#carrying senior citizen case like that

[killa-trav]

Rasmus Højlund, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrate a goal that is later disallowed for offside during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and Galatasaray at Old Trafford; Manchester, England; 03.10.2023

📸; JAMES GILL

[covid-conscious-and-silly]

nassau county mask ban discussion notes

i decided to also make this a separate post for maximum circulation. see my original addendum to the nassau county mask ban/covid action item post (which has all the context in case you're unfamiliar with this) below:

Before I start with my summary, I want to clarify that the legislation discussed that the ban would only punish people wearing a mask to conceal their identity and are attempting to commit or have committed a crime (which is still not okay, but that's their current rhetoric). I took most of this very quickly and will leave commentary for the end (parentheticals are further clarification given during the meeting).

Legislative Discussion:

stated at beginning of meeting by Pilip that ban will not be voted on until august 5th; today is to address concerns

person who introduced the bill (Pilip) addressed antisemitism in her explanation

claimed that it is not against people wearing masks to protect themselves from illness

Bynoe asked who will be enforcing the ban, and the response was "the police"

MASKS COMPARED TO POCKETKNIVES by other legislator (Ferretti?) (in that someone can carry a pocketknife in their bag for protection, but someone could also use it to commit a crime)

Bynoe acknowledging that someone looking suspicious is subjective

ban is ultimately about intent to commit crime or commitment of crime while wearing a mask, not necessarily about just wearing a mask (but again, how will that be enforced??)

Bynoe also wants to know how this will be incorporated into police training (because ban is different from law that was in place until 2020)

Bynoe asks if someone would need permission to wear a mask in a store (which is not fully answered? more in a bit)

Pilip says that "a man wearing a keffiyeh who is completely covered and saying 'death to the Jews'" is bad, but if "a woman walking down the street wearing a mask is not doing anything," it's fine

Bynoe says that someone may "look suspicious" but is actually just being their normal self; "there's such a gray area here," especially because of the misdemeanor and heavy fine associated

Ferretti (?) says that someone wouldn't have to ask to wear a mask to enter a store as long as they are not attempting to conceal their identity (bill language: "without the consent of the owner or tenant")

Bynoe again emphasizes gray area (lots of back and forth and people not fully addressing the wobbly enforceability of the legislation)

Bynoe says this is not directly tied to criminal act (unlike North Carolina) and that this would result in people being "banished from stores" for "odd behavior," "but they still have the right to wear a mask"

Ferretti (?) said they will go back and adjust the language

Bynoe calling for law enforcement to be a part of the conversation

Mulé echoing Bynoe's comments about enforceability; concerned about subjectiveness of "odd behavior" as well, mentions behavior of autistic people specifically

Ferretti(?) states that someone saying that they're wearing a mask while committing a crime, like robbing a bank, that they're wearing a mask "for their health" will not stop them from being convicted of robbery

Mulé bringing up letters written by people concerned about the mask ban and people concerned about not being able to wear a mask; says that people should not have to fear not being able to wear a mask

Ferretti (?) says banks can bar people from walking in while wearing a mask (because they're a private entity and aren't subject to this law)

Davis also mentioning gray area; proposing instead to craft a law that makes "the underlying crime + the wearing of a covering" the "aggravating" factor (basically what Bynoe and Mulé have already brought up)

Davis also says that legislation could make committing a crime while wearing a mask comparable to a crime that is committed against a senior citizen or a child

Davis reads out part that says law enforcement may request someone to remove mask during a traffic stop or if they have reasonable suspicion (agrees with this language and says "and I think we all do want to do this")

Pilip asking for how to make ban better, Bynoe says that she will reach out with edits

Public Comment (I will be referring to people as "Person [insert number here]" for the sake of privacy unless they have named a kind of notable public organization of which they are a part or are some kind of public figure:

Person 1: public school teacher testifying about right to medical privacy; husband wears a mask in public to protect her! this ban will lead to people like her being harassed; Jewish and saying that something like this will not protect Jewish people; will endanger her health instead

Person 2: called legislation previously to get copy of mask ban language, was told they would need to FOIL in order to get copy of mask ban language; says that mask bans are unpopular and will be used to demonize people of color; COVID cases up and human H5N1 cases rising; wildfires in canada; how can police enforce this? documented bias over last three years in nassau county police reviews; this will be used to demonize protestors as well and give police more of a reason to escalate security at protests

Person 3: Jewish and COVID conscious family; they and teenage son were masking at crowded event outside; worried that their son would be detained for wearing a mask while playing pokémon go; worried about sacrificing health and safety at protest if protest turns violent and other people are committing crimes; find a different way to address these problems; "mask wearers deserve to be considered innocent and not suspicious"

Dr. Angelique Corthals (from Mask Together America!): discussing how COVID is ravaging communities and especially harming people of color; mentions potential of H5N1 pandemic; vaccines cannot fully stop transmission or long COVID; at-home tests are not as effective because of new variants; Nature says that mask banning is not an effective crime fighting tool and are not as good at hiding identity as sunglasses (which were mentioned previously); proposes bills for free N95 masks and PCR tests

Jonathan Gunther (?): chairman of nassau county libertarian party; opposes bill; violates first amendment (principles of free speech/expression and right to assembly); fourteenth amendment due process clause (lack of clarity prevents individuals from knowing if their actions will be perceived as "suspicious"); eighth amendment (cruel and unusual punishment; putting someone in prison for wearing a mask); several amendments (traffic stops violating individuals' rights); also condemning North Carolina's mask ban

Katherine Hawkland (they/them): organizing director of long island progressive coalition; people need to be able to wear masks regardless of drs notes; COVID is still killing people but not as much as 2020; what kind of documentation will people need? very unclear in legislation; had COVID early in 2020 and experienced cognitive symptoms but didn't test or know at the time (just felt like bad asthma attack and ended up out of work for two years because of brain damage); Black and Brown, trans, and unhoused folks will be targeted by this ban; hard enough to ask people to wear bans (and be precautious of COVID); something like this will make it even more difficult for others (as in potential allies) to wear masks

Denarii Grace (she/they): 37, Hempstead resident (graduated from local hs in 2005); creative person (singer, songwriter, essayist, public speaker, etc.) but attended Rutgers to be an English teacher; became disabled in multiple ways, COVID is "shrinking my life"; anyone can become disabled at any time; Black, trans, and queer folks face more discrimination and make it harder for people in those groups to live; cannot work like other people can work; unfair that she has to live in fear because "people like me are never thought of in government"; ban is an "unguided unjust law that puts the burden on the most vulnerable"

end of public comment.

They, again, made it sound like they were going to vote on this on August 5th, but there was some kind of vote today. the item passes with 4 yeses and 3 abstaining (Mulé, Davis, and Bynoe).

TL,DR; the three legislators who abstained brought up concerns about the mask ban's language. a lot of back and forth happened that will presumably be resolved at a later date. seven people spoke, all against the mask ban. the ban was passed.

if i misinterpreted the voting, please let me know. i don't know what exactly will be happening on August 5th. i think it's also important to note that pilip served in the iof and used very subtle anti-Palestinian rhetoric when she spoke (see: when she gives an example of someone who would be violating the ban, she demonizes men wearing keffiyehs).

i will be paying attention to this as much as possible and will update whenever i can. i'm not a resident of nassau county, but this is the closest mask ban to me, so i feel compelled to fight especially hard against this.

as for you, i see your compassion and care for others. thank you for your energy. we're still in this together <3

[firedjinni]

tell me about your rw ocs!!

:D sure!

The main ones I've been doodling are Three Rivers and the Administrator (AKA Mini), who basically spawned out of faffing around in a giant doc of iterator headcanons. (I was trying to work out how an "off the string" scenario could be done with my particular headcanon interpretations of iterators and their puppets, and brain basically made up a guy, lol.)

Three Rivers is an iterator who manages to eventually remove their own taboos (and later goes off the string) via a very risky and roundabout plan:

Reassign abandoned citizen ID drones to a bunch of reasonably intelligent organisms

Do this enough times to establish the minimum number of "citizens" needed to revive a specific voting council

Have the "citizens" vote in a (rigged) election to promote one trusted organism (in this case, a personally selected and hand raised slugcat - that's Mini!) to the rank of Junior Administrator (Senior admin requires tougher credentials for approval, unfortunately)

Get your new Junior Administrator to disable the basic antivirus security and administer a homemade taboo-erasing retrovirus into your systems! Preferably foolproof this step as much as possible so even a slugcat with limited understanding of iterator technology can still carry it out effectively.

The security system flags your new administrator for "suspicious behavior" and "genetic ID mismatch" partway through the infection process, puts the rest of the facility into lockdown, and demands senior admin access to restore basic functionality

Uh

Whoops

That wasn't supposed to happen--

Ironically, TR wasn't even trying to get "off the string" at the time - she just wanted to be able to upgrade and maintain her own facility beyond what her own very limited system privileges allowed her, and the whole mobile puppet thing was kind of an afterthought? But once half the structure stopped cooperating and the inspectors kept trying to kill her little administrator, well... there were only so many options left.

So, using what limited resources they still had control over, they made a traveling puppet (yay self-modification!) and ditched their failing structure to set off out into the world, followed by a small entourage of slugcats and scavengers. The others don't have designs yet, but I feel like that would be a whole post all on its own, lol...

I'm still working on a design for the traveling puppet, but the idea is that it's basically derived/reconstructed from the same base organism used to create normal iterator puppets, just bigger, more robust, and generally capable of surviving independently of the superstructure! (The concept was loosely inspired by the likes of @/ikayblythe's reiterator AU, haha)

Due to the state of the facility, though, it's something of a rush job. It looks cool, but the mouth goes nowhere and is just for show, and it still has to manually flush slag by running a bunch of water through the pseudolymphatic system and directly dumping the Microbial Waste Goop out the back ports, and some of the other internal components are... not terribly efficient... and they had to ditch so much processing power to get this thing up and running before time ran out, but hey, it works, so cool proof of concept, right? Right??

anyway her nearest neighbor eventually catches this on an overseer and just about shits a brick lol

[kankuroplease]

Is it too soon to ask for shisui x kaguya hcs? Cause I’m absolutely invested now

Tw: obsessive, manipulative behavior, and just unhealthiness

Some thoughts on this ship for this au of how it would all start 🤡

So to start, they’d meet at a private auction

This beautiful woman he’d never seen before who seemed so otherworldly

Biding on the same painting as him and letting out a small huff when he won

Something about her made him want give her a hard time

So he bid on the next time she bid on, driving the price up again again

Never outbidding her

just because he thought the way she glared at him was cute.

He almost completely forgot about that night until he came to place an order with Hinata and the ethereal being was sitting there all pretty enjoying her tea until she saw him

Kaguya could not believe this asshole from the auction was leaning on her chair like a slutty manwhore asking if she’s friends with Hina.

He did smell wonderful though, she’d give him that💀

One look at Hinata and she knew her suspicions were spot on; this man was one of her “associates” and massive trouble

So she did what any self respecting woman of class would do and tell him to mind his manners and wait his turn.

Which just made Shisui more intrigued with who this mysterious nougat was.

Just as she was leaving he handed her his business card, just in case she was looking for anything real estate in the near vicinity.

She reluctantly took it and continued on with her life; struggling to find anything worth investing in and declining obvious attempts at dates with senior citizens at the private athletic clubs

It wasn’t until she was playing racket ball with Toneri that the topic of real estate investments came up that she remembered she had the business card of a very attractive young “real-estate agent”

When she went to look at the apartment he was selling, she was amazed with how everything was staged

Impressed even, he had a great brand of wine poured for her, the lighting was great, everything was nice until she saw the painting he outbid her for

“I thought this would help sweeten the deal, princess”

She was OFFENDED. Never in her life had she had someone so blatantly messing with her so flippantly, even when it could come to a financial loss for themselves

Shisui was humored by her berating him. Honestly, just the reaction he expected from a spoiled heir to the Ōtsutsuki

“Someone’s mad~”

Were the last words he managed to say before she kissed him, presumably to shut him up.

Before either of them knew it, they were fucking in the living room underneath that damn painting

A shameful shaky walk back to her waiting vehicle; Kaguya really wasn’t proud of herself for not only hate-fucking this man she barely knew, but for enjoying it so much💀

Shisui on the other hand, was very proud of himself for always carrying a condom. They seemed very compatible, sexually at least~

He did feel a bit like a dick for teasing her so much, but didn’t have any real regrets.

Her threatening text about suing him if he spoke a word of this to anyone, also made him smile as he admired the scratch work she left on his chest and arms.

All his sloothing pointed to her being a single hardworking woman and in a long dry spell, so he wasn’t surprised that she had some pent up frustration 😏

More time goes by and they have a few run ins with each other

With Shisui giving her pleasant greetings and compliments

And Kaguya ignoring him and the rapid beating of her heart at the sight of him/the glorious memories of him on top of her in that apartment

Kaguya was unknowingly fanning the flames of desire in him with each meeting

It all came to a head at one of Hinata’s yacht parties when Shisui had his men lock them a room together for a date

“You do know I can have you arrested for false imprisonment?”

“Do you honestly think I’m scared of prison?” “I just want to thank you for the good time, maybe get to know you better”

Kaguya knew she wasn’t getting out of this “date” easily and decided to sit and see what this bastard had to say

Admittedly, she wasn’t hearing much over her own thoughts of escaping. She only focused back into what was being said when he asked why she never returned his messages.

He thought they had a lot of chemistry and had been thinking about her a lot lately

Kaguya simply shrugged. The truth was she didn’t have a good reason, she wa

“Why are you so interested in me? Is Madara looking for some sort of financial assistance?”

Oh

So she knows who his adoptive father is, yet she’s still so bold?

Yeah, he’s obessed.

Smiling to himself, he and simply leave. telling her she’s free to enjoy the food and to enjoy the rest of the night

Leaving Kaguya to contemplate what just happened

And even more confused when her favorite flowers and imported chocolates started being delivered to her weekly from Mr. Uchiha himself

Now she had to wonder how he knew all this and the thought of it sent shivers down her spine

After about 2 months of this, Shisui called her and asked to go out on a date, properly this time

She really can’t answer why she went on the date; morbid curiosity and lust were at the top of what she could gather for a reason

And of course the date was at one of the best rooftop restaurants around with an amazing view, which led them to being in luxury suite in hotel going at it all night

He’d planned for the evening to go just as it did, but he wasn’t planning on being hung up on everything she did.

Kaguya snapped back with she doesn’t want to go on a date with a man that’s sharing his dick with the world and has a barely legal little redhead friend. Yeah she did some research on you too, pal

Now this would make Shisui’s sweet smile turn mischievous. “So you want me all to yourself?”

“I don’t even think that’s even possible, Shisui”

“Give me a trial run and find out~”

And with that, Against Kaguya’s better judgment, this trail run would officially start

But kaguya isnt one to just accept Shisui’s manipulation attempts. Their meet ups were to only take place in neutral territory

She also found the damn tracker he’d put on her car at some point. It became obvious that there might be one with all their “chance” meets

She put the tracker on a pizza delivery vehicle and tipped the kid a hefty check of a years salary to make up for the job they’d no doubt lose driving all over town to teach her obsessed lover a lesson

Making sure to turn of the shared location feature he’d asked her not to and poured herself some wine to enjoy by her pool

Shisui was worried when he saw how active she was being driving all around and livid when he sees it’s some kid

Does she know what she’s doing to him!?

When he finally does come to her home, she’s sitting and ask if he enjoyed his little excursion. He in fact, did not.

He’d try to warn her about her behavior, but she’d warn him not to test her. He may not be afraid of jail, but she’s not afraid of him or his little family

If he wants her to believe his word and trust him be faithful, he needs to show he can be trusted to not pull this stunt again or they’re done

Shisui would sigh and think about her words. He trusts her, but the tracker was more for her own safety or so he’d tell himself

Of course he can’t stop his behavior cold, so he’d compromise; no tracker, but he’ll still “check up” on her

And inconvenience and threaten the lives of the other people that are obviously into his girl

It’s totally normal for a boyfriend to worry about his girlfriend

And it wouldn’t take Kaguya long to figure out why normally overly friendly business associates have all but turned into statues during meetings. Shisui 🫠

She would be 50/50 on if she wanted to end their trail relationship until she witnessed him thanking one of his low income tenants for the meal they’d made him as a thank you

At first she was appalled because she assumed he was whoring again the lady may have been older, but she was naturally beautiful and mature and something about that made her jealous 😤

And this made Kaguya come up to the pair and ask Shisui who his lovely friend was. Exchanging pleasantries with the woman despite wanting to ask what’s really going on

Shisui’s knowing smirk about her attitude on the way up the elevator would only infuriate her more

Just when she’d be ready to explode, he’d tell her that that tenant has a wife and those two a very happily married. “You see, she was doing alright in life until she wasn’t. Her wife got injured on the job, ran into one scammer, and that’s how they end up as my tenants. She just happens to know where I live as her brother is the doorman.”

She was still a skeptical until he told her they can probably go over their for dinner if she wanted to. It just reminded her that he’s got a pretty good heart deep down.

At the same time Shisui would be reminded that although she’s tough enough around the edges, she’s still pretty soft and vulnerable if he squints

Gotta love that and her sheepishly asking if maybe she rude to that woman/should she apologize

It’s moments like that that would make the Kaguya fall in love a little more each time despite some of his concerning behavior

While simultaneously making Shisui feel like she’s getting to him more than he’d thought previously possible

Most of his past lovers were genuinely scared of him, airheads, didn’t care who he slept with, easy to manipulate, or lead lives he couldn’t help but want to change if things were to become serious. Kaguya pushing back is refreshing

Her not being impressed with material gifts that are thoughtless, made him work harder to impress her

He was overwhelmed with happiness when he woke up to her sleeping face the first time

A dangerous feeling, but a manageable one in his penthouse if only she stayed

His mouth dropped open when she agreed to move in. Working remotely isn’t a problem for Kaguya and the commute to her office isn’t horrible either, so why not?

She’s never lived with someone else or liked anyone enough to consider it

Her only two conditions are she gets her own room and, if she’s working, he doesn’t disturb her

His only rule is don’t ask questions she doesn’t want to know the answer to. He lives a life that wouldn’t want to know all the details of and probably shouldn’t. He’d never lie to her, but she’ll have to live with the information she receives

Other than that, he’s finally caught his pretty little bird and she’s safe in her cage

[senjuushi]

Noble Musketeer Story: Jitte

Episode 1: The Meaning of Existence

—in the town outside the military academy.

Jitte: Hmmm... a notebook, shoes, and oil for maintenance... (Player Name)-kun, were you able to get most of what you needed?

Master: 

I got everything on the list.

All good! 

George: Still, we got a ton of stuff! Lots of gifts for everyone... ah! Isn’t this a lot to carry!? 

Jitte: Haha, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?

Jitte: We came along to help carry everything. If (Player Name) hadn’t bought a lot, there would have been no reason for us to be here. 

George: That’s a good point! Alright, I’ll do my best to help out! 

George: ...ghnnn~~~!!!

Jitte: ...reason, huh?

Master: 

Jitte?

What’s up?

Jitte: Ah, it’s kind of what I’d said... Musketeers... or specifically, me... I’ve just been wondering why we exist, you know?

Jitte: George-kun and Marks-kun, who stayed home today, exist for your sake, (Player Name). They really are useful to you, but... 

Jitte: Honestly, I’m of no use at all as a Noble Musketeer. 

Jitte: It’s true that I was awakened as a Musketeer because I wanted to help you, but... since I haven’t been able to accomplish that... 

Jitte: I wonder what the point of my existence in this world is... that’s what I wound up thinking about. 

George: Jitte... you’ve been worried about that... It’s alright! You have us!

George: And anyway, you’re useful even without Absolute Nobility! For example, um... uh... ....there’s something, for sure! 

Jitte: Ahaha... thank you, George-kun. But that’s really the root of my problem.

Jitte: I have to find the answer myself, at the same time that I feel like there’s no answer at all...

George: I see... I guess it won’t help if I think about it. Instead, I’ll be here cheering for you! Good luck, Jitte! 

Jitte: Haha, thank you. I’m sorry for bringing up such a strange topic. Just forget about—

Jitte: —ah! 

*Jitte runs off* 

George: Hey, Jitte, what’s wrong!? Where are you going—!?

Master: 

Let’s follow him! 

*scene changes*

Jitte: Caught you...!

Man: The hell are you doing!? Let go of me! 

Jitte: Sir, that wallet you just put in your pocket... is it yours? 

Man: Hahh? What are you trying to say? Of course it’s my wallet! Don’t accuse me of shit like that! 

Jitte: Do you think it’s yours now that you stole it? You’re not fooling me. I saw you stealing this wallet with my own eyes!

Man: Ugh...! 

Jitte: That pickpocketing skill... you’re pretty practiced. Today’s not the first time, is it? 

Man: I-I just happened to pull it off...!  

Jitte: Lying to me again! It’s time to face the consequences; don’t struggle! 

Man: Damn it...! 

Master: 

Jitte!

Are you okay!?

Jitte: Ah, you two! I’m alright. As you can see, I happened to catch a pickpocket in the act.

George: That’s awesome, Jitte! Really impressive! But, this wallet... who does it belong to?

Jitte: It belonged to a well-dressed senior citizen, but... I wonder where he went. After I hand this guy over to the police, we can look for him...

Elderly Man: H-Hey there...! That wallet...! 

Jitte: Ah, speak of the devil! 

Elderly Man: You got my wallet back! Thank you, Thank you so much...!

Elderly Man: That wallet has my son’s wedding present inside. Thank you very much for getting it back...! How can I ever repay you?

Jitte: No, no need! I just did what was expected of me as an officer.*

Jitte: Your words of thanks are plenty! I hope your son can have a grand celebration with you! 

Elderly Man: Oh my, what a kind person you are. I’ll leave it at that, then... but really, thank you! 

*the elderly man leaves*

Jitte: Phew... that’s this case dealt with. Ah, (Player Name)-kun... my apologies for taking up your time. 

George: ......

Jitte: G-George-kun? Are you upset...?

George: ...wasn’t that exactly it!? Right, (Player Name)!?

Jitte: Huh? What is...?

George: What we were talking about earlier, the existence thing!

Master: 

You’re quick to take action to help people.

You’re reliable when it comes to protecting people.

Jitte: —I see. I guess I did protect that old man and his son’s happiness. ...like the officers way back when... 

Jitte: What I did was only natural for an officer, though. As a Musketeer... it’s different, in the end. 

George: Huh, is it...? 

Jitte: Hmmm... 

George: Hmmm... 

Notes:

*The term Jitte uses here specifically means an Edo-period police officer. 

[tinted-glass]

Could Human Rights Law and the ECHR play a key role in tackling climate change?

In Duarte Agostinho v Portugal and 32 Other Member States, filed in November 2021, a group of Portuguese young people made claims about past and future harms caused by climate change, including harms related to forest fires in Portugal. The case reinforces the potential for the ECHR and the protection of human rights to play a key role in the future for holding countries accountable to carry out their climate obligations.

In this case, the applicants have challenged the legislative inaction of Portugal and 32 other states parties to the Paris Agreement. Their collective failure to take adequate measures to reduce global warming has contributed to significant loss of life as a result of climate change through heatwaves and wildfires, which is likely to contribute to further loss of life in the future (article 2) , unless imminent measures are put in place across all of them. The case conceptualises responsibility for violations of human rights as ‘shared’ amongst the member states. The case thereby challenges the traditional concept of jurisdiction by holding that the impact of the violations may be felt more strongly in some member states , other states also bear responsibility for the violation. Similarly, climate litigation challenges the limits of the existing positive obligations doctrine.

following this trend now in 2023, the governments of Switzerland and France have been accused of breaching the human rights of their citizens by not acting decisively enough on climate change, at a landmark legal hearing in Strasbourg. The European Court of Human Rights will hear cases against France and Switzerland over alleged failings to protect the environment made by a a group of Swiss women over the age of 64 who are supported by Greenpeace Switzerland. The applicants have alleged that heatwaves, caused due to climate change and the inaction of their countries, have impacted the health of senior citizens therefore impacting their right to life. The outcome of this case is highly anticipated and will determine the scope and potential of climate litigation going forward.

ECtHR’s case law under Articles 2 and 8 ECHR mean that the Convention already has the potential to capture the elements of this litigation that rest upon past harm. However, both causality and the prospective nature of climate litigation are key challenges, which will now have to be considered comprehensively by the Court going into the future.

[head-post]

Hezbollah launches first aerial attacks on Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv, Israel to deport Palestinians

Israel’s parliament passed a law on Thursday allowing the deportation of family members of Palestinian attackers, including its own citizens, to the war-torn Gaza Strip or other places.

Israel passed a law allowing the deportation of families of Palestinians

The law, favoured by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and its far-right allies, passed by a 61-41 vote but is likely to be challenged in court.

It applies to Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of annexed East Jerusalem who had advance knowledge of the attacks on their family members or “express support for or identify with a terrorist act.”

They will be deported to the Gaza Strip or elsewhere for between 7 and 20 years. The war between Israel and Hamas is still ongoing in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have been killed and the majority of the population has been forced to flee their homes, often repeatedly.

It is unclear whether the law would apply in the occupied West Bank, where Israel has long had a policy of demolishing the family homes of attackers. Palestinians have carried out dozens of knife attacks, gun attacks and car accidents against Israelis in recent years.

Dr. Eran Shamir-Borer, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former international law expert in the Israeli military, believes that if the law goes before the Supreme Court, it is likely to be overturned based on previous Israeli deportation cases. Shamir-Borer said:

“The bottom line is this is completely non-constitutional and a clear conflict to Israel´s core values.”

Start of the occupation

Israel seized Gaza, the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war, territories that Palestinians want to use for their future state. Tel Aviv withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, but re-occupied parts of the territory after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 triggered the war.

Israel has annexed East Jerusalem, which is not recognised by most of the international community. Palestinians are permanent residents there and can apply for citizenship, but most choose not to, and those who do face a number of obstacles.

Palestinians living in Israel make up about 20 per cent of the country’s population. They have citizenship and the right to vote, but face widespread discrimination. Many also have close family ties to residents of the territories, and most sympathise with the Palestinian cause.

Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed dozens of people

Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed 40 people near the eastern city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, the country’s health ministry said, while more strikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut at dusk.

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been exchanging fire in parallel with the war in Gaza for more than a year, but fighting has escalated since late September, with Israeli troops stepping up bombardment of southern and eastern Lebanon and ground incursions into border villages.

Israeli strikes on Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley killed 40 people and wounded 53, the health ministry said. The Israeli military did not comment.

Israeli strikes also hit Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut. At least four strikes hit the area on Wednesday after the Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate several locations. There were no reports of casualties or details of what was hit.

The attack came shortly after Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said he did not believe political action would lead to an end to hostilities.

If Israel stopped its attacks, he said, it would be possible to move to indirect negotiations. Qassem said:

“When the enemy decides to stop the aggression, there is a path for negotiations that we have clearly defined – indirect negotiations through the Lebanese state and speaker (of parliament Nabih) Berri.” 

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed more than 3,000 people over the past year, most of them in the past six weeks.

Lebanese rescuers surveyed a destroyed apartment block in the town of Barja, south of Beirut, searching for bodies of the dead and survivors of an Israeli strike Tuesday night that killed 20 people, Lebanon’s health ministry said. It was unclear whether the strike targeted Hezbollah members. There was no evacuation warning before the airstrike.

Hezbollah launches first airstrikes on Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv and Haifa

Hezbollah announced late Wednesday night that it carried out its first airstrikes on two Israeli military bases: the Belo Base near Tel Aviv and the Haifa naval base in Haifa Bay.

According to the statement, Belo Base, affiliated with the Israeli Army’s 98th Paratrooper Reserve Brigade, was the target of the new escalation near Tel Aviv.

The group also reported an attack on the Haifa naval base, where a fleet of Israeli Navy missile boats and submarines are based.

Read more HERE

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Election results could take days (NYT) Counting the votes will extend beyond election night on Tuesday, and determining the outcome of the presidential race could, too. Even in states that count their ballots relatively quickly, if the race is as close as the polls say, it could take days before a winner can be projected (election results are never official until final certification). In 2020, a record number of people voted by mail because of the pandemic, and many states were processing large numbers of mail ballots for the first time. While mail voting has dropped off in many states and others have made changes to speed up counting, these types of ballots are still more time consuming to count. Democrats have been more likely to cast mail ballots, and variations in timing for counting them can contribute to so-called “mirages” in the reported results—cases in which the type of ballots reported first favor one party in a way that is unrepresentative of the eventual result.

Fears of Civil Unrest Stalk the Markets (NYT) Wall Street strategists say their meetings with portfolio managers have taken a dark turn lately. All but gone are investors’ fears of a hard landing, replaced by a deeper anxiety that things could go very badly around Election Day. Investors are not just concerned about their investment portfolios or retirement funds. They’re worried about democracy. As in … will it hold up if the result of the election between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is contested? “The general consensus is that, one, it will take time to find the winner—so we might have to wait for weeks until the many contests and court challenges have played out,” Joachim Klement, the head of investment strategy at the investment bank Liberum, told DealBook. “And two, no matter who wins, there will be civil unrest.”

NYC declares a drought watch and asks residents to conserve water (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a drought watch yesterday and urged residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing dripping faucets, sweeping sidewalks instead of hosing them down, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and other measures. He also ordered all city agencies to get ready to implement their water conservation plans. Just 0.01 inches of rain fell last month on the city’s Central Park, whereas a normal October sees about 4.4 inches of precipitation, National Weather Service records show, making it the driest October in 150 years.

After Spain’s Floods, a Surge of Volunteers, and of Rage (NYT) They came by bus, by tractor or on foot. They waded through mud hoping to help clean up neighborhoods washed away by floodwaters that have killed at least 214 people. Thousands of Spanish citizens made their way to flood-ravaged Valencia over the weekend after the country’s worst natural disaster in recent history left the nation shocked by images of overturned cars and brick homes torn apart by furious water. The devastation has become a political flashpoint. On Sunday morning, as King Felipe VI walked through a crowd in Paiporta, a town in Valencia where more than 60 people died, angry protesters shouted and threw mud. And there was frustration that resources were being used for an official walk-through, while emergency workers were still racing to try to find survivors.

At least 36 dead after overcrowded and dilapidated bus skids into a deep gorge in northern India (AP) A poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in northern India on Monday in northern India on Monday, killing at least 36 people and injuring several others, officials said. The accident occurred in Almora district in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand. The bus was carrying around 60 people, and more than 20 have been injured, said Deepak Rawat, a senior state government official. India has some of the highest road death rates in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people killed and injured annually. Most crashes are blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and aging vehicles.

Fixing China’s economic crisis (Die Zeit/Germany) What does China’s party leadership do when it cannot get a persistent economic crisis under control? For example, it makes sure that economists who point out the seriousness of the situation “disappear.” This is exactly what happened with Zhu Hengpeng, vice director of the Economics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. In April, Zhu was believed to have made derogatory comments about the state of the Chinese economy and the economic expertise of party leader Xi Jinping in a private chat group. Since then, the scientist has not appeared in public, and his academy no longer lists him as an employee. As Stalin once said: Man gone, problem gone. Well, at least for the time being. Zhu is not an isolated case: the party is said to have recently urged other economists, in friendly or less friendly ways, to put the current economic situation in a positive light. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult.

A robot retrieves the first melted fuel from Fukushima nuclear reactor (AP) A robot has successfully made it into the core of one of the three damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The robot is the first of hopefully many to journey into the facility which suffered a meltdown in 2011 following a tsunami strike. The bot recovered a piece of radioactive slag as big as 5 millimeters from a mound of molten fuel debris. The sample will be analyzed, and what they find out will direct the plans for a 30- to 40-year cleanup of the 880 tons of radioactive molten fuel and decommissioning of the plant.

Netanyahu in fresh storm over Gaza hostages after arrests linked to alleged leak (Guardian) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has found itself embroiled in yet another scandal. According to multiple sources, officials working on behalf of the prime minister’s office were involved in a plot to release doctored documents during ceasefire talks held this September. The faked documents supposedly revealed a Hamas plot to smuggle Israeli hostages out of Gaza and into Egypt, where they would be brought to Iran or Yemen. After leaking the edited documents to the press, Netanyahu then came to the negotiating table with a new demand—to keep Israeli troops posted on the Gaza-Egypt border—which Hamas rejected, leading to the talks quickly breaking down. Now, as the plot has been revealed to the Israeli public, the families of Israeli hostages and opposition leaders have criticized Netanyahu for tanking the hostage negotiations in an attempt to extend his war with Hamas and keep himself in power.

Israel ends agreement with U.N. agency for Palestinians (Washington Post) Israel informed the United Nations on Monday that it has terminated the decades-old agreement legally recognizing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which provides a humanitarian lifeline for people in the Gaza Strip. The move comes a week after Israel’s Knesset passed two laws that would severely imperil UNRWA’s activities and diplomatic privileges by blocking any activity on Israeli territory and forbidding government authorities from directly communicating with the agency. Israel has long been critical of UNRWA and accused it of being infiltrated by Hamas, a claim the agency has denied. UNRWA says it distributes food aid to more than a million Palestinians in Gaza who depend on humanitarian aid.

Israeli forces used civilians as human shields in Gaza, Palestinians and soldiers say (Washington Post) For two weeks in late July and early August, said Mohammed Saad, 20, he and two other Palestinian men were forced by an Israeli army unit in Gaza to enter buildings feared to contain explosives and photograph every inch before troops were given the all clear to enter. When the soldiers were done with him, he said, someone shot him in the back. Saad was among four Palestinian men who spoke on the record to provide vivid accounts of what they described as Israel employing detained Palestinians as human shields in Gaza—defined by the Geneva Conventions as using civilians or other detainees to shield military operations from attack—in this case, by forcing them to carry out life-threatening tasks to reduce risk to Israeli soldiers. Their nearly contemporaneous accounts are detailed, corroborated by other witnesses, and consistent with testimony by an Israeli soldier. “This wasn’t something that happened just here and there but rather on a large scale throughout a number of different units, at different times, throughout the war and in different places,” said Joel Carmel, advocacy director of Breaking the Silence, an organization that collects and verifies testimonies from troops who have served in the occupied Palestinian territories.

From The Middle East, All American Presidents Look The Same (Daraj/Lebanon. Opinion) On the eve of the U.S. elections, after months of blatant lies and empty promises, the whole world is anxiously waiting and wanting to know who will be the American president for the next four years. It’s the same old farce. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, if she wins, will continue her party’s policies that have supported genocide in Gaza. Or if he wins, Republican candidate Donald Trump will return to the White House to continue his destructive policies that he began in his previous term. For decades, the Middle East has suffered from being the object of American policy, as a chess piece in a power game not about freedom or democracy, but about domination, exploitation, and, above all, hypocrisy. It is a grotesque theater of the absurd where from one administration to the next, whether Democratic or Republican, the tone remains the same: unwavering support for authoritarian regimes, military interventions disguised as humanitarian efforts, and unwavering loyalty to the Israeli occupation. Successive American presidents have been complicit in enabling Israel's apartheid policies, from the occupation of the West Bank to the repeated massacres in Gaza. Year after year, administration after administration, the United States continues to pump billions in military aid to Israel, while turning a blind eye to Palestinian suffering, whether through direct complicity or passive silence.

29 Nigerian children may be sentenced to death for protesting against cost-of-living crisis (AP) Twenty-nine children could be facing the death penalty in Nigeria after they were arraigned Friday for participating in a protest against the country’s record cost-of-living crisis. Four of them collapsed in court due to exhaustion before they could enter a plea. A total of 76 protesters were charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny, according to the charge sheet seen by The Associated Press. According to the charge sheet, the minors ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old. Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to several mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more were arrested at a protest demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people.

Infinite Monkeys (BBC) A new study sought to actually figure out how right the adage is that if given an infinite amount of time, a monkey on a typewriter will eventually write the complete works of William Shakespeare. In yet another instance of “infinity is really very hard to contemplate,” the study found that a random primate at a keyboard clicking one key per second only has a 5 percent chance of writing the word “bananas” within its own lifetime, and anything more sophisticated like “I chimp, therefore I am” has a chance of one in 10 million billion billion. Indeed, the paper argues, the global population of 200,000 chimpanzees grinding at the problem would almost certainly experience the heat death of the universe before pulling off that brief five-word sentence.

[himalayanedge07]

How to Plan a Kedarnath Trip for Senior Citizens: Comfort and Safety Tips

Planning a pilgrimage to Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in India, is a dream for many, including senior citizens. However, the challenging terrain and high altitude make it crucial to prioritize comfort and safety. With careful planning and the right travel partner, seniors can have a fulfilling and secure journey. Here’s a detailed guide on how to plan a Kedarnath trip for senior citizens, ensuring their comfort and safety.

Choose the Right Time for Travel

One of the most important aspects of planning a Kedarnath trip for senior citizens is timing. The weather in Kedarnath can be unpredictable, and it’s best to avoid the peak monsoon season (July and August) when landslides and heavy rains are common. The ideal time for senior citizens to visit is between May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are in better condition.

Opt for a Trusted Travel Agency

Traveling with a reliable travel agency can significantly ease the burden of planning and logistics, especially for senior citizens. When you choose the best travel agency for Kedarnath trip, they ensure all aspects, from transportation to accommodations, are arranged for your comfort. A professional travel agency is well-versed in organizing trips for senior citizens and can offer special services like wheelchair assistance, oxygen cylinders, and more. They will also ensure you are staying at senior-friendly accommodations, providing amenities like elevators, comfortable beds, and medical aid.

For those starting their journey from Haridwar, partnering with the best travel agency in Haridwar is a smart move. They can arrange a smooth journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath, ensuring senior travelers face minimal hassle during the trip.

Focus on Health and Medical Precautions

Health should be the top priority when planning a Kedarnath trip for senior citizens. Due to the high altitude (3,583 meters above sea level), some seniors might face difficulties with breathing and fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare in advance:

Consult a Doctor: Before embarking on the trip, seniors should consult their healthcare provider. Doctors may suggest specific medications for high-altitude sickness or oxygen supplements.

Carry Essential Medications: Ensure that all prescribed medications are packed, along with extras in case of delays. Include general medicines for headaches, nausea, or muscle pain.

Oxygen Cylinders: At high altitudes, the oxygen level decreases, which can be problematic for elderly travelers. If required, arrange portable oxygen cylinders through the best travel agency for Kedarnath trip to ensure safety and comfort.

Plan Comfortable Transport Options

The trek to Kedarnath is known for its challenging terrain, making it difficult for senior citizens. However, there are several transportation options that make the journey smoother:

Helicopter Services: For seniors unable to trek long distances, helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi. Helicopters drop pilgrims near Kedarnath, drastically reducing travel time and effort. Booking these services through the best travel agency in Haridwar can simplify the process.

Palkis and Ponies: For those who wish to experience the spiritual walk but cannot manage the entire trek, palkis (palanquins) and ponies are available. These are comfortable options, allowing senior citizens to enjoy the journey without overexertion.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Right

Dehydration is common at high altitudes, especially for senior citizens who may not feel thirsty often. Encourage seniors to drink water frequently, even if they don’t feel the need. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, which can increase dehydration. Eating light and nutritious meals is equally important to avoid stomach upsets. Seniors should stick to easily digestible food like fruits, vegetables, and light soups.

Choose Senior-Friendly Accommodation

Not all accommodations in Kedarnath and its nearby areas are senior-friendly. Look for lodgings that offer comfortable rooms with amenities like heating, hot water, and nearby medical assistance. When traveling with the best travel agency for Kedarnath trip, they can ensure that the accommodations cater to the specific needs of senior citizens.

For those starting their pilgrimage from Haridwar, the best travel agency in Haridwar can book accommodations near key pilgrimage spots, ensuring a comfortable stay before the Kedarnath leg of the journey. Senior-friendly hotels in Haridwar offer easy access, with ramps, elevators, and comfortable rooms that cater to the elderly.

Take Adequate Rest and Pace the Journey

The Kedarnath trip can be physically taxing, especially for elderly travelers. It's important to plan the journey at a slower pace, allowing plenty of time for rest. Avoid rushing to the destination. Rest stops during the trek are crucial to avoid exhaustion. If traveling by foot, make sure senior citizens take breaks every 30-40 minutes to regain their energy. Adequate sleep is also essential, especially at high altitudes.

Don’t Forget Spiritual Preparation

A trip to Kedarnath is not just about physical preparation, but spiritual readiness as well. Senior citizens should be mentally and spiritually prepared for the pilgrimage. Remind them to carry holy texts, meditate, or perform prayers as part of their spiritual journey. Being spiritually connected often helps ease physical discomforts and enhances the pilgrimage experience.

Conclusion

A Kedarnath pilgrimage can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey for senior citizens, provided it is well-planned. From selecting the right travel agency to prioritizing health and choosing senior-friendly accommodations, each step ensures a comfortable and safe trip. By partnering with the best travel agency for Kedarnath trip, senior travelers can focus more on the spiritual experience rather than the logistics. Similarly, connecting with the best travel agency in Haridwar ensures a smooth start to the journey. With the right preparations, senior citizens can fully embrace the spiritual essence of Kedarnath, without compromising their comfort and safety.

[boombird]

Best Personal Safety Devices: The Ultimate Solo Traveler’s Guide

Because fear is better left at home! 

The sun-kissed sand in Bali. The mystical air of Rome. The ambition and energy in New York. We live in a world brimming with beauty, waiting to be explored. Whether you have a penchant for hiking through the mountains or exploring the bustling bazaars, solo travel offers the experience of a lifetime. 

But are safety concerns putting a damper on your Eat, Pray, Love sequel dreams? Don’t worry! 

With Boombird –  India’s firstrechargeable personal safety alarm and a few handy tips, you will be equipped to conquer the world in your solo adventures without fear. 

Here's your ultimate guide to personal safety while you pack your bags and embark on that highly awaited solo trip! 

  Pack Your Safety Essentials

Before you head out the door for your expedition, packing smart is essential. From sunscreen for basking in the sunshine in the Maldives to sturdy shoes for that hike on the Andes, your travel gear should cover all the bases. 

However, one thing that should always make the cut is a rechargeable personal safety alarm. Think of it as your personal safety net in vulnerable situations, like when you are alone and feel that your security may be compromised.

Some of the best personal safety devices are the ones which are pocket-friendly, have a compact design, and are easy to carry around – like Boombird. Having a personal safety alarm for women, senior citizens, and even men, ensures you’re prepared for anything — come what may!

  Pack Like a Local, Dress Like a Local 

It is always a good idea to research the place you are visiting, learn about its culture, and pack accordingly so that you can dress like a local. 

Here’s why: Because dressing like a local or perhaps like you belong there helps you avoid unwanted attention! So, dressing like a local isn’t just about fashion — it’s a smart safety move. 

Regardless, here’s our fashion verdict: Pack comfortable and breathable clothes which are not too bulky. Also, choose accessories that fit right in, like crossbody bags or backpacks, which will store your essentials like wallet, water bottle, keys, phone, and, of course, a rechargeable personal safety alarm for security.

  Protect and Secure Your Accommodation

Your accommodation should be your sanctuary while travelling, so security is key. Choose places which have good reviews and robust security measures. 

While a personal safety alarm for women is perfect for when you are out, here’s a tip to keep your belongings safe in your room while you’re away. Simply leave a light on inside the room or leave a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign hanging on the door to make it seem like someone’s inside the room. 

This simple yet effective hack will ensure that nobody enters your private space, keeping your personal belongings intact. 

  Navigate Smartly 

Yes, there’s beauty in getting lost in a place you have never been in — until it isn’t. To avoid any sticky situations, it is always wise to study the area and read through the maps before you decide to head out for exploration. 

Download the maps for offline access in case you lose your signal, and pay close attention to stay aware of your surroundings when outside. If you do find yourself lost, make sure that you have easy access to your rechargeable personal safety alarm in case of emergencies whilst you ask for directions from those around you. 

Having a personal safety alarm for women close at hand gives you peace of mind while you find your way back. 

  Socialise With Others, but Be Alert 

The world has now brought us closer to each other, unlike ever before. So, make sure to keep your family and close friends in the loop about your plans as you embark on your solo trip. 

Such trips are an incredible opportunity to get to meet new people and learn about different cultures. So, do not be afraid to connect or strike up conversations with fellow travellers! However, always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t ignore it. 

Keep your personal safety alarm for women close at hand for those unexpected, vulnerable situations. 

Takeaway

Beyond your usual 9 to 5, hanging out with friends, and living life within those four boring walls, there is a vast world filled with wonders waiting for you. Planning solo trips to your favourite destinations across the globe is, indeed, a great way to learn about the world and yourself — but safety should always be your top priority. 

Hence, it is essential to invest in the best personal safety devices which will ensure your safety and security while you explore the world. 

Beyond clothes, cash, shoes, and the usual travel essentials, a personal safety alarm for women is your best bet for a worry-free solo trip with your girls! The best part about these devices? They blend aesthetic with functionality, are compact, and are easy to pack in anything! 

So, get your hands on a rechargeable personal safety alarm asap on Boombird, book that ticket, and be a globetrotter with no fear.

To Know More  https://boombird.shop/blogs/news/best-personal-safety-devices-ultimate-solo-travelers-guide

[dankusner]

Texas’ Hemp Fight Is High Stakes

We can’t legalize marijuana by proxy, so have that legislative debate Like a lot of states, Texas is on a, let’s call it a journey, with marijuana and its legal status.

There are fewer prosecutions for the drug.

There are limited legal medical uses.

But no, recreational marijuana isn’t legal, and carrying around the drug can still get a person arrested.

But there is a workaround because what is legal here is the cannabis plant hemp, ostensibly because it has a lower concentration of the psychoactive compound delta-9 THC.

Plants with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC are hemp.

If the concentration is higher, that’s marijuana.

Both plants are of the cannabis family.

So hemp is legal because it can’t get you high, right?

If that was the idea, it isn’t passing the smoke test.

Texas Monthly senior editor Russell Gold published an investigation earlier this month titled “Texas Has Basically Legalized Marijuana. We Have the Proof.”

What Gold proves is something that many recreational drug users already know.

You can get very high from visiting a hemp shop in Texas.

Gold purchased products from eight hemp dispensaries around the state, including Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

Of eight samples, each “came back with delta-9 THC levels in excess of legal limits. Every one was marijuana.”

This all comes as the state of Texas is in a fight with the growing hemp industry over the Texas Department of Health Services’ attempt to classify a hemp-derived psychoactive substance known as delta-8 THC as a Schedule I controlled substance.

The state filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court last week as part of an appeal to assert its longstanding authority to name THC products as Schedule I substances, that is drugs with no applicable medical use and high likelihood of abuse.

It is incredibly important for the state Supreme Court to sort this case out, and we hope that the outcome favors the state’s position that the health commissioner has the authority to name hemp-derived THC products as Schedule I drugs.

The fact that hemp is now legal under federal and state law has created a confusing regulatory frame because hemp derivatives can be just as potent as marijuana and they are on sale in a strip mall near you.

As the state notes in its petition, “synthetically derived delta-8 present in hemp” could “create a highly psychoactive substance.”

And we know, based on Gold’s reporting, that hemp-derived delta-9 products are already, legally speaking, marijuana.

Texas needs to have a debate over legal weed.

It’s one that deserves a very serious and careful consideration based on the growing body of evidence about the negative effects of potent marijuana strains now on the market in many states.

This also must be balanced against the long problematic use of marijuana laws to send poor and minority citizens to prison for prolonged terms.

What we can’t have is a product that acts as an end-around to that debate.

Hemp, for all intents and purposes, is pot.

And the state ought to be able to say so.

Attorney of hemp shops targeted in Allen police raids speaks out

Allen police on Tuesday carried out multiple search and seizure warrants on legal hemp shops in the area.

San Marcos-based attorney David Sergi, who represents at least eight of the shops targeted by police, said his clients have been accused of manufacturing and distributing illegal tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, products.

Allen police confirmed the department, with the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Collin County Sheriff’s Office, executed search and seizure warrants at nine businesses in the city.

“The warrants were obtained and executed following an in-depth investigation into alleged illegal activities involving the sale of products containing greater than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

Products previously sold at these nine locations have tested from 7% to 78% THC,” police said in a written statement.

Authorities said they arrested five people and “confiscated products.”

Sergi said his clients were operating legally.

He said authorities destroyed products and took point-of-sale systems and records as well as some personal computers belonging to employees of some of his clients.

Allen police’s actions were an “escalation” of the tactics he has seen used in other parts of the state to intimidate businesses selling legal hemp-based products, Sergi said.

“There is a right way and a wrong way under Texas law to deal with products that may be out of compliance, and they have gone down the complete wrong path, and they will be held to account,” Sergi said.

In May, multiple businesses that sell cannabinoid products legally in the city received a letter signed by Allen Police Chief Steve Dye warning them that the department had identified CBD and vape shops selling “illegal THC products.”

The letter advised businesses to ensure that they are not selling products that have illegal levels of THC.

“You are at risk of having your certificate of occupancy revoked by the City,” the letter stated.

“Additionally, since such products are classified as a penalty group 2 substance due to the THC content levels, you and your staff could face possible criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.”

In July, the DEA subpoenaed many of the businesses selling legal hemp-based products to turn over records, Sergi said.

Shortly afterward, some shops created the Allen Hemp Coalition and hired Sergi to represent them.

A federal judge stopped the DEA’s subpoena later that month, he said.

[newfuseboxinstallationlondon]

The Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment Checklist for London 

Protection against fire is one of the most imperative elements in the control of any structure especially those who are for commercial use or residential. It is thus very important to safeguard life and fulfill the legal requirements regarding the assurance of safety from the peril of fire to both the business entities and dwellers in London. Through this blog, we will discuss in detail what a fire risk assessment is, why it is important, and how our services at New Fuse Box Installation London can ensure your environment is a safe one.

Fire Risk Assessment:

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is the process of evaluating a structure and its environment to identify the fire risks, risk evaluation, and set measures to contain or prevent the risk. It includes the identification of the possibility of a fire outbreak, perils it may pose and measures put in place to prevent fire.

Legal Requirements

Any business organization based in the UK should ensure it undertakes a fire risk assessment as indicated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Non-compliance, in particular, may result in serious consequences regarding fines or imprisonment; that is why fire risk assessment is not only a safety issue, but an absolute necessity.

Steps of Fire Risk Assessment:

Identifying Fire Hazards

The process of risk assessment that seeks to establish the likelihood of a fire occurrence will involve the origin of ignition that will lead to fire, including electrical appliances, heating equipment and inflammable products. New Fuse Box Installation London professionals are excellent in recognizing these sources of fire, ensuring nothing shall escape them.

Identifying People at Risk

The next step would be to determine the probable number of fatalities in case of the fire incident; this could include employees, clients, visitors, and residents in case the building is occupied by multiple tenants. Besides this, priority should be given to some of the most endangered groups including senior citizens and physically challenged individuals.

Assessing and Minimizing Risks

A second step is to determine whether a fire with its potential consequences poses a risk to a person being identified by the hazard, which follows from the first step. Now, the appropriate actions taken are those that reduce or eliminate that risk or danger; for example, fixing and maintaining fire alarms, arranging clear escape routes, and providing and keeping fire extinguishers.

Recording Findings and Implementing an Emergency Plan

All findings from the fire risk assessment must be documented. In addition, it must develop an emergency plan indicating what to do in case of fire, evacuation procedures, and fire warden identification.

Reviewing and Updating the Assessment

In other words, fire risk assessment is not a one-time evaluation process. Instead, it should be adequately reviewed periodically and especially when some things like major alterations on the building or change of use occur to ensure that measures to be taken are appropriate and in line with the safety standards.

Why is Professional Fire Risk Assessment Important:

Expertise and Experience

While it is also perfectly possible to conduct a basic fire risk assessment on one's own, a professional brings assurance that the process is carried out adequately and properly. A thorough and well-done job is only achievable with our experienced and competent team in fire safety at New Fuse Box Installation London. Having specialist knowledge of the specific requirements and difficulties such buildings in London face enables us to offer solutions to truly answer these needs.

Peace of Mind

Engaging professionals for your fire risk assessment offers peace of mind. This simply means that your property has been rigorously assessed by professional experts, which allows you to continue your core business activities without worry of a possible fire happening.

Compliance with Regulations

Professional fire risk assessments: Through a professional fire risk assessment, one can be sure of acting in accordance with the law. This saves you from penalties at law and shows employees, customers and other stakeholders that you are really serious about safety.

Why Opt for New London Fuse Box Installation?

At New Fuse Box Installation London, we do a full assessment for fire risk—something that's a prerequisite for every property in London. We guarantee to offer our best services to ensure your property is secure and that every regulation in relation to fire safety is adhered to.

Our Services

Detailed Fire Risk Assessments: From the identification of hazards to emergency planning, our detailed assessments provide full scope coverage with regard to fire safety.

Routine Reviews and Updates: We shall always support and ensure that your fire safety measures are regularly reviewed and kept current.

Expert Advice and Support: We have an extensive team to offer advice and support at any time in relation to your requirements, always aiming to help you maintain safe conditions.

Contact Us

It is always better to be safe before it is too late. Make your property safe from fire hazards now. For a professional fire risk assessment in London, reach out to New Fuse Box Installation London. Your safety is our priority.

You ensure safety, compliance and peace of mind with a choice in New Fuse Box Installation London. Let our experts help make your property a place you won't live in fear of a fire hazard.

[this-b1tch-is-shiney]

Wow a lot of these men still be doing crimes till they are in their 70's.. like they have the damn strength to carry a whole ass dead body around at 70...these last or 2 cases were from older dudes I have been watching.... that's crazy to me and they look like regular old ass senior citizens!!¡!

[everythingkashmir]

Red Tape

File of Lord Bentinck’s time traced in Kashmir!

By Faisul Yaseen

A file of Lord William Bentinck’s time has been traced in Kashmir!

Going through the contents of the file, it is seen that a junior assistant initiates a note on a matter.

He submits it to a senior assistant who agrees with the note written by the junior assistant and remarks, “I concur” and sends the file to the head assistant.

The head assistant in turn remarks, “I concur” and sends the file to the superintendent.

The superintendent marks it to the administrative officer after stamping “I concur”.

The administrative officer sends it to the secretary who, after putting the same remarks, forwards the file to Bentinck who served as Governor General of India from 1828 to 1835.

After going through the contents of the file, Bentinck is amazed and writes on the file, “I concur with the concurers.”

He further marks on the file: “However, the file should have been disposed of by the secretary himself.”

After around 200 years of this incident, there hasn’t been any change in the work culture in the government offices as the offices in Kashmir have carried forward the tradition.

A note initiated by the junior assistant goes through the same procedure even today.

It takes months together and sometimes even years for petty matters to be resolved in the government offices.

Case 1: Suhail Jan whose name is wrongly spelt on his matriculation certificate as Shuheel John, requests authorities of the J&K Board of School Education (BOSE) to make the necessary corrections.

His application moves from table to table and goes from section to section.

After wasting three months in the process, Suhail is asked to publish in some local newspapers the “fault”, which is actually committed by the BOSE authorities.

Only after doing so, will the necessary corrections be made.

Case 2: For obtaining a land passbook from the Revenue Department, Nisar Ahmad Bhat first gets his application written by a petition writer.

He then secures the proof of being a citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.

Afterward, he submits his papers to the Tehsildar who orders a Pathwari to verify the antecedents of the applicant.

After about six months, the papers are completed in the Tehsil office.

Only then is the file sent to the Deputy Commissioner for his signature.

The cumbersome procedure takes a long time and like a bumblebee, Nisar moves from one official to another.

Case 3: In the Sadder Treasury, the Treasury Officer does not sign Abdur Rashid Mir’s pension file despite the fact that two Accounts Assistants have already verified the file.

The Treasury Officer asks Rashid to first have the file signed by the Section Officer.

Although the Section Officer never checks the file, he simply puts his initials for the pleasure of the Treasury Officer.

Bottom Line: There has not been a discernible change in the system and people continue to move from pillar to post in the government offices to get their cases disposed of.

The age-old culture in the government offices continues to be anti-people and common people feel no relief as the show goes on.

(The names of the people mentioned in three cases have been changed at their request)

Greater Kashmir

[vaidyaslaboratory]

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Introduction

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High fever

Chills

Headache

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Diarrhea, in some cases

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Contact Information

To book a test or consult with our experts, please reach out via WhatsApp at 8591735087 or call our helpline at 1800 266 8992. Explore our health packages and get reliable blood test in Thane and other health services at your doorstep.

Understanding Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Residents of Mumbai, Thane, and Borivali must recognize the symptoms and understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.

Symptoms of Malaria

High fever

Chills

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Muscle pain and fatigue

Diarrhea, in some cases

Prevention Tips

Effective prevention of malaria involves several strategies that focus on mosquito control and personal protection:

Use of Mosquito Nets and Repellents: Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and use effective mosquito repellents on exposed skin.

Avoiding Peak Mosquito Hours: Limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active.

Environmental Control: Reducing mosquito breeding sites around living areas by draining stagnant water.

Diagnostic Services at Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory

Early malaria diagnosis can be lifesaving. Our laboratory in Thane offers advanced malaria testing services:

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Quickly and effectively detect malaria antigens.

Microscopy: Gold standard test for confirming the presence of malaria parasites in the blood.

Why Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory is Your Best Choice

State-of-the-Art Technology: Utilizing the latest in diagnostic tools to provide accurate and reliable results.

Experienced Medical Staff: Our team of experts ensures that tests and treatments are handled professionally.

Patient-Centric Services: We offer convenient at-home blood test services to make healthcare accessible.

Additional Services

In addition to malaria testing, Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory offers a range of health services, including full body checkup in Mumbai, full body checkup Thane, and specialized senior citizen health checkup packages.

Conclusion

Stay protected against malaria with Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory, a top pathology lab in Thane. Whether you are looking for preventive care or need a malaria test, our facilities are equipped to provide comprehensive support. Book your test today through our website or by calling our dedicated helpline.

Contact Information

To book a test or consult with our experts, please reach out via WhatsApp at 8591735087 or call our helpline at 1800 266 8992. Explore our health packages and get reliable blood test in Thane and other health services at your doorstep.

[platinum-iridium]

I’m the Claire wall of text anon, thanks for your reply. I love ur takes in the tag bc everyone else in there is shippers, reddit has too many men & ppl ik irl don’t give af bc copaganda (true but this isn’t a scholarly study plus they be acting down lmao). Anyway I agree about Skoda, total NUT. How are you psychologizing when you hate half the population??? sent an ask about the prostitute ep a while back and idk if you’ve gotten there yet but his behaviour put him on my eternal shit list. I only got to s13 but I hope he was harmed. And slow. Also agree about Abby. She would definitely be a terror but not the way they wrote it. But that’s men for you lol. Also ‘kim jong il’ about that woman’s fashion took me down!! & season 12 is also where the writing starts to noticeably take a dip for me (10 if I’m being strict but Lenny & Ed made it fun). With 12 it doesn’t help that they’re writing to shock and Jack and Serena don’t have that easy chemistry he had with the others. I tried to see if she was lezzing out on the low on my rewatch but I got nothing. There’s one gay male case but she’s not overly sympathetic to the man and later she tells a story about her closeted ‘friend’ but that’s it. No dyke drama in least lol. I do like her tho, mainly because I think the actress was better than the writing which was so flimsy. And same on SVU those two are grown and playing footsies like this as a senior citizen is insane & pathetic. Bang it out and move on fr

idk how people are inspired to ship fr. jack and claire should have left the viewers with lasting ship induced trauma.

i like skoda as a character (not as a person) because he really represents how psychology can be wielded as a weapon institutionally, especially in contrast with olivet. and really the both of them are guilty of it bc she’ll call u mentally ill and get u locked in a facility and he’ll call u sane and send u to prison. either way ur fucked.

abbie was honestly a missed opportunity. she was good but she could have been great. i think the writers looked down on her too much to give her the writing she deserved.

yes lmao honestly i like briscoe and green but the writing was definitely better in my memories. they’re fun and funny though so we can overlook subpar writing. but the law part can’t be carried on charisma alone, especially not with jack and serena. maybe the subtle awkwardness is supposed to be the only hint at her sexuality we get. that would actually be kind of funny. i just hate that the writers couldn’t seem to actually nail down her values. she feels inconsistent. her opinions are whatever side the writers wanted to argue with jack. her or nora.

lmaoo i can’t even believe people want bensler that bad. like their chemistry was so much more potent when it was ‘will they or won’t they’. this limbo of he wants her but she’s too damaged or whatever is giving me an ulcer. at least she’s still fucking other men. if she was deadass holding out for him i’d have stopped watching