#transport select committee

[tweetingukpolitics]

[whats-in-a-sentence]

Sir William Molesworth, chair of the House of Commons Select Committee on Transportation, Tom Ullathorne seriously:

Are unnatural crimes common in country districts amongst the convicts?

—I believe that where they do exist on farms, it is where a number of them are brought together on the large farms.

That they are not common amongst the shepherds, who are separated?

—I do not think they are so common amongst the shepherds as they are amongst a much more dissolute set, the stock-men.

Are they common amongst these stock-men?

—I believe that there is a great deal of that kind of crime amongst the stock-men.

Is it supposed that they have introduced those crimes amongst the natives?

—Yes.

"Killing for Country: A Family History" - David Marr

[allthecanadianpolitics]

An apology from Air Canada was necessary after a British lawmaker accused the airline of holding up his colleague “because his name is Mohammad,” Transportation Minister Pablo Rodriguez says.

[...]

In a point of order in the British House of Commons on Monday, Clive Betts said that lawmakers he was travelling with last week were allowed through while fellow Labour MP Mohammad Yasin was pulled aside for questioning. The MPs were on a select committee trip to Canada.

Betts said Yasin was told he was first pulled aside at London’s Heathrow airport “because his name is Mohammad.”

“He was asked whether he was carrying a knife or other offensive weapon; he was also asked where he was born. The questioning was undertaken by officials from Air Canada and, we believe, the Canadian government, despite … already been given a visa to enter Canada,” he is quoted as saying in Hansard, the official record of the British House of Commons proceedings.

Full article

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[elvisomar]

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Let's Win This!

I like Kamala Harris a lot. I'm excited she is going to be the Democratic nominee, and I want her as my President. She was initially my preferred candidate in 2020, before she withdrew her name. I was delighted when she was chosen to run as Vice President.

Tim Walz? He's a great choice. He's my governor, and he's the real deal. I know people who have met him and spent time with him, and all reports are that he is a very genuine, honest man. He is exactly what he seems to be. The midwestern dad energy is not artifice, it's sincere. He knows how to fix his car, and he knows how to make legislation happen in a legislature.

If you know nothing about him, know this:

He was a teacher and he supports strong funding for schools and early education. He has the endorsement from the NEA.

While serving as a high school geography teacher in Mankato, Minnesota, Walz was the faculty advisor of the school's first student gay-straight alliance organization.

Also at Mankato West High School, Walz was the coach of the boys Football team, which he coached to the school's first State Championship in 1999, winning first among class AAAA schools.

He has been a strong union man, and he supports the rights of workers to organize and negotiate. He has enthusiastic AFL-CIO support and endorsement.

He is a hunter and gun owner that supports reasonable gun control and licensure.

He is the father of teenaged children who are well-adjusted, and he spends time with them in a genuine and supportive way.

Walz advocated for, and signed into law, the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Minnesota.

He was in the U.S. Army National Guard where he rose to the highest possible non-commissioned rank in any battalion: Command Sergeant Major. Those are among the most important and respected members of the military, and the senior enlisted advisor to a battalion commander. You don't even get close to that job unless you are as reliable and competent as they come.

As a member of the Nebraska National Guard, Walz was selected as Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the year in 1989.

He is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Minnesota's First District from 2007 to 2019, when he took the office of Governor. While in Washington he served on the Agriculture, Veteran's Affairs, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Armed Forces committees.

His Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, is a Native American activist and community organizer, and a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. If Harris-Walz win the presidential election, Flanagan would become the first Native American to serve as U.S. State Governor, and I'd be thrilled to see her in the Governor's mansion.

There is even more about the guy to like, but I hope this helps to get to know him.

[politicalfeed]

What’s Next After Joe Biden Steps Down from the 2024 Elections?

The political landscape in the United States has shifted dramatically with President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race. As the Democratic Party grapples with this unexpected development, several key questions and potential scenarios emerge about the future of the party and the upcoming election.

Immediate Reactions and Interim Leadership

Following Biden’s announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris has become the most likely interim leader of the Democratic Party. Her role as vice president positions her as a natural successor, and she has already garnered significant attention and support from various factions within the party. However, her potential candidacy will need to be officially endorsed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Potential Candidates and Primaries

The race for the Democratic nomination is now wide open, with several high-profile politicians likely to throw their hats into the ring. Potential candidates include:

Kamala Harris: As the current vice president, she has a strong platform but will need to consolidate support from various party factions.

Gavin Newsom: The Governor of California has been seen as a rising star in the party, known for his progressive policies and strong leadership.

Pete Buttigieg: The Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has maintained a significant national profile since his 2020 presidential run.

Elizabeth Warren: The Senator from Massachusetts remains a powerful voice within the progressive wing of the party.

Amy Klobuchar: The Senator from Minnesota offers a more centrist approach that could appeal to moderate voters.

The DNC will need to organize a series of debates and primaries to allow these candidates to present their platforms and vie for the nomination.

Impact on the General Election

Biden’s decision to step aside has significant implications for the general election. The Democratic Party must quickly rally around a new candidate who can unite the party and appeal to a broad base of voters. This includes addressing concerns about Biden’s health and ensuring that the new candidate can effectively challenge the Republican nominee, presumably former President Donald Trump.

Strategic Shifts and Campaign Focus

With a new candidate, the Democratic Party may need to adjust its campaign strategies. Key issues that will likely be emphasized include:

Healthcare and Pandemic Response: Continuing Biden’s efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and improving healthcare access.

Economic Recovery: Building on the current administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy and address income inequality.

Climate Change: Promoting aggressive policies to combat climate change, a central issue for many Democratic voters.

Social Justice: Ensuring that issues of racial and social justice remain at the forefront of the campaign.

Republican Response

The Republican Party will closely monitor the Democratic transition, adjusting their strategies accordingly. Trump’s campaign is likely to capitalize on the perceived instability within the Democratic Party, using it as a point of criticism. However, the Republicans will also need to address their internal challenges and unify their base.

Voter Mobilization and Engagement

The uncertainty surrounding Biden’s departure places a premium on voter mobilization and engagement. Both parties will intensify efforts to reach out to key demographics, including young voters, minorities, and independents. The importance of voter turnout cannot be overstated, especially in swing states that will determine the election’s outcome.

Conclusion

Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the 2024 election marks a significant turning point in American politics. The Democratic Party faces the urgent task of selecting a new candidate who can inspire and unite voters. Meanwhile, the Republicans will seek to exploit this transition to their advantage. As both parties navigate this evolving landscape, the 2024 election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent history, shaping the direction of the United States for years to come.

[sandumilfshou]

if anyone is interested in new zealand politics, recently a coalition of three right-wing parties got elected into power and the prime minister who got the majority of votes during the election is not living up to his election campaign promises and capitulating to extreme policies and decisions the other 2 party leaders are pushing forward. some examples are:

repealing the smokefree generation initiatives, which were the first of their kind in the world and wouldve lowered the rate of smoking related deaths, which is one of the top killers of our population

slashing funding by up to 50% for the free lunches in schools programme which feeds 220,000 kids (approx 1/4 of the population of children) every day because of a 4% surplus of lunches being considered "wastage"

putting forward motions to completely negate and rewrite new zealand's founding document, te tiriti o waitangi, which guarantees the indigenous māori people sovereignty over themselves, their land, and taonga (treasures) as the coalition sees this as "special treatment"

slashing or entirely defunding walking, cycling, and public transport initiatives, while cutting out the electric vehicle discounts, increasing the cost of petrol, forcing EV owners to pay on road costs (which is currently only for diesel vehicle owners) and increasing the annual registration fee for all cars by $50NZD over the next two years

repealing or rewriting gun restriction and ownership legislation that was tightened up after the christchurch mosque shooting in 2019 that killed over 50 people

putting sanctions on people who are on a monetary benefit due to disability and/or unemployment and/or poverty while also lessening how much money beneficiaries receive each week

bringing back private charter schools who do not have to follow the national curriculum, are funded by the taxpayer, and can essentially teach anything they want including extremist religious beliefs, with fuck all government oversight

obviously theyre giving tax breaks and cuts to the top earners and landlords

its gotten so bad that even our major news outlets on tv and print arent even trying to be unbiased when it comes to reporting on the absolute dumb and evil things this government is trying to put through "under urgency", bypassing the select committee stage entirely

its so fucked. this is essentially the new zealand equivalent of trump being elected. the prime minister has also stated multiple times that isr*el is not committing genocide and he does not believe aotearoa new zealand has to own up to any of our responsibilities in the prevention of genocide act.

anyway i have no idea what the point of this is other than getting this news out there and to say please support aotearoa new zealand's indigenous māori population, who our colonist prime minister is now trying to erase again

[prapasara]

Udon Thani

Udon Thani

Udon Thani (Thai: อุดรธานี, pronounced [ʔù.dɔ̄ːn tʰāː.nīː]) is a city in Isan (Northeast Thailand), the capital of Udon Thani Province and the sixth largest city in Thailand. The city municipality (thesaban nakhon / city proper) had a population of 130,531 people as of 2019, while Udon Thani's urban area, Mueang Udon Thani, has a population of approximately 400,000. Udon Thani is one of four major cities in Isan, the others being Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen. Together they are known as the "big four of Isan".

Location

Udon is approximately 560 km from Bangkok. It is a major official and commercial center in northern Isan, Thailand, and the gateway to Laos, northern Vietnam, and southern China.

History

The city's economy was boosted by the proximity to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War and retains reminders of that time in the form of bars, coffee shops, and hotels. "Udon sort of became like Pattaya when the GIs arrived," said a local architect.  "Restaurants serving Western cuisine, hotels and nightclubs sprouted up everywhere to meet their needs. It was an extremely busy city back then." 

The BBC has reported that Udon Thani's Royal Air Force Base was the site of a CIA black site, known to insiders as "Detention Site Green", used to interrogate Abu Zubaydah, Saudi-born Palestinian, believed to be one of Osama bin Laden's top lieutenants. In December 2014 the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) published an executive summary of a secret 6,000-page report on CIA techniques. The report alleges that at least eight Thai senior officials knew of the secret site. The site was closed in December 2002. 

Earlier reports alleged that a Voice of America relay station in a rural area of Udon Thani Province, Ban Dung District, was the CIA black site.

Administration

Udon Thani town municipality (thesaban mueang) with an area of 5.6 km2 (2.2 sq mi) was established on 15 March 1936.  On 27 May 1953, the area covered by the municipality was increased to 8.3 km2 (3.2 sq mi).   As a result of the town's continuing growth, the total area of the municipality was enlarged for the second time to 47.7 km2 (18.4 sq mi). on 31 December 1993.  On 25 September 1995 Udon Thani was upgraded to city municipality (thesaban nakhon),  and is divided into 21 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 248 villages (mubans). (chumchon), 130,531 people in 60,659 households.

Transport

Udon Thani International Airport, close to the city centre (within the ring road), serves a number of domestic airports: Chiang Mai International Airport, U-Tapao International Airport (Pattaya), and Phuket, with approximately 24 daily flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang International and Suvarnabhumi Airport).   During the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic flights were reduced to 10-14 daily to  Bangkok airports only.

Udon Thani railway station in the city centre receives four trains daily from Bangkok railway station (Hua Lamphong) including overnight sleepers.

Economy

Mining

 

Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (APPC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Italian-Thai Development PLC, owns the concession to the Udon North and Udon South potash mines and plans to develop them.  Potash deposits in northeast Thailand are believed to contain the world's third-largest—after Canada and Russia—unexploited potash reserves.  Potash is one of the main components of agricultural fertilizer.

Climate

Udon Thani has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw). Winters are fairly dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is hot with the average daily maximum at 36.2 °C (97.2 °F). The monsoon season runs from late-April through early-October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm. The range of reliably recorded temperatures in the city is from 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) to 44.1 °C (111.4 °F).

Udon Thani  ,  Thailand   ,  Udon Thani Province  ,   อุดรธานี

CR    ::    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon_Thani  ,  https://prinkotakoon.blogspot.com/2024/09/udon-thani.html

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter)- Ch. 3: New Student

The Royal Guard marches me out of Sherwood Forest towards a large field with a brick building. Looking around, this is the furthest I’ve ever been away from home. I keep glancing at the soldiers hoping they’ll offer some comfort, but none comes. When we reach the brick warehouse I see a sleek black limo parked off to the side. I’d only ever heard of cars, but never gotten the chance to actually see one!

The Guard pulls me to the limo and a door opens to reveal a skinny, red headed boy a few years older than me wearing a green cap with a red feather on it.

The ginger gives me a wide grin. “Hello there, miss! Allow me to introduce myself: I am Remus, son of Rumpelstiltskin. I know, not as complex of a name as dad’s, but he wanted it that way. And who might you be?”

My brow furrows and I cautiously scan my new acquaintance and mode of transportation. Careful, Magica- for all you know this guy could take you straight to the Isle of the Lost.

Remus sees my concern and offers a hand. “Not to worry, Miss. I’ve personally been sent by Fairy Godmother to bring you to King Best and Queen Belle’s kingdom in Auradon.” He opens the door wider and gestures for me to step inside.

My face twists to a look of confusion and bewilderment. “What means of trickery is this? Do not insult me with the hope of actually getting to ride in a- a… a car!”

Remus rears back a bit but still tries to calm me down. “Let me guess… a descendant of Winifred Sanderson?”

I open my mouth to argue but then remember to control my temper. I lower my head and stare at my boots when I answer: “Actually she’s my aunt. Sarah Sanderson is my mother.”

I wait for him to gasp and condescend me, screaming about how I’m a witch. But instead Remus gently takes my tiny hand and gives it a friendly shake.

“Anyone descended from the Sanderson sisters definitely deserves a place at Auradon Prep. And if you impress Fairy Godmother enough you might be able to land yourself a spot on the Magic Committee.”

He appears to take my inherited powers with serious respect, to which I am very baffled by. Normally when I’d so much as do a card trick people would treat me with suspicion and fear.

“Um…” I regain my posture and try to act poised and composed. “Magica Sanderson, at your service. Now would you please be so kind as to tell me why I must be taken from my father?”

Remus shakes his head. “Sorry Magica, but that’s not for me to say. You’ll have to take that up with FG.”

And with that he sits in the driver’s seat and starts the car, leaving me to literally dive into the limo before it begins to speed off. After crawling up from the floor onto a padded seat I fight the urge to set it on fire.

“What in the name of Auradon are you doing? You nearly ran me over, you incompetent half-wit!” Immediately I realize what I just said and I panic. “Oh my gosh- I am so sorry! I overreacted, and I have this temper-!”

I hear Remus laugh from up front. “No worries, Magica! I’ve gotten much worse complaints! Just sit back, have a snack, and enjoy the ride.”

Snack?

Now I look around the backset to find a never-ending variety of colorful sweets and candies surrounding me. Each one looks more tasty and tantalizing than the last, leaving me with wide eyes and a watering mouth.

Sweet brambleberry pie…

I look back at Remus. “You sure I can eat this?”

“Go right ahead! Compliments of King Beast and Queen Belle.”

I start to decide which treat to try first, but then ask one more question: “Will I get to see Ben?”

A single hope that I might be able to have one close friend nearby will provide some comfort.

“Oh yeah, he’ll be there. When the Royal Guard called you in he specifically asked to be present when you arrived. You two friends or something?”

I nod, selecting a pink-colored lollipop. “You could say that. He’s been like a brother to me my whole life, and in my case friends come in short supply.” I take a lick, and I’m in heaven! The innocent-looking candy leaves my taste buds in a frenzy of bliss! If this is what life in Auradon is like, I could get used to this!

After I’ve sampled nearly every treat and pressed every button, the limo pulls across the Bewitched River using magic to create a bridge.

“Um, Remus? Just how strong is this… enchantment?” I ask as I look out the window.

“Don’t worry! Limo’s never gotten a scratch on it!”

I frown. “But what about the passengers?”

“That’s… a different story. Some folks lean out too far and get a closer look at the ground, if ya know what I mean.”

Quickly I pull my head back in and munch on another chocolate-peanut-thing. Ok, no more of that!

Soon enough I see the familiar Auradon castle come into view, along with Ben and his parents waiting at the entrance. As soon as Remus parks the limo I jump out and engulf Ben in a big hug.

“Brother Ben! It’s been too long!” I laugh.

He nearly squeezes every ounce of oxygen out of me. “Ah, Sparks! It’s so good to see you!”

The nickname gives me comfort, but then I remember why I’m here. “Good to see you too, but I wish it was under different circumstances.”

By now King Beast and Queen Belle have stepped forward, both with uneasy expressions.

“Ben, you knew she was the descendant of a villain? From a witch?” Ben’s father asks harshly.

“Yeah dad, I know who she is. And she’s still my best friend. Magica’s not like the other villains, guys! She uses her magic for good, to help people-!”

“Like how she set that building on fire?” Queen Belle judgingly asks.

At this point I’m starting to shed my soft, cautious side of not wanting to step on people’s toes.

“That was an accident!” I try to explain. “I was trying to light a lantern for a villager when things got out of hand. I swear on my life, I would never hurt anyone! It’s not like I can cut out the magic in my blood. How would you have me prove it?”

The royals are surprised at my outburst, but then another face appears next to Ben- a shorter lady with brown hair in a twisted updo wearing a periwinkle dress with a pink bow. She ignores addressing Ben and his parents and goes straight to me with a beaming smile.

“You must be Magica Sanderson! I’m Fairy Godmother, Headmistress of Auradon Prep!”

I give her a polite curtsy. “Pleasure to meet you. But please, call me Magica. I’d prefer not to be associated with my… family ties as much as possible. The only inheritance I harbor with respect is my magic.”

“As you should. I’ve heard a great deal about you, dear. Good things, all good things!” She quickly adds when she sees my panicked face. “Your father tells me you are a very gifted witch, but need a little coaching on proportioning your spells. Now-”

My insides twist up and I can only guess as to what penalty awaits me- banished to the Isle of the Lost? Locked in an enchanted tower? Writing ‘I will not be evil’ on a chalkboard until the day I die?

“So what, then?” I look around the room. “What’s to become of me, the daughter of a Sanderson witch? Locked away, swept under the rug, forgotten?”

“Oh no, no dear!” Fairy Godmother gently takes my hand. “You will not be punished for having magic! All sorts of talent is encouraged here, and you will be accepted just like every other student here.”

A… student?

“So I’m a prisoner here nonetheless. Kept where I’m told where to go, when to go, and what to do. All with a bunch of hooligans who will see me as nothing but a wicked witch.”

“No, Magica. Not at all. In fact,” Ben looks over at his parents. “I’ve decided to appoint Magica as my Royal Advisor, my second-in-command.”

“What?” Everyone outbursts, including me. This is an extreme honor, for a villain descendant to be in a position of power.

“Ben, she’s an untrained witch!”

“A Sanderson witch!”

“She’s not evil!” Ben shouts, which is surprising since he’s normally very calm. “How are we supposed to accept new people into the school if you can’t even accept my own best friend?”

The room goes silent, until Fairy Godmother speaks.

“Magica herself hasn’t spoken her mind on this matter. Dear, what do you think?”

What do I think? All my life I’ve been told to lay low and keep my talents hidden, but now I’ve been given the chance to prove I really am good.

“Yes, I’d love to accept your offer, Ben. But on some terms of my own.”

My audience anxiously waits for my response.

“That while I’m attending Auradon Prep, no one is to know that I’m the descendant of Sarah Sanderson.”

Everyone gives me a surprised look.

“Really? Why’s that?” Ben asks.

My mouth twists. “Because�� if people knew that then they’d think I’d be trying to use my mother’s Siren magic. I want people to like me for who I am and not think that I’m tricking them into liking me. I’ll still go to magic classes but for now I don’t want people to know I’m the daughter of a villain.”

After giving my request, Ben thinks it over and eventually nods in agreement. “Ok, but eventually you’ll have to say something. The other students won’ just accept that you have magic without knowing your heritage.”

I nod. “I know, but right now I just want to be normal, like my father said. I need to learn to control my powers, I…” Hesitating, I look away to avoid showing my fear. “I don’t want to hurt anybody.”

Ben comes up and looks me dead in the eyes. “Trust me, you won’t. I know you, Magica, and I know you’d never hurt anyone.” He looks over at his parents. “So, she’s a student now?”

King Beast, Queen Belle, and Fairy Godmother all exchange glances, then Belle answers:

“I guess she’s in!”

And so begins my residence at Auradon Prep.

[lboogie1906]

Mayor Weyling J. White (May 16, 1986) is the mayor of Ahoskie and Executive Director of Care Share Health Alliance

He attended Hertford County Public Schools and played on the men’s basketball team. He is a lifelong member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Ahoskie. In 2004, He graduated from Winston-Salem State University with his BS in Exercise Science. He obtained his MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix.

Under his leadership, the Town of Ahoskie has successfully implemented many programs and initiatives including The Community-Centered Health initiative; transportation summits; and a youth empowerment program initially targeting young males in our community which expanded to include females as well at Hertford County High School. He has served on the Board of Directors for Care Share Health Alliance and the Community Advisory Committee for the University of North Carolina’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He was recognized nationally as the Emerging Leader in Healthcare Transformation by the Communities Joined in Action for this work in public health. His career accomplishments have been recognized as he was appointed to the NC Institute of Medicine and selected as a Bernstein Health Leadership Fellow.

He is a Class XXV graduate of the Rural Economic Development Institute with the North Carolina Rural Center and a Class XXVI graduate of Leadership North Carolina.

He is married to Nikki White and the father of three children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #alphaphialpha

[mariacallous]

Alexey Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, said Thursday that the Russian authorities had finally allowed her to see her son’s body. In a video published on Navalny’s YouTube channel, she said that state investigators had threatened her and demanded to bury Navalny’s body in secret.

On Wednesday evening, according to Navalnaya, she was taken to the morgue in secret and allowed to see her son’s death certificate, which she signed. However, she said, the authorities refused to release her son’s body, and investigators are insisting on a set of conditions for where, when, and how he will be buried.

Navalnaya said that the investigators she spoke to threatened to “do something with the body” if she doesn’t allow them to bury her son in secret. Rather than agree, Lyudmila Navalnaya demanded that the authorities release her son’s body immediately.

According to Navalny’s press secretary, Kira Yarmysh, the death certificate that was shown to Navalny’s mother says that he died of “natural causes.” Yarmysh also said that according to the authorities, Navalny’s body has already been autopsied. “At the very least, they’ve filled out a death certificate that includes the cause of death,” Yarmysh told journalists from Agentstvo.

Yarmysh said the investigators want to organize Navalny’s burial themselves. “They want it to be held in secret, somewhere remote, without a public ceremony,” she said.

State investigators also gave Lyudmila Navalnaya their conditions for releasing Navalny’s body, Navalny associate Ivan Zhdanov told journalist Alexander Plyushchev. After Navalnaya released a statement to Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, investigator Alexander Varapayev invited her to the Salekhard Investigative Committee branch, saying that officials there were “ready to show her the body” but can’t hand it over to the family until their examination is over. According to Zhdanov, Varapayev was speaking to someone on the phone throughout the day and admitted at one point that he was in constant contact with Russian Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin.

During their meeting with Lyudmila Navalnaya, investigators asked her to choose a funeral home and a cemetery for Navalny’s burial. They then set out the following conditions:

The authorities will transport Navalny’s body to Moscow. In exchange, his relatives and associates will be required to keep the details of his burial secret until the plane lands. “This is meant to prevent people from meeting the body in the airport,” Zhdanov said.

Navalny’s family must be accompanied by Investigative Committee officials until his body is buried.

The date of the burial will not be determined until Navalny’s body is flown to Moscow. “The body will be held in the Moscow region or the Vladimir region. ‘Because we’re afraid the morgue will be stormed’ — that’s a direct quote. They’re not hiding anything,” said Zhdanov.

According to Zhdanov, the first cemetery that Navalny’s relatives selected for his burial didn’t suit the authorities. They ultimately chose Khovanskoye Cemetery, which is located on Moscow’s outskirts. The investigators also asked Lyudmila Navalnaya to choose a funeral venue near the cemetery, though the family initially wanted to hold the ceremony at Moscow’s Central House of Literature. After consulting someone by phone, investigators told Navalnaya that the funeral should be held “quietly, in secret,” according to Zhdanov.

On Thursday, Russian public figures began posting video messages demanding that Alexey Navalny’s body be given to his family. Among others, these videos have come from dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, rapper Noize MC (Ivan Alekseyev), actress Tatiana Lazareva, historian Tamara Eidelman, and Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova.

“Stop tormenting the family of the deceased. That’s something nobody deserves. Hand over Alexey Navalny’s body to his relatives. They have the right to bury him properly. It’s obvious that there’s now a plan to bury Alexey in such a way that nobody knows where he is. Nobody deserves that — it’s not right. It’s inhumane,” said Noize MC.

[foreverlogical]

I didn't even know that he had a podcast, this is very disturbing.

The complaint stems from Senator Cruz and iHeart entering into a syndication deal, in which iHeart will fund production of Senator Cruz’s podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz (Verdict), as well as market the show across 850 stations, and provide it with a co-host. 

Senate Rule 35 prohibits senators from accepting gifts from registered lobbyists, including gifts of service. HLOGA prohibits registered lobbyists from giving gifts to senators. Given that iHeart is a registered lobbyist that has spent over $3.5M in lobbying efforts in 2022, this syndication deal clearly violates Senate rules and HLOGA. 

The public has a right to know whether their elected officials are acting impartially in performing their duties, or in their own financial interest. Allowing Senator Cruz to receive a gift potentially worth millions of dollars from iHeart would call into question Senator Cruz’s impartiality on legislation impacting iHeart’s interests. 

This is not a hypothetical concern. iHeart has already lobbied on at least two bills before Senator Cruz’s committee, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, this year: A bill that would allow the Federal Communications Commission to require an announcement if a foreign governmental entity paid for a broadcast, and bill to create a report about the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund.  

Tweetable quote:The Ethics Committee has a responsibility to uphold the ethics rules and laws that exist to ensure that senators are acting in the public interest.  Tweet this quote.

Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee seems to ignore blatant ethics violations. Part of the issue at hand is an ongoing lack of ethics enforcement in the Senate in general. Currently, ethics enforcement in the chamber relies on a system of self-policing, in which members are responsible for enforcing ethics rules against their own colleagues. As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee regularly fails to hold its members accountable. 

This syndication deal is yet another instance of senators acting unethically, and we hope that, this time, the Ethics Committee will take action.  

[usafphantom2]

F-16 fighters to Ukraine would take 18 months after Biden's approval, says Pentagon

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 02/28/23 - 20:19 in Military, War Zones

If U.S. President Joe Biden decides to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters, it would take about 18 months for them to reach the battlefield and the same amount of time to train their troops on them.

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for politics, described the schedule for training Ukrainians and transporting fighter planes to Ukraine to the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. The president reiterated his position against sending the aircraft last week.

Members of both parties urged Biden to change his mind, with some even suggesting that the U.S. military start training Ukrainian troops on fighter planes now to reduce time if the president finally decides to provide them.

"Our assessment is that the delivery schedule of the F-16, even on the fastest schedule, and the training schedules are essentially the same," he told the committee. "That is, they are about 18 months old and, in fact, you do not have time to start the training at the beginning of our evaluation. And since we don't make the decision to supply the F-16s, nor our allies and partners, it doesn't make sense to start training them in a system they may never be able to."

General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reiterated the request for F-16 in a liaison with General Mark Milley, president of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Monday.

Kahl acknowledged that it is “a priority for” Ukraine, but said: “It is not one of the three top priorities,” adding: “Its top priorities are air defense systems that keep their interception network alive against Russian cruise missiles and Iranian drones, artillery and ammunition, which we talk about, and armor and mechanized systems.”

Ukraine has requested up to 128 fourth-generation aircraft, while the Department of Defense estimates that they need 50 to 80 of them to replace their existing air force. The expense would be huge, about $10 billion if the Pentagon provided new aircraft and still $2 billion to $3 billion if it provided half of that number of old aircraft. These US dollars would not be spent on weapons that the U.S. could deliver much earlier.

"This would consume a large part of the remaining security assistance we have for this fiscal year," Kohl continued. "So these are the compensations we are doing in real time when it makes sense, you know, to spend $3 billion on a resource that will arrive in a year and a half."

Biden ruled out sending F-16s to Ukraine “for now” in an interview last week, insisting that the Ukrainian military “do not need F-16 now.”

He changed his mind about the supply of certain weapons systems to Ukraine that he refused several times during the war, although there is no public indication that he will change his position in relation to the F-16s.

Source: Washington Examiner

Tags: Military AviationF-16 Fighting FalconUkrainian Air ForceWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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Cavok Brazil - Web Creation Tchê Digital

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Cavok Brazil - Web Creation Tchê Digital

[queenofcandynsoda]

Dystopian Omegaverse AU: The Federal Republic of Sol Fertilis

Capital: Olympia (Located in the Fertile Crescent)

Currency: Nova

Religion: The Sol Fertilis Consentes Temple

Demonym: Sol Fertilian

The Federal Republic of Sol Fertilis is a unitary executive gerontocracy. Alphas have complete control over society and the only ones who can have leadership positions in government and other industries. 

They are divided into twenty-four regions, each one has sixteen districts. Each district has twenty counties. A region is controlled by a Committee, which has eleven Governors/Governesses. A district is controlled by a Commission, which has nine Commissioners. A country is controlled by a council, which has seven Councilmen/Councilwomen. 

The citizens, mainly Delta Minus, Gammas, Betas, and Omegas, have limited freedoms, such as speech, press, religion, education, association, information, petition, protest, thought, reproductive rights, movement, suffrage, internet access, and privacy. There are a few cases where non-citizens were forced to become citizens, mainly if they are Omegas. Due to the conditioning, the citizens do not realize that they lack such freedom and are accepting of their ranks. 

Surprisingly, there is also very little political corruption. This is due to the condition that Alphas have that cause them self-govern and make sure that Sol Fertilis remains to be safe, healthy, peaceful, and happy.

Ministries

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Defense

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Agriculture

Ministry of Culture

Ministry of Environmental Protection

Ministry of Academia

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Industry

Ministry of Technology

Ministry of Information

Ministry of Tourism

Ministry of Labor

Ministry of Housing

Ministry of Pleasure

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Entertainment

Ministry of Fertility

Ministry of Broadcasting

Ministry of Sports

Ministry of Energy

Ministry of Immigration

Ministry of Religion

Ministry of Transportation

Ministry of Urban Planning

Ministry of Trade

Ministry of Public Works

Ministry of Celebrations & Festivals

Ministry of Youth

Ministry of Leisure

Ministry of Monitoring

Ministry of Pharmaceutical

Ministry of Counter-Intelligence

Ministry of Postal

Ministry of Security

Ministry of Waste Removal

Ministry of Machinery

Ministry of Forestry

Ministry of Water

Ministry of Food Regulation

Ministry of Clothing

Ministry of Mental Health

Ministry of Marriage & Family

Ministry of Communication

Ministry of Chemicals

Ministry of Droughters

Ministry of Sales & Retail

Ministry of Materials

Minister of Construction

Forms and Titles of Address 

The Senate- The Executive/Elder Branch

Senator/Elder= His/Her Eldest

The Senate has five hundred members.

Some of the Elders would look like to be in their 30s and 40s despite being much older than that. Others are said to age gracefully.

Selected Elders are chosen to be Ministers, meaning they are leaders of a certain industry or department. 

The Chamber- The Legislative Branch

Patriarch/Matriarch= His/Her Excellency

The Head Court- The Judicial Branch 

Justice= The Honorable Master/Mistress Justice

The Board of Defense- The Military Branch, filled with the Field General, the Navy Admiral, and the Air Force Marshal

Field General/Fleet Admiral/Air Marshal= His Great Reverend

Diplomacy

Ambassador= Her Most Reverend

The Church of Cilistinu/The Sol Fertilis Consentes Temple

Pope/Popess= His/Her Holiness

Cardinal= His/Her Eminence 

Archbishops= His/Her Blessed

Deacon/Deaconess= His/Her Lordship

Abbot/Abbess= His/Her Most Serene

Priest/Priestess= His/Her Venerable

Academia of Sol Fertilis

Rector= His/Her Magnificence

Chancellor= Highly Learned Sir/Madam

Dean= His/Her Enlightened 

The Committee- A board of Alphas for a Region

Governor/Governess= His/Her Highness

The Commission- A board of Alphas for a District

Commissioner= His/Her Worship

The Council- A board of Alphas for a County

Councilman/Councilwoman= His/Her Notability 

Head of Household

Lord/Lady= His/Her Grace

Omega: Master/Mistress = His/Her Fruitful

Unmarried Adult Alpha

Sir/Madam= His/Her High-born 

Omega: Young= His/Her Well-born

Alpha Pup

Mister/Miss= His/Her Fairness

Omega: Child= His/Her Wellness

Regions

Northern Regions

Highland Isles 

Central Europea Mountains

Eastern States

Nordic States

Southeast Pennisula and Isles

Slavic Meadows

Western Regions

Northwest Bay

Northeast Valley

Midwest Grasslands

Central East

Southeast Archipelago

Southern Rural Range

Western Plains

East Regions

Far East

Inner East Plateau

Southeast Islands

Southern Regions

Tropical Islands

Amazonian Cities

Hispania Coastal Plains

Hispaniola

Central Regions

Mediterranea

Indian Penninsula

Fertile Crescent

Arab Oasis

[brehaaorgana]

I'm confused as to where I said I trust the American government blindly or even always generally — on any topic, anywhere, in any of that.

I did state that you're referring to a united states president who was given an award by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and who has a history of decades of politically focusing on public transportation and infrastructure. Then I implied he has likely, in the decades of talking about this subject, spoken with an expert, or had someone give him an overview or selection of expert opinions to consult.

...Do you just... not know what the purpose of the United States Cabinet is or how it works? Or senate committees?

surely this is a good idea that doesn’t have the capacity to end real fuckin badly

[studentabode]

Sustainable Study Abroad: Green Campuses and Eco-Friendly Programs for 2025

As environmental awareness becomes more and more evident in higher education, worldwide universities are making their study abroad programs more sustainable. This is not only due to the university's internal dedication to reducing carbon emissions, but it is also the result of the fact that more and more students are looking for green education programs.

Leading the Green Revolution in Global Education

According to recent research, nearly 73% of international students factor environmental issues into selecting their study destination. This movement has caused institutions to be proactive by creating a well-rounded sustainability program that goes further than just recycling, to include all elements of student life.

Innovative Campus Sustainability Initiatives

1. Renewable Energy Integration

* University of Copenhagen comes first in the field of 100% renewable energy consumption

* Solar-powered student residences at the Australian National University

* Wind energy systems providing power for 80% of the campus programs at the University of British Columbia

2. Zero-Waste Programs

* Trinity College's commitment to sustainability through the "zero waste policy" as the zero-waste initiative promises to be done by 2025

*Canteen food remains are used as a raw material for compost on the campus.

*Banning the consumption of single-use plastics on several international campuses

3. Sustainable Transportation

* Unlimited electric bike-sharing programs for world students

* Campus electric shuttle services

* Incentives for using public transport

Top Eco-Friendly Study Programs for 2025

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Universities are expanding their environmental science programs to such a level that now they are handling the following points:

* Climate change mitigation strategies

* Sustainable urban planning

* Renewable energy technologies

* Marine conservation

Green Business Management

Programs aimed at training and development in:

* Sustainable supply chain management

* Environmental Economics

* Corporate social responsibility

* Green marketing strategies

Sustainable Agriculture

Some of the new exciting offerings involve:

* Urban farming techniques

* Organic farming practices

* Agricultural technology

* Food security studies

Student Engagement in Sustainability

International students are the ones who actively take part in the following:

* Campus sustainability committees

* Environmental research projects

* Community garden initiatives

* Local conservation efforts

Measuring Environmental Impact

Universities have developed technologies that enable them to track the following:

* Carbon footprint reduction

* Energy consumption patterns

* Waste management efficiency

* Water conservation metrics

Future Trends in Sustainable Education

1. Virtual Learning Integration

* A combination of online and traditional learning which reduces emissions through the transportation of students to campus.

* Virtual field trips using AR/VR technology

* Online collaboration tools for international projects

2. Green Building Standards

* LEED-certified student housing

* Energy-efficient classroom buildings

* Water-saving infrastructure

* Green roofs and living walls

3. Sustainable Research Opportunities

* Funding for environmental research projects

* International collaboration on climate solutions

* Student-led sustainability initiatives

Student Tenant: Your Eco-Friendly Accommodation Partner

The students' commitment to sustainable living is growing and Student Tenant is exactly the leader in the business of eco-friendly student accommodation. Environmental responsibility is the basic premise of our operations and here is how we do it:

* Energy-efficient housing options with smart meters and LED lighting

* Accommodation near public transportation routes

* Buildings equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems

* Recycling and composting facilities in all properties

* Partnerships with local sustainable food suppliers

* Digital lease management to reduce paper waste

We know that sustainability covers different aspects including environmental impact, but it is equally important to create healthy, comfortable living conditions that support students' academic success. Our apartments have both eco-friendly features and advanced conveniences thus, it becomes much easier for international students to stay with these sustainability principles and study abroad.

To learn more about our eco-friendly student housing options around the globe, please visit our website or get in touch with our support team.

The move towards sustainable study abroad programs is a significant change not only in the educational field but also in the way we see international education overall. As the universities and such support services as Student Tenant keep innovating, students will experience not only enriching educational opportunities but also actions that don't go against their environmental values.

[barlettaengineering]

Reinforced Concrete Bridges Across Massachusetts’ History

Massachusetts has had a pioneering role in the history of reinforced concrete bridge construction. 1893 witnessed the establishment of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) predecessor, the Massachusetts Highway Commission. With the aim of improving public roads, the commission experienced challenges in cost-effectively obtaining rubble masonry used in building culverts and bridges at the time.

By the turn of the century, reinforced concrete was being used extensively. As explored by a MassDOT executive in the Winter 2013 issue of ASPIRE, there were three main reasons: it lasted longer, it was more aesthetically pleasing, and it could be built using less-skilled labor. Such projects involved closed-spandrel arch and beam bridges with decks made of reinforced concrete.

By 1904, the commission had shifted away from consultant engineers to an in-house design staff. The oldest remaining example of a Highway Commission-deigned project is the Sisk Bridge. This segment of the Old State Highway traverses the Westfield River in Chester at 30 degrees across a 110-foot span. As the 21st century approached, a study determined that, while freezing and thawing had degraded the spandrel walls, the arch was still in excellent condition and could accommodate today's vehicle loads. A 2010 rehabilitation project thus focused on new spandrel walls and a widening of the arch extensions while leaving the central reinforced concrete arch intact.

Post-World War Two, prestressed concrete was introduced, which made construction far quicker. This proved critical in 1955 when Connie and Diana, a pair of strong hurricanes, pummeled the state in less than a week. Flooding caused bridges to fail in domino fashion across central Massachusetts. After one upriver bridge collapsed, debris would be swept to the next bridge, weakening it until it failed, and so on. In total, 220 bridges across 80 communities failed, and precast, prestressed concrete beams were a key asset in allowing a rapid rebuilding of transportation capacity.

With most bridges less than 40 feet long, MassDOT selected a uniform structure type wherever possible. Prestressed concrete deck beams, or I-girders, of set dimension were crafted with a surface of membrane and asphalt. Within two years, all failed bridges had been replaced, and a good number are still in service to this day.

The contemporary era of concrete bridge construction launched in 1990, when MassDOT engineers joined the Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute New England (PCI NE) as Technical Committee members. This resulted in precast concrete beam standards across New England's six states. While states kept individual bridge details, precast concrete beams now conformed to a standard cross-section detailing and size.

By 1994, the committee had implemented a uniform New England bulb-tee (NEBT) beam series that supplanted the previous AASHTO I-girder. Such bulb-tee girder sections were superior for beam splicing and continuity purposes, particularly with lengthier spans. New York State also adopted what became known as the "Northeast girder standard," which carried through to Canadian provinces such as New Brunswick and Quebec.

The PCI NE Technical Committee also developed a new rapid construction protocol encompassing precast concrete footings, full-depth deck panels, railings, wing walls, and abutments. These standards were ultimately utilized in the Federal Highway Administration's Rapid Bridge Construction manual.

By 2006, the next generation northeast extreme tee (NEXT) beam had been developed. Designed for medium-span bridges, the double-tee beam design addresses space limitations and construction complexities that arise when box and deck beam bridges are adjacent to one another. Easy to fabricate, the design accommodates utilities, and once installed, the top flange serves as a conventional deck form, which speeds up construction.

New NEXT beam shape standards were implemented in 2008 across various overall bridge widths. The stem spacing of all NEXT beam units is constant, which enables beam use across various roadway cross-section types. A decked NEXT beam series (NEXT-D) was designed next. This makes the top flange a full-depth deck cast, integrated as part of the beam stems. Only closure pours are required to produce a continuous deck element once the NEXT-D beams are installed. This accelerates construction further.

Such systems have come into play with projects such as 2011's $98 million "Fast 14," which saw MASSDoT condense the four-year construction period into a single summer. The building of 14 bridges was enabled through a combination of prefabricated bridge elements, high early-strength concrete, and novel design-build elements carried out in a single factory.