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What are the odds? Liberty twin has twin daughters born on his birthday – WDAF FOX4 Kansas City

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

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LIBERTY, Mo. -- A Liberty man is the proud father of twin baby girls. And not only is he also a twin, but his daughters were also born on his birthday.

Kody Johnson and his twin sister Kierstin were born Oct. 16, 1993. Kody married his wife Laken, and she got pregnant this year.

"For some reason as a kid and getting older, I just always wanted twins, but you don't think that dream is going to come true," Laken said.

She said she had a feeling she was having twins before an ultrasound confirmed her premonition.

The babies were due in November. The couple planned to go to dinner and a movie last week to celebrate Kody's birthday after Laken's doctor's appointment.

"The doctor came in, and he's like, 'I'm 90% sure you are having these babies today,'" Laken said. "So I called him, and I said, 'Happy birthday, your twins are coming.'"

"I actually think my sister was even more excited. She started crying when I called her on the way to the hospital," Kody said.

Adalee and Kaelyn Johnson were born Oct. 16, exactly 26 years after their dad and aunt were born.

Now a week old, 7-pound, 2-ounce Kaelyn and 6-pound, 1-ounce Adalee are back home. Aunt Kierstin has already come to town to visit.

"She calls me every day tries to get me to send pictures nonstop," Kody said.

And Kody and Kierstin posed for the photo that's hard to believe, two sets of twins born on the same date.With the chance of twins being about 1 in 250 births, it would appear the odds of a twin having twins on his birthday are approximately 1 in 22,875,000.

Now a week old, mom and dad seem to be adjusting to life as parents of twins.

"We've got our little system down, or trying to get down, but I haven't quite figured out how to feed them at the same time yet," Laken said.

Of course, advice on raising twins is just a phone call away: Kody's parents.

"They just said it was going to be a lot of work, which we don't know any different," said Kody, a first-time parent.

Kody would still like to have a boy, but maybe he could settle for being an uncle to one or two if his sister has kids. But what if they were also born Oct. 16?

"That would be the craziest thing ever, but I guess it could happen. I didn't think it would happen to me," he said.

The odds of his sister also having twins on her birthday would be a little more than 1 in 2 trillion.

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What are the odds? Liberty twin has twin daughters born on his birthday - WDAF FOX4 Kansas City

Liberty Development partnering with St. Clement Church in Lakewood to build Madison Avenue townhomes – cleveland.com

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- When city officials look ahead, they often refer to Lakewoods second century.

For St. Clement Church, its next century on Madison Avenue may look different, as the parish is partnering with Liberty Development Company for the construction of 16 townhome units and shared parking on 1.25 acres of the parishs existing 2.25 acres. The church and rectory will remain.

We struck up a partnership with St. Clement, Father Workman and the parish probably about a year-and-a-half ago regarding 38,000 square feet of buildings vacant since 2005, Liberty Development Company Development Director Dru Siley said. They have a large parking lot, and its just too much excess building and space.

We were looking for a higher and better use that was appropriate to be next to the parish. We began investigating any potential adaptive reuse of the buildings. Those buildings are pretty far gone as far as their overall condition.

The Rev. Joe Workman said the parish has had a good relationship with Liberty Development Company over the years.

We worked together to overcome many obstacles, Workman said. Its going to be a good fit to repurpose the property and to have this part of Madison Avenue look more like a neighborhood than just a big building in the middle of the road.

Lakewood Director of Planning and Development Bryce Sylvester said St. Clements spent nearly a decade seeking an adaptive reuse for the church buildings, including a now-closed school.

They competed for tax credits to turn it into senior housing, and they just couldnt win, Sylvester said. It was a really good effort by the parish, but they needed to turn the page and figure out what could be there long term.

Once the buildings were condemned by Lakewood last year, the discussion turned to the development of townhomes, which tentatively have a price point around $300,000.

Weve had a couple of community meetings to talk to the neighbors, Siley said. Weve been grateful for their feedback and support as were figuring out this project.

Its an emotional thing for sure, because that school has been a part of that neighborhood for 100 years. We know its a big sign of trust from the folks in the parish and the folks in the neighborhood that theyre willing to let us do something special there," Siley said.

Liberty most recently completed the McKinley Place townhomes in Lakewood, which underwent a similar planned development rezoning process.

We had a nice success with our McKinley Place townhomes on the west end of Lakewood, Siley said. That went really well for us. Lakewood is a great community. The housing market is really hot, and were very excited about being some of the first new -- and maybe the first new -- market-rate housing on Madison Avenue in the last 50 years.

The proposed St. Clement project would introduce more than $4 million of new real estate value to Lakewood, and would generate new real estate taxes on property that has been exempt from taxes.

The St. Clement project requires the rezoning of the land from commercial to planned development. It must receive approval from the Planning Commission, Architectural Board of Review and City Council. If all goes well, Siley said demolition of the old school building will hopefully begin this winter.

Theres a lot of work we have to do there beyond taking down the building and structurally stabilizing some walls that are shared between the church and the school, Siley said. We also have to build new parking for the church. We have an ongoing shared parking arrangement with the church on part of their site.

Lakewood officials have pledged $300,000 of Cuyahoga County demolition funds to be contributed to the project.

Its kind of another sign of Madison Avenues strength, Sylvester said. This is going to be the first new residential construction on Madison Avenue in decades. Were excited about the process starting.

Read more news from the Sun Post Herald.

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Liberty Development partnering with St. Clement Church in Lakewood to build Madison Avenue townhomes - cleveland.com

Falwell threatens to sue journalist behind explosive report, demands retraction – Lynchburg News and Advance

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Lawyers for Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. have threatened in a cease-and-desist letter to sue the author of an explosive report alleging misconduct by Falwell, calling the journalists claims false and defamatory.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The News & Advance after it was delivered Tuesday, is the clearest sign yet Falwell intends to wage a legal battle over what he has previously called an attempted coup to oust him as university president.

Falwell has retained attorneys from the New York-based law firm Kasowitz, Benson & Torres, whose founding partner, Marc Kasowitz, served as a personal attorney for President Donald Trump until 2017. In a statement, Falwell said the firm is conducting a broad investigation into former Liberty officials and board members who may have spoken to or provided internal records to journalists.

We have been patient with the smear campaign being waged against the school, but it is clear now that there is a concerted effort to damage the schools reputation and mission, Falwell said. We have a fiduciary duty to defend the school from this attack.

Last month, Politico Magazine published a story alleging Falwell leveraged the universitys business interest to enrich himself, family members and friends. The story which carried the headline, Someones gotta tell the freakin truth: Jerry Falwells aides break their silence included internal university emails obtained by Politico and cited unnamed sources.

The magazine article, written by LU graduate Brandon Ambrosino, said it was based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former high-ranking LU officials and close associates of Falwells.

The article, which received widespread national attention, was published amid a cascade of media reports detailing free speech concerns at Liberty and business decisions Falwell has made during his tenure as university president.

Falwell has disputed the allegations in the magazine and has accused former university board members and political rivals of attempting to undermine his leadership. Falwell has stopped short of naming those he believes are behind the leaks but has said they are motivated by his support of Trump. The magazine story, in part, helped spark a university-approved student protest on Libertys campus and calls for greater accountability for Falwell.

Tuesdays letter, which was addressed solely to Ambrosino, was signed by Michael J. Bowe, an attorney, who among other high-profile clients, represented Trump during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The letter accuses Ambrosino of defaming Falwell and Liberty in the pages of Politico Magazine and during a public forum Oct. 7 at Villanova University, where Ambrosino discussed his reporting. Among the claims disputed in the letter are accusations Falwell steered business to companies run by his son Jerry Trey Falwell III and others close to Falwell.

These obviously defamatory claims are part of a pattern of disparagement you have directed at LU and Mr. Falwell, Bowe wrote in the letter, which is dated Oct. 22. The letter concludes with a demand Ambrosino immediately retract these false and defamatory statements, adding that defamation action is likely.

Ambrosino confirmed in a Facebook post Wednesday he received the cease-and-desist letter, and told The News & Advance on Wednesday night, I stand by my reporting. Politico did not respond to requests for comment.

If Falwell does pursue a defamation suit he could face a high hurdle in court, according to legal experts.

In order to bring a successful defamation action, a public figure like Jerry Falwell Jr. must prove by clear and convincing evidence that factual statements asserted by the defendant were false and that the defendant knew they [were] false or knew of a substantial risk that they were false, Leslie Kendrick, the vice dean of the University of Virginias School of Law, said in an email.

Falwell, who previously said Libertys board of trustees has approved legal action in response to recent media reports, said Tuesday he will only file a lawsuit if we are confident we can succeed.

A suit aimed at Ambrosino and Politico would not be the first time the Falwell family has sued a media outlet for defamation. In 1983, Jerry Falwell Sr. filed a federal lawsuit against Hustler Magazine and its publisher Larry Flynt after the magazine published a satirical advertisement parodying the elder Falwell. The suit eventually made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the court unanimously decided in favor of Flynt, ruling parodying public figures is protected speech.

Richard Chumney covers breaking news and public safety for The News & Advance. Reach him at (434) 385-5547.

Falwell threatens to sue journalist behind explosive report, demands retraction - Lynchburg News and Advance

G Adventures and Liberty Travel Form Preferred Partnership – TravelPulse

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

WHY IT RATES: Liberty Travel was interested in a partnership after noting the tour operators commitment to responsible travel and growing portfolio. Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer

G Adventures and Liberty Travel are proud to announce a new partnership that will see the award-winning small-group tour operator return as a preferred partner.

With more than 125 stores and 2,200 employees in 14 states, Liberty Travel, which is operated by parent company Flight Centre, will add a powerful boost to G Adventures mission to change more lives through travel.

Likewise, the tour operators 750 itineraries on all seven continents will enable the legacy agency brand to offer more options for clients looking to learn, see and do more while exploring the world.

Brian McLaren, Flight Centre Travel Groups vice president for cruise and tour Americas, says G Adventures expanding product portfolio was a persuasive factor in reigniting the relationship, alongside the community tourism specialists strong commitment to responsible travel.

"G Adventures product offering, most notably National Geographic Journeys, Wellness and Family travel styles, aligns perfectly with our evolving customer strategy. Were excited to bring G Adventures back as a preferred partner across our US retail brands, and we look forward to growing together, says McLaren.

G Adventures Boston-based vice president of sales, Peter Worthing, added his and his teams excitement about partnering with Liberty Travel and strategizing new ways to help inspire their clients and drive more business.

"I love Liberty Travels history. For more than 70 years theyve been one of the leading agency chains in the United States, demonstrating outstanding customer service and connection with travelers in communities across America. As pioneers in community tourism, we share a passion for building relationships and extend this through to the local communities hosting our travelers in destinations around the world.

"Between our National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys, our immersive small-ship cruises on rivers and seas, and our Private Travel and Tailor Made travel options, were confident G Adventures has adventures to excite Liberty Travels clients of all ages, interests, life stages and budgets.

SOURCE: G Adventures press release.

G Adventures and Liberty Travel Form Preferred Partnership - TravelPulse

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football is set to welcome the Liberty Flames to town — B1G Football – Rivals.com

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

The Rutgers football team will be home again this weekend as they welcome the Liberty Flames to town for a week eight matchup. The Flames are coached by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze and currently stand at 5-2 in his first season as head coach for the Flames.

Along with winning, coach Freeze has brought over a new culture to the Liberty Football program since hes arrived on campus.

Here's everything you need to know about the game.

WHO: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Liberty Flames

WHEN/TV: Saturday at Noon EST, Big Ten Network

WHERE: SHI Stadium - Piscataway, New Jersey

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QUARTERBACK STEPHEN CALVERT

THE SKINNY: Four-year starter Stephen Calvert has been a consistent playmaker at the helm for the Flames ever since he has stepped foot on campus. Heading into this weeks matchup, Calvert has already thrown for 1,920 passing yards along with 15 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. Judging by his tape, you can see that Calvert sees the field really well and likes to challenge the back end of the secondary in the vertical passing game. He also has a quick release and a nice feel for the pocket when dealt with pressure. Overall he's a real solid player and one to watch for on the offensive end.

LINEBACKER SOLOMON AJAYI

THE SKINNY: Redshirt Senior Solomon Ajayi leads the Liberty Flames defense this season with a total of 48 tackles (27 solo). He is a real sideline to sideline player who is very active at the line of scrimmage. One of his best attributes is his ability to run down the ball carrier. He is also impressive in pass coverage and has good field awareness. He understands when to hit the open gaps and reads the pulling guards in the run game very well. Watch out for him on the defensive side of the ball on Saturday.

RECORD LAST SEASON: 6-6 / Notable wins against Old Dominion, New Mexico and Troy.

SERIES HISTORY: This will be the first ever matchup between the two schools.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football is set to welcome the Liberty Flames to town -- B1G Football - Rivals.com

Her Immigrant Story: ‘Mother Of Exiles’ Documentary Reveals Statue Of Liberty’s Little-Known History – Women You Should Know

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

What she represents is everything that has to be protected. Diane von Furstenberg

Shes celebrating her 133rd birthday on October 28. Shes the Mother of Exiles, one of Americas most iconic symbols, and an enduring beacon of hope to the worlds huddled masses, yearning to breathe free. Shes a colossus who stands 305 feet proud and tall. Shes the most photographed statue in the world, visited by over four million peopleannually. You know the Statue of Liberty, but do you know her story?

In the new HBO documentary Liberty: Mother of Exiles (view official film trailer above), award-winning directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbara reveal the statues unexpected history, following legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, a Belgian immigrant, daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and godmother of the new Statue of Liberty Museum, in her quest to discover how sculptor Frdric Auguste Bartholdis dream became a reality and what the statue has meant to generations of people worldwide.

Film synopsis via HBO, Like most Americans, Lady Liberty has its own immigrant story, and over the course of the film, von Furstenberg, who came to the U.S. from Belgium, reveals how intimately connected her background is with the statue. Her admiration for Lady Liberty began with her mother, who gave birth to Diane after surviving the Auschwitz labor camps and often called her daughter her torch of freedom. The fashion icon has long admired the 305-foot, toga-wearing statues strength and femininity and recalls first seeing Lady Liberty when she arrived in New York by boat in the 1970s.

The film follows von Furstenberg on her journey towards discovery, reading French sculptor Frdric Auguste Bartholdis diaries, and traveling to France to meet with descendants of douard de Laboulaye, who inspired Bartholdi to build the statue, and Gustave Eiffel, who designed its metal framework.

The ways in which the statues existence affects Americans is palpable through encounters with dozens of people, like those von Furstenberg spoke to, who share a connection to the colossal figure. From street artists to factory workers, the films robust cast of characters include a French metal artisan who came to America to work on the restoration of the statue in the 1980s and never left, workers in China who make the souvenir statues found in gift shops all over the world, a Russian graffiti artist whose street art prominently features the statue, and families who lived on the island for years until their homes were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy all underscoring von Furstenbergs notion that Lady Liberty belongs to everyone, as well as Bartholdis own idea that the statue should represent the unity of [hu]mankind.

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Her Immigrant Story: 'Mother Of Exiles' Documentary Reveals Statue Of Liberty's Little-Known History - Women You Should Know

Religious Liberty Leaders Emphasize Connecting With the Marginalized – Adventist Review

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

October 23, 2019

By: Debbie Michel, Lake Union Conference, and Adventist Review

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) representatives from regional (historically black) conferences across the United States met September 26-29, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Conscience and Justice Council annual conference, which this year examined issues surrounding the theme, Faith, Justice and Community.

Speakers sought to inspire the audience of 200 to take the Adventist Churchs message of hope and wholeness and make a meaningful difference in their communities. Topics included religious accommodation; conscience and justice according to the Bible; housing segregation then and now; engaging millennials in social justice; and many others.

Religious Freedom and LGBT Rights

One of the sessions with a robust discussion asked the question, Can religious freedom and LGBT rights coexist?

Justin Giboney, executive team member of the AND campaign, explained that his organization tries to get Christians to engage in politics more faithfully.

Tim Schultz (left), president of 1stAmendment Partnership, told the audience at the Conscience and Justice Council that if you care about religious freedom, you have to care about social justice. On Shultzs left is AND campaign executive team member Justin Giboney. [Photo: Lake Union Conference News]

In his Sabbath morning message, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black used the Bible story of the good Samaritan to illustrate that we must have compassion for those in need. If youre going to have social justice, stop blaming the victim. Help people, even when theyre responsible for the trouble theyre in, he said. [Photo: Lake Union Conference News]

Margie P. Gill, executive director of Tabithas House, a human trafficking ministry of the House of Hope Church near downtown Atlanta, said she and others are working to support victims of human trafficking. We want to give power back to the victims and restore lives, homes, and communities, she said. [Photo: Lake Union Conference News]

If we are Christians, we should be both about justice and moral order. Our political landscape today separates them, Gibbons said. Christians are supposed to be about both. We cant choose between the two. We often talk about this in terms of compassion and conviction. When we look at an issue like LGBTQ, our conviction is what the Bible says, and were not going to change our conviction, but have we showed compassion? he asked.

Adventist HealthCare vice president and chief compliance officer Dwayne Leslie shared why it is important for Adventists to get involved in the legislative process.

As Seventh-day Adventists, religious liberty has been one of our core tenets, but weve also believed we shouldnt use the legislative process to enforce or mandate our philosophy. Were not trying to legislate morality, Leslie said. We want to protect ourselves according to our theology, as opposed to using our theology to deny or take away the rights of other people.

Tim Schultz, president of 1st Amendment Partnership, told the audience that if people care about religious freedom, they have to care about social justice. In that vein, Melissa Reid, executive director of the North American Division Religion Liberty Association (NARLA), mentioned that her department is working alongside other faith communities to pass legislation known as Fairness For All, which would protect the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Were now making visits to members of Congress and think we will have bipartisan support. Because of the diversity of our coalition group, it adds to the likelihood of bipartisan support. Even though it may take a while for the legislation to be enacted, Reid said, We recognize that this is an opportunity to restore the idea of religious freedom.

Stop Blaming the Victim

In his Sabbath morning message, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black used the Bible story of the good Samaritan to illustrate that we must have compassion for those in need.

If youre going to have social justice, stop blaming the victim. Help people, even when theyre responsible for the trouble theyre in. This traveler got himself in trouble. He knew about the dangerous Jericho Road, but he still took it.

We got to go across the spectrum of diversity. We got to help people regardless of their sexual orientation. We got to help people regardless of their ethnicity. We got to help people regardless of their accent. We got to help people regardless of their socio-economic level, or lack of a level, Black said.

On Saturday (Sabbath) afternoon, council attendees visited Tabithas House, a human trafficking ministry of the House of Hope Church near downtown Atlanta. Executive director Margie P. Gill explained that Atlanta is a major hub for sex trafficking, and the youngest client theyve helped was a five-year-old.

We want to give power back to the victims and restore lives, homes, and communities, Gill said.

First-Person Account

On Saturday evening, Yusef Salaam, who was wrongly convicted of the 1989 assault and rape of a female jogger in Central Park, spoke about serving years in prison for a crime he, along with four other youth, did not commit. The highly publicized case was the subject of a recent Netflix movie, When They See Us, directed by Ava DuVernay.

Salaam, now a father of ten living in Atlanta, spoke softly of how he has been able to move on with his life.

Knowing you were born with a purpose, you were born brave, God gave you the means to survive and thrive. Its not about what happens to you, but your response to whats happening to you. God is in control. The sun shines on the sinner and the person who is filthy at the same time. But the blessing comes to one who is faithful.

Carmela Monk Crawford, ofMessagemagazine, moderated a Questions and Answers session, during which she asked Salaam if he had forgiven all the people responsible for his imprisonment.

Forgiveness is a challenging concept. Ive been able to forgive to a degree, Salaam said. Im reminded,Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.

Working Together to Reach Out

On Sunday, Oakwood Universitys chair of the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Public Health, Sherine Brown-Fraser, discussed Health Disparities: The Impact of Food Deserts. Brown-Fraser said that churches can engage with their community through a variety of avenues, including a simple yet effective project such as a community garden. She presented evidence to show that when we grow our fruits and vegetables, we are likely to eat more of these foods.

Ann Roda, Adventist Healthcare vice president for Mission Integration and Spiritual Care, said her organization was proud to sponsor the conference because, looking back in church history, it was Washington Adventist Hospital that denied treatment to a black patient in 1943.

Our team was shocked to hear the story, and this was the catalyst for us asking, what are we going to do with this info? she said. We have to own our part, not shy away from it and commit to not letting this happen again.

Going forward, Roda said, the local church and the Adventist Health System could play a huge role in addressing societal ills. We need a clear partnership between the health system and the church. If we partner, we can change the paradigm of what it means to change our community.

Edward Woods, Lake Region PARL leader and chairperson of the Conscience and Justice Council, said he hopes participants will take the information presented and put it into action.

Its important to ensure theres liberty of conscience and justice for all people, through a biblical and contemporary context that reflects the consciousness of Christ, Woods said.

The Conscience and Justice Council conference began in 2016 in Detroit, Michigan, and the next conference is scheduled for September 24-27, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.

The original version of this story was posted on the Lake Union Heraldnews site.

Religious Liberty Leaders Emphasize Connecting With the Marginalized - Adventist Review

Is Liberty Property Trust (LPT) Going to Burn These Hedge Funds? – Yahoo Finance

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Although the masses and most of the financial media blame hedge funds for their exorbitant fee structure and disappointing performance, these investors have proved to have great stock picking abilities over the years (that's why their assets under management continue to swell). We believe hedge fund sentiment should serve as a crucial tool of an individual investors stock selection process, as it may offer great insights of how the brightest minds of the finance industry feel about specific stocks. After all, these people have access to smartest analysts and expensive data/information sources that individual investors can't match. So should one consider investing in Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT)? The smart money sentiment can provide an answer to this question.

Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT) shares haven't seen a lot of action during the second quarter. Overall, hedge fund sentiment was unchanged. The stock was in 19 hedge funds' portfolios at the end of the second quarter of 2019. The level and the change in hedge fund popularity aren't the only variables you need to analyze to decipher hedge funds' perspectives. A stock may witness a boost in popularity but it may still be less popular than similarly priced stocks. That's why at the end of this article we will examine companies such as Etsy Inc (NASDAQ:ETSY), Guardant Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:GH), and American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) to gather more data points.Our calculations also showed thatLPT isn't among the30 most popular stocks among hedge funds(see the video below). Video: Click the image to watch our video about the top 5 most popular hedge fund stocks.

5 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds

To most traders, hedge funds are seen as worthless, old investment tools of yesteryear. While there are greater than 8000 funds in operation today, Our researchers choose to focus on the masters of this group, approximately 750 funds. These hedge fund managers have their hands on the majority of the smart money's total asset base, and by watching their inimitable picks, Insider Monkey has unearthed various investment strategies that have historically outrun the broader indices. Insider Monkey's flagship hedge fund strategy defeated the S&P 500 index by around 5 percentage points per year since its inception in May 2014. We were able to generate large returns even by identifying short candidates. Our portfolio of short stocks lost 25.7% since February 2017 (through September 30th) even thoughthe market was up more than 33% during the same period. We just shared a list of 10 short targetsin our latest quarterly update .

Unlikethis former hedge fund manager whoisconvincedDowwill soar past 40000,our long-short investment strategy doesn't rely on bull markets to deliver double digit returns. We only rely on hedge fund buy/sell signals. Let's take a gander at the key hedge fund action surrounding Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT).

Heading into the third quarter of 2019, a total of 19 of the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held long positions in this stock, a change of 0% from the first quarter of 2019. Below, you can check out the change in hedge fund sentiment towards LPT over the last 16 quarters. So, let's check out which hedge funds were among the top holders of the stock and which hedge funds were making big moves.

Story continues

Clint Carlson, Carlson Capital

Of the funds tracked by Insider Monkey, Zimmer Partners, managed by Stuart J. Zimmer, holds the largest position in Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT). Zimmer Partners has a $179.5 million position in the stock, comprising 1.9% of its 13F portfolio. Sitting at the No. 2 spot is Long Pond Capital, managed by John Khoury, which holds a $37.2 million position; the fund has 1.1% of its 13F portfolio invested in the stock. Some other members of the smart money that hold long positions comprise Clint Carlson's Carlson Capital, Jonathan Litt's Land & Buildings Investment Management and Renaissance Technologies.

Because Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT) has experienced declining sentiment from the entirety of the hedge funds we track, logic holds that there exists a select few funds that decided to sell off their positions entirely last quarter. Interestingly, Benjamin A. Smith's Laurion Capital Management said goodbye to the largest stake of all the hedgies watched by Insider Monkey, comprising close to $1.7 million in stock, and Matthew Tewksbury's Stevens Capital Management was right behind this move, as the fund dropped about $1.5 million worth. These moves are interesting, as aggregate hedge fund interest stayed the same (this is a bearish signal in our experience).

Let's check out hedge fund activity in other stocks similar to Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT). These stocks are Etsy Inc (NASDAQ:ETSY), Guardant Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:GH), American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH), and Galapagos NV (NASDAQ:GLPG). This group of stocks' market valuations match LPT's market valuation.

[table] Ticker, No of HFs with positions, Total Value of HF Positions (x1000), Change in HF Position ETSY,41,1228455,2 GH,19,225721,5 AMH,25,454005,6 GLPG,14,97279,-2 Average,24.75,501365,2.75 [/table]

View table hereif you experience formatting issues.

As you can see these stocks had an average of 24.75 hedge funds with bullish positions and the average amount invested in these stocks was $501 million. That figure was $338 million in LPT's case. Etsy Inc (NASDAQ:ETSY) is the most popular stock in this table. On the other hand Galapagos NV (NASDAQ:GLPG) is the least popular one with only 14 bullish hedge fund positions. Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT) is not the least popular stock in this group but hedge fund interest is still below average. Our calculations showed that top 20 most popular stocks among hedge funds returned 24.4% in 2019 through September 30th and outperformed the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) by 4 percentage points. A small number of hedge funds were also right about betting on LPT, though not to the same extent, as the stock returned 3.4% during the third quarter and outperformed the market.

Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.

Slavery and liberty: A new exhibit explores the Thomas Jefferson paradox – Archinect

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

anchor

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

The Chrysler Museum of Art on the University of Virginia campus will put on an exhibit entitled "Thomas Jefferson, Architect: Palladian Models, Democratic Principles, and the Conflict of Ideals."

It looks at the Jefferson's influences and ideas around architecture, including displays of models based on his designs, reports Associated Press (AP). On the one hand, Jefferson was a man who sought to create architecture that symbolized "liberty and democracy," but on the other, he used enslaved Americans to construct the very same structures designed to embody these ideals.

"They helped build everything from Virginia's Statehousea precursor to the Capital Building in Washingtonto the University of Virginia and Jefferson's home of Monticello," writes AP, speaking of Jefferson's use of slave labor.

The exhibit opens this Saturday. It "juxtaposes Jefferson's visions with the realities of slavery." The exhibition catalogue,Thomas Jefferson, Architect, includes contributions fromGuido Beltramini,director of the Centro Internazionale di Studi Architettura Andrea Palladio and the Palladio Museum; critic and scholar Barry Bergdoll, and GSAPP professor Mabel O. Wilson.

Hate LAX? Why New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport is a relative breeze – Stuff.co.nz

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

If you're among the Kiwi travellers who actively avoid flying into LAX, it might come as a relief that Air New Zealand is scrapping Los Angeles-London flights in favour of a new service from Auckland toNew York's Newark Liberty International Airport.

Like all major US international airports, Newark (EWR) gets pretty hectic at times, but it's less busy than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which was named the fourth busiest passenger airport in the world in 2018 in Airports Council International's recently released world traffic report. More than 87.5 million passengers flew though LAX in 2018, according to the report, while 46 million passed through Newark, making it the eleventh busiest airport in the US.

Located 15 miles (24 kilometres) southwest of Midtown Manhattan, Newark is the second most central of the threeairports serving the New York metropolitan area.LaGuardia, in Queens, is closer, but tends to get a worse rap in terms of facilities and wait times. JFK International, the busiest airport of the three, is slightly further from Midtown Manhattan.

SHUBHAM SHARAN/UNSPLASH

Just across the Hudson from Manhattan, Newark airport is a 30-minute monorail ride from Penn Station.

Opened in 1928, Newark lays claim to multiple airport firsts, including the first paved runway, the first airport weather stationandthe first air traffic control tower in the United States. Like LaGuardia and JFK, it's undergoing major redevelopment andupgrades. These include replacing outmoded Terminal A with the three-concourse, 33-gate Terminal One, a project expected to be completed in 2021.

READ MORE:*Air NZ axes LA-London route*Air New Zealand releases details of new New York flights* Airport review: LAX - Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles, US* Insider tip: A survivor's guide to LAX* Guide to the world's best and worst airports

Terminal A is one of three terminals at Newark, the others beingTerminal B and Terminal C. United Airlines, with which Air New Zealand has a partnership, occupies all of Terminal C, but operates some flights out of terminals B and C as well.

Passengers can travel between terminals and to the Airport Station, which connects Newark with New Jersey and Amtrak trains,on the AirTrainmonorail, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is free to ride within the airport.

JARRED WILLIAMSON / FAIRFAX NZ

Air New Zealand's New York service will replace its Los Angeles-London route from October 2020.

Free wi-fi and charging stations are available in all three terminals, along with parent rooms and pet relief areas. There are a decent number of dining options and passengers can use the AtYourGateapp to have meals delivered anywhere in Terminals A and B and in the pre-security are of Terminal C.

Terminal C, which re-opened in 2017 after a US$120 million redesign, is the flashest of the three terminals at present.

David Rockwell, the man behind the bulk of the terminal's dining venues, described them as "part Get Smart, part James Bond, and part theatre technology", telling Bloomberg he also drew inspiration fromNew York's Madison Square Park and European town squares.

NICHOLAS JEHLY/UNSPLASH

Newark Liberty International s the eleventh busiest airport in the US.

The three-concourse, 68-gateterminalhas by far the best choice of the three terminals in terms of dining and shopping - Bloomberg went so far as to call it a "foodie theme park".

The more than 50 dining options range from a gourmet market and Global Bazaar to casual eateries with grab-and-go-options and sit-down restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs serving up everything from gourmet burgersand barbecue to authentic ramen, tacos, dumplings and Italian meatballs. Sliding walls and rotating signage enable venues to change as the day progresses.Even the casual cafes have iPad ordering stations, where you can both request and pay for meals.

If you're thirsty, head to Caps Brewery, which serves up more than 50 local and international brews,Oneo Wine Bar, Proof Whiskey Bar or Tacquila, where you can choose from more than 200 types of tequila.

If that's not enough to relax you or you have an extralong layover, you might want to check out the eco-friendly Departure Spa, where services includemanicures, pedicures, massages, facials and haircuts.

Given the partnership between the two airlines, it's possible that qualifying Air New Zealand passengers may be able to use the United lounges at the airport. The Polaris lounge is particularly well-equppied, with daybeds, a table-service dining area and rainfall shower suites.

Getting to and from the airport

The cheapest way to get to and from Newark is to take the AirTrain monorail, which connects passengers with NJ TRANSIT, PATH and Amtrak services at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. Ittakes about 30 minutes to get to Pennsylvania (Penn) Station in Manhattan, which connects to the New York City subway system.

Taxis, ride-share services such as Uber, an express bus and car hire are also available.

Many of the hotels within the vicinity of the airport, such as the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, offer free shuttle services.

432 PARK AVENUE

You can catch public transport or a taxi or ride-share service from Newark to Manhattan.

Air NZ's planned service to New York

Air New Zealand is set to launch a new service from Auckland to Newark Liberty International Airport from October 29, 2020.

The national carrier will fly the new route three times a week year-round under its flagship NZ1 southbound and NZ2 northbound flight numbers.

The New York service replaces the Los-Angles-London route, set to end in October 2020.

Hate LAX? Why New York's Newark Liberty International Airport is a relative breeze - Stuff.co.nz

Liberty Ranch FFA students show children where their food comes from – The Galt Herald

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Friday, Oct. 18 approximately 200 third grade students from Arcohe, River Oaks, Lake Canyon and Marengo Ranch elementary schools visited Liberty Ranch High School for its annual Fall Ag Day, where the FFA students gave the youngsters hands-on experience in the agricultural world.

The students were broken into groups led by an FFA member and rotated through 11 stations. The 11 stations were Agriculture and the Environment; Culture, Society and the Economy; Food and Healthy Lifestyles; Plants and Animals for Food; Science, Technology, and Math; Water Conservation; Food Waste; Petting Zoo, Animal Care; Pumpkin Patch, Proper Pumpkin Selection and Hayride; California Bees; and UC Davis Entomology & Bugs. Halfway through the rotation, students headed to the field for a quick healthy snack before they continued to their next station.

The entire event was led by the ag leadership students with the help of fellow FFA members and teachers. The core group planned and prepared for over two months to entertain, but more importantly educate the visiting elementary students.

Some of that preparation included writing and illustrating a book about the different uses for pumpkins and the process they go through. The book was written and illustrated by leadership students Austin Davis, Samantha Bauer and Jaelyn Farris.

Ag students read the book to the third graders at the pumpkin picking station, after which each elementary student was able to pick a small pumpkin to take home.

Liberty Ranch junior Luke Powers said that he had fun teaching the younger students, but his favorite part was being able to teach about the importance of agriculture.

Asked what he thought was the most rewarding part of the event, Powers replied: Knowing that the kids know more about where their food comes from, and they will spread what they learned.

Hannah Parker, a senior, and Teddy Lopez, a junior, both agreed that the most challenging part of the event was timing the lessons to start and end on time.

Lopez worked at the ag equipment station, which sported shiny new tractors. He said his favorite part was seeing the kids get excited about being able to see and get on the tractors. But the most rewarding part for Lopez was when the students were able to recite the information taught to them and, more importantly, expand on it.

Helping the students plant seeds at her station, Parker said that what she found the most rewarding was when the kids would express how much fun they had.

The agriculture students and teachers would like to thank the following for making the annual Fall Ag Day a success: Davis Ranch, Jim Welch Hay, River Rats Portable Toilets, BD Ranch, UC Davis Bohart Museum, Kubota Tractors, John Hospenthal, Peter VanWarmerdam and Galt Raleys.

See more here:

Liberty Ranch FFA students show children where their food comes from - The Galt Herald

Trenton Catholic boys soccer earns share of BCSL Liberty crown – The Trentonian

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

EWING With lightning quick goal scorers like Trenton Catholic Academys Chazz Jones and STEM Civics Anthony Ali on the same soccer field, who will win is anyones best guess.

These crafty seniors gave each others teams a run for their money one final time in Burlington County Scholastic League Independence Division action Wednesday.

Entering the game, Jones and Ali had combined to score 51 goals this season. That number grew to 54 yesterday.

With plenty of help from classmate Darwin Salguero, Jones and the Iron Mikes were able to get past Ali and the Purplefects, 3-1, to lock up a share of the Independence Division title with Burlington City. TCA and the Blue Devils went 9-1 in league play.

Jones and Ali made an immediate impact on Wednesdays contest as Ali got free ahead of the pack in the early going to rip a shot on which Iron Mikes junior goalkeeper Bryan Ovalle had to make a diving save.

On the counter-attack, Jones cashed in when he eluded an offside call to connect on a lead from Salguero in the games second minute.

Its not really anything new. Ive had hat tricks in the first half before, Jones said. They call Darwin and I The Dynamic Duo. Were always looking for one another.

With all the hype around the biggest goal scorers, it was easy to lose sight of Salguero, a senior midfielder who entered the game with 16 goals and nine assists.

Salguero lifted his goal count to 17 (second-best on the team) when made a 35-yard sprint to the net and scored with seven minutes left in the first half. He tied freshman teammate John Kestler for TCAs assist lead with 11 when he led Jones for goal No. 31 to ice the game with eight minutes left.

We had to stay strong as the game went on, Jones said. Sometimes we tend to buckle or fold. Not today.

Jones second score was a testament to his learning as play progressed. Eight minutes earlier, STEM Civics freshman goalie Pavel Espana (10 saves) had come off his line to stonewall Jones on a breakaway. Given a second chance, Jones held onto the ball a little longer, dribbled around Espanas charge and tucked a shot into the vacated net.

Hey, that happens in soccer, said Ali, whose club played much better in the second half, but could not make up for its two-goal halftime deficit. This is still the best season weve ever had.

Under former Notre Dame High coach Rich Leedom in their first year as part of the BCSL, the Purplefects finished the regular season 10-7 and went 6-4 in the Independence Division, placing them third behind second-year head coach Scott Alvarez Iron Mikes (10-6) and City (11-9).

Ali showed what STEM Civics is capable of when he sent a bicycle kick into the net off a head ball from Gabriel Luna midway through the second half to make the final 20 minutes intense.

I never thought Id end up as a striker, said Ali, who connected on his 23rd goal. I went from being a center fullback to a center halfback to the center of the attack. Weve trained since July and have had better conditioning this season than any other.

Jones can relate to the rewards that come from hard work.

Returning from minor knee surgery this season, I was hoping to score 20, Jones said. Now I have 31. So I guess its time to make new goals.

With state tournament games ahead for Jones and Ali, that is something both can focus on before their stellar senior seasons come to a close.

TCA (10-6) 2 1 3

STEMCivics(10-7) 0 1 1

Goals: CJones 2, DSalguero (TCA), Ali (SC); Assists: DSalguero 2, Ovalle (TCA), Luna (SC).

Shots: 13 (TCA), 7 (SC); Saves: Ovalle 6 (TCA), Espana 10 (SC).

Originally posted here:

Trenton Catholic boys soccer earns share of BCSL Liberty crown - The Trentonian

Letter to the Editor Liberty or Tyranny | Letters To The Editor – Richfield Reaper

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Todays society has been so devoid of real authentic history of USA and world that they no longer understand what liberty and freedom truly are and who designed it. Neither do they understand who the author of all forms of tyranny, control are. If you seek liberty and freedom of choice then you must learn from history those who taught it and those who oppose it. The Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, sacred books teach that the creator of all things, Jesus Christ is the author and defender of liberty. I stand as a witness of these facts. The US Constitution is inspired by Jesus Christ to protect our God given liberty. ALL forms of control, tyranny, bullying, those who seek to control any or all aspects of your life, liberty, freedoms, earnings, and those who will give up their natural God-given rights for security or money are the cause of all suffering on this Earth since the beginning. The author of all anti-liberty, anti-choice is Lucifer, the Devil, the master of lies. Who believes his WAR upon God and YOU is just, for HE and only he knows whats best for you. You are not smart enough to choose your own path in life. Some of his tools, governments ideologies like Democracy (mob rule) Progressivism, Socialism, Communism, Islamism, most isms, Globalists, United Nations. Look up isms about 1945 cartoon you might learn something. All who seek to obtain power and control over others are the true danger to humanity. We have seen the call for Hong Kongs fight for liberty against enslavement to China by an NBA member and now a gamer of Blizzard (WOW) etc. Attacked and punished. By corporations who created millions in free markets cower and bow to the anti-liberty nations like Communist China in order to make $$$$$$$$ vs supporting liberty. This is how countless millions have died, suffer and will continue to do so, because the cowards of the world who desire security, profits, power over liberty, justice, truth.

They support Lucifers control ideologies over Gods natural rights and plan of life in liberty for YOU to choose a path in this life. Stop supporting all who are anti-liberty, from your local, state, national, worldly groups. Stand for light and truth, fight the powers darkness. Or be enslaved for Lucifers agendas.

Warriors of light awaken and stand.

Stephen Huls

Monroe

Continued here:

Letter to the Editor Liberty or Tyranny | Letters To The Editor - Richfield Reaper

Former Liberty-Eylau coach accused of sexual misconduct with students – TXK Today

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

A former Liberty-Eylau coach resigned last year after allegations surfaced that he had sex with female students.

Treyvin Trey Norman, 26, is accused of having sexual contact with two girls at his home on Diane Street in Wake Village, Texas, in 2018, according to a probable cause affidavit. Norman left his job as a coach at Liberty-Eylau High School in October 2018 after allegations of sexual misconduct were brought to the attention of the Wake Village Police Department by Liberty-Eylau Independent School District police.

A 17-year-old student reported that Norman sent her messages on Snapchat telling her she was beautiful and that she began meeting him at the Neighborhood Walmart in Wake Village. From there Norman allegedly drove the girl to his house where he had sex with her. Police have collected surveillance video from the store which allegedly corrobates the girls account.

An 18-year-old student reported that she began exchanging messages with Norman on Snapchat which eventually became sexual in nature. The girl alleges that she went to Normans home in August 2018 and smoke marijuana with him before having sex with him at his house.

Improper relationship between educator and student is punishable by two to 20 years in prison.

At a hearing Monday before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell said the case is being referred to a Bowie County grand jury. If found guilty of improper relationship between educator and student, Norman faces two to 20 years in prison.

Everything Paradox Interactive Announced At PDXCON 2019 – Kotaku Australia

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Earlier at PDXCON 2019, Paradox Interactive revealed a ton of new expansions for many of their popular games. They also announced a new sequel to Crusader Kings II and a delay for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2.

This was most likely the biggest announcement from the event. We have more info about the sequel here. Crusader Kings III is coming next year to Steam and Xbox Game Pass.

This new expansion wasnt given an official name or release date, but it looks to be Alcatraz themed. Our best guess: You will get to build and operate island prisons. Paradox also announced that the console exclusive Pysch Ward DLC will be coming to PC on November 21, 2019.

Paradox is releasing a new species pack for Stellaris soon, on October 24. This new species is rock-based and will feature new gameplay and in-game portraits. And later this year, a bigger expansion will be released. Federations will add more diplomacy features and a galactic senate as well as new ways to team up with other alliances and governments.

Originally set to launch in early 2020, the game will now launch later than expected. It is still coming out in 2020, but no window was given. The developers released a blog post detailing their reasons for delaying the game, stating ... theres the responsibility to avoid some of the issues that plagued the first game, which was famously launched too early.

The successor to the popular Surviving Mars, Surviving The Aftermath is a management sim that is all about living in a post-apocalyptic world. The game is available today in Early Access on the Epic Game Store and on Xbox One via the Game Preview program.

Wow, they really had a lot of expansions to announce, didnt they? Add this one to the long list of new expansions. This is the first expansion for Age Of Wonders: Planetfall and it add a new faction, over 30 new locations, new campaign missions and more. This big expansion will be out on November 19.

Heavy Metal is a new expansion for Battletech that will add eight new mechs featuring several classic designs, a Flashpoint mini-campaign, and eight weapon systems. If you have the Season Pass, Heavy Metal is included in that. The new expansion comes out on November 21.

Continue reading here:

Everything Paradox Interactive Announced At PDXCON 2019 - Kotaku Australia

Netflix vows crackdown on users who share logins with pals or family and could make you pay EXTRA – The Sun

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

NETFLIX has promised to crack down on users who share their passwords with friends or family members.

It means that if you borrow someone's login, you may have to start paying for your own account in full instead.

Netflix already offers some account-sharing features, designed to let people in a single household use one login.

Profiles let users switch between their own browsing history.

But Netflix worries that some users are sharing their logins among different households, with distant pals or even stranges.

Speaking at Netflix's Q3 2019 earnings last week, Netflix product chief Greg Peters said the firm wants to address password-sharing without "alienating a certain portion of [the] user base".

"We continue to monitor it so we're looking at the situation," he said.

"We'll see those consumer-friendly ways to push on the edges of that."

Netflix hasn't detailed exactly what that means for users.

But experts told The Sun that we're already seeing some early signs of a crackdown.

"They are policing this [already] by blocking the third concurrent screen if two screens are in use at the same time," said Michael Pachter, a top analyst at Wedbush Securities, speaking to The Sun.

"That doesn't help if the users are in different time zones, as many households with kids in college are.

"However, it definitely cracks down on widespread password sharing."

He added: "They also have a way to track device usage and can require two-factor authentication, although they've haven't rolled that out yet."

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The news follows a major announcement by tech firm Synamedia about a new AI system that cracks down on account sharing.

It uses machine learning technology to track shared passwords on streaming services.

And this technology could then be used to force users to upgrade to a premium service, or even shut down their account.

"Casual credentials sharing is becoming too expensive to ignore," said product chief Jean Marc Racine, speaking at the CES event in Las Vegas this year.

"Our new solution gives operators the ability to take action.

"Many casual users will be happy to pay an additional fee for a premium, shared service.

"It's a great way to keep honest people honest, while benefiting from an incremental revenue stream."

In other news, the BBC may give ever licence fee payer a free TV streaming stick "to combat Netflix".

The BBC and ITV have teamed up fora new 5.99-a-month streaming service called BritBox.

Apple is preparing to launchits own streaming service called Apple TV+ on November 1.

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And Netflix recentlyhiked prices for some users by up to 2 a month.

Do you think Netflix is right to crack down on account sharing? Let us know in the comments!

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk

Originally posted here:

Netflix vows crackdown on users who share logins with pals or family and could make you pay EXTRA - The Sun

Lilliputians in Gulliver’s World – The odd world of the mini-state – Geographical

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

In the third of his series on geopolitical oddities, Vitali Vitaliev looks at our planets smallest independent nations

It is common knowledge that throughout its 300 years of history, Liechtenstein a tiny, 25km-long, sovereign principality, squeezed between Austria and Switzerland was spared foreign invasions. Like many other commonly accepted stereotypes about the worlds smallest sovereign countries, however, this is not entirely true.

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The principality has no army, and its last military engagement was in 1866, when Prussia declared war on Austria. All 80 Liechtenstein soldiers were deployed on the frontier between Tyrol and Italy for one week, during which time they witnessed a blizzard (in August), but never once set eyes on the enemy. They returned to Liechtenstein safe and sound (even making a new recruit on the way back making them one of the few military forces to return from the front lines of a war with more soldiers than when they left), were welcomed by a band, given refreshments at Vaduz castle and then sent home.

And yet, two episodes in the principalitys 20th century history could indeed qualify as invasions, of sorts. The latest happened in October 1992, when a group of Swiss recruits tried by mistake to set up an observation post in the Liechtenstein village of Triesenberg on the Swiss border. A local country woman, who had never seen a soldier before and was obviously unnerved by their rifles and gas-masks, simply shooed them away across the frontier back into Switzerland, which had to apologise officially for the incident.

The first episode, however, warrants a much more detailed description. On the night of 2 May 1945, 500 fully armed Russian soldiers, under the command of Major General Holmston-Smyslovsky, crossed the Austrian frontier into Liechtenstein near the village of Schellenberg. The Russians, remnants of the First Russian Army of the German Wehrmacht, had entered Liechtenstein in search of political asylum. Unlike two and a half million other Russian soldiers and Cossacks, who fought on the German side and were captured by the Allies only to be handed over to Stalin under the Yalta agreement, these 500 were not extradited and were allowed to stay.

The tiny Ruritanian principality was firmly committed to its status of neutrality during WWII. Near the village of Malbun, there is a church, built in 1950 to thank God for sparing Liechtenstein the terrors of the Second World War. In actual fact, it was thanks not to God but to the political prowess of Prince Franz Joseph II (ironically, the nephew of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo precipitated the 1914-1918 war), who bravely paid a surprise visit to Berlin in May 1939. As the Prince himself later recalled, Hitler was visibly ill at ease and didnt make any impression at all during their 90 minute meeting in the Reich Chancellery, but since his visit flattered Hitlers ego, the Nazis decided to leave Liechtenstein alone.

A tourist train running through Liechtenstein

SMALL BUT PROUD

The mini (also called micro) state is a rather confusing and ill-defined concept. Unlike the so-called micronations, mini-states are all fully sovereign and self-governing small entities, recognised as such by the UN and other international organisations. According to the succinct definition by Websters College Dictionary, a mini-state is just a small independent nation. The Free Internet Dictionary defines it as: a very small nation that is an internationally-recognised sovereign state. The obvious question here is: how small is small?

Small is a relative concept when applied to countries. The UK is small compared to, say, China or Russia, but Malta is very small in relation to the UK. Or take Iceland relatively small in population (350,000), yet vast in its area (40,000 square miles). What should we take into account: area, population, both? My favourite definition, quoted by geographer Zbigniew Dumienski in his paper Microstates as Modern Protected States, describes a mini-state as being of a size so small as to invite comment.

If we narrow the bracket even further to a maximum of 100,000 population it leaves us with ten amazingly diverse sovereign countries: Nauru, Tuvalu, Palau and Marshall Islands in Oceania, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean and San Marino, Monaco, Liechtenstein and Andorra in Europe. Finally there is also Niue (population 1,600) an island nation in the South Pacific, considered an associated state (ie. minor partner) of New Zealand.

(How about the Vatican, by far the worlds smallest state, with the population of under 900 and the area of just 44 hectares? Well, I consciously chose to leave the Papal State out of the above list, for, to me, it did not quite meet the traditional criteria of a state. And not just to me, it appears: writer Thomas Eccardt in his recent book Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europereferred to the Vatican as being more similar to the headquarters of international organisations than to a state in its own right. Hopefully, His Holiness will forgive us both!)

Modern Liechtenstein (area 160 square km, population 39,000), with its per capita GDP of over $140,000 is by some estimates the worlds richest country. And not only due to its tax haven status and its countless letterbox companies (their number is higher than that of the principalitys population), but also because of its proportionally extensive infrastructure, with over 1,800 industrial enterprises specialising in electronics, precision engineering, metal finishing, textile and ceramic industries. It explains why it is often called a mini-industrial giant.

Monaco is the tiny home to more than 37,000 people

We find a very different picture in the all-urban, tax-free Monaco (a principality of 37,000 people, with the worlds highest population density of 25,105 people per square km), effectively owned by the Grimaldi family, whose economy apart from banking heavily relies on the services sector and more recently on Prince Alberts determination to develop environmentally friendly small industries. Meanwhile, San Marino (pop. 34,000), the worlds oldest republic, thrives on exporting its wines, souvenirs and highly collectable postage stamps.

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The very existence of the prospering small states is a not-so-small miracle in our immensely globalised world. Researchers Iver Neumann and Sieglinde Gstoni certainly had a point when characterising all surviving mini-states as Lilliputians in Gullivers World in their eponymous paper, published by the University of Iceland in May 2004.

Yet, the mini-states most remarkable feature is their frantic, yet entirely peaceful, clinging to their own sovereignty. Despite their minuscule size, modern mini-states are ruled in a plethora of different ways from parliamentary and constitutional monarchies (Monaco and Liechtestein) to unitary parliamentary republics (Palau, Marshall Islands) to San Marinos peculiar diarchy whereby it is governed jointly by two Captains Regent, nominated by the Grand and General Council.

Andorra, a tiny Catalan-speaking co-principality in the Pyrenees that enjoys the worlds highest life expectancy, and has been independent since 1298, retains a parliamentary democracy run by the Council General (Andorras parliament since 1419), but also preserves an element of diarchy by maintaining its two co-Princes, one of whom is traditionally the incumbent President of France, the other the Bishop of Urgel. Unlike in San Marino, however, their role is largely ceremonial.

In St Kitts and Nevis a unique mini-federation of two island states the same minister can hold several different portfolios both in the local island government and at the federal level. The Rt. Hon. Mark Brantley, Neviss Deputy Premier, holds ten!

San Marino is just one of five diarchies countries jointly ruled by two leaders

STANDING STRONG

Liechtensteins head of state, Prince Hans Adam II, is Europes last remaining full-power monarch. He can single-handedly veto laws, call referenda and dissolve the Diet (parliament), as he did in September 1993. Hans Adam II went on to declare general elections and to reject the no-confidence vote against his then prime minister, Markus Buchel, an event normally associated with the 17th century, not the late 20th.

In 2003, he called a referendum on the expansion of his own powers and threatened to leave the country if the people voted against it. They didnt and refused to curtail them once again in 2012 when an anti-monarchists proposal to do so was resolutely voted down.

Not too democratic, you may say. Yet, as the story with the asylum-seeking Russian soldiers goes on to demonstrate, at times it takes a bit of dictatorial toughness to keep the aggressor at bay.

The First Russian Army of the Wehrmacht was made of Russian migrs and freedom-fighters, most of whom were not even Soviet citizens. Its main objective was not to contribute to Russias occupation, but rather to help it to get rid of Bolshevism, which was seen as the greater of two evils. Hitler never fully trusted the Army, and even had Holmston-Smyslovsky, a former Russian count, imprisoned and his unit disbanded for a couple of years. The army didnt commit any atrocities and its involvement in combat action was minimal.

As soon as the news reached Vaduz of the 500 Russians in German uniforms, with all their arms and equipment, crossing the border, the Prince sent his representatives to Schellenberg. Baron Eduard von Falz-Fein, a long-time Liechtenstein resident of Russian/Ukrainian extraction (who passed away at the venerable age of 106 in November 2018), was asked to act as a translator. The negotiations with Holmston-Smyslovsky took place in the Zum Lowen Inn on the border. It was a curious sight for our peaceful Liechtenstein, the Baron once told me many years later during a meeting. Hundreds of heavily armed men, with their horses and vehicles, camping on the lawn behind the inn. Later we built barracks for them in the town of Ruggel.

Franz Josef II as depicted on the countrys official stamps

Asylum was duly granted to all the Russians, but shortly afterwards Prince Franz Josef II found himself under considerable pressure from the Soviets. Unlike his counterparts in Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, all of which had agreed to repatriate the Russian POWs, the ruler of the tiny Liechtenstein firmly resisted all attempts to have the asylum-seekers extradited. Despite strong pressure, and in contrast to the bad example set by other countries, these unfortunate refugees were not handed over to the executioners, the valiant prince wrote in 1980.

The only thing he had to agree to was to allow a Soviet delegation to come to Liechtenstein and interview the asylum-seekers. By stick and carrot, Stalins emissaries managed to dupe 300 into returning to the USSR. Notwithstanding generous guarantees of safety, many of them were executed on arrival and the rest ended up in Gulag.

Most of the remaining 200, including General Holmston-Smyslovsky himself, stayed for two years before moving on, most of them to the safety of Argentina. Thus two hundred human lives were saved by the tiny principalitys faithfulness to its historical and humanitarian principles.

Liechtenstein, Europes only nation, which did not succumb to the Soviets pressure, might be small indeed, but, like many other mini-states, it can teach the modern world an important lesson of true sovereignty and pride. Where some of the worlds greatest democracies effectively capitulated in the face of a gun-brandishing bully, tiny Liechtenstein stayed strong.

The latest edition of Vitali Vitalievs book, Little is the Light: Nostalgic Travels in the Mini-States of Europe, Is published by Thrust Books and is available from: amzn.to/2KZ8wNd

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Lilliputians in Gulliver's World - The odd world of the mini-state - Geographical

Updating Aadhaar card address with rent agreement? 3 things to keep in mind – Livemint

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

NEW DELHI :Since Aadhaar card can be used as an identity proof document, it is important to keep your latest address updated in the records of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The Aadhaar-issuing body allows you to update your residential address by giving a valid proof of residence both online and offline.

On the Aadhaar Self Service Update Portal, you can easily update your address online by giving any one of the documents that is treated as a valid form of address proof by the UIDAI. One such valid address proof is your rent agreement.

There are three things that you need to keep in mind when you approach the UIDAI, whether online or offline, to make any change in your Aadhaar card address.

1) The rent agreement should be a registered one. The UIDAI rejects all rent agreements that are non-registered.

2) Make sure that the rent agreement is in your name and not in the name of your spouse, parents or children.

3) If you are going to visit the UIDAI's self service portal to make the change, you need to scan all pages of the rent agreement and create a single pdf file before uploading it. If you upload multiple scanned jpeg or jpg images of the rent agreement, the UIDAI may reject it.

If you are planning to change your Aadhaar card address by visiting a permanent enrollment centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendras then keep in mind that you need to bring the original copy of your rent agreement. You also do not need to bring photocopies as the official will scan the original document and return it back to you on the spot.

Rent agreement is one amongst a vast list of 44 address proof documents that the UIDAI accepts. Others include passport, bank passbook or statement, voter id card, driving license, telephone, water, electric bills, etc.

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Updating Aadhaar card address with rent agreement? 3 things to keep in mind - Livemint

BuzzFeed, Vice and Pink News first publishers to add ‘share to Snapchat’ button to sites – The Drum

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

Snapchat is now giving publishers the option to add a share to Snapchat button to their desktop and mobile websites in a bid to better integrate with media owners.

In the US, BuzzFeed and Vice are among the first to test the feature. Pink News will trial the button for UK audiences.

The new option removes some friction for Snapchats 210 million daily users, who previously had to take a screenshot of a web page and upload from a camera roll to share articles or videos from publishers sites.

Via a product dubbed Creative Kit for Web, Snap will open the tool up to developers to give them free distribution inside Snaps walls, in turn handing them the ability to drive traffic back to their own platforms.

If a reader shares a desktop page, a new window will open with a scannable code (or a Snapcode in Snap speak) along with the articles headline and the site name. Snap users can then use the app to process the code and the link will attach a sharable URL to Snapchat.

If a mobile reader taps on a publishers share to Snapchat option then the page will be deeplinked into the app, along with its headline and picture users can then add their own URLs, stickers or GIFs to the image. If the publisher is one of Snaps Discover partners, then users will also be given the option to subscribe to its account with one tap.

Those who click on the button without having the app will be prompted to download it via the Google Play or App store.

Benjamin Cohen, chief executive of PinkNews said: "With tens of millions of our readers and viewers on Snapchat, we've been keen to connect the dots between our website and our Snapchat activities and so we're really excited that for the first time our web users will be able to share stories with their friends on Snapchat."

Snap claims the new feature has been built with privacy in mind, saying that it won't share identifiable information, such as demographic information (age, gender, location) or friends lists, with developers or publishers.

As well as bringing the app into line with other platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, the update from Snap could make the platform more appealing to publishers; a group it's been trying to prove its value to since its launch seven years ago.

During its earnings report last week, the business highlighted how its Discover hub which hosts ad-supported channels and shows from publishing and entertainment partners including BuzzFeed, The Sun and MTV in the UK now counted over 100 channels, drawing audiences of more than 10 million each month.

Behind the scenes Snap has been busy bulking up its ad arsenal, launching a dynamic ads product targeting retailers and direct-to-consumer brands earlier this week.

The company posted healthy third-quarter earnings on Monday (22 October) of $446m in revenue during the period, beating Wall Street estimates by $11m.

The 50% increase in revenue from the previous years mark was accompanied by a 13% year-over-year increase of daily active users to 210m.

Only the lonely – MaltaToday

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Danzig

A recent study, The Prevalence of Loneliness in Malta, by the University of Maltas Faculty for Social Well-being and the National Statistics Office has concluded that people are more likely to be lonely if they live alone, are widowed, separated or divorced, are disabled, or rate their general physical health as bad. Other factors which contribute to loneliness include financial insecurity, age and lack of education.

These conclusions might seem obvious at first glance, and yet in a society which seems to care less and less about the plight of others, sometimes pointing out the obvious is necessary. It stands to reason that lack of real human communication in the forms of a significant other, family and friends, can seriously deteriorate ones state of mind and bring about excruciating loneliness.

Not having the financial means to go out and socialise, and not having enough skills to know where to look to reach out to others, can psychologically cripple a person even further until they become more and more reclusive. 43.5% of the 1,000 people who were interviewed said they suffered from varying degrees of loneliness, ranging from moderate to very severe loneliness. That is quite a sobering thought and the paradox should not be lost on us that this is happening at a time when we are always connected and seem to know more about each others lives than ever (or at least the life which we choose to portray virtually).

It seemed rather timely that I read about this study on the same day that we went to watch the play Meta rejna Wara x-Xemx, which tackles the difficult topic of loneliness and despair in a very unique way. Five friends, now in their mid-30s, who are bound by a shared carefree childhood and adolescence in Gadira and a love of the Power Rangers, are torn apart by tragedy and sorrow. 12 years later, four of them reunite at their favourite haunt, the boathouse, where they had spent so many happy hours, and where they try to make sense of what happened to each of them, as the cold reality of adulthood replaced the often reckless antics of their youth. They especially want, and desperately need, to make sense of why one of them has committed suicide.

The original script by Clive Piscopo (who is also one of the main actors) is reason enough to watch this play because of its perfect, colloquial use of the Maltese language. Directed by Lee-N. Abela, it is easy and flowing, peppered with (often hilarious) obscenities because lets face it, that is the way many people actually talk when they let their guard down and are among close friends. Except for a couple of scenes which could have used some editing, Piscopo hardly misses a beat in capturing the rhythm and flow of spoken Maltese.

He also has a knack for not letting the tone of the play become too heavy and melodramatic through the device of using one of the characters, DJ Lovely (brilliantly played by Christine Francalanza) who always manages to come up with a funny raunchy quip even in moments of great pathos. Piscopo plays Kevin, who is DJ Lovelys counterpart as they indulge in constant no-holds-barred banter, picking mercilessly on each other in the way that siblings, or only very close friends, can really do.

The constant jokes of these two characters, however, are just a camouflage for the own past troubles, an important observation made by the author who hones in on how those who seem to always be the life of the party are often hiding a lot of pain.

Similarly, Roberta (Sarah Camilleri), Daniel (Christian Grech) and Tommy (Luke Magro) all have their own secrets and anguish, and it is only after they are forced to be real with each other that they can finally admit what each of them has been through in the last 12 years.

I found the social commentary of this play to hold an extremely important message which is a reflection of our times, especially in contrast to what seemed like the friends idyllic childhood set against the backdrop of the popular Japanese cartoon characters they all loved. The poignant flashbacks and reminiscing are something we can all relate to, for no matter how old we may be, life always seemed better, much simpler and happier when we were young. Speak to each generation and they will adamantly tell you that the decade they grew up in was absolutely the best. Thats not surprising, because that decade represents their youth. Who does not yearn with nostalgia for the days when we had no responsibilities and when it seemed nothing bad could really happen?

In this abandoned boathouse in Gadira, which holds so many memories, will these four friends ever manage to reconnect with the same raw honesty they shared as children and teenagers? Or will they each go their separate ways again, still wrapped up in themselves and their own problems?

This drama touches on the very essential ingredient of what true friendship really means - is it just for the laughs, for the pranks, for when we go out and get drunk and do crazy things together while on holiday? Or should real friendship be much more profound than that and help us to get through our darkest, most bleak hours - a question which the four friends relentlessly torture themselves with at their reunion. Why did Tommy not reach out to them?

It is the question everyone asks after a suicide; the one which nags at family and friends who thought they knew this person but realise they didnt - not really anyway. This play makes us all question our own relationships and how meaningful they really are. Do we ever pick up the phone when someone hasnt been in touch in a while, or do we dig our heels in and wait for them to make the first move? Can we recognise a silent cry for help or are we put off by someones sullen, withdrawn silence?

In a world where everyone seems happy (just look at their Facebook!). It is the tragedy of this day and age that people prefer to put on a fake smile and delete 20 selfies until they take and upload the perfect one so that the world can think they are living the life. It is very sad to realise that the phenomena of Facebook and Instagram have turned us into such self-indulgent narcissists that too many people wake up in the morning with the primary goal of making others envious of their lifestyle. It is even more tragic that the rates of depression and anxiety have never been higher.

Meta rejna Wara x-Xemx is on at Spazzju Kreativ from today until Sunday

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Only the lonely - MaltaToday

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