Story Highlights This was disclosed by Director of Communications and Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan, during a press conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday (November 14). The Government’s roll-out of a robust national public education campaign on the National Identification System (NIDS) will continue with a series of town hall meetings islandwide.The first is scheduled for Emancipation Park in New Kingston on Thursday, November 23), starting at 6:00 p.m.This was disclosed by Director of Communications and Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan, during a press conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday (November 14).He informed that the NIDS team and other stakeholders will be available to answer all queries from the public about the system.The NIDS, which is scheduled for implementation in 2019, will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to enable the capture and storage of identity information for all Jamaicans.Under the system, each citizen will be provided with a randomised nine-digit National Identification Number (NIN), which they will have for life.Mr. Morgan informed that the public education campaign began on Monday (November 13) with advertisements across various media platforms.“You will note that there are ads on television, in the newspapers, on radio and social media educating people about what the NIDS means,” he said.The Communications Director further noted that the NIDS team and other related personnel will make themselves available to “all media houses, interest groups, and stakeholder groups to answer whatever questions they wish to ask”.“There will also be a framework created to update the nation consistently on the steps that are being taken in the implementation of the programme,” he added.For more information, persons can visit the website: www.nidsfacts.com; follow @NIDSfacts on Twitter and Instagram, NIDS Facts on Facebook; or call: 927-9941-3.Implementation of NIDS is supported by the National Identification and Registration Bill, which was passed in the Senate on Monday (November 13) with 168 amendments, and was returned to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 14) for approval.With anticipated funding of US$68 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Government intends to put the NIDS infrastructure and systems in place over the next 12 months, beginning with a pilot project.This is expected to be followed by the national roll-out in September 2019, over a three- to four-year period.The layered roll-out and management of the NIDS will be handled by a new agency, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which will replace the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) and provide more enhanced services. The first is scheduled for Emancipation Park in New Kingston on Thursday, November 23), starting at 6:00 p.m. The Government’s roll-out of a robust national public education campaign on the National Identification System (NIDS) will continue with a series of town hall meetings islandwide.
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BMT Group at Pacific 2013
Print Close BMT, November 26, 2013 此页面无法正确加载 Google 地图。您是否拥有此网站？确定 My location zoom On the back of the International Fleet Review, celebrating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy, Sydney was abuzz for this year’s Pacific International Maritime Exposition, which saw its biggest attendance ever.The BMT Group collaboration of BMT Design & Technology, BMT Defence Services, BMT JFA Consultants and BMT WBM enabled BMT to put together a custom stand design to showcase our capabilities. Several product models were at hand and provided a talking point for those visiting the stand, and combined with the capability flyers, the interest generated was excellent.The meeting room at the stand was well utilised, facilitating a number of discussions with current and potential clients and a social event on the middle day of the exhibition provided for invaluable networking amongst various industry representatives.BMT Group’s presence at Pacific 2013 was deemed a resounding success by all those involved and with the next Pacific Exhibition being planned for 2016, the foundations have been laid to enable BMT to continue to grow within the Australasian market.
Maersk Testing Out AIPowered Situational Awareness Tools
zoomImage Courtesy: Sea Machines Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has teamed up with Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics to trial the tech hub’s perception and situational awareness technology aboard one of its newbuild Winter Palace ice-class containerships.The installation marks the first-time utilization of computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and perception software aboard a container vessel to augment and upgrade transit operations.The solution chosen by Maersk uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve at-sea situational awareness, object identification and tracking capabilities, Sea Machines Robotics said.As explained, the system uses advanced sensors to collect a continuous stream of information from a vessel’s environmental surroundings, identify and track potential conflicts, and displays the knowledge in the wheelhouse.By turning to such a system Maersk wants to prove the technology can remove the line of sight restriction from the bridge, providing the infrastructure for a future autonomous collision avoidance system. “This partnership with Maersk marks our first foray into the shipping sector and allows us to positively contribute towards the operator’s technology goals. Our mission is to propel the maritime industry forward with 21st-century technology and it’s exciting to see the growing demand for Sea Machines products,” Michael Johnson, founder and CEO of Sea Machines, said.“For this containership situational awareness program, we aim to prove the technology increases our safety, efficiency, and reliability. Autonomous vessels are not an end goal for Maersk nor is unmanned vessels, what is more of interest is the technology along the journey and the value it brings,” said P. Michael A. Rodey, senior innovation manager, A.P. Moller-Maersk.The duo started exploring their collaboration three years ago, according to Rodey, when the company was developing the concepts of its first autonomous systems.Sea Machines is also managing a pilot program with Tuco Marine, of Denmark, to test the autonomous technology aboard ProZero workboats. Its first industrial-grade control system, the SM300, serves operations looking for level 3 operator-in-the loop autonomy in survey, spill response, dredging and security/surveillance.
Traffic Advisory Pictou County
PICTOU COUNTY: Pine Tree Road Closure Pine Tree Road will be closed to all traffic at the Highway 104 underpass from 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12. This closure is necessary to allow for the removal of the existing overpass structure on Pine Tree Road. Traffic on Highway 104 will not be affected. Local Area Office: 902-752-6224 -30-
Pope denounces ‘cruel violence’ of Sri Lanka Easter attack
Vatican City: Pope Francis denounced the “cruel violence” of the Easter Sunday slaughter of Christians and foreigners in Sri Lanka as he celebrated the most joyful moment on the Christian liturgical calendar by lamenting the bloodshed and political violence afflicting many parts of the world. Francis skipped his homily during Easter Mass but delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the world) speech highlighting conflicts in the Mideast, Africa and the Americas and demanding that political leaders put aside their differences and work instead for peace. Also Read – Saudi Crown Prince ‘snubbed’ Pak PM, recalled jet from US”May the one who gives us his peace end the roar of arms, both in areas of conflict and in our cities, and inspire the leaders of nations to work for an end to the arms race and the troubling spread of weaponry, especially in the economically more advanced countries,” Francis said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the flower-decked square below. In a special appeal at the end, Francis lamented the “grave attacks” on Sri Lankan hotels and churches, which occurred just as the Christian faithful were celebrating Easter Mass that marks the resurrection of Christ following his crucifixion. Also Read – Record number of 35 candidates in fray for SL Presidential polls”I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence,” Francis said. “I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event.” More than 130 people were killed and hundreds wounded following near-simultaneous blasts at three Sri Lankan churches and three hotels frequented by foreigners. In his roundup of global conflicts, Francis warned that the world was increasingly becoming resigned to the ongoing conflict in Syria. He called for a “renewed commitment for a political solution” that would respond to Syrians’ need for freedom, peace and justice and allow for millions of refugees to return home. In Yemen, he lamented how children in particular are “exhausted by hunger and war,” while in North Africa, Libyans are enduring a fresh round of fighting between rival forces battling for control of Tripoli, the capital “I urge the parties involved to choose dialogue over force and to avoid reopening wounds left by a decade of conflicts and political instability,” he said of Libyan leaders. Francis said he hoped the political and religious leaders of South Sudan would open a “new page in the history of the country” and work for reconciliation. Francis hosted South Sudan’s president and opposition leader for a remarkable retreat at the Vatican earlier this month, during which the pope bowed down and kissed their feet, begging them to work for peace. And history’s first Latin American pope also offered prayers for Venezuelans and Nicaraguans experiencing political and economic hardship and “all those who lack the minimal conditions for leading a dignified and secure life due to a crisis that endures and worsens.” The Vatican said popes sometimes either deliver an off-the-cuff homily on Easter Sunday or skip it altogether, given the lengthy speech and blessing that follows.
Kosovo pace of UN missions reconfiguration picking up – Ban
19 March 2009Despite a perception among many Kosovo Albanians that the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo has run its course, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote in a new report that it has stepped up the pace of its adaptation to the changing situation on the ground. Despite a perception among many Kosovo Albanians that the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo has run its course, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote in a new report that it has stepped up the pace of its adaptation to the changing situation on the ground.Under “significant pressure” from opposition parties, authorities in Kosovo have repeatedly said in recent months that resolution 1244, which set up the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), is “no longer relevant and that the institutions of Kosovo have no legal obligation to abide by it,” the publication said.UNMIK took over the administration of Kosovo in 1999 after North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO) forces drove out Yugoslav troops amid deadly fighting with the majority ethnic Albanian population there.The UN has remained neutral on the question of the status of Kosovo since its declaration of independence last February, a move rejected by Serbia.The report to the Security Council on UNMIK noted that, in line with Belgrade’s official policy, many Kosovo Serbs are rejecting the authority of Kosovo’s authorities, although many are applying for identify cards, driver’s licenses and other Kosovo documentation.Notwithstanding these developments, Mr. Ban said that the reconfiguration of UNMIK, for which he called in response to the “profoundly changed reality” on the ground, has picked up pace.After almost 10 years of policing Kosovo, UNMIK has been phasing out its police component to allow the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, known as EULEX, to assume its operational functions in the rule of law sector under the UN’s overall authority.The Secretary-General said this joint effort with the UN has taken place without significant security incidents and with the support of Pristina, Belgrade and international partners. “It constitutes a major milestone in the international involvement in Kosovo, and a positive example of cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union,” he wrote.Also last November, UNMIK’s head told the Council that the mission is re-orienting its field presence to concentrate in areas occupied by ethnic non-Albanians following Kosovo’s declaration of independence.“The recent actions of the institutions of Kosovo have made it no longer possible or practicable for UNMIK to function as an administrator,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative Lamberto Zannier.“We need to be able to concentrate on the areas where we can still make a difference for good, rather than attempt to continue functions which are neither relevant nor needed,” he said, noting that UNMIK would monitor the well-being of the non-Albanian communities and retain a support and mediation role.
Postmedia sells Toronto printing plant for 305 million to repay debt
TORONTO — Postmedia Network Inc. has struck a deal to sell a printing plant in Toronto to Rice Group, a commercial and industrial developer, for $30.475 million that will be used to help pay down debt.The media company (TSX:PNC.A, TSX:PNC.B) acquired the facility in west Toronto as part of its agreement to buy Sun Media’s English-language properties in 2015.The transaction is expected to close by Aug. 30.Postmedia says it will enter into a lease for part of the property for up to 10 years.
Alberta like Switzerland Nunavut like Latvia in human development new study
OTTAWA – Canada sits on an enviable top-10 perch when it comes to quality of life around the world, but a new analysis points to significant disparity among its provinces and territories.Albertans, for example, enjoyed a quality of life in 2014 comparable to that found in countries like Switzerland or Denmark, says a new report that seeks to replicate the United Nations human development index for Canadian regions.At the other end of the spectrum, says the report released today, Nunavut would have had a quality of life similar to that of Latvia or Croatia.Overall, Canada holds down the ninth spot on the 2015 UN index of 188 countries, which was based on 2014 data. It tied with New Zealand one slot below the United States.By comparison, if Alberta had been stacked up against countries on the list, it would have landed in fourth place — the highest among Canada’s provinces and territories.Nunavut would have ended up 46th, the report says.“Although most Canadian provinces and territories achieve impressive ranks in the international context, evidently Canada’s overall (human development index) masks substantial variation among the different regions,” said the paper by The Centre for the Study of Living Standards.“Our report highlights the diverse human development experiences of Canadians.”The UN human development index is a frequently used tool that measures one country’s standing with another. It combines data on life expectancy, education and gross national income to produce a ranking of the UN’s member countries.To replicate the index for provinces and territories, report author and economist James Uguccioni wrote that he used Statistics Canada data to ensure it was as consistent as possible.The study also ranked B.C. as the top-ranked Canadian region for life expectancy, while Nunavut was last. Compared to UN countries, Nunavut was No. 103 for life expectancy.It also said Nunavut ranked last when it came to average educational attainment, while Yukon had the highest level.Nunavut trailed in the category of expected years of schooling, in which Quebec was No. 1. Internationally, Nunavut was 107th.For gross national income per capita, Northwest Territories was first and Prince Edward Island was last.Here’s a rundown of where the provinces and territories would rank internationally:— Alberta: 4— Ontario: 8— British Columbia: 11— Saskatchewan: 12— Quebec: 12— Northwest Territories: 15— Newfoundland and Labrador: 16— Nova Scotia: 22— Yukon: 22— Prince Edward Island: 23— Manitoba: 23— New Brunswick: 25— Nunavut: 46Follow @AndyBlatchford on Twitter by Andy Blatchford, The Canadian Press Posted Jul 28, 2016 2:30 am MDT Last Updated Jul 28, 2016 at 3:00 am MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Alberta like Switzerland, Nunavut like Latvia in human development: new study
Brock staff participate in annual wellness conference
Steve Anderson, who works in Brock’s mailroom, learns how to play the ukelele during the annual Employee Wellness Conference Tuesday.Hundreds of Brock staff spent the day as students Tuesday, taking in seminars on everything from how to make a sock monkey to learning how to make the most of their iPhones during the employee wellness conference.The annual event dedicated to employee well-being featured 86 different sessions in which staff could participate. But the event doesn’t just teach how-to’s. It’s a big boost to morale on campus, said Val Wolfe, conference director and Brock’s manager of environment, health and safety.“You actually see how tangibly happier people are in the days following the conference,” Wolfe said. “They’re lifted, they feel connected.”The conference, organized by Human Resources, Environment, Health and Safety, the wellness committee and a workshop subcommittee, focuses on eight aspects of health and well-being: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, environmental and financial.This year, about 700 staff took advantage of the conference offerings, a number that continues to grow after 13 years of hosting the event, Wolfe said.“They’re doing it so they can step out of their work selves for a day and learn about what interests them,” she said.But the day also gives a group of employees who may not always have opportunities for personal and professional development by attending conferences the chance to have such an experience.“(I recognize) how good it is for me to go to a conference and come back refreshed,” Wolfe explained.The members of the committees helping Wolfe pull off the day are: Lynn Hunter-Hope, Recreation Services, Brendan Barrett, Registrar’s Office, Alison Lahn, Child and Youth Studies, Amanda Smits, Recreation Services, Wendy Laslo, Community and Ancillary Services, Diana Panter, Registrar’s Office, Brent Schulz, Recreation Services, Jo-Anne Sinnige-Egger, Child and Youth Studies, Nancy Sutton, Community and Ancillary Services, Stuart Reid, Rodman Hall, Carrie Kelly, Research Services and Susan Mifsud, HR-EHS.
The NFLs Most RunHeavy And PassHappy Teams
Greenpeace activists stage climate protest on BP oil rig as it is
Greenpeace climbers on an oil rig – operated by BP – in Cromarty Firth, ScotlandCredit:PA “The perverse idea we must maximise our oil and gas reserves cannot continue.”That means the Government must seriously reform the Oil & Gas Authority and instead invest heavily in the crucial work of helping oil communities like those in Scotland move from fossil fuels to the industries that will power our low carbon future.”Responding to the protest, a spokeswoman for BP said: “In all operations safety is our top priority.”While we recognise the right for peaceful protest, the actions of this group are irresponsible and may put themselves and others unnecessarily at risk.”We are working with Transocean – the rig’s owner and operator – and the authorities to assess the situation and resolve it peacefully and safely.”We share the protesters’ concerns about the climate. We support the Paris agreement. And we are working every day to advance the world’s transition to a low carbon future.”We’re reducing emissions from our own operations – down 1.7 million tonnes last year – improving our products to help our customers reduce their emissions, and creating new low carbon businesses. We are committed to being part of the solution to the climate challenge facing all of us.” “We can’t let that happen – that’s why we’re here today.”The Government may be bent on draining the North Sea of every last drop of oil, but this clearly contradicts their climate commitments. Police Scotland said they were aware of an ongoing incident but that the situation was currently within the jurisdiction of the Cromarty Firth’s Port Authority.A spokesman for the Port Authority said he was unable to comment at this stage. Environmental campaigners have boarded an oil rig as it was being towed out to sea and are staging a protest onboard.Greenpeace activists say they scaled the 27,000-tonne rig – operated by BP – as it attempted to leave Cromarty Firth.The protesters are calling for BP to end drilling for new oil wells and say they are prepared to stay on board the rig “for days”.At approximately 6.30pm on Sunday, campaigners in a boat pulled up alongside the rig near Inverness, climbed aboard and unveiled a banner declaring a climate emergency.Currently occupying a gantry on a leg of the rig below the main deck, the activists want to stop the drilling rig reaching the Vorlich oil field where it is believed to be trying to extract up to 30 million barrels of oil.Jo, a Greenpeace activist from Scotland who is on board the rig, said: “Warm words flow from BP on their commitment to tackling climate change, yet this rig – and the 30 million barrels it seeks to drill – are a sure a sign that BP are committed to business as usual, fuelling a climate emergency that threatens millions of lives and the future of the living world. Want the best of The Telegraph direct to your email and WhatsApp? Sign up to our free twice-daily Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings.
ICMM guidance on HIVAids TB and malaria
A new publication by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) – Good Practice Guidance on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria – provides mining and metals company managers with practical information for disease management. Aimed at managers and health practitioners, the Guidance seeks to increase their understanding of the individual diseases, and also their interactions, in a non-technical way. It stresses the need for an integrated approach to the three diseases, and highlights the new links between them emerging in recent research. A systematic management process is described, comprising nine generic steps to determine the type and level of intervention required for HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria – culminating, where appropriate, in the implementation of a health program with associated monitoring and evaluation.ICMM Chief Operating Officer, John Groom, said, “The ICMM Guidance strongly recommends an integrated, community-based approach to health care and disease management, and it provides valuable insights into improving the effectiveness of implementation.”A full copy of the toolkit is available free of charge from our website (http://www.icmm.com/), or can be obtained in hard copy from info@icmm.com
Japan ends 12yearban and reopens its market to Irish beef
THE TAOISEACH HAS welcomed Japan’s decision to reopen its market to Irish beef.Irish farmers will now be able to send their produce to the island nation for the first time since 2001.The announcement was made during Enda Kenny’s trade mission to the Pacific Ocean country. He is being accompanied by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and the pair met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo over the weekend.Bord Bia estimates that the short-to-medium-term opportunity for Irish beef in Japan is worth between €12 and €15 million, with potential for significant expansion beyond that over time.Coveney said that the decision to allow access for Irish beef to Japan was “very significant” and reflected confidence in the integrity of Irish food systems.“Japan is a sophisticated market with sophisticated consumer, who are seeking beef product which Ireland can provide. Japan also sets a benchmark for food safety standards, and for that reason access for Irish beef is very significant from a reputational point of view,” he added.Talks to overturn the 12-year-ban had been ongoing between the two governments since 2011.Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association has warned that all is not well in the beef sector.According to the beef chairman at the organisation, there is an emerging crisis of confidence linked to difficulties in getting young bulls slaughtered.“The focus of the anger is not just about the fact that beef price is showing no signs of improvement, it is about the apparent lack of interest in cattle,” said Edmond Phelan.“Finishers who have specialised in young bulls are getting the signal that they are not wanted but this poses a real problem for quality cattle coming from the suckler herd.“The meat industry has been messing around for a while now saying that they want young bulls slaughtered at under 16 months,” he continued. “The reality is that heavy continental weanlings cannot be economically finished at that age given the cost of feed inputs on Irish farms and allowing for the fact that our strength is growing grass.“Teagasc research confirms that 16 month bull beef is not economical. Farmers with bulls are discovering that there is just no point in buying them if there is this ongoing doubt about what is wanted. What is really frustrating is that factories forget all this as soon as beef gets scarce.”He added that any talk of increased output under the Food Harvest 2020 initiative is “very foolish”.Related: USA to loosen restrictions on imports of EU beefICSA: No nasty surprises for farmers in the Budget DailyEdge.ie: 6 of the best things about your childhood Sunday dinner
Terminally ill zookeeper pays last visit to his animals
Source: FacebookTake trips: Source: Facebook Source: FacebookAnd visit some old friends: Source: Facebookvia Metro.co.uk Meet the unluckiest farmer in the world>Here’s why everyone is sharing this video of a young Bradley Cooper> A DUTCH ZOOKEEPER has paid a final visit to the animals he used to care for, thanks to the help of a charity.Mario, a 54-year-old giraffe keeper, visited the enclosure at Rotterdam Zoo with the help of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, which helps very ill people with mobility problems to fulfill a dream.Mario has terminal cancer and wanted to say farewell to the animals and colleagues he has worked with all his life, according to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. Source: Facebook Source: FacebookThe Ambulance Wish Foundation has also helped people to spend time with their grandchildren:
Man filmed racially abusing and assaulting taxi driver hands himself in to
Image: Leah Farrell via RollingNews.ie Updated Apr 28th 2019, 6:03 PM GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING an alleged assault on a taxi driver which happened on Easter Sunday night. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The passenger can be heard shouting racial slurs at the driver before he attacks him physically. The video has been viewed thousands of times in the last 24 hours. Derek Devoy, a taxi driver who founded a suicide prevention service run by drivers, said he has been in contact with the passenger in the video and that the man intends on handing himself in to gardaí. He said: “I have just spoken to the passenger in this video who contacted me direct and I’m on my way to Dublin to pick him up and take him to make a full statement to the Gardai. He has said that he is deeply sorry for what he has done and wants to hand himself in. I will not be disclosing his details for obvious reasons.”Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the incident and that the man has handed himself in. A spokeswoman said: “Gardaí in Clontarf are investigation an incident of assault that occurred on the 21 April on the Malahide Road, Donnycarney, at approximately 10pm.“A suspect in the case has presented themselves at a north Dublin Garda station and Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry.“Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Clontarf Garda Station 01 6664800 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.”“As the investigation is ongoing we will not be commenting further at this time.” Sunday 28 Apr 2019, 6:03 PM Apr 28th 2019, 2:56 PM Short URL Image: Leah Farrell via RollingNews.ie By Garreth MacNamee https://jrnl.ie/4610111 Share Tweet Email1 99 Comments Man filmed racially abusing and assaulting taxi driver hands himself in to gardaí The video has been viewed thousands of times in the last 24 hours. 148,880 Views Tweet thisShare on FacebookEmail this article
American Gods Brings Anansi to America Makes Us Not Love Lucy
After last week’s frantic, surreal pilot episode, American Gods‘ second week felt a little more subdued. That’s fairly typical for shows that have a complex premise like this. The pilot has to introduce the characters, build the world, get the story going and grab the audience. All that often leads to a densely packed pilot that gives the audience a sample of everything we can expect from the coming season. The second episode’s job is to give us an idea of what a typical episode looks like. Compared to all the violent, surreal imagery in a pilot like American Gods‘, the second episode comes off as slightly understated. That’s not a bad thing, though. We got a lot more story and met some great characters this week.For better or worse, last night’s episode started the show with a showstopper. Orlando Jones is so great as Anansi; there is no possible way the rest of the episode can live up to the opening. This sequence isn’t in the book, and the fact that this show can create wholly original sequences like this makes me really excited about its future. It takes place below the deck of a slave ship on its way to America. One of the men starts praying to Anansi for help. Anansi casually walks in the room, informing everyone that it’s only going to get worse from here. They will be forced into slavery, as will their children and grandchildren. After their descendants are free, they’ll have to deal with generations of bigotry, prejudice and police brutality. All because the white people driving the ship decided that dark skin meant less human. Anansi frees the men from their chains and tells them to burn the ship into the ocean. They’re dead no matter what. Might as well take their captors out with them.It’s a great monologue, and Jones delivers it perfectly, with an amused smile that points to a deep anger at the horrors Black people will have to face in America. It’s fitting that this speech is the first thing we see after the lynching that ended last week’s episode. It’s a reminder that Anansi’s story (“Once upon a time, a man got fucked”) doesn’t have an ending. The horrors he described to the men below the decks of a slave ship still happen. Anansi was already one of the best characters in the book. Orlando Jones’s portrayal of the spider in this one absolutely arresting scene makes me want an entire episode focused on him.Ian McShane and Ricky Whittle (Photo by Jan Thijs/© 2017 Starz Entertainment, LLC)As the episode cuts back to Shadow, the reality of what just happened isn’t lost on him. Apparently not seeing who saved his life and killed his assailants, he finds Wednesday at the motel. He doesn’t mince words in describing what happened. “I just got lynched.” Frustratingly, Wednesday offers no explanation, though he does double Shadow’s pay, which Shadow begrudgingly accepts. Wednesday assures Shadow that although he didn’t lose his temper, he is furious about what happened. While it’s a nice sentiment, we can see that it’s not as comforting to Shadow as Wednesday wants it to be.We get an extended sequence of Shadow packing up his house and going through Laura’s old things. The scene is made effectively painful by flashes of Laura appearing as Shadow enters each room. He saves the box of everything she had on her when she died for last, carefully going through it, reading the last messages she wrote. That all makes his finding his late friend’s dick pics on her phone even more of a gut punch.When he and Wednesday get on the road, we see more of America’s beauty as Wednesday refuses to take the freeway to Chicago. All freeways look the same. The old highways and backroads are where the country’s true beauty lies. There’s an incredibly creepy scene in a department store where Shadow and Wednesday stop for supplies. Shadow is walking through the TV aisle, where I Love Lucy is being played on one of the screens. Lucy starts talking to him.Gillian Anderson as Lucy/Media. (Photo: Screenshot via STARZ)This is taken from one of the more memorable scenes in the book, but it’s drawn out and expanded upon here. This is Media, one of the new gods, played by Gillian Anderson. She does such a good job as Lucy, it took me a second to figure out I wasn’t watching a CGI Lucille Ball. She apologizes for the way Technology Boy treated him and it becomes clear that she wants Shadow to join them. Shadow quickly walks away, ignoring her requests, but not before one of the strangest scenes of the episode. Lucy toys with the aspect ratio, much like American Gods itself does. She pushes the pillar-boxes out into a full 16X9 resolution. Lucy even appears in color for a brief shot. Also, the line “You want to see Lucy’s tits?” is just as disturbing and wrong here as it was in the book. No. I do not. Thankfully neither does Shadow. These new gods are creepy. To make matters even more disturbing, Shadow isn’t on screen during Lucy’s speech. She is talking directly to the camera. To us. We are the ones sacrificing our time, attention and loved ones to Media and the altar of the television. And now, I’m writing about it, effectively worshiping it even more. That’s a messed up thing to do to someone, Bryan Fuller.Cloris Leachman (Photo by Jan Thijs/© 2017 Starz Entertainment, LLC)Shadow and Wednesday finally get to Chicago where we meet a few more gods. Cloris Leachman is fantastic as Zorya Vechernyaya, the Slavic god of Mercury, the evening star. She has nothing but contempt for Wednesday but isn’t going to turn down guests. Or vodka. Their purpose here is to recruit Czernobog, played by Peter Stormare. He’s as imposing as you’ve ever seen him, especially when his sledgehammer appears to start bleeding the moment he picks it up. There’s your dose of surreal, disturbing imagery for the week. The episode tries to end on a similar cliffhanger to the last one, but it’s not as effective. Shadow bets Czernobog he can beat him in a game of Checkers. If Shadow wins, Czernobog goes with Wednesday. If he loses, Czernobog gets to kill him with his hammer. The episode ends as Shadow loses.Now, it should be obvious to anyone that Shadow will not die next episode. He certainly doesn’t in the book, though he does lose the Checkers game. But the show has already deviated enough, that I’m not sure where they’re going to take this. The stakes of the game were certainly set up differently than in the book, so it’s hard to say what will happen next. Either way, this is two weeks in a row that the show has ended with Shadow about to die. After last week ended in a bloodbath, this one doesn’t have the same effect. The tension of the moment is lessened by the fact that he’s already been through worse, and will likely get out of the bet somehow.Peter Stormare (Photo by Jan Thijs/© 2017 Starz Entertainment, LLC)Even though the second episode wasn’t quite as thrilling as the first, the hour still went by surprisingly fast. It told a more emotional story, letting us see more of who Shadow is as a person. It did what second episodes are supposed to do, providing us with a blueprint of what to expect for the rest of the season. Not every episode will be as visually overwhelming as the pilot, but if they’re all around the level of quality we saw last night, we’re in for a great season of TV. Besides, I can’t be too hard on the episode after Anansi’s opening. Nothing could possibly follow that. Stay on target ‘American Gods’ Season 2 Trailer: A Divine War Is ComingNYCC 2018: The American Gods Cast Gives Us a Glimpse of Season Two 
TCIs International Fashion Designer Kazz Forbes for Islands of the World Fashion
Facebook Twitter Google+LinkedInPinterestWhatsApp Recommended for you UN appoints UB to investigate Bahamas Water Security Related Items:kazz forbes, oscar de laa renta, saint george fashion house, unesco, world fashion show Kazz Forbes no longer managing Miss TCI Universe; may not happen for 2015 Facebook Twitter Google+LinkedInPinterestWhatsAppSouth Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands; Sunday, November 2nd 2014 – Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House will showcase a haute couture collection at the sixth installment of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase, as a Guest Designer November 8th, at Fort Charlotte, Nassau, Bahamas.Highly anticipated, Islands of the World Fashion Showcase 2014 will be held November 7th and 8th and will feature fashion designers from Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Nigeria, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas and the United States of America presenting an array of haute couture, prêt a porter, resort wear and swimwear collections at Fort Charlotte, that will be transformed into a Fashion Pavilion set to rival major runways around the world.“It is a pleasure to have Kazz Forbes representing Saint George Fashion House join us for this edition of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase. I have had the privilege of seeing Kazz make his debut into the fashion world several years ago in New York and I have observed his growth and that of Saint George Fashion House since then. He has made significant strides and it is hoped that his presentation at this event will catapult him even further. Could we possibly see the next Oscar de la Renta emerge from the soil of the Turks and Caicos?” said event producer Owen Bethel.Since 2008, Islands of the World Fashion Showcase has held to the platform it was charged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its promotion of cultural diversity, and as a means to bring value-added levels of production to the fledgling fashion industries in developing nations, particularly more vulnerable small island developing states.The intent of Islands of the World Fashion Show is to draw attention via international media and trade exposure to the skills and creativity across the spectrum of the fashion industry in the islands. To date in excess of 130 designer showcases representing 20 countries have presented their creations on the catwalks of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase.Closing out the event is what promises to be another unique experience. “Arte y Moda”, which translates to “Art and Fashion”, is a 26-piece collaborative collection hailing from Cuba. Attendees will experience a spectacle of fusion of art, fashion and music created by seven Cuban designers.For more information and updates visit www.islandsfashionweek.com.END EU Ambassador Concludes Hurricane Rebuild Project
Smaller Restaurants to charge tax for food
1 injured after SW MiamiDade house catches fire
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – One person is recovering after a house fire in Southwest Miami-Dade.Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of the blaze near Southwest 61st Terrace and 112th Court, Friday night.Everyone inside the house was able to make it out.Firefighters were able to put out the flames.The injured victim was treated for possible smoke inhalation.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Copyright 2019 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Air India Nonoperational Employees not Eligible for Lapsable PL
Amidst talks of privatization and large amount of losses, Air India has decided not to pay for lapsable Privilege Leaves to non-operational employees due to lack of funds.The non-operational employees include staff and officers of the Commercial Department working in Sales and Marketing Offices, as well as Finance and Personnel employees in Operating Departments.The lapsable Privilege Leave (PL) can now be encashed only by operational employees and others will be given leave for a month commencing from 1 July, a source told International Business Times India Edition on condition of anonymity. The amount of PL is around ₹25,000 per employee, which the airline cannot afford due to financial crunch.On the other hand, the carrier aims to spend on hiring additional cabin crew to improve the standards after joining Star Alliance group, reported the Economic Times. The proposal has reportedly been made by the airline’s customer-service division, but no numbers have been presented before the human resource department yet. The debt ridden airline is taking additional measures to improve its services. “The menu will have more international content in it. We have hired the Oberoi to do catering for us for business and premium class. There is a customer service improvement programme which will be implemented from July 11,” Rohit Nandan, chairman and managing director of AI, told Business Line.The airline has been under heavy losses after merging with domestic carrier Indian Airlines. It has also faced trouble bearing fuel expenses and was even afflicted by overstaffing. Presently, Air India is trying to reduce fare prices for the peak travel season.Last January, the salary of employees was reduced by 25 percent and the brand also eliminated several perks including cash against sick leaves.Meanwhile, AI is said to be confident of gaining profits by 2018, though it is currently operating on a bailout funded by taxpayers’ money, according to Hindustan Times. After becoming a part of Star Alliance group, the airline expects a 5 percent increase in revenue.”From 2015-2016 onwards, the airline will drain up to $1 billion per annum from the public exchequer over the next decade with no meaningful improvement in the carrier’s situation. A dramatically different approach is required to that which has been pursued in the past,” according to a recent Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) report.Air India’s estimated total debt is ₹49,000 crore and total losses incurred from 2007-08 to 2013-14 is ₹37,996 crore. The expected losses in 2014-15 is ₹6,000 crore and now the government’s estimated capital infusion into the airline is ₹30,231 crore by 2021, reports Hindustan Times.