#Commercial Drains Liverpool

[eelhound]

"For thousands of years, those native to West Africa have cultivated the oil palm, deriving from it cooking and lighting oil, medicines, cosmetics, and much else. The 'ever-giving' oil palm remains central to the traditions and the culture of many from this part of the world. Nothing about the African oil palm, or the oil it exudes, demanded the emergence of a globalized, destructive, and profitable industry. It was the international slave trade, inaugurated by agents of European imperialism, that created a global market for palm oil.

At first, the oil fed enslaved Africans enduring the middle passage or greased their bodies to increase marketability. Yet throughout the nineteenth century, industrialists began relying on palm oil to lubricate railway locomotives, steamship engines, and the machines of newly thrumming factories.

Initially, British merchants purchased palm oil from a distance, relying on Africans themselves to extract the oil. Yet as European demand increased in the mid-nineteenth century, enterprising British colonizers began invading the African interior to seize direct control of palm oil production themselves. Backed by the capital of corporations — still fairly novel entities in the Victorian age, a 'strange legal fiction' created to 'facilitate the risky colonial and later slave-taking ventures of the rising European bourgeoisie' — palm oil merchants hired private militaries to confiscate lands and subdue their inhabitants. In 1897, the British launched a 'punitive expedition' to crush the Edo Kingdom, a powerful empire that considered palm oil to be a holy substance and therefore strictly regulated its trade — 'to the chagrin of British merchants.'

Those merchants (and their hired chemists) were learning how to bleach and deodorize palm oil, to drain it of any characteristic smell or color and thereby render it as maximally usable and minimally distinctive as possible. Palm oil became so profitable precisely because of this protean quality, and soon it was central to the creation of a range of cheap commercial goods like candles.

William Lever, a Liverpool industrialist, started using palm oil to produce bars of soap, and soon he had established massive oil palm plantations — another 'uniquely modern and fundamentally colonial' innovation — throughout the Congo. Counterintuitive though it may seem today, soap was not at the time an especially common consumer good, so Lever had to use advertising to create a market for his wares, adopting the language of personal responsibility to communicate to middle-class and later working women that the bars were needed amid increasing urban pollution.

Thanks far more to the advertising than to the quality of his soap or the efficiency of its production, Lever (and his eponymous company) grew rich. Today, his company — since renamed Unilever — remains 'one of the world’s single largest consumers of refined palm oil.'"

- Scott W. Stern, from "The Story of Palm Oil Is a Story About Capitalism." Jacobin, 19 January 2023.

[chodhound]

Walking the Walbrook - Part 1

After our mammoth Wandle wander Andy and I decided to walk the far shorter and much more urban Walbrook. We used the following guide:

Here are some photos and assorted other comments about our walk.

The key thing with the Walbrook is that is the saddest of rivers - it is entirely underground and it's path incorporate sewers. Indeed parts of it haven't seen the light for hundreds of years.

We met at Liverpool Street and then walked up to the source of the Walbrook. The first potential source of the Walbrook is a fairly uninspiring pocket urban park - Fairchild's Garden - https://goo.gl/maps/jyjWwq34RRL3xyJo6 - Thomas Fairchild was an important horticulturist whose most important contribution to science was discovering that plants can have a male and female sex.

There's a nice write up here: https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/londons-pocket-parks-fairchilds-garden-e2-29054/

Not much has changed since Ian's visit the large concrete expanse is a disused tennis court and it all feels very unloved.

We mooched on towards Shoreditch Church - https://goo.gl/maps/cpEh8pp49rvgtmRk7 - on the walk we observed interesting street furniture that suggests a drain/sewer/lost river lies beneath our feet.

Here is the alternative source of the Walbrook - at the drinking fountain in the grounds of Shoreditch Church. The actual church was locked up and so we couldn't go instead - but the gardens are charming and relatively well kept. The crossroads outside the front of the church are historied - with pre-Roman, Roman roads meeting.

There is a rather lovely shop front - for Wells & Company - more here: https://lookup.london/shoreditch-commercial-ironworks/ - we were passed by a probably hen-do on some kind of bar/bicycle combination that looked fairly hazardous and tiring. The funky urban vibe of Shoreditch was all around us - street art, bearded men on skateboards, backpackers with sleeve tatoos.

We wandered through the streets admiring the graffiti.

Before arriving at the "Box Office" - the site of a former theatre for Shakespeare - commemorated with a mural of Romeo and Juliet and a statue of the Bard.

Back over towards the Ring Road and more funky grafitti.

Helch has been at it again above the American Carwash - https://www.artofthestate.co.uk/london-graffiti/helch-graffiti/

There's a lovely ghost sign saying something about "Net Factory" above the Manteca restaurant which was doing a roaring trade.

There's a big redevelopment on another former site of a Shakespeare theatre - it's called the Stage - https://www.thestageshoreditch.com/ - they are leaning pretty hard into the history - the Horse & Groom pub on the corner is feeling pretty squashed by the massive shiny new towers but it has a pretty impressive mural of Romeo and Juliet by the street artist Otto Schade.

[rautilitysolutions]

Drain Camera Survey Leeds Say Goodbye to Hidden Issue

Drain Camera Survey Leeds helps you to locate drainage problems with comprehensive inspection reports for both commercial and domestic users.

[hourlyzuk-blog]

Office Cleaning Services in Liverpool

Is keeping your office space clean and hygienic draining you out? And you are looking for reliable and professional cleaning services in Liverpool? A clean and tidy office environment not only enhances its aesthetics but also improves the health condition of the employees and other staffs equally. With an enhanced health condition comes increased employee productivity. Therefore, hiring expert office cleaning service becomes necessary.

However, not all office cleaning service in Liverpool is the same and offer same impact! Hence, before investing in an office cleaning service you must choose the best service provider. Following are a few things that you need to look for while hiring an office cleaning service in Liverpool. Here you go:

Experience with Commercial Clients

While looking for cleaning services in Liverpool for your office make sure that the company you are considering has a good experience in working with commercial clients.  Always look for a cleaning service that specializes in commercial cleaning as they will have all the requisite skills, training and supplies to work with your office space.

Flexibility in Schedule

Look for an office cleaning service that is flexible with your team’s schedule. By hiring a team that can come at your specified time is the best fit for the job as there will be no interruptions in your official operations.

Consistency in Work

The cleaning service you choose should be consistent with their work and come at least once in a week probably at the same specified time.

The Price Factor

There is always a set budget for every job. The same is with the cleaning services. So you need to choose a cleaning service that can offer the best possible service at a price that fits in your budget. However, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the service and prioritize the price factor! Make sure to choose a cleaning service that offers good value for your money.

Wide ranging services

A good cleaning service is the one that offers wide ranging services that include window washing, disinfection, floor buffing and all that service you need. Therefore, before hiring cleaning services in Liverpool make sure to enlist all the required services and choose the company that offers all the listed services in the same budget.

Customized Plans

If you are looking for a few selective cleaning services, then you should choose a company that offers customizable plans as per your needs.

Licenses and Insurance

The company you choose must have the license to work in your state or community. Also, they should have liability insurance for covering potential issues which may arise while working within your premises.

Quality and Green Cleaning Options

Quality of the equipment and supplies has great impact on the quality of work done. So while hiring an office cleaning service in Liverpool, ask them about the tools they use to know the quality of products used. Also, you need to understand that a good cleaning company uses eco-friendly cleaning products which eliminate the risk of harmful effects on the health of your office. For more details get in touch with our facebook.com, twitter.com and linkedin.com . 

[local-roofing-news]

Emergency Roofing Contractors

Emergency Roofing Contractors When it comes to emergency roofing contractors, there are a few different companies that you can call for help. These companies include J. Lindsley Roofing, JKS Home Improvement, CentiMark, and Empire State Professionals. They provide a wide range of services that range from the installation of a new roof to emergency roof repair. In addition to their roofing services, they also offer services related to seamless gutters, skylights, and sidings. J. Lindsley RoofingIf you are looking for emergency roofing contractors in Syracuse NY, you have come to the right place. We service all of Central New York, including Syracuse, Cicero, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and Clay. Our service area also covers Onondaga and Oswego counties. We provide emergency roofing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to emergency services, we offer comprehensive inspections and a warranty for our work. For over 15 years, we have been providing residential and commercial roofing services in Syracuse, NY. Our team is experienced with all types of roofs and materials. We can install metal, rubber membrane, and flat roofs. We also inspect your roof for damage and recommend repair options. Our emergency roofing contractors Syracuse NY team is experienced in all types of roofs and can meet all of your needs. Our technicians are certified in CertainTeed materials. We are a family-owned business that specializes in residential and commercial roofing. JKS Home ImprovementIf you need emergency roofing repairs in Syracuse, NY, JKS Home Improvement is here to help. With technicians trained in all types of roofing systems and the latest technology, this local company can repair your roof quickly and affordably. They will inspect your roof to determine the cause of leaks and the best method to remedy them. JKS Home Improvement offers emergency roofing services for residential and commercial properties. They also offer preventive maintenance and ventilation services. This family-owned company has been in business for more than four decades. They offer commercial and residential services and have the knowledge and experience necessary to complete any job. They also inspect roofs to ensure that they are installed correctly and meet building codes. They are available around the clock, and will respond to emergencies within a few hours. Located in Syracuse, NY, JKS Home Improvement is a full-service roofing and sheet metal company that serves the surrounding area. They are fully insured and licensed. In addition to roofing, they also offer gutter and wall panel services. Empire State ProfessionalsIf you're in need of emergency roofing repair services, consider working with an experienced Syracuse, NY roofing company. These professionals are GAF-certified and provide emergency roofing repair services. Moreover, their technicians are equipped to handle a variety of residential and commercial roofing problems. They also offer gutter installation and repair services, and have over 70 years of combined industry experience. Emergency roofing repair is essential to prevent water damage from ruining your home. This will not only extend the lifespan of your roof, but will also minimize expensive repair costs later on. If left untreated, water damage will damage the rest of your home and may even attract pests. Even a small leak could cause structural damage to your home, resulting in a high repair bill. Empire State Professionals offers comprehensive roofing contractor services in Syracuse and Central New York. Emergency roofing services are also available from JKS Home Improvement and Lifetime Roofing, a family-owned business in Syracuse. Their team of certified contractors can install flat roofs and replace damaged roofs. They also offer gutter and drain unclogging services and have experience in working with commercial and residential clients. These emergency roofing contractors offer comprehensive services to ensure the safety of their clients and improve the value of their properties.

CentiMarkWhether your roof has a leak or you just need a new one, there are several emergency roofing contractors in Syracuse NY to choose from. Many of these companies also provide painting and deck restoration services. They are fully licensed, insured, and certified. Many of these companies also offer warranties for their work. CentiMark Contracting specializes in commercial roofing and emergency roofing services. The company employs highly skilled roofing contractors that adhere to industry standards. Their workers are certified by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and follow a rigorous safety policy. In addition, they are trained in OSHA safety and have many years of experience working with commercial roofing systems. In addition to providing emergency service, CentiMark emergency roofing contractors are backed by a Single Source Roofing Warranty that is transferable, extendable, and customizable. They also maintain a comprehensive list of references, sorted by size and type of roof. In case of an emergency situation, the crew will be able to respond quickly and efficiently.

[xrayman2k4]

*GRAPHIC* Girl In A Freezer, The Murder Of Leanne Tiernan I 2 Minute Murder #5 from DEADBUG says on Vimeo.

This film tells the story of the tragic death of 16 year old school girl Leanne Tiernan, who after taking a short cut home while returning from Christmas shopping with a friend, walked into a park and never came out the other side.

Tiernan's disappearance led to West Yorkshire's (England) biggest missing person’s search in the history of their Police force. A more than 2000 house-to-house inquiries were conducted and 800 houses along her probable route were searched, along with 1000 sheds, garages and outbuildings and 150 commercial premises within a half-mile radius ofl the park she went missing in.

DNA samples were taken from 200 men who were known sex offenders or Pedophiles in the area. Over 20 search warrants were executed at various addresses in Leeds. The Police Underwater Search unit carried out a search of a three-mile section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Spring Garden lock and Bramley Falls, two miles of which was drained to a depth of one metre. The unit also searched thirty-two drain shafts in the area and Yorkshire Water were called in to help locate disused and abandoned drains and wells.

Collections of household waste were halted temporarily to allow police to search all bins in the area for evidence. Police staged a reconstruction of the girls' last movements in the hope of jogging the memory of potential witnesses about Leanne's movements.

Detectives also sent text messages to Tiernan's mobile phone, which was now switched off, but had briefly been activated on 27 November 2000. A local businessman offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to her return, and supermarket chain printed her picture and details on milk cartons sold at its stores all over England.

Leanne’s body was discovered on the 20th August 2001 in a wooded area popular with Dog walkers. Discovered by a dog walker, police were shocked that there was almost no decomposition of the body although she had been missing presumed dead for 9 months, wearing all her clothes and even her hair was brushed. A Post mortem examination indicated that Tiernan's body had only been at the location for over a week and before that had been stored in a freezer for the past nine months but also the cells in her body suggested she had been thawed out and then re-frozen multiple times for what investigators believe to be sex due to the extensive vaginal bruising.

DNA samples were taken from 200 people, including family, friends and known sex offenders living in the area. It was good old fashioned police work and Forensic evidence that led police to her killer, John Taylor, who lived only 1,300 yards from Tiernan's home. On 8 July 2002 Taylor pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to her kidnap and murder and received two life sentences, with the trial judge telling him that he should expect to spend the rest of his life in prison. At the end of his trial, the police officers who brought him to justice spoke of their belief that he may have been responsible for other unsolved murders, including the 1992 murder of Yvonne Fitt, a Bradford prostitute and that Taylor is in fact a serial killer.

On 3 April 2003, following a police review of unsolved sexual attacks in the area, Taylor pleaded guilty to two separate rapes committed before the schoolgirl's murder and received a further sentence of life imprisonment with a recommended minimum of 30 years.] As a result of the Tiernan murder inquiry police re-opened at least ten further cold case murder investigations.

Classification: Serial killer Characteristics: Rape- Necrophile - Mutilation-Murder Number of victims: 1 confirmed although fresh Police believe 3 to 5. Date of murders: 1992 to 2000 Status: Alive & Kicking

[sophiaisabelle]

There are a lot of plumbing services that one might need at their residential property or even at the commercial property. If the drains are blocked or even the kitchen sink is not working properly.

[emergencyservicesseo3]

Drain Unblocking In Liverpool

Drain Unblocking Services In Liverpool

Blocked drains whether, at home, work or in an commercial surroundings can purpose serious disruption on your day. At Emergency Plumber in Liverpool, the expert drain unblocking service the technicians we work with provide the problem fast and effectively solved without a call out charge.

Signs of a Blocked Drain

There are numerous tell-story signs to look out for with blocked drains. These symptoms can be indicative that some thing is clogging your pipes and will potentially purpose a larger issue at a later date. Signs you can have a hassle include:

Glugging plugholes

Rising water inside the toilet when you flush

Bathroom centers which can be emptying very slowly

Reflux out of your pipes and plugs

Bad smells coming from drains

Overflowing manholes and gullies

If you've got observed any of the above signs then it may be a signal that you have a blocked drain, and it's miles important to get an professional to look at your drains as fast as possible. Tackling a blocked drain while it first will become an difficulty method it's miles viable to prevent in addition harm because of the blockage.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains are a common hassle and one that could often be rectified with the proper equipment at hand. Typically there are 3 forms of difficulty that could cause congestion to your pipes, those include:

A build-up of fat, grease and oils that after cooled, solidify and may purpose a build-up in the device. This restricts water float and may even seal off the pipe.

A build-up of non-flushable items which includes moist wipes, nappies, q-guidelines and other non-flushable gadgets which building up and restrict the float of water.

External factors, such as tree roots, inflicting damage to pipes. In severe instances, they can even purpose the pipes to collapse.

As well as being inconvenient, blockages can result in any range of large issues in a while down the line. Build-up to your drain can purpose sluggish water drainage even as severe cases can result in harm inside the pipes.

Experts in Unblocking Drains in Liverpool

Here at Emergency Plumber in Liverpool, we collaborate with professional plumbers in drain unblocking and pipe restore services. No matter in which the drain is located or what the hassle is, the local plumbers in Liverpool can assist keep your device running easily and minimize the disruption on your business or home.

They care approximately maintaining your drains jogging easily. So, in case you’re faced with a blocked system and want it seeing to urgently, we're right here to assist. Get in contact with your local plumber in Liverpool in case you are experiencing any plumbing emergency.

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[merseyrod]

Commercial Drains Liverpool – Reliable Drain Solutions

Commercial Drains Liverpool require specialized care to ensure smooth operations and prevent costly disruptions for businesses. At Mersey Rod, we provide expert drainage services, including unblocking, CCTV surveys, and maintenance tailored for commercial properties. Our skilled team uses advanced tools to quickly diagnose and resolve drain issues, helping businesses in Liverpool stay operational without hassle. Whether it’s a minor blockage or a large-scale survey, we guarantee prompt, reliable service to keep your drainage system running efficiently.

[gadgetsrevv]

Man United’s owners won’t worry about club form as long as money keeps rolling in

Tuesday will be a good day for Manchester United and the Glazer family, when the club are expected to announce record annual revenues in excess of £615 million.

Once again, the self-styled “world’s biggest football club” will prove themselves to be top of the league, certainly among their Premier League counterparts, when it comes to making money. The problem for United, however, is that the good news stops with the financial results. On the pitch, under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, performance continues to be hugely disappointing as they fall further and further behind Liverpool and Manchester City.

– Dawson: Defeats no longer a surprise at United – Mata, Matic 4/10 in loss at West Ham – ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!

City’s most recent results saw the champions post an annual turnover of £581m, while Liverpool reported £455m. Even 12 months ago, United outstripped them both by announcing turnover of £590m.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired six years ago, United have excelled in just two areas: making money off the pitch and failing, repeatedly, on it. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, the man charged by the owners with running United on a day-to-day basis, stated in May last year that “playing performance doesn’t really have a meaningful impact on what we can do on the commercial side of the business.”

Ed Woodward chats with director Avram Glazer during the Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona in April.

Playing performance is certainly not matching up to commercial success right now. Whether it truly matters to the Glazers, only they can say.

At a recent fan forum, United did insist that “while our successful commercial operation helps drive investment, the priority is the focus on achieving success on the pitch.” And that means Solskjaer is in the firing line as United continue to tread water in the Premier League.

Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham was United’s 10th in their last 19 games under the Norwegian, an abject run of form stretching back to their last away win in all competitions, against Paris Saint-Germain, in March. The buck always stops with the manager: David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho can all attest to that. But he can only work with the hand he’s dealt and as such, questions must be asked of the Glazers and Woodward.

As part of his responsibilities, Woodward will have to give his assessment of United’s current health when he addresses investors on Tuesday. It will be a tough call for him. If he focuses purely on the financial results, it will be akin to Nero fiddling while Rome burns. But if he addresses the failures on the pitch, and how United continue to drop behind City and Liverpool while being forced to play in the Europa League, will he speak about the shortcomings in the boardroom that have left the club in its current state?

Since Woodward stepped into the role ahead of the 2013-14 season, in tandem with Moyes’ appointment as manager, United have finished an average of 21.5 points adrift of the champions. But the money keeps rolling through the tills.

Throughout that time, Woodward and the Glazers have overseen the sackings of three managers, the signings of expensive flops like Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay, Alexis Sanchez, and well as poor strategic planning behind the scenes.

When Mourinho was sacked last December, United spoke of the determination to hire a technical director to help with the process of player recruitment, yet almost 10 months on, they have still not made that crucial appointment. Sources have told ESPN FC that some candidates have shied away from pursuing the role because they would have to report directly to Woodward rather than have a direct line to the owners — a red line for those who believe that the position requires some kind of relationship with the people who sign the cheques.

The Glazers, meanwhile, remain silent on the decline of United as a force on the pitch and those who have dealt with the owners talk of nice guys who lack the edge of those who simply want to win.

Supporters have never accepted the Glazers due to their leveraged takeover in 2005, which plunged United into debt (net debt stood at £301.7m in the last quarterly figures) and, as reported by The Guardian in October 2018, their ownership has led to more than £1 billion being drained out of the club in interest charges.

Across town, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan has invested more than £1 billion at Manchester City in 11 years, so the shifting fortunes of both clubs is perhaps easy to understand.

While City have spent wisely, recruited smartly and upgraded the Etihad Stadium on a regular basis, United have gone the other way, with the lack of investment at Old Trafford being summed up by the leaking roof ahead of last season’s derby game against City which saw a torrent of water gush down onto the seats in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.

Bad signings, an aging stadium and a lack of urgency when making key appointments are all issues that have defined the Glazer era, and most noticeably since Woodward replaced David Gill. But perhaps it’s no real surprise. Supporters of the Glazers’ NFL franchise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have witnessed a drift into obscurity since the team won the Super Bowl in 2003, and United now appear to be heading the same way.

The money is still coming in, as Tuesday’s numbers will show. And as Woodward admitted, what happens on the pitch doesn’t affect United’s financial power off it. In the eyes of the Glazers, maybe the ongoing struggles of the team are only a minor issue to them.

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[mastcomm]

It’s Time to Ask What Africa Needs

Enjoying this newsletter every week? Forward it to a friend and tell them to sign up at nytimes.com/rory.

The ideas just keep coming. From Europe’s leading clubs: a proposal to expand the Champions League, to squeeze four more lucrative matchdays into the competition’s format. From UEFA: a whole new trophy to win, but one for countries that feel (rightly) excluded from the Champions League.

From FIFA: another new tournament, this one in the summer and based on the Club World Cup — the one that was, in itself, an expansion of the old Intercontinental Cup — but bigger, richer, and more in China. And, as my colleague Tariq Panja reported this week, from Stephen M. Ross and his Relevent Sports team: a version of the International Champions Cup that is conspicuously more than a meaningless preseason moneymaking exercise.

They are all, for now, under consideration, despite the endless warnings from FIFPro — the global players’ union — and from a number of leading managers, not least Jürgen Klopp, that players are already facing the risk of burnout, that soccer is in danger of strangling its golden goose. The meetings still go on, in locked rooms and hushed tones in five-star hotels, the workshopping, the brainstorming. There is no such thing as a bad idea.

Last week, it was confirmed that this year’s African Cup of Nations — Africa’s equivalent of the Copa América, or the European Championship — would, in fact, be next year’s African Cup of Nations: Cameroon, the host, has noted that it is far too hot to play the tournament in June and July, and so it has shifted it, quite understandably, to January. (The fact its summer dates would have clashed with the new Club World Cup was a factor, too).

This is, in many ways, not a new idea: the Cup of Nations always used to be played in the (European) winter, until it was decided in 2017 that it should be played, instead, in the (European) summer.

The thinking was flawed — it did not require a meteorologist to work out that temperatures would rule out a swath of countries as potential hosts — but the logic was simple: pretty much all of Africa’s highest-profile players work for clubs in Europe. Switching it to the off-season made sense for them, and for their employers.

The switch back, then, is not exactly popular: Everyone in the corridors of power might be willing to contemplate almost any other proposal for new tournaments or ruining existing ones, but the restoration of a historic, important competition to its usual dates is universally seen as A Bad Thing. Have the African authorities not thought about what effect they will have on the integrity of the Premier League at all?

There will come a point when this Eurocentric thinking has to stop. Yes, that is where all the money is. Yes, that is the economic engine financing the global game. But it is not the limit of soccer’s horizons. It does not own the game.

Making sure everything works well for Europe will, eventually, have damaging consequences elsewhere: in terms of attendance and interest in local competitions (which has already happened across Africa) and, possibly, down the line, in the development of players. Europe has to start thinking of itself as the tip of the pyramid: the summit, yes, but in quite a bit of trouble if the rest of the edifice is not secure.

There is one idea for a new competition that appeals. It came, back in November, from an unlikely source: Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, the concept that a stopped clock is right twice in a day fitted out in a finely-tailored suit. On a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Infantino suggested that a Pan-African league should be under consideration.

His theory was, obviously, based on money: he thought that such a competition might be able to command revenues of $200 million a year. But there is a sound logic behind it.

Africa is home to a couple of dozen major clubs: Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in South Africa; Al Ahly and Zamalek in Egypt; Espérance and Étoile du Sahel in Tunisia; DR Congo’s TP Mazembe; and Ghana’s Asante Kotoko, among others. A league of 20 teams, as Infantino suggested, would be of a far higher standard than any of the national competitions they currently call home.

That would be beneficial, of course, for players, and the prospect of selling continental broadcast rights would help improve facilities and infrastructure. It might, even, enable teams to hold on to some of their brightest prospects for just a little longer, delaying the exodus for Europe.

It might, in other words, provide the basis for another pole to emerge in soccer’s firmament: not enough to compete with Europe, but to rebalance things just a little. Soccer is weaker if western Europe has a monopoly on talent, on wealth, on power, as it does now. It is healthier if Africa — and Asia, North and South America and the rest — can make decisions without having to think how Europe will react. This might be a step on that road.

United’s Problem Is Not the Glazers’ Wallet

The ire at Old Trafford is mounting. Two defeats in the space of three days — first, painfully, at Liverpool, and then, humiliatingly, at home to Burnley — have brought Manchester United’s fans to the brink of mutiny. They want Ed Woodward, the man who runs the club, gone, and they want the Glazer family, the owner that employs him, out as well.

That neither will happen encapsulates United’s problem. The complaint against the Glazers has long been that the club would have been able to spend far more in the transfer market, strengthening its squad, if the Glazer family had not continually drained its finances to service debts and pay off interest.

And yet, since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, Manchester United has spent more than £1 billion on transfers. That is an eye-watering sum, and not just because it has been so consistently wasted. United’s recruitment in the last seven years has been so bad it’s a leap to believe that all it needed was another few hundred million pounds.

No, the issue is not the lack of spending, it is the lack of culture. The Glazers will not fire Woodward because he is good at making United a commercial powerhouse, at keeping the money rolling in.

They have created a club where sporting decisions have a secondary importance to financial ones, where the rapid decline we have seen in the last few years can be tolerated if the balance sheet remains healthy, and where nobody has the expertise or knowledge even to recognize the causes of the slide, let alone halt it. United lacks a clear on-field vision and a defined, modern off-field structure. It has invested money in players, but not in itself.

A Basic Understanding of Causality

At the risk of taking something that is supposed to be lighthearted fun rather too seriously, allow me to address one of the worst developments of this Premier League season: the rise of the League Table Without VAR.

You will, I suspect, have seen one, either on your social media feed or in a variety of publications, both major and minor. The premise is simple: this is how many points each team would have if English soccer had not introduced a video assistant refereeing system at the start of the season.

The premise — and, yes, I know it’s meant to be nothing more than curiosity-as-content, not taken to heart — is also, sadly, deeply stupid, and for two reasons. One is that VAR is merely a method for enforcing the actual rules. It has mostly made decisions correctly (even if we do not always like how correct those decisions are). Would anyone think to publish a league table if the offside rule did not exist? A league table if you were allowed to pick the ball up and throw it? A league table if everyone on the field had a sword? No, they wouldn’t.

The second reason, though, is that this kind of thing encourages a fundamental misunderstanding of causality. Let’s use, as an example, the penalty Manchester City was eventually not awarded against Crystal Palace last week. If it had been given (and scored), it does not necessarily follow that City would have won, 3-2. Maybe Palace would have shut up shop more effectively. Maybe City would have won by 6-1. Maybe Sergio Agüero is not in position to score either of his subsequent two goals.

What’s the phrase? Oh yes. Goals change games. Or, as analysts put it, they affect the game-state. Does any of this matter? Yes and no. That it is intellectually vapid is not important, but the fact that it adds to an atmosphere of suspicion and credulity and conspiracy is not helpful at all.

In Case You Missed It

Writing about Mario Balotelli a few weeks ago, one of his former coaches mentioned one of those age-old tropes you tend to get about players who develop physically more quickly than their peers. Goals had always come easily to him, the coach said, because he was bigger and faster and stronger than everyone else; he never needed to learn the actual craft of the game.

Writing about Adama Traoré this week, an alternative explanation occurred. Traoré, like Balotelli, was always the biggest, quickest kid on his teams. It is what made him stand out as a teenager, what built his early reputation.

But speaking to those who have worked with him, I wonder now if the problem isn’t that he never needed to learn, but that his unique skill-set made it hard for coaches to work out a way to deploy him. Soccer is really good at identifying talent; it is less good at working out how best to accommodate it, especially if you do not fit a pattern. And Traoré, with his sprinter’s speed and powerlifter’s build, really does not fit a pattern.

Correspondence

Last week’s mention of Harry Kane, and Tottenham’s difficulty in identifying suitable cover for him, brought a cascade of opinions, ranging from Steve’s view that “they don’t need a backup, they need a replacement” to the suggestion from Wesley Jenkins that the solution might already be in-house. “What about Troy Parrott? Every commentator I follow has been singing his praises for a year now. Why not let him take the reins while Kane is hurt?”

Nick Adams points out that all of this is entirely predictable. “Every year Harry Kane is injured,” Nick wrote. “As he ages, he clearly needs some respite. Wouldn’t it be sensible to drop him for the F.A. Cup and some Premier League fixtures? Harry Kane should want this, too.”

There’s a degree of merit in all of these suggestions. I think selling Kane is a little drastic, but those funds could, as Steve said, rebuild basically the rest of the team. Parrott is certainly worth a shot — if you’re not familiar with the name, he’s a very talented 17-year-old Irish forward — but asking him to lead the line is a major leap. And yes, Kane should want rest, but part of the problem is that Kane does not want rest.

I was intrigued, too, by an idea from Bruce: “Why do both teams get a point for a game that finishes goal-less? Why not zero? Make the teams earn a point by scoring at least once each.” Generally, I think the point-scoring in soccer works well, but I could be persuaded, I think, that a goal-less draw might be worth one point and a goal-scoring draw worth two. I wonder what the table would look like if that rule applied now?

That’s all for this week. I’m on Twitter, as ever, and if you prefer your opinions in audio form, feel free to try the Set Piece Menu podcast. All correspondence to askrory@nytimes.com is more than welcome, and feel free to send this link to everyone you have ever met.

Have a great weekend.

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CCTV Drain Survey Leeds Get an Accurate Diagnosis

CCTV Drain Survey Leeds helps you to locate drainage problems with comprehensive inspection reports for both commercial and domestic users.

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Get Plumbing Problems Fixed with Expert Emergency Plumber in Liverpool

Whenever you have heating and expansion tank problems, blocked shower trays, or leaking radiators, it is essential to get it fixed as soon as possible. Nowadays, there are a plethora of methods available on the Internet to learn and perform plumbing repair works. Most homeowners get tempted to fixing plumbing problems on their own. Some plumbing problems seem easy to solve, but it takes a very big form if handled improperly. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary damage or costly repairs, plumbing problems should be left on emergency plumber Liverpool.

Some plumbing problems are small like low water pressure, leaky pipes, and clogged drains that often overlooked by the homeowners and later turn into an emergency. On the other hand, critical issues like problematic hot water cylinders and immersion heaters, toilet and water tank overflows should only be fixed by a licensed and experienced plumber Liverpool who can handle all types of plumbing problems.

Unlike home plumbing systems, commercial plumbing systems are larger and difficult to fix. Even small plumbing issues can create an uncontrollable situation when not resolved on time. They don't only affect productivity but also affect customers.

Moreover, commercial plumbing and heating systems are used continuously and more likely to face problems. Every business requires cost-effective and energy-efficient plumbing systems to keep running properly. An expert commercial gas engineer Liverpool from a reputed company does not only have the authority to accept commercial plumbing jobs, but equipped with advanced tools, highest-quality material, and necessary experience to fix all types of plumbing problems safely. Moreover, they help to maintain the efficiency of plumbing systems and provide you with immediate help. Those who are living in living in Liverpool and need affordable plumbing solutions for home or business can contact JWC Plumbing & Heating. It is a trusted plumbing company in Liverpool offering reliable plumbing and heating services along with the boiler finance Liverpool, maintenance work including brickwork, tiling, flooring, bathroom design. For more information, visit Jwcplumbingandheating.co.uk.

This post was originally published on: https://bit.ly/2lqwTuj

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Emergency Plumber Sydney – Your Local 24 Hour Plumber

Why People Should Call Emergency Plumber Sydney  

Often, plumbing problems that happen at homes and commercial premises occur because of poor workmanship. Usually, when people resort to hiring unskilled and unprofessional plumbers, the only thing they can expect after a short period of time is more plumbing problems. In most cases, the start of plumbing problems begins with leaking pipes in buildings, frequent flooding, roof leaks, burst pipes, gas leaks, blocked drains, and clogging of sinks.  The best thing to do after seeing such problems whether it is at home or at your commercial premises is to call an emergency plumber Sydney as soon as possible. The reason for doing so is because such signs can lead to serious flooding havoc if they are left to continue without sorting out the problem. The damage caused by plumbing problems is in most cases immense and can damage a lot of valuable items. Additionally, flooding caused by poor plumbing can lead to outbreak of waterborne diseases.

When to Call Emergency Plumber Sydney

When it comes to emergency plumbing cases, the Emergency Plumber Sydney team is always there to rescue you from the crises. People can call our emergency number whenever their showers, toilets, hot water systems and other related systems fail to function normally. Our emergency technicians are always punctual and efficient while carrying out their emergency rescue duties to ensure that their clients are satisfied with their quality services.

What Makes Emergency Plumber Sydney Special?

The Emergency Plumber Sydney Company is always reliable, efficient and innovative in improving its plumbing services. It uses the latest cutting-edge technology that is coupled with the use of modern equipment to better supply its emergency services across the region. The emergency plumber Sydney is also equipped with emergency vans that transport our emergency plumbers to your residence or property. The combination of professional experts, use of modern technology and use of modern equipment are important factors that contribute to the delivery of reliable, timely and accurate services to our clients all the times.

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No job is to big or too small for emergency plumber Sydney plumbers as they are trained to handle all plumbing projects with professionalism and diligence. Our Plumbers are resourceful in the following areas:

Cleaning grease traps

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Fixing hot water systems

Unclogging blocked sewers and showers

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Our plumbers  never let their clients down with plumbing projects since there is no task is too difficult for us. We guarantee our clients ultimate customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and value for money!

In summary, Emergency Plumber Sydney is very efficient and prompt in delivering maintenance, installations, upgrading, renovating, attending to plumbing emergencies and more. You can request a fast and affordable emergency plumbing quote anytime 24/7

If you have an issue with a blocked drain, blocked drain Sydney or hot water system Sydney, then you need a 24 hour plumber Sydney or an emergency plumber Sydney to service you. You might also reach out to a gas plumber Sydney to help you. It’s important that you have a plumber Sydney, plumbers Sydney, Plumbing Sydney, Sydney Plumbers,Drain Camera Sydney and Blocked Drains.

We service many areas including plumber Sutherland, Plumber Bulli , plumber Liverpool,Plumber  Koonawarra, plumber Wollonong, plumber Newtown, plumber Hurstville,  Plumber Bondi, Plumber Tamarama, Plumber Bronte, Plumber Coogee, Plumber Clovelly,Plumber Maroubra, Plumber Eastgardens, Plumber Pagewood, Plumber Kingsford,Plumber Surry Hills, Plumber Double Bay, Plumber Point Piper, Plumber Rose Bay, Plumber Vaucluse, Plumber Watsons Bay, Plumber Potts Point, Plumber Mascot, Plumber Camperdown, Plumber Kyeemagh, Plumber Bright-le-sands, Plumber Kograh, Plumber Rockdale, Plumber Marrickville, Plumber Petersham, Plumber Rozelle, Plumber Lilyfield,Plumber Haberfield, Plumber Ashbury, Plumber Ashfield, Plumber Kingsgrove, Plumber Penshu, Plumber Belmore, Plumber Lakemba, Plumber Strathfield, Plumber Drummoyne,Plumber Five Dock, Plumber Botany, Plumber Darling Harbour, Plumber Ultimo, Plumber Eveleigh, Plumber Annandalle, Plumber Beacon Hill, Plumber Bay View, Plumber Baulkham Hills, Plumber Bass Hill, Plumber Bargo, Plumber Blairmount, Plumber Blair Athol, Plumber Blacktown, Plumber Birrong, Plumber Birkenhead Point, Plumber Birchgrove, Plumber Bidwill, Plumber Bexley, Plumber Beverley Hills, Plumber Beverley Park, Plumber Berrys Bay, Plumber Berkshire Park, Plumber Berala, Plumber Ben Buckler, Plumber Bellevue Hill,Plumber Bella Vista, Plumber Belfield, Plumber Beecroft, Plumber Beauty Point, Plumber Beaconsfield, Plumber Denistone, Plumber Denham Court, Plumber Dee Why, Plumber Dean Park, Plumber Darlington, Plumber Hammondville, Plumber Gymea, Plumber Guildford, Plumber Greystanes, Plumber Greenwich, Plumber Greenfield Park, Plumber Greenacre, Plumber Green Valley, Plumber Granville, Plumber Gordon, Plumber Glenfield,Plumber Glebe, Plumber Gladesville, Plumber Girraween, Plumber Frenchs Forest, Plumber Forest Lodge, Plumber Fairlight, Plumber Fairfield, Plumber Erskineville, Plumber Ermington, Plumber Epping, Plumber Enmore, Plumber Enfield, Plumber Elizabeth Bay,Plumber Edmondson Park, Plumber Edgecliff, Plumber Endensor Park, Plumber Eastwood,Plumber Eastlakes, Plumber East Ryde, Plumber Abbotsbury, Plumber Abbotsford, Plumber Acacia Gardens, Plumber Airds, Plumber Akuna Bay, Plumber Alexandria, Plumber Alfords Point, Plumber Allambie, Plumber Allawah, Plumber Ambervale, Plumber Annangrove,Plumber Appin, Plumber Arcadia, Plumber Arncliffe, Plumber Arndell Park, Plumber East Hills, Plumber Earlwood, Plumber Dunheved, Plumber Dundas, Plumber Dulwich Hill,Plumber Dover Heights, Plumber Doonside, Plumber Dolls Point, Plumber Dolans Bay,Plumber Dharruk, Plumber Darlinghurst, Plumber Darling Point, Plumber Daceyville,Plumber Curl Curl, Plumber Croydon, Plumber Crows Nest, Plumber Cronulla, Plumber Cremorne, Plumber Connells Point, Plumber Condell Park, Plumber Concord, Plumber Como, Plumber Colyton, Plumber Collaroy, Plumber Colebee, Plumber Cogra Bay, Plumber Clyde, Plumber Clontarf, Plumber Clemton Park, Plumber Claremont Meadows, Plumber Chullora, Plumber Chiswick, Plumber Chipping Norton, Plumber Chippendale, Plumber Chester Hill, Plumber Cheltenham, Plumber Chatswood, Plumber Cecil Park, Plumber Chifley, Plumber Casula, Plumber Castle Crag, Plumber Castle Hill, Plumber Castle Cove,Plumber Cartwright, Plumber Carss Park, Plumber Carramar, Plumber Carnes Hill, Plumber Carlton, Plumber Carlingford, Plumber Caringbah, Plumber Canterbury, Plumber Canley Vale, Plumber Canley Heights or Sydney Plumber you can trust – Mr. Plumber Sydney.

[local-roofing-news]

Emergency Roofing Companies Near Syracuse NY

Emergency Roofing Companies Near Syracuse NY If you are in need of emergency roofing in Syracuse NY, you have many options. The following are some companies that offer emergency service in this area. These companies include J. Lindsley Roofing, CentiMark, Garvin Metal Roofs, and Michael C. Graham & Son. Read their reviews to learn more about their quality and customer service. J. Lindsley RoofingIf you're in need of a roof repair, call J. Lindsley Roofing, a roof repair company serving Central New York. They have local offices in Syracuse, Cicero, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and Clay. They also serve residents of Onondaga and Oswego counties. Located in Syracuse, J. Lindsley Roofing offers residential and commercial roofing services. Their team is well-experienced and trained to handle a variety of roofing materials and roof designs. They can install flat, metal, or rubber membrane roofs. They are also OSHA-certified. Shaffer Building Services is a family-owned and operated business in the Syracuse area that has been in the roofing business for over 40 years. They offer comprehensive roofing services, including roof repairs, gutter installation, and drain unclogging. They are a one-stop-shop for all your emergency roofing needs. Garvin Metal RoofsGarvin Metal Roofs is a residential and commercial roofing company that specializes in metal roofing. Whether your home has a flat or pitched roof, you can depend on the team at Garvin to accurately diagnose any water damage and quickly fix the problem. They have twenty years of experience and are certified to install CertainTeed roofing shingles. The company also offers a variety of sidings, seamless gutters, skylights, and more. Garvin Metal Roofs is a family-owned company that has been serving the Syracuse area for over 45 years. Their certified technicians are knowledgeable about CertainTeed products, and are trained to diagnose and repair roof damage. They are available round-the-clock for emergency roofing needs. Michael C. Graham & SonWhether you need emergency roofing services or vinyl siding installation, you can rely on the family-owned and operated Michael C. Graham & Son to get the job done right. The Graham family has been serving the needs of residents of Central New York for over seven decades. You can trust that they will provide you with a quality product that is built to last. They are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. JKS Home Improvement - Located in Syracuse, JKS Home Improvement offers a full range of roofing services. They can replace or repair damaged roofing systems and even install new roofs. They also offer window replacement, skylight installation, and deck construction. Exceptional Exteriors - Located in Syracuse, NY, this full-service home improvement company offers residential roofing services, siding, window replacement, and gutter installation. The company also offers a warranty on their work. CentiMarkCentiMark emergency roofing companies near Syracuse, New York offer a wide range of roofing solutions from emergency repairs to complete roof replacements. These roofing contractors are experienced industry leaders and adhere to the highest standards of safety. These professionals follow a strict safety plan, which they share with customers. Amtek Home Improvement Syracuse, NY is a family-owned business that specializes in roofing services. They are GAF certified and have more than 50 years of experience in the Syracuse area. They also offer window and door installation and deck construction. And if you're looking for a family-owned company that specializes in historic restoration, try Murtaugh Restorations. The company's staff of certified professionals have over 20 years of experience in roofing. They can install skylights and repair chimneys, as well. Their team is skilled at using specialized technology to find areas of water infiltration and then quickly fix the problem. They even offer a warranty. Empire State ProfessionalsIf you need an emergency roofing contractor near Syracuse, NY, you've come to the right place.

Empire State Professionals is a residential roofing company with 15 years of experience and a focus on Upstate New York. Our experts are trained to handle a wide range of roofing problems and provide personalized service to homeowners throughout Central New York. In the event of an emergency roofing situation, it's critical to act fast and get the damage repaired right away. Waiting too long can cause a large water leak that will compromise the integrity of your home, which can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Fortunately, there are many emergency roofing companies near Syracuse NY that can help you immediately.

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Hire Commercial Plumbing Engineer to Fix Your Plumbing Problems

Home maintenance is an exceptionally important part to avoid any bigger problem. Some people prefer to do it on their own while others prefer to opt for professional service to get the job done to avoid any hassle. From roof fixing, electric appliance maintenance to more, plumbing is one of the most difficult yet important part of home maintenance.

As the majority of plumbing problem arise without warning and require immediate action, hiring professional commercial plumbing engineer Liverpool is always the best option. With years of experience and knowledge of plumbing problems, professional plumbers can instantly detect the problem and provide quick effective solutions. There are several types of plumbing emergencies which arise in our daily life and need immediate attention. From fixing burst pipes, frozen pipes, to clogged drains, water tank overflowing and more, expert plumbers offer effective services to get permanent plumbing solution.

Moreover, many professional plumbers provide you with the list of suggestions to keep appliances safe to avoid any severe issue. As a plumbing problem can arise at any time and fixing it soon can save a lot of time and money. Hence, there are many companies available have a team of professional commercial plumber Liverpool offering 24/7 emergency services. You just need to give them a call and they will be available to cater to your plumbing needs.

If you are searching for one such 24/7 friendly company, then do connect with Vortex Gas. It is one of the leading plumbing and heating company in Liverpool offering a wide variety of plumbing and heating services at very competitive rates. They have a team of experienced commercial heating engineer Liverpool and plumbers who are expert in solving any plumbing and heating problem. Their range of services includes commercial gas, commercial catering, gas testing and more.

For more information, visit vortexgas.co.uk

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