#make money Bureau De Change

[roamwithahungryheart]

Episode 3x08 vs Episode 1x05

Something that immediately struck me was the parallel between Michelle's (and Ted's) outfits in 1x05 and 3x08.

At the beginning (and the end) of 1x05, Michelle brings Henry to London and sits with Ted in The Crown & Anchor in a strikingly similar outfit to the one we see in 3x08. The difference? In 1x05, her red shirt is a lighter fabric, it's slightly unbuttoned, Ted & Michelle are more open with each other in this episode, addressing their marital issues and agreeing to let each other go.

In 3x08, it's almost as if the outfits have been inverted. Michelle's red shirt has a high neckline. Her heart isn't open to Ted anymore. Her interactions with Ted are friendly, but still tinged with formality.

And then there's Jake (boo!) who appears to be mirroring Ted's outfits. When Henry asks for money for the pinball machine, Ted & Jake dig around in their pockets at the same time. It's an awkward moment that shows the vast and abundantly clear difference between Ted & Jake. Ted is a devoted father who carries his work around with him, but still goes out of his way to make time for his family, even if he doesn't always have the means to provide for them.

For Jake, it's performative. He's trying too hard, and Henry isn't responding. He could have hit up the Bureau de Change to give Henry some pocket money beforehand and show Ted he's a Super Step-Dad, but he didn't. He kept his sleep mask with him. He isn't thinking about the family unit, only his relationship with Michelle.

3x08 ends with Michelle in an all-black version of her outfit from 1x05.

The blue version of her striped top was worn in 1x05 and 3x04, when she & Ted were open with each other about their feelings. When there was still hope for them to remain amicable and comfortable co-parent Henry. Now in black, with their conversations revolving around Michelle's new relationship, it's a clear sign that whatever's left of their relationship is dead. And Ted is still in mourning.

He doesn't want to let go of Henry's backpack - if he lets go, he might lose him to Jake. He's resisting change. This is evident in his reaction at the end of the episode, when Michelle mentions the Dave Grohl anecdote. They're still on the same wavelength intellectually, but not romantically. It's a shock to his system, and I think the last 4 episodes will see Ted explore his feelings and finally get the closure he needs to move forward.

[nigelspeaksonexpo2025worldsfairs]

Modern World’s Fairs Aren’t Worth the Strain on Communities

As an intro, I want to liken modern World’s Fairs to the Olympics. It’s well known at this point that for practically every city that hosts the Olympics, the result is unhappy civilians, an environment ripe for corruption, stress on local workers, and miniscule (if not non-existent) return on investment. [Relevant article from the New York Times | Non Paywalled Mirror]

Now, incase you didn’t know, World’s Fairs (like the ones you remember from the 1800’s and 1900’s) are still happening, they are just called World Expos now. 

And you can assume that the type of events that brought you the Eiffel Tower and the Space Needle would also be just as taxing as the Olympics. For 2025, Osaka is planning a new World’s Expo, and a significant chunk of public sentiment is either skeptical or downright unsupportive of the project. Local business workers don’t predict a financial return, constituents forecast taxes going up to fund the growing money pit, and many people across the country find the idea of having an Expo at all as archaic. Japan is also going through a labor shortage right now, and even though labor and wage protections are in place, there are still very real concerns about overworking the already stretched construction industry.

So that leaves a simple question: are these problems simply endemic to World Expos? Can we realistically expect a world where future expos are unburdened by these ethical concerns?

In my opinion, as long as the primary motive of a World Expo is to introduce revenue to the region, then I believe not. As mentioned by a great article from the University of South Carolina, Diplomacy is often neglected when the topic of Modern Expos are mentioned. The strong diplomatic benefits of an Expo are completely at ends with the publicly espoused benefits of an Expo, which often highlight the monetary gains instead. The message that the Bureau International des Expositions (Expo organizing committee) showcases is not in line with what the general public cares about in an Expo. If the BIE wants it to be an economic event, then they should reduce the emphasis on flashy pavilions and instead pump up the emphasis on travel and trade. But of course, if the BIE didn’t focus on those pavilions, then there are plenty of other trade shows that fulfill the economic role much better. That’s the irony of it all. If you look at the innovative architecture and events that Expos are known for, you can instantly see that flashy, provocative buildings are not going to be the ideal place to promote business growth, but that they instead promote individual interest in global communities and art.

In short, either more changes need to occur to improve profitability, or the BIE needs to be honest with itself and recognize that an Expo does not need to be immensely profitable in its currently declining state. The Expo is on a downturn, and forcing it to try and be a money printer is making it crumble apart faster.

One big problem to tackle in this area is the fact that the Expo is a multi-billion dollar expenditure that is mostly frontloaded onto the host country. Additionally, another issue is that the Expo has the somewhat unique issue of being downgraded in prestige. The title of “Olympiad” still carries ~about~ as much weight as it did in the 70’s. But in the same vein, I can almost guarantee that the presenters of the Ford Mustang in the 1964 World’s Fair felt much more strongly about the event than the corporations that simply clock in to the event today. No auto maker sees the Expo as prestigious enough nowadays to unveil a car at. The World Expo has been watered down to a checkbox rather than a year making event, which is the natural result when the event is boiled down to a profiteering scheme rather than a cultural showcase. The new cycle cements this, with us getting round the clock coverage of the Olympics, and simply blurbs and minimal postings about the Expo. 

So if the Expo isn’t a money maker, isn’t a news maker, and isn’t a diplomacy juggernaut, then what is it? A shell of its former shell to most. And in all honesty, that is for good reason. The Expo of today most likely won’t capture the magic of the last time Osaka hosted the Expo in the 70s. The Expo of today most likely won’t bring much foreign investment. The Expo of today most likely won’t pull through as a saviour for labor. And the Expo of today most likely won’t recoup its local investments, causing tax money to be practically burned for what many see as a trinket.

I don’t deny these conclusions. But as an individual, and a person hoping for a more united global community, I still hold out hope for the general concept of an expo. Promoting togetherness and awareness of our global communities can never be a wrong step in my book, and seeing so many cultures showcase themselves with pride is important to promote a more diverse and accepting global populace. However, that doesn’t mean that the BIE cannot and could not do better, and it also doesn’t mean I intend to turn a blind eye on future posts. Many of my planned blogs are intended to be highly critical of the Expo’s, simply because critique is the primary way that institutions grow. I think the concept behind the Expo is extremely sound, and I’d hate to lose it. But it’s undeniable that far too little focus has been placed on sustainability and equitability for these Expos: both in the past and in the modern day. If the BIE continues to stagnate like it has, the Expo will simply become more contentious and more underwhelming, at which point it could die a deserving death if unrectified.

Thanks for reading this short type up. For now, goodbye.

[ejesgistnews]

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Black Market and CBN Rates – Thursday, November 21, 2024 For Nigerians involved in trade, travel, or investment, keeping up with the latest Dollar to Naira exchange rates is essential. This article provides the current exchange rate for USD to NGN in both the black market and the official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) channels, along with insights into rate fluctuations and alternative platforms for currency exchange. Dollar to Naira Black market Exchange Rate Yesterday According to the data obtained from Bureau De Change Operators (BDCs), the black market rate on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, closed at: ₦1,750 per US dollar. Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate for Today, November 21, 2024. In the black market, the Dollar to Naira exchange rate often reflects real-time demand and supply, making it an essential metric for those outside formal banking channels. As of today: Buying Rate: ₦1,745 Selling Rate: ₦1,750 CBN Official Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate The official rate from the CBN is typically lower than the black market rate but is limited to certain types of transactions, such as government-approved imports and formal business operations. The official exchange rate today is: Buying Rate: ₦1,687 Selling Rate: ₦1,689 Alternative Platforms for Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates Several online platforms, including Geegpay and Grey, also offer competitive exchange rates and serve as trusted alternatives to the traditional black market: Geegpay Rates: USD: Buying at ₦1,750, Selling at ₦1,753 GBP: Buying at ₦2,120, Selling at ₦2,127 EUR: Buying at ₦1,798.03, Selling at ₦1,800.55 Grey Exchange Rates: USD: Buying at ₦1,755, Selling at ₦1,755 GBP: Buying at ₦2,102, Selling at ₦2,203 EUR: Buying at ₦1,845.03, Selling at ₦1,852 These platforms are regulated and widely used in Nigeria, providing reliable access to foreign exchange without the volatility often seen in the black market. Historical Context: Rising Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Over the past year, the Dollar to Naira exchange rate has experienced considerable volatility. In October 2023, the black market rate was approximately ₦900 per dollar. Since then, it has nearly doubled, driven by a combination of factors such as inflation, global oil price fluctuations, and foreign currency supply issues in Nigeria. Why Nigerians Use the Black Market for Dollar Exchange The black market, or parallel market, allows for easier access to foreign currency without government-imposed restrictions. Major reasons include: Favorable Rates: Higher exchange rates often mean more Naira for each Dollar exchanged. Accessibility: It is often simpler to access dollars in the black market than through formal banks, which may limit availability. Latest Forex News in Nigeria (November 21 , 2024) Here's the latest Forex news in Nigeria as of November 21, 2024: Bank Chiefs Lobby Presidency Over N1tn Forex Gain: Executives of seven Deposit Money Banks are lobbying President Bola Tinubu over the 70% mandatory windfall tax on profits generated from foreign exchange transactions. The banks are advocating for a review or reduction in the tax, which was introduced to generate additional revenue for infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects. Naira Pressured Despite Record-High FX Turnover: Despite a record-high $1.4 billion turnover in the forex market and rising external reserves, the naira traded at N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market. This represents a slight depreciation from the previous day's rate of N1,732 per dollar. Nigeria's Foreign Reserves Hit 2-Year High: Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves have risen above $40 billion for the first time in two years. This increase is attributed to rising oil prices, improved diaspora remittances, and the Central Bank of Nigeria's efforts to stabilize the naira. CBN Caps Forex Profit for BDCs: The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed Bureau De Change operators to cap their forex profit margin at 1.5% to correct market distortions.

Understanding the Difference Between Black Market and CBN Rates The black market rate generally runs higher than the CBN rate due to limited official access to dollars, which drives up demand in the parallel market. The CBN rate is regulated, targeting approved business transactions and some personal remittances. FAQs on Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates Why is there a difference between CBN and black market rates? The black market reflects real-time demand and supply fluctuations, whereas the CBN rate is regulated to control exchange for approved uses. Can everyone use the CBN rate? No, CBN rates are primarily available for government-approved imports and transactions. Many individuals rely on the black market for convenience and access. Are Geegpay and Grey safe platforms for exchange? Yes, both platforms are well-regulated, providing secure, competitive rates for exchanging foreign currency. Will the Naira stabilize in the future? Future trends depend on economic policies, oil prices, and global market conditions, with currency stability reliant on these factors. Conclusion on Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today. Staying updated on the Dollar to Naira exchange rate is essential for business, travel, and investment decisions. Regularly checking black market and CBN rates, as well as online exchange platforms like Geegpay and Grey, can help you make informed decisions in Nigeria’s dynamic forex environment

[newstfionline]

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Departing House Members Ask: ‘Why Am I Here?’ (NYT) At some point during a routine seven-hour trip from his Oregon district to Washington, Representative Earl Blumenauer, 75, a Democrat who has served in Congress for almost three decades, experienced a depressing epiphany. “I distinctly recall crawling on yet another plane to come back for yet another vote that made absolutely no difference and was going absolutely nowhere,” he said in an interview. “And I had this singular experience of asking myself, ‘Why would you do this?’” Mr. Blumenauer’s moment of truth was in fact far from singular. A total of 54 House members, or about one-eighth of the total body, will not be seeking another term this November. Many say that serving in Congress is no longer worth the frustration.

Americans now get a quarter of their groceries from store brands (The Independent) Americans are buying roughly one-quarter of their groceries from store brands, rather than nationally-recognized name brands, as shoppers continue to deal with rising prices on everyday goods. As inflation continues to keep prices up across industries, Americans are turning to cheaper alternatives for groceries, the Wall Street Journal found. National brands still make up 78 cents of dollar shares—basically percent of sales if all sales equaled $1. However, store brands are seeing their shares grow from 18 cents in 2006 to 22 cents today. Consumers are looking to save money wherever possible.

The hail in Texas was so big Tuesday that it required a new description (Washington Post) A string of rotating thunderstorms developed across west Texas on Tuesday, dropping record-setting hail and prompting a novel warning message from the National Weather Service. Hail the size of DVDs bombarded communities to the northwest of Lubbock, shattering windshields, damaging structures and even leaving small craters in fields and farmland. In an unusual turn of events, the biggest hail report, at nearly five inches in diameter, came from … me. I happened to be storm chasing and was stationed in the town of Pettit, Tex., about 40 miles northwest of Lubbock, where I encountered hail larger than grapefruits. My report prompted the Weather Service to issue a warning for hail five inches in diameter, the first such warning since at least 2010.

Two more US officials resign over Biden administration’s position on Gaza war (Guardian) Two more officials have resigned over the Biden administration’s policy on the war in Gaza. Alexander Smith, a contractor for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said he was given a choice between resignation and dismissal after preparing a presentation on the death of women and children in the enclave. Meanwhile, an official from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Stacy Gilbert, sent an email to colleagues to explain that her departure was sparked by the department’s official report that Israel was not deliberately obstructing the flow of food or other aid into Gaza. Smith and Gilbert bring the total number of Biden administration officials to have publicly resigned over the war in Gaza to nine, but some say that number is higher.

Flood-battered farmers in southern Brazil wade through lost harvests (Reuters) After three days of ferocious rains, Edite de Almeida and her husband fled their flooded home in early May and let loose their humble dairy herd on higher ground. Nearby, the waters rose above her head and within a day they were lapping at the roofs of houses. Record-breaking floods in southern Brazil, the result of weather patterns intensified by climate change, have only started to recede after displacing half a million people in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and killing more than 160. The full extent of the losses is still coming into focus, especially in rural areas where farmers like Almeida and her family produce much of Brazil’s rice, wheat and dairy. The floods have rattled agricultural markets as they disrupted soy harvesting, washed out silos, snared farm exports and killed over 400,000 chickens. The washed out farms and roads around the state capital Porto Alegre have contributed to food and water shortages in the area, adding to the crisis disrupting the lives of more than 2 million people. Parts of the state saw more than 700 mm (28 inches) of rain so far this month, national weather service INMET reported—more than London’s average rainfall in a year.

Iceland volcano dramatically erupts again as streams of lava reach town’s defensive walls (CNN) On Wednesday, an Icelandic volcano erupted for the fifth time since last December. The eruption sent lava flowing towards the nearby town of Grindavík as well as a tourist destination named the Blue Lagoon. Luckily, Grindavík has built literal defensive walls to protect from the lava—“houses in the west and farthest part of the town would have gone under the lava if it weren’t for the defensive walls, but they are still standing and defending,” said one local authority. While the flows luckily didn’t cause much damage to local communities, researchers say that the increase in volcanic activity at the crater might spell a rocky (and also molten) period for the area. The last time that the Reykjanes Peninsula (where the eruption occurred) experienced a period of volcanic activity was about 800 years ago—during that time, eruptions occurred regularly for decades. With the peninsula’s recent spike in eruptions, experts predict that the region might be facing another extended period of volcanic activity that could last decades or even centuries.

Modi touts India’s roaring economy as he seeks reelection, but many feel left behind (AP) Narendra Modi swept to power a decade ago on promises to transform India’s economy, and it would be hard to argue he hasn’t made strides. As he seeks a third term as prime minister, the country’s economic growth is the envy of the world, its stock markets are booming, and new buildings and highways are popping up everywhere. There are cracks in the facade, though, that his political challengers hope to benefit from, including high unemployment, persistent poverty and the sense that only a small portion of India’s 1.4 billion people has been able to cash in on the good fortune. “You have a booming economy for people higher up on the socioeconomic ladder, but people lower down are really struggling,” said Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

‘Unbearable’ heat in Delhi is testing limits of human survival (Washington Post) India’s capital territory of Delhi experienced some of its hottest weather on record Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs in some neighborhoods near the landmark threshold of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The exceptional heat has closed schools, endangered outdoor workers, stressed water supplies and infrastructure, and reached levels that would test the limits of human survival if sustained. “The intense heat has sharply increased the number of fires in dwellings, heatstrokes and trips to emergency rooms. It has made just going outside—a necessity for many who depend on manual labor for their daily wages—simply unbearable,” Ramanan Laxminarayan, president of One Health Trust in India, said in an email. “The rise in temperatures comes alongside water shortages, and together are making many areas simply unlivable.”

Australia’s new ‘men’s behavior change’ secretary (Washington Post) A state in Australia has taken a new step aimed at tackling domestic violence—appointing the country’s first official responsible for “Men’s Behavior Change”—as the prime minister has warned violence against women is “a national crisis.” The new role—called the parliamentary secretary for men’s behavior change—has already generated some controversy—with the politician tasked with the job acknowledging it is “not easy work.” Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced the role this week, appointing state lawmaker Tim Richardson to what she called “the first position of its kind in Australia.” The role “will focus largely on the influence the internet and social media have on boys’ and men’s attitudes towards women and building respectful relationships.” Some Australians took to social media to criticize the move, while radio host Ben Fordham dubbed the decision “collective punishment” that is “treating all men like an enemy.”

Egypt Faces Hard Choices After Israeli Seizure of Gaza’s Southern Border (NYT) When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced plans late last year to occupy a sensitive corridor of land in the Gaza Strip, along the border with Egypt, the response from Cairo was public, explicit and ominous. “It must be strictly emphasized that any Israeli move in this direction will lead to a serious threat to Egyptian-Israeli relations,” the Egyptian government said in a statement in English in January, weeks after Mr. Netanyahu announced plans to occupy the so-called Philadelphi Corridor. Egypt said that an Israeli military presence there would violate the 1979 peace treaty between the two countries. This week, the Israeli military announced that it had seized “tactical control” of the corridor. Yet despite the Egyptian government facing domestic pressure to take a harsher stance on Israel following its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, there has been no public Egyptian comment on the seizure of the corridor. The silence may be a reflection of the dilemma Egypt finds itself in after nearly eight months of war in Gaza.

South Africa heads for coalition as ANC support plunges (Reuters) South African parties geared up for coalition talks on Friday as the governing African National Congress (ANC) looked set to fall well short of a majority for the first time in 30 years of democracy. With results in from 57.3% of polling stations, the ANC had 41.9% of votes, a precipitous drop from the 57.5% it secured in the last national election in 2019. The pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) was in second place on 23.4%. uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, was at 11.3% and eating into ANC support, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province.

Stuck at sea for years, a sailor’s plight highlights a surge in shipowner abandonment (AP) Abdul Nasser Saleh says he rarely got a good night’s sleep during the near-decade he spent working without pay on a cargo ship abandoned by its owner at ports along the Red Sea. By night, he tossed and turned in his bunk on the aging Al-Maha, he said, thinking of the unpaid wages he feared he’d never get if he left the ship. By day he paced the deck, stuck for the last two years in the seaport of Jeddah, unable to set foot on land because of Saudi Arabia’s strict immigration laws. Saleh’s plight is part of a global problem that shows no signs of abating. The United Nations has logged an increasing number of crew members abandoned by shipowners, leaving sailors aboard months and sometimes years without pay. More than 2,000 seafarers on some 150 ships were abandoned last year. Shipowners often abandon crew members when they are hit by rising fuel costs, debt or unexpected repairs they can’t afford. Some owners vow to pay when their finances turn around. But those promises can mean little to the men on board, who often resort to handouts for food and basic supplies. Many are also supporting families back home and risk losing everything if they step off their ships.

Writing by hand (NPR) In our screen-dominated world, text messages, Google calendars and Notes app grocery lists have largely replaced handwritten letters, physical planners and sticky notes. Many schools have started to introduce computers as early as preschool—meaning kids learn how to type before they learn how to write by hand. A growing body of research shows that giving up this slower, more tactile way of expression may have consequences. Handwriting is one of the most complex motor skills the brain is capable of. It requires a more fine-tuned connection between the motor and visual systems and more deeply engages our brain than typing. Handwriting is one of the most complex motor skills the brain is capable of. It requires a more fine-tuned connection between the motor and visual systems and more deeply engages our brain than typing. For adults, writing by hand can force you to slow down and process information better.

[lumosfm]

𝙆𝙉𝙊𝙒𝙉 𝙇𝙊𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎:  𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩

Carkitt Market is an outdoor shopping area located on a side street from Diagon Alley in the wizarding quarter of London, England. It was centred around a Victorian wrought iron arcade and the shop facades, along with the wrought iron, are Victorian facades painted over in a bright technicolour palette. A small Gothic building (Eternelle's Elixir of Refreshment) sits in the centre of the market. Below the cut you will find a list of the known buildings and shops in Carkitt Market and a short description of each.

Bowman E. Wright Blacksmith is a metalsmith shop that makes objects from wrought iron or steel. It is located near the intersection of Diagon Alley and Carkitt Market, by the Mermaid Fountain and The Hopping Pot.

Cogg and Bell Clockmakers is a wizarding clockmaker's that makes and repaired clocks. It is located on the corner of Carkitt Market and Horizont Alley, between the Museum of Muggle Curiosities and Weeoanwhisker's Barber Shop.

Concordia and Plunkett Musical Instruments is a music shop in Carkitt Market, in the wizarding quarter of London. It specialises in bagpipes, harps, lutes and cellos.

Dr Filibuster's Fireworks is a pyrotechnics shop famous for its Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks. It is located in Carkitt Market next to the Museum of Muggle Curiosities.

Eternelle's Elixir of Refreshment is a food cart located in Carkitt Market that sells a wide variety of drinks and refreshments.

Globus Mundi Travel Agents was a wizarding travel agency in Diagon Alley, established in 1876. It was originally located upstairs from Shutterbutton's Photography Studio, but later opened a storefront on Carkitt Market.

Gringotts Money Exchange is a wizarding bureau de change located in Carkitt Market. Run by Gringotts Wizarding Bank, this bureau offers Muggles the opportunity to exchange their money for wizarding currency.

The Hopping Pot is a wizarding pub in Carkitt Market, located by Bowman E. Wright Blacksmith.

House-Elf Placement Agency is a business located in Carkitt Market that specialises in services of House-Elf allocation.

Jellied Eel Shop is a pie and mash shop, located in Carkitt Market, in the wizarding quarter of London. It sells stewed and jellied eels as well as eels & mash, and haddock. Beverages included tea, pumpkin juice and coffee.

The Mermaid Fountain is a fountain in the shape of a mermaid, located in the square at the intersection of Diagon Alley and Carkitt Market.

The Museum of Muggle Curiosities is a museum in Carkitt Market, in the wizarding quarter of London. Items on display included several Muggle electronics, such as microwaves, old televisions, radios, electric fans, and desk lamps. It is located between Dr Filibuster's Fireworks and Cogg and Bell Clockmakers.

The Owl Post Officeis the equivalent to a Muggle post office, but with owls delivering the letters of those who do not have owls of their own.

Stowe & Packers Magical Bags is a wizarding luggage shop in Carkitt Market, that sells magical bags. It is located up a flight of steps from the Market itself, by a junk shop.

Wands by Gregorovitch is a shop located on Carkitt Market. A wand shop, Wands by Gregorovitch is presumably the British branch of Mykew Gregorovitch's original shop, Gregorovitch Zauberstäbe.

[hardynwa]

Naira rebounds as banks offload excess dollars

Ahead of the midnight February 1, 2024 deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria to commercial banks to sell all excess foreign exchange holdings, Deposit Money Banks on Thursday made frantic efforts to offload their surplus dollar stocks. It was learnt that the treasury departments of the DMBs spent the entire day battling to sell their excess FX holdings. Officials processed several foreign exchange request forms of their customers as they sold more dollars to them, The PUNCH gathered. The increase in the level of forex sale activities at the official foreign exchange market, it was learnt, led to the rebound of the naira at the parallel market on Thursday. Several top bank executives, who spoke to us on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed there were huge forex transactions in the banks. As of 6pm on Thursday, bank officials especially those of the treasury departments, were making efforts to meet the new prudential requirements of the regulator. Amid its fresh moves to stabilise the nation’s volatile exchange rate, the CBN had in a circular released on Wednesday, ordered DMBs to sell their excess dollar stocks latest February 1, 2024. The CBN also warned lenders against hoarding excess foreign currencies for profit. According to officials, the central bank believes some commercial banks hold long-term foreign exchange positions to enable them to profit from the volatile movements of exchange rates. The new circular introduced a set of guidelines aimed at reducing the risks associated with these practices. In the circular titled, “Harmonisation of Reporting Requirements on Foreign Currency Exposures of Banks”, the CBN raised concerns over the growing trend of banks holding large foreign currency positions. The circular read in parts, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has noted with concern the growth in foreign currency exposures of banks through their Net Open Position (NOP). This has created an incentive for banks to hold excess long foreign currency positions, which exposes banks to foreign exchange and other risks.” The apex bank further directed banks with current NOPs exceeding its limits to adjust their positions and comply with the new regulations by February 1, 2024. The latest circular came barely 48 hours after the CBN released a circular, warning banks and FX dealers against reporting false exchange rates, among others. The new development came on the heels of the adjustment of the methodology used for the calculation of the nation’s official exchange rate by the FMDQ Exchange, a situation that has moved the official exchange to about N1,500 from around N900/dollar. Following the latest CBN directive which is aimed at unifying the official and parallel market rates of the local unit, several banks sold forex to their customers on Thursday. The development led to a sharp rebound of the national currency in the official market. Bureau De Change operators in Lagos, Kano, and Abuja also pushed to sell their dollar holding amid fear the local unit might sustain the gain in coming days. Alhaji Lawan Ismael, a BDC operator in Ikeja, Lagos, said he bought and sold the greenback for N1400/dollar and N1420/dollar, respectively. Another BDC at the Lagos airport, Sabiu Abdullahi, said the greenback went for between N1400/$ and N1400/$. This, he said, was a huge rebound from over N1500/$ it sold on Wednesday. In Abuja, the naira traded at the parallel market between N1,300/$ and N1,350/$. A Bureau De Change operator, Ibrahim Yahu told us, “Today, because of our small action, you could not get a standard price. Those who bought today did so at risk. But the dollar sold between N1,300 and N1,350.” The naira closed at N1,455.59/$ at the official window on Wednesday, according to the FMDQ Securities Exchange. This rate has been yet to be updated as of 09:39 pm Thursday. Commenting on the effect of the circular, bank officials who pleaded anonymity said they were bound to ensure their books remain within the new FX prudential limit. “All banks working to meet the deadline,” the chief financial officer of a tier-2 bank told The PUNCH on Thursday evening. Also, a top official of a tier-1 bank, while commenting on the development, said, “After the CBN directive, we had to push out the FX.” Another official said, “All banks are pushing out funds now, and we are ready to sell. The key thing is profit here.” Meanwhile, some bank officials said beyond the FX in banks, the CBN and the security agencies would need to beam their searchlights on politicians and government officials who are hoarding dollars in their homes. As part of its effort to boost liquidity in the FX market, the CBN on Wednesday issued a new circular that removes the previous cap on exchange rates quoted by International Money Transfer Operators. In a document titled, ‘Guidelines on International Money Transfer Service in Nigeria,’ the CBN asked IMTOs to make payments to customers only in Nigerian currency while using the prevailing exchange rate on the day the transfer is received. Read the full article

[earaercircular]

Refurbished: the rise of office furniture

100,000 tonnes of armchairs, tables and cabinets are thrown away each year by companies renovating or moving. A windfall for SMEs who want to equip themselves cheaper and greener.

“Eight years ago, people came to us to save money. Today, we are called out of environmental awareness,” assures Christophe Cote, founder of Adopteunbureau in 2015.[1] The company with a turnover of 4 million euros in Hauts-de-Seine[2] sells trays, armchairs, boxes or filing cabinets recovered during company moves and reconditioned in its Antony warehouse. These quality products (Adopteunbureau is approved for the resale of the Herman Miller[3] or USM[4] brands) are available 30% to 50% cheaper than new products.

But the real added value lies in the delivery of an “environmental impact certificate”, a diploma indexed to Ademe[5] criteria and ready to hang on the wall to demonstrate the “carbon equivalent tonnes” saved thanks to the furniture. reuse. A reduced footprint “by 50% to 80%”.

“Capture equipment in good condition”

Unlike reconditioned telephony, where 70% of decommissioned devices come from the United States, the supply of second-hand offices is far greater than demand: 100,000 tonnes of equipment thrown away each year in France according to the eco-organisation Valdelia[6]. And barely 3.6% made available to reconditioning professionals in 2021. The difficulty consists of “capturing it in good condition before it lands in the dumpster, by working with the developers of tertiary platforms, the distributors of new and movers,” explains Maxime Baffert, CEO of Bluedigo[7] in Essonne.

“The habit is not yet created. However, reuse is much more virtuous than sorting,” he adds. The SME with 20 employees and 4 million euros in turnover has furnished 2,000 customers for four years. The pandemic will have had an accelerating effect: “With the advent of teleworking, companies have considered their reorganisation, at lower cost, while becoming more sensitive to environmental concerns.”

“The brake on mismatched stocks”

These circular economy activist companies, with Ecosiege[8] or Bureau Futé[9], are awaiting the effects of the Agec law[10] on their niche market which is expected to expand: the new regulation imposes 20% reuse in public purchases for office equipment . “We are still at the tender stage but it will take off,” predicts Maxime Baffert. And furniture has a great advantage over IT: “There is no technological obsolescence. »

At Adopteunbureau, “the average operation concerns 30 to 60 workstations,” explains Christophe Cote. But the 18 employees refurbished 450 chairs for the PMU company, changing the foams and fabrics, and equipped 750 complete workstations for Paris Santé Campus - desks, seats, storage... “It also becomes a question of image, externally and internally.

Mismatched stocks constitute a barrier to meeting demand. “As we do not always have the desired volume or quality, or the required dimensions, we mix our range with new eco-designed and manufactured in France,” explains Maxime Baffert. “This flexibility is essential to make the purchase of reconditioned products commonplace, which must not become a headache for companies,” he says. Bluedigo and Adopteunbureau make their lives easier with an interior design studio.[11]

Source

Léa Delpont, Reconditionné : l'essor du mobilier de bureau, in : Les Echos, 26-10-2023 ; https://www.lesechos.fr/pme-regions/actualite-pme/reconditionne-lessor-du-mobilier-de-bureau-2021951

[1] We don't just sell high-end office furniture to businesses and employees. We have chosen to commit to the planet by positively impacting the furniture market as well as companies that need to equip themselves. We began our adventure by purchasing office furniture and reconditioning it to put it back on the second-hand market. Noting that more and more companies are buying new disposable furniture, we are launching the first offer of new furniture in France which guarantees its second life when our customers no longer need it. https://www.adopteunbureau.fr/qui-sommes-nous/

[2] Hauts-de-Seine is a department which is the western inner suburbs of Paris in the Île-de-France region. Its prefecture is Nanterre and its population is about 1,517,000 (2006 estimation).

[3] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/722563688300675072/where-does-new-york-city-office-furniture-go-when?source=share&ref=_tumblr

[4] USM furniture to suit your every wish. Flexible, durable and sustainable. Choose from 14 colours and place an order with your USM dealer now. Premium service. Best quality. Made in Switzerland. Modular design. Types: Sideboards, Shelving, TV units, Room dividers. https://www.usm.com/en/home/about-usm/

[5] The Agence de la transition écologique. (ADEME, Agency for ecological transition) is a public agency under the joint authority of the Ministry for an Ecological Transition and the Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation. At ADEME - The French Agency for Ecological Transition’s role is to mobilise citizens, economic actors and territories towards a fairer, more harmonious, low carbon and resource-efficient society. At every level, their expertise and forecasting capacities serve to guide and inform public policies. https://www.ademe.fr/en/about-ademe

[6] As soon as the REP for construction products and materials in the building sector (PMCB) was established, Valdelia is committed to providing the sector with the human and financial resources necessary to register it from the start with a view to circular economy. https://www.valdelia.org/

[7] Bluedigo is the marketplace for reconditioned office furniture to create workspaces with a positive impact!

More than 100,000 tonnes of office furniture are thrown away each year in France. With Bluedigo we aim to make office furniture more circular by offering the largest catalog of reconditioned furniture with more than 15,000 pieces available on our marketplace! We buy furniture from companies that are moving and we bring together on our marketplace an ecosystem of more than 50 reconditioned furniture resellers throughout France. We also offer new eco-designed office furniture from brands made in France and committed to the circular economy. https://bluedigo.fr/pages/a-propos

[8] The purpose of Ecosiège is to limit waste linked to the acquisition or replacement of office chairs. We want the carbon footprint to be as limited as possible for the seat that supports you every day! Ecosiège is the Ergosanté commercial brand dedicated to the reconditioning of office chairs. Ecosiege is the specialist in reconditioned seats. You will also be able to see many brand headquarters such as STEELCASE, MALMSTOTEN, SITLAND, SOKOA, RH, etc. Whether you are a large company, an SME, an association, a self-employed employee, or an individual, you can do better for the planet than to buy a seat on the first site you come across! https://www.ecosiege.fr/?gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM_-TRj-D6e5MoFq4_jo7Qo4ZTz5ka4toUp7MXhACLp-bR3TNcJABmBoCYbYQAvD_BwE

[9] Bureau Futé is the specialist in reconditioned professional furniture. On bureaufute.fr you will find a very rich selection of designer, quality office furniture, from professional brands and reconditioned. Respect for the environment is the essence of our approach. Bureau Futé allows you to buy inexpensive office furniture while working for the good of the planet. https://bureaufute.fr/qui-sommes-nous/

[10] The Loi AGEC or anti-waste law that came into effect on January 1, 2022 prohibits many things, but also obliges many things. When purchasing office mobile, governments are obliged to buy a fairly large percentage of refurbished furniture. Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/672117412171218944/plastic-clothing-recycling-everything-that-will?source=share&ref=_tumblr

[11] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/678910670325022720/the-facilities-company-of-the-government-of?source=share&ref=_tumblr

[ezzybrownmedia]

Sokoto Court Hands Down 87-Year Prison Sentence to Counterfeit Bureau “De Change Operator” Involved in N325 Million Fraud Case

In Sokoto State, there was a guy named Ahmad Abubakar Ahmad. He did some very bad things, and a judge named Justice Malami Dogondaji decided he deserved a severe punishment. So, he got sentenced to 87 years in prison! That's a really long time! What did he do? Well, he tricked people into giving him a lot of money - a huge amount, N325,800,000 (Three Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira). He lied to them and pretended to be something he wasn't. ALSO READ: Interesting stories Ahmad didn't argue in court. He said, "Yes, I did it," to all the charges. The EFCC, which deals with money crimes, wanted him in jail for a long time. Ahmad's lawyer asked for a lighter punishment because Ahmad hadn't been in trouble before. But the judge didn't go easy on Ahmad. Justice Dogondaji decided to send him to prison for 87 years! Plus, Ahmad has to pay a big fine too - N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) for each of the 12 charges. That's a total of N2,400,000.00 (Two Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira). Ouch! And there's more. The judge also said Ahmad has to give back all the money he took - N225,661,000 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Six Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand Naira) - to the people he tricked. The EFCC will make sure the money goes back to the right people. LEARN MORE: Read blogs and articles here!!! How did Ahmad get into this mess? The EFCC arrested him for tricking 12 different people into giving him their money. He pretended to be a big shot in the money business and promised people they'd get a lot more money back. But he didn't give them anything in return, not even their original money. So, there you have it - Ahmad's story of doing bad things and facing the consequences. Remember, it's very important to be honest and fair when dealing with others, or you might end up, like Ahmad, in a lot of trouble. ALSO CHECK: Affordable products Read the full article

[rainsmediaradio]

Erigga - Bad Persin Lyrics

Erigga - Bad Persin Lyrics Intro Erigga paper boi Omo I no get power to argue again oh If you say white na black I no go follow you quarrel abeg Verse 1 Na who friends never show dey carry squad for head 'Cause Me na shoulder if e tire me I put am down Move ahead my blood inside your cartel Another cartel dey when fit poison your Martel To change am like bureau de change no dey hard dem dolls You forget say when sugar finish every ant dey lost Na Inside squad dem sell Jesus deny am thrice No be shoot bird mama fly u gats hold your blurkus E don tay dem see you better pass this craze don cum again Na who get money be their blood oh(I swear) No put body if dem no call you, dey respect yourself No go dey give too many Fs, some kind times dey deff the blog oh You see that time when you find make we sitdown crack gist Dey talk about “remember when” I don mathematics Dey calculate how much we fit make onto say we sharp Money go lap oko relax no forget your blood oh Chorus The day you no give them money you be bad persin They call your number you pick am you be bad persin no go dey follow dem argue oh, I be bad persin Na you good take award we don leave am for you 99 good plus one bad equals to bad persin You no dey show your people love no I be bad persin area no get memory do the one you fit do You like you kill your self them for still say u be bad persin Verse 2 Come outside fresh air blow igbo for beach They think about money brother happiness ain’t cheap No carry jump anyhow dey use your number 2 Life no be first to reach there, make billing no wonjor you Leave all those write up dem post their character too bad Their  mind set need to change nobody owe dem jack Nothing concern us we go tell you who dey fear you guy The big goat who you dey fear dey fear me die Friendship when no dey go calculator na bad friendship When no good for your inner peace any how friendship I no kwokwo be better person  no need to form Or see your call run who be blood wah you run Maybe na all backstabbing dey make my heart dey bleed All your conscience out no be say I no hear you greet It’s had to tell who really love you when you in the streets Many wan kill you finish you put you inside six feet deep Chorus The day you no give them money you be bad persin They call your number you pick am you be bad persin no go dey follow dem argue oh, I be bad persin Na dem good take award we don leave am for dem 99 good plus one bad equals to bad persin You no go show your people love no I be bad persin Area no get memory do the one you fit do You like you kill your self them for still say u be bad persin Verse 3 God no come from your villlage oga comport your self Na yaba left you dey go so,protect your mental health Make you for no craze this lifestyle fit injure you Internet no send tomorrow dem go disco you Club when you shutdown for nite dey open today Na brain be jazz man keep money 'cause tomorrow day The girls no dey go anywhere when body full u date School no be scam no mind them na just excuse to wait Wait  when u jam dem Elon musk watin una yan Okpako die butu rest, which club u wan take see am Money finish eye clear phone no dey ring again Story don spread olosho no dey pick again Life no hard all na you say you wan must rich So put in work no complain confirmations sweet Multiple streams of income alert dey ring like drum No eat future sapa fit waylaid you with gun runnnnnn Outro Erigga that one bad person When no dey pick e brother call bad persin As I no vote for ur person now I be bad persIn Na you Goood  take award we don leave am for you Read the full article

[godotetfils]

Where to Exchange Currency in Paris - Godot et fils

When you have arrived in Paris, it is a very exciting moment to come to that beautiful city. But first, you need to get money to buy a baguette. It is important to get the good currency exchange rate. France is member of the European Union and Euro zone. It means the currency in France is the Euro. It is the same currency among several European countries. Many businesses have a minimum purchase of € 10 or 20 and you will not be alble to pay everywhere with foreign credit card. It is much easier to get some cash and much cheaper. You should wait to be downtown Paris to make your currency exchange. You will be able to cut by a half the conversion fees. So make your exchange with Godot et Fils, in the latin quarter, next to Notre Dame Cathedral. It will be the best way to begin your trip.

to explore the history of Euro : https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/euro_fr

google map : https://www.google.com/maps/place/Godot+et+Fils+Paris+Panth%C3%A9on+(Achat+%2F+Vente+Or+et+Argent+%2F+Bureau+de+change),+Rue+Soufflot,+Paris/@46.179307,6.127334,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47e6716024462a0f:0x4b5ee35fcffe82b2?hl=fr

Itinéraire mappy : https://fr.mappy.com/poi/4d6c311bfc69250755c60dd7

Notre page google : https://g.page/godotetfils?share

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[fmhiphop]

Afroman's Home Invasion Featured In His Music Videos

The classic “Because I Got High” rapper has done it again. Afroman has molded his personal experience and musical talent into two new songs.  “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon-Pound Cake” features Ohio’s Adams County Sheriff’s department which is going viral via TikTok. In August of 2022, Joseph Foreman, also known as Afroman, was away in Chicago when the Adams County Sheriff’s department raided the rapper's property. The sheriff’s department had a search warrant that a local judge signed for drug trafficking and kidnapping. Foreman tells VICE he can understand drug trafficking, but has no idea about the kidnapping charges, “I guess they heard I was trafficking drugs. I don't know where the kidnapping charges came from. And what they wanted to do was kill me and then make up whatever they wanted to say.” During this invasion, deputies are seen breaking down doors, barging in with AR-15 rifles, and rummaging through his personal belongings. His children were home during this raid and found that a portion of his hard-earned money from a gig was missing.  The end result of the raid left not only left Afroman appalled but questionable, “Why are you stealing my money?” he asks, adding, “You represent the law and it’s funny. You’re stealing my legal-worked-hard-everyday-paid-taxes money.” In Afroman’s new release, “Will You Help Me Repair My Door”, officers are seen ransacking the property and taking cash. The search goes beyond the extent of moving into another room full of CDs.  The Adams County Sheriff dept. has a warrant solely for narcotics and kidnapping, yet they seized the room of CDs.  “ Any kidnapping victims inside my CDs,” he tells VICE. The Raided Result Police confiscated a jar of CBD flower, some roaches, and a vape pen. They also took about $5,600 in cash from one of Foreman’s suit pockets which was a payment for a past gig.  According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Foreman’s money is returned but is short $400. Under this circumstance, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be handling the issue of the missing cash. As the singer awaits the return of his belonging there are no charges filed toward Foreman or the sheriff’s department. The narcotics found and seized are currently being tested. In Ohio, the law indicates that medical cannabis is legal, but only in small amounts for adult-use only. The cannabis must be less than 100 grams or the penalty is a fine of US $150 according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.    Consequently, Foreman also received backlash from this invasion.  “I lost gigs because of the kidnapping charge written on the warrant. People started looking at me different.” Foreman is seen as convicted by the sheriff’s dept. and amongst many others. Clubs began turning away the singer, defaming him for his career and financial stability. Afroman tells VICE, on the day of the raid he asked the head officer if they were going to help him pay for his door to be repaired. The cop replies “ We're not required to fix your door. That’s not what we do.” Upcoming Projects Above all, Afroman has milestones in his future and it begins with these two new hit songs.  “Lemon Pound Cake” shows the surveillance footage of police disconnecting his own security cameras and more. Moreover, last month he did announce his future vision of running for presidential candidacy in 2024. His plan is to legalize recreational cannabis in all states. A TMZ  report says Foreman has yet to complete his Federal Election Commission paperwork, as an independent runner.  On Afroman’s Instagram, his campaign manager Jason Savage posted and said in a statement, “My Fellow Americans, There comes a time in the course of human events when change must be affected. That time is now. Americans are suffering, and the status quo is no longer acceptable."    Written by Abbi-Rae De La Rosa Twitter @justabbi_   Read the full article

[mojatech1]

Build Empire In Bureau De Change

An agency de change (British English) or money exchange(American English) is a business where individuals can trade one cash for another. Albeit initially French, the expression "agency de change" is generally utilized all through Europe and French-speaking Canada, where it is normal to track down a sign saying "trade" or "change". Since the reception of the euro, many trade workplaces have begun joining its logotype noticeably on their signage. In the United States and English-speaking Canada the business is portrayed as "cash trade" and now and then "cash trade", here and there with different increments, for example, "unfamiliar", "work area", "office", "counter", "administration", and so on; for instance, "unfamiliar money trade office". An authority de change is frequently situated at a bank, at a travel planner, air terminal, fundamental railroad station or huge stores-specifically, anyplace there is probably going to be a business opportunity They are especially conspicuous at movement centers, despite the fact that money can be traded in numerous alternate ways both lawfully and illicitly in different settings. A portion of the key part incorporate HSBC, Travelex, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

What do you mean by Bureau? a division of an administration office or a free managerial unit. an office for gathering or conveying news or data, organizing work, or performing indicated administrations;

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

[ejesgistnews]

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest Nigerian business news! As of Friday, October 4, 2024, the business landscape in Nigeria is abuzz with exciting developments, groundbreaking announcements, and significant milestones. From major investments and partnerships to regulatory changes and market trends, we've got you covered with local business news today. We cover all the top 10 latest business news in Nigeria today stories making headlines, shaping the future of the country's economy and impacting your business decisions. In this edition, we explore business and finance news that reflects the evolving market dynamics. Don't miss out on what are the latest business news in Nigeria, as each story is crucial for understanding the trends influencing your investments. Here are the 10 Latest Business News in Nigeria and Forex News Roundup Today, October 4, 2024, 1. CBN introduces electronic matching system for FX transactions, to begin by December: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the introduction of an electronic matching system for foreign exchange transactions in the Nigeria FX market scheduled to begin from December 1, 2024. 2. Naira, Dollar: Naira ends September at lowest exchange rate in seven months at parallel market: The Nigerian Naira ended the month of September at its lowest exchange rate in seven months at the parallel market. The rate closed at N885 to the US dollar on September 30, 2024, a depreciation of 0.87% from the previous day's close of N877. 3. BDCs accuse IMTOs of ambushing external remittances, creating dollar scarcity in the parallel market: Bureau de Change (BDCs) operators have accused International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) of ambushing external remittances, thereby creating dollar scarcity in the parallel market. The BDCs allege that the IMTOs are buying up dollars at a rate below the official rate and selling them to the parallel market, making it difficult for BDCs to source dollars for their customers. 4. CBN Rolls Out Electronic FX Matching System to Curb Speculation, Ensure Transparent Forex Rates: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) to combat speculative activities and improve transparency in forex transactions. The new system is expected to enhance governance, transparency and facilitate a market- driven exchange rate that will be accessible to the public. 5. Nigeria's crude oil production declines by 40,000 bpd as OPEC's output drops in September: Nigeria's crude oil production declined by 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut its output. The decline in Nigeria's production was due to a combination of factors, including technical difficulties and pipeline vandalism. 6. Italy targets windfall taxes amid budget deficit concerns, echoing Nigeria's recent bank levy: The Italian government has announced plans to introduce windfall taxes on banks and energy companies in an effort to raise revenue and address budget deficit concerns. This move echoes the recent decision by the Nigerian government to impose a levy on banks. 7. Former Flutterwave employee in Kenya loses $900,000 appeal against fintech firm: A former employee of Flutterwave in Kenya has lost an appeal against the fintech firm after claiming she was owed $900,000 in unpaid commissions. The employee had filed a lawsuit against Flutterwave in 2021, alleging that the company had failed to pay her commissions on transactions that she had processed. [Source: Nairametrics] 8. AfDB targets 120 million tonnes of food production by 2025: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has set a target of increasing food production in Africa to 120 million tonnes by 2025. The bank is working with African governments to invest in agriculture and food systems in order to boost food security and reduce hunger on the continent. [Source: Nairametrics] 9. Inside the CNG conversion journey in Lagos: A recent report by Nairametrics looks at the journey of CNG conversion in Lagos.

The report highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the CNG industry in Nigeria, as well as the potential benefits of CNG conversion for both drivers and the environment. 10. Nigeria to unlock $10 billion deep-water investment with new oil and gas tax relief package: The Nigerian government is offering a new tax relief package to attract $10 billion in investment in deep-water oil and gas projects. The package includes a reduction in corporate tax rates, as well as other incentives designed to make Nigeria more competitive for investors. Get informed, stay updated, and make informed decisions with our comprehensive roundup of the latest Nigerian business news and insights. Sources: Ejes Gist News,  Arise News and Nairametrics

[akarrushdiy]

How To Make Money Online In Nigeria With Your Phone

How To Make Money Online In Nigeria With Your PhoneDo You Want To Have Financial Freedom?Wait!I want to show you the easiest way to make money online in Nigeria for free.Click below link join my Make Money Online Group.WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HKFQFtTXFjfAdf56RdCrYmTelegram: https://t.me/+Zisc2zuXW7g3ZTE0Aadam Financial Freedom…financial freedom starts here.Aadam Financial Freedom…

[wild-houseplant]

GODDDDDDDDDDDDD I LOVED THESE I have been SPOILED to within an INCH of my LIFE THANK YOU I LOVED IT ALL. THEY ARE ALL MY FAVOURITES THANK YOU I WILL BE SLEEPING ON ALL OF THEM TONIGHT, CURLED UP LIKE A DRAGON OVER A HOARD

Find The Word (long)

I have been tagged by multiple people and have decided to dump it all into one huge post in no particular order and from all parts of the story. Enjoy the madness! XD XD XD

CW for canon-typical violence and fantasy racism

Weiterlesen

[samuel-de-champagne-problems]

Open Me Carefully

summary: spencer reid and reader are best friends, but don’t realize that they both love each other. 

author’s note: crappy summary, but this one is loosely based on gold rush 

warnings: none

Open Me Carefully 

Maybe it’s the fact that I have a propensity to keep rereading historical romances, or maybe it’s the fact that I just listen to “Lover” way too much for a single person. Or maybe, I’m actually in love with him, my best friend and the only person in this world who I think truly knows me. 

I mean, how could I not be completely in love with him. Spencer Reid is the closest thing to perfection. He is kind, brilliant, and unbelievably handsome. It almost hurts me how wonderful he is. But daydreaming about Spencer’s hair falling in his eyes, or his hands grazing across the map spread out on the table, or even his wide smile that slips out when he lets his guard down is not productive to solving crimes. 

Unsubs, Y/N. Unsubs. Stop thinking about his hands. And start focusing. 

“Y/N/L!” Calls Hotch from across the room. He’s assigned me to locate the birth mother of the potential unsub. He was given up for adoption as an infant, but bounced around from foster home to foster home, never finding a home, and now obsessed with finding his roots. 

“Yes, sir, here’s the name from Garcia. Susan Lee gave up her baby for adoption in 1981, she was a just 16 years old, so that would make her-”

“44 years old” Spencer injected. 

Hotch gave me a short nod of approval and I cocked my head towards Spencer’s direction, who tried to pull off an innocent look. 

“It’s math, Y/N. I can’t help myself,” he explains. 

“It’s fine, Spence. Math is like your religion,” I tell him, but what I’m really thinking is it’s you, Spence, and you can get away with anything with me. 

“Math, in its purest form, is a beauty known nowhere else” he remarks. 

“Who’s that Nietzsche?” I ask him as he beams down at me, twirling a blue permanent mark between his very distracting fingers. 

“No, Spencer Reid.” he says as he turns back to the map on the table before us.

Just as I give myself the smallest bit of a second to enjoy the playful banter that falls between us, JJ and Emily come walking in, leading a gruff looking detective with them. 

“We think we know where Jacob is hiding out,” JJ starts with a grim look on her face. Emily and the detective walk past her to where Hotch and Derek explain the profile to the SWAT team waiting by. 

“His old orphanage, right?” Spencer asks looking up from the map.

“Yeah, and we think he’s going to hold some of the other children hostage,” JJ tells us. 

“We need to get there, JJ. But isn't it his mother he wants, not the other children. You’d think that with the profile we came up with, it would make more sense for him to want to save the children, not hold them hostage?” I reason.

“You’re right, Y/N,” Spencer says, coming to a dark realization “he thinks that he’s saving them. He’s Angel of Death” he finishes grimly. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sitting quietly in the jet after the chaos of de-escalating a hostage situation is a calm like no other. We all have routines for the ride home. A quiet ritual that we take the time to be thankful that we’re all here, in one piece, having made the world slightly more safe. 

JJ, ever diligent, will work on paper with Hotch. Rossi will usually keep Hotch from overworking with a small, light conversation. 

Emily spreads out on the couch, and the rest of us pretend to not see JJ glance over at her as she looks at Emily with eyes that crave her attention.  

Derek will listen to music and I’ll close my eyes and strain my ears to make out the muffled tunes that escape his ears. I sit across from Derek and will share snacks that we grabbed from a dingy convenience store on the way to the tarmac. 

Spencer, who always sits next to me, will usually write his mother a letter. He writes her a letter on every plane ride after a case. I think back to the time that I asked him why he prefers letters to phone calls. He told me that he finds letters a forever way to say ‘I love you’. Taking your love and turning it into pen and paper makes it tangible, is what he told me. Until that day, I never really pegged Spencer to be a poet, but he continues to amaze me everyday. 

I think that he can feel me staring at him, because he suddenly stops writing and his eyes look up to meet mine. 

“She’s not doing so well, Y/N” Spencer says, his voice but a whisper above the hum of the jet and music spilling from Morgan’s headset. 

“Your mom?” I ask, my voice matching his. 

Spencer, for perhaps the first time I’ve known him, is quietly defeated.

“All I ever wanted to do was to save her, Y/N. Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing everything I should be. I thought that by the time I was 30 I would have cured schizophrenia. It’s just that sometimes I feel like maybe I settled” 

“Well, you know we really don’t hear about child genius when they are adults. And you have the same job and me, and I’m not where near as smart as you. So you feel like you’re letting the world down or even worse— yourself”

“You might not have the IQ points on a piece of paper, but you are nothing short of brilliant” Spencer says looking at me directly in my eyes. I hold his gaze for maybe a second and look down towards my lap in disbelief. 

“Spence,” I say. “You have to say that, otherwise I’d stop making you chocolate donuts.”

“I don’t need your donuts to convince me that you are an amazing agent. I mean,” He pauses and holds my stare again. 

“You’re so kind it hurts me sometimes. And watching you those kids today, you’d be a great mom, Y/N. You make everyone feel so comfortable just being around you, and I’d give up all the chocolate donuts and IQ points and bottomless coffee if it meant you’d stay in my life,” Spencer says looking at me. I rest my hand over his and we sit there in the silence and comfort of the other. 

Spencer Reid is a man of many hats. But I think his way with words just may be my favorite. I don’t dare to respond to him. I don’t trust myself not to kiss his pink lips as he looks at me like he loves me. I don’t trust myself to not tell him all the wonderful and sinful things I think about him. I don’t trust myself to not tell him how I was watching him play with those orphans back at the police station.

“What’s a best friend for, Spence?” I say to him. 

“Besides, ’d want nothing more than to be a mom one day,” I tell him.  We never really talked about our futures. Maybe it was the nature of our jobs. Having a lethal job means that the future is more of an arbitrary idea than a definite possibility.

“But,” I start. “I'm twenty-seven years old, I've no money and no prospects. I'm already a burden to my parents and I'm frightened” I quote with a smirk on my face that covers my trepidation at talking about love and children and the future with Spencer. 

“I’d never think that you’d be one to settle for a Mr. Collins, Y/N” Spencer tells me, a similar look on his face mirrors my own. “If anything, you’re a Lizzie and you deserve a Mr. Darcy” 

“You really think that Spence, because I’m not too sure.” 

“You never know, Y/N your Mr. Darcy can be anyone. Statistically speaking, you may have already met him or have mutual friends or he may even work in the Bureau. 

Sometimes I think that luck and fate are mocking me. Dangling Spencer in front of me; so real yet so far that I’m jumping to remain close to him. Touching his hand to mine feels like I’m teasing myself, just getting a taste of how his warm, strong hands fit into mine is enough to set my heart on fire. 

I let go of his hand and my palm is cold and lonely without his touching. My heart cools but there’s a yearning for him that’s so strong it’s like a magnetic field pulling me in. 

“I’m going to get a cup of coffee, would you like some?” He asks me as he scoots out of the seat.

“I’ll take a green tea, coffee this late makes me anxious” And sitting here holding your hand talking about children and my Mr Darcy makes me even more anxious. 

“Coming right up,” he says with a sad smile on his face that I try to convince myself is because of his mother’s illness and not because I dropped his hand.

Spencer returns to his spot beside me, sipping his coffee and making small notes in his letter. There’s a chill between us that can’t be quelled by even the hottest cup of tea. Spencer doesn’t talk to me again and even though it’s just a couple more hours, I miss his voice.

I have a routine for when I come home after cases, but that routine has been thrown out the window when I watched Spencer walk out of the bullpen without as much as a wave goodbye. We usually go to my apartment and make dinner together. My trip home is a lot more lonely without Spencer by my side. I try to stop my thoughts from going to him, but it’s impossible when he’s all I can think about. 

My apartment is dark and quiet when I walk in. It was left in shambles, with clothes and books strewn all over the couch, desk and floor. I can’t even bother myself to care about the dirty dishes stacked in the sink. I convince myself that those dishes are a tomorrow problem. 

I take out a small container of leftover fried rice and vegetables and pop into the microwave. Making my way into my bedroom I change out of my work clothes, that I’ve been in for nearly 30 hours. I don’t really think about what I’m putting on, as long as it does not smell it works with me at this point. 

My microwave dings, altering me that my mediocre meal is finished. But, before I can even reach the kitchen a small envelope slips through my door and falls on the floor. A sudden rush of fear courses through me. I flit my eyes to the corner safe where my gun rests. In my mind, I try to calculate the risk of punching the code or if I should just find out who is behind my door. I guess curiosity wins out, because I’m walking towards the door where the mysterious envelope sits. 

I reach down and instantly recognize the handwriting as Spencer’s. I can feel my heart pumping blood through my bodying as I think that some sadistic unsub is trying to toy with me by hurting Spencer.

I was not prepared for what I read. My fingers grazed over the messy penmanship. I don’t even let my mind wander as I pour over the words on the page, still fearing for the worse

Dear Y/N, 

Part of me can’t believe that I’m actually doing this. But something that you mentioned on the plane sparked something in me. You’re not a Charlotte, or a Lizzie or even a Jane, even though you are the kindest and most beautiful person I know. 

You are a Y/N. And I am wishing for anything to be your Mr. Darcy. Thinking about you, Y/N gets me thinking about love. How much I love when you look at me across from the table, or how your soft hands will brush against mine. It reminds me that I’m alive. Your gaze makes me blush and those small brushes make me forget to breathe. In your eyes I can see my future— our future. In your smile I can taste happiness. When I am with you the world moves in slow motion and time seems to move too fast. 

I hope that this does not ruin things, Y/N. I could not bear to lose you. I hope that you won’t hate me but even if you do, I’d rather you hate me and be in your life than not be in your life.

I think of love, and you, and my heart grows full and warm, and my breath stands still

Forever yours, 

Spencer

I read the letter silently. Not sure if I can believe it, but I so desperately want to. I throw all sense to the wind when I fling the door open, my eyes hunting for Spencer. He sits on the steps leading up to the next level, fiddling with his shoe laces. I run over to where he sits, not caring that my neighbors might be looking or caring that I look like I’m about to mug him. 

He makes me, cautious girl, a rebel. 

“Hey, you,” I say approaching him. Spencer moves to stand up and I reach out to hold his hands in mine. Like a puzzle piece they hit perfectly. His hands are not too warm or clammy or too cold and boney. They’re perfect. He hesitates and rubs his thumb against the back of my palm, like he does on the plane. 

“Hi, Y/N.” He starts nervously. “I guess you got the letter, and I just want to tell you-”

“What letter, Spence?” I say. I can’t help but to tease him. His face turns pale and green in the same breath. 

“Uh-um, you didn’t just get something in your mail a couple minutes ago?” He asks me so nervously that I almost feel bad at teasing him. Almost, he’s kind of cute when he’s stumbling over his words and I like to be one that makes him this fluttery. 

“I got your letter, Spencer,” I tell him. I think he half expects me to drop his hand and shatter his heart then and there. Maybe he came here and prepared himself for the worse. I think he’s done that his whole life, believing that he doesn’t deserve a chance at happiness. I’m kind of inclined to give him that happiness when it’s so intricately tied to mine. 

“You did?” 

“Yeah, who knew that you were quite the poet, Spencer.” I tell him as I brush his hair from his eyes. It’s gotten so long, but I like it. I’ve dreamt about threading my fingers threw it many times. It’s so soft and brown and frames his face. 

“You deserve a poet, Y/N. And I could only dream of being that person for you.” He says. Against even his own wishes he leans in closer to my touch. His cheek is warm in my palm and I feel his long eyelashes flutter against the ball of my thumb. 

“Luckily for you, Spence, I like scientists.” I say to him. 

“You--” 

“I love you back, Spencer.” I move to wipe the tears that flood down the bridge of his nose. 

“It was a really beautiful letter that you wrote, Spencer. All the right things in there, Emily Dickinson and Mr. Darcy,” I tell him pressing my cheek into his chest. 

“Well, I had to win you over, Y/N” 

“Ha!, Spencer you’ve had me since I’ve met you” 

He looks at me with a veil of disbelief. 

“Spencer Reid, in his purest form, is a beauty known nowhere else” 

“Is that what you think of me?” He asks me. 

“Why don’t you come inside and let me show you what I think of you Spencer?” I say leading him inside to my apartment, that was no longer so dark and lonely.