no denying it. If he'd worked out front rather than behind the scenes in the kitchen with Marco, she'd never be able to get a thing done, she was sure of it. His deep-green eyes, mocha hair and chiselled jaw formed a very attractive man, a man who could easily distract a woman just by merely being present. It wasn't only his appearance that drew Mia in, though. Beneath the dreamy exterior, Cal was a genuinely nice man. He was caring, sincere, loyal and ridiculously childish sometimes, which made her laugh endlessly. She caught a whiff of his aftershave as he slipped by and managed to catch herself before audibly inhaling.
When Cal had first arrived in Sunset Bay, Mia had spotted him sitting in one of the booths on a miserable Monday morning. He'd been staring into a cup of cold coffee wordlessly. She'd approached with caution and asked quietly if he wanted a refill, instantly wanting to back away from the gloominess surrounding him. She had no idea of what to say to a complete stranger who looked so sad. When he'd glanced up at the sound of her voice, she'd swallowed quickly, taken aback by the intensity of his gaze, his unwavering line of sight, not forgetting his ridiculously good looks. A slow smile had crept onto his mouth and he'd nodded, inviting her to sit with him when she returned with the coffee jug. It hadn't been busy, Monday mornings never saw the staff rushed off their feet, so she'd agreed and they'd got talking. He'd had his heart broken by his childhood sweetheart, who'd apparently told him, after being inseparable since their teens, that she wanted different things and didn't want to be tied down. Cal had moved to Sunset Bay on the recommendation of his parents who had lived there for almost thirty years. Bizarrely, after just half an hour of chit-chat with Cal, Mia had been captivated by him. She'd barely taken her eyes off him throughout the entirety of their conversation, even when she'd sipped at her own coffee that he'd poured for her with amusement when she'd taken the seat opposite. He'd been in desperate need of a job, and the diner had been in need of an extra cook to give Marco some relief on the weekends. As fate would have it, Cal had worked in a few eateries beforehand and had some experience. Turned out he'd just been being modest because he was actually a dab-hand in the kitchen, almost putting Marco to shame. He'd been there ever since, now a part of the furniture as well as a part of Mia's life, too.
As they'd grown closer and she'd seen the other sides to Cal, the more sensitive side being one of her favourites, she'd quickly became attracted to him. There was something that pulled her towards him. His easy charm, his winning smile, his sense of humour? She wasn't sure. Perhaps it had been a combination of all of those things. She'd spent hours at home, wondering if Cal could possibly feel the same way about her, obsessed over it almost, questioning every smile he directed her way, every accidental touch. He was nothing like the other men she'd had in her life, childish and commitment-phobes. He genuinely cared about her, worried for her, and when Grandma Dolly had passed away, he'd comforted her, made her hot soup on the cold nights and held her whenever she'd cried. That was when Mia had fallen in love with him, she was sure of it. When he'd scooped her up and held her tightly until her broken pieces had slotted back together. She'd felt like they'd had a connection and was sure it would lead to them finally becoming a couple, but then the rug had been completely whipped from beneath her feet and Hannah had stepped onto the scene. Her hopes had disappeared immediately. She'd taken one glance at Hannah and known she didn't stand a chance. So she'd backed off, refused to ponder any more on the subject, except her heart hadn't refused to step away so quickly. Quite honestly she'd been gutted, but in truth, she supposed it was safer this way, because then she'd never be able to get let down. She'd been let down before and it had hurt, by someone she'd trusted infinitely. She couldn't go there again. She still had deep feelings for Cal, would still sometimes find him watching her and wonder what was going through his mind. She'd tried to put the thoughts of him to rest but they refused to be silenced, and so every time she saw him those thoughts grew wild and frantic with excitement. She was glad she had the diner to keep her busy, to keep her mind on other things besides him.
Em 9/2/16 16:49
I adored this book! it was all so vivid xx
Book Drunk Sophie 9/2/16 21:20
I'm definitely wanting to book myself a seaside holiday right now! xx
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If you are in the market for an industrial-grade chiller but aren't finding a model that meets your specific needs, we'd be happy to custom design a solution that fits your specifications. Our technicians can survey your facility, consult with you on what you're looking for, and then build a unit that works for your purposes. Begin your custom chiller build today by scheduling your consultation with one of our technicians.
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Whether you need a commercial or industrial-grade chiller designed, installed, tested or repaired, THC can handle all the details from start to finish. Our mission is to provide you with solutions that work for your individual needs, so we'll worth closely with you to ensure the end product meets your specifications. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond your expectations, and our ability to accomplish every project quickly and efficiently – no matter how large or small. Ready to get started on your chiller solution? Contact us! We're ready to meet your needs.


The Fayetteville news. (Fayetteville, Ga.) 18??-????
Description based on: Vol. 10, no. 1 (Oct. 29, 1897).
In 1888, O. A. Clinton began publishing the Fayetteville News as a weekly paper released each Friday. It was the same year the Atlanta to Florida railroad line began operation in the city. Fayetteville experienced tremendous growth in the year that followed and the Fayetteville News continued to serve Fayette County into the 1920s.


Does anyone know of a place around Cincinnati to find new MH bulbs at similar prices as the below (which is at online retailers)?
They need not be the same brand, just able to run on a probe start ballast.
Also, why is 250W 20,000K - Coralife double the price? Is it the brand name you are paying for or are they just that much better?
No. If you're looking for cheap.........buy online. I have heard great things about the XM bulbs and I plan to purchase a couple of them once my Ushios are used up. http://www.hellolights.com is probably the most reputable lighting website.
I will check at work today to see what kind of pricing we can get just to give you some ideas.


As reported by Statistics Netherlands today, state pension or AOW entitlement nearly doubled between 2008 and 2014, exceeding entitlement to supplementary employees' pension schemes by far. By 1 January 2014, total entitlement to the AOW state pension reached 1,356 billion euros, an amount equivalent to 208 percent of the Dutch GDP, which is the total value of goods and services produced in the Netherlands in a year. On that same date, entitlement to supplementary pension schemes for employees reached an equivalent of 157 percent of Dutch GDP.
AOW entitlement refers to the reserves which would be needed to meet existing pension liabilities, if the state pension was financed in the same way as the supplementary pension. Statistics Netherlands has calculated this figure for the first time, in line with international agreements.
Entitlement to state pensions (AOW) and the supplementary employees' pensions have both seen a rapid rise in recent years. In 2008, AOW entitlement stood at 797 billion euros. The sharp rise is not merely caused by the ageing population but mainly by low interest rates. These result in lower returns on accrued reserves, requiring higher reserves.
In reality, reserves are only accrued for the supplementary pensions. AOW is being financed from current assets, which are primarily derived from the AOW contributions paid by all tax payers below retirement age. However, these contributions are increasingly falling short. In 2014, income from these contributions (23 billion) covered merely two thirds of the AOW allowances (34 billion). This is mainly due to the increased AOW entitlement of an ageing population, and the fact that the AOW contribution amount is bound to a maximum by law. The deficit is being supplemented by the government from general expenditure, to which all tax payers contribute.
Another report published by Statistics Netherlands today shows that most countries' reserves for old age pensions are far lower than in the Netherlands. Many countries build up far lower reserves for the state pension and supplementary pension, if any. These countries face much higher current costs to pay existing pension benefits. Pension benefits are also much lower relative to salaries earned than in the Netherlands.


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Q: Definition of 2-factorable Graph Theory I would appreciate a simpler explanation of the following info
I am confused on what the definition of 2-factor is. It sounds like a perfect matching to me, but that's not what this paper is saying

A: Ordinarily... a $k$-factor is a $k$-regular spanning subgraph.  Thus

*

*A $1$-factor is a perfect matching.

*A $2$-factor will be a spanning subgraph which is a union of disjoint cycles.
This is the ordinary definition used in, say, Petersen's $2$-factor Theorem.
So here's an example of a graph with a $2$-factor highlighted as colored cycles:

A $k$-factorization is a decomposition into $k$-factors.  A graph is $k$-factorable if it admits a $k$-factorization.
The above graph isn't $2$-factorable because it has vertices of odd degree.

Judging from the (now deleted) definition, the author:

*

*includes isolated edges as $2$-cycles, and

*defines a graph as "$2$-factorable" if there exists a $2$-factor for which after contracting the cycles, we obtain another graph with a $2$-factor.
According to this definition, a $1$-factor (perfect matching) would also be a $2$-factor.  And the above graph would be $2$-factorable.
I've never seen this definition before.

A: A graph $G$ is 2-factorable if and only if $G$ is $2k-regular$ for some positive integer $k$.
A perfect matching is 1-factorable. If $M$ is a perfect matching in a graph $G$, then $G[M]$ is a 1-regular spanning subgraph of $G$.
If you want a simple way of determining if a graph is 2-factorable, it must be able to be factored into Hamiltonian cycles.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Ninth Circuit decided on October 15th that Arizona's Prop 100, which makes arrestees non-bondable if they commit a "serious offense," violates substantive due process. A panel of the Ninth Circuit decided last year by a 2-1 vote that it is OK – this time, the court en banc found it unconstitutional by a vote of 9-2.
In addition to the absolutely incredible work by the ACLU, AACJ filed an amicus brief (Kathy Brody, Mikel Steinfeld, Amy Kalman, and David Euchner) providing many of the details of how Prop 100 is implemented in our local courts. Although our brief is not cited in the opinion, I recognize many of the points made by Judge Fisher's opinion as coming from our brief.
You can read the Ninth Circuit's opinion here.


This event us currently on hiatus.
Each year I direct several retreats designed to bring like-minded people together to unplug from the everyday world, recharge, learn something new, meet each other, and to enjoy life deeply. On June 28-July 1, 2018 one of these events called the Summer Rhythm Renewal will commence on the pristine mountain campus of Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, just 1:15 east of Pittsburgh. In it's 17th year, the Renewal is a summer mainstay for many participants who return year after year to meet old friends and make new ones.
At the Summer Rhythm Renewal, you will experience a wide range of invigorating, inspiring and educational workshops as well as evening drum & dance jams, optional performance opportunities and a concert by my group Sun King Warriors.
Lastly, we eat well! Our dining services offer a wide range of buffet style food including fresh, locally grown vegetables at our salad bar and a dessert table that is unsurpassed. Lodging and meal plans are available on campus.
If you want to treat yourself to a much deserved recharge, then the Summer Rhythm Renewal is for you.
What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?
-a four-day experience that is equal parts revitalizing, connective and educational.
Similar to when you jump start a car battery that has run out of juice, the Summer Rhythm Renewal is designed to provide you with a much deserved "boost" for your mind, body and spirit.
On any given day at the Renewal, you'll have the opportunity to drum, dance, and learn something new with many friendly, like-minded people-even if you are an absolute beginner!
At the Summer Rhythm Renewal we encourage you to take impeccable care of yourself. Here you can take a relaxing walk among century old pine trees, connect and spend time with friends old and new, laugh more than you have in decades, eat well, or even just take a nap... whenever you want.
At the Renewal you can expect gifted, down-to-earth instructors, great food, simple & clean lodging, and a comfortable, accepting atmosphere where you can just be yourself.


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Dubai Carbon announced its first carbon credit transaction, with the sale of the resulting Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) from DEWA Chiller Station L Project through adopting the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to Farnek Total Facility Management. This initial sale paves the way for expansion of the green economy in Dubai, inviting further investment in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects in the Emirate. This inaugural sale of locally issued CERs contributes to the growth of green projects, and is a breakthrough in Dubai Carbon's efforts as a green economy enabler.
The sale which depends on locally produced CERs, enhances the development of Green Projects in Dubai, since it is considered as a major achievement in investin in CDM in the Emirate.
The sale will also aid the efforts of Carbon Dubai in reducing the greenhouse gas emission footprint, and augment Dubai's green economy ambition, as it reflects the growing demand for CERs in a diligent pursuit of sustainable development.
The project contributes to the isolation of 1,000 CERs (equal to 1,000 tonnes of CO2) achieving Farnek Total Facility Management's emission reduction targets, highlighting the organisation's commitment to social and environmental projects in Dubai.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority )DEWA( said: "DEWA is committed to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Dubai Clean Energy 2050 strategy, and Dubai 2021 plan, to make Dubai a smart environmentally clean sustainably healthy city, and for that, we support CDM projects".
"Our environmental strategy focuses on reducing carbon emissions based on the best integrated green practices at all levels of our operations to ensure protection of natural resources, and creating a sustainable carbon market is an important part of our vision, which is to build sustainable financing for green projects, and bring best practices into the market.
We are pleased that Farnek was able to offset their CO2 emissions through our Chiller Station L Project and wish them success for further adoption of clean and and renewable energy sources in the future, We are confident that Farnek will benefit from these units to reduce the effects of global warming on our planet for future generations." said HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is a key supporter of carbon reduction programs and is constantly recording new CDM projects with Dubai Carbon to reduce carbon emissions. The Chiller Station L Project , which is the source of the sale of recently sold CERs, also records high rates of reduction of 26,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, one of the few CDM projects in the Gulf region producing carbon credit units, where 95,197 carbon credit units have been issued so far.
"Farnek chose to invest in the local economy in line with their corporate culture and expertise, thus aligning themselves to the country vision and ambition." commented Eng. Waleed Salman, Chairman of Dubai Carbon. "We hope this will inspire other organisations in the Emirates to follow suit to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment," he added.
Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, commented: "Being a leader in providing innovative and bespoke solutions in the facility management sector, we are keen to invest in offsetting our emission footprint and reducing the impact of our businesses on the environment. We are proud to be the first to purchase CERs from the maiden project generating carbon credits in the GCC. It also gives us the opportunity to support the efforts of the Dubai Government in creating an environmentally responsible economy."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The Police Service and private security sector are increasingly working together to use the schemes to extend the 'police family' and keep communities safe.
PCPI has assessed more than 120 private sector companies seeking to run the schemes. The schemes aim to reduce low level crime and disorder whilst assisting police by easing demands on their time and resources to concentrate on their crime fighting priorities.
Below are some case studies showing the great work:
Paramount in the spotlight for managing traffic
Staff from Liverpool-based Paramount Stewarding and Security are using certain police powers to assist with traffic management at live music events at the Blackstone Warehouse in the heart of city'...
Plymouth Against Retail Crime
Plymouth's Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), which operates a security team whose staff have been accredited with certain police powers, has successfully renewed its National Standards A...
How Paramount Security helped to run Liverpool's Rock 'n' Roll weekend of Marathons
A weekend of multiple running races to a background of music around Liverpool's iconic landmarks during October was supported on the day and in the planning stages by locally-based Paramount Stewar...
How SWL assists police forces in 'reducing crime'
How CSAS can assist police forces in 'reducing crime and building safer communities'SWL Security's belief in its street warden services being the 'eyes and ears' of the local town centres its serve...
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Performance Results
With passenger numbers dramatically falling over the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rail Enforcement Officers and colleagues at rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have stepped up...
Four days when CSAS helped the police & Batman!
Filming for the next star-studded Batman movie on the streets of Liverpool gave private company Paramount Stewarding and Security the highest profile opportunity to use their police powers granted ...
CTM and NHS Nightingale Hospital
Coventry-based Cash and Traffic Management (CTM) deployed its CSAS accredited employees to control traffic at the launch of the NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol, which was opened via video link by ...
Eboracum and Street Rangers
Private security company Eboracum, which runs a team of Street Rangers on behalf of the York Business Improvement District (BID), was specifically asked by owners and managers of around 200 busines...
CSP and Paramount on reopening recycling centres
Commissioned by the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), The Combined Services Provider (CSP), a Watford-based traffic management, stewarding and security company, had just one week from initial en...
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)
Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has a 50-strong, in-house team of Rail Enforcement Officers who work alongside Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) every day to help keep the ...


You can try calling KeyBinding.updateKeyBindState.
That exception is unrelated, it just tells you you couldn't log in, since you normally don't use an account inside your development setup. I think there is a way to use your mojang account, but it's not really needed. If you have code depending on names you can just add -username NICK to your run configuration to test that stuff. Your crash should have another reason.
You do not need advanced Java knowledge to get into Minecraft modding, unless you're trying to do some really complicated stuff. If you already know a high-level programming language, transitioning to Java will be a breeze. I'd recommend learning the basic syntax, setup, and overall flow of Java. That's pretty much all you need to start. I would definitely recommend learning modding for 1.12.2 for now. Forge for 1.13 is an incomplete nightmare right now, and 1.12.2 is still pretty relevant, both here on the forums and in the modded playerspace as well. Learning in a well-explored version will be easier, and also make the eventual transition to 1.13 easier as well. You can do this by creating an EventHandler and then adjusting the drop event for the block/mob of your choice. That's just the general idea though, you'll need to learn a bit more first, and probably work your way up to that. I'm sure others here can help you out : ) .
Not for every player. But let's say 'Alice' changes her 'mana' to 'true' and 'Bob' is tracking her, so 'Bob' gets a package with the data 'true'. Since 'Bob's client is the one receiving the package 'Minecraft.getMinecraft().player' is 'Bob' and not 'Alice'. So 'Bob's client sets the 'mana' of 'Bob' to 'true' and not of 'Alice'. IIRC i got the player out of the MessageContext the last time i used this and not from the Minecraft instance.
SpecialTileEntityRenders. Clutters the main file. Some people like to keep their nice and neat main file clear of clutter, like myself. While I don't use my proxies for that (though I should definitely use my client proxy for client-side stuff), it has the same effect. It's not really as bad as you want to think it is, since most of the time, mods don't register stuff solely on the server-side. A common proxy setup really just saves space in your main file, for most people. And by the time an aspiring mod dev is making server only mods, they probably have a good idea of how to register it so it's not needed on the client.
I mean, I respect you, Cadiboo, but I've not had a situation where it was the things I've used that many would've considered bad practice breaking other mods, or my own. The most incompatible mod I've made would be Resizing Potion/ArtemisLib, and its issues are with mods that mess with hitboxes or eye height, just like those do. That's less bad practices, and more lack of easy compatibility (which is the whole reason ArtemisLib was made in the first place). As I stated, I've yet to be given an actual reason to not use IHasModel when registering item renders, despite how many people have said they don't recommend using it to others. There's blind acceptance on all sides.
You can't register items with the ore dictionary if they haven't been registered with the game yet. PreInit is too early.


I've been running a server with just me and a few friends for a month or so now and we've decided to open it up to others. small, friendly community. we'll accept anyone who wants to build with us, even if you don't plan on playing a lot. No banned items and very few plugins installed, however we have moderate restrictions which we rely on you to self-enforce in order to preserve the server. Reliable hosting, 99% uptime. hourly backups so griefing is useless. we do have a whitelist so if you answer these quick questions I'll add you and send you the IP.
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite?
How often do you plan on playing?
Thanks, hope to see some of you soon!
My friend and I would like to join your server.
Our usernames: 3Dalex and Bobtour.
How much experience we have in tekkit lite: An alright amount.
How often we plan on playing: Most days.
Anything else you should know: No.
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite? Nothing at all :3 Gotta start somewhere lol.
How often do you plan on playing? I dont know, Ill try as often as possible.
Anything else we should know? Not really much, I am 16, sociable... Im playing minecraft for the past 9 years. and that probably everything you should know about me... Oh yeah, and my main language is french.
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite? A little bit.
How often do you plan on playing? As much as possible.
Anything we else we should know? No.
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite? Lots. I play regularly and know about most of the modpacks.
How often do you plan on playing? Probably 2-4 times a week.
Anything else we should know? I want to record for a youtube series on this server with a friend, would that be alright?
Anything else we should know? I Know a lot of Coding and piping.
My MC username is Hemi42.
How much experience? A good bit, if I do say so myself.
How often? 2-3 times a week. (Possibly more often).
Quite a bit, haven't played it in a while but, I used to play it HEAPS a couple of years ago.
At least twice a week...?
A lot! I can basically build anything!
I'm very busy at times, so some days I may not play.
Also you probably should've banned the nuke in my opinion.
Not going to use the nuke, just saying that others might.
How much experience do you have in tekkit lite: I know almost everything about this modpack, and have made over 500 HV solars in total legitimately.
How often do you plan on playing? Well it's summertime, so basically whenever I would feel like it, which should be a lot of the time.
Anything else we should know? I used to be an admin of a former tekkit lite server, but we moved on to another modpack, so I wanted to revisit tekkit lite for some nostalgia, I also have some minor experience in mystcraft worlds, so I can always try to help make one, though I wouldn't be completely reliable.
My only real hope is that you have grief prevention so I can protect my stuff, I like doing survival more than fighting and messing with people.
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite? Not that much but enough.
How often do you plan on playing? Im on my computer all the time i can so probably alot.
Anything else we should know? not really, i just love playing and building with other people but i hate the big public servers.
How much experience - I know a lot about most of the mods. I've played it for over a year now.
Other info - I am friendly and helpful and don't grief.
Hello! I'd like to join your server!
How much experience do you have with tekkit lite? Almost no experience.
How often do you plan on playing? Kind of every day if I don't have to go on some trip.
Anything else we should know? I have Skype, Discord, Teamspeak3 and I'm 13 years old, I'm from Lithuania.


text:
BOOKS BEHIND BARS … The story of Roy Harper (2)
This is the second part of the extraordinary saga of a real life inmate of America's toughest correctional facilities, and his struggle to get his story into print. You can read Part One here. Henry Roi is the PR Manager for Crime Wave Press, and here he tells of just what it took to get Roy Harper's work from inside a jail cell onto bookshelves and e-readers.
The Tribulations Of An Author Convict
Tool's Law was written in a hostile environment, a Mississippi Supermax, where the strongest of minds deteriorated from incessant chaos, government oppression, and inhumane treatment condoned by local culture.
Roy Harper has been many things in his life. A thief, bank robber, car-jacker, kidnapper, an armed and dangerous fugitive. He doesn't brag about these things, though he is unapologetic as well. He accomplished his proudest endeavors as a convict, spending over a decade advocating prisoner rights and was instrumental in the civil suits that ultimately closed down Unit 32 Supermax, starting a ripple-effect that changed correctional philosophy around the country.
After 40 years of an intense criminal life, Roy can now add "Published Author" to his timeline. In 2004 Roy decided to write a book. A novel that would, hopefully, sell enough copies to pay for a pardon. Money was the original motivator for penning Tool's Law, though as the process developed, it became an outlet, an escape from a harsh reality. As the characters took on a life of their own the project became far more than just a way to make money; the project became a great source of PRIDE, a real self-motivator, and the first legit hard work Roy had ever embarked on without grinding his teeth in reluctance. Hard work – years of it – in a hard environment. How could he possibly look forward to that? Because every completed chapter elevated his sense of accomplishment.
Roy's workspace was adequate for writing. But the inadequacies far surmounted any conveniences: No computers, word processors or typewriters were available. Paper was hard to get, and because of the high-security, regular ink pens were banned. Every page, 1,162 in total, was handwritten multiple times to render a final clean draft with a "flex-pen", a plastic ink cartridge with a soft, flexible rubber shroud. These sub-par ink dispensers are immensely taxing on the hand.
Outside of his cell was an endless dissonance. Unit 32 was filled with the worst-behaved prisoners in the state. Mentally ill or terribly disruptive, the psychotic, violent and juvenile actions pervaded the buildings without interruption, exacerbated by policies and staff that offered no incentives for good behavior – no T.V., radio, fans, or even shoes. They acted like animals because they were treated as such.
For High Risk inmates like Roy, shakedowns were a weekly treat, as were movement to different cells. Officers routinely trashed property, out of spite or under orders, and did not care about the perceived value of a prisoner's property. Family photos, artwork, cherished letters from loved ones, legal work, poems, and manuscripts like Roy's were commonly trashed or taken during these movements and shakedowns.
It took several days to get mentally adjusted to a new cell, with new neighbors, noises, smells, critters, floods, fires, and fears of who must be watched to avoid being scalded, stabbed, or assaulted with excrement. After acclimating to a new cell, Roy would work on Tool's law during lulls in the chaos.
In 2006, the American Civil Liberties Union took interest in several lawsuits filed about inhumane treatment in Unit 32. Roy worked closely with the Associate Director of the ACLU National Prison Project, Miss Margaret Winter, who used a 5th Circuit ruling filed by Roy in previous years to supplement the class-action that eventually closed down Unit 32. A federal judge issued a court decree ordering the Mississippi Department Of Corrections to provide Long-Term Segregation inmates, including High-Risk, incentive programs that allowed well-behaved prisoners a chance to earn more privileges and freedom of movement.
In 2008, Deputy Commissioner E.L. Sparkman created the High-Risk Incentive Program. Roy was the poster-man Mr. Sparkman used to promote the program, "selling" it to other states and even the federal system. Mr. Sparkman's change of correctional philosophy – from take everything and lock 'em down to providing them incentives for good behavior – was a national success, and the Supermax facilities around the country began closing as other states took note.
Out of appreciation for Roy's help and good behavior during the development of the High-Risk Incentive Programs, Mr. Sparkman helped Roy with Tool's Law, appointing a deputy warden to have the manuscript scanned and burned onto DVDs.
No further progress was made on Tool's Law until 2012, when RAW T.V. producer Jenny Evans contacted Roy to interview him for a feature in National Geographic's Breakout! series. RAW T.V. wanted to do a documentary about Roy's May, 2000, escape from Unit 32 Supermax. Miss Evans could not pay Roy for the story (that is illegal), but offered to help with Tool's Law. She had the brilliant idea of recruiting Facebook friends to help type it, and over the next six months the entire manuscript was typed by more than a dozen awesome, caring people Roy had never met and would never know.
Three more years went by before any more progress was made. The handwritten pages were typed, but they needed to be edited, proofread, and submitted to publishers. The Incentive Program had more privileges, but Internet access was off-limits. And Roy had no help on the outside…but he had help on the inside.
Roy's friend and fellow outlaw, Chris, is a self-published author who had access to the Internet via a Galaxy Android smartphone (which, after possessing for several years, was confiscated from Chris after a gangbanger snitched on him). Chris had no experience with writing apps, but learned quickly, working closely with Roy to edit and proof – read Tool's Law. Roy drew his own cover art, which Chris took pictures of and used his image editing apps to create the book covers. Together they published Tool's Law in a four-book series on Lulu.com, a self-publishing service.
A couple of months later, Roy and Chris had sold only a few books. After constant research about creating online platforms, they learned how limited they were, lacking money for data, and the online time needed to successfully grow an Internet presence as authors. They changed tactics, using what they could do very effectively: submitting queries.
After studying numerous examples of queries in books about writing, they started a query campaign that lasted over a month, submitting to publishing houses, big and small, around the world. During this period there was a constant fear of the phone being discovered. They were, after all, escape risks housed in maximum security and the Incentive Program did not lessen the frequency of shakedowns. The manuscripts, queries, sample chapters – every file created for submitting to publishers and agents – was at stake.
Success! When Roy read the first email from Crime Wave Press the relief on his face and in his body language was profound. All the years of hard work and stress to get Tool's Law to this point was vindicated. It wasn't all for nothing, as he had feared often. Crime Wave Press was highly interested, having read and loved the first two books. Roy knew they'd like books three and four as well. He was right.
The contract was drafted, negotiated, and signed. The final product, a leaner and meaner version of Tool's Law, edited by Tom Vater, will be released in two volumes this Spring/Summer, 2016, as Tool's Law Book I: SHANK and Tool's Law Book II: HEIST.
Roy is currently working on another novel, inspired and enjoying the feeling of having a real purpose in life: entertaining people with his unique crime fiction stories.
No-one who has ever tried to write a novel – and get it published – will claim the process is easy, or without heartbreak or moments of despair, but Roy Harper's struggle is something else altogether. In the final part of this stranger-than-fiction story there will be more from Harper himself, and also a transcript of his interview with Henry Roi (pictured below)
Shank is available on Amazon
crimewave press, Henry Roi, Parchman Farm, Roy Harper, Tool's Law


Nomi is summoned using Sino da Escola de Culinária, which is purchased with 100x . You must also complete Para ser um Mestre as well, hence the quest text: "There will come a day when you have mastered all that we have to teach you. When that day comes, it will be time for you to teach others in turn."
As for the source or reference for her name? NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM!
The reference could also be a reference to the winner of the worlds best restaurant 3 years in a row, Noma.
Nomi is summoned using Sino da Escola de Culinária, which is purchased for 50 Ironpaw Tokens from Nam Ironpaw at the Halfhill Market. His apprenticeship level works similar to the friendship levels of the Tiller members and Nat Pagle. It would appear that each level has a different daily quest associated with it.
Once he is a master chef (Best Friend) himself his daily will most likely become Em Sinal de Agradecimento. This will give you an additional Ironpaw Tokens each day.
It should be noted that since the only way to increase his level is the daily it will take 42 days (without any reputation modifiers) for him to reach max skill. If this is the case it will be roughly 3 months till you break even on your initial 50 Ironpaw Tokens investment.
Since I just started this process yesterday I am still working on Lesson One. I will edit/update this when I reach lesson two and so on. Hope this helps, and keep the campfires burning fellow chefs.
It doesn't seem to be working for me. I get no rep and have done the first lesson for 4 days now.
I love having this little guy follow me around. Easy daily.
Nomi is a young male pandaren, he is summoned by using Sino da Escola de Culinária - this item costs 50 Ironpaw Tokens. He will offer you a daily quest once a day (unless you gain a friendship level with him, then he will be offering you a new daily quest the same day).
1.000 reputation a day: 42.000/1.000 = 42 days - BUT, four times through these quests, we will get two daily quests, because of the new gained friendship level = 4.000 reputation. This removes four days, so it will take 38 days to get exalted, without any reputation enhancements.
1.100 reputation a day: 42.000/1.100 = 38,12 ~ 39 days - BUT, four times through these quests, we will get two daily quests, because of the new gained friendship level = 4.400 reputation. This removes four days, so it will take 35 days to get exalted, with either human or guild-perk reputation enhancement.
1.200 reputation a day: 42.000/1.200 = 35 days - BUT, four times through these quests, we will get two daily quests, because of the new gained friendship level = 4.800 reputation. This removes four days, so it will take 31 days to get exalted, with either human and guild-perk reputation enhancements.
When you finally reach exalted, after all these days, you will get rewarding accordingly.
Besides this reward, you will also recieve an Avental.
After you have completed this quest, he will begin to give you another daily quest, which is much more rewarding than all the other daily quest rewards so far: Em Sinal de Agradecimento - which does not require you to give him anything, you only have to recieve his gift - Coisas do Nomi and an Ironpaw Token.
Coisas do Nomi can contain various cooked food.
In addition to learning to cook, he's also growing a beard and is not shy about telling you.
Day 35: day 35 is the last day, you don't have to continue leveling the entire rank 6.
Sadly gifts which you can gather from dark soils, won't accepted by Nomi!
ALL credit goes to Choonster, Dwarf mage of Corvus Canis on Frostmourne, who was nice enough to answer my request in the blizzard forums. Thanks again dude!
In addition to getting the rewards listed above, it does count as a daily quest. As such, you can still get the guild experience for completing it. Great little boost when leveling your guild!
My Question on this if anyone could answer before I get the ironpaw tokens saved for this, is if you have the Grand Commendation for the tillers does it affect the rep you gain from individuals? If so that might give a decrease on time to completion, but I'm not sure if it works.
Does this rep count as a faction rep towards Nações Unidas?
He remains visible when flying, the boy can run!
For those achievement hunters out there still trying to do this post-Mists, there is no longer a guild reputation bonus perk. As such, all reputation gains in this guide (unless you're a human character), should be reduced to the "no rep bonus".
I'm leveling this reputation on an alt during WoD and I wanted to know how many of each item to stock up on so I wouldn't have to head back to Pandaria in order to complete the Nomi reputation grind. I didn't see a comment on this so I thought I would post my math to help out the next achievement hunter.
Since the guild reputation bonus perk was removed Nomi's quests give 1k experience each. This means you will need to complete 42 quests to get the 42,000 total reputation. (unless you're a human) However, since each reputation level requires 8,400 reputation you don't need to do each quest the same number of times.
The 20% reputation bonus you get for having a level 3 trading post does work with this faction. However, you do need to be in Draenor, so don't forget that you have the bonus and accidentally complete the daily elsewhere.
2 expansions later and he still (mostly) doesn't know how to cook.
Perhaps I can use timewalking to go back and leave Nomi some "Azeroth Cooking 4 Dummies" books.
Not actually a faction but a quest-progress-thingy, actually not even a "friend" faction either, never appears in your reputations interface.
5.0 Culinária - Esta é uma facção escondida usada para passar de nível com Nomi.


Anyone affected by sight loss was invited to try out a variety of sports and activities in Maidenhead last Saturday (April 6).
The Berkshire Vision Activity Day was the first organised by Berkshire Vision and was held at SportsAble in Braywick Road.
Based in Reading the charity has been supporting blind and partially sighted children and adults for over 100 years through home visits, social clubs, sports and activities.
More than 50 Members and their families attended the activity day and tried out a wide variety of sports and activities.
It 'was very much about improving physical health, self-esteem, social interaction and general well-being'.
Sports and activities included kurling, ballroom dancing, yoga, Tai Chi, tandem cycling, acoustic shooting, archery, athletics, football, netball, goalball plus arts and craft.
Berkshire Vision CEO, Louise Lucio-Palk was volunteering on the day as a guide for people taking part in the activities.
She said: "Sport can be incredibly empowering, it's also fun and a great way to meet new friends, helping with both mental and physical health - the benefits aren't just exercise related they extend do achieving, either individually or as part of team.
"Our inaugural Activity Day which we hope will become an annual event, not only introduced new sports and activities to people with sight loss, people came along, made new friends, shared experiences and left having achieved at and trying something new.
If you're blind or partially sighted or have a friend or family member affected by sight loss and would to find out more about Berkshire Vision email info@berkshire vsion.org.uk or call 0118 987 2803.


text:
About Street-Fashion.net
Blog other news
Being concious about what you buy and from who:
High-street fashion is notoriously lacking in ethics and morals. Most of us are aware of this, but few are active in boycotting the worst offenders or campaigning to prevent worker exploitation. You might feel a twinge of guilt when you're rifling through the bargain rails of Primark, ASDA and H&M, but, at these prices, who cares?
Well, campaigning groups such as War on Want and Labour Behind the Label (LBL) certainly do and both have released revealing reports indicating the shocking state of working conditions in clothing manufacturing.
The high street is to blame for the phenomena of disposable clothing. Now that ranges are changed every few months, cheap and cheerful copies of the hottest catwalk trends are produced quickly, worn a couple of times and then substituted for an equally inexpensive replacement. But by what means are suppliers able to speed production to this rate, whilst maintaining low costs? It doesn't take a genius to realise the conditions in these production factories are not quite as cheerful as the clothing that they manufacture.
According to a report issued by charity War on Want in December 2006, workers in Bangladesh regularly work 80 hours a week for a mere 5p an hour. The investigation, 'Fashion Victims', examined the working conditions in six Bangladeshi factories in the capital Dhaka which employ over 5000 workers – mostly women – and produce clothing for British companies Primark, Tesco and ASDA. Although all are members of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), an alliance of companies which promotes ethical consumerism and states that "living wages [must be] paid", research discovered that starting wages were around £8 a month in Bangladesh, around a third of the £22 a month required. Workers are also prevented from exercising another part of the ETI Base Code which promotes "freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining". LBL discovered that, in another of ASDA's Bangladesh factories, "if anyone tries to organise workers and form a union, he or she would be handed over to the police". In 2004, 22 workers at a factory who demanded their legal overtime pay were allegedly beaten, fired and imprisoned on false charges.
You may think this is not representative of all high-street chains. However, the credentials of the decidedly more upmarket retailers such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Miss Selfridge (all of which are part of the Arcadia Group) are not in anyway more reassuring. LBL's report 'Let's Clean Up Fashion' criticised the Arcadia Group for its complacency with regard to changes to prevent worker exploitation. The biggest high-street retailer not to have joined the ETI, it recently forced suppliers to cut prices by 1%, a move which will reduce wages and their workers' standards of living even further. Like supermarket slave-drivers ASDA and Tesco, they merely apply their supplying country's legal minimum wage, a worrying fact seeing as multinational companies can pressurise governments to lower national wages in return for the company's continual use of their factories and the subsequent money that this feeds back into the country.
On the surface, university students look like they want to take a stand on ethical fashion. Here at York, for example, fair trade fashion has followed ethical investment and boycotting Coca-Cola onto the activists' agenda: recently YUSU passed a Sweatshops and Ethical Merchandise motion, demanding University clothing be bought from fair trade companies. The York Union Code also encourages YUSU to "purchase fair trade products where possible".
The trouble, it seems, is that students are notorious for hunting out a bargain, whether it's a 15p can of Tesco Value Beans or a £3 H&M T-shirt. As Lucy Ford, a first-year campus fashionista puts it: "I want to be ethical in my clothing choices, but on a student budget, this just isn't possible. If fair trade clothing was less expensive, then I'd certainly choose that over anything else, but it isn't, and frankly I can't afford it."
Many other students seem to feel the same way, declaring that 'ethical' clothing, such as fair trade brands or vintage items, are too expensive for their decidedly small budgets. Some of those I questioned also felt that the plight of the exploited workers seemed almost too disconnected from our standards of living to be important to them. This might help explain why a survey by TNS Worldpanel Fashion showed that only 42% of under-25s take any notice of ethical issues when it comes to what they wear.
In light of this, are there really any viable options to the ethical debate for the individual? Like the organic and fair trade food explosion gripping our supermarkets, there is more emphasis now on extending this into fashion, with numerous new fair trade companies emerging with an eye on ethics, not profits. Although they've moved a long way from the downright dodgy charity catalogue animal jumpers made from 100% organic products (and guaranteed to make you look 100% like an idiot), I'm not convinced that this is yet the answer. In theory, fair trade fashion is the obvious winner; organically and ethically produced clothing guaranteed to ensure fairer conditions for factory workers. In practice, many consumers are unwilling to pay the expensive prices demanded by these brands. Internet companies such as People Tree, Enamore Ltd, and Bourgeois Boheme offer collections of beautifully finished organic and fair trade clothes, but with basic cotton day-dresses retailing above £100, to the student population, their appeal begins to diminish.
There are a few alternatives which perhaps are more realistic. Although we might quite like the fact that clothing has never before been so cheap, it is necessary for consumers to recognise that these rock-bottom prices are unsustainable and based on exploitation and maltreatment of workers, even if they are thousands of miles away. By adapting our shopping to exclude the most unethical companies whilst opting for retailers who have proven themselves to be seriously connecting with the ethical debate and instigating concrete changes, we can force companies to reconsider their suppliers and begin to improve conditions for their workers. Although enforcing these changes will eventually result in price increases for us, the consumers, surely a couple of pounds extra on this side of the globe are worth proper living conditions on the other?
Some people view campaigns and boycotting companies as futile and having intangible results, yet the media furore regarding GAP's ethical practice during the past few years has been proven to have instigated positive change. In LBL's survey, GAP was discovered to be the most ethically minded of all the retailers researched, described as having taken "significant steps… to resolve the systematic abuses of workers' rights". Therefore, as a consumer, prove that you won't accept exploitation of workers' rights; buy from companies such as Gap, Next and Marks and Spencer who are proven to be making improvements to their ethical practice, whilst avoiding the most unethical companies, such as ASDA and the Arcadia Group, all of whom are concerned with money, not morality. I'd rather pay that little bit extra for a clearer conscience and the knowledge that efforts are being made towards fair trade.
By Katya
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We just gave our first interview about the book as guest on The Quick'n'Dirty podcast.
It was a blast to do an we hope to do a lot more of them in the coming weeks as we ramp up to and then release the book.
Listen to it online or download the MP3 so that you can take it with you. Either way we hope you enjoy hearing a bit about how the book came to be and the proper way to say the title.


The great Kiwi road trip is a popular way to travel New Zealand, for visitors and locals alike.
Self-drive holidays give your clients the freedom to stop frequently and discover New Zealand's beautiful (and ever-changing) landscapes at their own pace.
New Zealand's themed highways travel through some of these diverse landscapes.
Your clients can follow coastal highways with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean; travel the road that leads to volcanoes, ancient caves and bubbling mud pools; or taste their way through signature New Zealand wine regions. The routes are marked with distinctive brown signs making them easy to follow.
Read on for a taste of New Zealand's well-known touring routes, from north to south.
Tour both coastlines of New Zealand's warmest region and discover picturesque beaches and marine adventures of every description.
Explore some of the many cycle trails and walking tracks and visit locations of local and cultural significance including Tane Mahuta - the famous Kauri Tree, 90 Mile Beach and Waitangi - the 'Birthplace of our Nation'.
Experience every kind of seaside scenery on this epic coastal journey, from Auckland to Napier, otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway.
The trip takes you off the beaten track to some of the North Island's most beautiful and remote coastal areas.
The Thermal Explorer Highway covers much of the upper North Island, stretching from the northern city of Auckland, through the central plateau and Taupo, to Napier on the sunny east coast.
This highway takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, along a path well known for its geological wonders – from huge limestone caves, to bubbling geothermal areas and volcanic plateaus.
The Forgotten World Highway, New Zealand's first heritage trail, is a combination of absorbing New Zealand history and scenery. Winding and climbing from the Taranaki district to the Ruapehu region (or vice-versa), the route takes in spectacular mountain and bush scenery, as well as a collection of tiny settlements and points of historic interest.
Surf Highway 45 hugs the Taranaki coastline, the unique shape of which offers 180 degrees worth of surf swells. This makes the route one of New Zealand's best surfing and windsurfing locations.
The entire route is just over 100km long, meaning you can tackle it in a day, or take a few days to really enjoy this fascinating region.
Three major wine producing regions, a capital city, rural towns and coastal waterways combine to create the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
This coast-to-coast route traverses the Southern Alps – an incredible showcase of pristine mountains and rivers. Take your car or sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery by train.
The Alpine Pacific Triangle combines some of New Zealand's premier tourist attractions, all within two hours' drive of each other. Beginning in the Waipara Wine Region, the Alpine Pacific Triangle heads along the coast to the eco-tourism destination of Kaikoura, or inland to New Zealand's leading thermal resort – Hanmer Springs.
Journey into the captivating lower South Island to uncover an unforgettable mix of rare wildlife, remote rugged lands, and delicious seafood.
The Southern Scenic Route will take you off the beaten path to discover stunning deserted coastlines, majestic fiords and welcoming locals.
To ensure your clients are well rested after their flight, we recommend they stay a night or two in their arrival city before collecting a rental vehicle.
As a travel seller you can educate yourself on the unique differences of driving in New Zealand by completing the online module, 'Driving Safely in New Zealand'.


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text:
State Leadership
Anne Frank Memorial Fundraiser
Idaho has been thrust into the spotlight with the despicable event that took place on Tuesday evening. We, The Real 3%ers of Idaho, are disgusted by the display of Swastikas that was plastered on the Anne Frank Memorial in Boise. We, as an organization denounce all forms of racial and religious supremacy. Eric Parker, acting as the president of the Real 3%ers Idaho, made a short video challenging our members to raise money. The money will be donated to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights to go toward the upkeep of the Anne Frank Memorial.
The Anne Frank Memorial is a reminder and an important educational tool. The statue and display remind us what the worst of us are capable of, but also the perseverance in the best of us. Bill Wassmuth stood against bigotry and hatred in a country founded on love and support for one another, no matter the race, religion, or creed. We are inspired by his willingness to stand up against supremacy, and reminded daily of the struggle that we have endured as a species.
Eric Parker, along with leadership and the members of our organization, have pledged to raise $500 to be directly contributed to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. This will be gathered from our members and anyone that wishes to contribute to the cause. We challenge those who have been critical of our organization to contribute as well. We must also pledge to remain vigilant in our communities. This behavior is unacceptable. We, as an organization, support the First Amendment unequivocally, but will not support actions that seek to intimidate or terrorize our neighbors. As Idahoans, we should all make that commitment.
Idaho State Leadership team
paypal.me/idahothreepercent
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FqUh5I2j6RHCXdQuZsVaA
http://idahothreepercent.org
https://t.me/joinchat/AAAAAFfQ2rsX23I7aSgsag
Info@idahothreepercent.org


text:
What State Has the Most Miles ...
Home Geography Bodies of Water
What State Has the Most Miles of Rivers?
Nebraska has more miles of rivers than any other state in the nation. Four major rivers exist in Nebraska, in addition to smaller ones. The Platte, the Niobrara, the Missouri and the Republican all drain many square miles of land.
The Platte River, which starts at the city of North Platte, is formed from the North Platte River and the South Platte River and eventually empties into the Missouri River. The Platte flows through the center of the state from west to east. The Niobrara River also crosses the state from west to east, but it goes through the northern part of the state and flows into the Missouri River. The Republican River crosses the southern portion of the state.
What States Does the Missouri River Run Through?
What Are the Major Rivers of Argentina?
How Are Lakes Formed?
Where Does the River Danube Start?
states with most river miles


Lithuania is a land of less than 3 million people. Small? Not to a facilitator!
The fathers of IAF LITHUANIA have more than 15 years of experience in facilitation in various business as well as public organizations, NGOs. This is more than enough to realize that with the right mindset, tools and techniques, even one person can move a mountain.
As an organization we are taking our first steps since the establishment in 2016. And our main work is directed toward introducing the right understanding of facilitation as well as the opportunities it brings in different setting and various situations. We hold our own conferences, speak at various events and public discussions, spreading facilitation as a method to grow, develop, engage and empower those around you.
At this stage we are looking for and welcoming those who are interested in using facilitation within their organizations.
If you you wish to join IAF LITHUANIA you can register on this website or contact Goda Petraviciene with any ideas or questions.


From [HERE] The family of a Los Angeles man who died in the custody of the sheriff's department is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the county.
Leon Nyarecha held back tears as he remembered his brother who died at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown L.A.
"I loved Lewis dearly, and the day he died was the worst day of my life," Leon Nyarecha said.
The family and their attorneys say Lewis Nyarecha was supposed to receive a prescribed medication for schizophrenia. They claim someone at the jail increased the dosage by 300 percent, and the amount in his body was enough to kill him on June 6, 2018.
"We do know that several hours went by without having any contact with him, and when they finally had contact with him again, he had a lethal dose of prescription medication in his body," said attorney Jovan Blacknell.
Nyarecha had been arrested for trespassing and had spent three months in jail. The family said he couldn't get bail. The attorneys say that on the day he died, the proper protocols weren't followed. They say no one checked on Nyarecha for hours, even after he missed several meals. They claim there are supposed to be checks every 30 minutes.
"We're talking 10 hours, that means 20 checks that went by, so missing dinner, missing breakfast. That's a lot of checks that they missed out on," said attorney Jaaye Person-Lynn.
"The height of insensitivity when the deputies went to check on him and take him off the top bunk, they just dropped him on his head," said attorney Anthony Willoughby.
The case report confirms he hit his head on a table and that he died of that prescription drug.
The family says there were mistakes made and those mistakes cost Lewis Nyarecha his life.
The legal claim says the family is willing to settle for $15 million for wrongful death and emotional distress.


text:
This book can be found in:
Science, Technology & Medicine > Mathematics & science > Biology / life sciences > Evolution
Science, Technology & Medicine > Mathematics & science > Biology / life sciences > Human biology
The Descent of Man - Wordsworth Classics of World Literature (Paperback)
Charles Darwin (author), Tom Griffith (series editor), Janet Browne (author of introduction)
Paperback 464 Pages / Published: 08/07/2013
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In The Descent of Man Darwin addresses many of the issues raised by his notorious Origin of Species: finding in the traits and instincts of animals the origins of the mental abilities of humans, of language, of our social structures and our moral capacities, he attempts to show that there is no clear dividing line between animals and humans. Most importantly, he accounts for what Victorians called the 'races' of mankind by means of what he calls sexual selection. This book presents a full explanation of Darwin's ideas about sexual selection, including his belief that many important characteristics of human beings and animals have emerged in response to competition for mates. This was a controversial work. Yet Darwin tried hard to avoid being branded as a radical revolutionary. He is steeped in Victorian sensibilities regarding gender and cultural differences: he sees human civilization as a move from barbarous savagery to modern gentlefolk, and women as more emotional and less intellectual than men, thus providing a biological basis for the social assumptions and prejudices of the day. The Descent of Man played a major role in the emergence of social Darwinism. This complete version of the first edition gives the modern reader an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with Darwin's proposals, launched in the midst of continuing controversy over On the Origin of Species. Janet Browne is the author of the prize-winning biography, Charles Darwin: Voyaging and Charles Darwin: The Power of Place.
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd
Edition: UK ed.
The Diversity of Life
On Natural Selection
The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction
Biocentrism
Robert Lanza
Dr. Simon Singh
The Greatest Show on Earth
The Story of the Human Body
Daniel Lieberman
Robin Dunbar
Arrival of the Fittest
River Out of Eden
The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle
The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being
Dr. Alice Roberts
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Description Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is a colorless compound with the chemical formula C12H17N4OS. It is soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Thiamine decomposes if heated. Thiamine was first discovered by Umetaro Suzuki in Japan when researching how rice bran cured patients of Beriberi. Thiamine plays a key role in intracellular glucose metabolism and it is thought that thiamine inhibits the effect of glucose and insulin on arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation. Thiamine plays an important role in helping the body convert carbohydrates and fat into energy. It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems. Thiamine cannot be stored in the body; however, once absorbed, the vitamin is concentrated in muscle tissue.
Indication For the treatment of thiamine and niacin deficiency states, Korsakov's alcoholic psychosis, Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome, delirium, and peripheral neuritis.
Pharmacology Thiamine is a vitamin with antioxidant, erythropoietic, cognition-and mood-modulatory, antiatherosclerotic, putative ergogenic, and detoxification activities. Thiamine has been found to protect against lead-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver and kidney. Thiamine deficiency results in selective neuronal death in animal models. The neuronal death is associated with increased free radical production, suggesting that oxidative stress may play an important early role in brain damage associated with thiamine deficiency. Thiamine plays a key role in intracellular glucose metabolism and it is thought that thiamine inhibits the effect of glucose and insulin on arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation. Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation may also promote atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells in culture have been found to have a decreased proliferative rate and delayed migration in response to hyperglycemic conditions. Thiamine has been shown to inhibit this effect of glucose on endothelial cells.
Toxicity Thiamine toxicity is uncommon; as excesses are readily excreted, although long-term supplementation of amounts larger than 3 gram have been known to cause toxicity. Oral mouse LD50 = 8224 mg/kg, oral rat LD50 = 3710 mg/kg.


text:
The New Paper
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Taking a knee has become a PR stunt, says QPR's Les Ferdinand
EPL players taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement has become a common sight.PHOTO: EPA
Former England striker Les Ferdinand believes "taking a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter cause has become nothing short of a PR stunt and that the real message is being diluted.
Ferdinand, who is black, is now director of football at Queens Park Rangers, who were criticised for their decision not to take a knee before their Championship match last Friday. Their opponents Coventry City followed suit.
The London club issued a statement on Monday (Sept 21), saying that it in no way suggested a lack of support for the campaign.
Ferdinand, who made his name as a prolific striker at QPR and enjoyed successful spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, said the criticism of a club he calls one of the most diverse in England was unwarranted.
"This should not be about QPR. Many clubs did not take the knee on the opening weekend, yet this was not reported," Ferdinand, 53, said in a club statement.
"Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted."
Fifa chief says World Cup could prevent migrant "death in the sea"
Sevilla confirm Martial loan from Manchester United
Football: Real Madrid quartet test positive for Covid-19
Game-changers: How to boost your diet for peak athletic performance
The Black Lives Matter cause was taken up by English Premier League clubs on the resumption of last season following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
EPL clubs wore the Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts but that has now been replaced by "No Room for Racism".
Whether to continue taking a knee before games has divided opinion across sport and Ferdinand believes the gesture, first performed by NFL player Colin Kaepernick in 2016, is in danger of becoming an empty one.
"No one is more passionate than me about this topic. I have spoken on the matter throughout my footballing life," he said.
"Recently, I took the decision not to do any more interviews on racism in football because the debate was going around in circles. People want a nice soundbite when something happens, but how many of the media who have criticised QPR over the past 48 hours genuinely want change?
"The taking of the knee has reached a point of 'good PR' but little more than that. The message has been lost. It is now not dissimilar to a fancy hashtag or a nice pin badge.
"What are our plans with this? Will people be happy for players to take the knee for the next 10 years but see no actual progress made?
"Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game – actions will."
EPL players have continued to take the knee before games since the start of the new season.
Reacting to Ferdinand's comments, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it encouraged players to protest in whatever way they felt comfortable.
"I agree that we need to focus on action that creates real change. We should be talking about solutions not symbols," said Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari. – REUTERS
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In creation, Ni Youyu concerned neither macro social theme, nor current ever - changing trend, but only fixed his eyes on the details of the initiative of art. Just like the scholars and painters in late Ming Dynasty, Ni's creation focused on daily concern, exploration of artistic language and speculation on the history of fine art. No matter his paintings or his installations, are all started from explorations on the original nature of materials and the ontology of artistic language, as well as the nature of things which are ordinary and can be easily neglected.
Ni Youyu, born in 1984. Graduated with BFA from Fine Art College of Shanghai University in 2007. Now lives and woks in Shanghai.


text:
These are the Arizona districts and charters with the best — and worst — teacher pay
Ricardo Cano
The highest-paying Arizona school district will be paying its teachers an average of nearly $71,000 in the 2018-19 school year, while teachers in some schools will be making just over an average of $30,000.
That wide range of average teacher salaries is reflected in financial data district and charter schools have reported to the Arizona Department of Education.
The state budget the Legislature approved and Gov. Doug Ducey signed included $306 million intended for teacher pay as part of the governor's promise to boost teachers' salaries by 20 percent in three years.
Practically every district and charter school gave its teachers raises, but those bumps varied widely.
Districts reported giving average teacher-salary increases between $1,049 and $9,162. Charters' average increases varied between $1,011 and $7,694.
Similarly, the state's financial data show that 15 of the top 20 school systems for average teacher salary are school districts, while all but one of the 20 lowest-paying Arizona school systems were charter holders.
Eight school districts and two charter holders were among the top 10 in the state to give the largest average teacher pay raise increases this year.
OPINION:What you've been told about low teacher pay is right ... and wrong
Arizona public schools, for the first time, are required to report to the Arizona Department of Education the increase in average teacher salaries from last school year.
Below are the Arizona district and charter schools with the highest and lowest teacher pay.
Some disclaimers: Not all schools have submitted budgets to the Arizona Department of Education. The department has not yet audited the data the schools submitted.
And the data indicate that some schools incorrectly reported their teacher salary information to the state.
The Republic did not include schools that appeared to include errors in their financial reporting. These lists also do not include schools that listed average salaries below $30,000.
Highest-paying Arizona school districts
1. Chinle Unified School District: $70,720 average 2018-19 teacher salary
2. Baboquivari Unified School District: $66,505
3. Alpine Elementary School District: $65,369
4. Phoenix Union High School District: $64,218
5. Tempe Union High School District: $61,266
Lowest-paying Arizona school districts
1. St. David Unified School District: $36,404 average 2018-19 teacher salary
2. Douglas Unified School District: $37,413
3. Red Rock Elementary School District: $37,602
4. Duncan Unified School District: $37,660
5. Crown King Elementary School District: $38,000
Highest-paying Arizona charter schools
1. Heritage Academy, Inc.: $60,598 average 2018-19 teacher salary
2. Maricopa County Community College District dba Gateway Early College High School: $58,204
3. International Commerce Secondary Schools Inc.: $58,127
4. Heritage Academy Queen Creek Inc.: $57,693
5. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community Schools: $57,547
Lowest-paying Arizona charter schools
1. Pillar Charter School: $30,287 average 2018-19 teacher salary
2. Patagonia Montessori Elementary School: $31,650
3. Painted Pony Ranch Charter School: $32,100
4. Discovery Plus Academy: $32,275
5. Mexicayotl Academy Inc.: $32,364
Largest average pay-raise increases
1. Chinle Unified School District: $9,162 increase in average salary (15 percent increase)
2. Casa Grande Union High School District: $9,131 (18 percent)
3. Sahuarita Unified School District: $8,801 (19 percent)
4. Agua Fria Union High School District: $8,085 (16 percent)
5. Destiny School Inc.: $7,694 (21.9 percent)
6. Tempe Union High School District: $7,549 (14 percent)
7. Wellton Elementary School District: $7,407 (19 percent)
8. Antelope Union High School District: $7,296 (18 percent)
9. Heber-Overgaard Unified School District: $7,090 (17 percent)
10. Young Scholars Academy Charter School Corp.: $6,978 (14.4 percent)
Ducey: Arizona's #RedForEd school walkout 'was never about teacher pay'
Allhands: Arizona teacher pay could reach $63,000 by 2020 - if you're an optimist
Voters could have say on education funding, teacher pay